WO2021204457A1

WO2021204457A1 - Packaging device and method for packaging articles

Info

Publication number: WO2021204457A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/054565
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Eschlbeck; Thomas HENSEL; Wolfgang Huber; Peter Koch; Johann LUBER; Herbert Spindler; Jürgen Werner
Original assignee: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2020-04-06
Filing date: 2021-02-24
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Also published as: CN218751609U; US20230130558A1; DE102020109565A1; EP4132852A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging device (1) for producing multipacks each having a plurality of articles. The packaging device (1) comprises at least one horizontal conveying apparatus and at least one manipulator (25, 35). Article groups are moved into a working zone (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35) by means of the at least one horizontal conveying apparatus. The at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed to combine the articles of each article group that is moved, by means of the at least one horizontal conveying apparatus, into the working zone (AP1, AP2) of the manipulator, and for this purpose the at least one manipulator can apply at least one packaging means (40) to each article group. The packaging device (1) further comprises at least one supporting and/or pushing bar for contacting the back of each article group, which at least one supporting and/or pushing bar for contacting the back of each article group is guided along a preferably peripheral motion path, which preferably peripheral motion path runs through the working zone (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35).

Description

Packaging device and method for packaging

Articles

The present invention relates to a packaging device and a method for packaging articles with the features of the respective independent claims.

Containers, which can be formed by beverage bottles, beverage cans or the like, for example, are often sold as bundles in which several containers are put together and combined with the aid of a packaging means. In practice, such packaging means can be formed, for example, by strapping or by shrink film, with the containers of a respective container being held tightly to one another as a finished sales unit. In addition, so-called bottle clips have existed for some time, which are designed as flat packaging blanks, have an associated opening for each container of a respective container and hold the respective containers of a respective container to one another in a form-fitting manner.

It can be provided, for example, that a bottle clip is applied to containers in different formation, whereby the containers are connected to form bundles. Such bottle clips are designed, for example, in the form of a perforated plate, as multiple-connected lids or the like.

Bottle clips often have an additional handle function. For the transport of several groups of containers combined by means of bottle clips, these are, for example, put together to form larger groups in a box or on a pallet, the box being closed for further transport and the composition on the pallet being wrapped, for example, with shrink film.

It is also known to place several groups of containers combined by means of bottle clips on a so-called tray for transport, which tray has an edge folded upwards to hold the beverage containers in a form-fitting manner, which have already been combined into containers via bottle clips.

Bottle clips are usually applied to the respective group of containers in a separate machine. The packaging process and the associated machine areas are divided up by the stand-alone, independent machine. Such machines require a lot of space if they are to be set up in a machine shop.

The bottle clips are usually applied after the articles have been grouped. This interrupts the usual process chain in the packaging machines. For the subsequent process, for example closing the outer box or wrapping the grouped items with a foil wrapper, the grouped items have to be once again placed on a fixed machine division and fed to the machine for applying the bottle clips. Only then can the box be closed or wrapped with foil. In addition to the already mentioned disadvantage of the high space requirement for the overall system, it cannot be ruled out in such embodiments that a malfunction occurs due to the numerous modules required to produce a container.

Solutions are already known which integrate the application of bottle clips into the process sequence. DE 102009 026220 A1 describes a method and a device for grouping and connecting articles, in which at least two articles are combined to form a container unit by applying a first packaging means. In the course of a continuous conveying movement, the individual packaging units are connected to an additional, second packaging means to form a larger unit.

The object of the invention is to provide a packaging device which has a compact structure and can combine several articles in the most reliable way possible by means of a packaging means to form a container.

Furthermore, an object of the invention can be seen in providing a method with which a plurality of articles can be combined into a container in a simple and space-saving manner via a packaging means.

The above objects are achieved by a packaging device and by a method which comprise the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a method for combining several articles by means of at least one packaging means to form a container. The articles which are combined to form a container by means of the method can, for example, be designed as beverage containers and in particular as beverage bottles and / or as beverage cans. Within the scope of the method, an article group is formed from several articles to be combined into a respective container, with at least one manipulator subsequently applying at least one packaging means to the respective article group and thereby combining the respective article group into a container via the at least one applied packaging means.

The article group can be formed, for example, by initially moving articles in several parallel rows, whereupon the articles provided for a respective article group are accelerated compared to trailing articles, so that a gap arises between the accelerated articles and trailing articles. For this purpose, for example, at least two conveyor belts can be provided, which connect to one another in one direction of movement of the articles, with a conveyor belt at the front in the direction of movement of the articles having a higher transport speed for articles than a conveyor belt set back in the direction of movement of the articles and / or with one in the direction of movement of the articles set back conveyor belt is operated intermittently.

There are also embodiments in which at least one restraint means is provided which allows articles intended for a respective article group to pass and temporarily delays further articles which follow these articles intended for the respective article group.

In the method it is provided that at least one support and / or push bar is brought into contact with the respective article group on the rear side with regard to a direction of movement of the respective article group. Furthermore, the application of the at least one packaging means takes place via the at least one manipulator, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar is in contact with the respective article group at the rear with regard to the direction of movement of the respective article group.

As a result, the respective article group can be stabilized during the application of the at least one packaging means via the at least one support and / or push bar, which is in contact with the article group on the rear, so that the risk of articles tipping over unintentionally when the at least one is applied Packaging means is kept low. In addition, through the use of such a push bar, an exact position of the articles to be equipped with packaging means can be determined without the need for additional sensor devices must be used whose signal assignment and signal processing is relatively complex and can lead to delays in the packaging process.

The movement of the support and / or push bar can be such that a respective support and / or push bar is brought into contact with articles intended for a respective article group, the articles of a respective article group are then temporarily accelerated and thereby spaced from trailing articles.

Thus, the at least one support and / or push bar can itself form an article group from several articles to be combined into a respective container, in that the respective support and / or push bar, with regard to a direction of movement of the respective article group, initially on the back with articles intended for a respective article group is brought into system and the articles provided for a respective article group are at least temporarily accelerated compared to lagging articles.

An advantage preferably used in the present context, which is associated with a rear contact of the at least one support and / or push bar, is to be found in the fact that the respective position of the respective article group is known or is known due to the rear contact of the support and / or push bar . coincides exactly with a specified target position. In this way, it can be ensured with a high degree of certainty that the at least one packaging means can be applied to the respective article group without problems via the at least one manipulator.

A movement to be carried out to apply the respective packaging means to the respective article group via the at least one manipulator can thus be timed to the respective actual position of the respective support and / or push bar, which is rearward with the respective article group with regard to a direction of movement of the article group is attached.

Embodiments have proven to be useful in which the at least one packaging means is applied to the respective article group via the at least one manipulator, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar pushes the respective article group slidingly along a pushing plate with rear contact. The respective article group can already be formed before the respective at least one push bar comes into contact with the respective article group at the rear. In addition, embodiments are conceivable in which the at least one support and / or push bar comes into abutment on the back with articles of a respective article group to be formed, accelerates these articles compared to following articles and thereby produces or forms a respective article group from the accelerated articles.

It is also conceivable that at least two handrails oriented in the direction of movement of the respective article group are provided, which are located on both sides of the path of movement of the transported article groups. It can be the case here that the respective article group is guided laterally over the at least two handrails oriented in the direction of movement of the respective article group while the at least one packaging means is being applied.

Furthermore, the at least one support and / or push bar can be guided along a circumferential movement path by means of at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, or traction means formed by a chain or belt, and in the course of a guide along the circumferential movement path on the back with the respective Article group are brought into the system. The at least one support and / or push bar can then be in contact with the respective article group on the rear side with regard to the direction of movement of the respective article group while the at least one packaging means is applied via the at least one manipulator.

In preferred embodiments, at least two endless pulling means are provided, to which a plurality of support and / or pushing bars are each attached, the at least two endless pulling means jointly guiding the multitude of supporting and / or pushing bars along the circumferential movement path.

In practice, embodiments have thus proven themselves in which a large number of support and / or push bars are guided along the circumferential movement path by means of the at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, with a respective support and / or push bar of the plurality of support and / or push bar is brought into contact with a respective group of articles on the rear side. The respective support and / or push bar can then be in contact with the respective article group at the rear during continuous guidance along the circumferential path of movement with regard to the direction of movement of the respective article group, while the at least one packaging means is applied via the at least one manipulator.

The at least one manipulator can be designed as a component of at least one work module, the periphery of which is defined by at least one carrying and / or support structure of the at least one work module. It is conceivable here, for example, that the at least one manipulator is suspended from the carrying and / or support structure defining the periphery of the at least one work module.

In particular, the at least one manipulator can be mechanically fastened to the carrying and / or support structure of the at least one work module that defines the periphery.

It has proven useful if the at least one manipulator is carried via at least one linear guide on the carrying and / or support structure defining the periphery of the at least one work module, via which at least one linear guide the at least one manipulator can be moved along the direction of movement of the group of articles.

It can furthermore be that the at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, runs in sections outside the periphery defined by the carrying and / or support structure. As a result, the at least one support and / or push bar can also be moved outside of the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure via the at least one endless traction means.

In addition, it may be that the chain and / or belt drive, in particular having an endless traction mechanism, runs in sections outside the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure. As a result, the at least one support and / or push bar can also be moved outside of the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure via the at least one endless traction means. The at least one manipulator can be designed as a portal system or as part of a portal system. In addition, there are further embodiments in which the at least one manipulator can be designed as a multi-axis robot and / or as a delta kinematics robot.

Embodiments have proven useful in which the at least one manipulator is designed as a component of the at least one work module, the periphery of which, as already mentioned, is defined by at least one carrying and / or support structure of the at least one work module. The at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, can run in sections outside and in this case also in sections above or in the vertical direction over the periphery defined by the carrying and / or support structure.

A particular advantage of the mentioned embodiments can be seen in the fact that the chain or belt drive and / or the endless traction means together with the supporting and / or pushing bars guided thereon passes through a single work module or through two or more successive work modules and connects them with one another for transport purposes , wherein the return of the endless traction means together with the support and / or push bars guided thereon also takes place via a work module or over two or more work modules.

In this way, no coupling and / or synchronization problems between successively arranged work modules are to be expected, which could be the case with conventional configurations if, for example, several work modules, each equipped with dividing devices in the form of circumferential dividing bars or the like, to be coupled with each other and synchronized in terms of conveying technology.

In particular for these configurations and machine equipment, the system according to the invention with the cross-module pushing devices represents a significant improvement and simplification, even if the new problem of pushing bar guidance through several modules and pushing bar return across several modules has to be solved. However, since the advantages predominate, the additional effort of the push and / or contact bar guide can be accepted. In order to be able to keep the risk of unintentional contact with the at least one endless traction means low and thereby counteract injury to a person, embodiments have proven useful in which a section of the at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, which is outside the over the Supporting and / or support structure defined periphery runs, inaccessible from the outside through a housing or inaccessible from the outside through a channel.

If the at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, runs in sections outside and in this case also in sections above or in the vertical direction over the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure, it may be that a section which is outside and in this case also runs in sections above or in the vertical direction above the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure, inaccessible from the outside through an enclosure or inaccessible from the outside through a channel.

In the method, at least one first manipulator and at least one second manipulator can be provided. It is conceivable here that the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator work together to apply a plurality of different packaging means to a respective group of articles.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it can be the case that the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator are assigned different article groups, if necessary via a control and / or regulating device, the at least one first manipulator applying at least one packaging material to article groups which are intended for the at least one first manipulator have been assigned, and wherein the at least one second manipulator applies at least one packaging means to article groups which have been assigned to the at least one second manipulator.

It can also be the case that the packaging material is applied to the respective article group via the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar is in contact with the respective article group at the rear.

The multiple articles can be formed by multiple beverage containers.

Furthermore, the at least one packaging means can be provided by at least one flat Packaging blank be or will be formed, which provides a respective opening for a respective beverage container of a respective beverage container group.

In the method it can then be provided that the at least one manipulator applies the respective at least one packaging means formed by a flat packaging blank onto a respective beverage container group in the direction from above, so that the respective beverage containers of a respective beverage container group immerse into a respective opening, following this be held together in a form-fitting manner via the respective flat packaging blank that has been applied and are combined to form a bundle via the flat packaging blank that has been applied.

It can also be the case that a formed group of articles drives onto a tray, with the at least one manipulator subsequently applying the at least one packaging means to the respective article group, the respective article group still being on the tray.

The invention also relates to a packaging device for producing bundles each having a plurality of articles. Features that have already been mentioned above for various embodiments of the method can also be provided in the embodiments of a packaging device described below and are in some cases not mentioned more than once. Features described below, which are mentioned in connection with the described embodiments of the following packaging device, can also be provided in the already described embodiments of the method according to the invention. The packaging device can optionally be designed or prepared to implement or carry out the embodiments of the method already described above.

The packaging device comprises at least one horizontal conveyor device and at least one manipulator. The at least one horizontal conveyor device is designed in such a way that article groups can be moved into a working area of the at least one manipulator via the at least one horizontal conveyor device. Furthermore, the at least one manipulator can be used to combine respective articles of a respective one via the at least one horizontal conveyor device in his work area moving article group apply at least one packaging means to the respective article group.

The packaging device comprises at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, which at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably encircling movement path, which is preferably encircling movement path the working area of the at least one manipulator runs.

Embodiments have proven useful in which a pushing plate is positioned in the working area of the at least one manipulator, along which pushing plate the at least one support and / or pushing bar can slide a respective group of articles with rear contact through the working area of the at least one manipulator.

The at least one support and / or push bar as well as the push plate positioned in the working area of the at least one manipulator can thus form the at least one horizontal conveyor device or be designed as a component of the at least one horizontal conveyor device. It can also be the case that the at least one horizontal conveyor device is formed by at least one conveyor belt which moves at least one conveyor belt groups of articles into a work area of the at least one manipulator.

The at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles can also be connected to at least one endless traction means, preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, via which at least one endless traction means, preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, of the at least a support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along the preferably circumferential movement path which runs through the working area of the at least one manipulator.

In further embodiments, the at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles can also be guided via an electromagnetic direct drive and / or via further drives along the preferably circulating movement path, which circulating movement path goes through the working area of the at least one manipulator runs. It is conceivable that the at least one manipulator is designed as a component of at least one work module of the packaging device, which at least one work module has at least one support and / or support structure that defines a periphery of the at least one work module. It can be the case here that the preferably encircling movement path runs in sections outside the periphery defined by the at least one support and / or support structure.

In particular, it can be that the at least one manipulator is designed as a component of at least one work module of the packaging device, which at least one work module has at least one support and / or support structure that defines a periphery of the at least one work module. It can be the case here that the preferably circumferential movement path runs in sections outside and here in sections above or in the vertical direction over the periphery defined by the at least one support and / or support structure.

The packaging device can optionally include at least one horizontal conveyor device and two or more manipulators in downstream work modules. The at least one horizontal conveyor device is designed in such a way that article groups can be moved via the at least one horizontal conveyor device into a work area of a manipulator and then into the work area of a further manipulator.

Furthermore, one of the manipulators for combining the respective articles of a respective article group moved into its working area via the at least one horizontal conveyor device can apply at least one packaging means to the respective article group.

In addition, in the interest of higher machine performance, a further manipulator can apply similar packaging means to groups of items not previously equipped with packaging means. Optionally, a further manipulator can apply different types of packaging to article groups previously equipped with first packaging.

The packaging device comprises at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, which at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably encircling movement path, which is preferably encircling movement path the one behind the other arranged and typically directly adjoining working areas of the manipulators runs therethrough.

Embodiments have proven themselves in which a push plate or a common push plate is positioned in the respective work areas of the manipulators, along which push plate (s) the at least one support and / or push bar slides a respective group of articles with rear contact through the work area of the successive arranged manipulators can slide.

The at least one support and / or push bar and the push plate positioned in the working areas of the manipulators can thus form the at least one horizontal conveyor device or be designed as a component of the at least one horizontal conveyor device. It can also be that the at least one horizontal conveyor device is formed by at least one conveyor belt which moves at least one conveyor belt groups of items into a work area of the manipulators or into work areas of the manipulators.

The at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles can also be connected to at least one endless traction means, preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, via which at least one endless traction means, preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, of the at least a support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along the preferably circumferential movement path which runs through the working areas of the two or more manipulators.

In further embodiments, the at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles can also be guided via an electromagnetic direct drive and / or via further drives along the preferably circulating movement path, which circulating movement path runs through the working areas of the manipulators.

It is also conceivable that the manipulators are each designed as components of work modules of the packaging device, the work modules each having a common carrying and / or support structure which defines a periphery of the two or more work modules. It can be the case here that the preferably encircling movement path in sections outside the through the at least one Support and / or support structure defined periphery of the multiple work modules runs.

In particular, it can be that the manipulators are each designed as components of work modules of the packaging device that are coupled to one another and arranged one after the other in the transport direction, the work modules having at least one support and / or support structure that defines a common periphery of the work modules. It can be the case here that the preferably circumferential movement path runs in sections outside and here in sections above or in the vertical direction over the periphery defined by the at least one support and / or support structure.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that a section of the preferably circumferential movement path running outside through the at least one support and / or support structure runs through a housing formed as a component of the packaging device or runs through a channel closed as a component of the packaging device.

In various embodiments, the packaging device can comprise at least one first manipulator and at least one second manipulator, which are connected to a control and / or regulating device. It may be that

the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator can be actuated via the control and / or regulating device for applying a plurality of different packaging means to a respective group of articles and / or that

- Different article groups can be assigned to the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator via the control and / or regulating device, it being provided that the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator by means of the control and / or regulating device can be actuated to apply packaging materials to the different article groups assigned via the control and / or regulating device.

Such embodiments with several manipulators and several work modules are characterized by a very high throughput. It may be that the at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably circumferential movement path, which preferably circumferential movement path both through a work area of the at least one first manipulator and through a work area of the at least one second manipulator runs.

It can furthermore be that the packaging device is designed to produce bundles each having a plurality of articles, in which bundles the articles are formed by beverage containers. In addition or as an alternative to this, it can be provided that the at least one manipulator designed as flat packaging blanks can apply force to or attach to article groups moving in its work area which flat packaging blanks for each article of a respective article group moved into its work area via the at least one horizontal conveyor device have assigned opening.

The plurality or multiplicity of support and / or push bars can be attached to or attached to the endless traction means individually or at fixed positions. The support and / or push bars can thus be adapted to different processing programs. The method and the device thereby enable, for example, the processing of a wide variety of pack and / or beverage container formations, such as 2x2 formations, 2x3, 2x4 or other formations.

Such beverage container formations that are already wrapped in a tray, for example, can be processed, for example 4x6 formations wrapped around in the tray. On such 4x6 beverage container formations already repackaged in the tray, for example, four outer packagings in the 2x3 format, formed for example by packaging blanks applied to the top of the formations, can be applied or attached with force.

The invention also relates to a packaging device for applying packaging means to at least one article group, comprising

- At least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, - At least two work modules, each comprising a manipulator for applying designed packaging materials to groups of articles moving in their respective work areas,

- A guide for the support and / or push bar is provided, which, viewed in the transport direction, extends along at least both work areas of the two work modules.

In particular, the guide extends laterally next to a transport path for the article groups, but parallel to it. The guide can, for example, be a chain guide for a driven chain on which the support or push bars are arranged. In particular, the device can comprise two laterally arranged guides in / on which the support or push bars run. As an alternative to driven chains, a long-stator linear drive with so-called movers can also be used to drive the support or pusher beams, with each pusher beam being arranged on a mover - the mover in turn has rollers, which in turn are arranged in / on the guide.

All aspects mentioned before and after this device can, if possible, also be part of this device.

The invention also relates to a method for applying packaging materials to at least one group of articles, comprising the following steps:

- Pushing of article groups by means of support and / or push bars resting on the rear of the article groups through two work modules, each of which includes a manipulator with a respective work area,

- Application of packaging means by means of both manipulators in their respective work area on the groups of items moved by the support and / or push bars,

- A rear contact of the support and / or push bar on an article group is maintained through at least both work modules and work areas by the same support and / or push bar.

All aspects mentioned before and after this procedure can, if possible, also be part of this procedure. In particular, the first contact between the support or push bar and the article group takes place in front of the first work area

In particular, the contact between the support or push bar and the article group is only released again after leaving the second work module, the second work module lying behind the first in the direction of movement.

With the methods and devices presented, it is possible to apply different packaging materials to the article groups in one work cycle. A work cycle means that there is no work interruption of the device.

In particular, it can be the case that blanks of different sizes are applied to groups of items, the blanks differing in the number of items to be picked up.

It can be the case that the first manipulator in the first work area applies at least partially or temporarily different blanks to the article groups than the second manipulator in the second work area.

It may be that one or both manipulators each apply different blanks to the article groups.

It is possible that a manipulator applies two identical blanks to one group of articles in one operation.

It is possible that a manipulator applies two different blanks to one group of articles in one operation.

Several magazines, which are located in the access area of the respective manipulator, can be arranged in or on a work module.

Accordingly, it may be that a manipulator can access two or more magazines in which either the different or the same blanks are kept ready.

In a magazine, two blanks can be arranged next to one another, which are removed together, that is, at the same time.

The manipulators can be equipped with mutually different tools during a work cycle. The tool of a manipulator can be made so wide that it can simultaneously access two magazines lying close together with the same or different blanks.

Finally, a further machine configuration should be mentioned at this point, which is also part of the invention described here. The present invention thus comprises a packaging device or packaging machine which is used to apply packaging means to at least one group of articles. The packaging device or packaging machine comprises at least one support and / or pushing bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles and at least two work modules, each comprising a manipulator for applying configured packaging materials to groups of articles moving in its respective work area.

According to the invention, it is provided that the rear contact by means of the support and / or push bar on the respective moving group of articles is maintained at least until the group of articles leaves the work area of the at least second work module.

In this way, it can be reliably ensured that the precise transport of articles from one work module to the next into the next work module is maintained, so that the manipulators in the following work modules also receive precise position information, which means that additional sensors are used to detect the exact position and position of the article groups moved through the modules can be dispensed with.

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 schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging device according to the invention and illustrates individual steps as they can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows a schematic detailed view of individual components of the packaging device according to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1.

3 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a container as it can be produced by means of the packaging device according to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and by means of the embodiment of the method according to FIG.

4 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention, which is also suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention, which is also suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.

FIG. 6 shows individual steps in the flow diagram as they can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

7 shows a schematic representation (top view) of an embodiment with different containers

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 invention can be configured and do not represent a final limitation.

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.

1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging device 1 according to the invention and illustrates individual steps as they can be provided in various embodiments of the method 100 according to the invention (cf. FIG. 4). The packaging device 1 is designed for the production of containers 4 each having a plurality of articles 2 (cf. FIG. 3). In order to pack the articles 2 or to produce a bundle 4 from several articles 2, the articles 2 are transported along the packaging device 1 without interruption in the direction of movement BR. In the case of the packaging device 1, the articles 2 therefore never stand still, so that the packaging device 1 can produce containers 4 with a high throughput.

In order to be able to apply a respective packaging means 40 to several articles 2, which are thereby combined into a container 4, it is first necessary that a respective grouping is formed from these respective articles 2, which grouping is all the articles 2 intended for a respective container 4 includes. For this purpose, the packaging device 1 has a grouping device 10.

For this purpose, the grouping device 10 is able to briefly accelerate several articles 2 intended for a respective container 4 compared to subsequent articles 2, so that a gap arises between the accelerated articles 2 and subsequent articles 2 and the already accelerated article 2 an article group form.

For such a grouping device 10, there are numerous conceivable embodiments in practice. Thus, in various embodiments, the grouping device 10 comprises several conveyor belts which have different transport speeds and / or can be operated intermittently and thereby form a respective article group from several articles 2. Already known grouping devices 10 can also have retaining elements which allow articles 2 of an article group to be formed to pass and which briefly delay subsequent articles 2.

Regardless of the design of the grouping device 10, the packaging device 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 provides that a support and / or push bar comes into contact with a respective group of articles on the rear and accompanies the respective group of articles during their further movement in the direction of movement BR with contact on the rear .

On the endless traction means 15 and 17, which run parallel or essentially parallel, a plurality or multiplicity of such support and / or push bars are arranged in such a way that a longitudinal extension of a respective support and / or push bar runs perpendicular to the direction of movement BR of the articles 2 . It can be that a The respective support and / or push bar already comes into contact with a respective group of articles on the back before a respective group of articles leaves the grouping device 10. As an alternative to this, it can also be the case that an article group leaves the grouping device 10, whereupon a respective support and / or push bar is brought into contact with a respective article group on the rear side.

The group of articles is fed via the grouping device 10 to a first work module 20 which has a first manipulator 25. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first manipulator 25 is designed as a portal system or is part of a portal system. In further embodiments, the first manipulator 25 can also be designed as a delta kinematics robot or as a further handling device.

The packaging means 40 (cf. FIG. 3), which is designed, for example, as a flat packaging blank 41, can be applied to an article group via the first manipulator 25 of the first work module 20. For this purpose, the article group is moved into the work area AB1 of the first manipulator 25, whereupon the first manipulator 25 presses a respective packaging means 40 or a respective flat packaging blank 41 in the direction from above onto the respective article group with force.

As can also be seen from FIG. 3, the articles 2 are thereby combined to form a container 4, in which the packaging means 40 or the flat packaging blank 41 holds the articles 2 of the container 4 to one another in a form-fitting and non-positive manner.

The first manipulator 25 of the first work module 20 is also arranged hanging on a support and / or support structure 22 of the first work module 20 via a linear guide. The first manipulator 25 can be moved along the linear guide during the application of the respective packaging means 40 or the respective flat packaging blank 41 to an article group together with the respective article group.

In such embodiments, there is therefore no need for the group of articles to be stopped or to stand still in order to apply the flat packaging blank 41. The production of packs 4 can therefore take place via the packaging device 1 with a comparatively high throughput. As is particularly clear from the schematic perspective view of FIG. 3, the packaging means 40 or the flat packaging blank 41 forms an associated opening 42 for each article 2.

In order to be able to apply the packaging means 40 or the flat packaging blank 41 via the first manipulator 25 in the direction coming from above onto an article group, the articles 2 must be in an arrangement in which the articles 2 with the openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41 cursing.

Therefore, problems often arise with packaging devices known from the prior art, since it cannot always be guaranteed with certainty that the articles of a respective article group are located exactly in a position provided for applying the flat packaging blank 41, in which the article 2 with the Openings 42 of the flat packaging blank 41 are aligned. Due to the force-applied application of flat packaging blanks 41, it can also happen in devices known from the prior art that individual articles 2 inadvertently tilt when a respective flat packaging blank 41 is applied.

As already mentioned above, it is provided in the packaging device 1 that a support and / or push bar accompanies a respective group of articles with rear contact during their movement in the direction of movement BR.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging device 1 also comprises a pushing plate, along which a respective supporting and / or pushing bar a respective group of articles during their movement through the first work module 20 and through a second work module 30, which is described below, with rear contact pushes.

The application of a respective packaging means 40 or a respective flat packaging blank 41 takes place temporally while the respective support and / or push bar is in contact with the respective article group on the back with regard to the direction of movement BR of the respective article group. The support and / or push bar can thus support the respective article group through its rear-side contact during the force-applied application of the packaging means 40 or during the force-applied application of the flat packaging blank 41, so that the risk of articles 2 accidentally tipping over is kept low. Due to the rear attachment to the respective article group and the Pushing the respective article group in the direction of movement BR, the position of the article 2 of a respective article group exactly matches a predetermined target position, so that the flat packaging blank 41 with its openings 2 hits the article 2 of the respective article group precisely when it is applied to the article group.

The first work module 20 is followed in the direction of movement BR by the second work module 30, which has a second manipulator 35. Both the first manipulator 25 of the first work module 20 and the second manipulator 35 of the second work module 30 are connected to a control and / or regulating device S.

The control and / or regulating device S assigns different article groups to the first manipulator 25 and the second manipulator 35. Furthermore, the first manipulator 25 and the second manipulator 35 are operated via the control and / or regulating device S in such a way that the first manipulator 25 only applies packaging means 40 to article groups that have been assigned to it by means of the control and / or regulating device S.

The second manipulator 35 only applies packaging means 40 to groups of articles that have been assigned to the second manipulator 35 by means of the control and / or regulating device S. The first manipulator 25 and the second manipulator 35 thus work together in order to apply at least one respective packaging means 40 to all article groups.

Article groups which have been assigned to the second manipulator 35 can thus pass through the work area AP1 of the first manipulator 25 without a packaging means 40 being applied to them.

A respective support and / or push bar pushes a respective group of articles with rear contact also through the work area AP2 of the second manipulator 35, so that the second manipulator 35 can also apply a respective packaging means 40 to a respective group of articles, while a respective support and / or or push bar is attached to a respective article group on the back. Due to the rear contact of the support and / or push bar, the article group is exactly in a position which is expected for the application of the flat packaging blank 41. Together with the applied packaging means 40 or with the applied flat packaging blank 41, a respective group of articles leaves the second work module 30 and can be moved in the direction of a palletizing station and / or in the direction of further stations by means of the transport and handling device 50. It can be the case that, for example, blanks of thermoplastic packaging material are applied to the container 4 and the container 4 is then passed through a shrink tunnel.

Taking into account the detailed view according to FIG. 2, further aspects of the packaging device 1 become clear. In FIG. 2, the support and / or support structure 22 designed as a component of the first work module 20 and the support and / or support structure 32 designed as a component of the second work module 30 can now be seen in detail. The carrying and / or support structure 22, which is embodied as a component of the first work module 20, defines a periphery of the first work module 20. The carrying and / or support structure 32 of the second work module 30 also defines a periphery of the second work module 30.

The endless traction means 15 and 17, to which the support and / or push bars are attached and which define a circumferential path of movement for the support and / or push bars attached to them, run in sections outside of the respective periphery, which over the supporting and / or support structures 22 and 32 of the first work module 20 and of the second work module 30 can be set.

The schematic illustration in FIG. 2 also shows that the endless traction means 15 and 17 also run above the respective periphery, which are fixed via the carrying and / or support structures 22 and 32 of the first working module 20 and the second working module 30. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid a user inadvertently coming into contact with the endless pulling means 15 and 17 and possibly injuring himself in the process.

Complex guides are also not necessary in order to arrange the endless traction means 15 and 17 in the confined spaces of the first and second working modules 20 and 30. If the endless traction means 15 and 17 show signs of wear or have to be serviced or lubricated, the endless traction means 15 and 17 are accessible above the first working module 20 and the second working module 30 for this purpose.

FIG. 2 also shows that the packaging device 1 comprises a blank feed 7 which is located below a transport level provided for the articles 2 is arranged. By means of the blank feed 7, packaging blanks (not shown in the figures) can be introduced into the transport path of the already produced bundles 4, the bundles 4 approaching a respective blank and then being arranged on the respective blank.

The blanks or packaging blanks can be designed, for example, as so-called trays which have tabs that are folded upwards and on the sides.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the packs 4 are first formed, whereupon the finished packs 4 then move onto a respective blank. In practice, embodiments have proven to be useful in which at least one article group approaches a respective such blank to which respective at least one article group has not yet been applied with a flat packaging blank 41.

Following this in time, a respective flat packaging blank 41 can be applied to the respective article group via the respective manipulator 25 or 35, the respective article group being located on such a blank or on a tray. Since the respective blank has lateral flaps that are in an upright orientation, the respective article group is also held in a stable manner via the blank or its side flaps while the flat packaging blank 41 is being applied, so that the risk of articles 2 can be further reduced.

3 shows a schematic view of a container 4 as it can be produced with various embodiments of the packaging device 1 according to the invention and with various embodiments of the method 100 according to the invention.

The container 4 from the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 comprises eight articles 2, each designed as beverage cans, as well as a packaging means 40 or a flat packaging blank 41, by means of which the articles 2 are held together and held in defined positions. The flat packaging blank 41 can be formed, for example, from plastic or from cardboard and / or cardboard.

In alternative embodiments, the articles 2 can also be formed by beverage bottles. The number of eight articles 2 or eight beverage containers in the present case is only to be understood as an example, so that by means of a packaging device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, too Containers 4 can be produced which have a different number with, for example, exactly four or six articles 2 or with exactly four or six beverage containers.

3 shows that the packaging means 40 or the flat packaging blank 41 forms a respective opening 42 for each article 2, through which the respective beverage container 2 passes with an upper part. In order to apply the flat packaging blank 41 to the articles 2 of a respective group of articles, the packaging blank 41 is pressed onto the articles 2 in the direction coming from above with a defined force, the articles 2 passing through the openings 42 with their upper part. The application takes place via a manipulator 15 or 25, as it was already described above for FIG. 1.

During the application, a support and / or push bar with articles 2 of the container 4 to be formed is in contact with the rear, thereby providing the exact position for the respective article 2 for applying the flat packaging blank 41 and also prevents the article 2 during the Accidentally tilting.

FIG. 3 also shows that the articles 2 must be aligned with one another so that the upper part of the articles 2 can pass through the openings 42 when the packaging blank 41 is applied. For this purpose, the support and / or push bar is provided, which aligns the article 2 of the container 4 and pushes it in a direction of movement BR.

The alignment of the articles 2 to one another is such that the articles 2 are aligned along their respective longitudinal direction with their respective associated opening 42 of the packaging blank 41. After the packaging blank 41 has been applied to the article 2 in accordance with FIG. 3, the articles 2 are held together in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner via the packaging blank 4.

It is conceivable that the articles 2 of the container 4 are held together by further connections which are not shown in FIG. 3. In particular, an adhesive connection can be formed between lateral jacket surfaces of directly adjacent articles 2.

In addition, as already mentioned above, a plurality of article groups can stand up on a tray before the respective packaging means 40 is applied or before the respective flat packaging blank 41 is applied has a plurality of side edge areas folded upwards. The tray can be introduced into a transport path of the articles 2 from below a transport level provided for moving the articles 2, with a respective group of articles then approaching a respective tray.

The schematic view of FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a packaging device 1 according to the invention, which is also suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. Here, the packaging device 1 is supplied with an already produced tray pack 5 in a 4x6 formation. In the embodiment variant according to FIG. 4, the tray 5 with the respective article group is conveyed in the 4 × 6 formation through the respective support and / or push bar 6 through the following modules 20 and 30.

As the schematic top view of FIG. 4 shows, several trays 5 are successively conveyed through the packaging device 1 in the direction of movement BR (from right to left) and equipped with packaging means 40 by means of the first and second work modules 20 and 30. A sensible work sequence in the interest of a high machine throughput can provide that in the first work module 20 initially two 2x3 formations are equipped with packaging means 40 in the form of flat packaging blanks 41 placed on top of six articles 2. These are the 2x3 formations that are closer to the pushing support and / or pushing beam 6.

Subsequently, in the second work module 30, the remaining two 2 × 3 formations within the tray 5 are equipped with packaging means 40 in the form of flat packaging blanks 41 placed on top of six articles 2. These are the 2x3 formations further away from the pushing support and / or pushing beam 6, i.e. the two containers or 2x3 formations on the front in the direction of movement BR.

The schematic top view of FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the packaging device 1 according to the invention, which is also suitable for carrying out a further variant of the method according to the invention. The packaging device 1 shown in FIG. 5 comprises four working modules 20, 30, 60 and 70 arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement BR, in which trays 5 conveyed by the device 1 are equipped with packaging means 40. In the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 5, the packaging device 1 is also supplied with an already produced tray pack 5 in a 4 × 6 formation. The trays 5 or tray packs 5 are conveyed with the respective group of articles in the 4x6 formation by means of the respective support and / or pushing bars 6 through the following modules 20 and 30 as well as 60 and 70.

As the schematic top view of FIG. 5 shows, several trays 5 are successively conveyed in the direction of movement BR (from right to left) through the packaging device 1 and by means of the first, second, third and fourth work modules 20, 30, 60 and 70 each successively equipped with packaging means 40. A sensible work sequence in the interest of a high machine throughput can provide that in the first work module 20 initially only one of a total of four 2x3 formations with a packaging means 40 in the form of one on top of six in a rectangular arrangement (2x3 formation) within the tray 5 juxtaposed articles 2 applied flat packaging blank 41 is equipped. This is the right 2x3 formation that is closer to the pushing support and / or pushing beam 6.

Subsequently, in the second work module 30, which is arranged downstream of the first work module 20 in the direction of movement BR, another of the total of four 2x3 formations with a packaging means 40 in the form of an article standing next to one another in a rectangular arrangement (2x3 formation) within the tray 5 on top of six 2 applied flat packaging blank 41 equipped. In the second work module 30, this is the left 2 × 3 formation closer to the pushing support and / or pushing beam 6.

After passing through the second work module 30, two 2 × 3 formations within the tray 5 are therefore already equipped with packaging blanks 41.

Thereafter, in the third work module 60, which is arranged downstream of the second work module 30 in the direction of movement BR, a further 2x3 formation within the tray 5 is equipped with a packaging means 40 in the form of a flat packaging blank 41 placed on top of six articles 2. This is the left of the two 2x3 formations located further away from the pushing support and / or push bar 6, ie the left front-side container in the direction of movement BR or the left front-side 2x3 formation. Finally, in the fourth work module 70, which is arranged downstream of the third work module 60 in the direction of movement BR, a further 2x3 formation within the tray 5 is equipped with a packaging means 40 in the form of a flat packaging blank 41 placed on top of six articles 2. This is the right of the two 2x3 formations located further away from the pushing support and / or pushing beam 6, ie the right front-side container in the direction of movement BR or the left front-side 2x3 formation.

5 thus shows an embodiment variant in which within the four work modules 20, 30, 60 and 70 a manipulator (not denoted in more detail here) applies only one packaging blank 41 to a 2x3 rectangular arrangement of articles 2 within the larger tray package 2 which, with appropriate coordination of the interacting work modules 20, 30, 60 and 70, allows a correspondingly high throughput of tray packs 5.

The support and / or pusher bars 6 running continuously through the packaging device 1, which according to FIG. 1 and FIG Positioning of the corresponding manipulators without the need for complex transfer procedures between the work modules 20, 30, 60 and 70.

Finally, in the flowchart, FIG. 6 shows individual steps as they can be provided in various embodiments of the method 100 according to the invention. The method 100 according to the embodiment according to FIG. 6 can be implemented or carried out by means of a packaging device 1 according to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2. The method 100 according to the embodiment according to FIG. 6 can also be implemented or carried out by means of a packaging device 1 according to the embodiment according to FIGS.

With the method 100, several articles 2 are combined into a container 4 via a packaging means 40. In a first step, to which reference is made with number 110, article groups are formed from several articles 2, for which purpose the articles 2 intended for a respective article group are separated from other articles 2 or accelerated for a short time. In method step 120, a support and / or push bar is then brought into contact with the respective article group on the rear with regard to a direction of movement BR of the respective article group and then pushes the respective article group through at least one work area AP1 or AP2 of at least one manipulator 25 or 35 .

In method step 130, the at least one manipulator 25 or 35 then applies at least one packaging means 40 to a respective article group pushed into its work area AP1 or AP2. The respective support and / or push bar continues to be in contact with the respective article group on the rear side with regard to a direction of movement BR of the respective article group.

FIG. 7 shows various examples of article groups or bundles with different blanks. The blanks 41 differ in size and can combine different numbers of articles 2 in one container.

The picture a) shows three identical containers with eight articles 2 each on a tray.

The picture b) shows six containers with four articles 2 each on a tray.

The picture c) shows four containers with four articles 2 each and one container with eight articles on a tray.

The picture d) shows two containers with four articles each and one container with two, six and eight articles 2 each on a tray.

Image e) shows five containers on a T-ray, three with four articles 2 and two with six articles 2.

The respective blanks can have been applied by two or three or more manipulators. It may be that the figure-of-eight blank in c) was applied by the first manipulator and the other blanks by a second.

Finally, the following should be pointed out: even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the representations of the figures and their description should be of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is in a position to derive enough information from the diagrammatically and abstractly drawn representations to facilitate understanding of the Facilitate the invention without his understanding of the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions being impaired in any way. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to use the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the method according to the invention

Packaging device to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated in the claims as well as in the general part of the description of general and / or abstract formulated.

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 items

4 containers

5 tray, tray bundle

6 support and / or push bars

7 blank feed 10 grouping device 15 endless traction means

17 endless traction means

20 first work module

22 Support and / or support structure

25 first manipulator

30 second work module

32 Support and / or support structure

35 second manipulator

40 packaging materials

41 flat packaging cut

42 opening

50 transport and handling device 60 third work module 70 fourth work module

AP1 working area (first manipulator 25) AP2 working area (second manipulator 35) BR direction of movement S control and / or regulating device

Claims

Expectations

1. Method (100) for combining several articles (2) via at least one packaging means (40) to form a container (4), an article group being formed from the several articles (2) to be combined into a respective container (4) and based on this following at least one manipulator (25, 35) applies at least one packaging means (40) to the respective article group and thereby combines the respective article group into a container (4) via the at least one applied packaging means (40), with the method (100) at least a support and / or push bar (6) with regard to a direction of movement (BR) of the respective group of articles is brought into abutment on the rear side with the respective group of articles, and the application of the at least one packaging means (40) via the at least one manipulator (25, 35) takes place on the respective article group, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar (6) with regard to the movement The direction of movement (BR) of the respective article group is attached to the respective article group on the back.

2. The method according to claim 1, in which the application of the at least one packaging means (40) via the at least one manipulator (25, 35) takes place on the respective article group, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar (6) the respective Pushes the article group slidingly along a sliding plate or along a support surface under rear contact.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the at least one support and / or push bar (6) is guided by means of at least one chain and / or belt drive formed in particular by an endless traction means (15, 17) along a circulating movement path and in the The course of a guide along the circumferential movement path is brought into contact on the back with the respective article group and then during a continuous guide along the circumferential movement path with regard to the direction of movement (BR) of the respective article group is in contact with the respective article group on the back, while the application of the at least one packaging means (40) takes place via the at least one manipulator (25, 35).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed as a component of at least one work module (20, 30) whose Periphery is defined by at least one support and / or support structure (22, 32) of the at least one work module (20, 30), and in which method it is provided that the chain and / or the belt drive runs in sections outside the periphery defined by the carrying and / or support structure (22, 32).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed as part of at least one work module (20, 30), the periphery of which is supported by at least one support and / or support structure (22, 32 ) of the at least one work module (20, 30) is determined, and in which method it is provided that the chain and / or belt drive formed in particular by at least one endless traction means (15, 17) at least partially outside and here partially above or in vertical Direction runs over the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure (22, 32).

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, in which a section of the at least one chain and / or belt drive, in particular formed by the endless traction means (15, 17), which / which is outside of the over the carrying and / or support structure (22, 32 ) defined periphery, inaccessible from the outside through an enclosure or inaccessible from the outside through a duct.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one first manipulator (25) and at least one second manipulator (35) are provided, wherein

- The at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) for applying several different packaging means (40) to a respective group of articles work together, and / or in which

- Different article groups are assigned to the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35), the at least one first manipulator (25) applying at least one packaging means (40) to article groups which are assigned to the at least one first manipulator (25 ) have been assigned and wherein the at least one second manipulator (35) applies at least one packaging means (40) to groups of items which have been assigned to the at least one second manipulator (35) and in which method it is provided that the application of packaging means (40) via the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) to the respective article group takes place, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar (6) with the respective rear side Article group is attached.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the plurality of articles (2) are formed by a plurality of beverage containers, and in which the at least one packaging means (40) is formed by at least one flat packaging blank (41), which for a respective Beverage container provides a respective opening (42) for a respective beverage container group, and in which method it is provided that the at least one manipulator (25, 35) attaches the respective at least one packaging means (40) formed by a flat packaging blank (41) to a respective beverage container group Coming in the direction from above, so that the respective beverage containers of a respective beverage container group dip into a respective opening (42), are then held together in a form-fitting manner over the respective flat packaging blank (41) applied and to e are combined in a container (4).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which a formed group of articles drives onto a tray, the at least one manipulator (25, 35) subsequently applying the at least one packaging means (40) to the respective group of articles, the the respective article group is still on the tray.

10. Packaging device (1) for producing multiple articles (2) each having bundles (4), the packaging device (1) comprising

- At least one horizontal conveyor as well

- At least one manipulator (25, 35), with article groups being movable via the at least one horizontal conveyor device into a work area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35), and with the at least one manipulator (25, 35) for combining the respective article (2) of a respective one moved via the at least one horizontal conveyor device into its work area (AP1, AP2) Article group can apply at least one packaging means (40) to the respective article group, as well as

- At least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, which at least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably circumferential movement path, which preferably circumferential movement path runs through the working area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35).

11. Packaging device according to claim 10, in which in the working area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35) a pushing plate is positioned, along which pushing plate the at least one support and / or pushing bar (6) a respective group of articles below the rear Can slide system through the work area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35).

12. Packaging device according to claim 10 or 11, in which the at least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is connected to at least one endless traction means (15, 17) preferably designed as a chain and / or belt stands, via which at least one endless traction means (15, 17), preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, of the at least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along the preferably circumferential movement path that runs through the working area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35) runs.

13. Packaging device according to one of claims 10 to 12, in which the at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed as a component of at least one working module (20, 30) of the packaging device (1), which at least one working module (20, 30) is at least has a support and / or support structure which defines a periphery of the at least one work module (20, 30) and in which packaging device (1) the preferably circumferential movement path is in sections outside the area provided by the at least one support and / or support structure (22, 32 ) defined periphery.

14. Packaging device according to one of claims 10 to 13, in which the at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed as part of at least one working module (20, 30) of the packaging device (1), which at least one Work module (20, 30) has at least one carrying and / or support structure (22, 32) which defines a periphery of the at least one work module (20, 30) and in which packaging device (1) the preferably circumferential movement path is partially outside and here in sections runs above or in the vertical direction above the periphery defined by the at least one support and / or support structure (22, 32).

15. Packaging device according to claim 13 or 14, in which a section of the preferably circumferential movement path that extends outside the at least one carrying and / or support structure (22, 32) is formed by a housing formed as part of the packaging device (1) or by a as part of the packaging device (1) formed channel runs.

16. Packaging device according to one of claims 10 to 15, which comprises at least one first manipulator (25) and at least one second manipulator (35) which are connected to a control and / or regulating device (S), wherein

- the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) can be actuated and / or controlled via the control and / or regulating device (S) for applying several different packaging means (40) to a respective group of articles, and / or or with which packaging device

- Different article groups can be assigned to the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) via the control and / or regulating device (S), it being provided that the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) can be operated by means of the control and / or regulating device (S) for applying packaging means (40) to the different article groups assigned via the control and / or regulating device (S) and it is provided that the at least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably circumferential movement path, which preferably circumferential movement path both through a work area (AP1) of the at least one first manipulator (25) and through a work area (AP2) of the at least one second manipulator (35) runs.

17. Packaging device according to one of claims 10 to 16, which is designed for the production of several articles (2) having containers (4), in which

Bins (4) the articles (2) are formed by beverage containers, with

- The at least one manipulator, designed as flat packaging blanks (41), can attach under force to article groups moving in its work area (AP1, AP2) which flat packaging blanks (41) for each article (2) of a respective one via the at least one horizontal conveyor have an associated opening (42) in their work area (AP1, AP2) moving article group.

18. Packaging device (1) for applying packaging means (40) to at least one group of articles, comprising

- At least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles,

- At least two work modules (20, 30), each comprising a manipulator (25, 35) for applying configured packaging means (40) to groups of articles moving in their respective work area (AP1, AP2),

- With a guide for the support and / or push bar (6) being provided which, viewed in the direction of movement (BR), extends along at least both work areas (AP1, AP2) of the two work modules (20, 30).

19. A method for applying packaging means (40) to at least one

Article group, comprising the following steps:

- Pushing of article groups by means of support and / or push bars (6) resting on the rear of the article groups through two work modules (20, 30), each of which includes a manipulator (25, 35) with a respective work area (AP1, AP2),

- Application of packaging means (40) by means of both manipulators in their respective work area (AP1, AP2) on the groups of articles moved by the support and / or push bars (6),

- With a rear contact of the support and / or push bar (6) on an article group continuously through at least both work modules (20, 30) and work areas (AP1, AP2) by the same support and / or push bar (6).