EP3826926A1

EP3826926A1 - Device and method attaching handles to packaging or packaging groups

Info

Publication number: EP3826926A1
Application number: EP19732943.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christopher Stuhlmann; Volker Zahn; Thomas Nitsch; Mathias Fischer; Michael Wertz; Norman PAU
Original assignee: KHS GmbH
Current assignee: KHS GmbH
Priority date: 2018-07-25
Filing date: 2019-06-18
Publication date: 2021-06-02
Also published as: CN112533836A; WO2020020538A1; CN112533836B; US20210139182A1; US11577873B2; DE102018118043A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for attaching handles to packaging or packaging groups. According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for attaching handles to packaging or packaging groups by means of which the packaging or packaging groups conveyed on a conveying device in a conveying direction can each be provided with at least one self-adhesive handle. The device comprises, for this purpose, a motor driven handle applicator unit which is mounted above the conveying device so as to be rotatably drivable about a horizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the conveying direction. The handle applicator unit has at least two applicator arms which are oriented radially relative to the axis of rotation and on each of which at least one holding and/or pressing device and a cutting tool are formed so that a continuous strip at least partially provided with an adhesive layer can be conveyed above each packaging or packaging group, a handle with an adhesive portion at each free end can be cut from the continuous strip and the handle formed in this manner can be applied to, in particular pressed onto, the packaging or the packaging group. According to the invention, each holding and/or pressing device has at least one suction region for at least temporarily holding and/or guiding the continuous strip and the handle cut therefrom by means of an at least temporarily generatable negative pressure. Furthermore, in order to provide the at least temporarily generatable negative pressure, a pressure distribution arrangement is provided which is designed to at least temporarily supply the respective suction regions of an associated holding and/or pressing device of the corresponding applicator arm with at least a first negative pressure level depending on the position of rotation.

Description

Device and method for attaching handles to packaging or groups of packaging

The invention relates to a device for attaching handles to packaging or groups of packaging. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for attaching handles to packaging or groups of packaging.

Today, all types of goods are usually packed in packaging or offered in packaging to simplify transport, to secure the goods themselves against damage or loss and to improve and thus promote sales.

Individually packaged goods, such as Bottled drinks, grouped into larger packaging groups or containers. These are then e.g. put together into so-called tray packs. Here, e.g. six bottles joined together by means of a cardboard base and a shrink film to form a mechanically stable sales unit. Furthermore, it is also known to join bottles or other containers together to form a packaging unit in that the containers are glued to one another using at least one adhesive.

To increase customer benefit, it is considered by many market participants to be advantageous if all of the packaging material groups described above are or can be provided with a handle.

In the following, all packaging or packaging known in the art, e.g. Bottles, cans, containers etc. are called containers for the sake of simplicity.

In the majority of cases in which containers are equipped with a carrying handle, the carrying handle is a carrying tape which is self-adhesive on one side and is generally a plastic tape. While the beginning and end of this carrier tape are pressed onto one side of the container by suitable devices and thus also glued to it, the adhesive side of the middle piece of this carrier tape is usually covered with a paper strip in order to ensure that a customer's fingers stick to the carrier tape to avoid and to ensure the formation of the handle in the form of a strap. Essentially two methods are used in industry for the production of such carrier tapes. In a first method, these tapes are equipped with the paper strip described above during their actual manufacturing process, so that these strips only have to be cut to length and attached from an endless strip-shaped carrier tape material within the machine which attaches the carrying handles. A disadvantage of this method is that any change in the shape of the handle, be it the total length, the length of the adhesive points or the length of the strap, results in a change in the plastic strip.

Another method uses a strip-shaped carrier tape material that is completely self-adhesive on one side. Inside the machine that attaches the handles, the section of this tape that lies between the two desired adhesive points is now provided with a paper strip, the required adhesive spots remaining free at the beginning and at the end of the tape. With this procedure, since the length of the carrier tape, the position and the length of the paper strip can be easily adapted to changing requirements, frequent changing of the carrier tape material can be dispensed with, which is a great advantage in practice.

All of the statements made in connection with the carrier tape material or carrier tape apply analogously to the use of carrier tape materials that are made of other materials, such as e.g. Paper or metal, or any combination of these materials.

With regard to the machines or devices that attach the handles, several different solutions have become known in the past.

From the document DE3715445 a device is known in which the handle is attached by a comparatively complicated arrangement of different levers and pressure rollers. It is disadvantageous that this device is essentially only suitable for packet-shaped containers, and that the carrying handle can only be adapted to a limited extent to changing container dimensions. Furthermore, from the document EP 0 560 699 A1 a device is known which has a drivable rotating plate arranged centrally around a transverse to the transport direction of the container. The radially outer ends of the turntable are each rounded and provided with two L-shaped levers as holding means for fixing the endless carrier tape material provided on one side with an adhesive layer covered in sections, and with a radially extendable cutting edge as a cutting device for separating the handle from the carrier tape material. At the beginning of the process, the rotating plate stands vertically and protrudes with a first end into the transport path of the containers, with a section of the carrier tape material corresponding to the length of the later carrying handle being held on the side facing the containers with an adhesive layer pointing outwards between the two ends of the rotating plate becomes. An incoming container then hits the rotating plate with its front, which is defined in relation to the transport direction, whereby the beginning of the handle is attached to the container. The rotary plate then rotates through 180 degrees, the container simultaneously moving a certain amount, so that the rotary movement is terminated in that the second end of the rotary plate touches the back of the container. With this touch, the other end of the handle is attached to the back of the container. At the same time, the cutting device arranged in the rotating plate separates the handle from the endless carrier tape material. A disadvantage of such a device is that the implementation of the non-uniform rotational movement of the rotary plate causes a high level of control expenditure, and large drive powers must also be provided due to the high angular accelerations required. In this device, too, the length of the handle is determined by the geometric shape of the device, so that adaptation to changed container dimensions can only be achieved by replacing the rotating plate and extensive adjustment work.

In a further known device according to DE 202 07 217 U1, the carrying handle applicator essentially consists of a three-armed rotor, the horizontal axis of rotation of which is arranged transversely to the conveying direction of the containers. Each of these rotor arms is equipped with a belt guide for the carrier tape material, a holding and / or pressing device and a cutting tool. Between the rotor arms, in the vicinity of the hub of the rotor, there is a vacuum probe, which is supposed to attract the carrier tape material without contact, so that the carrier tape material does not connect the ends of the rotor arms directly in a straight line, but essentially follows the inner contour of the rotor. The actual attachment of the handle takes place in that the Run the container against a first rotor arm and take over the start of the handle. Subsequently, the containers pass under the rotating rotor and are provided with the other end of the carrying handle by the subsequent rotor arm, the cutting tool located at the end of the respective rotor arm severing the carrier tape material in accordance with the division.

It is disadvantageous that the holding and / or pressing device arranged on the rotor arm often also generates a holding force between the holding and / or pressing device and the continuous belt material even after or during the application and gluing of the carrier tape material to the packaging material or the group of packaging materials becomes. When the respective rotor arm is turned away after pressing and applying the carrier tape material to the packaging material or the group of packaging materials and / or the packaging material or the packaging material group moving away from the rotor arm, this in turn can lead to an unwanted detachment of the belt material from the packaging material or the packaging material group.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and method for attaching carrying handles to packaging means or groups of packaging means which is further improved compared to the prior art and which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art and in which the holding and / or pressing device is used there is an improved transfer of the carrier tape material to the packaging material or the packaging material group.

This object is achieved by a device for attaching handles to packaging or groups of packaging according to the features of independent claim 1. A corresponding method is the subject of the independent claim XX. The respective subclaims relate to particularly preferred embodiment variants of the invention.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for attaching carrying handles to packaging or groups of packaging, by means of which the packaging or groups of packaging transported on a transport device in a transport direction can each be provided with at least one self-adhesive carrying handle. For this purpose, the device comprises a motor-driven carrying handle applicator unit, which is above the transport device around a horizontal one that is transverse to the transport direction Rotational axis is rotatably driven. In this case, the carrying handle applicator unit has at least two applicator arms oriented radially to the axis of rotation, on each of which at least one holding and / or pressing device and a cutting tool are formed, so that an endless belt provided at least in sections with an adhesive layer can be conveyed via a respective packaging material or group of packaging materials , of which a carrying handle, each with an adhesive section on the free-end side, can be separated and the carrying handle formed in this way can be applied, in particular pressed, to the packaging material or the packaging material group. According to the invention, the respective holding and / or pressing device has at least one suction area for at least temporarily holding and / or guiding the endless belt and the carrying handle separated therefrom by means of a vacuum which can be generated at least temporarily. Furthermore, to provide the at least temporarily generated negative pressure, a pressure distribution arrangement is provided which is designed to apply at least temporarily a first negative pressure level to the respective suction area of an associated holding and / or pressing device of the corresponding applicator arm, depending on the rotational position. In this way, the carrying handle can be detached from the applicator arms particularly advantageously without the carrying handle still being held on the holding and / or pressing device after application.

According to a preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that

Pressure distribution arrangement is designed to act on the respective suction area of an associated holding and / or pressing device of the corresponding applicator arm, at least temporarily, with at least a first vacuum level, depending on the relative rotational position of the carrying handle applicator unit.

According to a further preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the pressure distribution arrangement is designed to cover the respective suction area

to apply the associated holding and / or pressing device of the corresponding applicator arm at least while holding and / or guiding the endless belt and the handle separated therefrom before and / or during pressing of the respective free-end adhesive sections onto the packaging material or the packaging material group by means of at least a first vacuum level. According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the pressure distribution arrangement is designed to act on the respective suction area of an associated holding and / or pressing device of the corresponding applicator arm, at least temporarily, with at least a first vacuum level and a second pressure level, depending on the rotational position.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the second pressure level is designed as a vacuum level that is different from the first vacuum level.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the second pressure level is designed as an overpressure level, so that an air blast can be generated in the respective suction area of an associated holding and / or pressing device of the corresponding applicator arm by the second pressure level designed as overpressure.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the pressure distribution arrangement is designed to use the respective suction area of an associated holding and / or pressing device of the corresponding applicator arm at least during and / or after the respective free-end adhesive sections have been pressed onto the packaging material or the packaging material group to apply at least a second pressure level.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the applicator arms in their respective longitudinal extension along the one

corresponding longitudinal axis are formed variable in length.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the respective holding and / or pressing device of a corresponding

Applicator arm each has two suction areas, a first suction area being provided on a corresponding front side and a second suction area on the corresponding rear side of the holding and / or pressing device formed on an associated applicator arm. According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the respective first suction area is designed as an opening in a plate-shaped format part provided on the corresponding front side in the area of an associated holding and / or pressing device.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the corresponding first format part is formed from an elastic material, in particular from foam, and has a width which is larger than the width of the respective handle.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the first suction area provided in the first format part is designed to be elastically deformable in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the respective second suction area is designed as an opening in a plate-shaped format part provided on the corresponding rear side in the area of an associated holding and / or pressing device.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the corresponding second format part is formed from an elastic material, in particular from foam, and has a width which is larger than the width of the respective handle.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the second suction area provided in the second format part is designed to be elastically deformable in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the first and / or second suction area have at least one suction head and a bellows arranged thereon, which is designed to be elastically deformable, in particular compressible, in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis. According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that at least one first and / or second format part has a concave or substantially concave curved upper side that bulges in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis and along the longitudinal extent of the associated longitudinal axis.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that at least one holding and / or pressing device of a corresponding applicator arm has on its associated rear side at least one spring plate which is arched away from the associated longitudinal axis.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that in the area of the free end of a corresponding applicator arm, a sensor device designed as a force sensor is provided on the corresponding front side thereof, by means of whose sensor signal a further rotation of the carrying handle applicator unit can be controlled and / or regulated.

According to yet another preferred embodiment variant, it is provided that the carrying handle applicator unit has a sensor device with which the relative rotational position of the individual applicator arms can be detected.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for

Attaching carrying handles to packaging materials or groups of packaging materials, in which the packaging materials or transported on a transport device in a transport direction

Packaging groups are each provided with at least one self-adhesive carrying handle, one of which is provided with an adhesive layer at least in sections

Endless belt is transported over a packaging material or a packaging material group, a handle with a free-end adhesive section is separated from it and the handle thus formed is pressed onto the packaging material or the packaging material group, and is characterized in that the carrying handle is attached to the packaging material or by means of a device according to the invention the packaging group.

“Packaging means” in the sense of the invention are also packaging or containers that are usually used in the food sector, and in particular also in the beverage sector, in particular containers such as bottles, cans, and also soft packs, for example those made of cardboard and / or plastic film and / or metal foil, transport container, e.g. B. bottle crates, etc. "packaging groups" in the sense of the invention are grouped packaging, for example containers made of such packaging.

For the purposes of the invention, the expression “essentially” or “approximately” means deviations from the respective exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes which are insignificant for the function.

Further developments, advantages and possible uses of the invention also result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All of the features described and / or depicted, in themselves or in any combination, are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or their relationship. The content of the claims is also made part of the description.

Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it goes without saying that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or a component of a device can also be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step , Analogously, aspects that have been described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps can be carried out by a flardware apparatus (or using a flardware device). Apparatus) such as B. a microprocessor, a programmable computer or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or more of the most important process steps can be performed by such an apparatus.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures using exemplary embodiments. Show it:

1 to 5 in schematic side view an exemplary

Design variant of a device according to the invention for attaching carrying handles to packaging materials or groups of packaging materials in different operating states; FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention in an exemplary operating state of the pressure distributor arrangement,

Figures 7a and 7b in a schematic view an isolated applicator arm with a

Design variant of a format part and

Figure 8 is a schematic view of valve circuits on the

Applikatorarmen.

Identical reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols which are necessary for the description of the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The invention is also shown in the figures only as a schematic view to explain the method of operation. In particular, the illustrations in the figures only serve to explain the basic principle of the invention. For reasons of clarity, it was deliberately avoided to show all components of the device, since these are known from the prior art.

The device generally designated 1 in FIGS. 1 to 6 is used for attaching carrying handles 4 in the form of carrying loops to groups of packaging material 2 in the form of containers, each consisting of a plurality of packaging materials 3 in the form of containers or bottles, for example from a total of four packaging materials 3, which form two rows with two packaging materials 3 in the packaging material group 2. The packaging means 3 are connected to one another in a suitable manner to form the packaging group 2, for example by all-round packaging in the form of a shrink film or else by the packaging means 3 being held together by an adhesive application. Each packaging group 2 is provided with a carrying handle 4, which is formed by a carrying tape, which is fastened at its ends on opposite sides of the packing group 2 in a suitable manner, for example by gluing, welding, etc. The carrying tape forming the carrying handle 4 is for example one made of plastic. The device 1 is arranged above a transport device 6, on which the packaging 3 or packaging groups 2, standing up in a transport direction A (from left to right in the figures), are moved on a transport plane TE and are each provided with at least one self-adhesive carrying handle 4 along this ,

For this purpose, the device 1 has a carrying handle applicator unit 7, with which the carrying handles 4 are attached to the packaging means 3 or packaging means groups 2, namely by subtracting a carrying strap length forming the respective carrying handle 4 or the carrying strap from a supply (not shown in detail) Endless, band-shaped carrier tape material which forms the carrying handle 4 by separating the length required for the respective carrying handle 4 from the carrying tape material and by connecting the two ends of the carrying tape thus formed to the respective group of packaging means 2.

More in detail, the carrying handle applicator unit 7 is driven by a motor for this purpose and is in particular arranged above the transport device 6 such that it is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation DA lying transversely to the direction of transport A. In particular, the axis of rotation DA is oriented transversely, preferably at right angles, to the transport direction A and parallel to the transport plane TE. In particular, the carrying handle applicator unit 7 is driven by a motor in a counterclockwise direction of rotation DR.

The carrying handle applicator unit 7 is designed to be height-adjustable by means of an adjusting device (not shown in detail) relative to the transport plane TE formed on the transport device 6, that is to say in particular it can be raised and / or lowered. In other words, the relative distance between the axis of rotation DA of the handle-applicator unit 7 and the transport plane TE can be made variable by means of the adjusting device, and thus a height adjustment of the handle-applicator unit 7 is possible.

The carrying handle applicator unit 7 also has at least two applicator arms A1, A2, A3 which are oriented radially to the axis of rotation DA, on each of which at least one holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and a cutting tool 1 1 .1, 1 1 .2 , 1 1 .3 are formed so that an endless belt of the carrier tape material provided at least in sections with an adhesive layer can be conveyed via a respective packaging 3 or a packaging group 2, of which a carrying handle 4 each with a free end Detachable adhesive section and the handle 4 thus formed can be applied, in particular pressed, to the packaging 3 or the packaging group 2.

In the embodiment variant shown in the figures, the carrying handle applicator unit 7 comprises three applicator arms A1, A2, A3, namely a first, a second and a third applicator arm A1, A2, A3, which are each constructed identically to one another and radially from the axis of rotation DA stretch away.

Each of the applicator arms A1, A2, A3 has a longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 along which the respective applicator arm A1, A2, A3, which is essentially rectangular in shape, extends. The respective longitudinal axes LA1, LA2, LA3 intersect in the axis of rotation DA. In particular, the applicator arms A1, A2, A3 extend at uniform or approximately uniform angular intervals around the axis of rotation DA, in the present case the corresponding longitudinal axes LA1, LA2, L3 at angular intervals of approximately 120 °.

In addition, each rectangular applicator arm A1, A2, A3 forms a front side VS1, VS2, VS3 as well as a rear side RS1, RS2, RS3 on its longitudinal side surfaces that point into the drawing plane of the figures. In particular, the first applicator arm A1 has a first front side VS1 and a first rear side RS1, the second applicator arm A2 a second front side VS2 and a second rear side RS2, and the third applicator arm A3 has a third front side VS3 and a third rear side RS3.

The respective front side VS1, VS2, VS3 of a corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 is via a flexion section 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 with a rear side RS1, RS2, RS3 of an applicator arm A1, A2, which is provided adjacent to the direction of rotation DR of the carrying handle applicator unit 7 , A3 connected.

In this case, the applicator arms A1, A2, A3 can be designed such that they can be adapted to different handle lengths in their respective longitudinal extension along the corresponding longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3.

In particular, the applicator arms A1, A2, A3 each have at least the holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and the cutting tool 1 1 .1, 1 1 .2, 1 1 .3. More in detail, the first applicator arm A1 has at least one first holding and / or Pressing device 10.1 and a first cutting tool 1 1 .1, the second applicator arm A2 at least one second holding and / or pressing device 10.2 and a second cutting tool 1 1 .2, and the third applicator arm A3 at least one third holding and / or pressing device 10.3 and a third cutting tool 1 1 .3 on.

The respective cutting tool 1 1 .1, 1 1 .2, 1 1 .3 can be designed on the corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 as a controlled retractable and extendable knife provided on its free end face.

Furthermore, the respective holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of a corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 has at least one suction area 12.1 1, 12.12,

12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 for at least temporarily holding and / or guiding the endless belt and the carrying handle 4 separated therefrom by means of an at least temporarily generated negative pressure.

More in detail, the respective holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of a corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 each have two suction areas 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21,

12.22, 12.31, 12.32, with a respective first suction area 12.1 1, 12.21, 12.31 on the corresponding front side VS1, VS2, VS3 and a second suction area 12.12, 12.22, 12.32 on the corresponding rear side RS1, RS2, RS3 or on an associated one Applicator arm A1, A2, A3 trained holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 is provided.

A section of the applicator arm A1 is shown by way of example in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the other applicator arms A2 and A3 being constructed largely identically. The respective first suction area 12.1 1, 12.21, 12.31 can advantageously be an opening in a plate-shaped format part 16.1 1 provided on the corresponding front side VS1, VS2, VS3 in the area of an associated holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 , 16.21, 16.31. The corresponding first format part 16.1 1, 16.21, 16.31 can be formed from an elastic material, in particular from foam, and is used both for holding and / or guiding the endless belt and the handle 4 separated therefrom and for pressing the separated handle 4 on the packaging 3 and the packaging group 2. In particular, the first format part 16.1 1, 16.21, 16.31 is designed to be elastically deformable in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3, and in particular has a width B1 which is larger than the width B2 of the respective carrying handle 4 (FIGS. 7a and 7b).

In addition, it can also be provided that the first suction region 12.1 1, 12.21, 12.31 provided in the first format part 16.1 1, 16.21, 16.31 is designed to be elastically deformable in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3. For this purpose, the first suction region 12.1 1, 12.21, 12.31 can in particular have a suction head 12.4 and a bellows 12.5 arranged thereon, which is designed to be elastically deformable, in particular compressible, in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 (FIGS. 7a and 7b).

In particular, the first format part 16.1 1, 16.21, 16.31 on its upper side OB1, OB2, OB3 pointing away from the corresponding longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 can be adapted to the outside of the packaging, i.e. preferably have surface geometry lying completely or approximately completely against the outside of the packaging. The first format part 16.1 1, 16.21, 16.31 preferably has a concave or substantially concave curved upper side OB1, OB2, OB3, which extends in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 and along the longitudinal extent of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 bulges.

The respective second suction area 12.12, 12.22, 12.32 can also advantageously be used as an opening in a plate-shaped format part 16.12 provided on the corresponding rear side RS1, RS2, RS3 in the area of an associated holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 16.22, 16.32 be formed. The corresponding second format part 16.12, 16.22, 16.32 can also be formed from an elastic material, in particular from foam, and is used both for holding and / or guiding the endless belt and the carrying handle 4 separated therefrom and for pressing the separated carrying handle 4 on the packaging 3 and the packaging group 2. In particular, the second format part 16.12, 16.22, 16.32 is designed to be elastically deformable in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3, and in particular has a width B1 that is larger than the width B2 the respective handle 4. In addition, it can also be provided that the second suction area 12.12, 12.22, 12.32 provided in the second format part 16.12, 16.22, 16.32 is designed to be elastically deformable in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3. For this purpose, the second suction area 12.12, 12.22, 12.32 can in particular have a suction head 12.4 and a bellows 12.5 arranged thereon, which is designed to be elastically deformable, in particular compressible, in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 (FIGS. 7a and 7b). A section of the applicator arm A1 is shown by way of example in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the other applicator arms A2 and A3 being constructed largely identically.

In particular, the second format part 16.12, 16.22, 16.32 on its upper side OB1, OB2, OB3 pointing away from the corresponding longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 can be adapted to the outside of the packaging, i.e. preferably have surface geometry lying completely or approximately completely against the outside of the packaging. The second format part 16.12, 16.22, 16.32 preferably has a concave or substantially concave curved upper side OB1, OB2, OB3 which bulges in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 and along the longitudinal extent of the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 ,

Furthermore, the respective holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of a corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 on its associated rear side RS1, RS2, RS3 each has at least one spring plate 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, which extends from the associated longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 is arched away. Preferably, on the respective rear side RS1, RS2, RS3 there are in each case a plurality, preferably three, of spring plates 17.1, 17.2, 17.3 oriented parallel or essentially in their corresponding longitudinal extent parallel to one another and along the longitudinal axis LA1, LA2, LA3 on the associated applicator arm A1, A2, A3 arranged in the area of its respective holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3. The spring plates 17.1, 17.2, 17.3 serve to dampen the corresponding applicator arms A1, A2, A3 against the packaging 3 or the packaging group 2 in order to protect them from damage.

In addition, in the area of the free end of a corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 on its corresponding front side VS1, VS2, VS3, a respective sensor device 18.1, 18.2., 18.3 for detecting a mechanical emergence of a corresponding packaging material 3 or packaging material group 2 against a respective applicator arm A1 , A2, A3 be provided. In particular, the respective sensor device 18.1, 18.2, 18.3 can be designed as a force sensor or stop sensor, by means of the sensor signal of which the carrying handle applicator unit 7 is controlled and / or regulated.

In addition, the carrying handle applicator unit 7 can have a further sensor device 19 with which the relative rotational position or rotational position of the individual applicator arms A1, A2, A3 can be detected. The sensor device 19 is preferably provided between the transport plane TE and the axis of rotation DA and is advantageously designed as a position sensor.

In addition, there is one for providing the at least temporarily generated negative pressure at the corresponding suction areas 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32

Pressure distribution arrangement 15 is provided, which is designed to the respective suction area 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 of an associated holding and / or

Pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of the corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3, at least temporarily, with at least a first vacuum level depending on the rotational position. In the present case, the negative pressure level is understood to mean a pressure which is below the atmospheric pressure, that is to say in particular the ambient pressure.

In particular, the pressure distribution arrangement 15 is designed to depend on the relative position, in particular the rotational position, of the carrying handle applicator unit 7, the respective suction area 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 of an associated holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of the corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3, at least temporarily, with at least one first vacuum level.

In particular, the pressure distribution arrangement 15 is designed to protect the respective suction area 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 of an associated holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of the corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 at least during the holding and / or guiding the endless belt and the carrying handle 4 separated therefrom before and / or during the pressing of the respectively free-end adhesive sections onto the packaging 3 or the packaging group 2 by means of at least a first vacuum level.

More in detail, the pressure distributor arrangement 15 is designed to cover the respective suction area 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 of an associated holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of the corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 Depending on the rotational position, at least temporarily to apply at least a first vacuum level and a second pressure level.

The second pressure level can be designed as a vacuum level different from the first vacuum level. In particular, the second pressure level can be closer to the atmospheric pressure than the first vacuum level. In other words, the first vacuum level can therefore be made larger than the second pressure level.

The second pressure level is particularly advantageously designed as an overpressure level which is above atmospheric pressure. In particular, an air blast is generated in the respective suction area 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 of an associated holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of the corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 by the second pressure level designed as excess pressure.

In particular, the pressure distribution arrangement 15 is designed to move the respective suction area 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 of an associated holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of the corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 at least during and / or after to press the respective free-end adhesive sections onto the packaging 3 or the packaging group 2 by means of at least a second pressure level.

For this purpose, each suction area 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 of an associated holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of the corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 is via a flexible hose 30 in a rotatable cover 15.1 of the pressure distributor arrangement 15 led. In more detail, each suction area 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 in the cover 15.1 has a connection 15.1 1, 15.12, 15.21, 15.22 that is dependent on the rotational position with the carrying handle applicator unit 7, that is to say synchronously, and rotates synchronously , 15.31 .15.32, the connection 15.1 1 with the suction area 12.1 1, the connection 15.12 with the suction area 12.12, the connection 15.21 with the suction area 12.21, the connection 15.22 with the suction area 12.22, the connection 15.31 with the suction area 12.31 and finally the connection 15.32 is in fluidic operative connection with the suction area 12.32 via the respective hose 30. In addition to the rotating cover 15.1, the pressure distributor arrangement 15 also has a stationary housing section 15.2, in which kidney-shaped gas channels GK1, GK2, GK3, GK4 are formed. The Gas channels GK1 ... GK4 can then in turn be connected either to a vacuum generating device (not shown in detail) or to an overpressure generating device (also not shown in detail), so that the gas channels GK1 ... GK4 can be subjected to negative pressure or positive pressure. The fluid connection of the respective connections 15.1 1, 15.12, 15.21, 15.22, 15.31, 15.32 with the corresponding gas channel GK1 ... GK4 takes place depending on the rotational position of the respective rotational position of the cover 15.1 of the pressure distributor arrangement 15 which rotates synchronously with the carrying handle applicator unit 7 The length of the circular sector of the kidney-shaped extension of the respective gas channel GK1 ... GK4 can be set, during which the respective connection 15.1 1, 15.12, 15.21, 15.22, 15.31 .15.32 can be fluidically connected to the associated gas channel GK1 ... GK4 depending on the rotational position , can be acted upon with negative or positive pressure.

In particular, the pressure distribution arrangement 15 has four gas channels GK1 ... GK4, namely a first gas channel GK1, a second gas channel GK2, a third gas channel GK3 and a third gas channel GK4, the first and second gas channels GK1, GK2 being designed as vacuum channels can be acted upon with at least one negative pressure level, and the third and fourth gas channels GK3, GK4 are designed as positive pressure channels which are acted upon with an excess pressure level.

Furthermore, the first and third gas channels GK1, GK3 extend around a common radius and can be connected to the respective first suction areas 12.1 1, 12.21, 12.31 provided on the front side VS of the respective applicator arms A1, A2, A3, while the second and fourth gas channels GK2, GK4 by a comparatively smaller common radius than the first and third gas channels GK1, GK3 are provided and can be connected to the respective second suction areas 12.12, 12.22, 12.32 provided on the rear side RS of the respective applicator arms A1, A2, A3.

In particular, the individual suction areas 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 of an associated holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of the corresponding applicator arm A1, A2, A3 are, depending on the rotational position, at least temporarily with at least a first vacuum level and a second pressure level too acted upon. According to an embodiment variant not shown, it can also be provided that the respective suction areas 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32 are each connected via a controllable valve device to the pressure distributor arrangement 15, which connects the corresponding suction areas 12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22 , 12.31, 12.32 released relative to the atmospheric pressure, that is, connects to it.

By way of example, the device 1 according to the invention runs through the work cycle for attaching carrying handles 4 to packaging 3 or packaging groups 2 described in more detail below:

In the illustration shown in FIG. 1, that on the transport device 6 in

Transport direction A conveyed packaging group 2 to be provided with a handle 4. For this purpose, the second applicator arm A2 of the carrying handle applicator unit 7 is in a vertical position in which its longitudinal axis LA2 preferably points perpendicular to the transport plane TE.

A carrying handle 4, which has been separated from an endless belt by means of the first cutting tool 1 1 .1, is already held on the vertically standing second applicator arm A2. This is on the first and second applicator arms A1 and A2 via their respective holding and / or pressing device 10.1, 10.2, in more detail by the second

Suction area 12.21 of the second front side VS2 of the second applicator arm A2 and the first suction area 12.12 of the first rear side RS1 of the first applicator arm A1 are held by means of a first vacuum level. In order to obtain a defined length of the handle 4, it is also held in the flexion section 13.3 with a pivotable finger (not shown in more detail) or a suppressor. The free-end adhesive sections of the later handle 4 stand as a loose end beyond the first and second applicator arms A1, A2.

The self-adhesive side of the later handle 4 points in the direction of the packaged packaging group 2. This is transported in the transport direction A by the transport device 6 and abuts against the vertical second applicator arm A2 and thus against the self-adhesive free end of the on the first and second applicator arms A1, A2 carrying handle 4. This fixes the free-end adhesive section to the packaging group 3 on one side (FIG. 2). The second suction area 12.21 of the associated second holding and / or pressing device 10.2 of the second applicator arm A2 is preferably at least during and / or after the respective free-end adhesive sections have been pressed onto the packaging 3 or the packaging group 2 by means of at least a second pressure level, preferably an overpressure level , acted upon. This results in a targeted detachment of the handle 4 from the second holding and / or pressing device 10.2.

At the same time, by pushing the packaging group 2 on the second applicator arm A2, a sensor signal is generated in the sensor device 18.2 and the carrying handle applicator unit 7 is rotated further in the counterclockwise direction of rotation DR (FIG. 3). In FIG. 3, the cutting tool 11.3 is also shown for the applicator arm A3 as an example for all the application arms and also the other FIGS. 1 to 6, which can be moved linearly in the axial direction LA3 and is used to cut through the endlessly extending carrying handles 4 when they pass over the end faces of the of the respective application arm.

The speed of rotation of the handle-applicator unit 7 is such on the

Transport speed of the packaging material group 2 transported on the transport device 6 in the transport direction A is coordinated such that the first applicator arm A1 roughly reaches its orientation of its first longitudinal axis LA1, which points perpendicularly in the direction of the transport plane TE, to the upstream rear end of the

Packaging group 2 starts up and the handle 4 is pressed with its free-end adhesive section onto the packaging group 3 (FIG. 4). FIG. 4 also shows an example of an embodiment of the device 1 in the direction of the double arrow RS

shown pivotable contact body 8, which leads the newly introduced and horizontally tensioned handle 4, initially introduced via the ends of the two above applicator arms A2 and A3, into the desired deep position in the flexion section 13.2, so that it is in the suction area 12.11 ... 12.32 or from the respective Suction head 12.4 can be detected and held. There, the carrying handle 4 is then held in this deep position by the fixing and guide fingers 9, which rotate with the application arms (holding position). For this purpose, these fixing and guide fingers 9 can be pivoted from a rest position (not shown) in the holding position. In the open rest position, a handle 4 can be inserted into the flexion section or released again. At each flexion section 13.1, 13.2, 13.3. at least one guide finger 9 is provided, wherein only one contact body 8 is provided and its swivel drive is arranged fixed on the device 1 and interacts with the carrying handle applicator unit 7.

The first suction area 12.12 of the associated first holding and / or pressing device 10.1 of the first applicator arm A1 is preferably at least during and / or after the respective free-end adhesive sections have been pressed onto the packaging 3 or the packaging group 2 by means of at least a second pressure level, preferably an overpressure level , acted upon. This results in a targeted detachment of the handle 4 from the first holding and / or pressing device 10.1.

The packaging group 3 provided in this way with a carrying handle 4 can then be conveyed further in the transport direction A by means of the transport device 6.

The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It goes without saying that a large number of changes or modifications are possible without thereby leaving the scope of protection of the invention defined by the patent claims.

An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 8, in which an electrically controlled valve group or multi-way valve is provided on each applicator arm. Each of these valve groups or these multi-way valves 35 is permanently connected to a corresponding source via a suction line 31 and a high-pressure line 32. By means of a suitable sensor or control signal, the valve group or the multi-way valve 35 is switched analogously to the aforementioned exemplary embodiments in order to hold the carrying handle 4 securely or to repel it by a pressure pulse. These switching positions are shown schematically for the respective application arm in the respective rotational position shown, shown opposite. The intermediate or transition circuits result in an analogous manner. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 device

2 pack group

3 packages

4 carrying handle

6 Transport device

7 Handle and applicator unit

8 contact body

9 fixing and guide fingers

10.1 ... 10.3 holding and / or pressing device

11.1 ... 11.3 cutting tool

12.11 ... 12.32 suction area

12.4 Suction heads

12.5 Bellows

13.1 ... 13.3 flexion section

15 Pressure distributor arrangement

15.1 Cover

15.2 Housing section

15.11 ... 15.32 connection

16.11 ... 16.32 format part

17.1 ... 17.3 spring plate

18.1 ... 18.3 Sensor device

19 sensor device

30 hose

A direction of transport

A1 ... A3 applicator arm

B1 width

B2 width

DA axis of rotation

DR direction of rotation

GK1 ... GK4 gas channel

TE transport level LA1 ... LA3 longitudinal axis

VS1 ... VS3 front

SR swivel direction

RS1 ... RS3 rear 0B1 ... 0B3 top

Claims

claims

1. Device for attaching handles (4) to packaging (3) or

Packaging groups (2), by means of which on a transport device (6) in a

The transport direction (A) of the conveyed packaging material (3) or packaging material groups (2) can each be provided with at least one carrying handle (4), in particular a self-adhesive carrying handle (4), the device (1) comprising a motor-driven carrying handle applicator unit (7), which can be driven rotatably mounted about the transport device (6) about a horizontal axis of rotation (DA) lying transversely to the direction of transport (A), the carrying handle applicator unit (7) having at least two applicator arms (A1, A2, A3.) oriented radially to the axis of rotation (DA) ), on each of which at least one holding and / or pressing device (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) and a cutting tool (11.1, 11.2,

11.3) are configured so that an endless belt provided with an adhesive layer at least in sections can be conveyed via a respective packaging (3) or a packaging group (2), a carrying handle (4) with a free-end adhesive section can be separated therefrom and the carrying handle (4) formed in this way can be opened the packaging (3) or the packaging group (2) can be applied, in particular pressed on, the respective holding and / or

Pressure device (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) at least one suction area (12.11, 12.12, 12.21,

12.22, 12.31, 12.32) for holding and / or guiding the endless belt and the carrying handle (4) separated therefrom by means of a negative pressure which can be generated, characterized in that

a pressure distribution arrangement (15) is provided with which the suppression can be controlled with regard to its duration and / or its height,

wherein to provide the at least temporarily generated negative pressure

Pressure distribution arrangement (15) is designed to control the respective suction area (12.11,

12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32) of an associated holding and / or pressing device (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) of the corresponding applicator arm (A1, A2, A3) depending on the position, in particular depending on the rotational position, at least temporarily with a first

Vacuum level and temporarily at least one additional pressure level

apply.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one further pressure level is above the first vacuum level. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one further pressure level comprises two pressure levels, wherein

- At a pressure level of atmospheric pressure or a residual vacuum, there is no direct connection of the suction area (12.11, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32) to one

Suction line and

- At a further temporary pressure level there is a pressure above atmospheric pressure and there is a connection of the suction area (12.11, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32) to a pressure line.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure distribution arrangement (15) is designed to be position-dependent on the relative position, in particular the rotational position, of the carrying handle applicator unit (7)

Suction area (12.11, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32) of an associated holding and / or pressing device (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) of the corresponding applicator arm (A1, A2, A3), at least temporarily, with at least a first vacuum level.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure distribution arrangement (15) is designed to the respective suction area (12.11, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32) of an associated holding and / or pressing device (10.1, 10.2 , 10.3) of the corresponding applicator arm (A1, A2, A3) at least while holding and / or guiding the endless belt and the carrying handle (4) which has been separated therefrom before and / or during pressing of the respectively free-end adhesive sections onto the packaging (3) or the Packaging group (2) by means of at least a first

To apply vacuum level.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure distribution arrangement (15) is designed to the respective suction area (12.11, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32) of an associated holding and / or pressing device (10.1, 10.2 , 10.3) of the corresponding applicator arm (A1, A2, A3), depending on the position, at least temporarily to be acted upon with at least a first vacuum level and a second pressure level. 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second pressure level is designed as a different vacuum level than the first vacuum level.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second pressure level is designed as an overpressure level, so that an air blast in the respective suction area (12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32) through the second pressure level designed as overpressure. an associated holding and / or pressing device (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) of the corresponding applicator arm (A1, A2, A3) can be generated.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure distribution arrangement 15 is designed to the respective suction area (12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32) of an associated holding and / or pressing device (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) of the corresponding applicator arm (A1, A2, A3) at least during and / or after pressing on the respective free-end adhesive sections on the packaging (3) or the packaging group (2) by means of at least a second pressure level.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator arms (A1, A2, A3) in their respective longitudinal extent along a corresponding longitudinal axis (LA1, LA2, LA3) are formed variable in length.

1 1. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective holding and / or pressing device (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) one

corresponding applicator arms (A1, A2, A3) each have two suction areas (12.1 1, 12.12,

12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32), a first suction area (12.1 1, 12.21, 12.31) on a corresponding front side (VS1, VS2, VS3) and a second suction area (12.12, 12.22, 12.32) on the corresponding rear side (RS1, RS2, RS3) of the holding and / or formed on an associated applicator arm (A1, A2, A3)

Pressure device (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) is provided. 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective first suction area (12.11, 12.21, 12.31) as an opening in a on the corresponding front side (VS1, VS2, VS3) in the area of an associated holding and / or pressing device ( 10.1, 10.2, 10.3) provided, plate-shaped format part (16.11, 16.21, 16.31) is formed.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corresponding first format part (16.11, 16.21, 16.31) is formed from an elastic material, in particular from foam, and has a width (B1) which is larger than that Width (B2) of the respective handle (4).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first suction region (12.11, 12.21, 12.31) provided in the first format part (16.11, 16.21, 16.31) is designed to be elastically deformable in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis (LA1, LA2, LA3) is.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective second suction area (12.12, 12.22, 12.32) as an opening in a on the corresponding rear side (RS1, RS2, RS3) in the area of an associated holding and / or pressing device ( 10.1, 10.2, 10.3) provided plate-shaped format part (16.12, 16.22, 16.32) is formed.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corresponding second format part (16.12, 16.22, 16.32) is formed from an elastic material, in particular from foam, and has a width (B1) which is larger than that Width (B2) of the respective handle (4).

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second suction area (12.12, 12.22, 12.32) provided in the second format part (16.12, 16.22, 16.32) is designed to be elastically deformable in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis (LA1, LA2, LA3) is. 18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second suction area (12.1 1, 12.12, 12.21, 12.22, 12.31, 12.32) have at least one suction head (12.4) and a bellows (12.5) arranged thereon, which is designed to be elastically deformable, in particular compressible, in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis (LA1, LA2, LA3).

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a first and / or second format part (16.1 1, 16.12, 16.21, 16.22, 16.31, 16.32) a concave or substantially concave curved upper side (OB1, OB2, OB3) has, which bulges in the direction of the associated longitudinal axis (LA1, LA2, LA3) and along the longitudinal extent of the associated longitudinal axis (LA1, LA2, LA3).

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one holding and / or pressing device (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) of a corresponding applicator arm (A1, A2, A3) on its associated rear side (RS1, RS2, RS3) at least has a spring plate (17.1, 17.2, 17.3) which is curved away from the associated longitudinal axis (LA1, LA2, LA3).

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the free end of a corresponding applicator arm (A1, A2, A3) on its corresponding front side (VS1, VS2, VS3) in each case a sensor device (18.1, 18.2., 18.3.) Designed as a force sensor ) is provided, by means of whose sensor signal a further turning of the carrying handle applicator unit (7) can be controlled and / or regulated.

22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying handle applicator unit (7) has a sensor device (19) with which the relative position, in particular the rotational position of the individual applicator arms (A1, A2, A3) can be detected. 23. Method for attaching handles (4) to packaging (3) or

Packaging groups (2), in which the on a transport device (6) in a

Transport direction (A) conveyed packaging material (3) or packaging material groups (2) are each provided with at least one self-adhesive carrying handle (4), in which an endless belt provided at least in sections with an adhesive layer over each

Packaging material (3) or a packaging material group (2) is transported, from which a carrying handle (4), each with a free-end adhesive section, is separated and the carrying handle (4) thus formed is pressed onto the packaging material (3) or the packaging material group (2), characterized that the carrying handle (4) is removed from the packaging (3) or the packaging group (2) by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims.