DE102019113182A1 - Container, packaging device for the production of a container and method for the production of a container - Google Patents

Abstract

Container (10) comprising at least two articles (11) as well as a packaging device (1) and a method for producing a container (10). Within the container (10), at least two adjacent articles (11) are connected to one another via at least one adhesive bond (20). Furthermore, at least one packaging blank (30) with at least one passage opening (32) for a first, upper sub-area (15) of at least one article (11) is arranged on the container (10). In particular, at least two adjacent articles (11) are connected to one another via at least one packaging blank (30) within the container (10).

Description

The present invention relates to containers, a packaging device for producing a container and a method for producing a container according to the features of the independent claims.

There are different types of packaging for processing, assembling, grouping and packaging articles such as, for example, beverage containers, for example the combination of the articles or containers into portable, relatively manageable packaging units. Here, too, there are various known ways of combining individual items into larger containers. For example, beverage containers are usually combined and packaged using shrink films to form packs of four, six or more containers. The production of containers is usually unavoidable as they represent the most common variant of sales units for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. The containers are partially combined again for transport and / or put together in layers and palletized.

When manufacturing known types of packaging, specific manufacturing steps are required in order to be able to process the shrink films that are usually used. These manufacturing steps require a relatively high amount of energy. In addition, the film used causes high costs for production, provision, handling and later disposal, since it is no longer needed after it has been sold. The machine equipment for providing the so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also causes high investment costs. Finally, the provision of the so-called shrink tunnel, in which the film wrapped around the container is shrunk around the container by means of the application of hot air, requires a relatively high capital investment.

One variant in which the use of shrink film can be dispensed with are so-called strapping containers. Here, the containers are combined into a bundle using so-called straps and connected to one another. Containers, articles or bottles are grouped into formations in continuously or intermittently working strapping machines and then strapped with one or more straps with the help of strapping units. Typical formations can be, for example, 1x2 arrangements (two containers in a row), 2x2 arrangements (four containers in a square or in a diamond formation), 3x2, 4x3 or, in principle, also variable nxm arrangements.

Furthermore, the use of so-called top cardboard packaging is known, for example to combine several bottles over their neck areas. A packaging machine for placing such top cardboard packaging is in the patent EP 1075419 B1 described. Here, the articles are arranged in a box and the cardboard packaging is placed from above onto the at least one article arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of articles are arranged in the box, and sub-groups are formed by placing a smaller number of upper gripping cardboard packaging on top, each of which combines a part of the articles arranged in the box.

Another way to combine items into a bundle is to use adhesive bonds. By DE 203 10 721 U1 a bundle of articles directly connected to one another by gluing in a nested arrangement is known. The container is designed without an enclosure. The adhesive bonds are formed by adhesive strips attached to the outer surfaces of the articles which meet in the container arrangement.

By DE 10 2009 044 271 A1 It is known to glue PET containers assembled into a bundle to one another on lateral surfaces that meet in the bundle arrangement. A disadvantage of, for example, containers that are designed free from an enclosure, the articles of which are directly connected to one another by gluing, is that only one or a few poorly executed adhesions within a container lead to an unintentional disintegration of the container during normal handling after its manufacture can lead to the container, which would otherwise have no consequences for a container with perfectly produced bonds. Such a falling apart is particularly painful if it also affects perfectly manufactured containers. If the produced containers are palletized for further handling, for example, a container falling apart during palletizing while stacking into a stack or when wrapping a finished stack can result in a total loss of all containers that are palletized together. If the articles of a bundle are initially directly connected to one another by gluing and the subsequent handling of the bundle then provides for an enclosure in the form of strapping, for example, the bundle falling apart while the strapping is being applied can lead to an expensive standstill for the production of the bundle the intended system.

The object of the invention is to improve the quality of adhesive packs and to ensure that the articles combined in the pack are held together safely for subsequent processing and / or sale.

The above object is achieved by a container, a packaging device for producing a container and a method for producing a container, which include the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the subclaims.

A container according to the invention comprises at least two articles, in particular beverage containers in the form of bottles or cans. However, other suitable articles or piece goods can also be combined as a corresponding container. In the case of the container, at least two articles arranged adjacent to one another within the container are connected to one another via at least one adhesive bond. Furthermore, at least one packaging blank with at least one passage opening for a first, upper partial area of at least one article is arranged on the container. In particular, at least two articles arranged adjacent to one another within the container are connected to one another via at least one packaging blank.

The adhesive connection can in particular be produced via a punctiform or areal application of adhesive in at least one contact area between the two articles. Adhesives can be used that produce an essentially rigid adhesive connection after curing. Alternatively, adhesives can be used that produce a soft, flexible adhesive connection between the articles.

In connection with the present application, the packaging blank is in particular an essentially flat blank made of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or the like. designated. The packaging blank has a defined number of passage openings, the number of passage openings corresponding to the number of articles to be combined by the packaging blank. Furthermore, the arrangement of the passage openings corresponds to the arrangement of the articles to be combined.

The passage openings are designed in such a way that the packaging blank can be applied, in particular pressed, onto the article from above and is preferably arranged on the articles in an area with a reduced cross-section, so that the packaging blank arranged on the articles in a first , upper part and a second, lower part. This is made possible by the fact that the through openings of the packaging blank have a diameter which is smaller than a largest diameter of the upper portion of the article. In order to push this largest cross-section of the upper partial area from below through the openings of the packaging blank, a plurality of auxiliary incisions are provided which extend radially from the openings. The outer free ends of the auxiliary incisions lie on a circumference with a diameter that corresponds to the largest diameter of the upper portion of the article or is slightly larger. The areas of the packaging blank lying between the auxiliary incisions can be partially moved upwards and / or bent when the packaging blank is applied to the article, so that the largest cross-section of the upper sub-area can easily pass through the correspondingly enlarged passage opening. In particular, the areas of the packaging blank lying between the auxiliary incisions hook themselves after passing through the largest cross section below the same and thus below the upper partial area. As a result, the packaging blank is securely and firmly attached to the articles.

Furthermore, the packaging blank can have at least one holding or carrying element, which is preferably arranged and / or formed centrally on the packaging blank. The holding or carrying element is formed, for example, by an opening in the packaging blank, through which the user can insert his fingers and thus lift the articles combined with the packaging blank and carry them together.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a container comprises at least three articles, at least two articles arranged adjacent to one another within the container being connected to one another via at least one adhesive connection and at least two articles arranged adjacent to one another within the container being connected to one another via a packaging blank. For example, three articles can be arranged in a row, with an adhesive connection being formed between each adjacent article. In addition, the three articles can be combined via a packaging blank with three through openings arranged in a row. Alternatively, a packaging blank with two corresponding passage openings can also be arranged only on the middle article and one of the adjacent articles, in particular a holding or Provides support element for the container. According to a further embodiment, a packaging blank is arranged only on the middle article, which in particular provides a holding or carrying element for the container.

In the case of a so-called six-pack, which combines three articles in two parallel rows, it can be provided, for example, that the respectively adjacent articles within the rows are connected to one another by adhesive connections, and that the articles of one row with the respectively neighboring articles of the other row are connected by further Adhesive connections are connected to one another and that, in addition, all six articles are combined via a packaging blank with six correspondingly arranged passage openings. In this case, adjacent articles are connected to one another on the one hand via at least one adhesive connection and on the other hand via the packaging blank.

A second embodiment of a six-pack can provide that only the respectively adjacent articles within the rows are connected to one another by adhesive connections and that all six articles are additionally combined via a packaging blank with six correspondingly arranged passage openings. In particular, no adhesive connections are formed between the articles of one row and the respectively adjoining article of the other row.

Alternatively, a smaller packaging blank with only two passage openings can be used, which connects the middle articles of the two rows with one another and thus combines the two rows. In particular, in this embodiment two articles are connected to one another via the packaging blank, between which no adhesive connection is formed. For the person skilled in the art, further embodiments are conceivable in which adjacent articles are combined within a container via adhesive connections and / or packaging blanks. It is particularly important that adjacent articles are connected to one another in some way, in particular that no article is arranged free-standing in the container.

It is preferably provided that the at least one adhesive connection is arranged or formed at a contact point between two adjacent articles in the lower portion of the article, i.e. in the portion that is located below the packaging blank arranged on the at least one article.

The articles within a multi-row container, for example in a four-pack or a six-pack, are preferably arranged regularly in such a way that the pack has an essentially rectangular plan, i.e. the articles within the article rows are parallel to a transport direction and adjacent articles in adjacent article rows are arranged on an orthogonal to the transport direction. Furthermore, arrangements are known in which the rows of articles are shifted against each other, whereby the container takes up a smaller base area, in particular in the form of a parallelogram or, if the number of articles in the different rows is different, in the form of a trapezoid or the like. This is also known as a nested or diagonal arrangement.

The above-described containers are produced by means of a method shown below and preferably in a packaging device which comprises an adhesive application module and an application module for applying at least one packaging blank to an assembly comprising at least two articles. In particular, it is provided that a combination of at least two articles is formed within the packaging device, with at least two adjacent articles being connected to one another via at least one adhesive bond and with at least one packaging blank with at least one passage opening for a first, upper portion being arranged on at least one article becomes. Preferably at least two adjacent articles are connected to one another via a packaging blank.

According to a first embodiment, the articles are grouped as a loose combination in a corresponding number in a first process step, with a gap being formed between the articles, for example, so that the adhesive is applied to the articles at a suitable point using suitable adhesive application devices, for example adhesive injection devices can. The articles are then pushed together, for example, whereby the adhesive bond is established between each adjacent article. A packaging blank can then be pressed onto such an adhesive group from above.

Alternatively, the application of the adhesive can also take place in connection with the grouping of the articles. Embodiments are also conceivable in which a packaging blank is first applied to an assembly of articles and then adhesive is introduced between adjacent articles via suitable adhesive application devices. According to a preferred Embodiment that the application module is arranged in a transport direction for the articles behind the adhesive application module. According to an alternative embodiment, however, the application module can also be arranged in a transport direction for the articles in front of the adhesive application module.

Furthermore, it can be provided that an additional handle is attached to the container. For example, this is a strip-shaped handle that is glued to the respective articles on opposite outer sides of the container and thus extends at least in some areas around the packaging blank. The carrying handle is applied, for example, with a handle applicator downstream of the container production.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the packaging device comprises a layer formation module for arranging the bundles according to a predetermined layer scheme. The layer forming module preferably has a tool for fixing the packaging blank to the articles forming the bundle. In this embodiment it is provided that the at least one packaging blank is attached to the articles as part of a layer formation, with the containers being arranged in a target position and / or target arrangement in accordance with a predetermined layer scheme.

First, the articles are placed in a grouping module or similar. as a group comprising two or more articles in a suitable arrangement and / or combination and at least between two adjacent articles of the article combination an adhesive bond is produced. The combination of articles with at least one adhesive bond is referred to below as an adhesive group. The adhesive group is then fed to the layer forming module. According to a first variant, when the adhesive groups are fed to the layer forming module, a packaging blank is placed on the adhesive group. At least one adhesive group with the packaging blank placed on it is then detected within the layer formation module and brought into a target position and / or target arrangement according to a predetermined layer scheme, in connection with the detection of the adhesive group with the packaging blank placed on it and / or the moving of the adhesive group with the packaging blank placed on it in the target position and / or target arrangement the packaging blank is pressed onto the articles of the adhesive group and thus fixed to them. For this purpose, the layer formation module has at least one tool which is designed to fix the packaging blank to the article of the adhesive group.

Alternatively, the packaging blank is placed on the layer forming module before the adhesive group is detected and fixed to the articles of the adhesive group in connection with the detection of the adhesive group or in connection with the moving of the adhesive group into the target position and / or target arrangement within the handling device.

According to a further embodiment, the packaging blank is placed on the adhesive group when the adhesive group is detected within the layer formation module and on the articles of the adhesive group in connection with the detection of the adhesive group or in connection with the moving of the adhesive group into the target position and / or target arrangement within the layer formation module set.

The layer formation module preferably comprises at least one manipulation device for grasping the adhesive group and bringing it into the target position and / or target arrangement. In this case, the manipulation device can shift the adhesive group in alignment, for example, in the transport direction, laterally shifted and / or rotated in the transport direction with additional orthogonal movement components. The manipulation device is preferably formed by a robot or a tripod (parallel kinematic robot) with at least one gripping device for the adhesive group. It can be provided here that the gripping device comprises the tool for fixing the packaging blank to the article of the adhesive group or that the tool for fixing a packaging blank on the article of the adhesive group is assigned to the gripping device. The tool can be a pressing device with which a downward force can be applied to the packaging blank, for example by lowering the pressing device.

Alternatively, the tool can comprise a suction device, for example a vacuum suction device. With the suction device, in particular, a packaging blank can be detected in order to place it on the articles in connection with the detection of the adhesive group by the manipulation device and then to fix it to the articles of the article group. Furthermore, a first magazine for packaging blanks and / or the manipulation device can be assigned a second magazine for packaging blanks to enable fast access to the packaging blanks and in particular to minimize the distances to be covered by the manipulation device. For this it can be advantageous to directly attach the second magazine for a certain number of packaging blanks the manipulation device and to be movable together with it. As soon as there are no more packaging blanks in the second magazine, the manipulation device fetches new packaging blanks from the first magazine by removing packaging blanks from the first magazine and placing them in the second magazine on the manipulation device.

To carry out the different movements of the manipulation device, in particular the gripping movement to grasp the group of items, a linear movement and / or a rotary movement to bring the group of items into the target position and / or target arrangement and / or the actuation of the tool for setting the packaging blank, the manipulation device, in particular the tripod, have a plurality of shafts via which the respective movement is realized.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the device according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the device according to the invention, certain aspects and / or connections and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the method according to the invention, certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

• 1 zeigt eine seitliche Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Gebindes.
• 2 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Gebindes.
• 3A zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform eines Verpackungszuschnitts.
• 3B zeigt eine Darstellung eines Gebindes gemäß 1 von oben.
• 3C zeigt eine Darstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform eines Gebindes von oben.
• 4A bis 41 zeigen unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen der Anordnung von Klebeverbindungen innerhalb eines Gebindes.
• 4J zeigt eine Ausführungsform eines Verpackungszuschnitts zur Verwendung bei einem nested Gebinde gemäß 4H oder 41.
• 5 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gebindes.
• 6 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gebindes.
• 7 zeigt eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gebindes.
• 8 zeigt eine vierte Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gebindes.
• 9 zeigt eine fünfte Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gebindes.
• 10 zeigt eine sechste Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gebindes.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are simplified and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a container.
• 2 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a container.
• 3A shows a first embodiment of a packaging blank.
• 3B shows a representation of a container according to 1 from above.
• 3C shows a representation of a third embodiment of a container from above.
• 4A to 41 show different embodiments of the arrangement of adhesive connections within a container.
• 4Y shows an embodiment of a packaging blank for use in a nested container according to FIG 4H or 41 .
• 5 shows a first embodiment of a packaging device for producing a container.
• 6th shows a second embodiment of a packaging device for producing a container.
• 7th shows a third embodiment of a packaging device for producing a container.
• 8th shows a fourth embodiment of a packaging device for producing a container.
• 9 shows a fifth embodiment of a packaging device for producing a container.
• 10 shows a sixth embodiment of a packaging device for producing a container.

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

The 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a container 10 . The container 10 consists of a compilation of a plurality of articles 11 . In the present case it concerns the articles 11 by six bottles 12 arranged in two parallel rows of three. Inside the container 10 are at least two adjacent bottles 12 via an adhesive bond 20th connected with each other. In the case of at least one adhesive connection 20th it is, for example, an adhesive point 21st or a differently designed adhesive surface 22nd . The glue connection 20th is in a contact area between two bottles arranged next to one another and in particular touching one another in the contact area 12 trained and arranged. The container also stands out 10 through a packaging cut 30th out. In the example shown is a packaging blank 30th provided of all bottles 12 of the container 10 holds together.

The bottles 12 each have a neck ring 13 and a screw cap 14th on. The neck ring 13 has a diameter d13 on. Below the neck ring 13 is the diameter of the bottles 12 at least slightly less developed. The neck ring 13 and the screw cap 14th form a first, upper section 15th of the bottles 12 . Below is the fill area 16 of the bottles 12 , which is also the second, lower section 17th referred to as.

On the bottles 12 is the packaging cut 30th arranged so that it is below the neck ring 13 of the bottles 12 located so that the upper portion 15th above the packaging blank 30th is arranged, while the lower portion 17th below the packaging blank 30th is arranged. In particular, it is provided that the on the bottles 12 attached packaging blank 30th through the bottles 12 is held and vice versa. The container can preferably 10 on the packaging blank 30th can be held and picked up without removing it from the bottles 12 solves. To cut the packaging 30th from the container 10 to solve, an increased effort is necessary, with the packaging blank 30th is usually destroyed.

The at least one adhesive connection 20th is preferably in the lower section 17th in a contact area between two contacting bottles 12 formed and arranged.

The 2 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a container 10 . With the articles 11 In the present case, it concerns cans 40 . These have an essentially cylindrical base body with an essentially constant cross section over their height. Only in the area below the top lid 41 and if necessary in the standing area is the cross section of the cans 40 at least slightly reduced. The smaller cross section below the top lid 41 is beneficial for establishing a related 3A packaging cut described in more detail 30th by pressing it onto the assembly of cans 41 .

The packaging cut 30th indicates as follows in connection with 3A described passage openings 32 with auxiliary incisions 33 on which a simple step through the first, upper section 15th forming lid 41 when pressing the packaging blank 30th on the cans 40 made possible from above. Against this is removing the packaging blank 30th by an upward pulling movement only with increased effort and usually with destruction of the packaging blank 30th possible. When lifting the container 10 via the holding and carrying elements 35 of the packaging cut 30th is, however, due to the smaller cross-section of the passage openings 32 prevents the packing section 30th of the articles 11 of the container 10 solves.

The 3A shows an embodiment of a packaging blank 30th . With the packaging cut 2 it is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank 20th , preferably made of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or the like. consists. The packaging cut 30th has a defined number of passage openings 32 on. The number of openings 32 corresponds in the present exemplary embodiment to the number of articles to be combined and the arrangement of the passage openings 32 corresponds to the arrangement of the container 10 according to 1 or 2 articles to be summarized. In particular, the passage openings 32 designed such that the packaging blank 30th can be applied, in particular pressed, to the article from above, and in particular on the articles 11 is arranged in an area with a reduced cross-section, so that the on the articles 11 arranged packaging blank 30th this in a first upper part 15th and a second, lower section 17th subdivided (compare 1 and 2 ).

This is achieved in particular in that the passage openings 32 a diameter d32 have which is smaller than a largest diameter of the upper portion 15th , for example less than the diameter d13 of the neck ring 13 of bottles 12 according to 1 or less than the diameter d41 of the top lid 41 of cans 40 according to 2 . So that the packaging cut 30th non-destructive to the articles 11 can be made are auxiliary incisions 33 provided, which extends radially from the passage openings 33 extend out. The outer free ends of the auxiliary incisions 33 lie on a circumference with a diameter that is the largest diameter of the upper part of the article 11 corresponds to or is slightly larger. In particular, the diameter of the circumference of the auxiliary incisions essentially corresponds to the diameter d13 of the neck ring 13 of the bottles 12 (compare 1 ) or the diameter d41 of the top cover 41 of cans 40 (compare 2 ). Between two adjacent auxiliary incisions 33 is each a movable fixing tab 34 educated. When pressing the packaging blank 30th on the article 11 the fixing tabs 34 partly after kinked away at the top and catches the packaging blank 30th below the upper part 15th , making the packaging blank 30th firmly and securely on the articles 11 is fixed.

The packaging cut 30th can furthermore include at least one essentially centrally arranged and / or designed holding or carrying element 35 exhibit. In the present embodiment, there are two holding or carrying elements 35 intended. This can be, for example, further suitable openings or openings in the packaging blank 30th act through which the user stick his fingers and thus those with the packaging blank 30th summarized article 11 can lift and carry together.

The 3B shows a representation of a container 10 according to 1 from above. Since the features have already been extensively related to the 1 and 3A reference is made to it.

The 3C shows a representation of a third embodiment of a container 10 from above. In this case it is a packaging cut 30a provided that only two passage openings 32 for the upper part 15th of two articles 11 having. Such a packaging blank can be used, for example, for a six-pack with three items 11 in two article series 18th are arranged. The respective neighboring articles 11 within an article series 18th are to each other via adhesive bonds 20th in the lower part 17th (compare 1 ) connected. The packaging cut 30a is attached to the two middle articles 11 each series of articles 18th arranged and thus includes the two rows of articles 18th together. In particular, it is provided in this embodiment that at least two within the container 10 adjacent articles 11 via at least one adhesive bond 20th related, especially articles 11 within an article series. Furthermore, there are at least two articles arranged adjacent to one another within the container 11 are connected to one another via a packaging blank, in particular the respective middle article 11 m an article series 18th with the middle article 11m the other series of articles 18th about the packaging cut 30a connected.

A preferred way of producing such a container 10 consists in the fact that within an adhesive application module there are rows of articles 18th comprising three articles arranged one behind the other or side by side 11 are formed, with at least one adhesive bond in each case 20th at a contact point between two articles arranged directly one behind the other or next to one another 11 is attached and trained. Then there are two rows of articles 18th with each other via adhesive connections 20th summarized articles 11 in an application module with a packaging blank 30a via the centrally arranged items 11 m of each item series 18th summarized. Thus, with such a container 10 according to 3C the articles 11 within an article series 18th via at least one adhesive bond 20th but not about the packaging cut 30a connected with each other. Against this are the central articles 11m of the two article series 18th with each other over the packaging blank 30a but not via an adhesive connection 20th connected with each other.

With a container 10 with a packaging blank 30a can be provided according to an alternative, not shown embodiment that between articles 11 the one series of articles 18th and articles 11 the other series of articles 18th additional adhesive connections 20th are trained.

The 4A to 41 show different embodiments of the arrangement of adhesive connections 20th within a container 10 according to the 1 , 3B or 3C . The packaging cut 30th , 30a The arrangement of the adhesive connections has been omitted from the illustrations 20th better to illustrate. The different embodiments according to 4A to 4F show in particular the formation of a six-pack 10 comprising two series of articles each 18th with three bottles each 12 and different arrangements of adhesive connections 20th . The number and arrangement of the adhesive bonds 20th between adjacent articles 11 is especially adapted to the respective product requirements. For example, large items such as 1.5 liter bottles 12 the use of a higher number of adhesive bonds 20th advantageous. On the other hand, with small articles, for example 0.33 liter cans 40 , less glue joints 20th sufficient to ensure a safe and stable cohesion of the article 11 within the container 10 to reach.

The 4G shows the use of an adhesive strip 23 between the two article series 18th . For example, it can be the adhesive strip 23 be a paper or plastic strip that has adhesive on both sides and between two rows of articles 18th is arranged. For example, it can be provided that rows of articles in a grouping module 18th from three articles arranged one behind the other 11 are formed. In a subsequent adhesive application module, an article row is first created 18th against the adhesive strip 23 and then a second series of articles is pressed 18th against the other side of the adhesive strip 23 pressed. Alternatively it can also be provided that the two series of articles 18th at the same time from two sides against the two adhesive sides of the adhesive strip 23 be pressed.

The 4H and 4I show the arrangement of the articles 11 within a container 10 in a nested or diagonal arrangement, hereinafter also referred to as nested bundle 10n referred to as. Here are the article series 18th shifted against each other, so that the base of the nested container 10n essentially a parallelogram shape 25th (shown in dashed lines). This represents a particularly stable arrangement because the articles can be accidentally moved 11 from the nested arrangement into the parallel arrangement according to FIG 4A to 4G not taking place. With this arrangement of the article 11 is the use of a packaging blank 30b necessary for the passage openings 32 for the upper part 15th the item 11 has in a corresponding nested arrangement. Such a suitable embodiment of a packaging blank 30b for use with a nested container 10n is exemplary in 4Y shown.

The 5 shows a first embodiment of a packaging device 1 for making a container 10 . items 11 In particular, bottles are transported in an ordered or disordered mass flow via a first transport device 2 a grouping module 3 fed in which the bottles 12 for example in article series 18th comprising three each in the direction of transport TR bottles arranged one behind the other 12 or in article groups 19th comprising six bottles 12 , being an article group 19th two parallel rows each with three in the direction of transport TR bottles arranged one behind the other 12 includes. The article series 18th or article group 19th becomes an adhesive application module 4th supplied, within which an adhesive 50 at suitable contact surfaces between the bottles 12 is introduced and the bottles 12 with the formation of an adhesive bond 20th be connected to each other. For example are the bottles 12 the one within the grouping module 3 trained article series 18th or article group 19th at a distance from each other, so that in the adhesive application module 4th Adhesive 50 in a suitable position on the bottles 12 can be applied and these are attached to each other by pressing together. Alternatively, the grouping module 3 the adhesive application module 4th include so that the application of adhesive 50 closely related to the grouping of the bottles 12 in article series 18th or article groups 19th he follows. The compilation of bottles glued together 12 is also called adhesive series 18k or adhesive group 19k designated.

Then in an application module 5 a packaging cut 30th by pressing on the bottles 12 the adhesive series 18k or adhesive group 19k attached, with the packaging blank 30th especially below the neck ring 13 of the bottles 12 is determined.

Inside the packaging device 1 can the article 11 or the formed article series 18th or article groups 19th etc. via a transport device 2 guided and processed in the individual modules. Alternatively, it can be provided that each module comprises its own transport device and that, if necessary, further transport devices are provided between the individual modules. This is particularly the structure and the arrangement of the packaging device 1 individually adaptable, since, for example, transport sections with curves can be provided in order to make optimal use of the available space.

The 6th shows a second embodiment of a packaging device 1 for making a container 10 . The articles are also grouped first 11 to article series 18th or article groups 19th , with the article 11 within the article series 18th or article groups 19th are already arranged without any gaps. On the article series 18th or article groups 19th is a packaging blank first 30th applied and so-called blank rows 18z or cutting groups 19z educated. The following is adhesive 50 Applied via suitable adhesive application devices and thereby adjacent bottles 12 adhesively connected to each other. For example, the adhesive application devices grip in the grip area 52 of the bottles 12 between these and bring the adhesive 50 thus between the bottles 12 one.

The 7th shows a third embodiment of a packaging device 1 for making a container 10 combining at least two adjacent articles 11 via at least one adhesive bond 20th and by applying a packaging blank 30th on at least two adjacent articles 11 . The articles 11 , especially bottles 12 , are in a grouping and gluing module 55 in the desired number for article groups 19th put together, with at least two adjacent articles 11 partly through adhesive bonds 20th be fixed to each other. The adhesive group formed 19k is via a suitable transport device 6th , for example a first endless conveyor belt 7th , a mat chain conveyor, a roller chain or similar, a handling device 8th fed. With the handling device 8th it is a layer formation module or layer preparation module 9 , alternatively the article groups 19th also a turning and / or distribution system or similar. are fed.

In the illustrated embodiment is according to 7th provided that between the formation of the adhesive groups 19k in the grouping and gluing module 55 and handling the adhesive group 19k within the handling device 8th in a first step on the article 11 the adhesive group 19k a packaging blank from above 30th is placed. With the packaging cut 30th it is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank 31 how he related to the 3 has already been described in detail.

Inside the handling device 8th , are the adhesive groups 19k with applied packaging blank 30th each by a manipulator 60 the handling device 8th detected and brought into a target position and / or target arrangement according to a predetermined position scheme.

When a target position and / or target orientation is mentioned in connection with the present invention, this can mean in particular that the adhesive group 19k with applied packaging blank 30th detected, moved and / or rotated, the adhesive group 19k with applied packaging blank 30th optionally only shifted (without rotation) or only rotated (without shifting movement). Furthermore, there is a relative target position and / or target alignment with respect to subsequent adhesive groups 19k with applied packaging blank 30th spoken, provided the adhesive group 19k with applied packaging blank 30th after moving into the target position and / or target alignment via a suitable conveyor of the handling device 8th in one transport direction TR be transported further, in particular at the same transport speed and in the same transport direction TR like the supplied adhesive group 19k with applied packaging blank 30th .

The manipulator 60 is thus to bring the detected adhesive group 19k with applied packaging blank 30th into a target position and / or target arrangement within the handling device 8th formed and further comprises at least one tool 65 to determine the packaging cut 30th to the article 11 the adhesive group 19k or alternatively is the manipulator 60 at least one tool 65 to determine the packaging cut 30th to the article 11 the adhesive group 19k assigned.

In particular, the packaging cut 30th when transporting the adhesive groups 19k to the handling device 8th loosely on the adhesive group 19k placed and only then within the handling device 8th on the articles 11 the adhesive group 19k set. In particular, it is provided that the adhesive group 19k within the handling device 8th is detected and brought into a target position and / or target arrangement according to a predetermined position scheme. The packaging cut 30th is in this context by means of the handling device prepared for manipulation 8th on the articles 11 the adhesive group 19k set. Determining the packaging layout 30th on the articles 11 takes place either in connection with the detection of the adhesive group 19k within the handling device 8th or in connection with the placement of the adhesive group 19k into the defined relative target position and / or target arrangement.

The manipulator 60 the handling device 8th is for example by a tripod 61 formed and comprises at least one gripping device 62 for the adhesive group 19k and at least one tool 65 to determine the packaging layout 30th on the articles 11 the adhesive group 19k . In particular, the tool is 65 as a pressing device 66 designed, for example as a pressure stamp or the like, with which the packaging blank 33 on the article 11 can be pushed so that the article 11 in some areas through the passage openings 32 of the packaging cut 30th step through.

The adhesive group 19k with the specified packaging cut 30th are also available as ready-made containers 10 designated. These are inside the handling device 8th by the manipulator 60 in such a way arranged in respectively suitable target positions and / or target arrangements that a plurality of finished containers 10 a palletizable layer 70 trains. The palletable position 70 is via another transport device 80 , for example another endless conveyor belt 81 , for further processing, for example palletizing or the like.

The 8th shows a fourth embodiment of a packaging device 1 for making a container 10 . Here are the articles 11 again in adhesive groups 19k the handling device 7th fed. In this case it is provided that the packaging blanks 30th within the handling device 8th on the adhesive groups 19k are applied and attached to these. According to a first variant it is provided that the packaging blank 30th within the handling device 8th before capturing the adhesive group 19k placed on this and in connection with the detection of the adhesive group 19k on the articles 11 is determined. Ie the packaging cut 30th is preferably done before capturing the adhesive group 19k by means of a suitable storage device (not shown) on the article 11 and when grasping the adhesive group 19k through the manipulator 60 by an assigned tool 65 pressed on.

Alternatively, the packaging blank 30th before capturing the adhesive group 19k on the adhesive group 19k and in connection with the placement of the adhesive group 19k into the target position and / or target arrangement by an assigned tool 65 of the manipulator 60 on the articles 11 the adhesive group 19k be determined. The packaging blanks 30th are, for example, one of the handling devices through the storage device (not shown) 8th assigned first magazine 90 taken.

Another variant can provide that the packaging blank 30th preferably when grasping the adhesive group 19k on the article 11 is placed and pressed on, wherein the pressing can take place essentially directly with the placing, or the pressing on subsequently, for example only in connection with the application of the adhesive group 19k can take place in the target position and / or target arrangement. The manipulator preferably has 60 in this variant an assigned second magazine 91 in which a certain number of packaging blanks 30th can be cached. That second magazine 91 is on the manipulator 60 arranged and is carried with it. This means that a certain number of packaging cuts are required 30th each available on site. When the second magazine 91 is empty, the manipulator must 60 further packaging cuts 30th from the first magazine 90 fetch and in the second magazine 91 cache.

The 9 shows a fifth embodiment of a packaging device 1 for making a container 10 . The articles 11 are individually via two first transport devices 2 a first transport star each 95 fed and from this to a second transport star 96 of the adhesive application module 4th to hand over. The one on the second transport star 96 arranged article 11 are attached to at least one adhesive application device 97 passed by. The adhesive applicator 97 applies at least one adhesive point 21st , an adhesive surface 22nd or similar on the article 11 . Then the with glue point 21st or adhesive surface 22nd equipped article 11 on a further transport facility 80 Convicted, in particular, three articles 11 from the first adhesive application module 4-1 in a first row 18-1 in transport direction TR essentially consecutive and three articles 11 from the second adhesive application module 4-2 in transport direction TR essentially in direct succession in a second row 18-2 on the further transport facility 80 a merge module 98 arranged with the first row 18-1 and the second row 18-2 in transport direction TR next to each other on the further transport device 80 are arranged.

The articles 11 of the two rows 18-1 , 18-2 are using suitable pressing devices 99 pushed together. In particular, the pressing devices 99 by horizontally movable pushers or similar formed transversely to the transport direction TR are movable. The glue dots 21st or adhesive surfaces 22nd are like that on the articles 11 arranged to be in contact areas between articles 11 of the different series 18-1 and 18-2 are arranged. By pushing the rows together 18-1 and 18-2 becomes an article at a time 11 the first row 18-1 with an article 11 the other row 18-2 via adhesive bonds 20th connected with each other.

Alternatively or additionally, adhesive dots can be used 21st or adhesive surfaces 22nd in contact areas between the articles 11 within a row 18-1 or 18-2 be arranged or formed. By subsequently pushing the articles together 11 in transport direction TR can still stick adhesive connections 20th between the neighboring articles 11 within the respective row 18-1 or 18-2 and thus adhesive groups 19k be formed. The adhesive groups formed in this way 19k become an application module 5 supplied, in which under formation of a finished container 10 a packaging cut 30th by pressing onto the adhesive group from above 19k is applied. According to the embodiment of such a packaging device shown here 1 becomes the packaging blank 30th on the adhesive group 19k applied after the adhesive is inside the merge module 98 is cured.

According to an alternative, in 10 The illustrated embodiment can be the packaging blank 30th already on the adhesive group 19k (in 10 not shown) while the adhesive is still curing and the article 11 still within the merge module 98 being held. In this case, the applied packaging blank delivers 30th additional stability, which reduces the length of the curing section and thus the space required for the packaging device 1 can be reduced.

The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their different views or respective individual features, can be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with an embodiment are common to all Embodiments applicable provided that the features are not incompatible.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the figure representations and their description should be of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite able to derive enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that facilitate his understanding of the invention without having to rely on the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the articles and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements would be impaired in its understanding in any way. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive ideas formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description of general and / or more abstractly formulated ideas based on the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

List of reference symbols

1

Packaging device

2

first transport device

3

Grouping module

4th

Adhesive application module

4-1

first adhesive application module

4-2

second adhesive application module

5

Application module

6

Transport device

7th

Endless conveyor belt

8th

Handling device

9

Layer formation module or layer preparation module

10

Container

10n

nested container

11

items

11m

middle article

12

bottle

13th

Neck ring

14th

Screw cap

15th

first, upper part

16

Filling area

17th

second, lower section

18th

Article series

18-1

line

18-2

line

18k

Adhesive series

18z

Cutting row

19th

Article group

19k

Adhesive group

19z

Cutting group

20th

adhesive bond

21st

Glue point

22nd

Adhesive surface

23

Adhesive strip

25th

Parallelogram shape

30th

Packaging cut

30a

Packaging cut

30b

Packaging cut

31

Cardboard cutting

32

Passage opening

33

Auxiliary incision

34

Fixing tab

35

Holding or carrying element

40

Can

41

top lid

50

Adhesive

52

Grip area

55

Grouping and gluing module

60

manipulator

61

Tripod

62

Gripping device

65

Tool for defining a packaging blank

66

Pressing device

70

palletable position

80

further transport device

81

Endless conveyor belt

90

first magazine

91

second magazine

95

first transport star

96

second transport star

97

Adhesive application devices

98

Merge module

99

Pressing devices

d13

Neck ring diameter

d32

Diameter of passage opening

TR

Transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1075419 B1 [0005]
• DE 20310721 U1 [0006]
• DE 102009044271 A1 [0007]

Claims (14)

Container (10) comprising at least two articles (11), with at least two articles (11) arranged adjacent to one another within the container (10) being connected to one another via at least one adhesive bond (20), and with at least one packaging blank (30) on the container (10) ) is arranged with at least one passage opening (32) for a first, upper portion (15) of at least one article (11), in particular with at least two articles (11) arranged adjacent to one another within the container (10) via at least one packaging blank (30) are connected. Container (10) Claim 1 The container (10) comprising at least three articles (11), at least two articles (11) arranged adjacent to one another within the container (10) being connected to one another via at least one adhesive connection (20) and at least two adjacent within the container (10) arranged articles (11) are connected to one another via a packaging blank (30). Container (10) Claim 2 , wherein at least one article (11), which is connected to its adjacent article (11) via at least one adhesive connection (20), is not connected to it via a packaging blank (30) or at least one article (11) which is connected to its adjacent article (11) is connected via the packaging blank (30), is not connected to this via at least one adhesive connection (20). Container (10) after one of the Claims 1 to 3 , wherein the packaging blank (30) is arranged on the at least two articles (11) in such a way that a first partial area (15) of the at least two articles (11) is arranged above the packaging blank (30) and that a second partial area (17) of the at least two articles (11) are arranged below the packaging blank (30). Container (10) Claim 4 , wherein at least one adhesive connection (20) is formed at a contact point between two adjacent articles (11) in the lower partial area (17). Container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the articles (11) are arranged within the container (10) in a nested or diagonal arrangement. Packaging device (1) for producing a container (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th comprising an adhesive application module (4) and an application module (5) for applying a packaging blank (30) to an assembly comprising at least two articles. Packaging device (1) according to Claim 7 , wherein the application module (5) is arranged in a transport direction (TR) for the articles (11) behind the adhesive application module (4) or wherein the application module (5) in a transport direction (TR) for the articles (11) in front of the adhesive application module ( 4) is arranged. Packaging device (1) according to one of the Claims 7 or 8th , wherein the packaging device (1) comprises a layer formation module (9) for arranging the packs (10) according to a predetermined layer scheme, the layer formation module (9) having a tool (65) for fixing the packaging blank (30) to which the pack (10) forming articles (11). A method for producing a container (10) comprising at least two articles (11) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , wherein at least two adjoining articles (11) are connected to one another via at least one adhesive bond (20) and at least one packaging blank (30) is arranged on at least one article (11) on the container (10), in particular with at least two within the container (10) Adjacent articles (11) are connected to one another via at least one packaging blank (30). Procedure according to Claim 10 , for the production of a container (10) comprising at least three articles (11), wherein at least two adjacent articles (11) are connected to one another via at least one adhesive connection (20) and wherein at least two adjacent articles (11) via a packaging blank (30 ) are connected to each other. Procedure according to Claim 11 , wherein at least one article (11) which is connected to its neighboring article (11) via at least one adhesive connection (20) is not connected to this via a packaging blank (30) or at least one article (11) which is connected to its adjacent article (11) is connected via the packaging blank (30), is not connected to this via at least one adhesive connection (20). Method according to one of the Claims 10 to 12 wherein the at least one packaging blank (30) is fixed to the articles (11) by means of an at least partially downwardly directed force. Method according to one of the Claims 10 to 13 , wherein the at least one packaging blank (30) as part of a layer formation on the articles (11) is attached, with an arrangement of the bundles (10) in a target position and / or target arrangement according to a predetermined layer scheme taking place within the framework of the layer formation.

Images