WO2021043632A1

WO2021043632A1 - Packaging device and method for producing packaging units

Info

Publication number: WO2021043632A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/073734
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Astner; Markus Gabler; Tobias GUT; Thomas HENSEL; Wolfgang Huber; Johannes KIRZINGER; Manuel Kollmuss; Johann LUBER; Herbert Spindler; Thomas Stadler
Original assignee: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2019-09-05
Filing date: 2020-08-25
Publication date: 2021-03-11
Also published as: EP4025506A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging device (1) and to a method for producing packaging units (35). The packaging units (35) are formed by at least two items (30), which are brought together by a first secondary packaging means (20) and by at least one second secondary packaging means (40). The packaging device (1) comprises a supply unit (2) for the at least two items (30) or groups of at least two items (30), a first packaging module (7) for applying and securing the first secondary packaging means (20) - provided in the form of a flat packaging blank (21) - to the at least two items (30), and a second packaging module (12) for applying the second secondary packaging means (40) to the at least two items (30). The first packaging module (7) comprises a shaping device (9) for the first secondary packaging means (20).

Description

Packaging device and method for producing

Packing units

The present invention relates to a packaging device for producing packaging units and a method for producing packaging units according to the features of the independent claims.

Beverage cans are one of the most important commercial packaging for beverages alongside bottles and beverage cartons. They can also serve as drinking vessels. Beverage cans are mainly used for carbonated beverages such as canned beer and soft drinks such as cola drinks, all kinds of lemonades and energy drinks. The opening of beverage cans for the purpose of consumption is typically carried out by means of tear-off tabs arranged on the cover side.

Beverage cans currently in use mostly consist of a one-piece, cylindrically shaped container made of aluminum or tinplate and a folded lid made of aluminum with an oval score line and a riveted metal tab, which, as a "built-in can opener", presses the scored oval into the inside of the can when it is lifted, and so on forms a pouring or drinking opening. In a jacket area located below the lid, the cans normally have a tapering of their diameter. Thus, the lid normally also has a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical jacket area of the can.

There are different types of packaging for the processing, compilation, grouping and packaging of articles such as, for example, beverage containers in the form of cans, for example, the combination of the articles or containers into portable, relatively manageable packaging units, which can generally also be regarded as packaging units. Here, too, various options are known for combining individual cans 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, since they represent the most common variant of sales units or packaging units for beverage containers, in particular cans made of metal or plastic or bottles made of PET plastic. The containers are partly combined again for transport and / or put together in layers and palletized. In the manufacture of known types of packs, specific manufacturing steps are required in order to be able to process the shrink films usually used for the packs. These production steps require a relatively high amount of energy, not least because of the shrinking process of the film under the action of heat. In addition, the film used causes costs for production, provision, handling and later disposal, since it is no longer needed after the article or container has been sold and unpacked. 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.

One variant in which the use of shrink film can be dispensed with are so-called strapping containers. The containers are connected to one another by means of so-called straps and combined to form a bundle. Containers, articles or bottles are grouped into formations in continuously or intermittently working strapping machines 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 n x m arrangements.

Furthermore, the use of so-called top cardboard packaging is known in order, for example, to combine several beverage containers, in particular bottles or cans, over their neck areas. A packaging machine for placing such top cardboard packaging is described in patent specification EP 1 075419 B1. 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.

Furthermore, packaging units are known which combine different types of secondary packaging means and combine the majority of the articles with a first packaging means and a second packaging means, in particular with a first secondary packaging means in the form of an upper cardboard box and with a second secondary packaging means in the form of strapping and / or in the form of at least one adhesive connection.

The patent DE 22 06071 C2 discloses a container packaging with a carrier device for holding together and transporting the containers made of an elastic, deformable plastic material. The carrier device has the openings receiving the container and finger tabs for tearing open the carrier device.

The laid-open specification DE 2531 325 A1 describes a container packaging with a support means made of plastic film. An upper support member includes first end portions of each container and a second sheet metal or foil support portion includes interconnected portions and holds each group of containers.

The laid-open specification DE 102006028661 A1 shows a packaging unit with bottles and a bottle carrier, so that the packaging units can also be safely stacked in large numbers. The bottles are combined in the packaging units by a support body with a support bracket and at least one banderole.

The utility model DE 202012 103324 U1 discloses a container template for joining packaging units, in particular beverage bottles, to form containers. The container template has recesses for receiving one part of a packaging unit and centrally arranged incisions to form a handle, the incisions being symmetrically surrounded by the recesses.

DE 1 457489 A also discloses a container with several bottles which are held together in the form of a package by means of endless belts. A handle enables the package to be carried.

Another container arrangement is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,775,486. Rows of three or six bottles or cans are each fixed with cardboard attachments on the top and combined to form larger containers using straps.

There are now many different sizes of cans in use and available. While cans with a capacity of 0.33 or 0.5 liters have traditionally been offered, there are now also many cans with 0.15, 0.25, 0.355 liters or other volumes. Different can shapes are also known. While the lid of standard cans has a significantly smaller diameter than the can cylinder itself, the cylinder diameter and the lid diameter in so-called slim cans or sleek cans are essentially the same or approximately the same.

For combining standard cans, upper cardboard packaging is known which have a number of passage openings for the standard cans, which at the same time define the positions of the cans within the packaging unit. The cardboard packaging is pressed onto a set of standard cans from above, so that the lid area of the standard cans passes through an associated passage opening. The gripping cardboard packaging is preferably anchored below the lid area of the standard cans, in particular in the area with a reduced diameter. The cans are arranged closely adjacent within the packaging unit thus produced.

The use of such cardboard packaging, on the other hand, does not make sense for 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 is a lack of material between the openings of the cardboard box, so that the areas between the openings can easily be torn, which means that the cardboard box lacks the necessary stability.

The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method with which packaging units can be produced in an advantageous manner, in which a plurality of articles are combined with a first secondary packaging means and a second secondary packaging means.

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

The packaging units to be produced by means of the packaging device and the method, comprising at least two articles, which are combined by a first secondary packaging means and by at least one second secondary packaging means. In particular, the first secondary packaging means is a packaging blank that is cut from above is applied to a combination of at least two articles and, in particular, the article is assigned to a neck area. The secondary packaging means can be brought into a form-fitting connection with the articles, so that the articles are held in defined positions in the packaging blank.

The articles are preferably drinks containers, in particular bottles made of PET or another suitable plastic. Optionally, the articles can also be formed by cans made of plastic and / or aluminum or another metal or the like. However, the packaging device is also suitable for arranging a corresponding packaging blank on other suitable articles and fixing them to them.

The packaging device comprises a feed device for the at least two articles or for combinations of at least two articles (ie also for more than two articles, depending on the selected configuration), a first packaging module for applying and fixing the first secondary packaging means provided in the form of a flat packaging blank to the at least two articles and a second packaging module for applying the second secondary packaging material to the at least two articles. The first packaging module also comprises a reshaping device for the first secondary packaging means.

The first packaging module is in particular a so-called application module which is designed in such a way as to fix the packaging blank on the articles of the article group. The packaging blank is preferably placed on the article group and is at least partially pressed onto the articles of the article group by a force directed at least partially downwards or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the upright articles, in particular downward pressure, and thereby fixed to them.

Such a packaging blank is, for example, essentially flat and has passage openings which are designed in such a way that they are slipped onto the article from above, so that after the packaging blank has been attached to the group of articles, the articles are located in areas above and in areas below the packaging blank . After the packaging blank has been determined, a defined upper area of the article is preferably located above the packaging blank, while a defined lower area of the article is arranged below the packaging blank. In particular, the through openings of the packaging blank have suitable fixing devices, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs. For example, fixing tabs are formed by incisions or the like extending radially from the openings. After the packaging blank has been arranged and fastened to the articles, it is in engagement with the articles in such a way that the packaging blank is essentially fixed in place on the articles and the articles can no longer make any significant relative movements or changes in position relative to one another or to the packaging blank. Thus, the packaging blank can only be removed again from the articles of the article group with increased expenditure of force with an upward force component, the packaging blank usually being at least partially destroyed. Such packaging blanks are also referred to as top cardboard packaging. The packaging blank preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or the like.

The packaging blank is initially provided in a first flat storage state, in which it is usually neither curved nor folded or bent as a whole. Before the packaging blank is attached to the article group, it is transformed or converted into a three-dimensional sales state. This reshaping takes place within the reshaping device of the first packaging module. The state of sale also differs from the state of storage in that the flat state of storage covers a first cross-sectional area which is larger than a second cross-sectional area which is covered by the packaging blank in the state of sale. The storage status can optionally also be characterized by the fact that the outline of the packaging blank is larger than in the sales status assumed later.

It is further provided that the first packaging module comprises an application device which is designed to attach the first secondary packaging means, which has been converted into the sales state, to the at least two articles, i.e. to connect the articles to the packaging blank, for example to bring them into a form-fitting connection.

It is preferably provided that the shaping device or at least parts of the shaping device which come into contact with the packaging blank during its application to the articles consist of a flexible material. For example, the forming tool can be formed by a folding die, in particular a folding die made of a flexible material. The folding die can assume a first and at least one second working state. In particular, the folding die can be transferred from the first working state to at least one second working state and returned from the second working state to the first working state.

In the first working state, the folding die delimits a first cross-sectional area, in particular a first cross-sectional area, which essentially corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the packaging blank in the storage state. In the second working state, the folding die delimits a second cross-sectional area, in particular a second cross-sectional area, which essentially corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the packaging blank in the sales state.

In order to set the different working states of the folding die, according to one embodiment, suitable infeed elements can be assigned to it, which are suitable for delivering or making available corresponding cross-sectional area delimitations.

According to a further embodiment it is provided that a first removal tool, for example a suitable first gripper head, which is equipped, for example, with a vacuum suction device, removes a packaging blank located in the flat storage state from a magazine assigned to the first packaging module and inserts it into a forming tool of the forming device. In this forming tool, the packaging blank is converted into the sales state.

The packaging blank that is in the sale state is removed from the forming tool by the first gripper head or by a second removal tool, for example a second gripper head, and pressed onto an assembly comprising at least two articles from above. In particular, the removal tool for the packaging blank in the sales state has devices which ensure that the packaging blank retains the reshaped sales state and that it does not automatically return to the flat storage state.

The at least one second secondary packaging means is attached in the second packaging module to the at least two articles combined with the packaging blank in the sales state. In this case it is provided that the first packaging module is arranged in a production direction in front of the second packaging module.

The second packaging module can be, for example, a strapping module in which at least one strapping is attached to the assembly of articles combined with a packaging blank. In particular, at least one band-like or strip-like, closed strapping is stretched horizontally around an outer side of the article and this is optionally firmly fixed at a contact point with at least one of the articles. Thus, the strapping can be fixed at the contact point in particular by means of a material connection in the form of at least one welded connection. However, such a contact point of the strapping on one of the outer surfaces of the articles is by no means mandatory, since the strapping can already adhere firmly to the outer surfaces of the strapped articles due to the applied strapping tension.

Alternatively, the second packaging module can be an adhesive module, the articles being fixed to one another by means of adhesive connections. The line-like or point-like or areal delimited adhesive connections are sensibly located on contact surfaces or contact edges of the articles standing next to one another, so that overall only relatively small adhesive surfaces can ensure a firm connection of the articles to one another.

Another alternative embodiment can provide that the articles combined with a packaging blank in the sales state are arranged on a so-called T-ray and / or wrapped with a shrink film, the shrink film being shrunk onto the articles combined with the packaging blank in the sales state. By applying the second secondary packaging means, in particular, the relative arrangement of the articles and the packaging blank in the sales state to one another in the packaging unit thus produced is determined and fixed. In particular, an unwanted spacing between the articles connected to one another and / or adhering to one another is prevented, which would have the effect that the packaging blank is returned to the flat storage state or an intermediate state.

When transporting the articles combined with a packaging blank in the sales state to the second packaging module, suitable means should be used Facilities ensure that the relative arrangement of the articles and the sales condition of the packaging blank is maintained.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the at least two articles are first combined with the second secondary packaging means and that the packaging blank is then additionally attached to the at least two articles in the sales state. In this case it is provided that the second packaging module is arranged in a production direction in front of the first packaging module. The second packaging module is, for example, a strapping module, an adhesive module or an insertion module.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that when the first secondary packaging means is formed from the storage state to the sale state, a handle is formed which makes it possible to easily hold and / or carry the at least two articles combined with a first secondary packaging means and a second secondary packaging means to form packaging units , which contributes in particular to the improvement of convenience for the end customer. For example, the packaging blank has corresponding incisions which, in connection with appropriately positioned creases, cause the carrying handle to be formed when the packaging blank is folded out. In particular, when the packaging blank is reshaped, at least partial areas of the same are bent or curved upwards or downwards, whereby the handle lifts out of the flat packaging blank, or which creates the three-dimensional shape and / or the handle. When the handle is pulled, for example when the packaging unit is lifted over the handle, the packaging blank in the sales state is bent or arched even more, bringing the articles even closer together, which further increases the stability of the packaging unit.

Alternatively or additionally, an external handle can be attached to the packaging unit by, for example, attaching a strip-shaped handle to the articles and / or to the first secondary packaging means and / or to the second secondary packaging means via two end regions, or by means of adhesive, punched or riveted connections or the like. Connection techniques.

Furthermore, in connection with the present application, the grouping of cans by means of suitable packaging blanks is described, embodiments are also described in this context in which no second secondary packaging means is used.

In particular, inexpensive and environmentally friendly packaging units are to be made available that each include at least two slim cans or two sleek cans. In the following, a production method for such packaging units, a packaging device for producing such packaging units and, moreover, the packaging units themselves are described in particular.

The packaging units to be produced by means of the packaging device described below and by means of the method described below each comprise at least two cans with an, in particular cylindrical, body and an, in particular round, lid area.

In particular, it can be the case that a first diameter of the cans in the, in particular cylindrical, body region essentially corresponds to a second diameter of the cans in the lid region or is smaller than this. “Essentially” means that the first diameter in the body area can be slightly larger than the second diameter in the lid area, up to a ratio of up to 1.1, preferably less than 1.035 (diameter in the body area / diameter in the lid area).

In other words, a ratio of the first diameter in the body region to the second diameter in the lid region (d2) can be less than or equal to 1.1, preferably less than or equal to 1.035.

Packaging units with standard cans with a diameter of approx. 66 mm in the body area and approx. 59.4 mm (ratio of approx. 1.11) in the lid area can also be produced by the device and the method, but the device and the method are preferred Process suitable for cans with a smaller ratio.

In particular, a distance between two adjacent cans in the packaging unit in the lid area can be less than 6.7 mm, preferably less than 6.5, even more preferably less than 4.7 mm. In particular, this can apply to each adjacent pair of cans in a row of cans and / or can columns of the packaging unit, in particular to each adjacent pair of cans in the packaging unit. In particular, the packaging units can comprise six cans. A packaging unit can, for example, comprise two rows of three cans and three columns of two cans, which is well known as a so-called six-pack.

In particular, the body area comprises every other area of the can apart from the lid area and the neck area. The essentially flat or slightly curved surfaces of the contact surface and the cover surface opposite the contact surface, that is to say the essentially horizontal surfaces at the top and bottom of the can, are not so relevant for the invention and are left out in this consideration.

In particular, the body area can be essentially cylindrical, with “essentially” not excluding the possibility that, in particular, a small sub-area of the body area adjoining the contact area can be designed to be slightly frustoconical, as is customary in the trade.

In particular, the lid area can be the outermost line, in particular a circular line, of a folded or flanged seam, which is created or defined in particular when the lid is applied after the can has been filled in the closer.

The following describes, in particular, the production of such packaging units which comprise several so-called slim cans and / or sleek cans made of plastic and / or aluminum or another metal. These cans, which are essentially characterized by their contour and their external shape, are combined at least via a first secondary packaging means in the form of a packaging blank that can be applied to the cans from above. Such a packaging blank is also referred to in the present context as an upper grab box, so that these two terms are to be understood as synonyms in the following.

In particular, it can be sleek cans which have a ratio of 1.01 to 1.03 (diameter in the body area / diameter in the lid area).

In particular, the body region can alternatively be formed by shapes other than the cylindrical shape, for example cuboid. If the cuboid shape has a square cross-section (horizontally when the can is upright), the first “diameter” can refer to the distance between two opposing surfaces of a can if these surfaces are parallel and not offset (the distance between the corners of the two side surfaces is the same as the perpendicular distance between the surfaces) to a surface of a cuboid of a second, adjacent can in the packaging unit.

In this case, in particular a right-angled distance between two opposite edges of the cuboid can be greater than or essentially the same size as / like a, for example, round diameter of the cover area.

In particular, in summary, the cans can be shaped in such a way that their lid area at least on the side on which they are adjacent to another can in the finished packaging unit, i.e. in particular in the horizontal direction, has a greater or at least substantially approximately the same extent as the body area.

In one embodiment, the two cans can be shaped and aligned with one another in the packaging unit in such a way that they would touch in the lid area if they were to stand as close as possible to one another, in particular in an alignment parallel to one another, i.e. standing upright on their contact surfaces.

In the following, cylindrical cans are only mentioned as examples; other shapes are not to be excluded.

The packaging device comprises at least one feed device or feed device for the at least two cans or for combinations of at least two cans, i.e. also for more than two cans, depending on the selected configuration, and a first packaging module for applying and fixing the packaging blank to the at least two cans. The first packaging module also includes a forming device for the packaging blank.

The first packaging module is in particular a so-called application module, which is designed in such a way as to fix the packaging blank on the cans of the can group. In this case, the packaging blank is preferably placed on the group of cans and is at least partially pressed onto the cans of the group of cans by a force directed at least partially downward or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the upright cans, in particular a downward pressure, and thereby fixed to them.

The packaging blank is from above, ie approximately parallel to a normally vertical direction of longitudinal extension of the cans on a Compilation of at least two juxtaposed cans applied and in particular assigned to a neck area of the cans below the lid area or attached there.

In the case of the cans processed here, it can be provided in particular that the cans have an at least slightly smaller diameter in this neck area than in their cylindrical body area adjoining below the neck area and in the lid area located above the neck area.

The packaging blank is preferably brought into a form-fitting connection with the cans, so that cans are held in defined positions by the packaging blank. It is provided that the cans in the finished packaging unit are arranged one next to the other without gaps, so that the outer surfaces of adjacent cans touch at least in some areas, in particular along vertical contact lines which run parallel or approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body cylinder, i.e. to the longitudinal directions of the cans .

The packaging blanks are preferably provided to the application module in flat form. In addition, the packaging blanks have openings for the cans, which are designed in such a way that they can be slipped onto the cans from above, so that after the packaging blank has been attached to the group of cans, the cans are located above and below the packaging blank in some areas. That is, a defined section of each can protrudes through the respective passage opening and beyond the packaging blank in one direction. After the packaging blank has been set, the lid area of the cans, which can have a beaded edge, is preferably located above the packaging blank, while the cylindrical body area of the cans is arranged below the packaging blank.

It can be provided, for example, that the passage openings of the packaging blank have suitable fixing devices, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs or the like. For example, fixing tabs are formed by incisions or the like extending radially from the edges of the passage openings in the direction of a material surrounding the edges.

After the packaging blank has been arranged and fastened to the cans, it is in engagement with the cans so that the packaging blank is in the Is essentially fixed in place on the cans. In particular, significant relative movements or changes in position of the cans relative to one another and to the packaging blank are no longer possible. Thus, the packaging blank can only be removed again from the cans of the group of cans with increased force with an upward force component, the packaging blank generally being at least partially destroyed.

The packaging blank preferably consists of a flat cardboard material, a flat plastic material, a flat cardboard-plastic composite material or the like.

The packaging blank is initially provided in a first flat storage state, in which it is usually 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 reshaping takes place within the reshaping device of the first packaging module.

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, which 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. In other words, when the packaging blank is reshaped, subregions of the packaging blank located between the passage openings are moved from a plane defined by the flat extension of the packaging blank in the storage state in a first direction (eg upwards) or in folded in a second direction (for example downwards), whereby said webs are formed between 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.

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 is not perpendicular to the X-direction) during reshaping, in particular the lengths of all four side edges of the preferably diamond-shaped or parallelogram-shaped Packaging cut can be shortened.

In particular, it is provided that the application device of the first packaging module is designed to attach the packaging blank, which has been transferred to the intermediate state or sales state, to the at least two cans to attach, ie to connect the cans to the packaging blank, for example to bring them into a form-fitting connection.

It is preferably provided that the shaping device or at least parts of the shaping device which come into contact with the packaging blank during its application to the cans consist of a flexible material. For example, the forming tool can be formed by a folding die, in particular by a folding die made of a flexible or elastic material.

According to a first embodiment, the folding die can assume a first and at least one second working state. In particular, the folding die can be transferred from the first working state to at least one second working state and returned from the second working state to the first working state.

In particular, the folding direction of the folding webs is predetermined by the folding die. In the first working state, the folding die delimits a first cross-sectional area, in particular a first cross-sectional area, which essentially corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the packaging blank in the storage state.

In the second working state, the folding die delimits a second cross-sectional area, in particular a second cross-sectional area, which essentially corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the packaging blank in the intermediate state.

Or, in the second working state, the folding die delimits a third cross-sectional area, in particular a third cross-sectional area, which essentially corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the packaging blank in the sales state.

A second embodiment of the folding die can provide corresponding devices which have the effect that the respectively processed or reshaped 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 shaping device preferably comprises folding dies which enable correct and / or coordinated shaping of the packaging blanks along the kink folds, in that they in particular specify the 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 Folding slope emanating 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 additionally widened at least slightly 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.

It can be provided, for example, that the shaping device comprises so-called crushing cones or expansion cones for this purpose. The expansion cones are in a relative arrangement that corresponds to the arrangement of the slim or sleek cans when the packaging blank is applied. In addition, the arrangement of the expansion cones corresponds to the arrangement of the openings in the packaging blank in the intermediate state.

The flat packaging blank that is in storage is pressed onto the forming tool of the forming device 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 down on the expansion cones so far that the Fixing tabs in the edge region of the passage openings are bent upwards by the cross-section of the expansion cone that widens downwards, whereby the diameter of the passage openings increases at least slightly. In addition, the packaging blank is expressed on the folding matrices as described above.

According to a further embodiment it is provided that a first removal tool, for example a suitable first gripper head, which can for example be equipped with a vacuum suction device, removes a packaging blank that is in the flat storage state from a magazine assigned to the first packaging module and inserts it into a forming tool of the forming device. In this forming tool, the packaging blank is converted into the intermediate state or the sales state.

The packaging blank, which is in the intermediate state or the state of sale, is removed from the forming tool by the first gripper head or by a second removal tool, for example a second gripper head, and pressed onto an assembly of at least two cans from above.

In particular, the removal tool has suitable devices for the packaging blank that is in the intermediate state or sales state, which ensure that the packaging blank retains the reshaped intermediate state or sales state and that it does not automatically return to the flat storage state.

One embodiment provides that the first packaging module comprises an adhesive application device for applying an adhesive to shaped or reshaped areas of the packaging blank, in particular for applying adhesive to the areas of the packaging blank from which the webs between the passage openings are formed.

The packaging blank consists of at least one layer of packaging material. A bar is made up of two adjacent layers that are glued together so that the packaging blank is securely fixed when it is sold. The folding webs can be glued either in the folding die, in the application head of the first packaging module or by approaching a separate gluing station.

One embodiment provides that the packaging blank is brought into the intermediate state with a second cross-sectional area by the shaping device. In particular, the webs are pre-folded and glued, but the layers to be glued are not yet brought into contact with one another. In this intermediate state, a distance is formed between the passage openings of the packaging blank which is less than a distance between the passage openings in the packaging blank in the storage state.

The packaging blank in the intermediate state is applied to an assembly of at least two at least slightly spaced cans. The at least two cans are then pressed together. The packaging blank is transferred from the intermediate state to the sales state with the third, smaller cross-sectional area. In addition, the glued layers of the webs are brought together so that they contact each other and are connected via adhesive connections.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the packaging device comprises a second packaging module for applying a second secondary packaging means to the at least two cans. The second secondary packaging means is attached in the second packaging module to the at least two cans combined with the packaging blank in the intermediate state or in the sales state.

According to a first embodiment, the second packaging module is arranged in a production direction after the first packaging module, i.e. the second secondary packaging means is attached in the second packaging module to the at least two cans combined with the packaging blank in the intermediate state or in the sales state.

The second packaging module can be, for example, a strapping module in which at least one strapping is attached to or around the assembly of cans combined with a packaging blank.

In particular, at least one band-like or strip-like, closed strapping is stretched horizontally around an outer side of the cans and this is optionally fixedly fixed at a contact point with itself and optionally additionally to at least one can.

Thus, the strapping can be fixed at the contact point in particular by means of a material connection in the form of at least one welded connection. However, such a contact point of the strapping on one of the outer surfaces of the can is by no means mandatory, since the strapping can already adhere firmly to the outer surfaces of the strapped can as a result of the strapping tension applied.

In particular, the application of strapping can represent an advantageous embodiment in which cans arranged in a loose arrangement, which are combined with a packaging blank in the intermediate state, are pressed against one another. Here, the packaging blank is transferred to the state of sale. In this context, the webs can be glued together, but this is not absolutely necessary since the packaging blank is automatically forced into the sales state due to the newly defined arrangement of the cans.

A strapping is preferably a strip-shaped strapping or banderole, which can be formed, for example, from a paper, a paper-like material, a composite material or a plastic material or the like.

Alternatively, the second packaging module can be an adhesive module, wherein the cans can be fixed to one another by means of adhesive connections. The line-like or punctiform or areally delimited adhesive connections are sensibly located on contact surfaces or contact edges of the items standing next to one another, so that overall only relatively small adhesive surfaces can ensure a firm connection of the can to one another.

The formation of adhesive connections between the cans can also represent an advantageous embodiment in which cans arranged in a loose arrangement and acted upon with an adhesive, which are combined with a packaging blank in the intermediate state, are pressed together and thus connected to one another via an adhesive connection.

Here, too, the packaging blank is transferred to the sales state. Gluing of the webs in-itself can optionally be provided.

Another alternative embodiment can provide that the cans combined with a packaging blank in the intermediate state or in the sales state are arranged on a so-called tray and / or wrapped in a shrink film, the shrink film being shrunk onto the cans combined with the packaging blank in the sales state. By applying the second secondary packaging means, in particular, the relative arrangement of the cans and the packaging blank in the sales state to one another in the packaging unit thus produced is determined and fixed. In particular, an undesired spacing between the cans connected to one another and / or adhering to one another is prevented, which would have the effect that the packaging blank could return to the flat storage condition or an intermediate condition.

As already mentioned, in the aforementioned cases, when using a second secondary packaging means, it is not absolutely necessary to glue the webs of the packaging blank in order to maintain the sales condition. However, in such cases it must be ensured that when transporting cans combined with a packaging blank in the sales state to the second packaging module, the relative arrangement of the cans and the intermediate state or sales state of the packaging blank are maintained. For example, corresponding holding devices or the like can be assigned to the respective transport device for this purpose.

Alternatively, devices can be provided within the second packaging module in order to bring together the articles combined with a packaging blank in the intermediate state and thereby to convert the packaging blank into the sales state.

An alternative embodiment can be provided in which the second packaging module is arranged in a production direction in front of the first packaging module, so that the at least two cans are first combined with the second secondary packaging means and then the packaging blank in the sales state with the third, smallest cross-sectional area the at least two cans is attached.

The second packaging module can be, for example, a strapping module, an adhesive module or an insertion module in which the cans are inserted in trays.

According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that when the packaging blank is reshaped from the storage state to the intermediate state or to the sales state, a handle is formed which makes it possible to attach the packaging blank and optionally a second secondary packaging means Packaging units combined at least two cans are easy to hold and / or carry, which in particular contributes to improving the convenience of handling for and by the end customer.

For example, the packaging blank can have corresponding incisions which, in conjunction with appropriately positioned creases, cause the carrying handle to be formed when the packaging blank is folded out.

In particular, when reshaping the packaging blank, at least partial areas of the same can be bent or curved upwards or downwards, whereby the handle lifts out of the flat packaging blank, or which creates the three-dimensional shape and / or the handle.

When the handle is pulled, for example when the packaging unit is lifted over the handle, the packaging blank in the sales state is bent or arched even more, which further increases the stability of the packaging unit.

As an alternative or in addition, an external handle can be attached to the packaging unit by, for example, attaching a strip-shaped handle to the cans and / or to the packaging blank and / or to the second secondary packaging means via two end areas, for example by means of adhesive, punched or riveted connections or the like Like connection techniques.

Furthermore, a method for producing packaging units is described, the packaging units each comprising at least two so-called slim cans or sleek cans. Alternatively, standard doses could also be processed with the method.

In order for the process to be carried out in the defined manner, the use of a special packaging blank is required. The method provides, in particular, that the packaging blank is reshaped, with webs projecting upwards or downwards being formed between the passage openings for the lid areas of the cans.

When speaking of “top” or “bottom” in this context, this means a deformation direction out of the plane defined by the flat packaging blank, namely in one or the other, opposite direction. When the webs are formed, the distance between the passage openings is reduced, the respective area between the passage openings being reinforced and thus stabilized by the web.

In particular, the method provides, in one process step, the reshaping of the packaging blank from a flat storage condition with a first cross-sectional area into a three-dimensional intermediate condition with a second cross-sectional area or the reshaping of the packaging blank from a flat storage condition with a first cross-sectional area into a three-dimensional sale condition with a third cross-sectional area.

The second cross-sectional area formed by the reshaping into the intermediate state is smaller than the first cross-sectional area. The third cross-sectional area formed by the reshaping into the three-dimensional sales state is also smaller than the first cross-sectional area, but also smaller than the second cross-sectional area.

In particular, during reshaping, areas between the passage openings are folded up or down out of the plane of the flat packaging blank, these areas forming the mentioned webs between the passage openings.

The spacing between the passage openings is reduced by the formation of the webs. At the same time, the area between the passage openings is given increased stability. In particular, the webs prevent the packaging material from simply tearing between the passage openings and, in particular, provide material that provides stability.

If one considers a packaging blank in the storage state as a packaging blank formed from a layer of flat packaging material, then a web is formed by folding out two layers of packaging material from the flat storage state plane.

One possible method can provide for the two layers of packaging material to be glued to one another in order to fix and stabilize the web.

When a layer of packaging material is spoken of in this context, this also includes multilayer packaging material to understand. Such a packaging material can be, for example, a multilayer cardboard, a multilayer composite material or the like.

One embodiment of the method provides that the packaging blank is converted by reshaping from a flat storage state with a first cross-sectional area into a three-dimensional intermediate state with a second, smaller cross-sectional area.

The packaging blank in the three-dimensional intermediate state is applied to a loose arrangement of at least two cans, in particular by pressing the packaging blank onto the cans from above so that the lid area of the cans passes through a correspondingly assigned passage opening.

Preferably, after the application of the packaging blank, the respective edge areas of the passage openings below the lid area are firmly in engagement and / or operative connection with the outer jacket surfaces of the cans, which is to be understood as a mechanically stable connection.

In particular, fixing tabs formed in the edge region of the passage openings can prevent the packaging blank from being simply pulled upwards.

In a further process step, the cans are brought together, for example pressed against one another, the packaging blank being converted into a three-dimensional sales state. In particular, the cans are brought together in such a way that they touch one another in the finished packaging unit at least in some areas. The compact, close arrangement of the cans gives the packaging unit produced in this way a particular stability.

A preferred embodiment provides that the areas forming the webs are glued before transferring the packaging blank from the intermediate state to the sales state, for example in the temporal connection with the reshaping, so that these areas forming the webs when the packaging blank is transferred from the intermediate state to the sales state be connected to each other via an adhesive connection.

A packaging unit produced in this way is already sufficiently stable in itself, so that the use of further secondary packaging means can be dispensed with. The minimized use of material is particularly advantageous here, whereby a Resource conservation is achieved. In addition, it can be avoided in this way that adhesive remains on the cans, which improves handling by the end user.

The cans, which are combined with a packaging blank in the intermediate state, can also be brought together, for example, in the context of attaching a second secondary packaging means, for example strapping, etc. In this case, there is no need to glue the webs, which can be advantageous in terms of production technology. In addition, the production time can be shortened since the adhesive fixing the webs does not need to be hardened. Such strapping can further increase the mechanical stability of the packaging unit, since the cans are pressed against one another in a particularly advantageous manner.

An alternative embodiment can provide that the cans are first combined with a second secondary packaging means in a close arrangement and then a packaging blank that has been reshaped into the sales state is applied to the can arrangement combined with a second secondary packaging means.

Another embodiment can provide that the cans are arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement. Adhesive is applied to the cans at suitable points, for example in the form of adhesive dots or adhesive lines or the like. A packaging blank that has been formed into the intermediate state is applied to the can arrangement prepared with adhesive, after which, by bringing the cans together, on the one hand, the production of the adhesive connection between the Cans as well as the finished reshaping of the packaging blank into the sales state takes place.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the packaging devices described and / or the packaging units produced thereby equally relate to or can be partial aspects of one of the described methods for producing packaging units. Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the packaging device according to the invention or for the packaging device further described in connection with the application, certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this also applies to the methods described here for the production of packaging units. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method relate to or can be partial aspects of the packaging devices in the same way. Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the method of certain aspects and / or

Connections and / or effects are discussed, this applies equally to the packaging device.

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.

1 shows a first secondary packaging means in a storage state in a schematic view from above or in a plan view. FIG. 2 shows a first secondary packaging means in a sales state in a schematic view from above or in a plan view.

Figures 3 to 6 show different embodiments of a first secondary packaging means, each in a sales state in a side view. 7 shows a packaging unit in a side view.

8 shows a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units from above.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a forming device used in the packaging device. FIG. 10 shows a schematic side illustration of the first embodiment of a packaging device according to FIG. 8.

11 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units from above.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units from above. Figures 13A to 13C show different known can shapes.

14 shows a variant embodiment of a packaging unit, formed by a conventionally known top cardboard box and standard cans.

FIGS. 15A to 15C show a packaging blank in different working states.

FIGS. 16A to 16C show different views of a packaging blank in the intermediate state.

FIGS. 14A to 14C show different views of a packaging blank in the sales state. 18 shows an embodiment of a forming tool of a

Forming device.

19 shows method steps of an embodiment for the production of packaging units comprising slim or sleek cans.

20 shows method steps of a further embodiment for the production of packaging units comprising slim or sleek cans.

21 likewise shows method steps of an embodiment for the production of packaging units comprising slim or sleek cans.

22 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units comprising slim or sleek cans from above.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic side illustration of an embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units comprising slim or sleek cans according to FIG. 22.

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 described packaging devices or the described methods can be designed and do not represent a final limitation. The schematic view of FIG. 1 shows a first secondary packaging means 20 in a storage state LZ in a view from above. FIG. 2 shows the first secondary packaging means 20 in a sales state VZ in a schematic view from above. The schematic view of FIG. 7 shows a packaging unit 35 in a side view.

The first secondary packaging means 20 is a packaging blank 21, preferably a cardboard blank 22 which is essentially flat in the storage state LZ. The packaging blank 21 preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or the like Passage openings 23.

The number of passage openings 23 corresponds to the number of articles 30 that are combined with the first secondary packaging means 20, and the arrangement of the passage openings 23 corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 30 within the respective article group. A first average distance mA1 is formed between adjacent through openings 23 of the packaging blank 21 in the storage state LZ.

In particular, the passage openings 23 are designed in such a way that the packaging blank 21 can be applied, in particular pressed, onto the article 30 from above. A packaging unit 35 composed of two articles 30, a first secondary packaging means 20 in the form of a packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ and a second secondary packaging means 40 in the form of a strip-shaped strapping 41 is shown in particular in FIG. 7.

The articles 30 are preferably drinks containers in the form of bottles 31 or cans. In the upper area, these have a widened area on which the packaging blank 21 is fixed. If the articles 30 are, for example, beverage containers, in particular bottles 31 made of PET or another suitable plastic material with a screw cap 32, the bottle 31 has a widening underneath the screw cap 32 in the form of the so-called neck ring 33 (see FIG. 7 ).

In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 21 is fixed below the so-called neck ring 33 of the closure area of the bottles 31 after it has been applied to the assembly of bottles 31. Thus, after the packaging blank 21 has been applied to the bottles 31, there is a partial area of the bottles 31 above the packaging blank 21, while the remaining area of the bottles 31 extends below the packaging blank 21. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 21 is fixed in this position by the bottles 31 and vice versa.

The passage openings 23 are preferably brought into engagement with the underside of the respective neck ring 33 by means of suitable tabs in such a way that the packaging blank 21 is firmly fixed to the bottles 31 and cannot slip upwards. The tabs can in particular be formed in that the packaging blank 21 has radial incisions extending from the passage openings 23.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the bottles 31 are also combined with a second secondary packaging means 40 within the assembly. For example, the bottles 31 can be fixed to one another with a strip-shaped strapping 41, a band or by means of suitable adhesive connections (not shown) between the bottles 31. This has the particular advantage that the bottles 31 cannot move relative to one another within the assembly and are therefore fixed in their position relative to one another. The articles 30 combined with a first secondary packaging means 20 in the sales state VZ and additionally with a second secondary packaging means 40 are also referred to below as packaging unit 35 or bundle 36.

While the packaging blank 21 is essentially flat in the storage state LZ, the packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ has an at least regionally three-dimensional shape. For example, the packaging blank 21 has prepared creases 24, so that the packaging blank 21 can be easily converted from the flat storage state LZ to the three-dimensional sales state VZ by being pushed together laterally.

Pushing together shortens a side length of the packaging blank, in particular it has a first length L1 in the storage state LZ and a second length L2 in the sales state VZ, the second length L2 being less than the first length L1, that is, L1> L2 . A second mean distance mA2 is formed between adjacent passage openings 23 of the packaging blank 21 in the sales state LZ. This means that the packaging blank 21 in the storage state LZ covers a first cross-sectional area F1, which is larger than a second cross-sectional area F2, which is covered by the packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ, that is, F1> F2 applies.

Furthermore, the packaging blank 21 can have a holding or carrying element 25, at least in the sales state VZ, so that the articles 30 combined with the packaging blank 21 can be easily held and carried. According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the holding or carrying element 25 is formed when the packaging blank 21 is transferred from the storage state LZ to the sales state VZ. For example, corresponding incisions 26 are provided on the packaging blank 21 which, in conjunction with correspondingly positioned kink folds 24, cause the holding or carrying element 25 to be formed when the packaging blank 21 is folded out.

Figures 3 to 6 show different embodiments of a first secondary packaging means 20 each in a sales state VZ in a side view. At least partial areas are bent or arched upwards or downwards when transferring to the sales state VZ, whereby the three-dimensional shape is created. In FIG. 6, in particular, a first secondary packaging means 20 is shown, in which a holding or carrying element 25 is formed in the sales state VZ.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device 1 for producing packaging units 35 according to FIG. 7, in which at least two articles 30 are combined by a first secondary packaging means 20 and by at least one second secondary packaging means 40. The articles 30, for example the bottles or cans filled with beverages, are supplied via a supplying transport device 2.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the articles 30 are fed in individual rows in aisles 3 separated from one another by aisle plates 4. The articles 30 are removed from the aisles 4 and arranged in a rotary module 5 on each of the turntables 6. By means of the turntable 6, the articles 30 can be aligned on the basis of certain equipment features. For example, it is desirable in the trade if at least one barcode marking the article 30 and / or other information carrier within a packaging unit is directed outwards and is thus clearly visible. The alignment of the articles 30 can in particular be monitored by sensors and controlled accordingly. However, the orientation of the articles 30 is not important for the present invention; this therefore only represents an optional component of the packaging device 1. The articles 30 are then fed to a first packaging module 7 for applying and securing the first secondary packaging means 20, which is provided in the form of a flat packaging blank 21 (see FIG. 1), to the at least two articles 30. At least one magazine 8 is assigned to this, in which flat packaging blanks 21 are held in the storage state LZ. A first removal tool (not shown) removes at least one packaging blank 21 from the magazine 8 and inserts it into a forming device 9.

For example, the removal tool is a vacuum suction device that sucks the flat packaging blank 21 in the magazine 8, transports it to the forming device 9 and deposits it there by releasing the vacuum. Alternatively, the packaging blank 21 can be held by means of a clamp, suitable pneumatics, etc., which is released accordingly.

Subsequent to this or in connection with the time it is deposited, the packaging blank 21 is printed in the forming tool 10. The forming tool 10 is, for example, a so-called folding die 11. The packaging blank 21 is moved from the flat storage condition LZ with a first side length L1 and a first cross-sectional area F1 to the three-dimensional sales condition VZ with a smaller second side length L2 and a smaller second cross-sectional area F2 transferred.

The packaging blank 21 transferred to the sales state VZ is now removed from the folding die 11, for example by a second removal tool (not shown), and pressed onto a set of articles 30 from above and thereby fixed to it. The second removal tool thus simultaneously takes on the function of an application device. The articles 30 are arranged within the assembly according to the arrangement of the passage openings 23 of the packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ. The second removal tool has, in particular, devices which ensure that the packaging blank 21 remains in the sales state VZ.

The articles 30 combined with the packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ are now fed via a discharge belt 16 to a second packaging module 12 in which at least one second secondary packaging means is additionally applied to the articles 30 and fixed. When transporting to the second packaging module 12, it must be ensured that the Order of Article 30 is retained. In particular, suitable devices are provided which ensure that the relative arrangement of the articles 30 does not change, since the packaging blank 21 would then pass from the packaging state VZ back into the storage state LZ or into another intermediate state.

The second packaging module 12 can be, for example, a strapping module 13 in which at least one strapping is attached to the assembly of articles 30. In particular, at least one band-like or strip-like, closed strapping is stretched horizontally around an outside of the article. An inside of the strapping resting against the outside of the article 30 can, if necessary, be firmly fixed at a contact point with at least one of the articles 30. Thus, the strapping can be fixed at the contact point in particular by means of a material connection in the form of at least one welded connection.

Alternatively, the second packaging module 12 can also be, for example, an adhesive module 14 in which the articles 30 are fixed to one another by means of adhesive connections, for example via suitably placed adhesive points at contact points between two articles 30.

Another alternative embodiment can provide that the articles 30 combined with a packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ are arranged on a so-called tray or wrapped with a shrink film, the shrink film being shrunk onto the article 30 combined with a packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ.

By applying the second secondary packaging means, in particular the relative arrangement of the articles 30 to one another in the packaging unit 35 produced thereby (see FIG. 7) is absolutely determined. In the packaging unit 35 created in this way, the sales condition VZ of the packaging blank 21 is also mandatory.

9 shows an embodiment of a shaping device 9 used in the packaging device 1 with a shaping tool 10. In particular, the shaping tool 10 is formed by a folding die 11 made of a softened material. The folding die 11 can be transferred from a first working state to a second working state in order to reshape a packaging blank placed in the folding die 11. In particular, the folding die 11 delimits in the first working state a first cross-sectional area which corresponds to the first cross-sectional area F1 of the packaging blank 21 in the storage state LZ according to FIG. 1.

In the second working state, however, the folding die 11 delimits a second cross-sectional area which corresponds to the second cross-sectional area F2 of the packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ according to FIG. 2. When the folding die 11 is transferred from the first to the second working state, a packaging blank 21 arranged within the folding die 11 is thus transformed from the flat storage state LZ into the three-dimensional sales state VZ.

In order to transfer the folding die 11 from the first working state to the second working state and vice versa, lateral infeed elements 15 can be provided, for example.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic side view of the first embodiment of a packaging device 1 according to FIG. 8. The description of the reference symbols already mentioned in connection with FIG visible features are entered.

The articles supplied via the lanes 3 are removed from the lanes 3 via a suitable first gripper head 50. The first gripper head 50 is equipped, for example, with a corresponding number and arrangement of packing tulips 51, it being possible to change the arrangement of the packing tulips 51 relative to one another. For example, the packing tulips 51 for removing the articles from the aisles 3 can be located in a first arrangement. While the first gripper head 51 conveys the articles in the direction of the rotary module 5, the relative arrangement of the packing tulips 51 is adapted in accordance with the arrangement of the turntable 6, so that each article is centered on a turntable 6. Each turntable 6 is preferably assigned its own drive 17, for example a servo motor.

The first gripper head 50 is vertically movable over a first vertical axis vA1, ie the height of the first gripper head 50 can be adjusted accordingly, in particular for removing the articles from the alleys 3 and for placing the articles on the turntables 6. Furthermore, the first gripper head 50 can be moved laterally between the feeding transport device 2 and the rotary module 5 via a horizontal axis hA. The packaging blanks 21 held in the magazine 8 in the storage state LZ are each removed via a suitable second gripper head 52, which is equipped, for example, with at least one vacuum suction device 53, and fed to the shaping device 9 described above. The second gripper head 52 is vertically movable via a second vertical axis vA2, i.e. the height of the second gripper head 52 can be adjusted accordingly, in particular for removing the packaging blanks 21 from the magazine 8 and storing the packaging blanks 21 in the forming tool 10. Furthermore, the second gripper head 52 can be moved laterally between the magazine 8 and the forming device 9 via the horizontal axis hA.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a packaging device 10 for producing packaging units 35 according to FIG. 7 from above. In contrast to the first embodiment according to FIG. 8, it is provided here that a second packaging module 12 is arranged in front of the first packaging module 7 in a production direction indicated by arrows. In particular, it is provided here that the articles 30 are first combined with a second secondary packaging means 40, for example a strapping 41, and thus their relative arrangement is fixed. This arrangement of articles 30 and second secondary packaging means 40 is referred to below as pre-container 37. Alternatively, adhesive connections or the arrangement of the articles on a tray can also be used as second secondary packaging means 40 in this case.

In particular when using a strapping 41 or an arrangement on a tray, the articles 30 can still be rotated relative to one another within the pre-container 37 in order to adapt their alignment according to certain equipment features. When the article 30 is arranged on a tray, other suitable rotating devices are used instead of turntables 6, which for example grip the article 30 from above.

The pre-packs 37 are fed either to a rotary module 5 or directly to the first packaging module 7 via a transport device 18. In the first packaging module 7, the packaging blanks 21 provided in the storage state LZ are converted into the three-dimensional packaging state VZ in the manner described above and this is pressed onto the articles 30 of the pre-container 37 from above to form a packaging unit 35 / a container 36. FIG. 12 shows a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of a packaging device 1 for producing packaging units 35 from above. The articles 30 are fed individually in aisles 3 and aligned in a rotary module according to preferred equipment features before they are combined in a corresponding arrangement in a strapping module 13 with a second secondary packaging means 40 in the form of strapping 41 to form pre-containers 37.

Analogously to the embodiment according to FIG. 11 in the first packaging module 7, a packaging blank 21 in the three-dimensional sales state VZ is applied to the articles 30 of the pre-packaging 37. The containers 36 produced in this way are fed to further handling via a conveyor belt 16. For example, a palletizable layer is then put together from a plurality of containers 36 and several such layers are stacked one on top of the other for storage and the other on a pallet.

The articles 30 in the container 36 with a packaging blank 21 reshaped into the sales state VZ must always be additionally held together by at least one second secondary packaging means 40, since the packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ tends to return to the storage state LZ. In particular, the packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ alone does not provide sufficient stability for the articles 30 to remain in a desired relative arrangement.

Figures 13A to 13C show different known can shapes. In particular, FIG. 13A shows a standard beverage can 70. In this standard beverage can 70 it can be seen that the lid area 71, which is characterized in particular by a beaded edge, has a significantly smaller diameter d71 than the diameter d72 of the can cylinder 72 the standard beverage cans 70 below the lid area 71 have a neck area 73 with a reduced diameter d73 compared to the lid area 71. In particular, it holds that d72> d71 and that d71> d73.

The slim cans 75 according to FIG. 13B or the sleek cans 76 according to FIG.

13C each have a lid area 71, a can cylinder 72 or body cylinder and a neck area 73 which is arranged below the lid area 71 and has a diameter d73 which is reduced compared to the lid area 71. In contrast to the standard beverage cans 70, with slim cans 75 or sleek cans 76 it is provided that the diameter d72 in the area of the can cylinder 72 essentially corresponds to the diameter d71 of the lid area 71 or is only slightly larger than this. This means that with an arrangement of slim cans 75 standing close to one another or in an arrangement of sleek cans 76 standing close to one another, in which the body cylinders 72 of adjacent slim cans 75 or sleek cans 76 touch each other in a linear fashion, there is no spacing or at least only a very small distance remains between the cover areas 71 of adjacent slim cans 75 or sleek cans 76.

The perspective view of FIG. 14 shows a packaging unit 80, consisting of a conventionally known upper grab carton packaging 78 and standard beverage cans 70. The upper grab carton packaging 78 is formed by a flat packaging blank 79 which has several openings 80 for the standard beverage cans 70, these passage openings 80 being in a rectangular arrangement. Radial incisions 81 extend from the passage openings 80, so that fixing tabs 82 are formed in the edge region of each passage opening 80 between the incisions 81.

During the production of such a packaging unit 77, the packaging blank 79 is turned over onto the standard beverage cans 70 from above, so that the lid areas 71 pass through the openings 80 of the packaging blank 79.

The fixing tabs 82 hook in the neck area below the lid area 71 so that the packaging blank 79 is essentially fixed in place on the standard beverage cans 70. In particular, no noteworthy relative movements or changes in position of the standard beverage cans 70 relative to one another and to the packaging blank 79 are no longer possible.

Thus, the packaging blank 79 can only be removed again from the standard beverage cans 70 of the can group with increased effort with an upward force component, the packaging blank 79 generally being at least partially destroyed. The packaging blank 79 preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or the like. When using a corresponding packaging blank 79 to combine slim cans 75 according to FIG. 13B or sleek cans 76 according to FIG. 13C, a packaging unit would result in which those with slim cans 75 or sleek cans 76 due to their relative to Lid area 71 of slim can cylinder 72 would be arranged at a distance from one another. The use of a modified packaging blank in which the passage openings are arranged closer to one another, on the other hand, would produce the risk that the areas between the passage openings are too narrow and would therefore simply tear out.

The perspective views of FIGS. 15A to 15C each show a packaging blank 85 for producing packaging units, in particular so-called slim or sleek containers 112 (compare FIGS. 19 to 21), in different working or reshaping states.

According to FIG. 15A, the packaging blank 85 is initially provided in a storage state LZ in planar form and has passage openings 86 which are designed such that they are turned up from above onto the slim cans 75 or sleek cans 76 according to FIGS. 13B, 13C can, so that the packaging blank 85 is located below the lid area 72 of the slim cans 75 or sleek cans 76 after attachment to a corresponding can assembly of slim cans 75 or sleek cans 76 and is in particular assigned to the tapered neck area of the cans.

The respective edge area 87 of the passage openings 86 has radial incisions 88, between which fixing tabs 89 are formed, which when the packaging blank 85 is applied to the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 below the lid area of the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 snap into place. As a result, the packaging blank 85 is essentially fixed in place on the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 and can only be removed again from the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 of the group of cans with increased effort with an upward force component, whereby the packaging blank 85 is usually at least partially destroyed. The packaging blank 85 preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or the like.

The packaging blank 85 also has two engagement holes 90, which serve in particular as a carrying device 91 for the packaging unit to be produced. In particular, the user can put his fingers through the engagement holes 90 and thus lift the entire packaging unit for transport or the like.

Furthermore, the packaging blank 85 has kink folds 92 formed between the passage openings 86. In particular, first kink folds 93 are formed in an X direction and, perpendicular thereto, second kink folds 94 are formed in a Y direction. In particular, three parallel creases 92 are formed between two adjacent through openings 86, in particular a middle crease 92m and two outer creases 92a each arranged at the same distance from the middle crease 92m.

Before the packaging blank 85 is attached to a group of cans, it is reshaped or converted into a three-dimensional intermediate state ZZ according to FIG. 15B or into a three-dimensional sales state VZ according to FIG. 15C.

The intermediate condition ZZ and the sale condition VZ differ from the storage condition LZ in that the flat storage condition LZ covers a first cross-sectional area F1, which is larger than a second cross-sectional area F2, which is covered by the packaging blank 85 in the intermediate condition ZZ. In addition, the first cross-sectional area F1 is also larger than a third cross-sectional area F3, which is covered by the packaging blank 85 in the sales state VZ.

It is also provided that the third cross-sectional area F3 of the packaging blank 85 in the sales state VZ is smaller than the second cross-sectional area F2 of the packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ.

When the packaging blank 85 is transferred into the intermediate state ZZ and / or into the sales state VZ, partial areas of the packaging blank 85 are folded up or down between the passage openings 86, whereby webs 95 are formed between the passage openings 86. In particular, the webs 95 are formed in that the respective middle fold 92m of the three parallel folds 9 is folded out of the plane of the packaging blank 85.

In particular, first webs 96 are formed in the X direction by the first kink folds 93 in the X direction and second webs 97 are formed in the Y direction by the second kink folds 94 in the Y direction. These webs 95 serve in particular to stabilize the areas between two respectively adjacent through openings 86. The formation of the webs 95 reduces the length of the packaging blank 85 both in the X direction and in the Y direction, as a result of which the area covered by the packaging blank 85 is correspondingly reduced.

In the state of sale VZ it is provided that the two areas between a central crease 92m and an outer crease 92a each lie directly against one another.

Furthermore, FIGS. 15B and 15C show that in the course of the reshaping of the packaging blank 85, provision can be made for the fixing tabs 89 also to be prepared by kinking. The diameter of the passage openings 86 increases, which facilitates the passage of the lid areas of the slim or sleek cans when the packaging blank 85 is applied to the slim or sleek cans.

FIGS. 16A to 16C show various schematic views of a packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ, while FIGS. 17A to 17C show various schematic views of a packaging blank 85 in the sales state VZ.

In particular, FIGS. 16A and 17A each show a view from above; FIGS. 16B and 17B each show a perspective side view and FIGS. 16C and 17C each show a side view. For a description of the reference numbers used in each case, reference can be made to the description of FIGS. 15A to 15C.

The schematic perspective view of FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of a forming tool 100 of a forming device. With the forming tool 100 shown here, four packaging blanks 85 can be transferred from the storage state to the intermediate state ZZ at the same time.

The deformable tool 100 comprises so-called folding dies 101, which enable correct and / or coordinated deformation of the packaging blanks 85 along the prepared kink folds 92, in that they in particular predetermine the kink direction.

Analogously to the folds 92, the forming tool has first folding dies 102 in the X direction and second folding dies 103 in the Y direction. In particular, the folding matrices 101 have a so-called folding roof 104 with a folding ridge 105 and folding bevel 108. The arrangement of the folding matrices 101 corresponds in particular with the arrangement of the folds 92 of a packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ.

The forming tool 100 also includes so-called breaking cones 106 or expansion cones 107. The expansion cones 107 are in a relative arrangement which corresponds to the arrangement of the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 when the packaging blank 85, which has been formed into the intermediate state ZZ, is applied. In addition, the arrangement of the expansion cones 107 corresponds to the arrangement of the passage openings 86 of the packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ.

The flat packaging blank 85 (not shown) in the storage state is pressed onto the forming tool 100 from above. The packaging blank 85 is put over the expansion cone 107 in such a way that an expansion cone 107 protrudes through a respective passage opening 86 of the packaging blank 85.

The packaging blank 85 is pressed down until the respective middle crease 92m rests on the folding ridge 105 of the correspondingly assigned folding die 101 and the areas formed between the middle crease 92m and an adjacent outer crease 92a rest on the folding bevel 108 starting from the folding ridge 105.

The packaging blank 85 is pressed so far down on the expansion cones 107 that the fixing tabs 89 in the edge region 87 of the passage openings 86 are bent upwards by the cross-section of the expansion cones 107 which widens downwards, whereby the diameter of the passage openings 86 increases at least slightly .

19 illustrates successive method steps of a first embodiment for the production of packaging units 112. In a first method step (left) the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are combined to form a loose arrangement 110, the loose arrangement 110 being the slim or Sleek cans 75, 76 correspond to the arrangement of the passage openings 86 of the packaging blank 85 used in a reshaped intermediate state ZZ.

In a second method step (in the middle, see arrow direction), a packaging blank 85 that has been formed into the intermediate state ZZ is applied to the loose arrangement 110, in particular pressed onto the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 from above and onto the slim or sleek cans 75, 76, in particular below the Lid area 72 in the tapered neck area 73. The can arrangement combined with a packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ is referred to below as pre-container 111, 111a.

In connection with the reshaping of the packaging blank 85 or between the reshaping of the packaging blank 85 and its application to the slim or sleek cans 75, 76, an adhesive is applied to the areas between the respective outer folds 92a and the middle folds 92m.

The slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are then pressed together in a third process step (right, see arrow direction) so that the respectively adjacent slim or sleek cans 75, 76 touch one another on their outer circumferential surfaces at vertical contact surfaces or contact lines. Here, the packaging blank 85 is transferred to the sales state VZ with the formation of the webs 95.

The webs 95 are fixed and stabilized by gluing the adjacent areas formed between the respective outer kink folds 92a and the middle kink folds 92m. After the adhesive has hardened, the sales state VZ of the packaging blank 85 is fixed. This embodiment of a finished packaging unit 112 is identified by the reference number 112a to distinguish it from the following alternative embodiments.

An alternative embodiment can provide that, in connection with the assembly of the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 as a loose arrangement 110, adhesive is applied in areas to the outer circumferential surfaces of the slim or sleek cans 75, 76, in particular in areas that are shown in FIG of the finished packaging unit 112 form contact areas with adjacent slim or sleek cans 75, 76.

When the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are pressed together, adhesive connections are thus produced between respectively adjacent slim or sleek cans 75, 76. In addition, as described above, the packaging blank 85 is transferred to the sales state VZ with the formation of the webs 95. In this variant, gluing the webs 95 to one another can optionally be dispensed with.

In particular, three variants of a packaging unit 112a are thus possible: in the first variant, the webs 95 of the packaging blank 85 are glued to themselves in the sales state VZ; in the second variant, the respectively adjacent slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are glued to one another, and in the third variant In a variant, the respectively adjacent slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are glued to one another, the webs 95 of the packaging blank 85 being additionally glued to one another.

20 shows successive method steps of a further embodiment variant for the production of packaging units 112. The first and second method steps correspond to the method steps described in connection with FIG. 19, ie first a loose arrangement 110 of slim or sleek cans 75, 76 is put together and the packaging blank 85, which has been formed into the intermediate state ZZ, is applied to this, whereby a pre-pack 111a is formed in which the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are still in a loose arrangement 110.

In this case, a strapping 113 is subsequently applied to the pre-container 111a (FIG. 20 right). The strip-like strapping 113 is stretched horizontally around an outside of the pre-container 111a and optionally firmly fixed at a contact point with itself and optionally additionally to at least one slim or sleek can 75, 76. Thus, the strapping 113 can be fixed at the contact point in particular by means of a material connection in the form of at least one welded connection.

However, such a contact point of the strapping 113 on one of the outer surfaces of the slim or sleek can 75, 76 is by no means mandatory, since the strapping 113 is already firmly attached to the outer surfaces of the strapped slim or sleek cans 75, 76 due to the applied strapping tension can adhere. When the strapping 113 is attached, the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 combined in a loose arrangement 110 in the pre-container 111a are pressed against one another and the packaging blank 85 is transferred to the sales state VZ.

In this context, too, gluing of the webs 95 can be provided, but this is not absolutely necessary since the packaging blank 85 is in the sales state VZ due to the arrangement of the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 determined by the strapping 113 is forced. The packaging unit 112 formed in this way is given the reference number 112b for differentiation.

The strapping 113 is preferably a strip-shaped strapping or banderole, which for example consists of a paper, a Paper-like material, a composite material or a plastic material or the like can be formed.

21 shows successive method steps of a further embodiment variant for the production of packaging units 112, the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 first being combined by a second secondary packaging means 115.

In a first method step, an assembly 114 of slim or sleek cans 75, 76 is produced (left). Depending on the second secondary packaging means 115 used subsequently, it can be a loose arrangement 110 or a close arrangement in which adjacent slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are already in contact with one another.

In a second method step (central representation, see arrow direction) the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 of the assembly 114 are combined by a strapping 113 to form a pre-container 111b, in which the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are narrow stand pressed together.

Subsequently, a packaging blank 85 that has been reshaped into the sales state VZ is applied to the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 and a packaging unit 112b is formed in this way (on the right, see arrow direction).

The webs 925 of the packaging blank 85 are preferably connected to one another by gluing to ensure that the packaging blank 85, which has been reshaped into the sales state VZ, does not go into the storage state or before being applied to the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 regresses an intermediate state.

Alternatively, holding devices or the like can also be provided which fix the packaging blank 85 in the sales state VZ.

FIG. 22 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a packaging device 120 for producing packaging units 112 according to FIG. 19, in which at least two slim or sleek cans are combined by a packaging blank 85. The slim or sleek cans 75, 76 filled with beverages are fed via a feeding transport device 121. In the present exemplary embodiment, the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are fed in individual rows in lanes 122 separated from one another by lane plates 123. The slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are removed from the alleys 122 and arranged in a rotary module 124 on turntables 125. The turntable 125 allows the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 to be aligned on the basis of certain equipment features.

Such an alignment can be desired, for example, in the trade, if at least one barcode marking the slim or sleek can 75, 76 and / or other information carrier within a packaging unit should be directed outwards and thus be clearly visible. The alignment of the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 can in particular be monitored by sensors and controlled accordingly.

However, the orientation of the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 is not important for the present invention; this therefore only represents an optional component of the packaging device 120.

The slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are then fed to a first packaging module 126 for applying and securing the packaging blank 85, which has been formed into the intermediate state ZZ, to the at least two slim or sleek cans 75, 76.

At least one magazine 127 is assigned to the first packaging module 126, in which flat packaging blanks 85 are held in the storage state LZ. A first removal tool (not shown) removes at least one packaging blank 85 from the magazine 127 and inserts it into a forming device 128.

The shaping device 128 contains, for example, a shaping tool 1000, as has been described in connection with FIG. 18. For example, the removal tool is a vacuum suction device which sucks the flat packaging blank 85 in the magazine 127, transports it to the forming device 128 and deposits it there by releasing the vacuum. Alternatively, the packaging blank 65 can be held by means of a clamp, suitable pneumatics, etc., which is released accordingly.

Subsequent to this or in connection with the time it is deposited, the packaging blank 65 is pressed into the forming tool 100, as a result of which the packaging blank 85 is transferred to the intermediate state ZZ. The reshaped The packaging blank 85 is now removed from the forming tool 100, for example by a second removal tool (not shown), and is pressed onto a loose arrangement of slim or sleek cans 75, 76 from above and thereby fixed to it. The second removal tool thus simultaneously takes on the function of an application device. The slim or sleek cans 75, 76 are arranged within the loose arrangement in accordance with the arrangement of the passage openings 86 of the packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ.

The first packaging module 126 further comprises an adhesive application device 130 for applying an adhesive to shaped or to be reshaped areas of the packaging blank 85, in particular to the areas with the folds that subsequently form the webs between the passage openings 86 of the packaging blank 85.

The folding webs can also be glued in particular in the forming tool 100 or in the application head of the first packaging module 126 or by approaching a separate adhesive application device 130.

The slim or sleek cans 75, 76 combined with the packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ are now pressed together in a further handling module 129 to form the finished sales units 112, 112a, so that adjacent slim or sleek cans 75, 76 each other contact in areas, in particular in vertical areas on their outer circumferential surface, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body cylinder. In the process, the packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ is transferred to the sales state VZ, with stabilizing webs protruding upward being formed between the passage openings 86.

The handling module 129 can alternatively be, for example, a strapping module 131 in which at least one strapping tape is attached to the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 combined with a packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ, i.e. on the pre-container 111. In this case, packaging units 112b are formed as shown in FIG. 8.

Alternatively, it can be an adhesive module in which the slim or sleek boxes 75, 76 are fixed to one another by means of adhesive connections, for example, using suitably placed adhesive dots at contact points between slim or sleek boxes 75,76.

Another alternative embodiment can provide that the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 combined with a packaging blank 85 in the intermediate state ZZ are arranged on a so-called tray and pressed together or wrapped with a shrink film and pressed together, the shrink film being applied to the with a packaging blank 85 in the sales state VZ combined slim or sleek cans 75, 76 is shrunk on.

If one of the second secondary packaging means described above is used, it may be possible to dispense with gluing the webs.

23 shows a schematic side illustration of the first embodiment of a packaging device 120 according to FIG. 22. The description of the reference symbols already mentioned in connection with FIG visible features are entered.

The slim or sleek cans 75, 76 supplied via the lanes 122 are removed from the lanes 122 via a suitable first gripper head 132. The first gripper head 132 is equipped, for example, with a corresponding number and arrangement of so-called packing tulips 133 (gripper elements), with the arrangement of the packing tulips 133 being able to be changed relative to one another. For example, the packing tulips 133 for removing the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 from the lanes 122 can be in a first arrangement.

While the first gripper head 132 conveys the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 in the direction of the rotary module 124, the relative arrangement of the packing tulips 133 is adapted according to the arrangement of the rotary plates 125, so that each slim or sleek can 75, 76 each centered on a turntable 125 is deposited. Each turntable 125 is preferably assigned its own drive 136, for example formed by a servomotor.

The first gripper head 132 is vertically movable over a first vertical axis vA1, ie the height of the first gripper head 132 can be used in particular to remove the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 from the lanes 122 and to set down the slim or sleek cans 75, 76 set accordingly on the turntables 125 become. Furthermore, the first gripper head 132 can be moved laterally between the feeding transport device 121 and the rotary module 124 via a horizontal axis hA.

The packaging blanks 85 held in the magazine 127 in the storage state LZ are each removed via a suitable second gripper head 134, which can be equipped, for example, with at least one vacuum suction device 135, and fed to the above-described shaping device 128. The second gripper head 134 is vertically movable via a second vertical axis vA2, i.e. the height of the second gripper head 134 can be adjusted accordingly, in particular for removing the packaging blanks 85 held in the storage state LZ from the magazine 127 and for depositing the packaging blanks 85 in the forming tool 100. Furthermore, the second gripper head 134 can be moved laterally between the magazine 127 and the forming device 128 via the horizontal axis hA.

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 figures, this in no way means that the figure representations 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 packing device

2 feeding transport device

3 alley

4 aisle sheet

5 rotary module

6 turntables

7 first packaging module

8 magazine

9 Forming device

10 forming tool 11 folding die 12 second packaging module

13 strapping module

14 adhesive module

15 lateral feed elements

16 conveyor belt

17 drive

18 transport device 20 first secondary packaging means 21 packaging blank 22 carton blank

23 openings

24 folds

25 holding or carrying element

26 incision

30 items

31 bottle

32 screw cap

33 neck ring

35 packaging unit

36 containers

37 pre-containers

40 second secondary packaging means

41 strip-shaped strapping 50 first gripper head 51 packing tulip

52 second gripper head

53 vacuum cups

70 standard beverage can

71 Lid area

72 cylindrical body, can cylinder

73 tapered neck area

75 slim jar

76 sleek can

77 packaging unit

78 top cardboard packaging

79 Packaging cut, flat packaging cut

80 passage openings 81 radial incision 82 fixing tab

85 Cut to size for packaging

86 passage opening

87 border area

88 radial incision

89 fixing tab

90 engagement hole

91 carrying device

92 creases 92a outer creases 92m middle of three parallel creases

93 first crease in the X direction

94 second creases in the Y-direction

95 bridge

96 first web in X-direction

97 second web in Y-direction 100 forming tool 101 folding dies 102 first folding die in X-direction

103 second folding die in Y-direction

104 folding roof

105 folding ridge 106 crushing cone

107 expansion cone

108 Folding bevel 110 loose arrangement of slim or sleek boxes

111, 111a, 111b pre-container 112, 112a, 112b packaging unit, slim container, sleek container

113 strapping

114 Compilation 120 packaging device, packaging device 121 feeding transport device 122 lane

123 alley sheet

124 rotary module

125 turntables

126 first packaging module

127 magazine

128 Forming device

129 handling module

130 Adhesive Applicator

131 second packaging module, strapping module

132 first gripper head

133 packing tulip

134 second gripper head

135 vacuum cups

136 drive

A1 first distance

F1 first cross-sectional area

F2 second cross-sectional area

F3 third cross-sectional area d71 diameter of lid area d72 diameter of can cylinder d73 diameter of neck area hA horizontal axis

L1 first (side) length

L2 second (side) length LZ bearing condition mA1 first mean distance mA2 second mean distance vA1 first vertical axis vA2 second vertical axis

VZ sales condition

Claims

Expectations

1. Packaging device (1) for producing packaging units (35), the packaging units (35) comprising at least two articles (30) which are combined by a first secondary packaging means (20) and by at least one second secondary packaging means (40), the packaging device ( 1) comprehensive

• a feed device (2) for the at least two articles (30) or for combinations of at least two articles (30);

• a first packaging module (7) for applying and fixing the first secondary packaging means (20) provided in the form of a flat packaging blank (21) to the at least two articles (30);

• a second packaging module (12) for applying the second secondary packaging means (40) to the at least two articles (30),

• wherein the first packaging module (7) comprises a forming device (9) for the first secondary packaging means (20).

2. Packaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the forming device (9) is designed to convert the first secondary packaging means (20) from a flat storage state (LZ) with a first cross-sectional area (F1) into a three-dimensional sales state (VZ), wherein the state of sale (VZ) covers a second cross-sectional area (F2) which is smaller than the first cross-sectional area (F1).

3. Packaging device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first packaging module (7) further comprises an application device which is designed to attach the first secondary packaging means (20), which has been transferred to the sales state (VZ), to the at least two articles (30) to attach.

4. Packaging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forming device (9) consists at least partially of a softened material.

5. Packaging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forming device (9) comprises a folding die (11), wherein the folding die (11) can be transferred from a first working state to a second working state, and wherein the folding die (11) from the second working state can be returned to the first working state.

6. Packaging device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the folding die (11) delimits a first cross-sectional area in the first working state and wherein the folding die

(11) delimits a second cross-sectional area in the second working state

7. Packaging device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the folding die (11) infeed elements (15) are assigned, the infeed elements (15) for transferring the folding die (11) from the first working state to the second working state and from the second working state to the first working state are formed.

8. Packaging device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first packaging module (7) has a first removal tool (52) for removing a first secondary packaging means (20) in the flat storage state (LZ) from one of the first packaging module (7) includes associated magazine (8).

9. Packaging device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first packaging module (7) comprises a second removal tool for removing the first secondary packaging means (20) in the formed sales state (VZ) from the forming device (9).

10. Packaging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first packaging module (7) is arranged in a production direction in front of the second packaging module (12) or wherein the second packaging module

(12) is arranged in a production direction in front of the first packaging module (7).

11. Packaging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second packaging module (12) is a strapping module, an insertion module, an adhesive module or a shrink module.

12. A method for producing packaging units (35) comprising at least two articles (30), the at least two articles (30) being combined by a first secondary packaging means (20) and by at least one second secondary packaging means (40), the method comprising the following steps :

• Reshaping of the first secondary packaging means (20) and

• applying and fixing the reshaped first secondary packaging means (20) to the at least two articles (30); in particular a method for producing packaging units (35) with a packaging device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first secondary packaging means (20) is converted from a flat storage state (LZ) with a first cross-sectional area (F1) into a three-dimensional sales state (VZ) by the deformation, the sales state (VZ) having a second cross-sectional area (F2) which is smaller than the first cross-sectional area (F1).

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a handle (25) for the packaging unit (35) is formed during the reshaping of the first secondary packaging means (20).

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein in a first method step the reshaped first secondary packaging means (20) is attached to the at least two articles (30) and wherein in a subsequent second method step the at least one second secondary packaging means (40) is attached to the at least two articles (30) is attached or wherein in a first method step the at least one second secondary packaging means (40) is attached to the at least two articles (30) and wherein in a subsequent second method step the reshaped first secondary packaging means (20) is attached to the at least two Articles (30) is attached.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein containers are used as the article (30), in particular beverage containers made of PET.