EP1923323B1 - Carrier for containers, blank made of kraft board for its manufacture and packaging machine for manufacturing packaging units comprising these carriers and containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Carrier made of kraft cardboard has floor part (4) which is avoided in the area of contact surfaces (A to D) with fiber outline and sharp edges of cans are provided with stick together or sealable protective layer. Carrier has upper end provided with bead form sharp edges of cans, floor part which limits folding lines (9a,9b) arranged laterally to each other and lower surface provided with contact surfaces for sharp edges of cans. The folding lines according to cross section of sharp edges of cans have limited distance from each other and whereby the area of folding lines are provided with slot like opening in which the sharp edges of cans can flexibly engage with attaching on the contact surface. An independent claim is also included for cutting from kraft cardboard for production of carrier for cans.

Description

The invention relates to a carrier and a blank according to the preambles of claims 1 and 23 and a packaging machine according to the preamble of claim 28.

Filled and closed beverage cans are often provided with a protective cover at its upper edge, which is usually formed bead-shaped due to a flange. This consists either of an attachable to the edge of the can protective plastic cap od. Like. ( DE 197 04 148 A1 ) or a thin, embossed aluminum foil, which is attached by gluing or even clinging to the upper part of the can ( EP 1 135 304 B1 ). The purpose of these protective covers is to provide the cans with a hygiene protection against contamination, which is removed only immediately before opening the can. Since the drinks in the cans are usually consumed directly from the can and to the edge of the can is touched with the mouth, a much more hygienic removal of the can contents is ensured by the protective cover than in the absence of such a protective cover.

The well-known protective covers have in common that they are applied after filling the cans individually on these and removed before use of the cans individually from these and disposed of. The use of plastic caps also changes the appearance of the cans and prevents their packaging in so-called can carriers (eg. EP 1 340 691 A1 . US 2 331 038A ). On the other hand arises in the application of embossed aluminum foils, the problem that these must be prepared with elaborate embossing devices and then connected with equally expensive labeling and adhesive applicators with the upper edge of the cans.

Packaging machines for the production of packaging units from cans and carriers are also already known (eg. DE-AS 1 214 136 . EP 1 340 691 A1 ).

Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a protective cover for cans, which can be manufactured with comparatively simple means and attached to the cans and is easier to handle when using the cans. In addition, a packaging machine for the production of Verpakkungseinheiten with carriers to be proposed, which are provided with such a protective cover.

The invention is based on the solution of this problem of a carrier according to the preamble of claim 1, a blank according to the preamble of claim 23 and a packaging machine according to the preamble of claim 28 and consists in the characterizing features of claims 1, 23 and 28.

According to the invention, the protective cover is first attached to the can carrier or to the blank intended for its manufacture. As a result, in particular five advantages are achieved. First, the carrier or blanks can be provided by means of comparatively simple and inexpensive process with the protective layer. Next, the connection of the protective layer with the edge of the can when inserting the cans in the can carrier takes place. This makes it possible to put all in one can carrier appropriate cans in a common process step to attach to the protective layer. Third, it is advantageous that the cans are automatically freed from the protective layer when they are removed from the can carrier, since they remain adhering to the carrier at least for the most part due to the avoidance of fiber breakage despite their attachment to the kraft carton. Fourth, there is no special disposal problem for this reason, as is the case with the use of protective caps or aluminum foils, since only the can carrier has to be disposed of altogether after it has been emptied. Finally, it is also advantageous, fifthly, that after the removal of a can from the can carrier, a clearly visible impression remains on the contact surface of the can carrier, which enables so-called first-sample detection.

Further advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

• Fig. 1 eine Unteransicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Zuschnitts zur Herstellung eines Trägers für Dosen;
• Fig. 2 einen Schnitt längs der Linie II - II der Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 und 4 je eine Vorderansicht und Draufsicht des Zuschnitts nach Fig. 1 mit umgeklappten ersten und zweiten Seitenteilen;
• Fig. 5 und 6 je eine Vorderansicht und Draufsicht des Zuschnitts nach Fig. 1 mit einem umgeklappten ersten Deckenteil;
• Fig. 7 die Vorderansicht des Zuschnitts entsprechend Fig. 5 nach dem Umklappen auch eines zweiten Deckenteils bzw. des dadurch entstandenen, gebrauchsfertigen Dosenträgers;
• Fig. 8 eine Vorderansicht des Dosenträgers entsprechend Fig. 7 mit einer eingeclipsten Dose;
• Fig. 9 eine teilweise aufgebrochene Seitenansicht des Dosenträgers nach Fig. 7 mit eingeclipsten Dosen;
• Fig. 10 eine Seitenansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsmaschine;
• Fig. 11 bis 15 schematische Schnitte längs der Linien A - A bis E - E der Fig. 10;
• Fig. 16 eine teilweise Seitenansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsmaschine;
• Fig. 17 eine vergrößerte Vorderansicht allein einer Leim-Auftragsstation der Verpackungsmaschine nach Fig. 16; und
• Fig. 18 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Auftragsstation nach Fig. 17.

The invention will be explained in more detail below in conjunction with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings held at different scales. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a bottom view of a blank according to the invention for the preparation of a carrier for cans;
• Fig. 2 a section along the line II - II of Fig. 1 ;
• 3 and 4 depending on a front view and top view of the blank after Fig. 1 with folded first and second side parts;
• FIGS. 5 and 6 depending on a front view and top view of the blank after Fig. 1 with a folded first ceiling part;
• Fig. 7 the front view of the blank accordingly Fig. 5 after folding also a second ceiling part or thereby resulting, ready to use Can carrier;
• Fig. 8 a front view of the can carrier accordingly Fig. 7 with a clipped-in box;
• Fig. 9 a partially broken side view of the can carrier after Fig. 7 with clipped-in cans;
• Fig. 10 a side view of a first embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention;
• Fig. 11 to 15 schematic sections along the lines A - A to E - E of Fig. 10 ;
• Fig. 16 a partial side view of a second embodiment of a packaging machine according to the invention;
• Fig. 17 an enlarged front view alone of a glue application station of the packaging machine after Fig. 16 ; and
• Fig. 18 a perspective view of the application station after Fig. 17 ,

Fig. 1 and 2 show an integral blank 1 for producing a support for cans in the form of a substantially flat, unfolded primitive and in a state as it comes from a corresponding punching device. The blank 1 has a substantially rectangular outer contour, which is formed by two opposite long longitudinal edges 2a, 2b and two substantially perpendicular thereto, shorter transverse edges 3a, 3b. To produce the blank 1, a kraft cardboard with a weight (or a grammage) is used, the z. B. between 300 g / m ² and 450 g / m ² , which depends on how many doses per can carrier are provided and what capacity the doses have (eg., 0.5 1 or 1 1).

The blank 1 is divided into a plurality of fields and includes according to Fig. 1 in particular a bottom part 4 and a respective left and right lying therefrom first side part 5a, 5b. The blank 1 also has, on the left of the first side part 5a, a second side part 6a and on the right side of the side part 5b another second side part 6b. Finally, the blank 1 contains a first cover part 7a on the left of the side part 6a and a second cover part 7b on the right of the side part 6b. All of these parts 4 to 7 have substantially rectangular peripheral contours and are arranged side by side transversely to a longitudinal axis 8 of the blank 1 such that their long sides are substantially parallel and their short sides substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8.

The parts 4 to 7 are separated from each other by imaginary folding lines which are preferably arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 8 and which are also used for embossing, creasing, creasing-cutting lines already applied during punching in order to facilitate the folding or folding of the various parts explained below The like can exist. In particular, between the bottom part 4 and each of the adjacent first side parts 5a and 5b, respectively a first fold line 9a and 9b, between the first and second side parts 5a, 6a and 5b, 6b depending on a second fold line 10a and 10b, between the side part 6a and the first cover part 7a, a third fold line 11 and between the side part 6b and the second ceiling part 7b, a fourth fold line 12 is present.

In particular Fig. 1 shows, the bottom part 4 laterally delimiting folding lines 9a and 9b are not continuous like the other fold lines 10 to 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8, but each interrupted by punching produced, the body passing through cutting lines 14a, 14b. These cut lines 14a, 14b are arc-shaped and curved convexly outward with respect to the longitudinal axis 8. The cutting lines 14a, 14b serve, as explained below, for Formation of openings into which edges of cans can latch. They therefore preferably run along curved lines with a radius of the can edges substantially corresponding radius, but extend only each z. B. over a quarter circle corresponding portion of the peripheral edge of the can. In addition, the distances of the first fold lines 9a, 9b and the cut lines 14a, 14b are dimensioned from each other according to the respective can size, in particular according to the diameters of the can edges. The number of longitudinally present cut lines 14a, 14b corresponds to the number of cans to be accommodated, which is why the blank after Fig. 1 for producing a can carrier 15 ( Fig. 7 ) is intended for four doses. It follows that the in Fig. 1 Visible underside of the bottom part 1 in the exemplary embodiment four schematically illustrated, laterally limited by the cutting lines 14a, 14b contact surfaces A to D , in the area of which each a can edge comes to rest. Alternatively, it would of course also possible to have more or less contact surfaces for z. B. provide two, three or more than four can edges.

The preparation of the can carrier 15 from the blank 1 takes place in the Fig. 3 to 7 apparent way. Starting from the blank 1 to Fig. 1 and 2 First, the cut sections lying left and right of the first fold lines 9a and 9b are folded down or folded down, whereupon the cut sections lying left and right of the second fold lines 10a and 10b are folded upwards. It is assumed that in Fig. 2 the lower side or a lower surface 16 of the blank 1, the bottom and a in Fig. 2 upper side or an upper surface 17 forms the top of the blank 1. Correspondingly, a folding downwards or upwards here is understood to be based on the position in Fig. 2 out down or up.

After the folding or Umklappvorgängen described has the blank 1 from 3 and 4 apparent shape. Its two first side parts 5a and 5b protrude with a certain inclination and forming an angle α of z. B. 145 ° from the bottom part 4 down and out, while the second side parts 6a, 6b and the Ceiling parts 7a, 7b of the outer, defined by the fold lines 10a, 10b side edges of the side parts 5a, 5b projecting upwards and are approximately perpendicular to the top 17 of the bottom part 4. As a result of the folding process, in the region of the folding lines 9a, 9b between the adjoining longitudinal edges of the bottom part 4 and the first side parts 5a, 5b, characteristic slot-like openings are obtained, which serve to insert the can edges. These openings are created by the fact that in the folding process described by the cutting lines 14a, 14b limited, over the fold lines 9a, 9b outwardly projecting tabs 4a, 4b of the bottom part 4 remain ( Fig. 3 ) while the recesses formed by them in the first side parts 5a, 5b are folded down together with these side parts 5a, 5b.

To FIGS. 5 and 6 is now z. B. the second cover part 7b folded around the fold line 12 by about 90 ° inwards, placed on the top 17 of the bottom part 4 and connected to a previously applied glue layer firmly with this. Finally, the first cover part 7a is folded around the fold line 11 by about 90 ° inwards ( Fig. 7 ), placed on the upper side of the second ceiling part 7b and fixedly connected thereto by means of a previously applied glue layer.

The can carrier 15 ( Fig. 7 ) is now ready for use. It can therefore doses 18 ( Fig. 8 and 9 ) are approached from the back with their upper bead-shaped can edges 18a in advance to the bottom part 4 so that the can edges 18a enter the above-mentioned openings. This is especially in the broken, in Fig. 7 right-lying section of the Fig. 9 seen. Here, on the one hand, one of the arcuate tabs 4b, which protrudes outward from the bottom part 4 after the formation of the section line 14b (cf. Fig. 1 . 3 . 5 and 7 ) and stops when folding the first side part 5b parallel to the bottom part 4, on the other hand indicated by the reference numeral 19 one of the thereby formed in the region of the fold line 9b, slit-shaped opening. Besides, lets Fig. 9 recognize the entering into the opening 19 and latched in this can edge 18a. Accordingly, the arrangement is on the in Fig. 7 left side of the can carrier 15th

Incidentally, shows Fig. 9 in that the can carrier 15 can accommodate four cans 18 in the exemplary embodiment, the can edges 18a each in the region of one of the contact surfaces A to D according to FIG Fig. 1 to come to rest.

Can carriers of the type described, their manufacture and their assembly with cans are generally known in many different variants (eg. U.S. Patent 2,331,038 . DE-AS 1 214 136 . EP 0 806 372 A2 . EP 1 340 691 A1 ) and therefore need not be explained in detail.

As in particular in Fig. 2 is indicated, the blank 1 consists of a conventional kraft carton, a first, in Fig. 2 forms with the reference numeral 20 layer. On its underside, the kraft carton is preferably coated with a usually white layer 21 made by brushing, ie the kraft carton is designed as a cardboard coated on one side. The layer 21 serves the purpose of providing the visible sides of the kraft cardboard material with a painted surface, which allows the application of high-quality printed images by gravure, offset or flexographic printing. Therefore, the layer 21 is in principle only required where the blank 1 od for advertising reasons. Like. To be provided with a printed image. For reasons of production technology, however, it is expedient to punch out the blanks 1 from a continuous single-sided sheet. Since the (mostly brown) top 17 of the blank 1, as Fig. 1 to 7 show is in the finished can carrier 15 inside and is not visible, can be dispensed with the application of a two-sided painted kraft cartons.

As Fig. 2 further shows, the coated layer 21 of the blank 1 according to the invention is covered on its free side with a protective layer 22. This protective layer 22 may also be provided only on parts of the entire underside of the blank 1, covered this or the bottom 16 of the Kraftkartons but at least wherever in the assembly of the finished can carrier 15 with cans 18 whose edges 18a are to come to rest or where at the bottom of the can carrier 15 which in Fig. 1 indicated contact surfaces A to D are arranged for the can edges 18a.

Is in Fig. 2 indicated that the protective layer 22 extends substantially only over that portion of the blank 1, which is occupied by the bottom part 4 including the tabs 4a, 4b and the side parts 5a, 5b and therefore for safety's sake up to the fold lines 10a, 10b between the first and second side parts 5a, 6a and 5b, 6b may extend. Incidentally, the protective layer 22 is in Fig. 3 . 5 and 7 hatched, while the layer 21 for simplicity of illustration only in Fig. 2 is shown separately.

The protective layer 22 on the one hand serves the purpose of being firmly connected in the clipped-in state of the cans 18 with the can edges 18a to thereby store these and the lid surfaces of the cans 18 framed by them during the time in which the cans 18 are stored in the can carriers 15 to protect against contamination. On the other hand, the protective layer 22 takes over the important task, in the subsequent removal of the cans 18 from the can carriers 15 to prevent a so-called fiber breakage, d. H. ensure that when removing the cans 18 from the can carrier 15 no paper fibers, residues of the coated layer 21 od. Like. On the edge of the can 18a hang and this thus looks unhygienic and acts.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments of the protective layer 22.

example 1

It is a foldable, one-side coated kraft cardboard existing material as sheets with various formats, eg. B. in 3B format, processed. The Kraftkarton is on its painted surface (layer 21 in Fig. 1 ) provided by offset, flexo or gravure printing with a printed image and immediately afterwards coated or coated on the print image surface with a protective layer 22 of water-soluble paint (WKL). For this purpose, standard methods can be used, as od in the protection of printed images against abrasion, color changes. Like. Known and therefore extremely inexpensive.

According to the invention, a water-tank varnish is used which at the same time seals the surface of the kraft carton provided with the printed image in such a way that the aforementioned fiber breakage is avoided. As a particularly useful for this purpose, a water-based paint has been found, which is offered under the name "WKL G9 / 147-045 GA" on the market. But other water-based paints, which are offered by different manufacturers and at different prices, are useful.

The surface of the water-borne paint is coated with an adhesive at least in the region of the contact surfaces A to D for the can edges 18a. An adhesive which has been found to be particularly suitable on the market under the name "Adhesin VN 6349" (for example Henkel & Cie AG, CH-5015 Erlinsbach, Switzerland) has proved to be particularly suitable, and is food safe.

After the application of the adhesive to the bearing surfaces A to D of the can carrier 15 this is equipped with the cans 18, wherein the can edges 18a are pressed to the curing of the adhesive, preferably with slight pressure against the bearing surfaces A to D. It is a hygiene protection for the can edges 18 a made, which is destroyed only when a can 18 is removed from the can carrier 15. Since the adhesive preferably used is peelable, after removal of the cans 18 no adhesive residues remain hanging on the can edge 18a. Since the water-based paint also prevents fiber breakage, the adhesive can not be detached from the can carrier 18 together with kraft paper fibers or particles from the coated layer 21.

Example 2

A foldable, unilaterally coated kraft cardboard according to Example 1 is coated immediately after the application of the printed image with a protective layer 22 covering the printed image surface of blister paint. As a blister varnish is an under the term "Terrawet Blister G 9/414" on the market, heat-sealable product Terra Lacke GmbH, 31275 Lehrte, Germany, used.

For fixing the can edges 18a to the protective layer 22, starting from the position to Fig. 9 , z. B. a heat seal bar from the top of the can carrier 15 and placed under heating to a temperature of, for example, between 80 ° C and 160 ° C for z. B. pressed one to three seconds under low pressure against this. As a result, an intimate fusion of the blister paint with the can edges 18a and, as a consequence thereof, after cooling, an all-round tight hygiene closure at the upper ends of the cans 18 is obtained.

When removing a can 18 from the can carrier 15 remain due to the peelable character of the blister paint no unwanted residues on the can edge 18 a back.

The compound of the layer 22 with the can edges 18a can be done by machine as in Example 1 by appropriate design of a packaging machine and during the production of the can carrier 15.

Example 3

The procedure is as in Example 2, but with the difference that the consisting of blister paint protective layer 22 is heated and the can carrier 15 during this process with a pressure of z. B. 3 bar to 6 bar against the can edges 18a is pressed.

In this example, when removing a can 18 from the can carrier 15 no unhygienic residues on the can edge 18 a back.

Example 4

A foldable, unilaterally coated kraft cardboard according to Example 1 is laminated and finished after the application of a printed image to the coated surface on the image side with a heat-sealable OPP film (OPP = oriented polypropylene). This measure takes place in an additional process step z. B. in that the OPP film is firmly adhered by means of a primer with the printed cardboard surface.

Particularly suitable OPP films for this purpose are those which are heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable and, as in Examples 2 and 3, melted for a few seconds by the use of heated pressure beams and thereby firmly connected to the can edges 18a. Alternatively, an ultrasonically vibratable pressure bar can also be used for this purpose.

When the OPP film is cooled, an all-round tight hygienic closure for the can edges 18a is obtained. Since such applied and welded OPP films are generally peelable, remain on removal of a can 18 from the can carrier 15 no residue on the can edge 18 a back.

Example 5

The procedure is as in Example 4, but using a Kaltsiegelfähigen OPP film. To ensure the desired Peelfähigkeit the free surface of the OPP film is preferably coated with a peelable blister paint. Whether this is suitable in Example 2 or any other blister paint must be determined in each case by tests.

The compound consisting of the OPP film and the blister paint protective layer 22 with the can edges 18 a takes place here z. B. solely in that a pressure plate from above with a pressure of z. B. 3 bar to 6 bar for a sufficient amount of time on the z. B. in the position after Fig. 9 located can carrier 15 is pressed.

The thus achieved connection between the protective layer 22 and the can edges 18a is again peelable using suitable materials.

Incidentally, the bonding methods described and the materials suitable therefor, in particular those based on thermoplastics, are well known in the packaging industry, where, however, they have hitherto been used only for other purposes and in other combinations. For the expert, therefore, further explanations are not required. The thickness of the protective layer 22 can be, for example, 10 μm to 30 μm, regardless of whether it is produced with a lacquer or a foil.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the protective layer serving for hygiene protection 22 is automatically separated from the can edge 18 a by selecting a can 18 from the can carrier 15 and firmly adhering to the can carrier 15 when selecting the right material combinations. Thus, the protective layers 22 are always disposed of as a whole together with the can carriers 15 and not individually or piecewise deducted and thrown away, as is true for other known protective covers. In addition, there is the significant advantage that after removal of the cans 18 from the can carrier 15 where the can edges 18a have the contact surfaces A to D , a subsequently no longer unrecognizable doable annular impression remains on the protective layer 22, which makes recognizable in that a can 18 has already been fastened to the relevant point. This impression thus indicates the so-called first removal, which has recently been demanded many times in the area of the EU in order to prevent possible abuses.

For the automatic production of packaging units, consisting of a plurality of cans, in particular cans 18 of the type described, and on these of The above-described carriers, in particular the carriers 15 described above, are known packaging machines (eg. EP 1 340 691 A1 . DE-AS 1 214 136 ), which are supplied at one entrance end, the cans 18 and flat blanks 1 and removed at an outlet end of the finished packaging units. However, such packaging machines are hitherto only suitable for packaging cans 18 with the aid of blanks which have none of the protective layers 22 described.

In order to process also provided with the protective layers 22 blanks 1, according to the invention are packaging machines according to the 10 to 15 as well as after Fig. 16 to 18 intended. The packaging machine after the 10 to 15 serves for the processing of blanks 1, which are coated according to the above examples 2 to 5 with protective layers 22 of blister or OPP films, whereas the packaging machine according to Fig. 16 to 18 for the processing of water-based lacquer-coated blanks 1 is used.

Based on 10 to 15 First, a packaging machine according to the invention will be described, according to the packaging machine EP 1 340 691 A1 starting and provided according to the invention with an additional hot or cold sealing station, wherein subsequently only required for understanding the packaging process assemblies are explained individually.

According to Fig. 10 the packaging machine has a magazine 26 for the blanks 1. To remove the blanks 1 from the magazine 26 is a rotatable customer 27, from which the individually removed blanks 1 od by vacuum suction. The like., Which are connected to a vacuum pump, not shown, are fed to a feeder 28 such that with the protective layers 22 provided sides of the blanks 1 in Fig. 10 point down. Below this feeder 28 is od from belts, chains. Like. Formed, over the entire length of the packaging machine continuous transport device 29 which has certain carriers 30 for transporting the cans 18 and expediently with a device is combined by means of which the cans 18 automatically in a preselected formation, for example, according to Fig. 9 to be grouped together.

The blanks 1 and cans 18 are now fed to a folding device, generally designated by the reference numeral 31, and successively aligned with one another in registration, so that each blank 1 is aligned with its surfaces A to D (FIG. Fig. 1 ) exactly on each one of the can edges 18a ( Fig. 8 ) rests on an associated can formation. The folding device 31 contains as first station a pressing mechanism 32 with a 360 ° rotatable pressing bar 33 (FIG. Fig. 10 and 11 ). This has a length which is substantially the same in the transport direction or in the direction of the axis 8 (FIG. Fig. 1 ) measured length of the blanks 1 corresponds. An axis of rotation 34 for the pressure bar 33 is how Fig. 10 and 11 show, perpendicular to the transport direction and perpendicular to the central axes of the cans 18th

The Andrückbalken 33 is how Fig. 11 is suspended on a rotatable shaft 35, which via a drive wheel 36 and a drive chain 37 od. Like. From a main drive motor 38 (Fig. Fig. 10 ) is rotated in revolutions, from which all other movable parts of the packaging machine are driven. On the one hand, the pressure bar 33 has the task of applying itself from above to the blank 1 arranged above the can formation and pressing it firmly against the bead-shaped edges 18a of the cans 18. On the other hand, the pressure bar 33 is provided on its underside with laterally arranged folding rails 39, which lie during the pressing operation against the fold lines 10a, 10b of the relevant blank 1 and this accordingly Fig. 1 press down. This has the consequence that the first side parts 5a, 5b obliquely downwards and the second side parts 6a, 6b and with them the ceiling parts 7a, 7b tilt obliquely upward ( Fig. 11 ) and at the same time the bead-shaped edges 18a of the cans 18 accordingly Fig. 8 and 9 into the slot-shaped, through the cut lines 14a, 14b ( Fig. 1 ) formed openings 19 ( Fig. 9 ), whereby they snap into the blank 1 and are firmly anchored in this. Upon further transport of the cans 18 by means of the driver 30, the blanks 1 therefore taken from the doses 18. Thus, in the area of the pressing mechanism 32, the connection between the cans 18 and the blanks 1 can be done safely despite the movement of the cans 18, the pressure bar 33 is preferably guided in its orbit so that it is over a certain distance of z. B. 120 mm to 150 mm at the same speed as the cans 18 is moved in the transport direction.

According to the invention, the pressure bar 33 fulfills yet another function. This consists in heating the protective layer 22 of the blank 1 resting on the can edges 18a to thereby melt them and to firmly connect them to the can edges 18a. For this purpose, the pressure bar 33, as Fig. 11 shows, provided with an internal, integral heating element 40, the z. B. from a continuously variable, electric heating cartridge (220 V, 50 Hz) may exist.

Are those in 10 to 15 used blanks 1 to those having a protective layer 22 of blister paint (Example 2), the protective layer 22 by means of the heating element 40 z. B. for a few seconds to a temperature between z. B. 80 ° C and 160 ° C heated. The same heating can be done by using protective layers 22 consisting of a heat-sealable OPP film (Example 4). If the protective layer 22 finally consists of a cold-sealable OPP film (Example 5), then heating the protective layer 22 to z. B. about 60 ° C. Alternatively, it may even be sufficient to form the pressure mechanism 34 so that the pressure bar 35 in the cold state for a time with a pressure of z. B. 3 bar to 5 bar against the blank 1 is pressed. In this case, the heating element 40 could be omitted.

According to a further, not shown embodiment of the invention, the pressure bar 33 may be formed as an ultrasonic transducer or as an ultrasonic sealing element. This means that it od during the pressing process in the manner of a sonotrode. Like. In ultrasonic vibrations is added and therefore a z. B. off a heat-sealable OPP film (Example 4) prepared protective layer 22 by way of ultrasonic welding for temporary softening brings. Also in this embodiment, the heating element 40 may be missing.

The press bar 33 having the station of the folding device 31 is therefore inventively formed simultaneously as a hot or cold sealing station.

Incidentally, the blank 1 is held during the Andrückvorgangs and heating by laterally mounted next to the transport path counter-guides 41, which support the folding process, while the cans 18 are held by side guides 42 on the desired transport path.

After passing through the pressure mechanism 32, the bead-shaped edges 18a of the cans 18 on the one hand by the engagement in the openings 19 of the blank 1 mechanically fixedly connected thereto, on the other hand embedded in the manner described by Examples 2 to 5 hygienically sealed in the protective layer 22.

In the further course of the folding process of the blanks 1 is completed in a conventional manner. For this purpose, the can formation provided with the blank 1 first enters a second station of the folding device 31 ( Fig. 12 ), which contains further, held on support rods 43 folding elements 44, which rest on the fold lines 10 a, 10 b of the blank 1 and these in the Fig. 10 apparent situation. In addition, this station contains two side guides 45 which gradually grasp, upright and pivot the side parts 6a, 6b and ceiling parts 7a, 7b which are obliquely displaced from the previous station from both sides, and pivot them into a substantially vertical position. Fig. 12 ). At the same time, a pressure roller or plate 46 acting on the upper side of the blank 1 holds the blank 1 firmly in contact with the can edges 18a, so that they can not come off the protective layer 22 due to a possibly insufficient hardening of the protective layer 22.

In the course of the can formation with the adhesive blank 1 on a station in which a hot melt application device 47 ( Fig. 10 ) is arranged, which occupies the ceiling part 7b on its inside with glue. This is followed by a station ( Fig. 13 ) having a folding member 49 mounted on a support rod 48. This folding element 49 acts on the further transport of the cans 18 gradually on the side part 7b and works this accordingly Fig. 5 and 13 inwardly to hang it on the top 17 of the blank 1 and stick to it. Immediately thereafter, another nip roll or plate 50 operates to firmly secure the side member 7b to the surface 17 during drying of the glue. Fig. 3 ) to keep. At the same time, the connection between the protective layer 22 and the can edges 18 is thereby further fixed.

To the out Fig. 13 apparent station joins the in Fig. 14 shown station of the folding device 31 at. This is similar to the basis of the Fig. 13 described station except for the difference that now first the ceiling part 7a ( Fig. 5 ) is coated on its inside with hot glue and then by means of another, attached to a support rod 52 folding element 53 folded inside, placed on the side part 7b and is fixed by gluing to this, as from Fig. 7 and 14 is apparent. Immediately thereafter follows another pressure roller or plate 54 (FIG. Fig. 14 ) to hold the two side parts 7a, 7b during the cooling of the hot glue in a fixed plant.

The finished packaging unit, here four cans 14 and a carrier 15 formed from a blank 1 (FIG. Fig. 8 . 9 and 15 ), is finally discharged at the outlet end of the packaging machine, wherein a pressure roller 55 and extended portions of the side guides 45 ensure that the Fig. 7 to 9 apparent form of the packaging unit until complete hardening of the glue and the protective layer 22 is maintained.

Incidentally, it is clear that the described folding and guiding elements, glue applicators and also the pressing mechanism are mounted in a machine frame 56 or connected to this carrying rods 57 that they od with the help of simple screw. Like. Can be easily adapted to different sizes packaging units.

A packaging machine for processing blanks 1 provided with a protective layer 22 of water-borne enamel (Example 1) is disclosed in U.S. Pat Fig. 16 to 18 shown. It works with regard to the supply of the blanks 1 and cans 18 and the folding of the blanks 1 to the finished carrier 15 preferably the same as the already with reference to the 10 to 15 described packaging machine. Therefore, in Fig. 16 like parts with the same reference numerals as in FIG 10 to 15 provided and those machine parts that follow the Andrückmechanismus 32, in Fig. 16 omitted for simplicity of illustration.

According to the invention, the packaging machine follows Fig. 16 to 18 an application station 60 arranged between the feed device 28 for the blanks 1 and the folding device 31. This serves the purpose of the bead-shaped can edges 18a, as in particular in Fig. 17 indicated to be provided with the glue which is required for attaching a water-based paint protective layer 22 to the can edges 18a.

According to Fig. 16 to 18 the applicator station 60 includes a reservoir 61 for the glue and at least one spray nozzle 62 attached to the underside of the reservoir 61. Through this spray nozzle 62, the glue, as in FIG Fig. 17 indicated by arrows are sprayed in fine form when the reservoir 61 is connected by means of a schematically indicated connection nipple 63 to a compressed air source, not shown. In addition, the reservoir 61 may be associated with a heater, not shown, to make the glue - if necessary - sufficiently thin for the spraying process.

Below the spray nozzle 62, the application station 60 has an application roller 64 (FIG. Fig. 17 and 18 ), whose ends are rotatably mounted in bearings 65 so as to rotate about a perpendicular to the transport direction of the cans 18 extending axis of rotation 66 can. Preferably, the applicator roll 64 is rotated by means of a positive drive at a peripheral speed corresponding to the transport speed of the cans 18 caused by the transport device 29. The applicator roll 64 thereby serves the purpose of uniformly transferring the glue applied thereto by means of the spray nozzle 62 to the can edges 18.

The entire application station 60 is preferably moved vertically up and down by means not shown. This makes it possible to apply the application roller 64 on the one hand during the application of glue with little pressure on the can edges 18a, on the other hand after the completion of the glue order something (eg., 50 mm) to withdraw from the can edges 18a, thereby space for the delivery of an associated blank 1 to create.

The application roller 64 preferably consists of a felt roll whose outer surface is tightly covered with a plastic film. This serves the purpose of ensuring, during the application of the glue, that the glue sprayed onto the applicator roll 64 in a thin film is usually applied only to the can edges 18a and not to other areas of the cans 18, in particular not those enclosed by the edges 18a circular surfaces is applied. This and the low pressure of the applicator roll 64 to the can edges 18a is achieved that any unevenness in the area of the can edges 18a are compensated, an always uniform glue application is achieved and can form on the applicator roll 64 no unwanted residues of glue. In addition, the formation of glue drops is avoided, allows easy cleaning of the applicator roll 64 by means of detergents at standstill of the packaging machine and facilitates the replacement of the applicator roll 64.

The application of packaging machines after Fig. 16 to 18 takes place analogously to the 10 to 15 , After formation of the desired can formation (e.g. Fig. 9 ), the cans 18 are continuously transported below the application station 16. It is then preferably the entire application station 60 is lowered, to put them on the first box 18 so that the edge 18a is gradually covered with glue according to Example 1. As a result of the further transport of the cans 18, the edges 18a of all the cans of the formation are covered with glue. Following this, the application station 60 is preferably raised again somewhat, so that a blank 1 can be fed by means of the feed device 28 and placed in register on these can edges 18a.

Following this, the can formation in question runs with the applied and glued blank 1 into the first station of the folding device 31, in which the pressure bar 33 is activated in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG 10 to 15 has been described. The only difference is that the existing in Andrückbalken 33 heating element 40 does not need to be turned on or completely absent, since the Andrückbalken 32 here only the clipping of the blank 1 effect on the can edges and at the same time the blank 1 in the area A - D ( Fig. 1 ) must press against the can edges 18a so that a hygienic closure of the can edges 18a is ensured, even if applied in the application station 60 glue is not completely dried or cured.

At the provided with the Andrückbalken 33 station of the folding device 31 are followed by the same stations, the above with reference to 10 to 15 have been explained in detail, so that a re-description of these stations is not required.

An unillustrated second embodiment of the packaging machine according to Fig. 16 to 18 is characterized in that the glue in the application station 16 is not applied to the can edges 18a, but on the underside of the blanks 1 and in particular where the protective layers 22 are located. For this purpose, the application station 60 preferably has at least one spray nozzle, which in Fig. 16 below the path of the supplied by the feeder 28 blanks 1 is arranged and directed upward. The application roller 64 may be missing in this case, since the blanks 1 placed on the cans 18 are already provided with the required hygiene glue in the area of the protective layer 22. At To avoid this embodiment, that excessive amounts of glue are applied to the blanks 1, the spray nozzle used z. B. an annular shape with a diameter of the can edges 18a corresponding diameter can be given.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, which can be modified in many ways. This applies first to the basis of the Fig. 1 to 9 described form and manufacture of the can carrier 15, which - as the above-mentioned publications show - can be present in different variants. In particular, the invention can also be implemented in can carriers in which the cans 18 can be attached in two or more rows on the can carrier. However, it is recommended that the openings are always formed with as little play or as little larger than the can edges 18a that they do not detach themselves from the protective layer 22 when carrying a packaging unit. Also, the application of the protective layer 22 on the kraft carton and / or their hygienic sealing connection with the can edges 18a can be done in a different manner than that described in Examples 1 to 5. In particular, numerous methods of coating, painting, finishing, lamination, etc. are available for applying the protective layers 22, while the connection of the protective layer 22 to the can edges 18a is correspondingly available 10 to 18 by numerous methods of thermal contact or heat impulse sealing and ultrasonic welding, but also z. B. by cold sealing od. Like. Can be made by the individually suitable temperatures, exposure times, pressures, etc. are observed. Furthermore, within the scope of the invention it is also possible for the first side parts adjacent to the surfaces A to D to be at least at selected points 67 (FIG. Fig. 8 ) with a preferably food-safe glue and in this way to connect with the edges of the cans 18a adjacent, mostly conical sloping portions of the can walls. As a result, the connection between the cans and the carriers could be reinforced if necessary in such a way that even during transport of the finished packaging units z. B. by means of a truck od. Like. There is no danger that the can edges 18 a of the Release protective layer. Further, it is possible to omit the coated layer 21 wholly or partly, especially when the attachment of a printed image is not desired or required, for. B. in the area of the bearing surfaces A to D. On the other hand, the protective layer needs to be mounted 22 in principle only in the region of the bearing surfaces A to D, which can also be formed only from those portions of the bottom part 4, where the can rims come to lie 18a. For manufacturing reasons, it may be appropriate, regardless of whether and where a print image is desired, consistently form one side coated and regardless of where the contact surfaces A to D or the can edges 18a come to rest, with a likewise continuous To provide protective layer 22. Furthermore, it is clear that the term "cans" in the context of the present invention means all containers intended in particular for the ingestion of beverages and foodstuffs which, as explained above, are suitable for being packed in the carrier 15 or a similar carrier , In addition, materials other than those described above may be used to make the protective layer 22 and bond it to the can edges 18a, preferably all food-safe materials should be used. Furthermore, it is clear that the parts of the can carrier 15 provided subsequent to the first side parts 5a, 5b can be made largely arbitrary because the parts of the can carrier 15 which are essential for the invention are the bottom part 4 and the first side parts 5a, 5b. The packaging machines can be designed differently than described within wide limits, especially when blanks 1 are used, the ceiling parts not by gluing and thus non-positively, but z. B. analogous to DE-AS 1 214 136 be connected by latching tongues and thus largely form-fitting. Furthermore, the packaging machines described can be designed as universal machines, by moving both with a heating element 40 after Fig. 11 as well as being provided with an application station 60 for glue. In this case, it would be possible to process with the same machine all blanks 1 described in Examples 1 to 5. Besides, the machine might be after Fig. 16 to 18 both the application station 60 and additionally an application station for spraying the blanks 1 with Have glue. Finally, it is understood that the various features may be applied in combinations other than those described and illustrated.

Claims (36)

1. Kraft board carrier for containers (18), which are provided with bead-type edges (18a) on their upper ends, with a base part (4), which is delimited laterally by folding lines (9a, 9b) arranged parallel to one another and on an underside (16) is provided with abutment surfaces (A to D) for the edges (18a), and with downwardly folded side parts (5a, 5b) extending from the folding lines (9a, 9b), wherein the folding lines (9a, 9b) are at a distance from one another dimensioned in accordance with the cross-sections of the edges (18a) and wherein slot-like openings (19), in which the edges (18a) can resiliently lock during abutment against the abutment surfaces (A to D), are provided in the region of the folding lines (9a, 9b), characterised in that at least in the region of the abutment surfaces (A to D) the base part (4) is provided with a protective layer (22), which can be glued or sealed with the edges (18a) and prevents fibres from breaking off.
2. Carrier according to claim 1, characterised in that the kraft board is made from a painted material at least in the region of the abutment surfaces (A to D).
3. Carrier according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is produced using a water tank paint.
4. Carrier according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is produced using a blister paint.
5. Carrier according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is composed of an OPP film.
6. Carrier according to claim 5, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is composed of a hot-sealing OPP film.
7. Carrier according to claim 5, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is composed of a cold-sealing OPP film.
8. Carrier according to claim 7, characterised in that the cold-sealing OPP film is coated with a layer of a peelable blister paint.
9. Carrier according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the kraft board is painted over the full surface on the side having the abutment surfaces (A to D).
10. Carrier according to claim 9, characterised in that the kraft board is provided with a protective layer (22) over the full surface on the side having the abutment surfaces (A to D).
11. Carrier according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is produced from a peelable material.
12. Carrier according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it is provided with a printed image between the painted surface section and the protective layer (22).
13. Carrier according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that it can be combined with a multiplicity of containers (18) to form a packaging unit, wherein the edges (18a) can be abutted against the abutment surfaces (A to D) and can be firmly joined to the protective layer (22) by gluing or sealing.
14. Carrier according to claim 13, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is composed of a water tank paint and the edges (18a) can be fixed to the protective layer (22) by means of a glue.
15. Carrier according to claim 14, characterised in that the glue is food-safe.
16. Carrier according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the glue is peelable.
17. Carrier according to claim 13, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is composed of a blister paint and the edges (18a) can be joined to the protective layer (22) by hot-sealing.
18. Carrier according to claim 13, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is composed of a hot-sealing OPP film joined to the kraft board by lamination and the edges (18a) can be joined to the OPP film by hot- or ultrasonic sealing.
19. Carrier according to claim 13, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is composed of a cold-sealing OPP film possibly coated with a blister paint joined to the kraft board by lamination and the edges (18a) can be joined to the protective layer (22) by cold-sealing.
20. Carrier according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the side parts (5a, 5b) are joined to further upwardly projecting side parts (6a, 6b) at lower folding lines (10a, 10b) at a distance from the base part (4) and at least one of the side parts (6a, 6b) is joined at an upper folding line (11, 12) to a cover part (7a, 7b) extending parallel to the base part (4) and firmly joined to an upper side of the base part (4).
21. Carrier according to claim 20, characterised in that the cover part (7a, 7b) is joined to the base part (4) by gluing.
22. Carrier according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterised in that the edges (18a) can be joined to the protective layer (22) in such a manner that when the container (18) is removed, an irreversible impression of the edge (18a) of this container (18) remains on the protective layer (22) to indicate the first removal.
23. Blank made of kraft board for producing a carrier (15) for containers (18), which are provided with bead-type edges (18a) on their upper ends, including a substantially rectangular, flat-lying, non-folded base element in one piece having an upper side (17), an underside (16), a central base part (4),which has abutment surfaces (A to D) on the underside (16) for the edges (18a), and at least two first side parts (5a, 5b) joined to the base part (4) along folding lines (9a, 9b), wherein the folding lines (9a, 9b) are at a distance from one another dimensioned in accordance with the cross-sections of the edges (18a, 18b) and are interrupted by cutting lines (14a, 14b) in such a manner that when the side parts (5a, 5b) have been folded along the folding lines (9a, 9b) and towards the underside slot-like openings (19) intended for locking the edges (18a) into place are formed, characterised in that at least in the region of the abutment surfaces (A to D), the base part (4) is provided with a protective layer (22), which can be glued or sealed with the edges (18a) and prevents fibres from breaking off.
24. Blank according to claim 23, characterised in that the kraft board is composed of an at least partially painted material in the region of the abutment surfaces (A to D).
25. Blank according to claim 23 or 24, characterised in that it is composed of a kraft board painted on its entire underside.
26. Blank according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterised in that the protective layer (22) is configured according to one of claims 3 to 8 and 10 or 11.
27. Blank according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterised in that it is provided with a printed image between the painted surface section and the protective layer (22).
28. Packaging machine for the automatic production of packaging units comprising a multiplicity of container (18) with upper bead-type edges (18a) and carriers (15) pressed onto these from above and provided with slot-like openings (19) intended for locking the bead-type edges (18a) into place, including: a folding device (31), a means (29) for transporting the containers (18) through the folding device (31) in at least one selected formation and a feeding means (28) for flat foldable blanks (1) intended for producing the carriers (15), which blanks being provided with cutting lines (14a, 14b) intended for the formation of slot-like openings (19), wherein the folding device (31) has folding members (39, 41, 44, 45, 49, 53) for folding the blanks (1) to form the finished carriers (15) and a pressing mechanism (32) provided with a pressing bar (33) for pressing the blanks (1) onto the bead-type edges (18a) in such a way that these pass into the slot-like openings (19) formed by folding and thus firmly connect the carrier (15) to the containers (18), characterised in that it is configured for processing blanks (1) according to one or more of claims 23 to 25 and has means for hygienically sealing the protective layer (22) to the bead-type edges (18a).
29. Packaging machine according to claim 28, characterised in that the means include a heating element (40) integrated into the pressing bar (33).
30. Packaging machine according to claim 28, characterised in that the pressing bar (33) is configured as an ultrasound-sealing element that can be caused to vibrate.
31. Packaging machine according to claim 28, characterised in that the means include an application station (60) arranged between the feeding means (28) and the folding device (31) for applying a glue to the edges (18a) and/or the blank (1) for the purpose of joining the protective layer (22) to the bead-type edges (18a).
32. Packaging machine according to claim 31, characterised in that the application station (60) has a spraying device (61, 62, 63) for applying the glue.
33. Packaging machine according to claim 31 or 32, characterised in that a glue having spraying properties that are adjustable by heat is provided.
34. Packaging device according to one of claims 32 or 33, characterised in that the application station (60) has a rotatable application roller (64) intended for applying the glue to the bead-type edges (18a), which is arranged between the spraying device (61, 62, 63) and the containers (18) and transfers glue delivered by the spraying device (61, 62, 63) onto the edges (18a).
35. Packaging machine according to claim 34, characterised in that the application roller (64) is a felt roller encased in a plastic film.
36. Packaging machine according to one of claims 32 to 35, characterised in that the spraying device (61, 62, 63) is provided with means for spraying the protective layer (22) with glue.

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