EP3527500B1 - Packaging device for goods and method for operating a packaging device for handling flat packaging blanks - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging device for articles with the features of the preamble of independent claim 1 and a method for operating a packaging device designed for handling different flat packaging blanks with the features of independent method claim 9.

There are many different types of packaging for processing, compiling, grouping and packaging items such as beverage containers. PET containers currently used very frequently as beverage containers generally have relatively small wall thicknesses and are therefore not completely dimensionally stable even when filled. For this reason and with a view to better logistical manageability, a wide variety of packagings or outer packagings are used for grouped individual containers. For example, the containers can be placed in a grouped arrangement on a sheet of cardboard, the edges of which are folded up. This outer packaging, which is essentially formed by the supporting cardboard sheets, is also referred to as a tray. Embodiments are also known in which containers are placed in a grouped arrangement, for example on a sheet of cardboard, which forms a flat surface for the respective container and does not have any laterally circumferential and / or supporting edges that must or can be folded upwards . These cardboard sheets or packaging are often also referred to as pads.

In order to be able to arrange a desired packaging as quickly as possible on the respective containers, devices are already known in which the respective containers run onto a packaging or onto a so-called pad or a so-called tray. Such a device discloses, for example, the DE 10 2014 112 341 A1 . The packaging device disclosed in this document has a horizontal conveyor on which groups of containers are formed. The packaging device further comprises a cardboard feeder, with which cardboard outer packaging is provided and introduced into the transport path of articles, so that in each case a group of containers can move onto a cardboard outer packaging provided and thus come to a stop in the desired manner on the respective cardboard outer packaging.

A box feeder like the one in the DE 10 2014 112 341 A1 is disclosed, in practice regularly has a large number of drivers, the respective spacing of which must be adapted to the geometry or the dimensions of the outer cardboard packaging to be introduced into the transport path. If a first packaging process with the first cardboard outer packaging is to be ended and further cardboard outer packaging that is different from the first cardboard outer packaging is to be introduced into the transport route of the articles in a subsequent further packaging process, the spacing between the individual carriers must also be changed. In the previously known machines, this is done manually by a user and is correspondingly time-consuming. For this purpose, the entire device is stopped for a longer period of time, so that no processing and packaging of articles is possible during the changeover phase. Also, it cannot be completely ruled out that with such a manual change of the pitch an incorrect setting of the pitch occurs at least in some areas, which can lead to considerable disruptions or problems in the subsequent handling and / or packaging of articles.

For this reason, one object of the invention can be seen in providing a corresponding possibility for a simplified change between different or differently dimensioned packaging blanks for a generic packaging device. Furthermore, it should be possible to at least significantly reduce the risk of problems or the occurrence of errors in the event of a corresponding change.

The above objects are achieved by a packaging device and a method comprising the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous configurations are described by the dependent claims.

To achieve the stated objects, the invention proposes a packaging device for articles such as beverage containers or the like, which has the features of the independent device claim. The articles can be formed, for example, by bottles and / or cans or by other suitable containers, whether these are made of plastic, metal or glass.

The packaging device on which the invention is based comprises at least one horizontal conveyor device for conveying articles as specified above. The at least one horizontal conveyor device can comprise several conveyor belts, with a distance, in particular a small distance, or a gap being formed between two conveyor belts directly following one another in the conveying or transport direction, or a gap for introducing flat packaging blanks into a transport path of the articles, which is typically from an area below the conveying plane formed by the conveyor belts takes place, which, however, could possibly also take place from an area above the conveying plane formed by the conveyor belts.

Furthermore, the packaging device comprises at least one feed, which is equipped and designed in such a way that it can introduce flat packaging blanks into a transport path of the articles, so that articles can run onto flat packaging blanks introduced into the transport path while being conveyed via the at least one horizontal conveyor device, which are thus each located between the articles and the horizontal conveyor after positioning. The feed can be arranged or positioned completely or at least approximately completely below a transport plane for articles formed by the at least one horizontal conveyor device. If the at least one horizontal conveyor, as mentioned above, comprises several conveyor belts, the feed or a first conveyor, which is described below and optionally formed as a component of the feed, and a second conveyor can be arranged or positioned in the vertical direction below the at least one horizontal conveyor .

The at least one feed further comprises a first conveying device which is prepared for introducing first flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles. The at least one feed also comprises a second conveying device which is prepared for introducing second flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles. The second flat packaging blanks differ from the first flat packaging blanks. For example, it can be that the first flat packaging blanks differ from the second flat packaging blanks by a respective type of packaging intended for articles. First flat packaging blanks can, for example, have edges which, after the respective article has been pushed onto a respective first flat Packaging blanks are folded in the upward direction or are foldable in the upward direction, so that they form lower edge areas that prevent the article from slipping sideways. Such first flat packaging blanks are referred to in practice as a tray.

Furthermore, second flat packaging blanks can be designed to be planar or essentially planar. Second flat packaging blanks may not have any edges that are folded in the upward direction or can be folded in the upward direction after the respective article has been brought onto a respective second flat packaging blank. Such second flat packaging blanks are referred to in practice as a pad. First flat packaging blanks and second flat packaging blanks can each provide a flat support surface for articles. Here, the first two-dimensional packaging blanks can differ from the second two-dimensional packaging blanks in terms of the size or the amount of dimensioning of their respective contact area provided for articles. For example, a respective contact area provided for articles via the first flat packaging blanks can be increased or decreased in amount compared to a respective contact area for articles made available via the second flat packaging blanks. It can be the case that first flat packaging blanks are predetermined for a larger or smaller number of articles to be picked up in each case compared to second flat packaging blanks.

It is preferably or according to a sensible embodiment variant that the packaging device is designed for a change between the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device depending on the respective first flat packaging blanks or second flat packaging blanks to be introduced into the transport path of the articles. For example, it can be that the packaging device is designed in such a way that a user changes between the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device. The first conveyor device and the second conveyor device can be designed as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device or at least one feed of the packaging device. It can be the case here that the first conveyor device and / or the second conveyor device cannot be removed from the packaging device without tools.

Embodiments have proven themselves in which the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device are arranged on a common linear guide and can be moved along the common linear guide for the respective change. The arrangement on the common linear guide can be such that a respective user can shift the first conveyor device and / or the second conveyor device along the common linear guide or move it by hand along the common linear guide when changing. As mentioned below, the respective change or the movement of the first conveyor device and / or the second conveyor device along the common linear guide for a respective change can optionally also be effected by an actuator or with the aid of at least one actuator designed as a component of the packaging device.

In addition, it is conceivable that the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device are coupled to a common drive shaft, by means of which common drive shaft the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device can be actuated for the respective introduction of the first flat packaging blanks or second flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles . A longitudinal extension of the common drive shaft can be oriented parallel to a guide direction of the common linear guide. The first conveyor device and / or the second conveyor device can optionally remain mechanically coupled to the common drive shaft during a respective change from an operating position to a waiting position. It is conceivable here that the packaging device or the feeder has at least one coupling by means of which an actuation by the drive shaft for a conveyor device located in a waiting position or the respective first conveyor device or second conveyor device located in the waiting position can be released.

It can also be the case that the first conveying device comprises a multiplicity of first drivers provided for temporarily holding first flat packaging blanks. It can furthermore be that the second conveying device comprises a multiplicity of second drivers provided for the temporary holding of second flat packaging blanks. A relative spacing of the first drivers from one another can be coordinated with the first packaging blanks to be temporarily held. Furthermore, a relative spacing of the second drivers from one another can be coordinated with the second flat packaging blanks to be temporarily held.

It is also conceivable that the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device for introducing the first flat packaging blanks and the second flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles each comprise at least two conveying means that are at least approximately parallel to one another, are circumferentially guided and are preferably each designed as a conveyor chain. If the packaging device comprises a common linear guide for the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device, it can be that first conveyor devices or first conveyor chains of the first conveyor device can be moved independently of one another along the common linear guide. As an alternative or in addition, it can be the case that second conveying means or second conveyor chains of the second conveying device can be moved independently of one another along the common linear guide.

As mentioned above, embodiments have proven successful in which the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device can each change from an operating position to a waiting position or in which the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device each move from a waiting position to an operating position and from an operating position to a waiting position are movable.

Embodiments have proven successful here in which a relative spacing of the at least two at least two at least two, at least approximately parallel to one another, circumferentially guided and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain conveying means in the waiting position compared to the operating position can be reduced. Alternatively or in addition, it can be that a relative spacing of the at least two at least two, at least approximately parallel to one another, circumferentially guided and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain, in the waiting position compared to the operating position, can be reduced.

The packaging device can comprise a control device and at least one actuator which is connected to the control device. In this case, the at least one actuator can be controlled via the control device in order to independently carry out a change between the first conveying device and the second conveying device. In particular, embodiments have proven to be useful in which an association is made on the control device between different two-dimensional structures to be introduced into the transport path of the articles Packaging cut-outs and conveyor devices prepared for this are stored. According to this, a user can select respective flat packaging blanks to be introduced into the transport path of the articles via the control device, whereupon the control device optionally transfers a respective conveyor device prepared for the introduction of a selected flat packaging blank into an operating position of the packaging device or the feeder.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a packaging device designed for handling different flat packaging blanks, the method also being suitable and intended for solving the problem identified above.

Features that were previously described for various embodiments of the packaging device can also be provided for the method described below and are not mentioned more than once. Furthermore, features described below, which relate to various embodiments of the method, can be provided in the previously described packaging device.

As part of a step of the method, it is provided that at least one horizontal conveyor device embodied as a component of the packaging device conveys articles.

It is further provided that a first conveying device embodied as a component of the packaging device introduces first flat packaging blanks into a transport path of the articles, so that articles run onto the first flat packaging blanks. The first two-dimensional packaging blanks can emerge from below a conveying level formed by the horizontal conveying device for articles, whereupon articles approach a respective first second two-dimensional packaging blank that emerged from below the conveying level.

In addition, there is a change from the first conveyor device, which is designed as a component of the packaging device, to a second conveyor device, which is designed as a component of the packaging device. The second conveyor device embodied as a component of the packaging device is prepared for introducing second flat packaging blanks, which differ from the first flat packaging blanks, into the transport path of the articles. It is provided that the second conveyor device follows this in time introduces the second flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles, so that the articles run onto the second flat packaging blanks. Here, too, it can be the case that the second flat packaging blanks emerge from below a conveying level formed by the horizontal conveying device for articles, whereupon articles approach a respective second flat second packaging blank which emerged from below the conveying level.

It may be that the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device are arranged on a common linear guide, the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device being moved along the common linear guide when changing. The movement of the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device along the common linear guide can each take place in a direction which is perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to a conveying direction for articles effected via the horizontal conveyor device.

It can also be that the first conveyor device comprises a multiplicity of first drivers provided for temporarily holding first flat packaging blanks and that the second conveyor device comprises a multiplicity of second drivers provided for temporarily holding second flat packaging blanks. A relative spacing of the first catches from one another can be matched to the first packaging blanks to be temporarily held. Furthermore, a relative spacing of the second drivers from one another can be coordinated with the second flat packaging blanks to be temporarily held. It may be that the second drivers are arranged in their relative spacing from one another prepared on the second conveyor device and that a change is made to the second conveyor device, the second drivers maintaining their relative spacing from one another temporally during and temporally after the change.

Furthermore, the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device can each comprise at least two conveyor means which are at least approximately parallel to one another and are preferably each designed as a conveyor chain, which respective conveyor means are driven in a circumferential manner for introducing the first flat packaging blanks or the second flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles.

In addition, it can be the case that the first conveyor device is in a position during the introduction of the flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles Operating position of the packaging device is located and is transferred to a waiting position. It can also be the case that, during the change, the second conveyor device, which was previously arranged in a waiting position of the packaging device, is moved from the waiting position into an operating position of the packaging device.

Embodiments have proven to be useful here in which the at least two conveyor means of the first conveyor device, which are at least approximately parallel to one another and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain, reduce their relative distance from one another during the transfer to the waiting position and / or in which the at least two are at least approximately parallel Mutually oriented and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain conveyor means of the second conveyor device in the course of the movement into the operating position increase their relative distance from one another. It can also be the case that the at least two conveyor means of the first conveyor device, which are at least approximately parallel to one another and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain, increase their relative distance from one another in the course of a transfer into the operating position and / or that the at least two are at least approximately parallel to one another and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain conveyor of the second conveyor device in the course of a movement into the waiting position reduce their relative distance from one another.

The following remarks summarize some aspects of the invention, which has already been explained in different design variants, specify some aspects, but should not be seen as a contradiction to the explanations already given, but rather in synopsis, in case of doubt, possibly as more specific design variants and / or modifications. As already mentioned several times above, the packaging device according to the invention can preferably comprise at least one horizontal conveying device, by means of which articles, which in the present context can be formed, for example, by beverage containers, are moved along a defined conveying direction.

A useful or necessary component of the packaging device is also what is referred to here as a feed, which is positioned below a transport plane formed by the horizontal conveyor device. Flat packaging blanks can be introduced into a transport path of the article or beverage container via the feed, so that the article or beverage container during their continuous movement caused by the horizontal conveyor device on the Open flat packaging blanks brought into the transport route. The packaging blanks can each form a flat contact surface for articles. In various embodiments, the packaging blanks can have edges or edge folds, for example, which are folded in an upward direction after the articles have been pushed onto a respective packaging blank.

The packaging device can furthermore comprise a magazine which can accommodate a plurality of packaging blanks in stacked form or as a stack. In addition, the packaging device optionally comprises a suction and / or gripping device, which is designed as a component of the feed and can receive from the stack a respective flat packaging blank lying or located at the top as a component of the stack. The suction and / or gripping device can then introduce a respective flat packaging blank received from the stack between two toothed belts of the feeder. These toothed belts can, in particular, move circumferentially and ensure that they move and convey an introduced packaging blank in the direction of a first conveyor device or in the direction of a second conveyor device, depending on which of these conveyor devices is currently in an operating position of the packaging device.

In order to receive a respective flat packaging blank from the stack, the suction and / or gripping device is controlled or actuated via a suitable control and / or regulating device provided for this purpose. The toothed belts receive the packaging blanks from the suction and / or gripping device at a transfer position.

In practice, the flat packaging blanks can each have edges that are folded upwards at a later point in time. Such flat packaging blanks are called trays. It is also possible that flat packaging blanks do not have such edges that are folded in an upward direction. Flat packaging blanks of this type can be designed to be planar or essentially planar and are referred to as pads. It can also be the case that the packaging device forms packaging units from a first specific number of articles within the framework of a first packaging process and forms further packaging units with a second larger number of articles within the framework of a second packaging process.

In order for the respective articles provided for a flat packaging blank to find space on the respective flat packaging blank, a contact area provided for the respective article by means of the flat packaging blank must be matched to the respective article or beverage container. It can be the case that a contact area provided by first flat packaging blanks for articles is reduced in amount or increased in amount compared to a contact area made available by second flat packaging blanks for articles.

In order to be able to introduce the respective flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles or beverage containers, a conveying device designed as part of the feed must be adapted in the prior art. Such known conveying devices comprise a plurality of drivers, which are individually removed from the conveying device in the case of packaging devices known from the prior art and are then attached to the conveying device with a modified pitch spacing adapted to the respective flat packaging blanks to be introduced into the transport path of the articles. The adaptation of a feed or conveying device to different flat packaging blanks is associated with high expenditure in terms of time and personnel in known packaging devices.

The packaging device according to the invention makes it possible to avoid such a complex adaptation. In addition, the adaptation of the packaging device for successive packaging processes with different flat packaging blanks can be carried out in a time-optimized manner and with reduced personnel expenditure.

In the case of the packaging device, for example, the first conveyor device can be in an operating position in a certain operating state, wherein it is able to introduce first flat packaging blanks into a transport path for the articles. For this purpose, the first conveyor device comprises, in particular, a first or two or more first conveyor means, each of which is designed as a first conveyor chain or first conveyor chains. The two first conveying means or first conveyor chains, for example, are moved in a revolving manner, resulting in the first conveying means or first conveyor chains moving first flat packaging blanks and being able to introduce them into the transport path of the articles.

In connection with the conveying and / or packaging process described here, flat packaging blanks are removed from the stack and transferred to the toothed belt in the area of the transfer position. The toothed belts then transfer the respective flat packaging blanks to the respective first conveyor device located in the operating position or to the second conveyor device.

Depending on the operating state, the first conveyor device can be in the operating position, for example, in order to receive first flat packaging blanks from the toothed belt via first drivers. The relative spacing or pitch of the first drivers formed as a component of the first conveying device is here adapted to the respective first flat packaging blanks to be received and to be introduced into the transport path of articles. Accordingly, the first conveyor device is prepared for the introduction of first flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles with regard to the spacing or the relative distance of their first drivers to one another.

Optionally, both the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device can be arranged on a common linear guide. As a result, both the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device can switch back and forth between a waiting position and an operating position provided for introducing respective flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles.

The packaging device can make it possible to move the first conveyor device from its operating position along the common linear guide into a waiting position provided for the first conveyor device. Both the first conveyor of the first conveyor and the second conveyor of the second conveyor can be moved independently of one another along the common linear guide. Here, the relative spacing of the first conveying means or first conveyor chains of the first conveying device in the waiting position can be reduced compared to the relative spacing of the first conveying means or the first conveying chains in the operating position.

It may also be that the relative spacing of the second conveying means or the second conveyor chains of the second conveying device in the waiting position is also reduced compared to the relative spacing of the second conveying means or the second conveyor chains of the second conveying device in the operating position. Through this Both the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device can be kept ready in their respective waiting position for the respective change to the respective operating position in a compact arrangement.

The relative spacing or pitch of the second drivers formed as a component of the second conveying device is furthermore adapted to the respective second flat packaging blanks to be received and to be introduced into the transport path of articles. Accordingly, the second conveyor device is also prepared for the introduction of second flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles with regard to the pitch spacing or relative distance of their second drivers to one another, the second flat packaging blanks differing from the first flat packaging blanks and accordingly the pitch spacing or The relative distance between the second drivers and the pitch or the relative distance between the first drivers is different from one another.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the relative spacing of the first drivers and the relative spacing of the second drivers in the respective operating position and in the respective waiting position are maintained both for the first conveyor device and for the second conveyor device. The packaging device therefore has its own conveying device for different flat packaging blanks, which is prepared for introducing these respective flat packaging blanks with regard to the relative spacing or pitch of their drivers.

In practice, first flat packaging blanks, which can be designed as a pad, for example, are introduced into the transport path of articles via the first conveyor device located in the operating position with its first drivers, so that the respective article is transferred to the first conveyor device located in the operating position Open the first flat packaging blanks brought into the transport route. If it is subsequently provided that articles should run onto second flat packaging blanks, which can be designed as a tray, for example, the first conveyor device changes from the operating position to the waiting position, the relative distance or pitch of the one formed as part of the first conveyor device first driver is retained unchanged. In addition, the second conveyor device prepared for introducing second flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles changes from the waiting position to the operating position.

Even in the waiting position, the relative distance or pitch of the second drivers is adapted to the respective second flat packaging blanks to be introduced into the transport path of the articles, so that the second conveyor device can temporarily clamp the respective second flat packaging blanks for introduction into the transport path of the articles. The packaging device can thereby be adapted in a time-optimized and simple and uncomplicated manner to different flat packaging blanks to be introduced into the transport path of articles.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsvorrichtung.
• Fig. 2 zeigt einzelne Aspekte der Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung nach Fig. 1.
• Fig. 3 zeigt weitere Aspekte der Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung nach Fig. 1.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are simplified and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a packaging device according to the invention.
• Fig. 2 shows individual aspects of the embodiment of a packaging device Fig. 1 .
• Fig. 3 shows further aspects of the embodiment of a packaging device Fig. 1 .

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the invention can be configured and do not represent a final limitation. The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, can be used independently or in any combination. Features that are described in connection with an embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided that the features are not incompatible.

The Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the packaging device 1 according to the invention. The packaging device 1 comprises a horizontal conveyor device 7, by means of which articles 3, which are shown in FIG Embodiment are formed by beverage containers 5, are moved along the conveying direction FR indicated by the arrow representation.

Another component of the packaging device 1 is a feed 4, which is positioned below a transport plane formed by the horizontal conveyor device 7. Flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 '(cf. Figures 2 and 3 ) are introduced into a transport path of the article 3 or beverage container 5, so that the articles 3 or beverage container 5, during their continuous movement caused by the horizontal conveyor device 7, hit the flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'brought into the transport path. The packaging blanks 2 and 2 'can each form a flat support surface for article 3. In various embodiments, the packaging blanks 2 or 2 'can have edges which, after the articles 3 have been pushed onto a respective packaging blank 2 or 2', are folded in an upward direction.

The packaging device 1 comprises a magazine 11 in which a plurality of packaging blanks 2 or 2 ′ are arranged in a stacked form or as a stack 13. In addition, the packaging device 1 comprises a suction and / or gripping device 15, which is designed as a component of the feed 4 and can receive a flat packaging blank 2 or 2 ′ from the stack 13, which is configured at the top as a component of the stack 13. The suction and / or gripping device 15 can then insert a respective flat packaging blank 2 or 2 'received from the stack 13 between two toothed belts 16 of the feeder 4, which toothed belts 16 are moved around and thereby a respective introduced packaging blank 2 or 2' in Move in the direction of a first conveyor device 20 or a second conveyor device 30, which is in an operating position of the packaging device 1. In the representation according to Fig. 1 the first conveyor device 20 is located in FIG Fig. 2 operating position shown and thereby brings first flat packaging blanks 2 into a transport route of the article 3.

In order to receive a respective flat packaging blank 2 or 2 'from the stack 13, the suction and / or gripping device 15 is controlled or actuated via the control and / or regulating device S. A transfer position from which the toothed belt 16 receives the respective packaging blank 2 or 2 'from the suction and / or gripping device 15 is shown in Fig. 1 referred to in point 17.

In practice, the steps outlined below can be used Figures 2 and 3 Flat packaging blanks, each represented by reference numerals 2 and 2 ', have edges which are folded upwards at a later point in time. Such flat packaging blanks are called trays. It can also be the case that flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'do not have such edges that are folded in the upward direction. Such flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'can be designed to be planar or essentially planar and are referred to as a pad. In addition, it may be that the packaging device 1 forms packaging units from a first specific number of articles 3 as part of a first packaging process and forms further packaging units with a second larger number of articles 3 as part of a second packaging process.

In order for the respective articles 3 intended for a flat packaging blank 2 or 2 'to find space on the respective flat packaging blank 2 or 2', a contact area provided for the respective article 3 by means of the flat packaging blank 2 or 2 'must be placed on the respective article 3 or beverage container 5 be matched. It can be the case that a contact area provided by first flat packaging blanks 2 for article 3 is reduced in amount or increased in amount compared to a contact area made available by second flat packaging blanks 2 'for article 3. In order to be able to introduce the respective flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'into the transport path of the articles 3 or beverage containers 5, a conveying device designed as part of the feeder 4 must be adapted in the prior art. Such known conveying devices comprise a large number of drivers which are removed individually from the conveying device in the case of packaging devices known from the prior art and then with a modified pitch on the conveying device that is adapted to the respective flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'to be introduced into the transport path of the articles 3 be attached. The adaptation of a feed 4 or conveying device to different flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'is associated with a high expenditure of time and personnel in known packaging devices.

As below for the Figures 2 and 3 Such an adaptation is not necessary in the case of the packaging device 1. In addition, the adaptation of the packaging device 1 for successive packaging processes with different flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'can be carried out in a time-optimized manner and with reduced personnel expenditure.

The schematic representation of the Fig. 2 shows individual aspects of the embodiment of a packaging device 1 according to Fig. 1 . The first conveyor 20 is located in Fig. 2 in an operating position and in doing so brings first flat packaging blanks 2 into a transport route for the articles 3. For this purpose, the first conveying device 20 comprises two first conveying means 21, each of which is designed as a first conveyor chain 23. The two first conveyors 21 or first conveyor chains 23 are moved in a revolving manner, resulting in the first conveyors 21 or first conveyor chains 23 moving first flat packaging blanks 2 and introducing them into the transport path of the articles 3.

How to Fig. 1 already described, flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 ′ are removed from the stack 13 and transferred to the toothed belt 16 in the area of the transfer position 17. The toothed belt 16 then transfer the respective flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'to the respective first conveyor 20 or second conveyor 30 in the operating position Fig. 2 the first conveyor device 20 is in the operating position and receives first flat packaging blanks 2 from the toothed belt 16 via first drivers 25. The relative distance or pitch of the first drivers 25, which are designed as part of the first conveyor device 20, is adapted to the respective first flat packaging blanks 2 to be received and to be introduced into the transport path of articles 3. Accordingly, the first conveying device 20 is prepared for the introduction of first flat packaging blanks 2 into the transport path of the articles 3 with regard to the pitch or relative distance of their first drivers 25 to one another.

The Fig. 2 also shows that both the first conveyor device 20 and the second conveyor device 30 are arranged on a common linear guide 18. As a result, both the first conveyor device 20 and the second conveyor device 30, as described below, can switch back and forth between a waiting position and an operating position intended for introducing the respective flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'into the transport path of the articles 3.

The schematic representation of the Fig. 3 shows further aspects of the embodiment of a packaging device Fig. 1 . A synopsis of the Figures 2 and 3 shows here that the first conveyor device 20 from the operating position to Fig. 2 along the common linear guide 18 into a waiting position provided for the first conveyor device 20 Fig. 3 was moved. Either the first conveying means 21 of the first conveying device 20 and also the second conveying means 31 of the second conveying device 30 can be moved independently of one another along the common linear guide 18. The Fig. 2 lets in synopsis with Fig. 3 recognize that the relative spacing of the first conveyor 21 or first conveyor chains 23 of the first conveyor 20 in the waiting position is reduced compared to the relative spacing of the first conveyor 21 or the first conveyor chains 23 in the operating position.

Also lets Fig. 2 in sync with Fig. 3 recognize that the relative spacing of the second conveyor 31 or the second conveyor chains 33 of the second conveyor 30 in the waiting position according to FIG Fig. 2 compared to the relative spacing of the second conveyor 31 or the second conveyor chains 33 of the second conveyor 30 in the operating position Fig. 3 is also designed to be reduced. In this way, both the first conveyor device 20 and the second conveyor device 30 can be kept ready in their respective waiting position for the respective change to the respective operating position in a compact arrangement.

The relative spacing or pitch of the second driver 35 formed as a component of the second conveyor device 30 is furthermore adapted to the respective second flat packaging blanks 2 'to be received and to be introduced into the transport path of articles 3. Accordingly, the second conveyor device 30 is also prepared for the introduction of second flat packaging blanks 2 'into the transport path of the article 3 with regard to the pitch or relative distance between their second drivers 35, the second flat packaging blanks 2' differing from the first flat ones Differentiate packaging blanks 2 and accordingly the pitch or relative spacing of the second drivers 35 from one another is different from the pitch or relative spacing of the first drivers 25 from one another.

The Figures 2 and 3 also show that the relative spacing of the first drivers 25 and the relative spacing of the second drivers 35 in the respective operating position and in the respective waiting position are maintained for both the first conveyor device 20 and the second conveyor device. The packaging device 1 therefore has its own conveying device 20 and 30 for different flat packaging blanks 2 and 2 ', respectively, which are responsive to the introduction of these flat packaging blanks 2 and 2' in the With regard to the relative distance or pitch of their drivers 25 and 35 is prepared.

In practice, the after Fig. 2 In the operating position, the first conveyor device 20 with its first drivers 25, first flat packaging blanks 2, which can be designed as a pad, for example, into the transport path of articles 3 (cf. Fig. 1 ) introduced so that the respective articles 3 run onto the first flat packaging blanks 2 brought into the transport path via the first conveyor device 20 located in the operating position. Insofar as it is subsequently provided that the article 3 should move onto second flat packaging blanks 2 ', which can be designed as a tray, for example, the first conveyor device 20 changes from the operating position Fig. 2 to the waiting position Fig. 3 , the relative spacing or pitch of the first drivers 25 formed as a component of the first conveying device 20 being retained unchanged. In addition, the second conveyor device 30, prepared for introducing second flat packaging blanks 2 'into the transport path of the articles 3, moves from the waiting position Fig. 2 into the operating position Fig. 3 . Already in the waiting position after Fig. 2 the relative distance or pitch of the second driver 35 is adapted to the respective second flat packaging blanks 2 'to be introduced into the transport path of the articles 3, so that the second conveyor device 30 temporarily clamps the respective second flat packaging blanks 2' for introduction into the transport path of the articles 3 can hold. The packaging device 1 can hereby be adapted in a time-optimized, simple and uncomplicated manner to different flat packaging blanks 2 or 2 'to be introduced into the transport path of articles 3.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the representations of the figures and their description are of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite able to derive enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that facilitate his understanding of the invention without having to rely on the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the articles and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements would be impaired in its understanding in any way. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to use the more concretely explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more concretely explained mode of operation of the packaging device according to the invention to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description of general and / or abstract formulated.

List of reference symbols

• 1 packing device
• 2 first flat packaging cut
• 2 'second flat packaging blank
• 3 items
• 4 feeder
• 5 beverage containers
• 7 Horizontal conveyor
• 11 magazine
• 13 stacks
• 15 suction and / or gripping device
• 16 timing belts
• 17 transfer position
• 18 linear guide
• 20 first conveyor
• 21 first funding
• 23 first conveyor chain
• 25 first driver
• 30 second conveyor
• 32 second funding
• 33 second conveyor chain
• 35 second driver
• S Control and / or regulating device

Claims (15)

1. A packaging device (1) for articles (3) such as beverage containers (5) or the like, comprising

   - at least one horizontal conveying device (7) for conveying articles (3) as well as

   - at least one feeding device (4), which feeding device (4) can introduce flat packaging blanks (2, 2') into a transport path of the articles (3), so that articles (3) are driven onto flat packaging blanks (2, 2'), which flat packaging blanks (2, 2') are introduced into the transport path during the conveying via the at least one horizontal conveying device (7), wherein

   - the at least one feeding device (4) comprises a first conveying device (20), which first conveying device (20) is prepared for introducing first flat packaging blanks (2) into the transport path of the articles (3), the packaging device (1) characterized in that

   - the at least one feeding device (4) comprises a second conveying device (30), which second conveying device (30) is prepared for introducing second flat packaging blanks (2') into the transport path of the articles (3), which second flat packaging blanks (2') differ from the first flat packaging blanks (2),

   wherein the packaging device (1) is designed for an alternation between the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) in dependence on which respective first flat packaging blanks (2) or second flat packaging blanks (2') are to be introduced into the transport path of the articles (3).
2. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) are arranged on a common linear guide (18) and are movable along the common linear guide (18) for the respective alternation.
3. The packaging device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first conveying device (20) comprises a plurality of first carriers (25) provided for temporarily holding first flat packaging blanks (2), and in which the second conveying device (30) comprises a plurality of second carriers (35) provided for temporarily holding second flat packaging blanks (2'), wherein a relative spacing of the first carriers (25) from one another is matched to the first packaging blanks (2) that are to be temporarily held, and wherein a relative spacing of the second carriers (35) from one another is matched to the second flat packaging blanks (2') that are to be temporarily held.
4. The packaging device according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) for introducing the first flat packaging blanks (2) and the second flat packaging blanks (2') into the transport path of the articles (3) each comprise at least two conveying means (21, 31), which at least two conveying means (21, 31) are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another, are guided in a circulating manner and are each preferably designed as a conveying chain (23, 33).
5. The packaging device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one first conveying device (20) and the at least one second conveying device (30) can each change from an operating position to a waiting position.
6. The packaging device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein

   a) a relative spacing of the at least two conveying means (21, 31), which at least two conveying means (21, 31) are formed as a component of the first conveying device (20), are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another, are guided in a circulating manner and are each preferably formed as a conveying chain (23, 33), can be reduced in the waiting position compared to the operating position, and/or wherein

   b) a relative spacing of the at least two conveying means (21, 31), which at least two conveying means (21, 31) are formed as a component of the second conveying device (30), are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another, are guided in a circulating manner and are each preferably formed as a conveying chain (23, 33), can be reduced in the waiting position compared to the operating position.
7. The packaging device according to one of the claims 1 to 6, comprising a control device (S) and at least one actuator, which actuator is connected to the control device (S), the at least one actuator being controllable via the control device (S) for independently performing an alternation between the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30).
8. The packaging device according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the feeding device (4) is arranged completely below a transport plane for articles (3), the transport plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveying device (7).
9. A method for operating a packaging device (1) designed for handling different flat packaging blanks (2, 2'), in which method

   - at least one horizontal conveying device (7) conveys articles (3), which horizontal conveying device (7) is formed as a component of the packaging device (1), and

   - a first conveying device (20), which first conveying device (20) is formed as a component of the packaging device (1), introduces first flat packaging blanks (2) into a transport path of the articles (3), so that articles (3) drive onto the first flat packaging blanks (2), the method characterized in that

   - an alternation is made from the first conveying device (20), which first conveying device (20) is formed as a component of the packaging device (1), to a second conveying device (30), which second conveying device (30) is formed as a component of the packaging device (1), and which second conveying device (30) formed as a component of the packaging device (1) is prepared for introducing second flat packaging blanks (2') into the transport path of the articles (3), which second flat packaging blanks (2') differ from the first flat packaging blanks (2), and whereupon following in time

   - the second conveying device (30) brings the second flat packaging blanks (2') into the transport path of the articles (3) in such a way that articles (3) are driven onto the second flat packaging blanks (2').
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) are arranged on a common linear guide (18), the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) each being moved along the common linear guide (18) during the alternation.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the movement of the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) along the common linear guide (18) each takes place in a direction, which direction is perpendicular to a conveying direction for articles (3), which conveying direction is affected by the horizontal conveying device (7).
12. The method according to one of the claims 9 to 11, wherein the first conveying device (20) comprises a plurality of first carriers (25), which first carriers (25) are provided for temporarily holding first flat packaging blanks (2), and wherein the second conveying device (30) comprises a plurality of second carriers (35), which second carriers (35) are provided for temporarily holding second flat packaging blanks (2'), wherein a relative spacing of the first carriers (25) from one another is matched to the first packaging blanks (2), which first packaging blanks (2) are to be temporarily held, and wherein a relative spacing of the second carriers (35) from one another is matched to the second flat packaging blanks (2'), which second flat packaging blanks (2') are to be temporarily held, and wherein the second carriers (35) are arranged in their relative spacing prepared on the second conveying device (30) and wherein an alternation is made to the second conveying device (30) with the already prepared relative spacing of the second carriers (35) from one another.
13. The method according to one of the claims 9 to 12, wherein the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) each comprise at least two conveying means (21, 31), which at least two conveying means (21, 31) are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and are each preferably in the form of a conveying chain (23, 33), which respective conveying means (21, 31) are each driven in a circulating manner for introducing the first flat packaging blanks (2) or the second flat packaging blanks (2') into the transport path of the articles (3).
14. The method according to one of the claims 9 to 13, wherein the first conveying device (20) is located in an operating position of the packaging device (1) during the introduction of the first flat packaging blanks (2) into the transport path of the articles (3) and wherein the first conveying device (20) is transferred into a waiting position of the packaging device (1) in the course of the alternation, and wherein, in the course of the alternation, the second conveying device (30) arranged until then in a waiting position of the packaging device (1), is moved from the waiting position into an operating position of the packaging device (1).
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least two first conveying means (21) of the first conveying device (20), which first conveying means (21) are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and are each preferably in the form of a first conveying chain (23), reduce their relative distance from one another in the course of the transfer into the waiting position and/or in which at least two second conveying means (31) of the second conveying device (30), which second conveying means (31) are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and are each preferably in the form of a second conveying chain (33), increase their relative distance from one another in the course of the movement into the operating position.

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