DE102020101932A1 - Packaging unit, packaging device and method for producing packaging units - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging unit (20) comprising at least two articles (10) as well as a packaging device (1) and a method for producing such a packaging unit (20) is disclosed. The at least two articles are at least partially encased by a flat packaging material (13) formed by paper or essentially consisting of paper. The packaging material (13) covers, at least in some areas, the lower sides (41) and the upper sides (40) and lateral outer jacket surfaces (42) of the articles (10). Furthermore, the at least two articles (10) are combined and mechanically held together by a flat packaging blank (14), which packaging blank (14) has at least two passage openings (15) for the articles (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging unit, as well as a packaging device and a method for producing packaging units according to the features of the preambles of the independent claims.

There are different types of packaging for the processing, compilation, grouping and packaging of articles such as, for example, beverage containers, for example the combination of the articles or containers into portable, relatively manageable container units or packaging units. Here, too, there are various known ways of combining individual articles 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 or packaging 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.

In the manufacture of known types of packaging, specific manufacturing steps are necessary 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 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 investment of capital.

A 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 strapping bands 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, in order to combine several bottles via their neck areas. A packaging machine for placing such top cardboard packaging is disclosed 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 is arranged in the box and by placing a smaller number of upper gripping cardboard packagings on top, sub-groups are formed which each combine a part of the articles arranged in the box.

The lack of product protection is problematic both with strapping containers and with containers with upper cardboard packaging. The corresponding containers are therefore often used in a cardboard box as tertiary packaging for transport and / or storage. Furthermore, strapping containers and containers with upper cardboard packaging have little advertising space.

The object of the invention is to provide an optimized packaging unit which does not have the disadvantages known from the prior art.

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

The invention relates to a packaging unit comprising at least two articles or containers, the combination of at least two articles or group of articles being at least partially encased by a flat packaging material formed by paper or essentially consisting of paper, and the at least two articles furthermore by a flat packaging material Packaging cut-outs are combined and mechanically held together.

The articles or containers are preferably beverage containers, in particular bottles made of PET or another suitable plastic or cans made of plastic and / or aluminum, cardboard, a composite material or the like Form the packaging unit from other suitable containers.

The packaging material covers, at least in some areas, the undersides and the tops and lateral outer jacket surfaces of the articles. Particularly preferably, the packaging material essentially completely covers the lower sides and the upper sides of the articles. According to one embodiment, the articles are arranged standing on a region of the packaging material. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the packaging material at least partially or essentially completely covers the lateral outer jacket surfaces of the articles, which are each assigned to two mutually opposite side surfaces of the packaging unit to be formed. As a rule, the other two opposite side surfaces in the finished packaging unit remain uncovered by packaging material. For example, it is provided that the blank of packaging material used for wrapping the articles has a width which corresponds to a first width of the article group. Furthermore, it can be provided that the blank of packaging material used for wrapping the articles has a length which is greater than a sum of twice a second width of the article group and twice a height of the article group.

Another embodiment can provide that the blank of packaging material has a width which is greater than the first width of the article group. When the item group is wrapped with the blank of packaging material, this protrudes laterally in areas. The protruding areas can then be turned over and assigned to the other side surfaces which, in the embodiment described above, are not covered by packaging material. The folded-over areas are preferably fixed to at least one article of the article group by means of an adhesive connection, for example by means of at least one adhesive point.

The packaging blank is used in particular to hold the articles together mechanically within the article group and is applied from above to the assembly of at least two articles or containers. The packaging blank is preferably assigned to a neck area of the article or container. The packaging blank is preferably placed on the previously grouped and arranged in a defined arrangement of articles or containers and pressed by an at least partially downward force, in particular a downward pressure, at least partially on the articles of the article group and thereby fixed to them . When articles or containers are referred to below, this also includes, in particular, articles, beverage containers, bottles made of plastic or glass, cans made of plastic or metal or the like.

The packaging blank is preferably designed to be essentially flat and has at least two passage openings for the articles. The number and arrangement of the passage openings corresponds to the number and arrangement of the articles within the article group to be combined by the packaging blank.

The packaging blank is applied to the article from above in such a way that the articles each pass through a passage opening in certain areas. In particular, it is provided that, after the packaging blank has been attached to the group of articles, subregions of the articles are located in regions above and in regions below the packaging blank. After the packaging blank has been determined, a defined upper area of the article is preferably located above the packaging blank, while a defined lower area of the article is arranged below the packaging blank. This results in the packaging blank, in the applied state and fixed on the articles, being at least partially arranged and fixed between the articles.

In particular, the through openings of the packaging blank can have fixing devices. For example, fixing tabs are formed by incisions or the like extending radially from the passage openings. After the packaging blank has been arranged and fastened to the articles or containers, it is in engagement with the articles in such a way that the packaging blank is essentially fixed in place on the articles. Thus, the packaging blank can only be removed again from the articles of the container group with increased expenditure of force with an upward force component, the packaging blank usually being at least partially destroyed. Such packaging blanks are also referred to as top cardboard packaging. The packaging blank preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material, for example a cardboard-plastic composite material, a fiber-reinforced composite material or the like.

Articles designed as bottles can, for example, have a closure area with a screw cap and neck ring. It is provided here that the fixing tabs of the packaging blank snap into place below the so-called neck ring after being applied to the bottles.

Articles designed as cans preferably have a region in the upper area Widening to which the packaging cut is determined. In particular, the cans have a lid edge or a flanged edge. The cans are at least slightly tapered below this edge of the lid. In particular, the cans are beverage cans conventionally known from the prior art. It is preferably provided that the packaging blank, after being applied to the assembly of at least two cans, is fixed and fixed on the cans below the so-called lid edge in the region of the taper.

A packaging device for producing the above-described packaging units comprises a feed device for the at least two articles or for combinations of at least two articles, a first packaging module for applying and fixing a packaging blank to the at least two articles and a second packaging module for wrapping the at least two articles with the flat Packing material.

For example, article groups comprising at least two articles are put together in a suitable arrangement in a one-part module. The article groups are first fed to one packaging module and then to the other.

According to a first embodiment of a packaging device, the second packaging module is arranged downstream of the first packaging module in a production sequence. In particular, in such a first embodiment of a packaging device, the articles of the article group are first combined with a packaging blank which, as described above, is pressed onto the articles of the article group. The articles combined in this way with a packaging blank to form a pre-bundle are then wrapped, at least in some areas, with a packaging material in the manner described above.

According to a second embodiment of a packaging device, the second packaging module is arranged in front of the first packaging module in a production sequence. In particular, in such a second embodiment of a packaging device, the articles of the article group are first at least partially wrapped with packaging material. A packaging blank is then arranged and fixed on the articles which are at least partially wrapped with packaging material. In this case, the packaging blank is placed on the upper sides of the articles, which are at least partially covered with packaging material, and pressed down, so that partly packaging material and an upper portion of the article are pressed through the respective passage openings. Preferably, after the packaging blank has been applied, the upper sides of the articles are furthermore at least partially covered by packaging material and thus protected.

So that the packaging material does not tear when the packaging blank is applied, it can be provided according to one embodiment that the packaging material used allows a certain length compensation, in particular that the packaging material can be stretched to a certain extent. When the packaging blank is pressed onto the articles wrapped with packaging material, the packaging material is stretched at least in some areas and in particular does not tear or only partially tears.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the packaging material has perforations which enable or effect a controlled tearing of the packaging material. For example, before or after the articles are wrapped, perforations are made in the packaging material, each of which essentially delimits areas which correspond to the areas delimited by the through openings of the packaging blank. According to one embodiment, the arrangement and size of the perforations corresponds essentially to the arrangement and size of the upper sides of the articles and / or the arrangement and size of the passage openings of the packaging blank to be applied. The pre-perforated packaging material is wrapped around the article in such a way that in each case an area delimited by perforations is assigned to an upper side of an article. If the perforations are only introduced after the articles have been wrapped with the packaging material, they are each designed in such a way that the perforations delimit areas whose shape essentially corresponds to the shape and size of the top of an article.

When the packaging blank is applied by pressing it onto the articles wrapped with packaging material, the packaging material at least partially tears open at the perforations. It is preferably provided that the area delimited by the perforations is still partially connected to the remaining packaging material after the packaging blank has been applied and, in particular, has not been completely separated out. Thus, the tops of the articles are still covered by the packaging material. An alternative embodiment can provide that when the packaging blank is pressed on, the surfaces delimited by the perforations are completely separated out, so that the surfaces now lie loosely on the upper sides of the articles. Here it can be provided that the separated and loosely lying areas of packaging material before further handling of the packaging units, for example, are suctioned off.

According to a further embodiment it is provided that the area delimited by the perforations is at least slightly larger than the area of the top of the article. Thus, when the packaging blank is pressed on, the circumferential edge region of the area of the packaging material delimited by the perforations can be pressed down and clamped between the circumference of the respective passage opening of the packaging blank and the respective article. This ensures that even if the area delimited by perforations is completely separated out by tearing open the packaging material at the perforations, the separated areas of packaging material are still assigned to the upper sides of the articles and preferably completely cover them.

In order to be able to hold and transport the packaging units more easily, the design or arrangement and attachment of a carrying and / or holding device can be advantageous. In particular, it is provided that at least one handle is formed on the packaging blank and / or on the packaging material and / or on the articles or that a handle is arranged and attached to the packaging blank and / or to the packaging material and / or to the articles is.

For example, the packaging blank can have further suitable openings which serve as grip openings through which the user can insert his fingers and thus lift the packaging unit and carry the articles combined in the packaging unit together. The use of a packaging blank with grip openings is particularly useful in the embodiment of a sales unit in which the articles are first wrapped with the packaging material and then additionally combined with a packaging blank and, in particular, held together mechanically.

Alternatively, it can be provided that handle openings are made in the packaging material at a suitable point or are made in the context of the packaging process. In particular when using very thin packaging material, reinforcement of the edge areas of the handle openings can be provided in order to prevent the handle openings from being torn out when the packaging unit is lifted.

Alternatively or additionally, an externally applied carrying and / or holding device can be attached to the packaging unit by, for example, attaching a strip-shaped carrying handle to the articles and / or to the packaging blank and / or to the packaging material via two end regions. It is preferably provided that the two end areas are each attached to opposite side surfaces of the packaging unit on the lateral outer jacket surfaces of the article or on the packaging material covering the lateral outer jacket surfaces of the article and that the handle spans the upper sides of the article at least partially.

The packaging modules for applying and setting the packaging blank on the articles and for wrapping the articles with packaging material can work both continuously and in a clocked manner. It is preferably provided that the two different packaging modules are synchronized in a cyclical mode of operation in order to ensure an optimal production process.

In the case of the packaging units according to the invention, the articles are held together in particular by the packaging blank. The packaging material which at least partially envelops the article serves primarily to protect the product. In particular, the packaging material at least partially protects the upper sides and the lower sides of the articles as well as lateral outer jacket surfaces of the articles. The packaging material can also help to hold the articles together in the packaging unit. Furthermore, the packaging material preferably provides an enlarged advertising area on which information on the articles and / or advertising can be printed or can be printed in the context of the packaging.

According to an embodiment in which no additional cohesion is necessary, the packaging material formed from paper or essentially consisting of paper can be selected to be particularly thin, as a result of which the pollution of the environment by packaging material can be further minimized.

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 interrelationships 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, equally relate to or may 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 interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Verpackungsvorrichtung und eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Verpackungseinheit.
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Verpackungsvorrichtung und eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Verpackungseinheit.
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer alternativen Verpackungsvorrichtung und eines alternativen Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Verpackungseinheit.
• 4 zeigt eine Artikelgruppe.
• 5A bis 5C zeigen schematisch die Verfahrensschritte beim Herstellen einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Verpackungseinheit gemäß 1.
• 6A und 6B zeigen schematisch die Verfahrensschritte beim Herstellen einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Verpackungseinheit gemäß 2 oder 3.

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 representation of a packaging device and a method for producing a first embodiment of a packaging unit.
• 2 shows a schematic representation of a packaging device and a method for producing a second embodiment of a packaging unit.
• 3 shows a schematic representation of an alternative packaging device and an alternative method for producing a second embodiment of a packaging unit.
• 4th shows an article group.
• 5A until 5C schematically show the method steps in the production of a first embodiment of a packaging unit according to FIG 1 .
• 6A and 6B schematically show the method steps in the production of a second embodiment of a packaging unit according to FIG 2 or 3 .

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 packaging device according to the invention and the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

1 shows a schematic representation of a packaging device 1 and a method for producing a first embodiment of a packaging unit 20th .

items 10 , for example beverage bottles or cans 11 are in a dividing module 2 to article groups 12th compiled. The articles 10 become the dividing module 2 for example supplied as a disordered mass flow. Alternatively, the articles 10 the dividing module 2 ordered in at least one row, preferably ordered in at least two parallel rows.

As article groups 12th one denotes in particular a compilation comprising at least two articles 10 , which subsequently on the one hand by means of a flat packaging material made of paper 13th and on the other hand by means of a flat packaging cut 14th be summarized. The article groups 12th are at the in 1 illustrated first embodiment of a packaging device 1 Via a feed device, for example a conveyor belt or the like, to a first packaging module 3 fed, in which a flat packaging blank 14th on the articles 10 the article group 12th is applied and set. The first packaging module 3 is also used as an application module 4th designated.

With the packaging cut 14th it is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank which has a defined number of passage openings 15th having. The number of openings 15th preferably corresponds to the number of articles 10 within the article group 12th and the arrangement of the passage openings 15th corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 10 within the article group 12th . In particular, the passage openings 15th designed such that the packaging blank 14th from the top of the article 10 applied, in particular pressed on, can be. The packaging cut 14th preferably consists essentially of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material.

The packaging cut 14th is through a suitable application head (not shown) of the first packaging module 3 on the article group 12th pressed on from above and at the same time on the articles 10 applied and set. In particular, after the packaging blank has been applied 14th on the article group 12th a first subsection of the article 10 above the packaging blank 14th , while a second subsection of the article 10 below the packaging blank 14th extends. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 14th in this position by the article 10 is held and vice versa.

For example, the application head comprises at least one vacuum suction device that is used to pick up a packaging blank 14th from a Magazine or similar is applied with a vacuum. After the packaging cut 14th by pressing on the item group with an application force 12th has been determined, the vacuum is released and thus the packaging cut 14th released by the application head. The packaging cut 14th is now partially between the articles 10 arranged and determined and holds them together.

The compilation of at least two articles 10 and a packaging blank 14th is hereinafter also referred to as a pre-container 16 designated. The pre-container 16 is, for example, a second packaging module via a further conveyor belt or the like 5 fed. In particular, this is an impact module 6th . The second packaging module 5 is prepared and equipped for this, the at least two with a packaging blank 14th as a pre-container 16 articles held together 10 with a flat packaging material 13th , which is formed by paper or consists essentially of paper, to be wrapped. The with the packaging cut 14th summarized article 10 such from the flat packaging material 13th that envelops the undersides of the item 10 and at least in some areas the tops of the articles 10 and lateral outer jacket surface of the packaging material 13th be covered (compare also 5B) .

For example, it is provided that the article group 12th in a central area of the packaging material 13th on this is arranged and that the side over the article 10 protruding areas of the packaging material 13th up and around the articles 10 to be beaten around. The size of the blank of packaging material used is preferably 13th chosen such that two mutually opposite edge areas 17th the packaging material 13th are arranged overlapping each other after wrapping. Preferably this area of overlap is the tops of the articles 10 assigned. Alternatively, it can be provided that the overlap area is on the side of the articles 10 is trained.

According to one embodiment it can be provided that the packaging material 13th via an adhesive connection to at least one article 10 and / or on the packaging blank 14th is attached, for example, the packaging material 13th with at least one article 10 and / or with the packaging blank 14th glued. Alternatively or additionally, the overlapping edge areas 17th the packaging material 13th are glued together.

The one with a packaging blank 14th and a packaging material 13th summarized article 10 are hereinafter also referred to as a packaging unit 20th or container 21 designated.

Furthermore, the packaging unit 20th with at least one carrying and / or holding device 30th be equipped or equipped that enable the user to grasp and hold or carry the packaging unit 20th facilitate. For example, this can be done in the packaging material 13th Finger holes 31 be provided. The finger holes 31 can already be cut in the packaging material before the wrapping process 13th be trained. Alternatively, it can be provided that the handle holes 31 only be formed after the packaging material 13th has been arranged around the article and, if necessary, fixed to it. The grip holes are particularly preferred 31 formed in an area in which two edge areas 17th the packaging material 13th overlap, since the overlap increases the stability of the packaging material 13th is increased in this area.

Alternatively, a so-called handle strap can be used as a carrying and / or holding device 30th on the packaging unit 20th be trained as it is related to 2 and 5C is described.

According to an alternative embodiment, the wrapping with the packaging blank 14th summarized article 10 also take place in such a way that the article group 12th at least partially on an edge area 17th a blank made of packaging material 13th is arranged. Then the packaging material 13th to the articles 10 knocked around so that it envelops them at least in some areas. The opposite edge area 17th the packaging material 13th is also below the item group 12th arranged so that in this embodiment, too, the two mutually opposite edge regions 17th overlap each other. In this embodiment, too, it can be provided that the packaging material 13th with articles 10 and / or with the packaging blank 14th is glued. Furthermore or alternatively it can be provided that the below the article 10 arranged edge areas 17th the packaging material 13th are glued together.

2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a packaging device 1 and a method for producing a second embodiment of a packaging unit 20th . In this second embodiment of a packaging device 1 First in a production sequence is a second packaging module 5 , especially impact module 6th , for wrapping an assortment of articles 10 with packaging material 13th and then a first Packaging module 3 , especially the application module 4th , for applying a packaging blank 14th on those with packaging material 13th wrapped article group 12th arranged.

In this case too, they are first placed in a dividing module 2 at least two articles each 10 to article groups 12th compiled. The article groups 12th become the second packaging module 5 fed, in which they are at least partially with packaging material 13th be wrapped so that the tops of the items 10 , the subpages of the article 10 and, at least in some areas, lateral outer circumferential surfaces of the articles 10 of the packaging material 13th are covered. The wrapping takes place in particular in such a way that two mutually opposite edge regions 17th a blank of packaging material 13th in the area of the tops of the articles 10 or in the area of the sub-pages of the article 10 or in the area of the lateral outer jacket surfaces of the article 10 overlap. The edge areas 17th are preferably glued together in this so-called overlap area. The one with the packaging material 13th wrapped article 10 are also available as pre-containers 18th designated.

The pre-container 18th become a first packaging module 3 , especially the application module 4th , transported, in which a packaging blank 14th , the number and arrangement of passage openings 15th has the number and arrangement of articles 10 in the pre-container 18th from above onto the pre-container 18th put on and by a downward application force on the articles 10 of the pre-container 18th is determined.

Thereby the article occurs 10 at least in some areas through the passage openings 15th through it so that a top part of the article 10 and that on the respective top side of the article 10 arranged packaging material 13th now above the packaging blank 14th condition.

In this case, doses known from the prior art are preferably used 11 used, which have a regional widening in the upper area. The packaging cut 14th is determined by the area-wise widening. In particular, point the cans 11 a lid edge or beaded edge. The cans point below this edge of the lid 11 at least a slight taper. The packaging cut 14th is on the with packing material 13th wrapped compilation or article group 12th comprising six cans 11 so pressed that the lid area of the cans 11 through the respective passage opening 15th of the packaging cut 14th is pressed through and the packaging blank 14th especially below the so-called lid edge in the area of the taper on the cans 11 is fixed and fixed (compare also 6B) .

Between the packaging cut 14th and the cans 11 the article group 12th is at least partially packaging material 13th arranged. According to one embodiment, the packaging material formed from paper or essentially consisting of paper can be used 13th allow a certain length compensation. When pressing the packaging blank 14th on those with packaging material 13th wrapped article 11 becomes the packaging material 13th stretched at least in some areas. Alternatively, the packaging material 13th when applying the packaging blank 14th at least partially tear open.

The packaging material 13th essentially covers the bottoms and tops of the articles 10 . Preferably after applying the packaging blank 14th the tops of the articles 10 continue to be at least partially from the packaging material 13th covered (compare also 6A , 6B) . The packaging material 13th mainly effects product protection. In addition, it represents an enlarged advertising and information area that can be or can be printed with appropriate information or the like.

The packaging cut 14th serves in particular to keep the articles together securely 10 . In addition, the packaging material 13th the cohesion of the articles 10 serve. In addition, the packaging cut 14th at least one grip hole 31 as a carrying and / or holding device 30th exhibit. Alternatively, a handle strap can be used 32 as a carrying and / or holding device 30th on the packaging unit formed in this way 20th be applied (compare 3 , compare 5C ).

About the passage of the cans in certain areas 11 through the passage openings 15th of the packaging cut 14th to facilitate, it can be provided that the packaging blank 14th suitable fixing devices 33 has, for example. By fixing tabs 34 can be formed. For example, the fixing tabs 34 through radially from the passage openings 15th from extending incisions 35 trained or similar. After arranging and attaching the packaging blank 14th on the articles 10 is the packaging cut 14th so with the articles 10 engaged that the packaging blank 14th essentially stationary on the articles 10 is set and the article 10 no significant relative movements or changes in position relative to one another or to the packaging blank 14th can do more. Thus, the packaging blank 14th only with increased effort with an upward force component again from the articles 10 the article group 12th be removed, with the packaging blank 14th is usually at least partially destroyed.

3 shows a schematic representation of an alternative packaging device 1 and an alternative method of manufacturing a second embodiment of a packaging unit 20th . The production of a pre-container 18th corresponds here to the embodiment according to 2 , the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In the packaging material 13th of the pre-container 18th are then placed in a cutting module 7th Perforations 25th brought in. In particular, perforations 25th introduced, each of which is essentially circular 26th limit their arrangement and size essentially with the arrangement and size of the tops of the articles 10 in the article group 12th and / or the passage openings 15th of the packaging blank to be applied 14th correspond.

When applying the packaging blank 14th by pressing on the packaging material 13th wrapped article 10 tears the packaging material 13th at the perforations 25th at least partially. It is preferably provided that the perforations 25th limited area 26th after applying the packaging blank 14th still partially with the remaining packaging material 13th connected and in particular not completely separated.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the perforations 25th limited area 26th is at least slightly larger than the area of the top of the article 10 . Thus, when pressing on the packaging blank 14th the circumferential edge area of the perforations 25th limited area 26th the packaging material 13th pressed down and between the circumference of the respective passage opening 15th of the packaging cut 14th and the respective article 10 be clamped. This ensures that even with a complete separation of the perforations 25th limited area 26th by tearing open the packaging material 13th at the perforations 25th in connection with the printing of the packaging blank 14th , the separated areas 26th of packaging material 13th continue the tops of the article 10 are assigned and preferably completely cover them.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown here, it is shown that a so-called handle strap 32 as a carrying and / or holding device 30th on the packaging unit 20th is formed and / or attached. For example, a handle strap 32 in a handle application module 8th on the packaging unit 20th attached by the free ends of the handle strap 32 each with opposite outer side surfaces of the packaging unit 20th , especially with through packaging material 13th formed outer side surfaces of the packaging unit 20th to be glued.

4th shows a side view of an article group 12th comprising six articles 10 , especially cans 11 arranged in two parallel rows so that in 4th only three of the cans 11 are visible. The articles 10 each have a top 40 , a subpage 41 and lateral outer jacket surfaces 42 on. Furthermore, the cans 11 a lid edge 44 or beaded edge 45 on, below which the cans 11 at least in some areas a taper 46 exhibit.

5A until 5C schematically show the method steps in the production of a first embodiment of a packaging unit 20th according to 1 . To train an in 5A shown pre-container 16 becomes the packaging blank 14th on the article group 12th comprising six cans 11 so pressed that the lid area of the cans 11 through the respective passage opening 15th of the packaging cut 14th is pushed through and thus the packaging blank 14th below the edge of the lid 44 in the area of rejuvenation 46 on the cans 11 is determined and fixed. Preferably on the packaging blank 14th provided fixing devices, such as those in connection with 2 are described below the edge of the lid 44 intervene to cut the packaging 14th against slipping relative to the articles 10 to secure.

Then a blank of packaging material is made 13th so around the pre-container 16 arranged around that the packaging material 13th at least partially the undersides 41 and the tops 40 and lateral outer jacket surfaces 42 the item 10 covered ( 5B) . Preferably covers the packaging material 13th the undersides 41 and the tops 40 as well as the packaging cut 14th essentially completely. It also covers the packaging material 13th in the packaging unit 20th the lateral outer jacket surfaces 42 the item 10 on two opposite side surfaces of the article group 12th , while the other two side surfaces are essentially free of packaging material 13th are.

In 5C is an embodiment of a packaging unit 20th shown, which continues to have a handle strap 32 as a carrying and / or holding device 30th to that of packaging material 13th covered lateral outer jacket surfaces 42 the item 10 has been arranged and attached. In particular, the free ends of the handle strap 32 on opposite side surfaces of the Packaging Unit 20th each with the packaging material 13th glued.

6A and 6B show schematically the method steps in the production of a second embodiment of a packaging unit 20th according to 2 or 3 . According to 6A became the article group 12th with a cut of packaging material 13th wrapped so that the packaging material 13th preferably the undersides 41 and the tops 40 essentially completely covers. It also covers the packaging material 13th in the packaging unit 20th the lateral outer jacket surfaces 42 the item 10 on two opposite side surfaces of the article group 12th , while the other two side surfaces are essentially free of packaging material 13th could be.

The packaging cut 14th is on the with packing material 13th wrapped article group 12th , which are also available as pre-containers 18th is referred to, pressed in such a way that the lid area 44 of cans 11 and that of the tops 40 of cans 11 assigned area of the packaging material 13th through the respective passage opening 15th of the packaging cut 14th are pushed through, the packaging blank 14th especially below the edge of the lid 44 in the area of rejuvenation 46 on the cans 11 is determined and fixed. Some packaging material is used 13th between the packaging blank 14th and the respective can 11 clamped ( 5B) .

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the representations of the figures and their description should be of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is in a position 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, in particular bottles, 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 claims below.

List of reference symbols

1

Packaging device

2

Divider module

3

first packaging module

4th

Application module

5

second packaging module

6th

Impact module

7th

Cutting module

8th

Handle application module

10

items

11

Can

12th

Article group

13th

packing material

14th

Packaging cut

15th

Passage opening

16

Pre-container

17th

Edge area

18th

Pre-container

20th

Packaging Unit

21st

Container

22nd

Packaging Unit

23

Container

25th

perforation

26th

limited area

30th

Carrying and / or holding device

31

Grip hole

32

Handle

33

Fixing device

34

Fixing tab

35

radial incision

40

Top

41

bottom

42

lateral outer jacket surface

44

Lid rim

45

Beaded edge

46

rejuvenation

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]

Claims (14)

Packaging unit (20) comprising at least two articles (10) which are at least partially encased by a flat packaging material (13) formed by paper or essentially consisting of paper, the packaging material (13) at least partially including the undersides (41) and the upper sides (40) and lateral outer jacket surfaces (42) of the article (10) and in which the at least two articles (10) are further combined and mechanically held together by a flat packaging blank (14), the packaging blank (14) having at least two passage openings (15 ) for the article (10). Packing unit (20) Claim 1 , wherein the articles (10) are arranged upright on a region of the packaging material (13), the upper sides (40) of the articles (10) and lateral outer surfaces (42) of the articles (10) being at least partially enveloped by the packaging material (13) and wherein the packaging blank (14) is partially arranged and fixed between the articles (10), wherein the articles (10) are each arranged in regions to pass through a passage opening of the packaging blank (14), so that a lower portion of the articles (10 ) is arranged below the packaging blank (14) and an upper portion of the article (10) is arranged above the packaging blank (14). Packing unit (20) Claim 1 or 2 wherein the packaging blank (14) consists essentially of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material. Packaging unit (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 wherein the flat packaging material (13) envelops the articles (10) combined with a packaging blank (14) at least in certain areas. Packaging unit (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 wherein the packaging blank (14) is attached or fastened to the articles (10) which are at least partially wrapped with packaging material (13). Packaging unit (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the packaging unit (20) comprises at least one carrying and / or holding device (30), in particular where on the packaging unit (20) at least one carrying handle (32) on the packaging blank (14) and / or on the packaging material (13) and / or is formed or arranged and fastened on the articles (10). Packing unit (20) Claim 6 wherein the packaging blank (14) and / or the packaging material (13) has at least one handle opening (31). Packaging device (1) for producing packaging units (20), in particular packaging device (1) for producing packaging units (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th , the packaging units (20) comprising at least two articles (10) which are at least partially encased by a flat packaging material (13) formed by paper or essentially consisting of paper, the packaging material (13) at least partially encompassing the undersides (41) and covers the upper sides (40) and lateral outer jacket surfaces (42) of the articles (10) and in which the at least two articles (10) are further combined and mechanically held together by a flat packaging blank (14), the packaging blank (14) having at least two passage openings (15) for the articles (10), the packaging device (1) comprising • a feed device for the at least two articles (10) or for combinations of at least two articles; • a first packaging module (3) for applying and fixing a packaging blank (14) to the at least two articles (10) and • a second packaging module (5) for wrapping the at least two articles (10) with the flat packaging material (13). Packaging device (1) according to Claim 8 , wherein the second packaging module (5) is arranged downstream of the first packaging module (3) in a production sequence. Packaging device (1) according to Claim 8 wherein the second packaging module (5) is arranged in a production sequence in front of the first packaging module (3). Method for producing packaging units (20), in particular method for producing packaging units (20) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th , the packaging units (20) comprising at least two articles (10), an assembly comprising at least two articles (10) being at least partially enveloped by a flat packaging material (13) made of paper, so that the packaging material (13) at least partially covers the lower sides (41) and the upper sides (40) as well as lateral outer jacket surfaces (42) of the articles (10) and wherein the at least two articles (10) of the compilation are combined by a flat packaging blank (14), which packaging blank (14) is applied to the article (10) from above, so that the articles (10) are each region-wise through respectively assigned passage openings ( 15) of the packaging blank (14) so that the packaging blank (14) in the applied state and fixed on the articles (10) is partially arranged and fixed between the articles (10) Procedure according to Claim 11 , wherein first the packaging blank (14) is arranged and fixed on the articles (10) and then the articles (10) combined with the packaging blank (14) are at least partially enveloped by the packaging material (13). Procedure according to Claim 11 wherein the articles (10) are first at least partially wrapped with packaging material (13) and then the packaging blank (14) is arranged and fixed on the articles (10) at least partially wrapped with packaging material (13). Method according to one of the Claims 11 until 13th , wherein at least one carrying and / or holding device (30) is formed or arranged and fastened to the packaging units (20), in particular where at least one carrying handle (32) is attached to the packaging blank (14) and / or on the packaging unit (20) the packaging material (13) and / or on the articles (10) is formed or arranged and fastened.

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