WO2018046234A1

WO2018046234A1 - Cluster pack of containers and method and system for producing such cluster packs

Info

Publication number: WO2018046234A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/070458
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norbert Pastoors
Original assignee: Khs Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-09-07
Filing date: 2017-08-11
Publication date: 2018-03-15
Also published as: DE102016116737A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cluster pack (1) made up of at least two sub-groups (3) of containers (2). At least one primary band (6.1) is wrapped around at least two containers to form, in each case, a sub-group (3). A secondary band (6.2) is wrapped around the at least two sub-groups (3) forming the cluster pack (1) as the cluster pack group. At least two containers (2) of a sub-group (3) of the cluster pack group are directly detachably connected to each other via at least one primary adhesive point (7.1). The invention also relates to a method and a system for producing such cluster packs.

Description

CONTAINER OF CONTAINERS AND METHOD AND APPENDIX TO

MANUFACTURE OF SUCH PIPES

The present invention relates to a multipack or container comprising

Subgroups of containers, wherein at least two containers are glued together to form a subgroup and wrapped together with at least one band.

The present invention further relates to a system and a method for

Producing containers from subgroups of at least two containers, in which at least two containers are glued to a subgroup and wrapped together with at least one band. Containers of containers, in particular shrink containers, which are formed by wrapping containers with shrink films, are known from the prior art. Production methods for shrink packages are also known. The

Shrink wrap is wrapped around the previously grouped container formation. Thereafter, the wrapped containers in a shrink tunnel within a

Film shrink oven heated, so that the film stuck around the container

contracts and so the containers can be palletized from the containers. The shrink packs can be additionally provided with carrying handles after the shrinking process, so that they can be worn comfortably by the end user. The containers are for example containers such as PET bottles. A disadvantage of banded containers or partial containers is that the containers during transport have a tendency to nest, that is, a container slips into the area of the container transition of the adjacent container row.

The invention has for its object to provide a container of sub-groups of containers, simple and transport stable. This object is achieved by a container of subgroups according to claim 1.

The invention is also based on the object to provide a method for producing containers from sub-groups, which is both economical and material and energy-saving. This object is achieved by a method according to claim 9. Furthermore, the invention has for its object to provide a system for carrying out the aforementioned method. This object is achieved by a system according to claim 18.

In the method according to the invention for producing containers from subgroups, the subgroups are initially assembled. In this case, at least two containers, such as containers such as bottles made of plastic, PET or glass or cans, are connected directly to one another with a subset of at least one primary adhesive application. Depending on the adhesive, especially a sprayable liquid adhesive such as a hot or hot melt adhesive, a subset must pass through or remain in a curing or drying unit until further transport or the next

Treatment step the required strength of the adhesive was achieved.

In a subsequent step, the subgroup of containers glued together is then wrapped and connected with a primary banderole. The primary banderole serves in particular as an adhesive chain

Equipment for the subgroup of at least two containers.

Ideally, a subset of two, three or more containers is already produced in the labeling machine in this way. Overall, the containers of a subgroup are ideally oriented in a single row to each other, as these are usually in series formation from upstream

Treatment machines, such as a labeling or a

Sealing machine are discharged or treated there in series adjacent. These subgroups of two or more containers themselves already constitute multipacks or bundles, but are only called subgroups for differentiation. Overall, it is crucial that the primary

Adhesive application takes place on a surface area of the container, which lies outside the contact surface of a banderole and / or a label application.

The band is suitable band material, which is glued or welded after wrapping the container group forming the subgroup. Alternatively, a tubular piece of film can be placed as a band over the already glued and the subgroup forming number of containers. This can then relaxed there or possibly shrunk something. In an advantageous variant, the subgroup is held or transported in the curing or drying unit in such a way that it is parallel, that is to say during the required setting and drying time or along the time required therefor

Transport range, the banderole can be applied by there a

Banding station is arranged. Thereafter, the now glued together and banded subgroups to an alignment and

Condensation transported in which the required for a container plurality of subgroups are aligned in a desired manner to each other and then compressed. In the simplest case, this is that the subgroups are oriented parallel to one another and then brought together or pushed.

Subsequent to or parallel to this, the required plurality of sub-groups for a container, the so-called container group, compacted and connected to a container of two or more sub-groups and, if necessary, provided with a carrying handle. In one variant, this bonding of the packed groups consists in that at least one further, secondary band is slipped around the pack groups or, alternatively, looped and subsequently permanently connected, glued or welded in a suitable manner. This secondary sleeve may be any suitable tape material, ideally a plastic film, and has some tension after final application. She holds like that

Container group to the final container safely together. This container has the internal stability of at least one of the subgroups with bonded containers a very good overall stability and transportability.

In a further variant, at least one container of a subgroup of a bundle group is provided with a secondary adhesive in an application unit and thus adhesively bonded to at least one container of an adjacent subgroup from the same bundle group.

In this case, the application of the secondary adhesive can be carried out on one or more surface areas on the transport or in the alignment and compression unit. Ideally, the adhesive is applied such that it adheres only to the container surface and does not come into contact with the band of the subgroup or a label of a container. For this purpose are in corresponding relative position to the container or the transport path of the container, for example, suitable spray heads for liquid or when applying flowable adhesive provided, such as spray heads for

Hot melt adhesive with appropriate supply and processing unit. It is particularly advantageous to apply the adhesive when the subgroups of a pack group are already largely oriented correctly to each other and only a few millimeters are required for final approximation and contact pressure to finalize the container.

In the case of containers, it is advantageous to provide at least one adhesive application between two adjacent subgroups of the same container group, or is it generally sufficient for sufficient stability to provide only one such secondary adhesive application per subgroup of a package or package.

A further variant represents a combination of the two aforementioned variants, wherein the subgroups of a bundle group are connected to one another via at least one secondary adhesive application and are further looped around with a secondary band or band. The aforementioned units are provided in an analogous manner.

In all variants, handles are attached to one or two containers of the subgroup, if necessary, to the subgroups. Should the carrying handles of a

Subgroup for the transport of the entire container by the end user not be suitable, it may be advantageous that the container still another

more stable or more suitable for heavier load container handle has. The inventive plant for the production of the containers thus comprises, as also shown in Figure 5, at least one container feed and a

Container removal, a gluing station for the direct bonding of two or more containers, a setting and drying unit for solidifying the liquid or flowable adhesive, a first banding station for the joint wrapping of the at least two containers. These are combined with a primary band to a subgroup. It is followed downstream by an alignment and compression unit for the subgroups, to there form the formation of groups of groups of a plurality of subgroups, the later Essentially represent containers. Furthermore, a further banding station is provided for wrapping around the aforementioned pack group.

The first banding station for forming the subgroups can thereby

be advantageously in the design of a sleeve banding, in which a tubular and usually prefabricated banding material is placed over the container to be wrapped and positioned there. This method and the necessary devices are basically known in the art.

It is furthermore advantageous if an application station is provided for a carrying handle which is attached to at least one container of a subgroup connected by means of adhesive. As a rule, the carrying handle is fixed to two different containers of a single subgroup. It's closed

Increase in performance and reduction of space requirements advantageous if this application station is arranged for carrying handles of subgroups in the curing and drying unit. It is particularly advantageous if this application station for primary carrying handles. is arranged on one or more of the subgroups only after the further banding or the banding station for wrapping the pack group. In this area, the sub-groups are particularly well-held and positioned. Of course, this is only possible if a sufficient amount of surface of the container and / or the subgroup is still not covered by the secondary banderole, so that the first carrying handle and the necessary tools can be introduced.

In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to one of the aforementioned variants is after the other banding for wrapping the

Pack group, arranged a further application unit for at least one carrying handles. Hereby, a container carrying handle (secondary carrying handle) is applied, which is attached to the container group or in particular to the secondary band in a known manner.

It is understood that the aforementioned transport and / or

Treatment elements are provided in the system several times, in particular, the process can be carried out by parallel or erected transport and treatment elements or treatment lines. In the following embodiments are the container and the system for

Production of the container and explain their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a plan view of groups of containers in three variants, Fig. 2 shows schematically a plan view of another variant of a

Batch group comprising different subgroups,

Fig. 3 shows schematically a container in a side view.

Fig. 4 shows schematically an alternative container in a perspective

Presentation. Fig. 5 shows schematically a packaging plant for the production of the container.

In the drawing part I. of Figure 1, a packaged group 2 is shown, which consists of three

Subgroups 3 consists, each comprising two containers 2. The container 2 of the

Subgroup 3 are already provided with each other with a primary splice 7.1 and further wrapped with a primary banderole 6.1. Furthermore, the shutter 5 is shown. In the partial image II of FIG. 1, the packed group 4, in contrast to the partial image I, is also provided with a secondary banderole 6.2

entwined. In this case, this package 4 has no secondary splices that connects the subgroups 3 or their container 2 with the adjacent subgroup 3 or the container 2 transversely. Different from this, is at the sub-picture III. 1 each a secondary

Bonding point 7.2 in the lower, i. near the bottom of the container 2 attached. Thus, each subgroup 3 has at least one secondary splice 7.2, by means of which it is connected to the adjacent subgroup 3 or one of its containers 2. The primary and secondary splices 7.1 and 7.2 are arranged so that they can not adhere to the banderoles 6.1, 6.2.

Furthermore, but not shown, one or more secondary splices 7.2. Also be mounted higher, esp. In the transition region of the container shoulder to the generally cylindrical abdominal area. These packages are usually provided before the application with the secondary banderole 6.2 with primary handles 8.1, for reasons of

Clarity in Figure 1 but not shown.

FIG. 2 likewise shows a packed group 4, which is already looped around with a secondary band 6.2. The subgroups 3 are in a so-called nesting position, i. the containers 2 are in each case in the transition region of the adjacent container 2. As mentioned above, the primary carrying handles which are generally already applied to the subgroups 3 have not been shown. This nesting arrangement is very stable and usually does not require the application of secondary splices.

In the container 1 shown in a side view, only two containers 2 can be seen from an even number of containers 2 of subgroups 3, each with two containers 2. The secondary bandery 6.2 covers the primary banderole 6.1 of the subgroups 3 in a lower height range. The subgroup 3 is provided with a primary carrying handle 8.1, wherein a secondary handle 8.2 is attached to the secondary banderole 8.2 and guided over the primary banderoles 6.1 of the subgroups 3 to the narrow, rear side of the container 1 and fixed there by analogy. The container 2 a subgroup 3 are connected to one another with a very deep, near-ground primary splice 7.1. In FIG. 4, an alternative container 1 is shown, in which, unlike FIG. 3, no secondary carrying handle 8.2 is provided because the carrying of the entire container 1 is also possible via one of the primary carrying handles 8.1 of the subgroups 3. The secondary banderole 6.2 covers almost the entire primary banderole 6.1 of the 2-part groups 3. The container 2 a subgroup are connected to each other via two primary splices 7.1 in two different heights. In particular, in this container 1 and the container shape shown, it is possible, the primary handle 6.1 only after the application of the secondary bandery 6.2

make, because correspondingly large surfaces of the container 2 remain free even after banding. FIG. 5 schematically shows a packaging installation 20 for containers 1. The containers 2 are transported in alleys 9 in the transport direction A and by means of guide rods 17 or other, alternative guides, such as.

Head guides (not shown) moves. In the gluing station 16, a hot-melt adhesive is applied by means of the spray heads 18 to the containers 2, for the formation of the primary splices. Subgroups 3 of three containers 2 are subsequently formed by compaction and guided in the curing and drying unit 10 until the adhesive has solidified sufficiently.

These 3-part groups 3 are individually provided in a banding 1 1 with the primary band and then in an alignment and

Conduction unit 13 passed. In the example shown, in the alignment and compression unit 13, for example at its exit, there is also one or more handle applicators 14.1, by means of which the primary carrying handles 8.1 are fastened to the 3-part group 3. Downstream, the banding of the two 3-part groups or the package group 4 in the banding station 12 with the secondary banderole 6.2. On the transport path 15, this pack 4 is further transported in the transport direction A to another handle applicator 14.2, by means of which the secondary handle 8.2 is guided and fastened over the short width of the pack 4, so that the primary handles 8.1 and the secondary

Cross handle 8.2.

The containers 1 are thus completed and are fed to a palletizing device 19 or else a suitable further treatment or packaging unit.

The invention has been described in consideration of preferred embodiments. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that

In particular rotary Beleimungsstationen can be provided. Furthermore, modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 container

2 containers

3 subgroup

4 container group

5 closure

6 band; 6.1 Primary and 6.2 Secondary Banderole

7 splice; 7.1 primary and 7.2 secondary splice

8 carrying handle; 8.1 primary and 8.2 secondary carry handles

9 alley

10 curing or drying unit

1 1 Banding station for the primary band

12 Banding station for the secondary band

13 Alignment and compaction unit

14 carrying handle applicator; 14.1 primary handle applicator and 14.2 secondary handle applicator

15 transport route

16 gluing station

17 guide rods

18 spray heads

19 palletizer

20 packaging plant

A transport direction of the containers

Claims

claims

1 . Container (1) comprising at least two subgroups (3), wherein at least two containers (2) are looped around a subgroup (3) of at least one primary banderole (6), wherein the container (1) forming at least two subgroups (3) together form the package group (4), and wherein the package group (4) is looped by a secondary band, characterized in that

at least two containers of a subgroup (3) of a package group (4) are detachably connected directly to one another via at least one primary splice (7.1).

Second container (1) according to claim 1, wherein all containers (2) at least one

Subgroup (3) of a pack group (4) are detachably connected directly to each other via at least one primary splice (7.1).

3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that all

Container (2) in each subgroup (3) are directly connected to one another with at least one primary splice (7.1) releasably interconnected.

4. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the sub-groups (3), ideally all sub-groups (3), with a primary carrying handles (8.1) is provided.

5. Container according to one claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

at least two containers (2) of two adjacent sub-groups (3) of a bundle group (4) are connected directly by means of a detachable, secondary splice (7.2) by a secondary adhesive ittelautrag.

6. Container (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that all containers (2) a subgroup (3) of the pack group (4) directly with all

adjacent containers (3) of the adjacent subgroup (3) of

Pack group are connected by means of at least one secondary splice (7.2).

7. Container according to one claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

within a packed group (4) no container (2) of a subgroup (3) by means of a secondary splice (7.2) with any surface of an adjacent subgroup (3) or a container (2) of this adjacent subgroup (3) by a secondary splice (7.2) is connected.

8. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the secondary banderole (6.2) a secondary carrying handle (8.2) for carrying the container (1) is mounted.

9. A process for the production of containers (1), comprising the following steps

primary adhesive application and wrapping of at least two of the containers (2) into a subgroup (3)

- Alignment and compression of a container group (4) forming

Total number of at least two sub-groups (3) of the container (1) and wrapping of the container group (4) with a secondary band (6.2).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that by means of

Primary adhesive application containers (1) are produced according to one of claims 1 to 3.

1 1 .Verfahren according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that by means of a secondary adhesive application at least one

Bonding point (7.2) directly between containers (2) of adjacent sub-groups (3) of the same pack group (4) is applied.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that this secondary adhesive application takes place after the wrapping of the package group (4) with the secondary banderole (6.2).

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that this secondary adhesive application of a secondary splice (7.2) in the region of a setting and drying unit and / or during transport of the subgroups (3) and before the wrapping of the bundle group (4) with a secondary Banderole (6.2) takes place.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that before, during or after the wrapping of the container groups (4) with a secondary Banderole (6.2) to form the container (1) no secondary

Adhesive application on container (2) of adjacent sub-groups (3) of the same pack (4).

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that after the primary adhesive application or the wrapping with the primary banderole (6.1) a primary carrying handle (8.1) to the subgroup (3) or individual container (2) of a subgroup ( 3) is attached.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the primary carrying handle on at least one subgroup (3) of a container group (4) takes place only after the wrapping with the secondary banderole (6.2).

17. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that after the wrapping of the package group (4) with the secondary banderole a secondary carrying handle (8.2) to the package group (4) is applied, and in particular to the secondary banderole (6.2 ) of the package group (4) is fixed, for example, with a gluing, welding or

Sealing process.

18. Plant for the production of containers (1) comprising a

Container feed, a primary gluing station (16) for the immediate bonding of at least two containers (2), a curing and

Drying unit (10), a first banding station (1 1) for the common wrapping of the at least two containers (2) with a primary band (6.1) to a subgroup (3), an alignment and compression unit (13) for the subgroups (2 ) to form the later container (1) forming container groups of a plurality of subgroups (3) and a

Container transport,

characterized in that

a further banding station (12) is provided, for wrapping around the pack group (4), which comprises at least two partial groups (3).

19. Plant according to claim 18, characterized in that the first

Banding station (1 1) in the design of a sleeve banding for tubular prefabricated bands is formed.

20. Plant according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that a

Carrying handle applicator (14.1) for carrying handles (primary carrying handles) to at least one container (2) of a connected by primary splice subgroup (3) of at least two containers (2) is provided.

21 .Anlage according to claim 20, characterized in that the

Carrying handle applicator (14.1) for carrying handles in the region of the curing and drying unit (10) is arranged.

22. Plant according to claim 20, characterized in that the

Carrying handle applicator (14.1) for primary carrying handles (8.1) after the further banding station (12) for wrapping around the pack group (4) is arranged.

23. Plant according to one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that after the further banding station (12) for wrapping the

Packing group (4) a further application unit (14.2) for at least one carrying handle to the pack group (4) is arranged, in particular for application of a carrying handle (8.2) to the secondary band (6.2).