EP2322433B1 - Method and device for manufacturing a packaging unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a packaging unit which comprises a plurality of packaging items stacked in a stack of goods. In particular, the present invention relates to a method in which, when the articles are stacked in at least one special position, at least two engagement regions for fork legs of a lift truck are formed. This special situation is usually formed as the topmost layer on the stack. Thereafter, the stack is wrapped with a first film, which is regularly formed in the form of a hose hood by a closed top film tube. Thereafter, the stack is turned so that the engaging portions initially having upper part of the stack comes down. The turned stack is then wrapped with a second film. Also, this second film is usually in the form of a closed top hose hood. The second film usually extends to the first film, so that the resulting stack of goods is enveloped circumferentially. Not only with regard to the desired tightness, but also with regard to the mechanical anchoring of the sometimes elastically drawn over the stack of goods slides, beyond a certain coverage area between the two films is to be preferred.

A generic method is for example from the DE 39 41 139 A1 , of the DE 38 32 557 A1 , of the DE 36 21 296 A1 and that attributed to the applicant EP 2 036 818 A1 known. The previously known methods relate to the production of a stack of goods with a special situation with two engagement areas for fork legs of the lift truck. However, the method according to the invention is not limited to such a stack of goods.

Furthermore, a method for producing a good stack with a special situation from the EP 0 049 974 A1 and the FR 2 161 527 A1 known. Here it is intended that the stack is palletless ready provided.

The present invention is based on the problem to provide a method and an apparatus for producing packaging units, which can be handled in an improved manner.

To solve this problem, the present invention proposes a method having the features of claim 1. In the method according to the invention, the stack of goods is deposited on a pallet and lifted on the pallet standing by a conveying line conveying the stack for wrapping and / or turning. In other words, in the method according to the invention, the production of the packaging unit, ie the unit of stack and pallet on a conveyor line. In contrast to the generic state of the art, the stack of goods is not provided by itself, ie palletless, but as basically palletless to be handled stack with engagement areas for fork legs of a lift truck and in addition a pallet. This pallet, which can be handled under palletless handling, enables easy handling in factory traffic. For example, it is known to store pallets in high-bay warehouses between. This storage requires a pallet. In addition, pallets must be handled frequently before final shipment. In the case of pallets produced without stacks, there is the problem that the forks of a forklift truck can damage or break in the film placed over the stack when entering the engagement areas. In the method according to the invention, this film may be a so-called shrink film, ie a heat shrinkable film, which is initially applied substantially stress-free over the stack and subsequently applied by applying heat to the contour of the stack. But the present invention has in particular stretch films in view, ie films that are drawn at least under extensive strain over the stack and by sliding of Refffern under elastic bias (transverse and / or longitudinal strain) are applied to the contour of the stack. In particular, such elastic films bring with it the problem that the engagement areas are not completely accessible by Foliematerial located there, so that unimpeded engagement of fork legs or tines of a lift truck is not possible. Here there is a particular problem when handling the stack of goods after opposing wrapping the stack by two tubular films.

The pallet used in the method according to the invention can be a standard Euro pallet on which the stack can also be shipped. Usually, the shipping of goods but palletless. This offers the advantage that the saved by the absence of a pallet layer can be used as a stacking layer for more good. Occasionally, the height of the stack is limited for shipping, for example, when the stacks are shipped in a container.

The range used alone in the factory can be specially adapted to the local requirements. Thus, the pallet can be formed adapted in width and / or length extension of the special situation, so that the first normal position as overhang the Palette surmounted. As a result, the subsequent lifting of the stack for palletless shipping by forks of a lift truck is simplified.

In the method according to the invention, the stacking of the stack of goods takes place on the pallet in the region of the conveying path. In this case, at least that region of a device that conveys the stack is understood to mean a conveying path that extends between a depositing area for depositing the stack of goods onto the conveying path and a removal area for removing the stack of goods from the conveying section. The storage of the stack on the pallet is preferably carried out fully automatically and within the framework of the likewise fully automatic counter-rotating wrapping of the stack. Basically, the stack can be stored after one-sided wrapping with a second film and during or after turning the stack, but before wrapping with the second film on the pallet.

The storage of the stack of goods on the pallet is carried out according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention by revenue elements which engage in the engagement areas and hold the stack while this is stored on the pallet. If the pallet has a larger footprint than the special layer, the sales elements have a flat tine-like structure, which fits exactly in the height direction in the engagement areas. However, since turnover elements of greater strength are easier to manufacture and to handle, the pallet should at least have a dimension corresponding to the dimension of the special layer transversely to the longitudinal extension of the respective engagement regions.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stack is raised by the turnover elements in a circular segment-shaped movement of the conveyor line and deposited on the pallet. The pallet can in this case remain stationary and be provided, for example, at the end of the conveying path, ie in the removal area. The circular segment-shaped movement preferably results from a parallelogram structure, which is in each case a component of the conversion elements. The parallelogram structure comprises two fixed bearings, about which two supports are pivotable, which are interconnected at their opposite end with a horizontally extending web. This web engages at a certain inclination of the supports in the engaging areas. As the pivotal movement progresses, it also causes the pile of goods to lift until the supports extend vertically. With continued pivoting movement of the stack is lowered and stored on the pallet. The circular segment-shaped movement leads thereafter on the one hand to a conveying movement in the vertical. On the other hand, the stack can be lifted and placed on the pallet. The revenue elements engage from below in a section of the conveyor line in the engaging areas, in which the conveying path is formed only with the width of the special situation.

Depending on the orientation of the stack of goods on the conveyor line of the stack may be previously pivoted about the vertical axis to align the engaging portions with its longitudinal extent parallel to the conveying direction on the conveyor line. In this case, the stack is preferably lifted out of the conveyor line usually forming level, pivoted about the vertical axis and lowered back to the plane of the conveyor line.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stack is turned over with a pallet lying on top of the stack. When turning a pivoting movement of the stack is understood by 180 °, so that the top comes to bottom. Placing the pallet before turning the pile of goods entails that the pile of goods after turning on the said pallet is. The stack can therefore be handled more easily. In addition, the combination of pallet and stack does not have to take place against the dead weight of the stack, if the pallet is placed on the bottom of the stack before turning on the bottom of the stack.

According to a preferred development of the present invention, it is proposed to place the pallet on the stack after the first film has been coated. The pallet is then not wrapped in the coating of the first film and enclosed in the stack of goods. It can therefore be easily removed before sending the stack of packs at the manufacturer.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pallet is placed when creating a turning device to the stack. Such a turning device is also known from the prior art, for example EP 0 250 697 known. The turning device usually has two mutually engageable holding means which can clamp the stack between them and which can be turned over by a total of at least 180 °, so that an initially provided on the top of the stack goodness is provided after turning on the bottom of the stack and usually the bottom layer of the pile of goods forms. In the said development of the present invention, the movement of the turning device is then used to clamp not only the stack, but at the same time hang up the pallet on the stack. After turning the stack is on the supplied pallet.

Preferably, the stack is fed on another pallet standing the turning device. This further pallet is located after turning the pile of goods on the new top. When opening the turning device, this pallet is lifted from the stack and is then ready for the next stack to be placed on the upper side before turning on this. Thereafter, the development provides a relatively simple process in which no separate handling steps are required to hang up the pallet on the top of the stack. Rather, the later aufzulegende pallet with the previous stack of the turning device is supplied. The further development offers the further advantage that the pallet is always arranged on a pallet before, during and after coating of the film material, so that, for example, in the event of a malfunction, the completely or partially finished packaging unit is provided via the corresponding pallet provided on the underside of the packaging unit can be handled and can be lifted off the production line.

Thus, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed to pull the second film over the stack of goods standing on the pallet.

To solve the device-related aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for producing a packaging unit with a device for stacking a stack, at least one device for wrapping the stack with a film hood and means for turning the stack is proposed, which comprises two holding means arranged in such a way are that the layers of the stack of goods between its top and bottom are clamped by holding means. The device further has a conveying stack conveying the stack between the respective devices. A corresponding device is for example from the DE 36 21 296 known. In this prior art, a single device for wrapping the stack is provided, which is first passed through by the stack for wrapping with the first film, the stack then spent in the conveying direction to the turning device and after turning in the opposite direction to the coating of the second Film is promoted with the previously used for wrapping equipment. But it can also be before and behind the turning means are provided for wrapping the various films.

However, the device according to the invention differs from the generic state of the art in that a device for depositing the stack of goods is provided on the pallet in the region of the conveying path. This device can be designed as part of the device for turning. But it may also be a separate, the conveyor line associated device formed, which deposits the stack after full wrapping with the film hoods on a pallet. The device for depositing the stack of goods on the pallet can at the end of the conveyor line, i. be provided in the removal area for removing the stack of goods. However, it can just as well be part of that area of the conveyor line which moves the stack of goods in the direction of the removal area, i. spends the end of the conveyor line.

In a further development, a transfer station is provided as part of the conveyor line, which has conversion elements which are designed such that the stack of these can be supported upon engagement in the engagement regions of the stack. As engagement areas are those areas of the stack of goods to be understood that arise between a lower special position and an overlying, provided with a larger footprint than the special position normal position. The normal position forms an overhang, which limits the engagement areas on the upper side, so that can be raised in a conventional manner by intervening in the engagement areas lifting prongs of a stacker the stack.

The peculiarity of the development is that the revenue elements lift the stack on the conveyor line by engaging in the engagement areas and thereby support to store the stack on a pallet. The stack does not necessarily have to be raised. Rather, it is also possible to provide circumferential turnover elements, which cooperate approximately with the speed of the conveying elements of the conveyor line to retract into the engagement areas, first to apply against the bottom of the normal position and finally to wear the stack completely. Thereafter, the usual conveyor line, ie a driven chain or roller conveyor deflected down and promoted the stack alone by the driven conversion elements and finally sold on the pallet. Also, the pallet can be guided movably with the speed of the stack under this, to gently deposit the stack on the pallet.

The revenue elements can be shaped as tines whose holder is designed to be movable. To prefer, however, is the design of the revenue elements as conveyor belts.

In a preferred and particularly elegant embodiment of the present invention is a securing device which is associated with one of the holding means and by which the provided on the holding means pallet against the holding means is securable. The laying of the pallet is done by the means for turning the same. At least one of the holding means, preferably two holding means, a securing device is assigned in each case. By this securing means provided on the underside of the holding means pallet can be secured against the holding means. Accordingly, the securing device allows the lifting of the pallet provided on the holding means when opening the turning device. Therefore, the pallet is usually after turning and before entering another pallet in the turning device on the underside of the upper holding means. In order to make a pallet available after each turn on the underside of the upper holding means, it is preferable to provide the securing means on both holding means. It is then not necessary to provide a special holding means as a footing for standing on the pallet stack, to lift this pallet after turning from the stack and keep ready for turning the next stack of goods.

The securing device preferably comprises tines which can be introduced laterally into the pallet. The tines are preferably formed tapering at its end to allow a degree of self-adjustment and a leadership of the tines in the interstices of the pallet. The tines may be curved and introduced by means of a rotary movement in the pallet. In this case, it is considered sufficient that the tines exceed or grasp edge-side planks of the pallet. But is particularly simple, an embodiment in which the tines are translationally guided and driven. The tolerances to be complied with can be made large if, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two opposing movable sets of prongs are provided, which are spaced apart from one another such that they can accommodate the pallet between them. The two sets of prongs are preferably movable towards each other so that they can be introduced from two sides into the pallet.

The present invention further relates to a packaging unit with the features of the independent claim 5. This packaging unit may be a product of the procedural teaching according to claim 1. In particular, the stack may have a special situation with two engagement areas for fork legs of a lift truck, which forms the footprint of the stack and which rests on the pallet.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung zum Herstellen einer Verpackungseinheit gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 2a - 2i

verschiedene Phasen eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;

Fig. 3a

eine Draufsicht auf einen Ausschnitt eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Wen- deeinrichtung zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens in einer Ruheposition;

Fig. 3b

den in Fig. 2a dargestellten Ausschnitt in einer Eingriffsstellung;

Fig. 3c

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie III-III gemäß der Darstellung in Fig. 2b;

Fig. 4a

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Einrichtung zum Ablegen des Gutstapels auf einer Palette zu den in Figur 1 gezeigten Komponenten in einer ersten Stellung;

Fig. 4b

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel der Einrichtung nach Fig. 4a in einer zweiten Stellung;

Fig. 5a

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Einrichtung zum Ablegen des Gutsta- pels auf einer Palette und

Fig. 5b

das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel der Einrichtung nach Figur 5a beim Ablegen des Gutstapels auf die Palette.

Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment in conjunction with the drawings. In this drawing:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus for producing a packaging unit according to the present invention;

Fig. 2a - 2i

different phases of an embodiment of a method according to the invention;

Fig. 3a

a plan view of a section of an embodiment of a turning device for performing the method according to the invention in a rest position;

Fig. 3b

the in Fig. 2a portion shown in an engaged position;

Fig. 3c

a sectional view taken along the line III-III as shown in FIG Fig. 2b ;

Fig. 4a

a first embodiment of a device for depositing the stack of goods on a pallet to those in FIG. 1 shown components in a first position;

Fig. 4b

the first embodiment of the device according to Fig. 4a in a second position;

Fig. 5a

A second embodiment of a device for depositing the Gutsta- pels on a pallet and

Fig. 5b

the second embodiment of the device according to FIG. 5a when placing the pile of goods on the pallet.

FIG. 1 shows various parts of a plant, the one embodiment of a plant with various elements of the apparatus for producing a packaging unit according to the present invention. The plant comprises a palletizer marked A, in which a good stack is formed from a plurality of, preferably identically designed, piece goods elements, for example sacks. This stack is stacked on a marked with reference symbol B conveyor line. On this conveyor line B, the stack is then fed to a film applicator designated by reference C. There, a first slide is pulled over the stack. Thereafter, the one-sided wrapped good stack is further promoted in the previous conveying direction and fed to a turning device D. This turning device clamps the stack and pivots it around a vertically extending axis, so that the previous top of the stack comes down. Then, the so-turned unilaterally wrapped stack is fed again to the Folienaufbringeinrichtung C to pull a hose hood from the opposite direction to the stack. Thereafter, the counter-enveloped stack of goods in the first conveying direction, ie discharged from left to right on the conveyor line B.

A first embodiment of a device for depositing the stack of goods on a pallet is in the FIGS. 2a to 2i clarified.

Fig. 2a shows an embodiment of a stack of goods 1 with several summarized in a stack level packaging items 2, which should be formed in the present case by bags. On top of each other several levels of packaging items 2 are stacked. Each stack level has in the normal layers 3, the same number of packaging items 2, so that there is a substantially parallelepiped stack. Only the upper layer is formed as a special layer 4 and has less packaging items 2, so that at the edge of the stack 1 between an upper side 5 and opposite longitudinal side surfaces 6 engaging portions 7 are formed, which extend at right angles to the plane of the drawing parallel to the longitudinal side surfaces 6 , The width of the engaging portions 7, that is, the distance between the side surfaces 6 and parallel thereto extending side surface of the upper packaging object 2.1 is selected so that the fork legs of a lift truck almost completely below the normal layers of the stack 1 and thus can be moved into the engagement areas 7.

This in Fig. 2a shown embodiment of a stack 1 is on a pallet 8 in a conventional manner (see, eg. DE 38 32 557 A1 ) has been piled up.

From a stacking position ( Fig. 2a ) is the thus formed and provided on the pallet 8 stack 1 to a first wrapping station 9 (FIG. Fig. 2b ) spent. There, a first tube hood 10, which is formed from a first film 11 by cutting and end-side sealing of a formed from the first film material 11 film tube, pulled over the stack 1 to envelop it. In this case, the hood can be pulled over the stack of goods with provision of elastic expansion parts (cf. DE 39 41 139 A1 ). Alternatively, the hood can be thermally shrunk after wrapping the stack on this. Usually, when coating the hose cap 10 over the stack 1 of this at the end of the coating process (see. Fig. 2c, 2d ), so that the hose hood 10 does not collide with a roadway 13 for the goods stack 1 via the goods stack 1 leading refining fingers ( Fig. 2c ).

After the entire material of the first film 11 has been removed from the refining finger 12 ( Fig. 2d ), these are moved in their initial position (ie up). The one-sided wrapped good stack 1 is usually moved out of the wrapping station 9 to a turning station 14, which is schematically indicated in Fig. 1e. At this turning station 14, a turning device 15 is provided, as is known from the prior art ( DE 26 14 558 A1 ) and the two opposing holding means 16 comprises. Each holding means 16 regularly comprises a conveyor belt 17 which is provided in the direction of travel of the stack 1 approximately at the width of the pallet 8. The conveyor belts 17 each run around deflection drums 18, of which at least one is driven by a motor. The holding means 16 are movable towards each other. Regularly both holding means 16 are designed to be movable, so that by lifting the lower holding means from the plane of the roadway 13 under holding means 16u so far from the roadway 13 and the rest, stationary provided conveyor belts of the roadway 13 is provided that the two holding means 16 to a central, indicated by reference numeral 19 pivoting axis can be pivoted by 180 ° without the respective holding means 16 with the parts of the roadway 13 collide (see. Fig. 2f ).

After pivoting through 180 °, the special layer 4 now forms the lowest layer of the stack of goods 1. The holding means 16 are now moved apart, so that in Fig. 2e still holding means shown as upper holding means 16o with its conveyor belt 17 now aligned with the roadway 13. The one-sided wrapped good stack 1 can now be spent, for example, again to the wrapping station 9. There, a second tube cover 21 formed from a second film 20 is pulled from above over the stack 1. Usually, for this purpose, the second tube hood 21 is applied to the stack 1 with the same method as the first tube hood 10th

In any case, the second hose hood 21 is provided substantially overlapping the first hose hood 10 in the longitudinal direction. The stack 1 is then coated on both sides with a hose hood 10, 21. The packaging unit 33 produced in this way is completely sealed in foil material and stands on the pallet 22.

The peculiarity of the method according to the invention results in particular from the Figs. 2e and 2f , When entering the turning station 14 this holds with its upper holding means 16o another pallet 22. This further pallet 22 is placed on the special layer 4 when moving the holding means 16 toward each other. Accordingly, the further pallet 22 is on the top of the stack 1 before turning. After turning (cf. Fig. 2f ) is the stack 1 on the other pallet 22. The pallet 8 initially used for holding the stack 1 is now on the new top of the stack 1. The pallet 8 is removed together with the holding means 16 from the surface of the stack 1. Thereafter, the pallet 8 forms for the handling of the next stack 1 on this aufzulegende further range.

The Fig. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate the embodiment of a holding means 16, on the conveyor belt 17, the pallet 8 is provided. The holding means 16 further has a securing device, which is designated by reference numeral 23 and includes the prongs 24, which are displaceably mounted. For this purpose, the securing device 23 has two guide rods 25 which cooperate with a tine carrier 26. The tine carrier 26 is further provided with piston rods 27 and ends provided thereon piston 28 which are displaceable in fluid acted upon cylinders 29. The Fig. 3a shows a rest position in which the tines 24 are arranged laterally next to the pallet 8.

After the pallet 8 has assumed a predetermined position on the holding means 16, the cylinders 29 are acted upon at the end with fluid under pressure, so that the pistons 28 are urged in the direction of the pallet 8. Accordingly, the tines 24 are introduced into free spaces 30 of the pallet 8 (cf. Fig. 2f ). How out Fig. 3c it can be seen, the front ends of the tines 24 are formed tapering, so that a slide ramp 31 is formed, via which the tines 24 guided guided over a lower plank 32u of the pallet 8 in the interstices 30.

In the in Fig. 3b shown engagement position, the two prongs 24 are received in the associated free space 30 of the pallet 8. In a corresponding manner, further tines provided on the opposite side of the tines 24 are engaged in the opposite free spaces of the pallet 8.

The pallet 8 is now secured relative to the holding means 16. After turning the stack 1 and lifting the then upper holding means 16 of the stack 1 remains the range 8 hanging under the lifted holding means 16. After a new stack 1 is retracted in the turning device 15, the pallet can by lowering the holding means against the top of the goods stack 1 are created on this. In the Fig. 2e Pallet 22 provided above thus forms that pallet on which the stack 1 wrapped with the two tubular hoods 10, 21 stands and on which the stack 1 is placed for intermediate storage, for example on a high-bay warehouse.

The FIGS. 4a and 4b show an alternative embodiment of a device for depositing the stack on a pallet, the in FIG. 1 Subordinated plant part is arranged downstream. The conveyor line B is in Figure 4a, 4b indicated. The FIGS. 4a, 4b show a marked with reference symbol E transfer station for storing the stack 1 on a pallet 50. The transfer station E comprises two identical trained conversion elements 51 with an upper beam 52 to which two supports 53 are hinged, which are pivotally mounted on two bearings 54. The supports 53 each extend parallel to each other. In the in FIG. 4a shown starting position, the supports 53 against the conveying direction, ie inclined to the left. The conveyor line B extends approximately to the right end of the beam 52nd

If a stack of goods enveloped on both sides is conveyed to the transfer station E via the conveyor line B, the last segment of the conveyor line is stopped. The bars 52 are located slightly below the storage area formed by the conveyor line B for the stacked on both sides stack 1 and include the last segment B _{1 of} the continuous conveyor line B between them. The bars 52 are exactly below the engagement areas.

By pivoting the supports 53 in a clockwise direction, the two beams 52 are raised simultaneously and lie against the lowest normal position 3 of the stack 1. As the pivoting movement of the supports 53 in the clockwise direction, the stack 1 is finally fully supported and raised by the beams 52. In this case, the stack 1 is removed from the last segment of the conveyor line B in the conveying direction. After the supports 53 have exceeded their zenith, the wrapped stack 1 is lowered. The supports 53 and the beam 52 finally take between them the pallet 50 and put the stack 1 on the pallet 50 from. The pallet 50 can then be conveyed away via a further segment of the conveying path B. Alternatively, a lift truck or a similar, suitable for lifting and removal of standing on the pallet 50 stack 1 conveyor suitable to remove the stack 1 with the pallet 50 directly at the segment B ₂ of the device.

The FIGS. 5a, 5b illustrate another embodiment, which may be provided at the end of the conveyor line B. In this embodiment, two revenue elements forming fingers 60 are realized. Each finger 60 carries a motor-driven conveyor belt 61. The fingers 60 and the conveyor belt 61 are designed such that they can be introduced into the engagement regions 7 of the stack 1. The fingers 60 are provided in extension of the conveyor line B and take on the conveyor line B promoted stack 1. The fingers 60 are slightly inclined in the vertical, so that the goods stack 1 standing on the conveying path B is taken over by the fingers 60 as the conveying movement progresses. The conveyor belts 61 are operated at the same speed as the conveyor line B in the embodiment shown. After lifting the stack 1 of the conveyor section B, a pallet 62 is guided against the stack 1 from below, and also with slight inclination relative to the horizontal. This inclination, however, is greater than the inclination of the fingers 60.

The pallet 62 is guided between the two mutually parallel fingers 60 and takes over the stack 1. This is finally standing on the pallet 62 at the end B _{2 of} the conveyor section B held ready for lifting with a lift truck.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

stack

2

Packaging articles

3

normal position

4

special location

5

top

6

Longitudinal side faces

7

engaging portions

8th

palette

9

wrapping station

10

first hose hood

11

first slide

12

reefing fingers

13

roadway

14

turning station

15

turning device

16

holding means

17

conveyor belt

18

Umlenktrommel

19

swivel axis

20

second slide

21

second hose hood

22

further range

23

safety device

24

prong

25

guide rod

26

tine carrier

27

piston rod

28

piston

29

cylinder

30

free space

31

slide ramp

32

lower plank

33

Packaging Unit

50

palette

51

revenue element

52

bar

53

Support

54

camp

60

finger

61

conveyor belt

62

palette

A

palletizer

B

conveyor line

C

Folienaufbringeinrichtung

D

turning device

e

transfer station

Claims (15)

1. Method of producing a packaging unit, comprising the steps of:

   stacking packaging articles (2) to form a product stack (1) so that in at least one special layer (4) at least two engagement regions (7) are formed for the fork arms (18) of a fork-lift;

   wrapping the product stack (1) with a first film (11);

   turning the product stack (1) wrapped on one side;

   wrapping the product stack (1) wrapped on one side with a second film (20) so as to form a counter-wrapped product stack (1);

   characterised in
   that the product stack (1) is deposited on a pallet (22) and the product stack (1) standing on the pallet is lifted from a conveyor section conveying the stack for wrapping and/or turning.
2. Method of producing a packaging unit according to Claim 1, characterised in that the counter-wrapped product stack (1) is deposited on the pallet (22) carried by shift members engaging into the engagement regions.
3. Method of producing a packaging unit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the product stack (1) carried by the shift members is lifted from the conveyor section in a circle segment-like motion.
4. Method of producing a packaging unit according to Claim 1, characterised in that the product stack (1) is turned with a pallet (22) situated on top of the product stack (1).
5. Method according to Claim 4, characterised in that after the covering with the first film (11) the pallet (22) is placed on the product stack (1).
6. Method according to Claim 4 or 5, characterised in that when a turning device (15) is applied the pallet (22) is placed on the product stack (1).
7. Method according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the product stack (1) is fed to the turning device (15) standing on a further pallet (8) which, after the turning of the product stack (1), is secured to the turning device (15) and with the turning device (15) is lifted from the turned product stack (1).
8. Method according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the second film (20) is drawn over the product stack (1) standing on the pallet (8).
9. Apparatus for producing a packaging unit (33) with a device for stacking (A) a product stack (1), at least one device for wrapping (B) the product stack (1) with a film hood (10,21) and a device (D;15) for turning the product stack (1), this latter device comprising two holding means (16) which are arranged so that the layers (3,4) of the product stack (1) can be clamped between its upper side and lower side by the holding means (16), and with a conveyor section (B) conveying the product stack (1) between the devices (A,B,D),
   characterised by
   a device (E) provided in a region of the conveyor section (B) for depositing the product stack (1) on a pallet (28,50,62).
10. An apparatus according to Claim 9, characterised by a securing device (23) which is associated with one of the holding means (16) and by which the pallet (22) provided on the holding means (16) can be secured with respect to the holding means (16).
11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterised in that the securing device (23) comprises teeth (24) which can be introduced into the pallet (22) from the side.
12. Apparatus according to Claim 11, characterised by two opposed, movable sets of teeth (24) which are so spaced apart that they receive the pallet between them and can be so moved towards one another that they can each be introduced from one side into the pallet (22).
13. Apparatus according to Claim 9, characterised by a shift station with shift members which engage into engagement regions formed laterally between a lower special layer and a normal layer of the product stack (1) situated thereabove, and which are so formed that the product stack (1) can retained by the shift members when they engage into the engagement regions.
14. Apparatus according to Claim 13, characterised in that the shift members comprise two framing bands forming depositing surfaces for the product stack, which belts are provided substantially parallel to one another and have a lateral distance apart which corresponds to the lateral distance apart of the engagement regions.
15. A packaging unit (33) with a product stack with a plurality of layers of packaging articles (2) stacked above one another, with a hood (10) composed of a first film material (11) and wrapping an upper surface and in any case parts of the lateral surfaces (6), and with a hood (21) drawn over the product stack (1) in the opposite direction thereto and composed of a second film material (20),
    characterised in
    that the packaging unit is produced in accordance with the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, and in that the product stack (1) rests on a pallet (22).

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