DE102019135254A1 - Working tool and method for producing a multipack comprising several beverage cans - Google Patents

Abstract

A working tool (15) for applying a flat packaging blank (41) to several beverage cans (2) is disclosed. The working tool (15) comprises a carrier (34) as well as several manipulation elements (37) which are arranged hanging on the carrier (34) and via which a defined force can be applied to the flat packaging blank (41) in the area of the several openings (42) that a respective beverage can (2) is pressed into a respective opening (42). The plurality of manipulation elements (37) arranged hanging on the carrier (34) are designed in such a way that the several manipulation elements (37) arranged hanging on the carrier (34) apply a respective defined force for pressing a respective beverage can (2) into a respective opening (42) can be applied to the flat packaging blank (41) along the respective circumferential course of the respective opening (42) with a time offset.

Description

The present invention relates to a work tool and a method for producing a multipack having a plurality of beverage cans.

For packaging beverage cans, the beverage cans can be transported in groups on horizontal conveyors and then combined using a packaging means. For example, trays are known on which beverage cans are placed and which then hold the respective beverage cans together. Packaging means are also known which consist of strapping or further packaging elements, such as, for example, a cardboard box, into which several beverage cans are inserted.

Since in practice the consumption of packaging material should be kept as low as possible, containers or multipacks are also known in which several beverage cans are held together via a flat packaging blank, which flat packaging blank forms several openings. A respective beverage container or a respective beverage can with its upper part passes through each of the openings. The beverage cans are held together in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner via such a packaging blank and form a respective multipack. The respective packaging blank can engage positively in an upper edge area of a respective beverage can. Such multipacks are known, for example, which comprise four, six or eight beverage cans. The flat packaging blanks can in particular be formed from cardboard or from cellulose-containing materials.

A respective opening of such a packaging blank, into which a beverage can is to be pressed, has a smaller maximum cross-sectional diameter than the respective beverage can forms in the area of its upper edge. In order to press several beverage cans into a respective flat packaging blank, a defined force must therefore be applied to the respective flat packaging blank. In practice, this force is relatively high, so that high-performance manipulators are required in order to be able to press a respective flat packaging blank onto several beverage cans. Such manipulators have high acquisition costs. Due to the high force that is required to press on, tools tend to prematurely wear out. Practice has also shown that when a high force is applied to the flat packaging blank, it cannot be ruled out with certainty that the respective flat packaging blank, which often has only a small thickness, will be damaged when it is pressed onto beverage cans.

One object of the invention is therefore to provide a corresponding method and a corresponding work tool with which the named problems can be at least partially avoided. The method should also be easy to implement and the work tool should have a simple structure.

The above object is achieved by the subjects having the features in the independent claims.

The invention relates to a working tool for applying a flat packaging blank to a plurality of beverage cans. The flat packaging blank can be formed by cellulose-containing materials. For example, the flat packaging blank can be made of cardboard and / or cardboard. It is also conceivable that the flat packaging blank is made of plastic. It may be that the flat packaging blank has several recesses which, if necessary, form a common handle.

For example, the flat packaging blank can be composed of several cellulose-containing layers or a combination of different materials and different recycled materials.

The work tool comprises a carrier or an upper suspension. The carrier or the upper suspension can optionally be connected to a flange or fastening area of the working tool and / or comprise a flange or fastening area of the working tool. The flange or fastening area of the working tool can be designed to couple the working tool to a multi-axis robot and / or to couple the working tool to a portal system.

The working tool further comprises several manipulation elements arranged hanging on the carrier, via which the flat packaging blank can be acted upon with a defined force in the area of several openings, so that a respective beverage can is pressed into a respective opening of the flat packaging blank. In particular, it can be the case here that a number of the manipulation elements arranged hanging on the carrier corresponds in particular to at least a number of beverage cans to which the respective flat packaging blank is to be applied via the working tool. The Several manipulation elements arranged hanging on the carrier can be detachable from the carrier in various embodiments. It can also be the case that the plurality of manipulation elements and the carrier are designed in one piece. In such embodiments, the carrier and the plurality of manipulation elements can be produced, for example, using a three-dimensional printing process.

The multiple manipulation elements can be arranged hanging on the carrier in such a way that the multiple manipulation elements can push all beverage cans provided for a respective flat packaging blank at least approximately simultaneously into a respective opening of the flat packaging blank.

Alternatively or in addition to this, the working tool can be designed in such a way that the multiple manipulation elements arranged hanging on the carrier can push all of the beverage cans provided for a respective flat packaging blank into openings of the respective flat packaging blank by means of a single lifting and return stroke movement of the working tool.

It is provided that the plurality of manipulation elements arranged hanging on the carrier are designed in such a way that the several manipulation elements arranged hanging on the carrier for pushing a respective beverage can into a respective opening apply a respective defined force along the respective circumferential course of the respective opening to the flat packaging blank can raise. In this way, the risk of the flat packaging blank being damaged or unintentionally tearing when the beverage cans are pressed into the openings can be kept low.

It may be that the multiple manipulation elements each form a contact surface via which the respective manipulation element can apply the defined force in the area of the respective opening to the flat packaging blank and which contact surface in the area of the respective opening is oriented obliquely with respect to the flat packaging blank and / or with curved course can be placed on the flat packaging blank. When a respective beverage can is pressed into a respective opening, the respective contact surface can initially come into contact with the flat packaging blank in some areas and in the course of the pressing of a respective beverage can into a respective opening from a certain point in time at least approximately over the entire surface against the flat packaging blank stand.

It can furthermore be that the plurality of manipulation elements can each execute a rotary movement for applying the defined force offset in time along the circumference of the respective opening. An axis of rotation, around which the rotational movement of a respective manipulation element runs, can run at least approximately centrally through the respective opening when a respective beverage can is pressed into a respective opening. In particular, an axis of rotation around which the rotational movement of a respective manipulation element runs can be designed as the longitudinal axis of the respective beverage can or can run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective beverage can.

The work tool can comprise at least one suction and / or gripping instrument, via which at least one suction and / or gripping instrument the flat packaging blank can be releasably fixed on the work tool while a respective beverage can is being pressed into a respective opening. In various embodiments, the suction and / or gripping instrument can comprise at least one clamping finger which can detachably and mechanically fix the flat packaging blank on the working tool while a respective beverage can is being pressed into a respective opening.

In particular, the at least one suction and / or gripping instrument can be designed in such a way that the flat packaging blank can be detached via the at least one suction and / or gripping instrument while a respective beverage can is being pressed into a respective opening and can be fixed to the working tool via negative pressure.

The working tool can also comprise several lateral partition walls, between which a respective flat packaging blank provided for application to beverage cans can be arranged in a form-fitting manner or with little play. It can be the case that the previously mentioned at least one suction and / or gripping instrument is formed over the working tool in such a way that the flat packaging blank can be released via the at least one suction and / or gripping instrument during the pressing of a respective beverage can into a respective opening and can be fixed on the working tool via negative pressure and in this case positively or with little play between the two adjacent side partition walls. The at least one suction and / or gripping instrument can also be arranged between the respective two adjacent side partition walls on the working tool. In particular, it can be that the suction and / or gripping instrument is arranged hanging on the carrier.

The invention also relates to an industrial robot. The industrial robot comprises at least one movable work arm and at least one work tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the previous description. The at least one work tool is arranged on the at least one movable work arm. Furthermore, the at least one working tool can be moved in at least two different spatial directions and preferably in three different spatial directions via the at least one working arm. The industrial robot can be designed, for example, as a multi-axis robot, as a delta kinematics robot, as a gantry robot and / or as a portal system or integrated into a portal system. In particular, the industrial robot can be designed in such a way that the industrial robot can bring about a lifting and return stroke movement for the at least one working tool for applying a flat packaging blank to a plurality of beverage cans via its movable working arm.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a multipack having a plurality of beverage cans. Features which have already been described above for various embodiments of the work tool or the industrial robot can also be provided in the following method and are not mentioned more than once. Likewise, the following features, which are described for various embodiments of the method, can be provided in the previous embodiments of the work tool or the industrial robot.

One step of the method provides for several beverage cans to be provided via a transport device. It can be the case here that the several beverage cans are provided via a horizontal conveyor device or via at least one circulating conveyor belt.

For example, the beverage cans can also be provided in a shuttle.

For example, the beverage cans, inserted in a tray or crate, can also be provided on a circulating conveyor belt.

In a further step, a flat packaging blank is applied to the several beverage cans provided by the transport device by means of a working tool, for which a respective beverage can is pressed into a respective opening of the flat packaging blank via the working tool, so that the beverage cans pressed into the openings of the flat packaging blank be held together in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank.

It is provided that the working tool for pressing the beverage cans into the openings applies a respective defined force in the area of a respective opening on the flat packaging blank, the respective defined force being applied to the flat packaging blank with a time offset along the circumference of a respective opening.

It may be that the flat packaging blank is oriented horizontally above the respective beverage cans before the beverage cans are pressed into the openings. Furthermore, the work tool can have several manipulation elements, whereby a respective manipulation element for pressing a respective beverage can into a respective opening is guided by force in the area of a respective opening against the at least horizontally oriented flat packaging blank, which contact surface is a curved and / or a has an inclined course compared to the at least until then horizontally oriented flat packaging blank.

The working tool can also have several manipulation elements, with a respective manipulation element being placed on the flat packaging blank in the area of a respective opening and being moved rotating when placed on the flat packaging blank in the area of the respective opening, resulting in the respective one for pressing the respective beverage can into the respective one Defined force provided for opening is applied to the flat packaging blank with a time offset along the circumferential course of the respective opening.

It is conceivable that the work tool has at least one suction and / or gripping device, which at least one suction and / or gripping device holds the flat packaging blank before and / or during the pressing of the beverage cans into the openings on the work tool.

For example, embodiments in which the at least one suction and / or gripping instrument holds the flat packaging blank before and / or during the pressing of the beverage cans into the openings via negative pressure on the working tool have proven successful.

The flat packaging blank can also have a plurality of retaining tabs for at least one of its openings and preferably for each of its openings, which are connected to a Pressing the beverage cans into the openings are arranged below a respective upper edge or respectively below a respective upper fold of a respective beverage can, so that the flat packaging blank is then held essentially immovable on the beverage cans via its retaining tabs in the axial direction relative to the beverage cans.

It is also conceivable that the holding tabs are aligned or pre-bent at the time before the beverage cans are pressed into the openings, as a result of which the holding tabs each point away from the flat packaging blank in an upward direction.

The working tool and / or one or all manipulation elements can have centering elements in order to hold and / or guide and / or guide the containers or cans or groups of cans in a defined, preferably horizontal, position relative to the working tool before and / or during the application of the packaging blank / or to bring the cans or containers into a defined position. The centering elements can, for example, have a conical shape. The cans / containers can stand freely in a formation on a base. The centering elements could alternatively also be supported and / or driven by a device separate from the working tool.

An industrial robot which comprises two or more work tools can in particular lower them one after the other to groups of cans, for example by means of drives arranged separately on the work tools and / or by arranging the work tools at different heights.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Verpackungsstrecke, bei welcher eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Industrieroboters sowie eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Arbeitswerkzeuges Verwendung finden;
• 2 bis 4 zeigen jeweils eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Arbeitswerkzeuges;
• 5 bis 7 zeigen einzelne Details eines Manipulationselementes des Arbeitswerkzeuges gemäß der Aufführungsform aus den 2 bis 4;
• 8 zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines Multipacks, wie es mit diversen Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Arbeitswerkzeuges hergestellt werden kann;
• 9 zeigt im Flussdiagramm mehrere Schritte, wie sie einzeln oder in der in 9 dargestellten Kombination in diversen Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehen sein können.
• 10 zeigt eine alternative Ausführungsform der Kontaktfläche des Arbeitswerkzeuges
• 11 zeigt eine weitere alternative Ausfürhungsform der Kontaktfläche des Arbeitswerkzeuges.

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 schematic view of a packaging line in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention and an embodiment of a working tool according to the invention are used;
• 2 to 4th each show a schematic view of an embodiment of a work tool according to the invention;
• 5 to 7th show individual details of a manipulation element of the work tool according to the embodiment from 2 to 4th ;
• 8th shows a schematic perspective view of a multipack as it can be produced with various embodiments of the working tool according to the invention;
• 9 shows several steps in the flowchart, as they are individually or in the in 9 The combination shown can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.
• 10 Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the work tool contact surface
• 11 shows a further alternative embodiment of the contact surface of the working tool.

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 are only examples of how the invention can be designed and do not represent an exclusive limitation.

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 that are described in connection with an embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, 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 are of subordinate 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 his understanding being impaired in any way from the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions . The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to use the more concretely explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more concretely explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention a better understanding of the more general and / or or to derive inventive ideas formulated more abstractly.

1 shows a schematic view of a packaging line 1 , in which an embodiment of an industrial robot according to the invention 30th and an embodiment of a work tool according to the invention 15th Find use.

By means of the packaging route 1 from the embodiment according to 1 can be a multipack 4th as exemplified in 8th is shown. Such a multipack 4th includes several beverage cans 2 and a flat packaging blank 41 over which the several beverage cans 2 are positively held together. The flat packaging cut 41 owns for each of the beverage cans 2 an associated opening 42 through which the respective beverage can 2 with an upper part, so that all beverage cans 2 of the respective multipack 4th form-fitting and / or force-fitting over the flat packaging blank 41 are held together.

In the 8th illustrated embodiment of a multipack 4th contains exactly eight beverage cans 2 . In further embodiments it can be, for example, that a multipack 4th only two beverage cans 2 , four beverage cans 2 or six beverage cans 2 owns.

To the respective multipack 4th assemble or produce, includes the packaging line 1 a first module 10 , a second module 20th and a transport device 5 which beverage cans 2 from the first module 10 to the second module 20th can continue. The second module 20th follows in the embodiment 1 on the first module 10 in one for the beverage cans 2 intended conveying direction FR .

To a multipack 4th according to the embodiment 8th Be able to manufacture beverage cans 2 , which for the respective multipack 4th are provided, have a relative arrangement to each other, in which the openings 42 of the packaging cut 41 in alignment with the beverage cans 2 aligned and the beverage cans 2 then in an aligned orientation through the openings 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 can be pushed.

Are beverage cans 2 not aligned properly with each other, so the beverage cans hit 2 when applying the packaging blank 41 not or only partially on the openings 42 , with which problems when applying the respective flat packaging blank 41 accompanied.

To get out of several beverage cans 2 to form a respective grouping, divider can be provided, for example, which two in the conveying direction FR can comprise adjoining horizontal conveying devices and possibly by an intermittent operation one in the conveying direction FR first horizontal conveyor groupings 3 from the beverage cans 2 produce. Divider are also known which have several push bars with beverage cans 2 can enter the system, the respective beverage cans 2 compared to lagging beverage cans 2 then in the conveying direction FR accelerate and thereby a respective grouping 3 from several beverage cans 2 form.

On the packaging line 1 from the embodiment 1 comprises the first module 10 to create the groupings 3 a handling device which is not shown in the figures of the present patent application. The handling device can be designed as a multi-axis robot, for example. In such embodiments, beverage cans are moved via the handling devices 2 received from a provision, then in the direction of the transport device 5 moved and on the transport device 5 in the direction coming from above.

Setting down the beverage cans 2 on the transport device 5 takes place here via the handling device (not shown) in the area of the first module 10 such that on the transport device 5 a grouping immediately upon weaning 3 from beverage cans 2 is formed, the number of beverage cans 2 with the number of the respective multipack to be produced 4th (see. 8th ) matches. In addition, the beverage cans are set down 2 on the transport device 5 via the handling device (not shown) in such a way that the beverage cans 2 a respective one on the transport device 5 formed grouping 3 immediately when it is set down on the transport device 5 already have an alignment to each other, which for the application of the respective flat packaging blank 41 suitable is. As mentioned above, the first module 10 for producing or generating a respective grouping 3 on the transport device 5 also have a divider, which is provided instead of the handling device, and the respective groupings 3 forms.

In time after the groupings 3 , each of which already has several for the application of flat packaging blanks 41 beverage cans aligned with one another 2 include, on the transport device 5 were formed, the groupings 3 via the transport device 5 in conveying direction FR emotional. The horizontal conveyor 5 stands with a control and / or regulating device S. in connection which the transport device 5 for the uninterrupted movement of groups placed on it 3 controls with the same or constant conveying speed over the course of time. The groupings 3 then leave the first module 10 and get to the second module 20th , which is based on the first module 10 in conveying direction FR follows.

In order to keep the risk to a minimum, that the immediate when setting down on the transport device 5 already for the application of a flat packaging blank 41 beverage cans aligned with one another 2 during a movement in the conveying direction FR move unintentionally to each other, it can be provided that the transport device 5 has a revolving endless traction means or a revolving conveyor belt, between which revolving endless traction means or between which revolving conveyor belt and the beverage cans 2 a high static friction is formed. For example, the endless traction means or the revolving conveyor belt can have a large number of knobs and / or consist of a material which can be used to create a high level of static friction between the beverage containers and the endless traction means or the beverage containers and the revolving conveyor belt.

To the flat packaging cut 41 to a respective grouping 3 to apply, includes the second module 20th an industrial robot 30th which one in 1 working tool shown only schematically 15th wearing. The industrial robot 30th can be designed as a portal system or be integrated into a portal system. It is conceivable that the industrial robot 30th is designed as a multi-axis robot or as a delta kinematics robot. The working tool 15th comprises a plurality of manipulation elements which are designed such that the plurality of manipulation elements 15th for pressing in a respective beverage can 2 into a respective opening 42 (see. 8th ) a respective defined force along the respective circumferential path of the respective opening 42 staggered in time to the flat packaging cut 41 can raise. The working tool 15th as it is for the embodiment according to 1 is provided, can here according to the embodiment 2 to 7th be trained.

About the work tool 15th to 2 to 7th as well as about the work tool 15th to 1 can the industrial robot 30th for each grouping 3 a flat packaging cut 41 receive from a magazine, which is not shown in the figures of the present patent application. A large number of flat packaging blanks can be stored in the magazine 41 be stacked.

The one from the work tool 15th Flat packaging cut received 41 aligns the industrial robot 30th then above the respective beverage cans 2 from which the flat packaging cut 41 should be applied. The industrial robot then lowers 30th then the work tool 15th vertically in the direction of the respective beverage cans 2 or vertically in the direction of the respective grouping 3 and presses the flat packaging blank 41 force applied against the respective beverage cans 2 , which over the flat packaging cut 41 to a multipack 4th should be summarized. This causes beverage cans to kick 2 through openings 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 through, whereupon the respective beverage cans 2 then form-fit over the flat packaging blank 41 be held together and a multipack 4th is formed. To the work tool 15th The industrial robot has the ability to move 30th over a working arm 25th on which the working tool 15th is arranged.

Since in practice a respective diameter of the openings 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 compared to a diameter which the beverage cans 2 each form in the upper area, is reduced, it may be that the flat packaging blank 41 when applied to beverage cans 2 in the area of an opening 42 or even in the area of several openings 42 unintentionally tears. This will damage the multipack 4th because there is a crack in the area of a respective opening 42 it cannot be guaranteed with certainty that a respective one will enter this opening 42 Inserted can still securely on the flat packaging blank 41 is held. Such a crack also leads to unwanted visual impairment of the multipack 4th why such a multipack 4th must be weeded out. By means of the embodiment of a work tool 15th as it is for the packaging line 1 to 1 is provided and by means of an embodiment of a work tool 15th as it is in the 2 to 4th is shown, a risk can be reduced that such a crack when a flat packaging blank is applied 41 on beverage cans 2 arises. Practice has even shown that the risk of such a crack when applying a flat packaging blank 41 on beverage cans 2 arises, by means of a work tool 15th as is the case with the packaging line 1 to 1 is provided or as in the embodiment according to 2 to 4th shown can be almost completely ruled out.

2 shows here that the work tool 15th a carrier 34 owns, which as a carrier plate 35 is formed and on which several manipulation elements 37 are attached hanging. Becomes the working tool 15th by means of an industrial robot 30th moved, the carrier remains 34 or the carrier plate 35 here throughout in a horizontal orientation.

For all beverage cans 2 of a respective multipack to be produced 4th includes the work tool 15th its own manipulation element 37 , its structural design in the 5 to 7th each is shown in detail and which one with the flat packaging blank 41 when applied to beverage cans 2 comes into surface contact when subjected to force. About the work tool 15th as it is in the 2 to 4th is shown, three flat packaging blanks can at least approximately at the same time 41 on beverage cans 2 applied so that about the working tool 15th at least approximately at the same time several beverage cans 2 over three flat packaging blanks 41 to three multipacks 4th be summarized.

The perspective view according to 2 also shows that the work tool 15th several side partitions 43 as well as a back wall 46 includes. The side partitions 43 and the back wall 46 are oriented perpendicular to each other. Also are the side partitions 43 and the back wall 46 each hanging on the carrier 34 or on the carrier plate 35 arranged by which carrier 34 or from which carrier plate 35 also the manipulation elements 37 each can be worn hanging.

The spacing between two adjacent side partitions 43 is selected in such a way that a respective flat packaging blank 41 form-fitting or with little play between two adjacent partition walls 43 can be arranged. The back wall 46 sets a position for one between adjacent partitions 43 arranged flat packaging blank 41 fixed in a further spatial direction. A flat packaging cut 41 can therefore with the back wall 43 as well as with two adjacent side partitions 43 in each case are in the system or only slightly opposite the side partition walls 43 or slightly opposite the rear wall 46 be spaced. Because through the side partitions 43 and the back wall 46 a relative movement of a recorded flat packaging blank 41 towards the manipulation elements 37 is prevented in several spatial directions, it can be guaranteed with a high degree of certainty that the manipulation elements 37 when applying the flat packaging blank 41 precisely on a predetermined position of the flat packaging blank 41 to meet.

The side partitions 43 also have another function, which comes from a synopsis of the 1 and 2 becomes clear. As previously mentioned, in the area of the first module 10 Groupings 3 from beverage cans 2 formed, these formed groupings 3 at a distance from one another in the conveying direction via the transport device FR are moved and here in the area of the second module 20th reach. To flat packaging blanks 41 on the groupings 3 To be able to apply precisely, so that the beverage cans 2 on the openings 42 meet, it is necessary to have one between successive groupings 3 formed relative spacing corresponds very precisely to a predetermined target spacing. In the event that a soda can 2 while moving over the transport device 5 or while dividing the beverage cans 2 in groupings 3 Unintentionally slipping, it can happen that this beverage can 2 too close to a leading group 3 or too close to a trailing group 3 is located. To correct such a mistake or to remove the beverage can 2 then move to a position in which the beverage can 2 when applying the flat packaging blank 41 precisely on a respective opening 42 hits, the respective beverage can 2 if necessary via the side partitions 43 postponed. How 2 shows, the side partitions are tapered 43 each in the opposite direction of the carrier 34 . For applying the flat packaging blank 41 becomes the working tool 15th towards the beverage cans 2 or in the direction of the respective groupings 3 moved, with the side partitions 43 immerse yourself in a free space between successive groupings 3 is trained. Provided there is a beverage can in this free space 2 is located that has slipped unintentionally or whose position does not match a target position, pushes a side partition 43 this beverage can 2 back to an intended target position. This hits the beverage cans 2 precisely on the openings 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 which can also reduce the risk that the beverage cans are pressed in 2 in the openings 42 a crack in the flat packaging blank 41 arises. Which are in the opposite direction of the wearer 34 tapered shape of the side partitions 43 has also proven itself to prevent damage to the beverage cans 2 during contact with the side partitions 43 as well as tilting the beverage cans 2 to avoid while pushing.

Around a flat packaging cut 41 to be able to remove from a magazine in order to then remove the flat packaging blank 41 towards the groupings 3 to be able to move and around the respective in the direction of the groupings 3 moving flat packaging blank 41 until it is applied to a respective grouping 3 firmly on the work tool 15th being able to hold includes the work tool 15th several suction instruments 39 . The suction instruments 39 can each be acted upon with negative pressure or flat packaging blanks 41 via negative pressure on the work tool 15th fix. The working tool 15th includes for each flat packaging cut to be received 41 several suction instruments 39 so that the respective flat packaging blank 41 via the respective multiple suction instruments 39 safe on the work tool 15th can be held.

In 3 are the suction instruments 39 shown enlarged again. Also shows 3 again enlarges the carrier 34 or the carrier plate 35 on which the manipulation elements 37 who have favourited the side partitions 43 as well as the back wall 46 are each attached hanging.

From the perspective illustration according to 4th which is the working tool 15th shows from below, it can be seen that the side partitions 43 are oriented parallel to each other. On the right is in 4th a flat packaging cut 41 shown which of the work tool 15th between two side partitions 43 is held. For every beverage can 2 forms the flat packaging cut 41 already has a respective opening 42 in which the respective beverage can 2 can be inserted or pushed in. For clarification, in 4th already a beverage can 2 shown which in an opening 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 about the work tool 15th was pressed in and now on the flat packaging blank 41 is fixed.

In the embodiment shown in the figures of the present patent application, the flat packaging blank forms 41 when applied to a respective grouping 3 already for every beverage can 2 of the respective group 3 an associated opening 42 out. In further embodiments, however, it can also be that a for forming the openings 42 the area provided in each case in the flat packaging cut-out 42 is pre-cut and that the openings 42 only when the flat packaging blank is applied 41 on the beverage cans 2 be formed. The beverage cans 2 can be guided against the pre-punched area with a force applied, the pre-punched area at least partially from the flat packaging blank 41 is separated and thereby openings 42 in flat packaging 41 arise. Such embodiments of a flat packaging blank, too 41 can by means of the embodiment of a work tool accordingly 1 to 4th on several beverage cans 2 be applied.

In 5 is an embodiment of a manipulation element 37 shown. The manipulation element 37 is part of the embodiment of the work tool 15th according to the 2 to 4th , but can be used separately from this embodiment in the general context or, if necessary, be part of further embodiments. The manipulation element 37 includes a contact surface 38 , which with the flat packaging cut 41 for pressing in a beverage can 2 into an associated opening 42 is brought into surface contact with force. The contact area 38 has a curved shape. From a synopsis of the 5 and 6th it is then clear that the contact area 38 of the manipulation element 37 immediately when it hits the flat packaging blank 41 not all or only in certain areas on the flat packaging blank 41 is present. Becomes the manipulation element 37 starting from its position after 6th further towards the beverage can 2 moves, the contact surface occurs 38 of the manipulation element 37 due to elastic deformation of the flat packaging blank 41 at a certain point in time along the entire circumference of the respective in the flat packaging blank 41 formed opening 42 with the flat packaging cut 41 in contact and then presses the beverage can 2 through the opening 42 until the soda can 2 firmly on the flat packaging blank 41 is held. Due to the curved shape of the contact surface 38 becomes one for pressing in a respective beverage can 2 into a respective opening 42 necessary force along the circumference of the opening 42 staggered in time to the flat packaging cut 41 upset. Thus, the manipulation element occurs 37 when a beverage can is beginning to be pushed in 2 into a respective opening 42 initially on several along the circumference of the respective opening 42 staggered areas with the flat packaging cut 41 in surface contact. Only while the respective beverage can is being pressed in further 2 into the respective opening 42 becomes an area with which the manipulation element 37 over the contact area 38 with the flat packaging cut 41 comes into contact, area enlarged, whereby the risk of unwanted tearing of the flat packaging blank 41 in the area of the respective opening 42 can be kept very low. Apart from the curved course of the contact surface 38 there are other embodiments for Formation of the contact area 38 of the manipulation element 37 , with which to press a respective beverage can 2 into a respective opening 42 necessary force along the circumference of the respective opening 42 staggered in time to the flat packaging cut 41 can raise. For example, the contact surface 38 in this case designed in a straight line and at an angle to the flat packaging blank 41 be employed. Embodiments have also proven themselves in which the as part of a work tool 15th trained manipulation elements 37 for the staggered application of one to push in a respective beverage can 2 into a respective opening 42 intended force can be rotated. An axis of rotation can be along a longitudinal axis of the respective beverage can 2 run away. The shape of the contact surface 38 of the respective manipulation element 15th can continue to have a curved course or at an angle to the flat packaging blank 41 be employed.

In 7th are again individual aspects of the representation 6th shown in detail or enlarged. The curved or curved course of the contact surface 38 of the manipulation element 15th can still be seen. Also shows 7th that the flat packaging cut 41 in the area of a respective opening 42 several retaining tabs 49 owns. A respective beverage can 2 also forms an upper edge 51 or fold (cf. 8th ), which is a closure of a respective beverage can, not shown in the figures 2 runs.

After a respective beverage can 2 into a respective opening 42 has been pressed in, are the retaining tabs 49 each below the respective upper edge 51 arranged, and set the flat packaging blank 41 immovable in the axial direction on the respective beverage can 2 firmly. To one for pushing in the beverage cans 2 in the openings 42 To keep the necessary force low, embodiments have proven in which the retaining tongues 42 before the beverage cans are pressed in 2 in the openings 42 be pre-bent or, if necessary, in an upright orientation accordingly 6th be convicted.

8th shows a schematic perspective view of a multipack 4th , as it is with various embodiments of the work tool according to the invention 15th can be produced. The multipack 4th in the present case includes exactly eight beverage cans 2 , which over a flat packaging blank 41 are held together. The beverage cans 2 were for this purpose in openings 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 by means of a working tool 15th (see. 1 to 4th ) pressed in, causing the retaining tabs 49 below the top margins 51 be arranged, which retaining tabs 49 the flat packaging cut 41 immovable in the axial direction on the beverage cans 2 fix.

9 shows several steps in the flowchart, as they are individually or in the in 9 combination shown in various embodiments of the method according to the invention 100 can be provided. As part of a first step, on which digit 110 refers to several beverage cans 2 via a transport device 5 as a group 3 provided what transport device 5 the multiple beverage cans 2 this as a group 3 in the work area of an industrial robot 30th emotional.

In step 120 which on the crotch 110 can follow or if necessary with the step 110 is overlaid in time, the industrial robot removes 30th about a work tool 15th that on a working arm 25th of the industrial robot 30th is arranged, a flat packaging blank 41 from a magazine and aligns the flat packaging blank 41 horizontally oriented above the respective grouping 3 off so that the soda cans 2 of the respective group 3 with openings 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 cursing.

In step 130 be the beverage cans 2 in the openings 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 pressed in, including a defined force in the area of a respective opening 42 on the flat packaging blank 41 is applied. The respective defined force is here along the circumference of a respective opening 42 staggered in time to the flat packaging cut 41 upset.

10 shows an alternative embodiment of the contact surface 38 of the manipulation element 37 .

11 shows an alternative embodiment of the contact surface 38 of the manipulation element 37 . In addition, there is at least one controllable contact surface 52 intended. The controllable contact area 52 is when the flat packaging blank is pressed on 41 from the plane of the contact surface 38 moved out, so that a staggered pressing of the flat packaging blank 41 takes place.

The controllable contact surfaces can be activated during the pressing-on or at the time before the pressing-on process is completed 52 back into the contact area 38 be retracted actively or passively.

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 claims below.

List of reference symbols

1

Packing line

2

Beverage can

3

grouping

4th

Multipack

5

Transport device

10

First module

15th

Work tool

20th

Second module

25th

Labor arm

30th

Industrial robots

34

carrier

35

Carrier plate

37

Manipulation element

38

Contact area

39

Suction device

41

Flat packaging cut

42

opening

43

Side partition

46

Back wall

49

Retaining tab

51

upper edge

100

Procedure

110

First procedural step

120

Second process step

130

Third procedural step

FR

Conveying direction

52

Controllable contact area

S.

Control and / or regulating device

Claims (14)

Working tool (15) for applying a flat packaging blank (41) to several beverage cans (2), the working tool (15) comprising - a carrier (34) and - several manipulation elements (37) arranged hanging on the carrier (34) via which the flat A defined force can be applied to the packaging blank (41) in the area of several openings (42) so that a respective beverage can (2) is pressed into a respective opening (42) of the flat packaging blank (41), the working tool (15) being characterized that - the plurality of manipulation elements (37) arranged hanging on the carrier (34) are designed such that the several manipulation elements (37) arranged hanging on the carrier (34) for pressing a respective beverage can (2) into a respective opening (42) a respective defined force along the respective circumferential course of the respective opening (42) on the flat packaging blank (41) with a time offset can bring. Working tool after Claim 1 , in which the multiple manipulation elements (37) each form a contact surface (38) via which the respective manipulation element (37) can apply the defined force in the area of the respective opening (42) to the flat packaging blank (41) and which contact surface (38 ) is oriented obliquely in the area of the respective opening (42) with respect to the flat packaging blank (41) and / or can be placed onto the flat packaging blank (41) with a curved course. Working tool after Claim 1 or Claim 2 , in which the plurality of manipulation elements (37) can each execute a rotary movement for applying the defined force staggered in time along the circumference of the respective opening (42). Working tool according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , comprising at least one suction and / or gripping instrument (39), via which at least one suction and / or gripping instrument (39) the flat packaging blank (41) can be released during the pressing of a respective beverage can (2) into a respective opening (42) can be fixed on the working tool (15). Working tool after Claim 4 , in which the at least one suction instrument (39) can fix the flat packaging blank (41) detachably and via negative pressure on the working tool (15) while a respective beverage can (2) is being pressed into a respective opening (42). Working tool according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , which comprises a plurality of lateral partition walls (43), between which a respective flat packaging blank (41) provided for application to beverage cans (2) can be arranged in a form-fitting manner or with little play. Industrial robot (30), comprising - At least one movable working arm (25) and - at least one working tool (15) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , which at least one working tool (15) is arranged on the at least one movable working arm (25) and via which at least one movable working arm (25) the at least one working tool (15) can be moved in at least two different spatial directions and preferably in three different spatial directions. Method (100) for producing a multipack (4) having several beverage cans (2), the method comprising the following steps: - providing several beverage cans (2) via a transport device (5) and - applying a flat packaging blank (41) to the several over the transport device (5) provided beverage cans (2) by means of a working tool (15), for which a respective beverage can (2) is pressed into a respective opening (42) of the flat packaging blank (41) via the working tool (15), so that the in the openings (42) of the flat packaging blank (41) pressed in beverage cans (2) are held together in a non-positive and / or form-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank (41), the method characterized in that - the working tool (15) for pressing in the beverage cans (2 ) in the openings (42) a respective defined force in the area of a respective opening (42) on the flat packaging Applying cut (41), the respective defined force being applied to the flat packaging blank (41) along the circumference of a respective opening (42) with a time offset. Procedure according to Claim 8 in which - the flat packaging blank (41) is aligned horizontally above the respective beverage cans (2) before the beverage cans (2) are pressed into the openings (42) and in which method - the working tool (15) has several manipulation elements (37 ), whereby a respective manipulation element (37) for pressing a respective beverage can (2) into a respective opening (42) is acted upon by force in the area of a respective opening (42) against the at least horizontally oriented flat packaging blank ( 41) is performed, which contact surface (38) has a curved and / or an inclined course compared to the flat packaging blank (41), which was at least up to that point horizontally oriented. Procedure according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 , in which the working tool (15) has several manipulation elements (37), a respective manipulation element (37) being placed on the flat packaging blank (41) in the area of a respective opening (42) and placed on the flat packaging blank (41) in the area of the respective opening (42) is rotated, resulting in the respective defined force provided for pressing the respective beverage can (2) into the respective opening (42) offset in time along the circumferential course of the respective opening (42) on the flat packaging blank (41) is applied. Method according to one of the Claims 8 to 10 , in which the working tool (15) has at least one suction and / or gripping instrument (39), which at least one suction and / or gripping instrument (39) the flat packaging blank (41) before and / or during the pressing of the beverage cans (2) in the openings (42) on the working tool (15). Procedure according to Claim 11 , in which the at least one suction and / or gripping instrument (39) holds the flat packaging blank (42) before and / or during the pressing of the beverage cans (2) into the openings (42) via negative pressure on the working tool (15). Method according to one of the Claims 8 to 12th , in which the flat packaging blank (41) has a plurality of retaining tabs (49) for at least one of its openings (42) and preferably for each of its openings (42), which each time the beverage cans (2) are pressed into the openings (42) be arranged below a respective upper edge (51) of a respective beverage can (2), so that the flat packaging blank (41) thereupon via its retaining tabs (49) in the axial direction relative to the beverage cans (2) essentially immovable on the beverage cans (2) is held. Procedure according to Claim 13 , in which the holding tabs (49) are aligned or pre-bent before the beverage cans (2) are pressed into the openings (42), whereby the holding tabs (49) each point away from the flat packaging blank (41) in an upward direction.

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