DE102020114298A1 - Packaging device and method for producing a packaging unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging device (1) for articles (20) or article groups (60) and a method for producing a packaging unit (10) comprising at least one article (20). The packaging device (1) comprises at least one feeding transport device (40) for the articles (20) or article groups (60) and at least one handling device (46) for the articles (20) or article groups (60), wherein the articles (20) or Article groups (60) are moved in a transport direction to the handling device (46). The handling device (46) is designed to attach at least one packaging blank (30) to at least one article (20) or an article group (60) to form a packaging unit (10).
It is provided that the feeding transport device (40) comprises a drying device (43) for at least regional drying of the outer jacket surfaces of the articles (20) or that the feeding transport device (40) comprises a drying device (43) for at least regional drying of the outer jacket surfaces of the articles (20) is assigned or is arranged upstream in the transport direction or that the handling device (46) is assigned a drying device (43) for at least regional drying of the outer jacket surfaces of the articles (20).

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging device and a method for producing a packaging unit according to the features 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 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 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 by means of so-called strapping bands and connected to one another. In continuous or intermittent strapping machines, containers, articles or bottles are grouped into formations 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.

The use of so-called top cardboard packaging is also known, for example in order to combine several bottles by means of their neck areas. A packaging machine for putting on such top cardboard packaging is disclosed in the patent EP 1 075 419 B1 described. The articles are arranged in a box and the cardboard packaging is placed from above onto the at least one article arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of articles are arranged in the box, and sub-groups are formed by placing a smaller number of upper gripping cardboard packaging on top, each of which summarizes a part of the articles arranged in the box.

Furthermore, the use of top cardboard packaging is described in German patent application no. 10 2019 128 874 described. Grab cardboard packaging often consists of a cardboard box that has, for example, an upper and a lower protective layer. This protective layer is perforated in the area of the passage openings for the articles so that moisture can penetrate into the cardboard and destabilize it. One problem arises, for example, in connection with articles whose outer surfaces are dirty, in particular damp and / or wet. The cause of damp and / or wet outer surfaces can, for example, be a cleaning or floor cooling process or a so-called rinsing process, in which an interior cleaning up to an interior sterilization of articles to be filled with an ingredient takes place as containers before they are filled, or else the Condensation of humidity on colder surfaces, for example after filling the article with a corresponding content, or a combination thereof.

The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to ensure the stability of the packaging units to be produced.

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

The articles to which a corresponding packaging blank is applied by means of the packaging device are preferably beverage containers, which can in particular mean bottles or cans. However, the packaging device is also suitable for arranging a corresponding packaging blank on other suitable articles and fixing them there.

The articles or article groups, which each contain at least two articles, are selected via a first feeding transport device is fed to a handling device in a transport direction. The handling device can be a so-called application module, for example. This handling device is designed and provided to attach and / or fix at least one packaging blank on at least one article or on the article group while forming a packaging unit. In this case, a packaging blank is preferably placed on the at least one article or the article group and is at least partially pressed onto the article or the articles of the article group by an at least partially downward force, in particular a downward pressure, and thereby fixed to it.

Such a suitable packaging blank is designed, for example, to be essentially flat and has at least one passage opening for at least one article. The packaging blank is arranged on the article or articles in such a way that the passage openings each correspond to the longitudinal center axes of the article. In particular, the center point of the passage openings is aligned with the longitudinal center axes of the respective article.

The through-openings are preferably designed in such a way that they can be turned over onto the article from above, so that after the packaging blank has been attached to at least one article or to the group of articles, the article is located above and below the packaging blank in some areas.

After the packaging blank has been determined, a defined upper area of the article or the articles of the article group is preferably located above the packaging blank, while a defined lower area of the article or the articles of the article group is arranged below the packaging blank.

If the articles are designed as bottles, then it is preferably provided that the packaging blank is fixed and / or fixed on the bottles below the so-called neck ring or neck ring. If, on the other hand, the articles are designed as cans, then the packaging blank is preferably fixed and / or fixed under the flanged edge in the lid area of the cans.

According to one embodiment, the through openings of the packaging blank can have fixing devices. Such fixing devices can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs, which can be formed by incisions or the like extending radially from the passage openings.

After the packaging blank has been arranged and fastened to the articles, 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 article or the articles of the article 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 cardboard-plastic composite material or the like.

Furthermore, the at least regionally flat packaging blank can have handle openings through which the user can insert his fingers in order to be able to lift and transport the entire packaging unit or the like. According to one embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the support element extends at least on one side beyond the plane of the flat area of the packaging blank.

If a packaging blank is attached to an individual article, it is preferably provided that the packaging blank has or forms a support element for the article. This is, for example, a preferred embodiment for attaching a handle to large containers.

Before the packaging blank is applied, the articles can still be moist on their outer circumferential surfaces or have residual moisture from previous treatment and / or process steps. The moisture can get to the articles, for example, through incorrect filling or due to condensation or the like. Moisture that collects below the neck ring of the bottles or below the flanged edge of the cans is particularly problematic, since these are the areas in which the packaging blank is preferably attached to the articles.

Since an optionally protective sealing layer of the packaging blank is breached in this area during the production and introduction of the passage openings, for example by means of a punching process, moisture can easily penetrate into the material from which the packaging blank is formed in this area. For this reason, provision is made for the articles, in particular their outer circumferential surfaces, to be in front to dry the application of the packaging blank at least in areas. Particularly preferably, at least one upper area of the article is dried, in which area the packaging blank is attached to the article.

In the case of cans, at least the area below the flange and optionally the flange and the lid area are dried, while in the case of bottles at least the area below the neck ring and optionally the entire upper closure area is dried. Another embodiment can provide for the articles to be completely dried.

According to a first embodiment it is provided that the feeding transport device comprises a drying device for at least regionally drying the outer surface of the article. A second embodiment, on the other hand, provides that the feeding transport device is assigned a drying device for at least regional drying of the outer jacket surface of the article or is arranged upstream in the transport direction. Another embodiment can provide that the handling device is assigned a drying device for at least regional drying of the outer surface of the article.

According to one embodiment in the production of a packaging unit that comprises at least two articles, the outer jacket surfaces of the at least two articles are first dried at least in an upper area, after which the at least two articles are then grouped according to the packaging unit to be produced or / or positioned next to one another and then with equipped with a packaging blank and held together mechanically.

An alternative embodiment provides that the articles are first grouped or / or positioned next to one another and then dried at least in an upper area before a packaging blank is applied to the articles.

One embodiment of the invention provides that the articles are guided on the feeding transport device in at least one row, in particular in two or more parallel rows. The guide is preferably carried out along longitudinal guide devices or alley plates, which extend parallel to the transport direction. In this case, one row of articles is preferably guided between two longitudinal guide devices, one longitudinal guide device being able to separate two adjacent rows of articles from one another.

One embodiment of the invention provides that the outer circumferential surfaces of the at least one article are dried at least in some areas while being guided along the at least one longitudinal guide device. A particularly preferred embodiment provides that the outer circumferential surfaces of articles guided in at least two parallel rows are dried at least in certain areas while being guided in the parallel rows.

For example, the drying device is assigned to the at least one longitudinal guide device for the articles. According to one embodiment, a channel with nozzle openings pointing in the direction of the article or a line with perforations pointing in the direction of the article is arranged on the side of the longitudinal guide device pointing in the direction of the article. Drying air or another suitable drying agent is introduced into the channel or line, which (s) flows via the nozzle openings or perforations in the direction of the article and removes or blows off the moisture from the outer surface of the article. The drying air preferably flows in an upwardly inclined direction of flow onto the area below the flanged edge of the cans or the area below the neck ring of the bottles.

According to one embodiment it can be provided that the channel or the line is designed to be adjustable in height so that the relative arrangement of the channel or the line to the longitudinal guide device and to the articles guided between the longitudinal guide devices can be changed and adapted. In particular, the height of the channel or the line above the transport plane formed by the transport device can thus be adapted to the size of the article.

Alternatively, the channel or the line can be arranged fixedly on the respective longitudinal guide device, the longitudinal guide device being designed to be adjustable in height. The height of the channel or the line is preferably set in such a way that the drying air is directed in particular to the area of the article in which the packaging blank is subsequently arranged.

Another embodiment of the invention can provide that the at least one longitudinal guide device is designed as a drying device for the articles. In particular, it is provided in this case that the longitudinal guide device has a double-walled design. In particular, an at least narrow cavity is formed between the two side walls, which extend parallel to the transport direction, into which a Desiccant is introduced. The side walls of the longitudinal guide devices facing the articles are preferably designed as nozzle surfaces, ie they have nozzle openings through which the drying agent, for example air, is sprayed onto the article. The drying agent can preferably be temperature-controlled air, in particular warm or hot air, but air which is at room temperature can also be used as the drying agent.

The nozzle openings are preferably designed in such a way that the desiccant flows onto the articles in an upwardly inclined direction of flow. According to one embodiment it can be provided that the longitudinal guide device is adjustable in height so that the relative arrangement of the nozzle openings above the transport plane formed by the transport device can be adapted to the size of the article. The height of the longitudinal guide device is preferably set in such a way that the drying agent is guided through the nozzle openings, in particular onto the area in which the packaging blank is arranged on the articles.

In general, it can be provided that nozzle openings are arranged and / or formed over the entire height of the side walls of the longitudinal guide device. Alternatively, it can be provided that nozzle openings are only formed in a certain height area, the height area preferably corresponding to the area to be dried or the longitudinal guide device being able to be adjusted accordingly so that the height area corresponds to the area to be dried.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the nozzle openings are formed over the entire length of the longitudinal guide device in the transport direction, or that only part of the length of the longitudinal guide device has nozzle openings in the transport direction. Furthermore, it can be provided that the nozzle openings are designed to be adjustable, so that the direction of the drying agent flowing out can be changed.

A further embodiment can provide that the drying device comprises at least one moisture-absorbing brush which wipes over at least areas of the article and thereby removes the moisture from the outer jacket surfaces. Here, too, various setting or positioning options are advantageous in order to adapt the arrangement and / or position of the at least one brush to a new size and / or shape of the new article when a product is changed.

Alternatively, at least one fan can also be arranged above the transport device, which blows the moisture away from the articles by means of an air stream directed at them. In particular, first blowers can be arranged at a first height on both sides of the transport device, these being arranged in particular below the flanged edge of the cans or the neck ring of the bottles and generating a first air flow directed upwards or obliquely upwards. In addition, second blowers can be provided at a second height above the article, which generate a second air flow directed downwards or obliquely downwards and thus apply the desiccant to the lid area of the article.

The use of moisture-absorbing brushes or blowers is particularly advantageous in embodiments of the packaging device in which a drying device is arranged before dividing the articles into lanes or in which the articles are not divided into lanes.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the handling device comprises at least one manipulation device for detecting at least one article or at least one group of articles. The manipulation device is designed for bringing the captured article or the captured article group into a target position and / or target arrangement within the handling device and furthermore comprises at least one application device for setting a packaging blank on the article or the article group arranged in the target position and / or target arrangement.

The manipulation device is preferably designed to pick up a number of articles in a relative arrangement to one another from the transport device, which correspond to the number and arrangement of the articles in the packaging unit to be produced. Alternatively, the manipulation device can be designed to bring a number of articles which correspond to the number of articles in the packaging unit to be produced and this number of detected articles in a relative arrangement which corresponds to the arrangement of the articles in the packaging unit to be produced. The manipulation device thus takes over the grouping of the articles according to the packaging units to be produced.

In particular, the manipulation device can be designed to detect a number of articles which correspond to a multiple of the number of articles in a packaging unit and, from this multiple of articles, article groups with the respective number of articles spaced apart to form a packaging unit, to which article groups a packaging blank is then applied and defined. This makes it possible to create several packaging units at the same time.

The manipulation device can, for example, have appropriate tulip grippers or other suitable gripping elements for gripping the articles, which can preferably be controlled individually or in groups. One embodiment of the invention can provide that the manipulation device assigned to the feeding transport device is additionally designed as a drying device and dries at least partial areas of the article when the article is grasped. For example, the existing pneumatics of the gripping elements can be used to blow off at least part of the outer circumferential surfaces of the article and thus to remove the moisture adhering to the outside of the article.

The manipulation device arranges the detected articles or article groups in a target position and / or target arrangement, for example on a continuously moving conveyor device, so that the articles or article groups move continuously during the respective application of the packaging blank. In this case it is provided that the application device is designed to move synchronously with the conveying device during the application of the packaging blank.

When applying the packaging blank to the article, an increased application force is particularly necessary, since the mean diameter of the passage openings is usually at least slightly smaller than the widest diameter of the article in the upper area, which passes through the passage openings, in particular the mean diameter is Passage openings at least slightly smaller than the flanged edge of the cans or the neck ring of the bottles.

One embodiment can provide that a resistance force in an edge region of the at least one passage opening of the packaging blank is reduced when the packaging blank is applied to the at least one article or the article group. This is achieved, for example, by the incisions extending radially from the passage openings. These lead to an upward bending of the fixing tabs when the packaging blank is slipped onto the article, as a result of which the diameter of the passage openings increases at least slightly.

Alternatively, it can be provided that a resistance force in an edge region of the at least one passage opening of the packaging blank is reduced before the subsequent application of the packaging blank to the at least one article or the article group. For example, the handling device can comprise a pretreatment device which is designed to reduce the resistance force in the edge region of the at least one passage opening of the packaging blank.

For example, the pretreatment device comprises at least one expansion die, but preferably a plurality of expansion dies which is / are suitable for expanding and / or widening the edge regions of the at least one passage opening. In this case, the pretreatment increases an average diameter of the at least one passage opening at least slightly. As a result, an upper region of the article with a maximum diameter, which maximum diameter is preferably at least slightly larger than an average diameter of the passage openings, can be passed through the respective passage opening more easily.

In particular, the application force with which the packaging blank is pressed onto the article so that the upper area of the article with a maximum diameter is arranged above the packaging blank and the lower area of the article is arranged below the packaging blank, compared to an application force that would be necessary to Specifying a packaging cut without pretreatment on the articles, significantly reduced. Thus, the risk of the articles being damaged when the packaging blank is applied is reduced compared to conventional packaging devices and methods. In this case, even articles can be used that have a smaller wall thickness without being damaged when the packaging blank is applied.

With the above-described at least regional drying of the articles before the application of the packaging blank, it is particularly prevented that when the packaging blank is applied to the articles, moisture still adhering to them penetrates the packaging blank and could thereby lead to a destabilization of the material from which the packaging blank is made . This risk arises in particular in the case of packaging blanks which consist of a paper material, a cardboard material or a composite material comprising paper or cardboard.

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

• 1A und 1B zeigen Verpackungseinheiten, die mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsvorrichtung und/oder mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren hergestellt werden.
• 2 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten 10 gemäß 1A oder 1 B.
• 3 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten 10 gemäß 1A oder 1 B.
• 4 zeigt eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten 10 gemäß 1A oder 1B.
• 5 zeigt eine vierte Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten 10 gemäß 1A oder 1B.
• 6 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform einer Trocknungseinrichtung, wie sie beispielsweise bei der in 4 dargestellten Ausführungsform ausgebildet sein kann.
• 7 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Trocknungseinrichtung, wie sie beispielsweise bei der in 4 dargestellten Ausführungsform ausgebildet sein kann.

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.

• 1A and 1B show packaging units which are produced with a packaging device according to the invention and / or with a method according to the invention.
• 2 shows a first embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units 10 according to 1A or 1 B .
• 3 shows a second embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units 10 according to 1A or 1 B .
• 4th shows a third embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units 10 according to 1A or 1B .
• 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units 10 according to 1A or 1B .
• 6th shows a first embodiment of a drying device, as it is for example in the in 4th illustrated embodiment can be formed.
• 7th shows a second embodiment of a drying device, as it is, for example, in the in 4th illustrated embodiment can be formed.

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

The perspective views of the 1A and 1B show packing units 10 with a packaging device according to the invention (cf. 2 until 5 ) and / or can be produced with a method according to the invention.

The packaging unit 10a according to 1A includes six PET bottles 11th each with a bottle body 12th and a closure area 13th exhibit. The closure area 13th includes a screw cap 14th and a neck ring 15th and forms an upper area 16 of the bottles 11th . The bottle body 12th forms a lower area 17th .

The neck ring 15th has a larger cross-section than the neck area of the bottle arranged below it 11th on. The bottles 11th continue to point in a central region of their longitudinal center axis A. a taper on, also called the grip area 18th to make it easier to hold the bottles 11th serves. A packaging cut 30th , for example a cardboard blank, is in the process of being put together from six bottles 11th arranged that the neck ring 15th and the screw cap 14th each above the packaging blank 30th are arranged while the filled bottle body 12th below the packaging blank 30th is arranged. The packaging cut 30th has passage openings 31 which are circular, the mean circle diameter being smaller than the diameter of the neck ring 15th of the bottles 11th .

The packaging cut 30th is used in this way as bottles 11th trained articles 20th arranged that the passage openings 31 with longitudinal central axes A. the item 20th correspond, in particular the center point of the passage openings is aligned 31 with the longitudinal central axes A. the item 20th .

From the passage openings 31 radially outwardly facing incisions extend 32 , between which fixing tabs 33 are trained. The cuts 32 make it easier to push through the neck ring 15th through the passage openings 31 when pressing the packaging blank 30th on the composition of the bottles 11th . The fixing tabs are thereby 33 pushed up and get below the neck ring 15th in engagement with this, whereby the packaging blank 30th safe on the bottles 11th is fixed and set.

the 1B shows another packaging unit 10b , in which the through a packaging cut 30th summarized article 20th through cans 21 are formed. The cans 21 have an essentially cylindrical base body 22nd with a substantially constant cross-section over its length. Only in the area below one by a beaded edge 24 limited top lid 23 and, if necessary, in the area where the cans stand 21 the cross-section is a little smaller. The smaller cross-section below the top lid 23 is advantageous for determining a packaging cut 30th by pressing the same onto the assembly of cans 21 .

The packaging cut 30th has analogous to that in connection with 1A described variant passage openings 31 with incisions 32 on that a simple step through the the top area 16 forming lid 23 with beaded edge 24 when pressing the packaging blank 30th on the cans 21 made possible from above. The fixing tabs that have been pressed upwards are preferably located here 33 on the outer surface of the can 21 below the beaded edge 24 at. This means that the packaging blank is removed 30th by an upward pulling movement only with increased effort and usually with destruction of the packaging blank 30th possible. When lifting the packaging unit 10b via the holding and carrying elements 35 of the packaging cut 30th , for example via at least one handle hole 36 , on the other hand, is due to the smaller cross-section of the passage openings 31 prevents the packing section 30th of the articles 20th the packaging unit 10 solves.

The schematic representation of the 2 shows a first embodiment of a packaging device 1 for the production of packaging units 10 according to 1A or 1B Here are the articles 20th which in particular by cans 21 with one the lid 23 limiting beaded edge 24 be formed, for example, as a revolving conveyor belt 41 trained feeding transport device 40 in one transport direction TR a grouping module 42 fed. The cans 21 are transported in one row, multiple rows or in a mass flow.

In the grouping module 21 become article groups 60 put together, each containing a plurality of cans 21 in an arrangement that preferably corresponds to the number and arrangement of the cans 21 in the packaging unit to be produced 10 correspond.

The article groups then run through 60 a drying device 43 , in the moisture that the outer surface of the article 20th adheres, is removed. The drying device 43 can be designed as an independent module or the feeding transport device 40 be assigned.

In particular, the drying device 43 at least removes the moisture that has accumulated on the outer surface of the article 20th is located in the area in which the packaging blank 30th following the articles 20th is set. In the present case, in particular, the moisture that is below the beaded edge is removed 24 is located. In the case of bottles, in particular, the moisture below the neck ring would be removed (cf. 1A) . This prevents the moisture from reaching the packaging blank via the broken open edges in the edge area of the passage openings 30th can penetrate, which would make it unstable and have an increased tendency to tear.

The drying device 43 can for example use suitable brushes 44 include, which remove the moisture in particular in the upper area of the article by brushing. Articles are preferred 20th inside the drying facility 43 completely freed from the moisture adhering to their outer jacket surfaces.

The article groups dried at least in certain areas 60 are now a handling device 46 fed for attaching a packaging blank 30th at the article group 60 is trained. For example, the handling device comprises 46 an application head 47 or another suitable application device with which the packaging blank 30th from the top of the article 20th the article group 60 with formation of the packaging unit 10 , 10b is pressed.

The schematic view of the 3 shows a second embodiment of a packaging device 1 for the production of packaging units 10 , 10b according to 1A or 1B .In contrast to 2 is here the drying device 43 in front of, ie upstream, of the grouping device 42 arranged. It also includes the drying facility 43 at least one fan 45 , with the air or similar on the cans 21 is blown to remove the moisture adhering to the outer jacket surfaces. With regard to the further in 3 The features shown are related to the description of the figures 2 referenced.

The schematic top view of the 4th shows a third embodiment of a packaging device 1 for the production of packaging units 10 according to 1A or 1 B . Here the feeding transport device 40 by a conveyor belt 41 formed, the longitudinal stirring devices 50 , for example alley sheets 51 are assigned that are parallel to the transport direction TR above the conveying surface of the transport device 40 stretch and alleys 52 form, in which the articles (not shown) are each promoted in a row one behind the other. In particular, in the present example, the article between three longitudinal guide devices 50 two rows of the handling device 46 fed. The middle longitudinal guide device 50 , along which articles are guided on both sides, is also referred to as an inner longitudinal guide device 50i , on the other hand, are attached to the outer longitudinal guide devices 50a in each case only guided along one of the side surfaces of the article.

While the articles in the alleys 52 to the handling device 46 are transported, they pass through a drying facility 43 which is designed to completely or at least partially free the outer surface of the article from moisture, in particular at least an upper region of the article by subsequently arranging the packaging blank. Thus, the drying of the article takes place at a point in time at which the movement of the article by longitudinal guide devices 50 limited and / or guided.

Inside the handling device 46 a number of articles is removed at the same time and transferred to a further conveyor device 48 implemented. The number and arrangement of the articles removed from the supplied rows corresponds in particular to the number and arrangement of the articles in the packaging unit to be produced. For example, for the production of a six-pack unit, three articles arranged one behind the other are removed from the two parallel aisles by a suitable removal tool or a suitable manipulation device. The articles can be gripped from above using packing tulips or the like.

The handling device 46 is at least one magazine 49 assigned for packaging blanks (not shown). An application head of the handling device 46 removes a packaging blank from a magazine, places it on the article group and applies the packaging blank firmly to the articles by pressing it on, with an upper area of the article passing through corresponding openings in the packaging blank.

It can be provided, for example, that the removal tool or the manipulation device is designed in such a way that a number of articles from the two rows that correspond to the number of articles of four packaging units to be formed can be detected at the same time. When transferring the article to the conveyor 48 four article groups are formed by the removal tool and, in particular, are spaced apart. The application head is designed to receive four packaging blanks from four corresponding magazine stacks at the same time and can transfer the four packaging blanks to the four on the conveyor at the same time 48 apply arranged article groups.

As the conveyor 48 preferably continuously in the direction of transport TR moved, the application head is designed accordingly, at least during the application of the packaging blank synchronously with the conveyor 48 to be carried.

It can optionally be provided that the handling device 46 a pre-treatment facility 55 comprises, which is designed to reduce a resistance force in an edge region of at least one passage opening of the packaging blank in order to facilitate the subsequent application of the packaging blank to the group of articles.

The pretreatment device can, for example, comprise at least one expansion die. Preferably, however, the pretreatment device comprises a plurality of expansion matrices which are suitable for simultaneously expanding and / or widening the edge regions of all passage openings of a packaging blank. In this case, an average diameter of the respective passage opening is enlarged at least slightly. As a result, an upper region of the article with a maximum diameter, which maximum diameter is preferably at least slightly larger than an average diameter of the passage openings, can be passed through the respective passage opening more easily.

In particular, the application force with which the packaging blank is pressed onto the article so that the upper area of the article with a maximum diameter is arranged above the packaging blank and the lower area of the article is arranged below the packaging blank, compared to an application force that would be necessary to Specifying a packaging cut without pretreatment on the articles, significantly reduced. Thus, the risk of the articles being damaged when the packaging blank is applied is reduced compared to conventional packaging devices and methods. In In this case, even articles can be used which have a smaller wall thickness without being damaged when the packaging blank is applied.

The schematic top view of the 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a packaging device 1 for the production of packaging units 10 according to 1A or 1 B which is essentially the embodiment of the 4th corresponds, which is why reference is made to their description.

In contrast to the embodiment according to 4th the articles are dried before they are put into aisles 52 divided and two rows of the handling device 46 are fed. In particular, it is in front of the transport device 40 another funding facility 56 arranged, in which the articles are preferably delivered in one row, for example from the filling or labeling. In the embodiment shown here, the drying device is 43 the upstream funding facility 56 assigned so that the articles are already completely or at least partially dry when they are in the parallel alleys 52 to be grouped.

The schematic representation of the 6th shows a first embodiment of a drying device 43 as it is for example with the in 4th illustrated embodiment can be formed. In particular, the drying device 43 here the longitudinal guide devices 50 , especially alley sheets 51 , assigned, between which the article 20th the handling device (not shown) are supplied. It's just a longitudinal guide device 50 shown and the viewer must imagine that the article 20th spatially in front of the longitudinal guide device 50 are arranged. To the drying facility 43 to make it more visible is the upper area of the article 20th shown in dashed lines in the drawing.

On the longitudinal guide device 50 is on the towards the article 20th pointing side a channel 70 with towards the article 20th pointing nozzle openings 71 or a line 72 with towards the article 20th pointing perforations 73 arranged. In the canal 70 or the line 72 becomes drying air L. initiated, which via the nozzle openings 71 or perforations 72 towards the article 20th flows. Preferably the nozzle openings are 71 or perforations 72 designed such that the drying air L. the articles in an upwardly inclined direction of flow 20th flows towards.

Like by means of a movement arrow 74 shown, it can be provided that the channel 70 or the line 72 is adjustable in height, so that the relative arrangement to the longitudinal guide device 50 and to the between the longitudinal guide devices 50 guided articles 20th can be changed and adapted. In particular, the height of the channel 70 or the line 72 above that by the transport device 40 formed transport level to the size of the article 20th be adjusted.

Alternatively it can be provided that the channel 70 or the line 72 firmly on the respective longitudinal guide device 50 is arranged, but that the position of the longitudinal guide device 50 is adjustable in height. Preferably the height of the channel 70 or the line 72 adjusted so that the drying air L. in particular is directed to the area in which the packaging blank (not shown) is subsequently arranged on the articles.

A so-called inner longitudinal guide device 50i (see. 4th ) has, in particular, a channel on each of the two side faces 70 or a line 72 for drying air L. on, during the outer longitudinal guide devices 50a a corresponding channel only on the side surface facing the articles 70 or a corresponding line 72 assigned.

The schematic representation of the 7th shows a second embodiment of a drying device 43 as it is for example with the in 4th illustrated embodiment can be formed. Here, too, there is only one longitudinal guide device 50 illustrated and the viewer must imagine that the article 20th spatially in front of the longitudinal guide device 50 are arranged.

In contrast to the in 6th The variant shown is the drying device 43 not the longitudinal guide device 50 assigned, but the longitudinal guide device 50 is used as a drying facility 43 educated. In particular, it is provided that the longitudinal guide device 50 each is double-walled, with between the two side walls 57 which are parallel to the transport direction TR extend, an at least narrow cavity is formed in which drying air L. can be initiated. Each of the articles 20th facing side walls 57 have nozzle openings 58 on over which the drying air L. exits the cavity and towards the article 20th flows.

Preferably the nozzle openings are 58 designed such that the drying air L. flows towards the article in an upwardly inclined direction of flow. Like by means of a movement arrow 59 shown, it can be provided that the longitudinal guide device 50 is adjustable in height, so that the relative arrangement of the Nozzle openings 58 above that by the transport device 40 formed transport level to the size of the article 20th can be customized.

The height of the longitudinal guide device is preferably 50 adjusted so that the drying air L. through the nozzle openings 58 in particular is directed to the area in which the packaging blank (not shown) on the articles 20th is arranged, in particular the drying air L. on the area of the beaded edge 24 as well as the area below the beaded edge 24 of cans 21 directed. In the case of bottles, the drying air would be L. on the area of the neck ring as well as on the area below the neck ring.

A so-called inner longitudinal guide device 50i (see. 4th ) points in particular on both side walls 57 nozzle openings in each case 58 for drying air L. on, while the outer longitudinal guide devices 50a only on the articles 20th facing side wall 57 nozzle openings in each case 58 exhibit.

It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the longitudinal guide devices 50 can be moved transversely to the transport direction by the width of the between the longitudinal guide devices 50 formed lanes to the width of each between the longitudinal guide devices 50 guided articles 20th adapt.

In general it can be provided that nozzle openings 58 over the entire height of the side walls 57 the longitudinal guide device 50 are arranged and / or formed. Alternatively it can be provided that nozzle openings 58 are only formed in a certain height range, the height range preferably corresponding to the area to be dried or the longitudinal guide device 50 can be adjusted accordingly so that the height area corresponds to the area to be dried.

It can also be provided that the nozzle openings 58 over the entire length of the longitudinal guide device 50 in transport direction TR are formed, or that only part of the length of the longitudinal guide device 50 in transport direction TR Nozzle openings 58 having. It can also be provided that the nozzle openings 58 are adjustable, so that the direction of the outflowing drying air L. can be changed.

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 having to rely on the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the articles 20th and / or parts of the device 1 or other drawn elements would be impaired in its understanding in any way. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive ideas formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description of general and / or more abstractly formulated ideas based on the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention.

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

List of reference symbols

1

Packaging device

10, 10a, 10b

Packaging Unit

11

PET bottles

12th

Bottle body

13th

Closure area

14th

Screw cap

15th

Neck ring

16

upper area

17th

lower area

18th

Grip area

20th

items

21

Can

22nd

Base body

23

lid

24

Beaded edge

30th

Packaging cut

31

Passage opening

32

incision

33

Fixing tab

35

Holding and carrying elements

36

Handle hole

40

feeding transport device

41

Conveyor belt

42

Grouping module

43

Drying device

44

brush

45

fan

46

Handling device

47

Application head

48

Conveyor

49

magazine

50

Longitudinal guide device

50i

inner longitudinal guide device

50a

outer longitudinal guide device

51

Alley sheet

52

alley

55

Pre-treatment facility

56

Conveyor

57

Side wall

58

Nozzle opening

59

Movement arrow

60

Article group

70

channel

71

Nozzle opening

72

hose

73

perforation

74

Movement arrow

A.

Longitudinal central axis

L.

Drying air

TR

Transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Patent literature cited

• EP 1075419 B1 [0005]
• DE 102019128874 [0006]

Claims (13)

Packaging device (1) for articles (20) or article groups (60), which article groups (60) comprise at least two articles (20), - wherein the packaging device (1) comprises at least one feeding transport device (40) for the articles (20) or article groups (60) and at least one handling device (46) for the articles (20) or article groups (60), wherein the articles (20 ) or article groups (60) are moved in a transport direction (TR) to the handling device (46), - wherein the handling device (46) is provided and designed for attaching at least one packaging blank (30) to at least one article (20) or an article group (60) to form a packaging unit (10), - and wherein the feeding transport device (40) comprises a drying device (43) for at least regionally drying outer jacket surfaces of the articles (20), - or wherein the feeding transport device (40) is assigned a drying device (43) for at least regional drying of the outer jacket surfaces of the articles (20) or is arranged upstream in the direction of transport, - or wherein the handling device (46) is assigned a drying device (43) for at least regionally drying outer jacket surfaces of the articles (20). Packaging device (1) according to Claim 1 , the feeding transport device (40) being assigned at least one longitudinal guide device (50) for the articles (20) or article groups (60), the articles (20) being guided by the at least one longitudinal guide device (50) in at least one row, in particular wherein the articles (20) are guided in at least two parallel rows. Packaging device (1) according to Claim 2 wherein the drying device (43) is assigned to the at least one longitudinal guide device (50) or wherein the at least one longitudinal guide device (50) is designed as a drying device (43). Packaging device (1) according to Claim 2 wherein the drying device (43) comprises at least one moisture-absorbing brush (44) and / or at least one fan (45) arranged above the transport device (40). Packaging device (1) according to Claim 2 wherein the handling device (46) has at least one manipulation device for capturing at least one article (20) or at least one article group (60), - the manipulation device for bringing the captured article (20) or the captured article group (60) into a target position and / or target arrangement is formed within the handling device (46), and - wherein the handling device (46) has at least one application device (47) for fixing a packaging blank (30) on the article (20) arranged in the target position and / or target arrangement or the Article group (60) includes. Packaging device (1) according to Claim 5 , wherein the handling device (46) comprises a pretreatment device (55) which is designed to apply a resistance force in an edge region of at least one passage opening (31) of the packaging blank (30) during the subsequent application of the packaging blank (30) to the at least one article (20 ) or the article group (60). A method for producing a packaging unit (10) comprising at least one article (20), in which the outer jacket surfaces of the at least one article (20) are dried at least in an upper area and the at least one article (20) subsequently with a packaging blank (30) is equipped with at least one passage opening (31), which passage opening (31) corresponds to a longitudinal center axis (A) of the at least one article (20). Procedure according to Claim 7 , wherein the outer jacket surfaces of at least two articles (20) are dried at least in an upper area, after which the at least two articles (20) are grouped or / or positioned next to each other and then with a packaging blank (30) with passage openings (31), which passage openings (31) correspond to the longitudinal center axes (A) of the at least two articles (20), are equipped and mechanically held together. Procedure according to Claim 7 , with at least two articles (20) grouped or / or positioned next to one another, then the outer jacket surfaces of the at least two articles (20) being dried at least in an upper area and then the at least two articles (20) with a packaging blank (30) with passage openings (31), which passage openings (31) correspond to the longitudinal center axes / A) of the at least two articles (20), are equipped and mechanically held together. Method according to one of the Claims 7 until 9 , wherein the at least one article (20) is fed along at least one longitudinal guide device (50) to a handling device (46) for equipping with the packaging blank (30), wherein the outer circumferential surfaces of the at least one article (20) are dried at least in regions during the guidance along the at least one longitudinal guidance device (50). Method according to one of the Claims 7 until 10 wherein the at least one article (20) is dried at least in the area in which the packaging blank (30) is attached to the at least one article (20). Method according to one of the Claims 7 until 11th , wherein a resistance force in an edge region of the at least one passage opening (31) of the packaging blank (30) is reduced during the subsequent application of the packaging blank (30) to the at least one article (20) or the article group (60). Method according to one of the Claims 7 until 11th , wherein a resistance force in an edge region of the at least one passage opening (31) of the packaging blank (30) is reduced before the subsequent application of the packaging blank (30) to the at least one article (20) or the article group (60).

Images