EP3212508A1

EP3212508A1 - Method for attaching a bottle clip and packaging device

Info

Publication number: EP3212508A1
Application number: EP15784702.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Koch; Hans Luber; Herbert Spindler; Thomas Wimmer
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2014-10-30
Filing date: 2015-10-23
Publication date: 2017-09-06
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-23
Also published as: WO2016066547A1; ES2808120T3; DE102014222187A1; CN207015629U; EP3212508B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for combining and packaging a group of articles consisting of at least two articles, wherein at least one article comprises a bottle clip. The articles are moved in a continuous, at least single-row article stream on at least one transport means in a transport direction to a grouping device for dividing up the group of articles. The grouping device comprises at least one retaining means for separating off a defined number of articles forming the group of articles whilst creating a gap. The application of the bottle clip to at least one article takes place while a speed of the at least two articles is reduced at least at times and/or in some sections relative to a speed of the transport means for the articles in the region of the grouping device by the retaining means. The invention further relates to a packaging device for packaging a group of articles.

Description

Procedures for attaching a Bottieclip and

Packaging device

The present invention relates to a method for attaching a Bottieclips and a packaging device according to the features of the preambles of claims 1 and 9.

Containers, in particular beverage bottles or the like, are often sold as containers in which several containers are assembled and with the help of a

Packaging means are summarized. For example, a Bottieclip is applied to containers in different formations, whereby the multiple containers are connected to containers. Bottieclips are, for example, in the form of a perforated plate, as multiply connected lid or similar. educated. Often Bottieclips fulfill an additional carrying function. To transport several groups by means of Bottieclip

combined containers, these are assembled, for example, to larger groups in a carton or on a pallet, the carton closed for further transport and the compilation on the pallet

is wrapped for example with shrink film.

Usually Bottieclips are applied to the respective container group in a stand-alone machine. The stand-alone, independent machine divides the packaging process and the associated machine areas.

The Bottieclips is usually applied after a grouping of the articles into larger containers and / or after the insertion of the articles in a carton or on a so-called tray. This breaks the usual process chain in the packing machines. For the subsequent process, for example, closing the outer carton or wrapping the grouped articles with a

Film wrapping, the grouped items need to be fixed once again

Machine division brought and fed to the machine for applying the Bottieclips. Only then can the carton be closed or the

Cover with foil. Other disadvantages include an increased space requirement for the entire system, the integration of external control and additional possible

Malfunctions in the packaging process due to an increased number of

Module interfaces. There are already known solutions that integrate the application of Bottieclips in the process. DE 102009026220 A1 describes a method and a device for grouping and connecting articles, in which at least two articles are combined by applying a first packaging means to a packaging unit. In the course of a continuous conveying movement, the individual packaging units are connected to an additional second packaging means to form a larger unit.

The object of the invention is to optimize the packaging of articles, in particular while the packaging process should not be interrupted and the solution should be particularly space-saving.

The above object is achieved by a method and a packaging apparatus comprising the features in claims 1 and 9. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a method for summarizing and packaging an article group of at least two articles, wherein a Bottieclip is arranged on at least one article. The articles are moved in a continuous, at least single-row article stream on at least one transport in a transport direction to a grouping device for dividing the article group. The

Grouping device comprises at least one retaining means for separating a defined number of articles forming the article group to form a gap. The application of the Bottieclips on the at least one article takes place while a speed of the at least two articles forming the article group is at least temporarily and / or partially reduced by a velocity of the means of transport for the article in the grouping device by the retaining means

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method for summarizing and packaging a second article group. In particular, the method includes attaching a bottom clip to a collection of at least two articles to form a first article group. The second article group is formed from at least one first article group, preferably from a plurality of first article groups. The articles are fed in a continuous, at least single-row article stream on at least one transport means in a transport direction of a grouping device. The grouping device is used to divide the article into second article groups, which subsequently further packaging machines fed and summarized by means of packaging, in particular by means of a so-called secondary packaging. For example, the articles of the second article group are combined with a cardboard outer packaging or a foil outer packaging. The second article group divided by the grouping device comprises at least one first article group, preferably the second one

Article group, however, a plurality of first article groups.

According to a first embodiment, a first article group comprises two articles. The second article group formed by means of the grouping device comprises a multiple thereof, in particular the second article group comprises in each case one, two or three first article groups, i. Overall, the second article group includes

accordingly two, four or six articles.

According to a second embodiment, a first article group comprises three articles. The second article group formed by means of the grouping device comprises a multiple thereof, in particular the second article group comprises in each case one, two or three first article groups, i. Overall, the second article group includes

accordingly three, six or nine articles etc.

The grouping device comprises at least one retaining means for separating a defined number of articles forming the second article group, forming a gap between the grouped second article groups. The application of the Bottieclips on the corresponding number of the first article group forming articles takes place while a speed of the first article group forming at least two articles against a speed of the transport in the grouping device by the retaining means is at least temporarily and / or partially reduced. According to one embodiment of the invention, the application of the

Bottieclips on the at least one article largely at the same time as dividing the articles into the article group. According to a further embodiment, the

Applying the clip to the composition of the at least two articles, largely at the same time as dividing the articles into the second article group. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the article group comprising the at least one article equipped with Bottieclip is combined with a packaging means or the divided second article group comprising at least one first article group is combined with a further packaging means. For example, the first article groups forming a second article group are combined in a cardboard outer packaging or covered with shrink film or the like.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of articles within the grouping device are separated as an article group and subsequently combined with a packaging material. Immediately before or during the division of the articles as an article group by the grouping device, the attachment of the at least one bottom clip to the at least one article takes place. Alternatively, a plurality of first article groups within the grouping device become second

Article group separated from the following articles and then combined with a packaging material. Here, attaching the at least one Bottieclips carried on at least two articles to form a first group of articles directly before or during the division of the article by the grouping device as a second group of articles.

For example, the at least one Bottieclip by a

Handling device taken from a magazine and placed on the at least one article, preferably on at least two, the first article group forming articles, while the at least one article or while the articles are in an inlet region of the grouping device or within the grouping device. At the same time or directly afterwards, the articles are replaced by the

Grouping group divided into the article groups.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the bottle clip is removed from a magazine by a handling device and applied to and attached to a subset of the second article group of articles after the grouping device has classified the articles into a second article group. That In this embodiment, forming first article groups within the second article group is followed by grouping the articles as a second article group. However, the attachment of the Bottieclips takes place in a region of the grouping device in which the second group of items by the retaining means of the grouping device

is retained, so that the speed of the articles of the second article group is reduced compared to the speed of the means of transport for the articles.

Furthermore, it can be provided that two grouping devices, each with associated handling device for applying Bottieclips in

Transport direction for the article are arranged one after another. This allows the Back pressure can be reduced by the incoming article. In particular, it is provided that a first grouping device divides several article groups. The first

Grouping device is a first handling device for applying

Associated with Bottieclips. With the aid of the first handling device, within the first grouping device, in each case at least one article every two of the

A bottle clip is applied to article groups, while the speed of the articles or article groups is reduced by a retention means of the first grouping device compared to the speed of the transport means for the articles and article groups. That is, from the first grouping run alternately article groups

Bottleclip and article groups without bottleclip.

At a second, in the transport direction for the article downstream

Grouping the article groups are in turn dammed and divided by this again in article groups with and without Bottleclip. Here, at least one article of the remaining, intermediate article groups is provided with a bottle clip. That the second handling device now applies a bottle clip to the article groups without a bottle clip, while the speed of the articles or article groups is reduced by a retaining means of the second grouping device

Speed of the means of transport for the articles and article groups is reduced.

Thus, all expiring from the second grouping article groups each have a bottle clip on.

When using a packaging machine with only one

Grouping device may optionally have the positioning accuracy for the

Transport direction can not be achieved. Problems arise in particular when container tolerances accumulate. The existing dynamic pressure compresses the containers or bottles differently and increases the positioning inaccuracy. In the

Use of two grouping devices results for the application of the

Bottieclips by the two handling devices almost identical

Boundary conditions. In particular, the influence of the container tolerance is minimized since the bottle clip is applied directly to the grouping position. The invention further relates to a packaging device for packaging

Article groups of at least two articles with a packaging material, wherein a bottle clip can be attached to at least one article of the article group. The

Packaging device comprises at least one grouping device for dividing at least two articles into an article group. Furthermore, the grouping device comprises a handling device for applying the bottle clips on at least one article of the article group and a repackaging module for applying a

Outer packaging on and / or to and / or around the articles of the article group. The

Grouping device comprises at least one retaining means for temporarily retaining articles for forming spaced groups of articles.

The packaging device further comprises a control unit. At least the grouping device and the handling device for applying the bottle clips are connected to the control unit and can be controlled and controlled by them accordingly. The handling device for applying the bottle clips is arranged within or in a region of the grouping device. The handling device is controlled in dependence on the position of the retaining means of the grouping device such that the bottle clips are applied to articles, while the articles in

Transport direction are arranged behind the retaining means of the grouping device. According to a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a

Packaging device for packaging second article groups with a

Packaging means, for example, with a cardboard outer packaging, a shrink film, a strapped tether etc. The second article groups each comprise at least a first group of articles consisting of at least two, combined by means of a Bottleclips articles. The handling device for applying the bottle clips is arranged within or in a region of the grouping device. The handling device is controlled in dependence on the position of the retaining means of the grouping device such that the bottle clips are applied to articles for forming the first article groups, while the articles are arranged in the transport direction behind the retaining means of the grouping device.

The packaging device comprises a grouping device for dividing at least two articles into a second article group. Furthermore, the

Packaging device a handling device for applying the Bottleclips on at least two articles to form the first article groups and a

Umverpackungsmodul, in particular a cardboard packaging module or a

Film wrapping module with subsequent shrinking device or similar By the

Umverpackungsmodul be the articles of the second article group by means of a

Packing means combined to form so-called containers. The grouping device comprises at least one retention means for temporary retention of articles. With the help of the restraining means article groups, each comprising a defined number of articles are formed. In particular, it is provided that in each case gaps are created within the grouping between the second article groups. The thus spaced second article groups are then fed to the outer packaging module and / or other facilities. The distance between the second article groups is preferably maintained.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a Bottieclip is applied only on an article or only on a part of the article of an article group, which serves in particular as a carrying handle for the container.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a single bottom clip is attached to each individual article of the article group. The articles with bottle clips are grouped into the article groups and preferably combined with another packaging material. The bottle clips serve as a carrying aid for each individual article. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in

Articles with a relatively high volume and thus weight, which can be better transported individually. For example, each bottle with a

Volume content of about 4 liters provided with appropriate carrying clips and then summarized as a six-pack with a shrink wrap.

The packaging device is particularly suitable for carrying out the method described above. Due to the arrangement of

Handling device for applying the bottle clips within or in a region of the grouping device, the space requirement of the packaging device is minimized.

In particular, the space requirement or the so-called footprint of the

Packaging device with handling device for applying Bottleclips largely the space requirement of a similarly sized packaging device without handling device. This solution is thus compared to conventional

single machines significantly smaller. In addition, the integration of the application of the bottle clips in the grouping the process flow is not interrupted and there are no additional means of transport o.ä. needed. It can be provided, in particular, that the handling device for applying bottle clips within the packaging device is optionally operated depending on the desired product composition. That is, the handling device can for certain Product assembly are taken out of service, without affecting the other packaging process and / or disturb.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

FIGS. 1 schematically show the method sequence in the grouping of article assemblies by means of a first grouping device according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the method sequence in the grouping of article compositions by means of a grouping device, wherein according to the invention at least part of the grouped articles is combined at the same time by means of a so-called bottom clip. FIGS. 3 schematically show the method sequence in the grouping of FIG

Article compilations by means of a further embodiment of a

Grouping device, wherein according to the invention at least a part of the grouped articles is combined at the same time by means of a so-called Bottieclips.

FIG. 4 shows a packaging machine in which an application device for bottom clips is integrated according to the invention in such a way that the bottom clips can be placed on the current container stream.

Figures 5 show an application head for attaching Bottieclips.

FIGS. 6 schematically show the application of bottom clips in one

Packaging machine comprising two one-piece. Identical or equivalent elements of the invention will be identical

Reference numeral used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the device or method of the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation. FIG. 1 schematically shows the method sequence in the grouping of article groups 4 by means of a first grouping device 9. The articles 1, for example bottles or the like, are transported to the grouping device 9 on a conveyor belt 2 in the transport direction TR. The conveyor belt 2 has a first

Conveying speed v (2). In a first conveying section I, the speed v (1) of the article 1 thus corresponds to the conveying speed v (2) of the conveyor belt 2.

The grouping device 9 is arranged in the region of a second conveying section II. This grouping device 9 comprises a retaining device 10 for the articles 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the retaining device 10 of the grouping device 9 comprises, in particular, a circulating conveyor chain 11, on which the indexing fingers 12 are arranged. The conveyor chain 1 1 with the Einteilfingern 12 has a second retention speed v (1 1), which is less than the first conveying speed v (2) of the conveyor belt 2. The second conveyor section II in the transport direction TR behind a in the transport path of the article. 1 engaging one-piece fingers 12 ^* arranged article 1 ^* are thus braked to the second retention rate v (1 1). That is, in the second conveying section II, the articles 1 ^{* are moved} at a speed v (1 ^* ) corresponding to the second retaining speed v (1 1). After immersing the Einteilfingers 12 ^* the article 1 in the third conveyor section III in turn with the conveying speed v (2) of the conveyor belt 2 are transported. As a result of the braking of the articles 1 ^* in the second conveying section II and the subsequent acceleration of the articles 1 in the third conveying section III, the retaining device 10 effects a separation of a defined number of articles 1 under

Forming gaps 3 and thus the formation of spaced apart

Article groups 4-1, 4-2, 4-3. FIGS. 2A to 2C schematically show the method sequence in the grouping of article assemblies 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 by means of a grouping device 9 ^* , wherein according to the invention at least a part of the grouped articles 1 is combined at the same time by means of a so-called bottle clip. The already shown in Figure 1

Reference numerals are not shown in FIG. 2 for the sake of clarity. FIGS. 2 show three different regions 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, in each of which the attachment of at least one bottle clip can take place. In particular, FIGS. 2 illustrate that the attachment of at least one bottle clip always takes place on articles 1 ^* whose position is determined by the retaining device 10 of the grouping device 9 in the second conveying section II. The summarized by the bottle clip Article 1 are therefore always in the second conveying section II, in an end region E (l) of the first conveying section I or in a transitional region U (l-Il) between the first and the second conveying section I, II.

The distance between the individual Einteilfingern 12 of the retainer 10 is known. Likewise, the first conveying speed v (2) of the conveyor belt 2 and the second retaining speed v (1 1) of the conveyor chain 1 1 with the Einteilfingern 12 is known. Based on these parameters, the exact position of the articles 1, 1 ^* in the area of the grouping device 9 ^{* is} known at all times. The Bottieclips can be attached to the articles 1, 1 ^* by means of a device, not shown, without the position of the articles 1, 1 ^* must be sensory checked.

The attachment of at least one Bottieclip can thus be done parallel to the division of the article 1, 1 ^* in article groups 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 by means of the grouping device 9 ^* . In particular, in one embodiment of the device in which the attachment of at least one Bottieclip takes place in the second conveying region II, it can be provided that the device not shown when attaching the Bottieclips at least partially parallel to the conveyor belt 2 in a third application speed, for example, the second retention rate v (1 1), is moved.

FIGS. 3 schematically show the method sequence in the grouping of article compositions, in particular bottle groups 18, by means of a further embodiment of a grouping device 20 in five successive ones

Process steps, wherein according to the invention at least a portion of the grouped articles 1, 17 at the same time summarized by means of a so-called Bottieclips.

The second grouping device 20 comprises a first conveyor element 21 in the form of a first conveyor belt 22, a second conveyor element 23 arranged downstream of it and moving faster than the first conveyor belt 22 in the form of a second conveyor belt 24 and a second conveyor belt 24

Retaining device 30 for the separation of a defined number of articles 1 - here upright bottles 17 - to form a gap 3 between successive groups of bottles 18-1, 18-2 and under delay of the separated

Bottle group 18-2 opposite the respective leading bottle group 18-1. The retainer 30 moves and guides a plurality of Einteilstege 32, which means

circulating Endloszugmittel 33 are guided above a conveying plane of the second conveyor belt 24 in a closed curve. The Einteilstege 32 dive from above between the bottles 17 and affect the movement of the subsequent

Bottles 17 over a defined distance in the transport direction TR of the conveyor belts 22 and 24. The movement speeds v (32) of the Einteilstege 32 are variably controllable. The retaining device 30 comprises a plurality of Einteilstege 32. Each successive Einteilstege 32 can in different or variable

Be guided relative to each other.

The illustration of Figure 3A shows an initial state in which a

continuous row 40 of bottles 17 are moved in a first conveying section I on the first conveyor belt 22 at the first conveying speed v (22) in the conveying direction TR. The first Einteilsteg 32a is here for a short time on the first bottle 17 of the continuous row 40 and ensures that this bottle 17 is not immediately accelerated when transferred to the faster-moving second conveyor belt 24, but is retained in a controlled manner. That is, while the second conveyor belt 24 is moving at a second conveying speed v (24), the bottles 17 in the second conveying section II move at a reduced speed v (17 ^* ), which corresponds in particular to the instantaneous speed v (32a) of the preceding one Bottle 17 of each group of bottles 18 abutting Einteilsteges 32a. At each considered time point, it holds that the second conveying speed v (24) of the second

Conveyor belt 24 is greater than the first conveying speed v (22) of the first

Conveyor belt 22, so that: v (24)> v (22).

In the representation of FIG. 3B, it can be seen that the bottles 17 are grouped in pairs. The bottle group 18-1 is separated from the row 40 because the second conveying speed v (24) is faster, thereby providing acceleration. However, at the same time the first Einteilsteg 32a ensures a slight delay of the bottle group 18-1 relative to the current second conveyor belt 24. The gap 3 formed must be at least so wide that the second Einteilsteg 32b can dip from above into the gap 3. While the bottle group 18-1 following bottle 17 is decelerated in its passage to the second conveyor belt 24 in a manner corresponding to FIG. 3A, the first dividing web 32a is accelerated relative to the bottle assembly 18-1 and detaches therefrom; see. Fig. 3C. In this illustration, it is immediately clear that the first Einteilsteg 32a and the second Einteilsteg 32b are performed with different speed gradients and thus preferably each different Endloszugmitteln 33 are assigned. The illustrations of FIGS. 3D and 3E illustrate the subsequent step of detachment of the next following group of bottles 18-2 on the second conveyor belt 24. The third one-part bar 32c may in this case be synchronous with the speed of the first

Einteilsteges 32a performed and thus driven by a common Endloszugmittel 33, while the fourth Einteilsteg 30d guided synchronously to the speed of the second Einteilsteges 30b and thus in turn can be driven by a common Endloszugmittel 33.

FIGS. 3 show three different regions 15-1 (compare FIGS. 3A and 3D), 15-2 (compare FIGS. 3B) and 15-3 (compare FIG. 3D), in each of which the attachment of at least one bottom clip can take place. In particular, FIGS. 3 illustrate that the attachment of at least one bottom clip always takes place on articles 17 whose position is determined by the dividing webs 32 of the grouping device 20 in the second conveying section II (see FIG. 3A). The through the Bottieclip

summarized article 17 are thus always in the second conveying section II, in an end region of the first conveying section I or in a transition region between the first and the second conveying section I, II.

The position of each Einteilstegs 32 of the retainer 30 of

Grouping device 20 is known. Likewise, the first conveying speed v (22) of the conveyor belt 22, the second conveying speed v (24) of the conveyor belt 24 and the respective one of the Einteilstege 32 and thus the respective speed behind a

Einteilsteg 32 arranged bottles 17 known. Based on these parameters, the exact position of the bottles 17 is defined at any time. The Bottieclips can be attached to the bottles 17 by means of a device, not shown, without the position of the bottles 17 must be sensed. According to Figures 3A to 3E, the bottles 17 in a row 40 of

Grouping device 20 supplied. Two bottles 17 are each through the

Grouping device 20 separated, provided with a Bottieclip and fed, for example, another packaging machine. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the bottles 17 are supplied in two parallel rows of the grouping device 20. The grouping device 20 would then separate a total of four bottles 17 as a group of bottles 18 or containers. At the same time, for example, a bottom clip could be attached to the two bottles 17 arranged in series one behind the other, so that the two bottles 17 are connected in a row behind one another by the bottom clip to form a first group of articles. The two in the parallel row bottles arranged one behind the other (not visible) are also connected by a bottle clip to another first article group. The grouping then divides or at the same time two first groups of articles as a container, which is supplied, for example, further packaging machines for applying a secondary packaging. The container of 2x2 bottles or of two first article groups is further summarized, for example, by a carton or by a Folienumverpackung.

Alternatively, the two in the parallel rows juxtaposed bottles 17 can be connected by a bottle clip to a first group of articles.

FIG. 4 shows a packaging machine 50 in which an application device 60 for bottom clips 70 is integrated according to the invention such that the bottom clips 70 can be placed on the current bottle stream. In the present example, bottles 17 in two parallel rows 40-1 -40-2 via an inlet region 51 of a

Grouping 52 supplied. In the normal process of the

Packaging machine 50, the application unit (s) 60 are integrated as an additional module, so that the Bottieclips 70 can be attached without the other

Functional sequences of the packaging machine 50 to change or tear apart. The Bottieclips 70 are here before the actual secondary packaging, in particular cardboard and / or foil, by robots or linear axis systems from a

taken adjacent magazine 68 and placed by means of an application head 62 to the current container flow. In the illustrated embodiment, two application heads 62 are provided with which at the same time to group the bottles 17 into second article groups by applying Bottieclips 70 within the second article groups first subgroups are formed. Due to the modular design of several successive application modules 62 can also higher

Machine services are covered.

Subsequently, the second article groups formed from subgroups are supplied to further devices for applying secondary packaging, in particular via a feed region 54 to a cardboard packaging module 56 and / or to a film packaging module 58 or the like.

Due to the integration of the bottle clip application device 60 as an additional module in the packaging machine 50, no additional machine in the Be integrated into the packaging process. The usual process sequence of the packaging machine 50 is retained. The space requirement for the packaging machine 50, ie the so-called machine footprint, remains approximately the same as for the execution of a packaging machine without bottom clip application device 60. FIG. 5 shows an application head 62 for attaching bottom clips 70

Forming the first article groups, the first article group comprising two bottles 17, within a second article group 4 or bottle group 18 separated by the grouping device 52 (cf. FIG. 4), the second article group 4 comprising a total of eight bottles. That In the grouped compilation of eight bottles 17, which leaves the grouping device 52, there are four subgroups, with a subgroup consisting of two bottles 17 combined by means of a bottle clip 70.

The illustrated application head 62 can apply at least to a large extent at the same time four bottle clips 70, which each connect two bottles 17 to one another, onto the pre-grouped bottle group 18. Depending on the design and rigidity of the Bottieclips 70 high application forces up to 50 N per bottle 17 are required. Due to the high machine speeds, this leads to an increased load and wear of all mechanical components involved in the process. In order to reduce these loads, the application head 62 comprises adjustable pressure pieces 64. The adjustable pressure pieces 64 are variable in height in particular, as a result of which the positions of the individual bottom clips 70 can be adjusted in a targeted manner.

Advantageously, thereby also the time of application of the individual Bottieclips 70 are each slightly shifted or delayed, so that the entire application force is not introduced simultaneously but temporally offset in the system.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the seat of the Bottieclips 70 is checked by sensors on the bottles 17. Second article groups 4 or bottle groups 18, the first article groups containing incorrectly seated Bottieclips 70 are removed, for example, from the packaging device before the application of the

Secondary packaging means done.

FIGS. 6A to 6D schematically show the application of bottom clips in a packaging machine 80 comprising two one-piece pieces 81 -1, 81 -2. FIG. 6A shows that the bottles 42 correspond to a first divider 81-1 in the transport direction TR in a row 40 Bottle stream to be supplied. At the first divider 81 -1, the bottles 42 are dammed until the minimum filling of the first divider 81 -1 is reached. After the minimum filling has been reached, the first divider 81 -1 begins to operate and according to FIG. 6B releases individual groups of cylinders 44 - 1, 44 - 2. A first application module 83-1 associated with the first one-divider 81-1 sets each second in parallel

Bottle group 44-1 has a bottle clip 70-1. The bottle groups 44-1 with bottle clip 70-1 and the respective intermediate bottle groups 44-2 without bottle clip are transported on to a second one-piece divider 81 -2. As shown in Figure 6C, the bottle groups 44-1 with bottle clip 70-1 and the bottle groups 44-2 without bottle clip. dammed up on the second divider 81 -2 again. After also at the second divider 81 -2 the minimum filling level is reached, there is a bottle clip 70-2 placed on the previously unconnected bottles 42 of the bottle groups 44-2 and the bottle groups 44-1, 44-2 ^* (each with bottle clip 70-1, 70-2) for further processing. The processing of the following bottles 42 takes place in a common operation of the two one-piece 81 -1, 81 -2 and the two

Application modules 83-1, 83-2.

When using a packaging machine with only one piece, the positioning accuracy for the application module may not be achieved. Problems arise in particular when container tolerances accumulate. The existing dynamic pressure compresses the containers or bottles differently and increases the positioning inaccuracy. When using two one-dividers 81 -1, 81 -2, the application of the bottom clips 70-1 by the application module 83-1 and the application of the bottom clips 70-2 by the application module 83-2 result in almost identical boundary conditions. In particular, the influence of the container tolerance is minimized since the bottle clip 70-1, 70-2 is in each case applied directly at the one-part position. At the two one-dividers 81 -1, 81 -2 are each a similar number of bottles 42, so that prevail at both one-dividers 81 -1, 81 -2 the same dynamic pressure conditions.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Rather, a variety of variants and modifications are conceivable that make use of the inventive concept and therefore also in the

Protection range fall.

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 of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 article

2 conveyor belt

3 gap

4 article group

9 grouping facility

10 retention device

1 1 revolving conveyor chain

12 one-piece fingers

15 area Bottie Clip application

17 bottle

18 bottle group

20 grouping facility

21 first conveyor element

22 first conveyor belt

23 second conveyor element

24 second conveyor belt

30 Retaining device

32 one-piece web

33 endless draw means

40 series

42 bottle

44 bottle group

50 packaging machine

51 inlet area

52 grouping device

54 feed area

56 carton packaging module

58 film packaging module applicator

application head

Pressure piece

magazine

Bottieclip

packaging machine

one piece

application module

End region first conveyor section

first conveyor section

second conveyor section

third conveyor section

transport direction

Transition area between first and second conveyor section speed

Claims

claims

1 . Method for summarizing and packaging a group of articles (4-n, 18-n) of at least two articles (1, 17, 42), wherein a bottom clip (70) is arranged on at least one article (1, 17, 42), wherein the Article (1, 17, 42) in one

continuous, at least single-row article stream (40) on at least one transport (2, 22, 24) in a transport direction (TR) to a

Grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) for dividing the article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) are moved, wherein the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) at least one retaining means (12, 32) for separating a defined number of the

Article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) forming article (1, 17, 42) forming a gap (3) between the article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n), wherein the

Applying the Bottieclips (70) on the at least one article (1, 17, 42) takes place, while a speed (vi ^* , v17 ^* ) of at least two articles forming the article group (4- n, 18-n, 44-n) (1, 17, 42) against a speed of the transport means (2, 24) for the articles (1, 17, 42) in the region of the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) by the retaining means (12, 32) at least temporarily and / or partially reduced.

2. The method of claim 1 for summarizing and packaging a second article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) of at least two articles (1, 17, 42), wherein the second article group (4-n, 18-n , 44-n) consists of at least a first group of articles, wherein the first group of articles comprises at least two articles (1, 17, 42), which are combined with a Bottieclip (70), wherein the articles (1, 17, 42) in a continuous, at least single-row article stream (40) on at least one transport (2, 22, 24) in a transport direction (TR) to a

Grouping means (9, 20, 52, 81) for dividing second article groups (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) are moved, wherein the grouping means (9, 20, 52, 81) at least one retaining means (12, 32 ) for separating a defined number of the second article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) forming articles (1, 17, 42) to form a gap (3), wherein the application of the Bottieclips (70) at least two articles (1, 17, 42) for forming the first group of articles, while a speed (vi ^* , v17 ^* ) of the at least two articles (1, 17, 42) against a speed of the means of transport (2, 24) for the Articles (1, 17, 42) in the region of the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) is at least temporarily and / or partially reduced by the retaining means (12, 32).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the application of the Bottieclips (70) on the at least one article (1, 17, 42) substantially simultaneously with the division of the article (1, 17, 42) in the article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) takes place or wherein the application of the Bottieclips (70) on the composition of the at least two articles (1, 17, 42) of the first group of items largely simultaneously with the classification of the articles (1, 17, 42) in the second article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) takes place.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one with Bottleclip (70) equipped articles (1, 17, 42) comprehensive article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) is combined with a packaging means or wherein the second article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) comprising at least one first article group is combined with a packaging material.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of articles (1, 17, 42) within said grouping means (9, 20, 52, 81) are separated as an article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) and then with a

Packaging means is combined, wherein directly before or during the division of the articles (1, 17, 42) as an article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) by the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) attaching the at least one Bottieclips (70) on the at least one article (1, 17, 42) takes place or wherein a plurality of first article groups within the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) as a second article group (4-n, 18-n , 44-n) and then combined with a packaging means, wherein directly before or during the division of the articles (1, 17, 42) as a second article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) by the grouping device ( 9, 20, 52, 81) attaching the at least one Bottieclips (70) on at least two articles (1, 17, 42) takes place.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bottle clip (70) removed by a handling device (60) from a magazine (68) and on the at least one article (1, 17, 42) in the current

Container flow (40) is placed, wherein the at least one article (1, 17, 42) in an inlet region (E (l)) of the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) or within the grouping device (9, 20, 52 , 81).

7. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bottom clip (70) is removed from a magazine (68) by a handling device (60), a second article group (4) being formed by the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) -n, 18-n, 44-n), comprising at least two articles (1, 17, 42) from which article stream (40) is severed and comprising at least one, at least two articles (1, 17, 42), Subgroup within the second

Article (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) a Bottieclip (70) is mounted, while the speed of the second article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) by a retaining means (12, 32) of the Grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) relative to the speed of the transport means (2, 24) for the article (1, 17, 42) is reduced.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a first

Grouping device (81 -1) a classification of articles (42) into article groups (44) takes place and wherein by means of a first handling device (83-1) on at least one article (42) of every second article groups (44) a bottom clip (70-1) while the speed of the articles (42) or article groups (44) is reduced by a retention means of the first grouping means (81-1) versus the speed of the means of transport for the articles (42) and article groups (44); 44) at a downstream second grouping device (81 -2) dammed and again divided into article groups (44), wherein arranged on at least one article (42) between the already provided with Bottieclip (70-1) article groups (44-1) Article groups (44-2) by means of a second handling device (83-1) a Bottieclip (70-2) is mounted, while the speed of the article (42) or groups of articles (44) by ei n retaining means of the second grouping device (81 -2) compared to the speed of the transport means for the articles (42) and article groups (44) is reduced.

Packaging device (50, 80) for packaging article groups (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) of at least two articles (1, 17, 42) with a packaging means, wherein at least one article (1, 17, 42) a Bottieclip (70) is attachable, the

A packaging device (50, 80) comprising a grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) for dividing at least two articles (1, 17, 42) into an article group (4- n, 18-n, 44-n), a handling device (60) for applying the Bottieclips (70) on at least one article (1, 17, 42) of the article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) and an outer packaging module (56, 58) for applying an outer packaging and / or to and / or the articles (1, 17, 42) of the article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n), wherein said grouping means (9, 20, 52, 81) comprises at least one retention means (12, 32) for temporarily retaining articles (1, 17, 42) to form spaced article groups (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) includes, wherein the

Packaging device (50, 80) comprises a control unit, wherein at least the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) and the handling device (60) for applying the Bottleclips (70) controlled by the control unit and

wherein the handling device (60) for applying the bottle clips (70) is arranged within or in a region of the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81), and wherein the handling device (60) depends on the position of the restraining means (12, 12). 32) of the grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) is controllable in such a way that the bottle clips (70) can be applied to articles (1, 17, 42) which are behind the retaining means (12, 32) in the transport direction (TR) Grouping device (9, 20, 52, 81) are arranged.

10. Packaging device (50, 80) according to claim 9 for packaging second article groups (4-n, 18-n, 44-n) of at least two articles (1, 17, 42) with a packaging means, the second article groups (4-10). n, 18-n, 44-n) comprising at least one first group of articles comprising at least two articles (1, 17, 42) combined by means of bottom clips (70), the packaging device (50, 80) comprising a grouping device (9, 20, 52 , 81) for dividing at least two articles (1, 17, 42) into a second article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n), a

Handling device (60) for applying the Bottleclips (70) on the first article group forming at least two articles (1, 17, 42) and a

Umverpackungsmodul (56, 58) for applying an outer packaging on and / or on and / or to the articles (1, 17, 42) of the second article group (4-n, 18-n, 44-n), wherein the grouping device (9 , 20, 52, 81) comprises at least one retention means (12, 32) for temporarily retaining articles (1, 17, 42) for forming spaced second article groups (4-n, 18-n, 44-n).

1 1. Packaging device (50, 80) according to claim 9 for a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

1 2. Packaging device (50, 80) according to any one of claims 9 to 1 1, wherein the packaging device (80) in a transport direction (TR) for the articles (1, 17, 42) arranged one behind the other grouping devices (81 -1, 81 -2), wherein each grouping device (81 -1, 81 -2) is associated with a respective handling device (83-1, 83-2) for applying Bottleclips (70) and wherein by the Handling device (83-1, 83-2) in each case only every second article to be processed or every second group of articles (44) is machinable, wherein the two handling devices (83-1, 83-2) are coupled in such a way that through each of them different articles or article groups (44) are editable.