EP3892553A1 - Method for manufacturing a container and packaging device for producing a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a packaging device (1) for producing a container (10) which comprises at least two articles (11). At least two articles (11) are connected to one another via an adhesive connection (20). Furthermore, at least one packaging blank (30) with at least one opening for a first, upper portion (15) of at least one article (11) is arranged on at least one article (11) one of the articles (11), after which the articles (11) are merged. A packaging blank (30) is then applied to the assembly of the at least two articles (11). The packaging blank (30) is applied to the articles (11) in relation to the time they are brought together. In particular, the packaging blank (30) is applied to the at least two articles (11) immediately before or immediately during or immediately after the at least two articles (11) are brought together.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a container with the features of the independent method claim 1. The invention also relates to a packaging device for producing a container with the features of the independent device claim.

There are different types of packaging for the processing, compilation, grouping and packaging of articles such as, for example, beverage containers, for example the combination of the articles or containers into portable, relatively manageable packaging units. Here, too, there are various known ways of combining individual articles into larger containers. For example, beverage containers are usually combined and packaged using shrink films to form packs of four, six or more containers. The production of containers is usually unavoidable, as they represent the most common variant of sales units for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. The containers are partially combined again for transport and / or put together in layers and palletized.

In the manufacture of known types of packaging, specific manufacturing steps are necessary in order to be able to process the shrink films that are usually used. These manufacturing steps require a relatively high amount of energy. In addition, the film used causes high costs for production, provision, handling and later disposal, since it is no longer needed after it has been sold. The machine equipment for providing the so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also causes high investment costs. Finally, the provision of the so-called shrink tunnel, in which the film wrapped around the container is shrunk around the container by means of the application of hot air, requires a relatively high investment of capital.

A variant in which the use of shrink film can be dispensed with are so-called strapping containers. Here, the containers are combined into a bundle using so-called strapping bands and connected to one another. In Continuously or intermittently working strapping machines, containers, articles or bottles are grouped into formations and then strapped with one or more straps with the help of strapping units. Typical formations can be, for example, 1x2 arrangements (two containers in a row), 2x2 arrangements (four containers in a square or in a diamond formation), 3x2, 4x3 or in principle also variable nxm arrangements.

Furthermore, the use of so-called top cardboard packaging is known, for example, in order to combine several bottles via their neck areas. A packaging machine for placing such top cardboard packaging is disclosed in the patent EP 1 075 419 B1 described. Here, the articles are arranged in a box and the cardboard packaging is placed from above onto the at least one article arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of articles is arranged in the box and by placing a smaller number of upper gripping cardboard packagings on top, sub-groups are formed which each combine a part of the articles arranged in the box.

Another way of grouping items together to form a bundle is to use adhesive bonds. Through the DE 203 10 721 U1 a bundle of articles directly connected to one another by gluing in a nested arrangement is known. The container is designed without an enclosure. The adhesive bonds are formed by adhesive strips attached to the outer surfaces of the articles which meet in the container arrangement.

Through the DE 10 2009 044 271 A1 It is known to glue PET containers assembled into a bundle to one another on lateral surfaces that meet in the bundle arrangement.

A disadvantage of, for example, containers that are designed free from an enclosure, the articles of which are directly connected to one another by gluing, is that only one or a few poorly executed adhesions within a container lead to an unintentional disintegration of the container during a normal process following its manufacture Handling of the container, which would otherwise have no consequences for a container with perfectly produced bonds. Such a disintegration is particularly unfavorable if it also affects perfectly manufactured containers. If the containers produced are palletized for further handling, for example, they can fall apart of a bundle during palletizing, during stacking to form a stack or when wrapping a finished stack, all bundles that are palletized together are immediately unusable. If the articles of a bundle are first directly connected to one another by gluing and the subsequent handling of the bundle then provides for an enclosure in the form of strapping, for example, the bundle falling apart while the strapping is being applied can lead to an expensive standstill for the production of the bundle the intended system.

The object of the invention is to improve the quality of adhesive packs and to ensure the secure cohesion of the articles combined in the pack for subsequent processing and / or sale.

The above object is achieved by a method for producing a container and a packaging device for producing a container, which include the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the subclaims.

A container that can be produced using the method described below with a packaging device described below comprises at least two articles, in particular beverage containers in the form of bottles or cans. However, other suitable articles or piece goods can also be combined as appropriate containers. In the case of the container, at least two articles arranged adjacent to one another within the container are connected to one another via at least one adhesive connection, in particular an adhesive connection.

Furthermore, at least one packaging blank with at least one passage opening for a first, upper partial area of at least one of the articles of the container is arranged on the container. In particular, at least two articles arranged adjacent to one another within the container are connected to one another via at least one packaging blank, in particular an upper cardboard packaging.

The adhesive or adhesive connection can in particular be produced via a punctiform or areal application of adhesive in at least one contact area between the two articles. Adhesives can be used which, after hardening, produce an essentially rigid adhesive connection. Alternatively, adhesives can be used which produce a soft, flexible adhesive bond between the articles.

In connection with the present application, a packaging blank is in particular an essentially flat blank made of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or the like. The packaging blank has a defined number of passage openings, the number of passage openings normally corresponding to the number of articles to be combined by the packaging blank.

In particular, there can be more passage openings for articles than articles to be combined, but such variants should play less of a role here, since some passage openings would be inoperative in this case. Furthermore, the arrangement of the passage openings or at least the arrangement of the passage openings penetrated by articles corresponds to the arrangement of the articles to be combined.

The passage openings are designed in such a way that the packaging blank can be applied, in particular pressed, to the article from above and is preferably arranged on the articles in an area with a reduced cross-section, so that the packaging blank arranged on the articles in a first , upper part and a second, lower part. This is made possible by the fact that the through openings of the packaging blank have a diameter which is smaller than a largest diameter of the upper portion of the article.

When in this context it is said that the packaging blank is applied to the article from above, this means that the articles normally have an underside or a base area with which they stand on a base, which, for example, also has a moving base such as a horizontal conveyor can be. An upper side is arranged opposite the underside, which in the case of a beverage container can be the neck and head area with the lid that is typically present. The packaging blank is applied, in particular pressed, onto this upper side, in particular in a direction parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the article or container.

In order to push the largest cross section of the upper portion of the article or container from below through the openings of the packaging blank, a plurality of auxiliary incisions can be provided which extend radially from the openings. The outer free ends of the auxiliary incisions lie on a circumference with a diameter which corresponds to the largest diameter of the upper portion of the article or is slightly larger.

The areas of the packaging blank lying between the auxiliary incisions can also be referred to as fixing tabs. When the packaging blank is applied to the article, the fixing tabs can be partially moved upwards and / or bent, so that the largest cross-section of the upper sub-area can easily pass through the correspondingly widened passage opening. In particular, the areas of the packaging blank lying between the auxiliary incisions hook themselves after the largest cross section has passed below the same and thus below the upper partial area. As a result, the packaging blank is securely and firmly attached to the articles.

Furthermore, the packaging blank can optionally have at least one holding or carrying element which, if present, is preferably arranged and / or formed centrally on the packaging blank. The optional holding or carrying element is formed, for example, by at least one further opening of the packaging blank, preferably formed in a central area of the packaging blank between the openings, through which the user can insert his fingers and thus lift the articles combined with the packaging blank and carry them together .

It is preferably provided that the at least one adhesive connection is arranged or formed at a contact point between two adjacent articles in the lower portion of the article, i.e. in the portion which is located below the packaging blank arranged on the at least one article.

The process for producing the container comprises at least the process steps listed below. First of all, adhesive is applied at least in certain areas to at least one of the articles forming the container, after which the at least two articles form a combination of at least an adhesive connection between the articles are brought together. A packaging blank is then applied to the assembly of the at least two articles, the packaging blank being applied to the articles in a temporal context with the merging of the articles. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank is applied to the at least two articles immediately before they are brought together or immediately when they are brought together or immediately after they are brought together.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, an adhesive is applied at a suitable point to at least some of the articles forming the container in a first method step. For this purpose, the packaging device preferably used to carry out the method according to the invention, for example in an adhesive application module, has suitable adhesive application devices, for example adhesive injection devices, which are designed to apply an adhesive to the article at a suitable point.

The at least one adhesive connection can be, for example, an adhesive point or a differently configured adhesive surface. The adhesive connection is formed and arranged in a contact area between two articles arranged next to one another and in particular touching one another in the contact area.

By pushing the articles together in a merging module of the packaging device, the adhesive connection between respectively adjacent articles is produced, with at least one of the articles being applied with adhesive.

In particular, an adhesive is used which is present in a first liquid or soft state when it is applied to the articles and which solidifies after the articles have been brought together to form the adhesive bond. For example, the adhesive can be a liquid adhesive or polymer adhesive, for example a two-component adhesive or the like, which solidifies after a certain time, whereby the adhesive connection is established.

Alternatively, the adhesive can be a hot melt adhesive which solidifies upon cooling. The use of UV-curing adhesives or the like is also conceivable. The adhesive connection is thus produced in particular by curing or solidifying the adhesive used.

The application of the packaging blank takes place in direct temporal connection with the assembly of the articles, in particular immediately before the articles are pushed together or immediately when the articles are pushed together or immediately after the articles are pushed together. In particular, when the packaging blank is applied, the adhesive between the articles is not yet fully cured. In order to establish this close temporal relationship, it is provided that the application module is arranged immediately after the merging module or that the application module is arranged directly before the merging module or that the merging module and the application module form an integrated unit.

The application module and the merging module can be connected in terms of control technology. In particular, it is possible for both modules to be controlled by the same electronic controller, in particular their drives.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the packaging blank is applied and fixed to the articles that are brought together or to be brought together, in particular in a curing phase or solidification phase of the adhesive.

In particular, at the point in time or the selected period of time when the packaging blank is applied, an at least slight relative movement of the articles to one another can still be possible or permitted. In this case, it is possible to correct the position of the articles slightly within the compilation. In particular, the arrangement of adjacent articles to one another can be changed at least to a small extent. In this way, for example, the alignment of the articles can be changed in order to achieve a desired overall impression, in particular by positioning external design features such as printing, labels or the like as required.

According to one embodiment, the packaging blank is applied at a point in time at which the articles are still held within a merging module. In this case, the applied packaging blank provides additional stability, as a result of which the length of the curing path for the adhesive can be reduced and thus the space requirement for the packaging device can be reduced.

One embodiment provides for at least a slight twisting of at least one of the articles in the temporal context before or with the application of the packaging blank, so that the articles have a preferred orientation in the finished container. This can be used particularly advantageously in order to create an appealing overall impression of the container. For example, adjacent articles can be aligned with one another in such a way that, for example, the product name or the like is clearly legible across the at least two articles.

Optionally, the articles can be equipped with information features that are used for the mentioned alignment. In trade, for example, it is often desired that at least one barcode marking the article and / or other information carrier within a finished container is / are directed outwards and thus easily visible or made accessible from the outside. The alignment of the articles can in particular be monitored by sensors and controlled accordingly. For example, the respective information features of the articles are detected by sensors and the articles are brought into the desired orientation by rotating them about a longitudinal axis or the like.

A further embodiment provides that the articles for applying the adhesive are guided past at least one adhesive application device via a transport star. Such transport stars are known and used as rotating conveyor elements in filling or handling machines.

At least one sensor, for example a camera with an image recognition device or the like, which records the information features, is assigned to the transport star. The articles guided on the transport star are rotatably supported on the transport star and can be rotated relative to the transport star until the sensor-determined actual position of the detected information feature matches the desired target position of the respectively detected information feature.

The rotation preferably takes place around a longitudinal axis of the article, which is in particular arranged and / or formed parallel to the axis of rotation of the transport star. Since the articles are moved further during the sensory detection and the alignment, the rotating alignment must be continuously adapted to the respective position of the article on the transport star. It is further provided that the alignment process is completed before the adhesive is applied to the articles.

Depending on the subsequent merging of the articles, it can be provided that some articles are guided past the adhesive application device via the transport star without an adhesive application taking place. It is only important that at least one of at least two articles to be brought together is provided with an adhesive at at least one point on its outer circumferential surface, which subsequently forms a contact area with at least one other article.

The packaging device described above is particularly suitable for carrying out different method variants. Particularly preferably, the packaging device is used to create packaging units or bundles in which the articles are at least partially combined via adhesive connections and in which the articles are further combined via a packaging blank applied from above.

Alternatively, the articles assembled into groups can also only be glued to one another with the packaging device, i.e. without an additional connection via packaging blanks. In this case, the articles pass through the application module for the packaging blanks without a packaging blank being applied to the articles within the application module. Alternatively, a method that can be carried out with the packaging device can also provide that only one packaging blank is used in order to produce corresponding packaging units from the article groups. In such a case, no adhesive is applied to the articles.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the application module and / or the merging module is assigned or followed by a drying device. The drying device serves in particular to accelerate the curing of the adhesive. For this purpose, for example, cold air can be inflated by means of a suitable fan in order, for example, to allow hot glue to harden by cooling. If a UV-curing adhesive is used, the drying device can comprise suitable irradiation devices for emitting UV radiation suitable for the curing of correspondingly reacting adhesives.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the application module comprises, in addition to the elements mentioned, a preparation tool for the packaging blanks. The preparation tool is used in particular to clean the edge areas of the To widen the passage openings of the packaging blank at least slightly in order to facilitate the passage of the respective upper portion of the article. In particular, the fixing tabs formed between the auxiliary incisions are partially bent upwards, so that the fixing tabs come into engagement after the packaging blank has been placed and pressed onto the article below the respective lid area.

It can be provided, for example, that the preparation tool for this purpose comprises so-called crushing cones or expansion cones. The expansion cones are in a relative arrangement which corresponds to the arrangement of the article when the packaging blank is being applied. The flat packaging blank is pressed onto the preparation tool from above. In this case, the packaging blank is placed over the expansion cone in such a way that an expansion cone protrudes through a respective passage opening of the packaging blank.

The packaging blank is pressed so far down on the expansion cones that the fixing tabs in the edge area of the passage openings are bent upwards by the downward widening cross-section of the expansion cones, whereby the diameter of the passage openings increases at least slightly. This slight widening of the passage openings has the particular effect that the force with which the packaging blank is pressed onto the article can be reduced. This makes it possible to safely combine even less stable articles with a packaging blank, without the articles being excessively deformed or even damaged.

As an alternative or in addition to the above-described further openings in the packaging blanks, which can serve as handle openings, it can also be provided that an additional handle can be attached to the container. This can be, for example, a strip-shaped handle that is glued to the respective articles on opposite outer sides of the container and thus extends at least in some areas around the packaging blank.

Such a handle is applied, for example, with a handle applicator (handle applicator) downstream of the container production. Such a handle is used in particular when the articles are only connected to one another by means of an adhesive connection. Such a handle can also be used as a support if the articles only have a packaging blank or they are connected to one another via a packaging blank and at least one adhesive connection.

The method can also be used for so-called slim or sleek cans, in which, in contrast to standard cans, the diameter of the can cylinder essentially corresponds to the lid diameter. The use of the packaging blanks described above does not make sense with so-called slim cans or sleek cans. Since the diameter in the lid area and the diameter in the cylinder area are largely the same, there would be a lack of material between the openings of the packaging blank or cardboard boxes, so that the areas between the openings could easily tear, which means that the cardboard box lacks the necessary stability. However, the method according to the invention can be used when using a special packaging blank.

Such a special packaging blank is initially provided in a first flat storage state in which it is generally neither curved nor folded or bent as a whole. Before the packaging blank is attached to the group of cans, it is reshaped or converted into a three-dimensional intermediate state or into a three-dimensional sales state. This forming takes place within a suitable forming device.

The intermediate state and the sales state differ from the storage state in that the flat storage state covers a first cross-sectional area that is larger than a second cross-sectional area that is covered by the packaging blank in the intermediate state. In addition, the first cross-sectional area is also larger than a third cross-sectional area that is covered by the packaging blank in the sales state. Furthermore, it is provided that the third cross-sectional area of the packaging blank in the sales state is smaller than the second cross-sectional area of the packaging blank in the intermediate state.

The storage condition can optionally also be characterized by the fact that the outline of the packaging blank is larger than in the intermediate condition and / or sale condition assumed later.

In particular, when the packaging blank is reshaped, partial areas of the packaging blank are folded up or down between the passage openings, as a result of which webs are formed between the passage openings. on In this way, when the packaging blank is reshaped between the passage openings, partial areas of the packaging blank are folded from a plane defined by the flat extension of the packaging blank in the storage state in a first direction (e.g. upwards) or in a second direction (e.g. downwards), whereby between the said webs are formed in the passage openings.

These webs formed by the reshaping serve in particular to stabilize the areas or sections of the packaging blanks located between the passage openings.

In particular, first webs are formed in a first course direction and second webs in a second running direction perpendicular to the first running direction, so that the webs in the second running direction are arranged perpendicular to the webs of the first running direction. This means that the length of the packaging blank is reduced both in the X-direction and in the Y-direction during reshaping, in particular the lengths of all four side edges of the preferably rectangular or substantially rectangular packaging blank being shortened.

To form the webs, corresponding kink folds can be prepared in the packaging blank, which accordingly run in the X direction and orthogonally to this in the Y direction. In particular, three kink folds arranged parallel to one another are provided in each case to form a web.

Purely as a precaution, it should be emphasized at this point that, in contrast to the above definition, other variants of the packaging blank are also conceivable in which the cans are not arranged in a rectangular arrangement but, for example, in a diagonal arrangement and the passage opening is positioned accordingly. In such a variant of the packaging blank, the first webs can be formed in a first direction and the second webs in a second direction that is not perpendicular to the first direction, so that the webs in the second direction at an angle not equal to 90 degrees to the webs of the are arranged in the first direction. Here, too, the result is that the length of the packaging blank is reduced both in the X-direction and in the Y-direction (which here does not run perpendicular to the X-direction) during reshaping, whereby In particular, the lengths of all four side edges of the preferably diamond-shaped or parallelogram-shaped packaging blank can be shortened.

In particular, it is provided that the application device is designed to attach the packaging blank, which has been converted into the intermediate state or sales state, to the at least two slim or sleek cans prepared with adhesive, ie to connect the slim or sleek cans to the packaging blank, for example. to bring in a form-fitting connection.

One embodiment of a forming device can provide at least one folding die with corresponding devices which have the effect that the respective packaging blanks are transferred from the storage state into the intermediate state or into the sales state by being pressed onto the folding die. The at least one folding die effects correct and / or coordinated reshaping of the packaging blanks along the kink folds, in particular by specifying the intended kink direction. Analogous to the kink folds, the forming device has first folding matrices in the X direction and second folding matrices in the Y direction, the X direction not necessarily having to run perpendicular to the Y direction, but only when the cans are in a rectangular arrangement.

In particular, the folding matrices have a so-called folding roof with a folding ridge. The arrangement of the folding matrices preferably corresponds to the arrangement of the creases of a packaging blank in the intermediate state. The packaging blank is pressed onto the folding die until the middle crease of three parallel creases, which each serve to form a web, rests on the folding ridge of the correspondingly assigned folding die and the areas formed between the middle crease and an adjacent outer crease are on one the folding slope starting from the folding ridge rest.

Furthermore, it can be provided that, within the folding die, the edge areas of the passage openings of the packaging blank are widened at least slightly, as already described, in order to facilitate the passage of the lid area of the cans. In particular, the fixing tabs formed between the incisions are partially bent upwards so that the fixing tabs come into engagement below the respective lid area after the packaging blank has been placed and pressed onto the cans.

One embodiment provides that a first packaging module comprises an adhesive application device for applying an adhesive to the slim or sleek cans. A packaging blank, which has been transferred to the intermediate state, is applied to an assembly of at least two at least slightly spaced slim or sleek cans prepared with an adhesive. Then the at least two slim or sleek cans are pressed together. The packaging blank is transferred from the intermediate state to the sales state with the third, smaller cross-sectional area.

In this embodiment, too, the application and fixing of the packaging blank takes place in temporal connection with the merging of the at least two articles with the formation of at least one adhesive connection between the two articles. In particular, in this embodiment variant, too, the application and fixing of the packaging blank takes place immediately before the at least two articles are brought together with the formation of the at least one adhesive connection.

A filler for introducing a drink into the articles and a closer for closing the articles with a closure can be arranged in front of the merging module. Furthermore, a rinser for rinsing the articles can be arranged in front of the filler.

The filler, rinser and / or closer can be part of the device. Filling, sealing and / or rinsing can be part of the process.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants which have been explained in connection with the device according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention in the same way. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the device according to the invention, certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention. Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the invention If certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are discussed in the method, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine seitliche Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Gebindes.
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Gebindes.
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform eines Verpackungszuschnittes.
• Fig. 4 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gebindes.
• Fig. 5 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gebindes.
• Fig. 6 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform eines Vorbehandlungsmoduls.
• Fig. 7 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Vorbehandlungsmoduls.
• Fig. 8 zeigt eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Gebindes.
• Fig. 9 zeigt Verfahrensschritte zur Herstellung von Gebinden umfassend Slim-oder Sleek-Dosen.

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

• Fig. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a container.
• Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a container.
• Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a packaging blank.
• Fig. 4 shows a first embodiment of a packaging device for producing a container.
• Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a packaging device for producing a container.
• Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a pretreatment module.
• Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a pretreatment module.
• Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of a packaging device for producing a container.
• Fig. 9 shows process steps for the production of containers comprising slim or sleek cans.

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

the Fig. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a container 10, 10a. the Fig. 2 shows a perspective illustration of a further embodiment of a container 10, 10b, and FIG Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a packaging blank.

The container 10 described here consists in each case of a compilation of a plurality of articles 11. According to the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment of such a container 10a, the articles 11 are six bottles 12, which are arranged in two parallel rows of three, only one of the two rows being visible due to the selected representation.

According to the in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment of a container 10b, the articles 11 are eight cans 40, which are arranged in two parallel rows of four.

Within the container 10, at least two adjacent articles 11 are connected to one another via an adhesive connection, in particular an adhesive adhesive connection 20. The at least one adhesive connection 20 is, for example, an adhesive point 21 formed from adhesive or an adhesive surface 22 configured in some other way.

The adhesive connection 20 is formed and arranged in a contact area between two articles 11 arranged next to one another and in particular touching one another in the contact area. Furthermore, the container 10 is distinguished by a packaging blank 30 applied from above.

In the example shown according to Figures 1 and 3 a packaging blank 30 is provided which holds all the bottles 12 of the container 10 together. The bottles 12 each have a neck ring 13 and a screw cap 14. The neck ring 13 has a diameter d13. Below the neck ring 13, the diameter of the bottles 12 is at least slightly smaller. The neck ring 13 and the screw cap 14 form a first, upper sub-area 15 of the bottles 12. Below this is the filling area 16 of the bottles 12, which is also referred to as the second, lower sub-area 17.

The packaging blank 30 is arranged on the bottles 12 in such a way that it is located below the neck ring 13 of the bottles 12, so that the upper partial area 15 is arranged above the packaging blank 30, while the lower portion 17 is arranged below the packaging blank 30. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 30 attached to the bottles 12 is held by the bottles 12 and vice versa.

The container 10, 10a can preferably be held on the packaging blank 30 and picked up by hand without the packaging blank 30 becoming detached from the bottles 12. In order to detach the packaging blank 30 from the container 10, 10a, an increased expenditure of force is necessary, the packaging blank 30 being destroyed as a rule.

The at least one adhesive connection 20 is preferably formed and arranged in the lower partial area 17 in a contact area between two bottles 12 which are in contact with one another.

the Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a container 10b formed from cans 40. The cans 40 have a substantially cylindrical base body 42 with a substantially constant cross section over their height. The cross-section of the cans 40 is at least slightly reduced only in the area below the upper lid 41 and possibly in the standing area. The smaller cross section below the upper lid 41 is advantageous for fixing a packaging blank 30 by pressing it onto the assembly of cans 40.

In the case of the packaging blank 30 according to FIG Fig. 3 it is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank, which preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or the like. The packaging blank 30 has a number and arrangement of passage openings 32 which correspond to the number and arrangement of the articles 11 in the finished container 10.

In particular, the passage openings 32 are designed in such a way that the packaging blank 30 can be applied, in particular pressed, onto the article 11 from above, and in particular is arranged on the articles 11 in an area with a reduced cross-section, so that the packaging blank arranged on the articles 11 30 these are divided into a first, upper sub-area 15 and a second, lower sub-area 17 (cf. Figures 1 and 2 ).

The diameter d32 of the passage opening is preferably smaller than a maximum diameter d13 of the articles 11 in the upper partial area 15.

In the edge area 36 of the passage openings 32, auxiliary incisions 33 with fixing tabs 34 formed between them are provided, which allow easy passage of the first, upper sub-area 15 of the article 11 when the packaging blank 30 is pressed onto the article 11 from above. This is achieved in particular in that the passage openings 32 have a diameter d32 which is smaller than a largest diameter of the upper partial area 15, for example smaller than the diameter d13 of the neck ring 13 of bottles 12 according to FIG Fig. 1 or less than the diameter d41 of the top lid 41 of the cans 40 according to FIG Fig. 2 .

The auxiliary incisions 33 allow a simplified enlargement of the passage openings 32 when applying the packaging blank 30. The outer free ends of the auxiliary incisions 33 lie on a circumference with a diameter that corresponds to the largest diameter of the upper portion of the article 11 or is slightly larger. In particular, the diameter of the circumference of the auxiliary incisions corresponds essentially to the diameter d13 of the neck ring 13 of the bottles 12 (cf. Fig. 1 ) or the diameter d41 of the upper lid 41 of the cans 40 (cf. Fig. 2 ).

A movable fixing tab 34 is formed between two adjacent auxiliary incisions 33. When the packaging blank 30 is pressed onto the article 11, the fixing tabs 34 are partially bent upwards and hook the packaging blank 30 below the upper portion 15, whereby the packaging blank 30 is firmly and securely fixed to the article 11. As a result of this engagement of the fixing tabs 34, removal of the packaging blank 30 by an upward pulling movement is only possible with increased expenditure of force and, as a rule, with destruction of the packaging blank 30.

It is also provided that the packaging blank 30 has further central engagement holes which serve as holding and carrying elements 35. In the present exemplary embodiment, two holding or carrying elements 35 are provided. In particular, the user can put his fingers through the engagement holes and thus lift the entire packaging unit or the container 10 for transport or the like. The smaller cross section d32 of the passage openings 32 in conjunction with the The locking of the edge areas 36 of the passage openings 32 below the upper sub-area 15 of the article 11 prevents the packaging section 10 from becoming detached from the article 11 when the container 10 is lifted via the holding and carrying elements 35.

The schematic side view of the Fig. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a packaging device 1 for producing a container 10.

When using the packaging device 1, articles 11, which can in particular be formed by bottles 12, are fed in an ordered or disordered mass flow via a first transport device 2 to an adhesive application module 53, in which at least some of the bottles 12 at a suitable point, in particular at subsequent contact surfaces between the bottles 12 within the container 10, an application of adhesive in the form of an adhesive point 21 or the like takes place.

In a grouping and application module 54 arranged downstream of the adhesive application module 53 in the transport direction TR, the bottles 12 are pushed together to form a compact article group 19 and thereby connected to form an adhesive group 19k, forming an adhesive bond 20.

Furthermore, in a chronologically close connection with the formation of the adhesive group 19k, a packaging blank 30 is fastened to the bottles 12 of the adhesive group 19k by pressing, the packaging blank 30 being fixed in particular below the neck ring 13 of the bottles 12.

Within the packaging device 1, the articles 11 or the article groups 19 etc. formed can be guided via a transport device 2 and processed in the individual modules. Alternatively, it can be provided that each module comprises its own transport device and that, if necessary, further transport devices are provided between the individual modules. As a result, the structure and the arrangement of the packaging device 1 in particular can be individually adapted, since, for example, transport sections with curves can be provided in order to optimally utilize the available space.

The schematic top view of the Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a packaging device 1 for producing a container 10. The articles 11 are individually transported to a first transport star 95 via two first transport devices 2 and transferred from this to a second transport star 96 of an adhesive application module or adhesive application module 4.

The articles 11 arranged on the second transport star 96 or conveyed by it are each guided past at least one adhesive application device 97. The adhesive application device 97 applies at least one adhesive point 21, an adhesive surface 22 or the like to the article 11.

The articles 11 equipped with adhesive point 21 or adhesive surface 22 are then transferred to a further transport device 80. In particular, three articles 11 from the first adhesive application module 4-1 in a first row in the transport direction TR essentially follow one another and three articles 11 from the second adhesive application module 4-2 in the transport direction TR essentially directly one after the other in a second row on the further transport device 80 of a grouping and application module 54, the first row of articles and the second row of articles being arranged next to one another in the transport direction TR on the further transport device 80.

In particular, the grouping and application module 54 includes the functions of a merging module 98 and an application module 5. Within the grouping and application module 54, the packaging blank 30 is already applied to the adhesive group 19k formed from the two rows of articles, while the adhesive, in particular adhesive point 21 o .ä., is still hardening and the articles 11 are still held within a merging device.

The packaging blank 30 is applied and fixed to the merged articles 11 of the adhesive group 19k in particular in the curing phase or solidification phase of the adhesive.

The packaging blanks 30 are provided, for example, in a magazine 90 assigned to the grouping and application module 54.

For example, the merging device is formed by a suitable pressing device 99, by means of which the articles 11 of the two article rows are pushed together.

In particular, the pressing devices 99 can be formed by horizontally movable pushers or the like, which can be displaced transversely to the transport direction TR.

The adhesive dots 21 or adhesive surfaces 22 are arranged on the articles 11 in such a way that they are arranged in contact areas between the articles 11 of the different article rows. By pushing the rows of articles together, an article 11 of the first row of articles is connected to an article 11 of the other row of articles by means of adhesive adhesive connections 20.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the adjacent articles 11 within an article row are connected to one another by means of adhesive by being pushed together.

The packaging blank 30 is applied to the articles 11 as an adhesive group 19k within the grouping and application module 54 in temporal connection with the merging of the articles 11. In particular, it can be provided that the application of the packaging blank 30 takes place immediately during or immediately after the merging of the articles 11 as an adhesive group 19k.

Optionally, it can be provided that the packaging blank 30 is applied as an adhesive group 19k immediately after the articles 11 have been brought together, while the articles 11 are still held between the pressing devices 99.

One embodiment provides for at least a slight twisting of at least one of the articles 11 in the temporal connection with the application of the packaging blank 30 so that the articles 11 have a preferred orientation in the finished container 10. This can be used particularly advantageously in order to produce an appealing overall impression of the container 10. For example, in the finished container 10, adjacent articles 11 can be aligned with one another in such a way that, for example, the product name or the like is clearly legible across the at least two articles 11.

In addition, it can be provided that the articles 11 are each equipped with information features, or that individual articles 11 are equipped with information features that are used for the alignment. In trade, for example, it is often desired that at least one barcode marking the articles 11 and / or other information carriers within a finished container 10 is / are directed outwards and thus clearly visible.

The alignment of the article 11 can in particular be monitored by sensors and controlled accordingly. For example, the respective information features of the articles 11 are sensed and the articles 11 are brought into the desired orientation by rotating them about a longitudinal axis or the like.

The alignment can take place, for example, by means of suitable devices when the articles are brought together.

In the Fig. 5 The embodiment described provides that the articles 11 for applying the adhesive in the form of an adhesive point 21 or the like are guided past at least one adhesive application device 97 via a transport star 96.

At least one sensor 110, for example a camera 111 with an image recognition device or the like, which detects the information features, is assigned to the transport star 96.

The articles 11 guided on the transport star 96 are rotatably supported on the transport star 96 and can be rotated relative to the transport star 96 until the sensor-determined actual position of the detected information feature matches the desired target position of the detected information features. The rotation preferably takes place about a longitudinal axis of the article 11, which is in particular arranged and / or formed parallel to the axis of rotation of the transport star 96.

Since the articles 11 are continuously moved on during the sensory detection and the alignment by the transport star 96, the rotating alignment must be continuously adapted to the respective position of the article 11 on the transport star 96. Furthermore, in this embodiment it is provided that the alignment process is completed before the adhesive is applied to the articles.

The schematic representation of the Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a pretreatment module 100 with a preparation tool, which is a grouping and application module 54 (cf. Figures 4 and 5 ) can be assigned.

A packaging blank 30 is removed from a magazine 90 by a first gripper head 92, for example a vacuum suction device 93, and transferred to the pretreatment module 100. As a preparatory tool, this pretreatment module 100 includes so-called expansion tools 101 or expansion matrices, which are designed, for example, in the form of expansion cones 102. The expansion cones 102 are in a relative arrangement, the correspond to the arrangement of the passage openings 32 of the packaging blanks 30. In addition, the arrangement of the expansion cones 102 corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 11 in the adhesive container 19k and in the finished container 10.

The packaging blank 30 is placed over the expansion cones 102 by the first gripper head 92, so that in each case an expansion cone 102 protrudes through one of the passage openings 32 of the packaging blank 30.

The packaging blank 30 is pressed so far down on the expansion cones 102 that the edge regions 36 of the passage openings 32 are stretched by the downward widening cross-section of the expansion cones 102, whereby the diameter of the passage openings 32 increases at least slightly.

The packaging blank 30v pretreated in this way is then conveyed by the gripper head 92 to the adhesive bandage 19k and applied to it. Due to the inclination of the expansion cones 102, the packaging blank 30 is centered and precisely positioned or aligned.

Provision is preferably made for the packaging blank 30 to be released from the first gripper head 92 at least briefly for centering. The pretreated packaging blank 30v can then be picked up exactly by the first gripper head 92 and placed on a correspondingly provided adhesive bandage 19k and fixed on it by pressing it down.

The schematic representation of the Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a pretreatment module 100 with a preparation tool. Here, the packaging blank 30 within the pretreatment module 100 is completely released by the first gripper head 92 and pressed onto the expansion cone 102 with the help of a suitable tool 103, e.g. To reduce the resistance of the packaging blank 30 in the edge regions 36 of the passage openings 32.

The appropriately pretreated packaging blank 30v is then picked up by a second gripper head 94, which is also designed as a vacuum suction device, for example, and is conveyed within the grouping and application module 54 to the adhesive container 19k.

The schematic top view of the Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of a packaging device 1 for producing a container 10. This is essentially analogous to the embodiment according to FIG Fig. 5 educated.

In this case, two grouping and application modules 54a, 54b are provided which each alternately process every second adhesive group and in particular apply a packaging blank to every second adhesive group. Each of the grouping and application modules 54a, 54b is assigned its own magazine 90a, 90b with packaging blanks.

In particular, the packaging blanks processed within the grouping and application module 54a are removed from the magazine 90a, while the packaging blanks processed within the grouping and application module 54b are removed from the magazine 90b.

In this way, the performance of the packaging device 1 can be increased or the space requirement for the packaging device 1 can be reduced.

Furthermore, it is provided that each of the grouping and application modules 54a, 54b is assigned a pretreatment module 100a, 100b in order to widen the edge areas of the openings of the packaging blanks and thus a resistance force of the packaging blank in the edge areas delimiting the passage openings when the packaging blank is applied to the at least reduce two articles. This is, for example, an embodiment of a pretreatment module 100a, 100b, as it is, for example, in connection with the Figures 6 and 7 has been described.

The pretreated packaging blank is placed on the article in the temporal context with the merging of the articles in the form of an adhesive bandage and is at least partially applied by an application force directed at least partially downwards or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the upright articles, in particular downward pressure the articles of the adhesive container pressed on and fixed to them.

Due to the pretreatment and the resulting reduced resistance of the edge areas of the passage openings, the application force can be reduced compared to the known prior art. This makes it possible Also to attach packaging blanks to articles which, for example, have a smaller wall thickness and are therefore less stable against compressive forces. In this way, the material consumption for the articles can be reduced.

Furthermore, the Fig. 8 a drying module 105 downstream of the grouping and application modules 54a, 54b. This contains at least one suitable drying device which accelerates the hardening of the adhesive and thus the formation of the adhesive bond between the articles combined with a packaging blank.

For this purpose, for example, cold air can be inflated by means of a suitable fan in order, for example, to allow hot glue to harden by cooling. If a UV-curing adhesive is used, the drying device can comprise suitable irradiation devices for the emission of UV radiation.

The perspective view of the Fig. 9 illustrates successive method steps for the production of containers 10, 10c, in which slim or sleek cans 72 are combined in each case.

In a first method step (left), the slim or sleek cans 72 prepared with adhesive application (not visible) are combined to form a loose arrangement 73, the loose arrangement 73 of slim or sleek cans 72 being combined with the arrangement of the passage openings 32 used special packaging blank 37 corresponds in a reshaped intermediate state ZZ.

In particular, the special packaging blank 37 used has creases 38 to form stabilizing webs 39 between the passage openings 32. In particular, three parallel kink folds are provided in each case to form a web 39. The middle crease 38 is denoted by the reference symbol 38m, while the respective outer bend folds are denoted by the reference symbol 38a.

In a second process step (in the middle, see arrow direction), a packaging blank 15 that has been formed into the intermediate state ZZ is applied to the loose arrangement 73 of the slim or sleek cans 72 prepared with adhesive application, in particular pressed onto the slim or sleek cans 72 from above and thereby committed to this. In particular, the packaging blank 37 is in the intermediate state ZZ attached to the slim or sleek cans 72 below the lid area 74 and above the body cylinder 75 in the tapered neck area 76.

The can arrangement combined with a packaging blank 37 in the intermediate state ZZ is referred to below as a pre-container 77.

In connection with the reshaping of the packaging blank 37 or between the reshaping of the packaging blank 37 and the application to the slim or sleek cans 72, an adhesive can additionally be applied to the areas between the respective outer folds 38a and the middle folds 38m.

The slim or sleek cans 72 are then pressed together in a third method step (right, see arrow direction) so that the respectively adjacent slim or sleek cans 72 touch one another on their outer circumferential surfaces at vertical contact surfaces or contact lines. In particular, the adhesive previously applied to the slim or sleek cans 72 is located precisely in the area of these vertical contact surfaces or contact lines, so that, by bringing the slim or sleek cans 72 together, adhesive connections between adjacent slim or sleek cans 72 are produced and, moreover, the packaging blank 37 is converted into a sales state VZ with the formation of the webs 38.

The webs 39 are additionally fixed and stabilized by the optional gluing of the adjacent areas, which are formed between the respective outer kink folds 38a and the middle kink folds 38m.

After the adhesive between the slim or sleek cans 72 has cured, the sales condition VZ of the packaging blank 39 is fixed and the container 10, 10c is completed.

The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their different views or respective individual features, can be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features that are described in connection with an embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided that the features are not incompatible.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the description of the figures, this does not mean that the representations of the figures and their description are of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite able to derive enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that facilitate his understanding of the invention without having to rely on the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the articles and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements would be impaired in its understanding in any way. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive ideas formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description of general and / or more abstractly formulated ideas on the basis of the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention.

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 can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the claims below.

List of reference symbols

1

Packaging device

2

first transport device

4, 4-1, 4-2

Adhesive application module

5

Application module

10, 10a, 10b, 10c

Container

11

items

12th

bottle

13th

Neck ring

14th

Screw cap

15th

first, upper part

16

Filling area

17th

second, lower section

19th

Article group

19k

Adhesive group

20th

adhesive bond

21

Glue point

22nd

Adhesive surface

30th

Packaging cut

30v

prepared packaging cut

32

Passage opening

33

Auxiliary incision

34

Fixing tab

35

Holding or carrying element

36

Edge area

37

special packaging cut

38

Crease

38a

outer crease

38m

middle crease

39

web

40

Can

41

upper lid

42

cylindrical body

53

Adhesive application module

54, 54a, 54b

Grouping and application module

72

Slim or sleek can

73

loose arrangement

74

Lid area

75

Body cylinder

76

tapered neck area

77

Pre-container

80

further transport device

90, 90a, 90b

magazine

92

first gripper head

93

Vacuum cups

94

second gripper head

95

first transport star

96

second transport star

97

Adhesive application devices

98

Merge module

99

Pressing devices

100, 100a, 100b

Pre-treatment module

101

Stretching tool

102

Expansion cone

103

tool

104

Stamp

105

Drying module

110

sensor

111

camera

d13

Neck ring diameter

d41

Diameter lid

d32

Diameter of the passage opening

LZ

Storage condition

TR

Transport direction

VZ

State of sale

ZZ

Intermediate state

Claims (14)

Method for producing a container (10) comprising at least two articles (11), - wherein at least two articles (11) arranged adjacent to one another within the container (10) are connected to one another via at least one adhesive connection (20), - and wherein at least one packaging blank (30) with at least one passage opening (32) for a first, upper portion (15) of at least one article (11) is arranged on at least one article (11), in particular with at least two within the container (10 ) adjacent articles (11) are connected to one another via at least one packaging blank (30), which procedure comprises at least the following steps: - area-wise application of an adhesive (21) to at least one of the articles (11), - bringing together at least two articles (11) to be connected, with at least one of the articles (11) having the adhesive application, forming an assembly with at least one adhesive connection (20) between the articles (11), - applying a packaging blank (30) to the adhesive assembly of the at least two articles (11), wherein the packaging blank (30) is applied to the articles (11) in temporal connection with the merging thereof, in particular wherein the packaging blank (30) is applied to the at least two articles (11) immediately before or immediately during or immediately after the merging of the at least two articles (11) . Method according to Claim 1, in which the adhesive connection (20) between the at least two articles (11) is produced by curing and / or solidifying the adhesive (21) used, the packaging blank (30) in the hardening phase and / or solidifying phase of the adhesive (21) is applied and set on the merged articles (11). Method according to Claim 1 or 2, in which, in the temporal connection with the application of the packaging blank (30), the articles (11) are rotated at least slightly about their respective longitudinal center axes in order to align the articles (11). Method according to Claim 3, in which the articles (11) are provided with information features and in which the alignment takes place on the basis of the information features. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the articles (11) for the purpose of applying the adhesive (21) are guided past at least one adhesive application device (97) via a transport star (96). Method according to Claim 5, in which information features of the articles (11) are detected by sensors, the articles (11) guided past the transport star (96) being aligned before the adhesive (21) is applied, in particular wherein the articles (11) are relative to the transport star (96) are rotated about their longitudinal axis. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one packaging blank (30) is fixed on the articles (11) by means of an at least partially downwardly directed force. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the packaging blank (30) is provided in a flat storage state (LZ), the packaging blank (30) being transferred to a three-dimensional intermediate state (ZZ) before being applied to the articles (11), and wherein the packaging blank (30) is transferred into a three-dimensional sales state (VZ) when the articles (11) are brought together with the formation of the adhesive connection (20), the packaging blank (30) having a first cross-sectional area in the storage state (LZ) and in the intermediate state (ZZ ) covers a second cross-sectional area and in the sales state (VZ) a third cross-sectional area, wherein the first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area, and wherein the second cross-sectional area is larger than the third cross-sectional area. Method according to Claim 8, in which, in the sales state (VZ), stabilizing webs (39) are located between the passage openings (32) of the packaging blank (30). Packaging device (1) for producing a container (10), in particular by means of a method according to one of claims 1 to 7, which packaging device (1) has at least one adhesive application module (4) or at least one adhesive application device (97), a merging module (98) for with Adhesive agent (21) applied article (11) and an application module (5) for applying a packaging blank (30) to an assembly formed by at least two articles (11) combined or combined via an adhesive connection (20), the application module (5 ) in a transport direction (TR) the article (11) is arranged immediately after the merging module (98) or downstream of the merging module (98), or wherein the application module (5) is arranged directly in front of the merging module (98), or wherein the merging module (98) and the application module (5) are designed as an integrated unit (54) nd. Packaging device (1) according to Claim 10, in which the application module (5) and the merging module (98) are arranged in a transport direction (TR) for the articles (11) behind the adhesive application module (4). Packaging device (1) according to Claim 10 or 11, in which a drying device is arranged downstream of the application module (5) and the merging module (98). Packaging device (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 12, in which the application module (5) comprises a preparation tool (101) for the packaging blanks (30). Packaging device (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 13, in which the application module (5) comprises a forming device for the packaging blanks (30).

Images