EP3853135A2

EP3853135A2 - Method for packaging articles and packaging system for articles such as drink containers or the like

Info

Publication number: EP3853135A2
Application number: EP19758940.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jens Losert
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2018-09-20
Filing date: 2019-08-21
Publication date: 2021-07-28
Also published as: DE102018123106A1; CN112351941A; WO2020057883A2; US20220127029A1; WO2020057883A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for packaging articles (2). According to the method, secondary packagings (3) are moved along a first conveying device (10). Subsequently, the secondary packagings (3) are moved along a second conveying device (20), which second conveying device (20) is located next to the first conveying device (10). Articles (2) are inserted into a respective secondary packaging (3) while the respective secondary packaging (3) is present on the first conveying device (10) and/or while the respective secondary packaging (3) is present on the second conveying device (20). According to the invention, the secondary packagings (3) on the first conveying device (10) are received by format parts (5) and are transferred together with their respective format part (5) to the second conveying device (20) located next to the first conveying device (10). The secondary packagings (3) which so far have been arranged on the format parts are removed from the format parts (5) together with the inserted articles (2) and the format parts (5) are then returned to the first conveying device (10) to again receive secondary packagings (3).

Description

Process for packaging articles and

Packaging system for items such as beverage containers or the like

The present invention relates to a method for packaging articles with the features of independent method claim 1 and a packaging system for articles such as beverage containers or the like with the features of independent claim 7.

The handling of articles or the handling of articles often provides for individual or several articles to be provided with an outer packaging, which can be designed as a container or as an envelope. Such equipment with a

Repackaging takes place in the case of individual articles for their improved protection and / or for their improved sales presentation. In the case of several articles, the outer packaging additionally forms a packaging unit, in which the individual articles can be prevented from being damaged in the course of a transport by means of the outer packaging functioning as part of the packaging unit. This is particularly the case if the outer packaging is designed as a cardboard box in which several articles are completely accommodated. Thus, such

Packaging units an effective way to enable simultaneous handling of several articles, in particular to facilitate the transport of several articles.

Folding boxes are often used as outer packaging to hold several articles, since they offer quite good protection for the articles contained in them, are also stackable with the articles inside and also identify the articles they contain through on the outside allow printed or glued information. Far away, they can serve as advertising media with appropriate information or imprints on the outside.

Folding boxes are industrially prefabricated, mostly cuboid-shaped containers that are folded or folded into a particularly small space or pack size, which are transported and stored in a space-saving manner when folded up to their intended use, so that they can be used if necessary to be unfolded in a simple manner or mechanically for repackaging, as is known, for example, from folding boxes used for postal packages. in the

When folded, such folding boxes or boxes require relatively little space for transport and storage.

After such outer packaging has been unfolded, it has so far been largely uninterrupted in practice for producing the packaging unit, articles being inserted into the unfolded outer packaging during the uninterrupted movement and the unfolded outer packaging being sealed in time after the articles have been inserted. For the purpose of transport or uninterrupted movement of the outer packaging, there are conveyor chains with which the outer packaging is in surface contact and which

Slide outer packaging along a conveyor or transport route.

Practice has shown that outer packaging can become contaminated due to contact with the conveyor chains or with sliding elements arranged on the conveyor chains, as a result of which their external appearance can be unintentionally impaired. It can also be the case that the outer packaging is soiled and / or damaged by the sliding movement along the conveyor line or transport line, as a result of which the external appearance can also be adversely affected. This is particularly the case if the outer packaging has an outer surface in light color and / or a glossy or reflective outer surface.

For this reason, an object of the invention can be seen in providing a possibility which at least partially avoids the disadvantages mentioned.

The above object is achieved by the subjects which include the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous configurations are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a method for packaging articles. The articles that can be packaged using the method can in principle be almost any articles to be handled and packaged. In particular, the articles mentioned can be liquid containers such as

Beverage containers, beverage cans or also containers, which comprise several articles or several beverage containers or several beverage cans. One step of the method provides for moving the outer packaging over a first conveying device and, following this in time, for moving the outer packaging over a second conveying device, which second conveying device is arranged next to the first conveying device. Optionally, the first and second

Conveyors can be arranged or run parallel or approximately parallel to each other, but this is by no means a mandatory configuration in the

Is to be seen in connection with the inventive method. The first

Conveying device and / or the second conveying device can each comprise at least one belt and / or chain drive, which are driven in rotation to move the outer packaging.

For various embodiments, it is conceivable that the second

The conveying device is spaced apart from the first conveying device in a direction which is oriented perpendicular to a direction of movement of the first conveying device or the second conveying device provided for outer packaging. It is conceivable, for example, that the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device are arranged at a distance from one another such that a gap is formed between the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device. It may also be the case that the first conveying device and the second conveying device are arranged at a distance from one another, a conveying element connecting the transfer plate or the like being located between the first conveying device and the second conveying device.

Embodiments in which the first one have also proven successful

Conveying device and the second conveying device are arranged side by side in such a way that a respective format part described below, together with a respective outer packaging received, directly from the first

Conveyor can be pushed onto the second conveyor. It may be that a respective format part, which will be described in the following, is pushed directly from the second conveying device onto the first conveying device and thereby to receive new packaging from the second one

Conveyor is returned to the first conveyor.

Furthermore, articles are inserted into a respective outer packaging while the respective outer packaging is located on the first conveyor device and / or while the respective outer packaging is located on the second conveyor device. In particular, it may be that articles are inserted into a respective outer packaging while the respective outer packaging is on the first conveyor and / or is moved on the second conveyor. At least one handling device designed for inserting articles in outer packaging can be provided which inserts articles into a respective outer packaging.

It is conceivable, for example, that only articles are used in outer packaging, which outer packaging is located on the second conveying device or which outer packaging is already from the first conveying device to the second

Have changed conveyor. Articles can be inserted into a respective outer packaging coming from above, the outer packaging being opened at least in an upper area when the articles are inserted.

The outer packaging is received by format parts on the first conveyor device and, together with its respective format part, changes to the second conveyor device, which second conveyor device is located next to the first

Conveyor is located. Furthermore, the outer packaging, which until then has been arranged on the format parts, is removed from the format parts together with the articles used, and the format parts are then returned to the first conveying device for the further acceptance of outer packaging. Accordingly, the format parts can be moved endlessly along a closed and circulating path, a respective format part during each circulation along the closed path in each case an outer packaging for producing a

Receiving packaging unit.

Thus, the format parts can be moved endlessly along a closed and circulating path, with a respective format part taking one outer packaging for producing a packaging unit during a respective circulation along the closed path, and several in a respective received outer packaging during a respective circulation along the closed path preferably inserted or introduced articles formed by beverage containers.

Accordingly, the format parts can be moved endlessly along a closed and circulating path, a respective packaging unit being formed on a respective format part during a respective circulation along the closed path.

It may be that the format parts together with their received outer packaging from the first conveyor to the second conveyor are implemented and / or that the format parts together with their

Received outer packaging are pushed from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.

Furthermore, it may be that the first conveying device has a plurality of holding means guided in a circumferential manner, with at least one format part being clamped to the first via two immediately successive holding means of the first conveying device

Conveyor is set. As an alternative or in addition to this, it can be provided that the second conveying device has a plurality of holding means guided in a circumferential manner, wherein at least one format part changed from the first conveying device to the second conveying device is clamped on the second conveying device by means of two immediately successive holding means.

In addition, the format parts may be outer packaging

Accept form-fitting and hold form-fitting until the respective outer packaging is removed from the respective format part.

Embodiments have also proven themselves in which, depending on the dimensions of the outer packaging to be received via format parts, certain format parts are selected from a plurality of different format parts and arranged on the first conveying device, which specific format parts correspond to the outer packaging to be accepted.

It can also be the case that format parts are moved along a first transport direction via the first conveyor device and that format parts changed to the second conveyor device are moved along a second transport direction, the first transport direction and the second transport direction running parallel and opposite to one another.

The invention also relates to a packaging system for articles such as beverage containers or the like. Features which have already been described above for various embodiments of the method can also be provided for various embodiments of the packaging system described below and are not mentioned several times. Features described below, which relate to various embodiments of the packaging system, can likewise be provided in embodiments of the method already described. The packaging system has a first conveying device and a second conveying device, which are each designed to move outer packaging and are arranged next to one another.

The packaging system further comprises at least one handling device designed for inserting articles in outer packaging, the working area of which extends over the first conveyor device and / or over the second conveyor device. The at least one handling device designed for inserting articles in outer packaging can be designed, for example, as a portal system and / or as a multi-axis robot and / or as a delta kinematics robot.

The packaging system includes several format parts, which several

Format part can receive outer packaging for inserting articles and for releasable arrangement on the first conveyor and the second

Conveyor device are formed.

The packaging system further comprises at least one

Manipulation device, which format parts together with received outer packaging from the first conveyor to the next to the first

Conveyor arranged second conveyor can implement and for returning format parts from the second conveyor to the first

Conveyor is designed.

It may be that the at least one manipulation device is designed to return empty format parts from the second conveyor device to the first conveyor device or is prepared for this purpose, on which empty format parts there is no packaging unit.

It may also be the case that the at least one manipulation device for returning format parts from the second conveyor device to the first

Conveyor device is formed or prepared for this purpose, wherein a packaging unit that has already been fully formed is arranged on a respective format part.

The first conveyor, the second conveyor and the at least one manipulation device can thus cooperate as a rotary machine for format parts. In particular, it is conceivable that the first conveyor, the second conveyor and the at least one manipulation device as Rotary machine for format parts interact, the at least one handling device receiving articles from the format parts

Outer packaging can be used during one or a single circumferential movement of the format parts.

It may be that the at least one manipulation device format parts together with received outer packaging from the first

Conveyor to the second conveyor arranged next to the first conveyor. Alternatively or in addition to this, it may be that the at least one manipulation device format parts together with

can push the received packaging from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor.

The first conveying device can also have a plurality of circumferentially guided holding means, with at least one format part on the first conveying means, in each case via two immediately successive circumferentially guided holding means of the first conveying device

Conveyor is clamped fixable. Furthermore, the second conveying device can have a plurality of circumferentially guided holding means, wherein at least one format part changed from the first conveying device to the second conveying device can be clamped on the second conveying device by means of two immediately successive circumferentially guided holding means.

It is also conceivable that the format parts are designed to hold received outer packaging in a form-fitting manner. It can be the case here that the format parts each comprise a peripheral and lateral boundary for a respective outer packaging received, over which the format parts for positively holding received ones

Outer packaging is formed.

It may also be that the packaging system offers a variety of

includes different format parts, which are matched to different dimensions of several different outer packaging and can be arranged selectively on the first conveyor depending on the respective dimensions of the outer packaging to be received. In particular, the

Format parts can be formed by aluminum and / or plastic. It is conceivable here that the format parts are each formed in one piece. The first conveying device can be designed to transport format parts along a first transport direction. The second conveying device can be designed to transport format parts along a second transport direction, the first transport direction and the second transport direction running parallel and opposite to one another.

At this point it should be expressly mentioned that all aspects and

Design variants in connection with the invention

Packaging system were explained, equally partial aspects of the

relate to or can form the inventive method for packaging articles. So if at one point in the description or in the

Definitions of claims for the packaging device according to the invention or for the packaging system according to the invention of certain aspects and / or

Connections and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. The reverse applies, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention are equally partial aspects of the invention

The packaging device or the packaging system according to the invention relate to or can be. Therefore, if there are certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects at a point in the description or also in the definition of claims for the method according to the invention, then this applies equally to the packaging device according to the invention or to the packaging system according to the invention.

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

Although “schematic” representations and views are generally referred to in the context of the figures, this does not mean in any way that the figure representations and their description should be of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite capable of extracting enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that make it easier for him to understand the invention, without having to draw something from the drawn and possibly not to scale Proportions in any way would be impaired in his understanding. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to use the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained

Functioning of the packaging system according to the invention to derive a better understanding of the general and / or abstract ideas of the invention formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description.

Figures 1 to 3 show a schematic view of a first embodiment of a packaging system according to the invention and individual steps as they can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

4 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a packaging system according to the invention and illustrates individual steps as can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

Figures 5 to 9 illustrate a functional principle, as is the case with various

Embodiments of a packaging system according to the invention can be provided. Figures 5 to 9 also show individual steps, as in various

Embodiments of the method according to the invention can be provided.

Figures 10 to 12 each illustrate a further functional principle, as can be provided in various embodiments of a packaging system according to the invention. Furthermore, FIGS. 10 to 12 show further aspects, as are the case with various

Embodiments of the method according to the invention can be provided.

Figures 13 and 14 show a schematic view of a first and a second conveyor, as in various embodiments of a

packaging system according to the invention and for implementation in various

Embodiments of the method according to the invention can be provided.

15 shows a schematic plan view of a format part, as can be provided in various embodiments of the packaging system according to the invention and for implementation in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

Identical reference numerals are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numerals in the individual figures that are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are only examples, such as the

Invention can be designed and are not a final limitation.

1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a packaging system 1 according to the invention. Articles 2, which in the present case are or may be formed by beverage containers 4, can be packaged via the packaging system 1. The packaging system 1 comprises a first conveyor device 10 and a second conveyor device 20, which are arranged next to one another and are shown in detail in FIGS. 13 and 14. The first conveyor device 10 has a plurality of circumferentially guided holding means 12, with the first holding means 12 between each two successive holding means

Conveyor 10 a format part 5 can be held clamped on the first conveyor 10. For example, the first conveyor device 10 can comprise at least one rotating chain and / or belt drive, on which the holding means 12 are arranged.

In the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 1, format parts 5 are returned from the second conveying device 20 to the first conveying device 10, the ones not yet fully transferred to the second conveying device 20 in FIG. 1

Format parts 5 in FIG. 2 have already been completely changed from the second conveyor 20 to the first conveyor 10 and between immediately

successive holding means 12 of the first conveyor 10 are held clamped.

The reference number 30 in FIGS. 1 to 3 denotes a first magazine in which a multiplicity of outer packaging 5 is accommodated. The outer packaging 5 is removed from the magazine 30 or from the first magazine 30 by means of a handling device (not shown) and from the format parts 5

received, which are still clamped on the first conveyor 10 via the holding means 12. The outer packaging 3 is still folded in the first magazine 30. During the transfer to the first conveyor 10 or

during a transfer to the format parts 5 moved by the first conveying device 10, the outer packaging 3 is opened by means of the handling device. In addition, the format parts 5 moved via the first conveying device 10 are placed on the container during the deposition of the outer packaging 3 which is then opened

Format parts 5 which moves without interruption in a transport direction TR1 Transport direction TR1 provides the first conveyor 10 for moving the format parts 5 and for moving the outer packaging 3 received and drawn up by means of the format parts 5.

The illustration in FIG. 1 also shows that the dimensioning of the format parts 5 is adapted to the dimensioning of the outer packaging 3 that has been opened or that the dimensioning of the format parts 5 corresponds to the dimensioning of the outer packaging 3 that has been opened. As described in relation to FIG. 15, the format parts 5 each form an edge area 16, over which the

opened packaging 3 can be held positively or essentially positively after each acceptance by a respective format part 5.

The packaging system 1 also comprises a second magazine 40, in which a multiplicity of compartments 6 are accommodated. The compartments 6 are removed from the second magazine 40 and inserted into the outer packaging 3 which is further arranged and mounted on the format parts 5. The removal of compartments 6 from the second magazine 40 and the arrangement of removed compartments 6 in the

opened outer packaging 3 can over the previously described

Handling device take place, which removes outer packaging 3 from the first magazine 30, pulls it up and deposits it on the format parts 5. It is also conceivable that a further handling device is provided for this, which takes compartments 6 from the second magazine 40 and inserts them into the outer packaging 3 which has already been opened and is still located on format parts 5 moved by the first conveyor device 10.

A plurality of chambers are formed in the respective outer packaging 3 by means of the respective compartment 6, a respective chamber being provided for receiving a respective article 2 designed as a beverage container 4. In time, while a respective compartment 6 is being introduced into a respective outer packaging 3, the respective outer packaging 3 and the respective format part 5, on which the respective outer packaging 3 continues to stand, are moved along without interruption along the first transport direction TR1.

In time after a respective compartment 6 has been introduced into a respective outer packaging 3, the respective outer packaging 3, together with the respective format part 5 on which the respective outer packaging 3 still stands, changes from the first conveyor device 10 onto the second conveyor device 20. For this purpose, immediately after the introduction of a respective compartment 6 into a respective outer packaging 3, a push bar 50 with several format parts 5 and / or with several outer packaging 3, into which a respective compartment 6 has already been inserted, enters Surface contact and pushes the multiple format parts 5 and those still arranged thereon

Outer packaging 3 perpendicular to the first transport direction TR1, so that the respective format parts 5 and the outer packaging 3 further arranged thereon are moved in the direction of the second conveying device 20 or in the direction of the second

Conveyor 20 are pushed.

Embodiments have proven successful in which the push bar 50 comes into surface contact with the plurality of format parts 5, none

Surface contact is provided between the push bar 50 and the respective outer packaging 3, so that the respective format parts 5 are moved in the direction of the second conveyor device 20 or in the direction of the second one without surface contact of the push bar 50 to the outer packaging 3 further arranged thereon

Conveyor 20 are pushed. In this way, unwanted soiling of the outer packaging 3, possibly associated with surface contact with the push bar 50, can be counteracted.

The push bar 50 is moved horizontally or exclusively horizontally, with the result that the format parts 5 which are in surface contact with the push bar 50 move smoothly to the second conveyor device 20. Since only the format parts 5 make surface contact with the first during such a movement

Have conveyor 10 or to the second conveyor 20, is between the packaging 3 and the first conveyor 10 and between the

Outer packaging 3 and the second conveyor 20 no adhesive and / or

Sliding friction is formed, whereby it can be avoided that an underside of a respective outer packaging 3 is not damaged at any time when changing from the first conveying device 10 to the second conveying device 20, during a movement by means of the first conveying device 10 and during a movement via the second conveying device 20 is and / or experiences unwanted optical impairments.

The second conveying device 20 also has a plurality of holding means 14, which hold a respective format part 5 in a clamped manner after it has changed from the first conveying device 10 to the second conveying device 20. Another component of the packaging system 1 is formed by an inlet 60 with a horizontal conveyor device 64 and a plurality of alley plates 62 running parallel to one another, between which a plurality are parallel to one another

extending alley plates 62, several rows of articles 2 arranged one behind the other or several rows of beverage containers 4 arranged one behind the other are guided parallel to one another. A respective frontmost article 2 or a respective frontmost beverage container 4 of a respective row is in surface contact with a contact bar 9. The contact bar 9 is moved parallel to a second transport direction TR2, along which second transport direction TR2 the second conveying device 20 moves format parts 5 with outer packaging 3 arranged thereon and each already having an inserted compartment 6. A movement speed of the abutment bar 9 is opposite one

Transport speed of the formed as part of the inlet 60

Horizontal conveying device 64 is reduced, so that articles 2 of a respective row or beverage containers 4 of a respective row jam on the contact bar 9.

A handling device, designated by the reference number 15 and only schematically shown or indicated here, accepts a plurality of articles 2 or a plurality of beverage containers 4 of the parallel rows from the inlet 60 and subsequently places an article 2 or a beverage container 4 in a respective one by means of the compartment 6 formed in an outer packaging 3 chamber. The articles 2 or the beverage containers 4 are then positively or essentially positively received in the chambers formed by means of the respective compartment 6 of a respective outer packaging 3. During the withdrawal of Article 2 or

Beverage container 4 in the respective chamber becomes the respective format part 5 already changed to the second conveyor device 20 together with the outer packaging 3 still standing thereon and the compartment 6 inserted therein

moved without interruption along the second transport direction TR2. The respective format part 5 which has already been changed to the second conveyor device 20 is in this case also held in a clamped manner on the second conveyor device 20 via the holding means 14 of the second conveyor device 20.

An outer packaging 3 forms one together with the compartments 6 inserted and the articles 2 or the beverage containers 4 used

Packing unit 8. A respective packaging unit 8, which is still accommodated by a format part 5, is then moved onto the outlet belt 70 or pushed onto the outlet belt 70. The empty format parts 5 'are then to be renewed Receipt of outer packaging 3 returned to the first conveyor 10. For this purpose, another push bar 50 'with the empty format parts 5' in

Make surface contact and push the empty format parts 5 'from the second conveyor 20 onto the first conveyor 10. A direction of movement of the further push bar 50 ′ is directed against the direction of movement of the push bar 50, designated by the reference number 50.

In particular, the additional push bar 50 ″ for returning the format parts 5 or empty format parts 5 ″ from the second conveyor device 20 to the first one

Conveyor 10 can only be moved horizontally. A summary of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates the change of format parts 5 together with the outer packaging 3 located thereon and the compartments 6 used from the first conveyor 10 to the second conveyor 20. A summary of FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrates the return of empty items Format parts 5 'from the second conveyor device 20 to the first conveyor device 10. In FIG. 3, format parts 5 with received outer packaging 3 have already been used by means of the first

Conveyor 10 moves into an environment of the second magazine 40, wherein no compartments 6 have yet been inserted into the outer packaging 3, which are located in the environment of the second magazine 40 in FIG. 3.

The format parts 5 which have already passed onto the second conveying device 20 or changed to the second conveying device 20 in FIG. 3, with the outer packaging 3 located thereon and the compartments 6 inserted into the outer packaging 3, are located in the vicinity of the inlet 60 Articles 2 located on the inlet 60 or beverage containers 4 still located on the inlet 60 are introduced into the chambers formed by the compartments 6 in the outer packaging 3 according to the previous description by means of the handling device 15 or

used.

A summary of FIGS. 1 to 3 makes it clear that the first conveyor device 10 and the second conveyor device 20 interact via the push bar 50 and the further push bar 50 'as a rotary machine, via which a respective format part 5 for the successive manufacture of a multiplicity of packaging units 8 circulates can be moved.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a packaging system 1 according to the invention Packaging system 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the embodiment of a packaging system 1 according to FIG. 4 differs in particular in the design of the packaging units 8 produced by means of the packaging system 1 and in the position of the outfeed conveyor, which is also designated and shown with reference number 70. The compartments, which in the embodiment according to FIG. 4 are also removed from the second magazine 40 via a handling device (not shown) and inserted into the outer packaging 3 already arranged on the format parts 5, form only three chambers in FIG Recording of a respective article 2 or for receiving a respective beverage container 4 are provided. Consequently, a respective packaging unit 8 produced by means of the packaging system 1 according to FIG. 4 comprises only three articles 2 or only three beverage containers 4.

From a comparison of the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 3 with the

The embodiment according to FIG. 4 also shows that the discharge belt 70 in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3 is directly adjacent to the second conveyor device 20. In FIG. 4, however, the discharge belt 70 is immediately adjacent to the first conveyor 10. As already mentioned above for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the packaging unit 8 formed on the second conveyor device 20 is pushed onto the discharge belt 70 or is moved onto the discharge belt 70.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the respective packaging unit 8 formed on the second conveyor device 20 is removed from the respective format part 5 and converted onto the outlet belt 70 or pushed onto the outlet belt 70. After the respective packaging unit 8 has been accepted, the then empty format part 5 'in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3 is passed to the first

Conveyor 10 returned. On the other hand, in the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the format parts 5, together with the packaging units 8, which have already been completed and have been arranged on the format parts 5 until then, are placed on the first

Conveyor 10 returned.

In time after the returned format parts 5, together with the packaging units 8, which have already been completed and have been arranged on the format parts 5 until then, have been picked up by the first conveyor device 10, the

4 which are still arranged on the format parts 5

Packaging units 8 removed from the format parts 5 and transferred to the outlet belt 70 or pushed onto the outlet belt 70. On the format parts 5 which are clamped on the first conveyor 10 via the holding means 12 repackaging 3 arranged thereon. Also in the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the first conveyor device 10 and the second conveyor device 20 interact as a rotary machine via the push bar 50 and the further push bar 50 '.

Figures 5 to 9 illustrate a functional principle, as can be provided in various embodiments of a packaging system 1 according to the invention. Figures 5 to 9 also show individual steps, as in various

Embodiments of the method according to the invention can be provided. For reasons of clarity, only the first conveyor device 10, the second conveyor device 20, the holding means 12 and 14, the push bar 50 and the further push bar 50 'were included in FIGS. 5 to 9 in order to clarify the functional principle and the mode of operation of the packaging system 1 shown. The outlet belt 70, the inlet 60, the handling device 15 as well as the first magazine 30 and the second magazine 40 are missing in the illustration according to FIGS. 5 to 9, but can also be provided for the functional principle or the mode of operation of the packaging system 1 according to FIGS. 5 to 9 be.

5, the other push bar 50 'is already in surface contact with three format parts 5 provided for returning to the first conveyor device 10. In FIG. 5 it can be seen that between immediately successive holding means 12 which are attached to the first conveyor device 12 are arranged or are formed as a component of the first conveyor device 10, a respective gap 12 is formed, into which a respective format part 5 arranged in FIG. 5 on the second conveyor device 20 can be inserted. If a respective format part 5 is to be introduced into the respective gap formed between immediately successive holding means 12 by means of the further push bar 50 ', the position of the respective format part 5 must be perpendicular to the transport directions TR1 and TR2 of the first conveyor device 10 and the second conveyor device oriented parallel to one another 20 aligned with the gap. For this purpose, the holding means 12 fixed on the first conveying device 10 and the holding means 14 fixed on the second conveying device 20 must be coordinated with one another on the respective one

Conveyor 10 and 20 are arranged and / or the first conveyor 10 and the second conveyor 20 are coordinated with each other with defined

Conveyor speeds are driven.

A summary of FIGS. 5 to 7 then illustrates the return of format parts 5 via the further push bar 50 '. 5 already with several Format parts 5 further push bars 50 'in surface contact perform an adjusting movement for returning the format parts 5, which is oriented horizontally and perpendicularly to the transport directions TR1 and TR2. In Fig. 7, the other push bar 50 'has already been moved back in the direction of the second conveyor 20 for the return of further format parts 5. The movement of the further

Push bar 50 'in the position shown in FIG. 7 is also horizontal and perpendicular to the transport directions TR1 and TR2.

According to FIG. 6, the push bar 50 is already in surface contact with the format parts 5 when the format parts 5 are returned to the first conveying device 10 and have not yet ended, in order to enclose these format parts 5 together with the outer packaging 3 not shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 (cf. figures 1 to 4) to push the second conveyor 20. In FIG. 8 it can be seen that gaps are formed between immediately successive holding means 14, which are fixed on the second conveying device 20, into which format parts 5, which are clamped by means of holding means 12, can still be inserted on the first conveying means 10 by means of the push bar 50 . In FIG. 9, the thrust movement required for this has already been initiated via the push bar 50, the format parts 5, which had previously been clamped on the first conveying device 20 via holding means 12, moving between the gaps. After a complete change to the second conveyor device 20, the format parts 5 are then held in a clamping manner by means of the holding means 14 fixed on the second conveyor device 20. Furthermore, in FIGS. 8 and 9, format parts 5 are already located in the vicinity of the other push bar 50 ″, so that the further push bar 50 ″ in a step that follows this in time in one step

Close area of the other push bar 50 'located format parts 5 can slide according to the representation of Figures 6 and 7 on the second conveyor 20.

The schematic view of FIG. 10 shows a further functional principle, as can be provided in various embodiments of a packaging system 1 according to the invention. A comparison of the functional principle as shown in FIG. 10 with the functional principle as shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 reveals that in FIG. 10 between immediately successive holding means 12 which have been fixed on the first conveying device 10 or which are part of the first conveying device 10 are formed, two format parts 5 are held clamped instead of only one format part 5. As a result, it is possible to choose between immediately successive holding means 12 which have been fixed on the first conveyor device 10 or which are formed as a component of the first conveyor device are, each two outer packaging 3 are placed on the two format parts 5 clamped between immediately successive holding means 12 of the first conveyor 10. The second conveyor 20 then also clamps two format parts 5 instead of only one format part 5 between immediately successive holding means 14 which have been fixed on the second conveyor 10 or which are formed as part of the second conveyor 20. To return format parts 5, the additional push bar 50 ′ can come into contact with a plurality or, in the present case, four format parts 5 and move the plurality or, in the present case, four format parts 5 from the second conveyor device 20 in the direction of the first conveyor device 10.

The schematic view in FIG. 11 shows a further functional principle, as can be provided in various embodiments of a packaging system 1 according to the invention. According to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5 to 9, in the embodiment variant according to FIG. 1, 1 is between immediately successive and on the conveying devices 10 and 20

fixed holding means 12 and 14 each held a single format part 5 clamped. The format parts 5 of FIG. 1 1, however, differ from the format parts 5 according to the previous embodiments. 1 1, a plurality of outer packaging 3 or, in the present case, two outer packaging 3 each can be received, so that the multiple or in the present case two outer packaging 3 received by means of the respective format part 5 are positively held by means of the respective format part 5.

The schematic view of FIG. 12 shows a further functional principle, as can be provided in various embodiments of a packaging system 1 according to the invention. According to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5 to 9 and also FIG. 11, in FIG. 12 between immediately

successive and fixed to the conveyors 10 and 20 respectively

Holding means 12 and 14 each held a single format part 5 clamped. By means of a format part 5 according to FIG. 12, several outer packaging 3 or in the present case four outer packaging 3 each can be received, so that the multiple or

In the present case, four outer packaging 3 received by means of the respective format part 5 are positively held by means of the respective format part 5.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a schematic view of a first and a second conveying device 10 and 20, as is the case in various embodiments of a packaging system 1 according to the invention and for implementation in various

Embodiments of the method according to the invention can be provided. The first and the second conveyor 10 and 20 are arranged side by side. A transport direction TR1 designed for format parts 5 by the first conveyor device 10 and one for format parts 5 by the second conveyor device 20

Transport direction TR2 are oriented parallel to each other. The first conveyor 10 has two chain and / or belt drives running parallel to one another, with a plurality of holding means 12 being arranged on the two chain and / or belt drives running parallel to one another.

A respective one on a first chain and / or belt drive of the first

Conveying device 10 arranged holding means 12 and a respective holding means 12 arranged on a second chain and / or belt drive of the first conveying device 10 form a pair of holding means 12, which pair of holding means 12 for clamping a respective format part 5 on the first conveying device 10 with a clamp respective format part 5 is in front or flush in the system. Likewise, the second conveyor 20 has two chains and / or running parallel to each other

Belt drives, a plurality of holding means 14 being arranged on the two chain and / or belt drives running parallel to one another. A respective holding means 14 arranged on a first chain and / or belt drive of the second conveyor 20 and a respective holding means 14 arranged on a second chain and / or belt drive of the second conveyor 20 form a pair of holding means 14, which pair for the clamping fixing of one the respective format part 5 on the second conveyor 20 with a respective format part 5 (cf. FIG. 15) is flush with the front or back.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of a first conveyor device 10 and a second conveyor device 20 according to FIG. 13. The illustration in FIG. 14 reveals here that the first conveyor device 10 and the second conveyor device 20 are fixed to a supporting structure 80 or can be fixed to a support structure 80.

15 shows a schematic plan view of a format part 5, as can be provided in various embodiments of the packaging system 1 according to the invention and for implementation in various embodiments of the method according to the invention. The format part 5 of the embodiment according to FIG. 5 forms a stand area 17 on which a respective outer packaging 3 is received gets up over the format part 5. The format part 5 further comprises an edge area 16. The edge area 16 projects from the base area 17 in the opposite direction of the image area. A respective outer packaging 3 is form-fitting or in the format part 5

Essentially positively receivable, the respective outer packaging 3 received via the format part 5 and standing on the stand area 17 being in surface contact with the edge area 16 and / or being in the immediate vicinity of the edge area 16. In addition, further embodiments are conceivable, in particular in accordance with FIGS. 1 1 and 12, in which the format part 5 forms a plurality of edge regions for the positive reception of a plurality of outer packaging 3. The format part 5 according to FIG. 15 or further embodiments of a format part 5 can be formed, for example, by aluminum and / or by plastic.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes of the invention can be made without leaving the scope of the following claims.

Reference list

1 packaging system

2 items

4 beverage containers

5 format part

5 ‘empty format part

6 compartments

8 packaging unit

9 system bars

10 first conveyor

12 holding means (first conveyor)

14 holding means (second conveyor)

15 handling device

16 edge area

17 footprint

20 second conveyor

30 First magazine

35 pairs of holding means (first conveyor)

37 pairs of holding means (second conveyor)

40 second magazine

50 push bars

50 ″ additional push bar

60 inflow

62 alley plate

64 Horizontal conveyor

70 discharge belt

80 supporting structure

TR1 transport direction (first conveyor)

TR2 transport direction (second conveyor)

Claims

Expectations

1 . A method of packaging articles (2) comprising at least the following

Steps:

Moving overpacks (3) over a first conveying device (10) and subsequently moving the overpacks (3) over a second conveying device (20), which second conveying device (20) is located next to the first conveying device (10), and

Inserting articles (2) into a respective outer packaging (3) provided or prepared for this purpose, while the respective outer packaging (3) is on the first conveying device (10) and / or while the respective one is

Outer packaging (3) is located on the second conveyor (20), it being provided that

- The outer packaging (3) on the first conveyor (10) is accepted by format parts (5) and, together with their respective format part (5), change to the second conveyor (20), which second conveyor (20) is next to the first conveyor ( 10) located and that

- The outer packaging (3) arranged on the format parts (5) together with the inserted articles (2) are then removed from the format parts (5), after which the format parts (5) for receiving the outer packaging (3) again the first conveyor (10) can be returned.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the format parts (5) together with their received outer packaging (3) from the first conveyor (10) to the second conveyor (20) are implemented, and / or in which the format parts (5) together are pushed with their received outer packaging (3) from the first conveyor (10) onto the second conveyor (20).

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein

a) the first conveying device (10) has a plurality of circumferentially guided holding means (12), at least one format part (5) being provided via two immediately successive circumferentially guided holding means (12) of the first conveying device (10) is clamped on the first conveyor (10), and / or at which

b) the second conveying device (20) has a plurality of circumferentially guided holding means (14), at least one format part (5) changed from the first conveying device (10) to the second conveying device (20) via in each case two successive circumferentially guided holding means (14). sticking to the second

Conveyor (20) is fixed.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the format parts (5) each receive the outer packaging (3) approximately form-fitting and until the respective outer packaging (3) is removed from the respective format part (5)

hold positively.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which depending on

Dimensions of the outer packaging (3) to be received via format parts (5), certain format parts (5) are selected from several different format parts (5) and arranged on the first conveyor (10), which specific format parts (5) correspond to the outer packaging (3) to be received .

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which format parts (5) on the first conveyor (10) along a first transport direction (TR1) are moved and in which on the second conveyor (20) changed

Format parts (5) are moved along a second transport direction (TR2), the first transport direction (TR1) and the second transport direction (TR2) being parallel and opposite to one another.

7. Packaging system (1) for articles (2) such as beverage containers (4) or the like, comprising at least:

- A first conveyor (10) and a second conveyor (20), which are each designed to move outer packaging (3) and which are arranged side by side, and

- At least one for inserting articles (2) in outer packaging (3)

trained handling device (15), the working area of which extends over the first conveying device (10) and / or the second conveying device (20), it being provided that - The packaging system (1) comprises a number of format parts (5), which a number of format parts (5) outer packaging (3) for inserting articles (2)

can accept and for releasable arrangement on the first

Conveyor (10) and the second conveyor (20) are formed, as well as comprehensive

- At least one manipulation device, which format parts (5) together with received outer packaging (3) from the first conveyor (10) to the second next to the first conveyor (10) arranged

Can implement conveyor (20) and is designed to return format parts (5) from the second conveyor (20) to the first conveyor (10).

8. A packaging system according to claim 7, wherein

a) the at least one manipulation device can convert format parts (5) together with the received outer packaging (3) from the first conveying device (10) to the second conveying device (20) arranged next to the first conveying device (10), and / or in which case

b) the at least one manipulation device can push format parts (5) together with received outer packaging (3) from the first conveyor device (10) onto the second conveyor device (20) arranged next to the first conveyor device (10).

9. Packaging system according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein

a) the first conveyor (10) has a plurality of circumferentially guided holding means (12), wherein at least one format part (5) can be clamped on the first conveyor (10) by means of two immediately successive circumferentially guided holding means (12) of the first conveyor (10) and / or which packaging system

b) the second conveying device (20) has a plurality of circumferentially guided holding means (14), at least one format part (5) changed from the first conveying device (10) to the second conveying device (20) via in each case two successive circumferentially guided holding means (14). can be clamped to the second conveyor (20).

10. Packaging system according to one of claims 7 to 9, in which the format parts (5) are designed for the positive holding of received outer packaging (3).

1 1. Packaging system according to claim 10, wherein the format parts (5) each have a peripheral and a lateral boundary for a respective received

Include outer packaging (3) forming edge area (16) over which the format parts (5) for positively holding received items

Outer packaging (3) are formed.

12. Packaging system according to one of claims 7 to 1 1, comprising a plurality of different format parts (5) which are matched to different dimensions of several different outer packaging (3), and in

Depending on a particular dimension to be accepted

Outer packaging (3) can be arranged selectively on the first conveyor (10).

13. Packaging system according to one of claims 7 to 12, in which the format parts

(5) are formed by a light metal such as an aluminum alloy and / or by plastic and / or by a composite component made of metal and plastic.

14. Packaging system according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the first

Conveyor device (10) is designed for the transport of format parts (5) along a first transport direction (TR1), and in which the second conveyor device (20) is designed for transporting format parts (5) along a second transport direction (TR2), the first Transport direction (TR1) and the second

Transport direction (TR2) run parallel and opposite to each other.