WO2021204454A1

WO2021204454A1 - Packaging unit, packaging apparatus and method for producing packaging units

Info

Publication number: WO2021204454A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/054383
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wolfgang Huber; Johannes KIRZINGER
Original assignee: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2020-04-07
Filing date: 2021-02-23
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Also published as: DE102020109628A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging unit (30) and to a packaging apparatus (1) and to a method for producing packaging units (30). The packaging unit comprises at least two articles (10) which are combined by at least one stabilizing overpacking means (15). The top side of the packaging unit (30) is formed by at least one planar packaging means (20) formed at least in regions by paper or substantially consisting of paper. The bottom side of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the bottom sides of the articles (10) or by the stabilizing overpacking means.

Description

Packaging unit, packaging device and method for producing packaging units

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, the use of so-called top cardboard packaging is known, for example, to combine several bottles over their neck areas. A packaging machine for placing such top cardboard boxes is described in patent specification EP 1075419 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.

The lack of product protection is problematic both with strapping containers and with containers with upper cardboard packaging. The appropriately equipped containers are therefore often used for transport and / or storage in a cardboard box that functions as tertiary packaging. In addition, there is the disadvantage that such strapping containers and containers with upper cardboard packaging can only provide a comparatively small area that can be used as advertising space.

The object of the invention is to provide an optimized packaging unit which does not have the disadvantages known from the prior art.

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

The invention relates on the one hand to a packaging unit comprising at least two articles or containers, the combination of at least two articles also being referred to as an article group. The at least two articles are through at least one outer packaging means that provides stability. The top of the packaging unit is formed by a flat packaging means which is at least partially made of paper or which consists essentially of paper. The flat packaging means is preferably made very thin in order to save packaging material.

In contrast to the stability-providing outer packaging, the flat packaging does not have to have any inherent stability. The underside of the packaging unit is formed by the undersides of the articles. An alternative embodiment can provide that the underside of the packaging unit is formed by the stability-providing outer packaging means.

The articles or containers are preferably beverage containers, in particular bottles made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or another suitable plastic or cans made of plastic and / or aluminum, cardboard, a composite material or the like. However, the packaging device and the method are also suitable to create a corresponding packaging unit from other suitable containers.

The packaging means in particular covers the upper sides of the articles and serves as product protection for the same. This is particularly advantageous in the case of beverage cans, for example, in order to protect the area that is in contact with the mouth area of the user for drinking from soiling. The packaging used as product protection is preferably printed with product-specific features and / or information and / or serves as advertising space.

Since the product protection does not have to have any stability-giving properties, very thin material can be used for this. As a result, the pollution of the environment through packaging material can be further minimized.

In particular, it is provided that the packaging means completely covers the tops of all articles combined with the outer packaging means.

The packaging means is preferably fixed to at least one article of the article group via at least one adhesive connection, for example via at least one adhesive point. In particular, the packaging means is attached to the top of at least one article via at least one adhesive point. According to one embodiment of the invention, the stability-providing outer packaging means is formed by a flat packaging blank which has at least two passage openings for the at least two articles and which mechanically holds the at least two articles together. The number and arrangement of the passage openings corresponds to the number and arrangement of the articles within the article group to be combined by the packaging blank.

The packaging blank is applied from above to the assembly of at least two articles or containers. The packaging blank is preferably assigned to a neck area of the article or container. The packaging blank is preferably placed on the previously grouped and arranged in a defined arrangement of articles or containers and pressed by an at least partially downward force, in particular a downward pressure, at least partially on the articles of the article group and thereby fixed to them .

The packaging blank is applied to the article from above in such a way that the articles each pass through a passage opening in certain areas. In particular, it is provided that, after the packaging blank has been attached to the group of articles, subregions of the articles are located in regions above and in regions below the packaging blank.

After the packaging blank has been set, 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. This results in the packaging blank, in the applied state and fixed on the articles, being at least partially arranged and fixed between the articles.

In particular, the through openings of the packaging blank can have fixing devices. For example, fixing tabs are formed by incisions or the like extending radially from the passage openings. After the packaging blank has been arranged and fastened to the articles or containers, it is in engagement with the articles in such a way that the packaging blank is essentially fixed in place on the articles. Thus, the packaging blank can only be removed again from the articles of the container group with increased expenditure of force with an upward force component, the packaging blank generally 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 composite material, for example a cardboard-plastic composite material, a fiber-reinforced composite material or the like.

Articles designed as bottles can, for example, have a closure area with a screw cap and neck ring. It is provided here that the fixing tabs of the packaging blank snap into place below the so-called neck ring after being applied to the bottles.

Articles designed as cans preferably have a widened area in the upper area, on which the packaging blank is fixed. In particular, the cans have a lid edge or a flanged edge. The cans are at least slightly tapered below this edge of the lid. In particular, the cans are beverage cans conventionally known from the prior art.

It is preferably provided that the packaging blank, after being applied to the assembly of at least two cans, is fixed and fixed on the cans below the so-called lid edge in the region of the taper.

Since the packaging blank in the packaging unit, which provides stability and serves as an outer packaging, is covered by the flat packaging that covers the top of the item, it is not necessary to display product information, e.g. identifying barcodes, prices, contents or the like on it.

Unprinted packaging blanks can therefore preferably be used. This has the advantage that these can be used for articles with different product content. Such non-individualized packaging blanks can be used more universally and can be produced more cheaply. An alternative embodiment can provide that the articles are grouped together by strapping as outer packaging means and held together mechanically. Here, a strapping band is placed under tension around the outwardly facing outer jacket surfaces of the article and the ends of the strapping band are connected to one another.

The strapping band consists, for example, essentially of a plastic material, a paper material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material. The free ends of the strapping are connected, for example, by gluing or welding or other suitable fastening methods.

A further embodiment can provide that adjacent articles are connected to one another via adhesive connections as a stability-providing outer packaging.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the stability-providing outer packaging means is formed by a so-called tray in which the articles are arranged. A tray is understood to mean, in particular, a packaging means that is open at the top and in which a plurality of articles, for example beverage cans, are preferably arranged in an upright position.

The tray offers a stable underside and also has upwardly extending side parts which represent a spatial limitation for the articles, in particular in their lower area. In particular, the articles are stabilized in their lower area close to the floor by the side parts of the tray and their position is fixed relative to the other articles in the article group.

In this embodiment, the underside of the packaging unit is formed by the stability-providing outer packaging means, in particular by the tray. The upper side of the packaging unit, on the other hand, is formed by a packaging means which is at least partially made of paper or which consists essentially of paper and which covers the upper side of the article.

The tray is preferably made of a cardboard material, a composite material, etc. In particular, the tray has sufficient stability that it does not tear under the weight of the article. On the other hand, the upper packaging must have the Packaging unit does not give stability and can therefore consist of a very thin paper or paper-like material.

There is preferably no mechanical connection between the outer packaging means and the upper packaging means. However, it is also conceivable that the outer packaging means and the upper packaging means are designed to partially overlap and that the outer packaging means and the upper packaging means are connected to one another in the overlapping area, for example via an adhesive connection or the like.

The combination of the above-described flat packaging blank and / or strapping and / or adhesive connections and / or arrangement on a tray is also conceivable and useful.

One embodiment of the invention provides that the flat packaging means covers only the upper sides of the articles combined with the stability-providing outer packaging means. An alternative embodiment can provide that edge areas of the flat packaging means are folded down.

In particular, the edge regions can be folded over or folded over in such a way that they rest against outer circumferential surfaces of the article in the upper region of the article. The folded edge areas thus serve as product protection for the upper part of the article.

Furthermore, the folded edge areas offer a further additional advertising area, which is particularly advantageous for product presentation when the packaging units are stacked on top of one another in warehouses and / or shelves.

In order to be able to hold and transport the packaging units more easily, the design or arrangement and attachment of a carrying and / or holding device can be advantageous.

In particular, it can be provided in this context that at least one handle is formed and / or arranged and fastened to the outer packaging means and optionally the packaging means and / or to the articles on the packaging unit. For example, the packaging blank serving as an outer packaging means can have further suitable openings which serve as grip openings through which the user can insert his fingers and thus lift the packaging unit and carry the articles combined in the packaging unit together.

In particular, it can be provided here that the upper packaging means has corresponding openings. In particular, it is provided that the user sticks his fingers through the openings of the upper packaging means and the openings arranged below of the packaging blank serving as the outer packaging means in order to lift the packaging unit.

Alternatively or in addition, an externally applied carrying and / or holding device can be attached to the packaging unit by, for example, attaching a strip-shaped carrying handle to the articles and / or to the stability-providing outer packaging means via two end regions.

It can preferably also be provided that the two end regions are each attached to opposite side surfaces of the packaging unit on the lateral outer jacket surfaces of the articles or on the stability-providing outer packaging and that the handle spans the upper sides of the articles at least partially.

The stability-providing outer packaging means and the packaging means placed on the top of the packaging unit by a flat packaging means formed at least in some areas by paper or essentially consisting of paper are preferably two separate parts which, in particular, are not connected or not with one another before being applied are connected.

The invention further relates to a packaging device and a method for producing packaging units, in particular packaging units described above. Such a packaging device comprises a feed device for the at least two articles or for combinations of at least two articles, a first packaging module for applying and fixing a stability-providing outer packaging material to the at least two articles and a second packaging module for applying and fixing the flat packaging material on the upper side of the at least two articles. For example, article groups comprising at least two articles are put together in a suitable arrangement in a one-part module and fed to the first packaging module via the feed device.

The first packaging module can be formed, for example, by an application module for packaging blanks. In particular, the packaging blank is placed on the group of articles and moved downward with a downward force, the articles partially passing through the openings in the packaging blank. In particular, the packaging blank in the applied state and fixed on the articles is thus partially arranged and fixed between the articles.

Alternatively, the first packaging module can also be formed by an adhesive module. Here, glue points are introduced between the articles that are grouped loosely. The articles are then fixed to one another by pushing them together using an adhesive bond.

Another alternative embodiment comprises a strapping module as the first packaging module. A folding module, which forms trays and arranges the grouped articles on the trays, is also a useful embodiment of a first packaging module.

The second packaging module comprises a device for applying an adhesive or a device for applying an adhesive is assigned to the second packaging module. For example, the device for applying an adhesive to the top of the article and / or to the packaging material is arranged between the first packaging module and the second packaging module. In particular, adhesive is applied to the top of at least one of the articles.

Then it makes sense to place the flat packaging on the top of the article and preferably press it lightly, creating an adhesive connection between the top of the at least one article and the flat packaging so that it is fixed to the group of articles. For example, a food-safe adhesive is applied to the upper edge of the can of beverage cans before the upper flat packaging material is moved onto the group of articles. Alternatively, adhesive can be applied to the flat packaging material and this is applied from above onto the article with the side on which the adhesive is located. Another alternative embodiment can provide that the flat packaging means, comparable to adhesive labels, is provided as blanks with an adhesive surface on one side and is applied to the top of the article.

The packaging modules for applying and fixing the outer packaging material to the articles and for applying the upper flat packaging material can work both continuously and in a clocked manner. It is preferably provided that the two different packaging modules are synchronized in a cyclical mode of operation in order to ensure an optimal production process.

The following remarks summarize some aspects of the invention, which has already been explained in different design variants, specify some aspects, but should not be seen as a contradiction to the explanations already given, but rather in synopsis, in case of doubt, possibly as more specific design variants and / or modifications. Thus, as already mentioned several times above, the packaging device according to the invention can have different elements and components in order to be able to manufacture the packaging units according to the invention in the desired manner.

For this purpose, typically individual articles, in particular formed by beverage bottles or cans, are put together in a suitable dividing module to form article, container or can groups. The articles, beverage containers or cans can be fed to the dividing module, for example, as a disordered mass flow. Alternatively, the articles can be fed to the dividing module in at least one row, preferably in at least two parallel rows.

In the present context, article groups are in particular combinations of at least two articles which are subsequently combined and fixed to one another by means of at least one stability-providing outer packaging means. The article groups are fed via a feed device, for example a conveyor belt or the like, to a first packaging module in which the stability-providing outer packaging is applied to and fixed to the articles in the article group. The first packaging module can be, for example, an application module in which a flat packaging blank is applied and fixed to the articles of the article group. The packaging blank is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank which has a defined number of passage openings. The flat packaging blank is also referred to as the top cardboard box. The number of passage openings preferably corresponds to the number of articles within the article group and the arrangement of the passage openings corresponds to the arrangement of the articles within the respective article group.

In particular, the passage openings can be designed in such a way that the packaging blank can be applied, in particular pressed, onto the article from above.

The packaging blank preferably consists essentially of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material.

The articles are mechanically held together by cutting the packaging. The combination of outer packaging and articles is also referred to below as a pre-container.

The packaging blank is pressed onto the article group from above by a suitable application head of the first packaging module and is applied and fixed to the articles. In particular, after the packaging blank has been applied to the article group, a first upper portion of the article is located above the packaging blank, while a second lower portion of the article extends below the packaging blank. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank is held in this position by the article and vice versa.

For example, the application head comprises at least one vacuum suction device, which is subjected to a vacuum in order to pick up a packaging blank from a magazine or the like. After the packaging blank has been fixed on the item group by pressing it with an application force, the vacuum is released and thus the packaging blank is released from the application head. Of the The packaging blank is now partially arranged and fixed between the articles and holds them together.

Depending on the variant chosen, the first packaging module can be, for example, a strapping module in which a strapping band is placed under tension around the outward-facing outer surface of the item in the item group and the ends of the strapping band are connected to one another. The strapping band preferably consists essentially of a plastic material, a paper material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material. The free ends of the strapping are connected by gluing or welding or the like.

In addition, it can be provided that the strapping tape is connected to the article via an adhesive connection at a contact point with an article; For example, it can make sense to glue the strapping tape to at least one article, to fix it to it by means of a spot welded connection, or to choose another suitable connection variant.

A pre-container formed in this way can then be fed to a second packaging module, for example via a further conveyor belt or the like. This second packaging module can in particular be an application module. The second packaging module is prepared and equipped to cover the upper sides of the at least two articles held together as a pre-container with a stability-providing outer packaging with a flat packaging that is formed by paper or consists essentially of paper.

Here, for example, blanks of the flat packaging means are provided in a magazine. The size and shape of the blanks corresponds to an area that includes all of the upper sides of the articles combined with the outer packaging means, so that the upper sides of the combined articles can be completely covered by the packaging means with the flat packaging means.

It is preferably provided that the blanks do not protrude laterally beyond a largest horizontal cross section of the group of articles after they have been applied and fastened to the upper sides of the articles. In particular, it can be provided that the packaging means is attached to at least one upper side of at least one article of the pre-container via an adhesive connection. In particular, an adhesive application module is assigned to the second packaging module for applying a corresponding adhesive to the top of at least one article and / or to the blank of the flat packaging material. By pressing the flat packaging means onto the top of the articles of the pre-container, at least one adhesive connection is produced between at least one article of the pre-container and the flat packaging means.

The articles combined with an outer packaging means, the tops of which are covered by a flat packaging means, are also referred to below as a packaging unit or bundle. The packaging units, in which the articles are mechanically held together by a packaging blank, are sometimes also mentioned separately below. The same also applies to packaging units in which the articles are mechanically held together by means of a strap; some of these are also mentioned separately below.

The flat packaging means serves in particular to protect the product. Such product protection is particularly preferably used when the articles are beverage cans. The product protection prevents direct contact with the upper side of the article, in particular contact, when handling the packaging units, both by the producer and by the retailer, right through to the end consumer. This can increase hygiene when using cans as beverage containers.

In a sensibly replaceable embodiment of a pre-container, the articles can in particular be formed by cans. A so-called packaging blank can serve as a stability-providing outer packaging means. The cans have an essentially cylindrical base body with an essentially constant cross section over their length. Only in the area below the top and possibly in the standing area is the cross-section slightly smaller. On their upper side, the cans also have a closure element and an edge area that is raised relative to the upper side. The smaller cross section below the top is advantageous for securely fixing the packaging blank by pressing it onto the cans assembled as an article group. The packaging blank has through-openings with auxiliary incisions extending radially therefrom, which enable the top of the cover forming the first, upper portion of the can to pass easily when the packaging blank is pressed onto the cans from above. On the other hand, removal of the packaging blank by an upward pulling movement is only possible with increased expenditure of force and, as a rule, with destruction of the packaging blank.

The following is a brief description of the application of an adhesive and a flat packaging material to a pre-container. For this purpose, the pre-packs can be supplied with adhesive in an adhesive application module below an adhesive device with application brushes. The application brushes are coated with adhesive in order to apply the adhesive to the raised edge areas of the cans.

A blank of the flat packaging material is then pressed from above onto the pre-container to which adhesive has been applied as a product protection that does not provide stability, an adhesive connection being established between the raised edge areas of the cans and the packaging material. The flat packaging means is provided, for example, in a magazine, removed therefrom by a robot or the like and pressed onto the pre-container.

The stability-giving packaging blank is preferably unprinted and can therefore be used for different product contents. The packaging blank can thus be produced more cheaply and can be used more universally. In contrast, the blank serving as product protection can preferably be equipped with product-specific features and information and / or serve as an advertising space, in particular the blank can have a corresponding printing. Since the product protection does not have to have any stability-giving properties, very thin material can be used for this.

A food-safe adhesive is preferably used as the adhesive, in particular an adhesive with approval for the food and drinking water sector, so that the user can safely drink from the cans after removing the blank serving as product protection. An alternative application of an adhesive and a flat packaging material to a pre-container is explained briefly below. For example, a flat packaging means can also be used, in which at least two opposite edge areas of the flat packing material are folded over before application to the article group or in connection with the application to the article group. As a result, a so-called protective hood is formed from the flat packaging means. The folded edge areas of the protective hood extend after application to the group of articles from the top of the article downwards, so that in addition to the top of the article, an upper area of the article is partially protected.

In addition, these folded edge areas can offer a further additional advertising area, which can be used advantageously for product presentation, in particular when the containers are stacked on top of one another on shelves.

In a further embodiment of the flat packaging means, at least two mutually opposite edge areas can optionally be designed as double-folded edge areas. Such a flat packaging means forms a so-called blank lid, in which the double-folded edge areas are designed in such a way that they can engage below the edge areas of the cans in order to further increase product protection.

In an advantageous embodiment, partially already explained above, of a stability-providing outer packaging means in the form of a packaging blank, it can preferably be a substantially flat cardboard blank which has a defined number of passage openings for the articles. Furthermore, the packaging blank can be equipped with at least one carrying and / or holding device which enables or facilitates the user to grasp and hold or carry the articles combined with the packaging blank to form a packaging unit. For this purpose, grip holes in particular can be provided in the packaging blank.

The grip holes can already be formed by punching out the corresponding material before the packaging blank is applied to the articles. Alternatively, it can be provided that the handle holes are only pre-punched or pre-perforated and the carrying and / or holding device is only formed when the consumer opens the perforations by means of targeted pressure from above. An embodiment of a flat packaging means designed to correspond to the outer packaging means can also be expedient, wherein the flat packaging means can be a thin blank which essentially covers the same area as the packaging blank according to the previously explained variant. In particular, the blank also has grip openings at corresponding points. In addition, the blank can only be partially cut in the area of the grip openings, so that tabs are formed that can be pressed down.

If a carrying and / or holding device is to be formed in a packaging blank and / or in a packaging means, the packaging blank can be arranged on the articles and the packaging means can be arranged on the top of the article. The grip hole or the grip opening are prepared by partially cutting into the packaging blank and the packaging material. By pressing the tabs downwards, the handle hole or the handle opening and thus the carrying and / or holding device are fully formed.

It can be provided, for example, that an application of adhesive is provided in the area of the tab on the underside of the flat packaging means, so that when the tabs are pressed in, the underside of the tab of the packaging means is glued to the top of the tab of the packaging blank. Alternatively, it can be provided that an application of adhesive is provided in the area of the tab on the top of the packaging blank, so that when the tabs are pressed in, the bottom of the tab of the packaging is glued to the top of the tab of the packaging blank. Although the tab also forms part of the carrying and / or holding device, the stability of the same is only achieved via the material of the packaging blank.

Packaging devices equipped according to the invention are used to produce packaging units. Here, according to an advantageous embodiment, the cans put together in article groups are combined in an application module, each with a packaging blank as a stability-providing outer packaging means.

The packaging blanks are made available in a first magazine assigned to the first packaging module. The packaging blanks are removed from the magazine by an application head and placed on the respective Article groups pressed on with the formation of a pre-container and thereby fixed to the articles.

In an adhesive application module, an adhesive is applied - here, the upper, raised edge areas, i.e. the lid edge of the cans, are preferably provided with a food-safe adhesive application.

The flat packaging means provided in a second magazine are then placed on the pre-container within the second packaging module and pressed onto the top of the cans, for example by means of a suitable application roller or the like.

Optionally, the system configuration of a packaging device according to the invention can also be designed as follows. The articles pass through the following handling modules one after the other in a defined transport direction: First, the articles are provided, for example, in a feed module, in particular in a disordered mass flow.

Article groups are formed in a subordinate classification module for the articles. In this case, an alignment device can also be provided or integrated into the dividing module in order to orient the articles according to certain features within the article group.

A downstream first packaging module is used to combine the articles of the article groups formed by means of a stability-providing outer packaging means, for example an application module with a first magazine for applying a stability-providing packaging blank.

A downstream adhesive application module is used to apply an adhesive to the top of the articles combined with an outer packaging and / or to the underside of a flat packaging that does not provide stability.

Finally, in the direction of transport, there follows a second packaging module for applying the flat packaging means which does not provide stability to the articles which are combined as pre-bundles by means of a stability-providing outer packaging means. An optional application module can be part of the second packaging module or interact with it. The second packaging module and / or the The application module can also be assigned a magazine for flat packaging material.

In addition, another use of a flat packaging means should be mentioned at this point, in which the articles of the article group are or will be arranged on a so-called tray.

In particular, an open packaging means is referred to as a tray, in which there are several individual items, for example beverage cans. The tray has a stable underside. In addition, the cans are stabilized in the lower area by the side parts of the tray, so that the cans of the article group can be handled better together. Here, too, it can be advantageous to equip the top of the cans with a product protection.

Analogous to the variants explained above, provision is made for an adhesive to be applied to the raised edge areas of the cans on the upper side, followed by the application of a flat packaging material as product protection.

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

The same applies mutatis mutandis to aspects that have been named and described in connection with the packaging units, the process for their production and the machine for carrying out the process and / or for the production of the packaging units. Here, too, should apply that all features that are mentioned and explained in connection with one of these different categories should apply equally as suitable and applicable to the other categories.

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 representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device and a method for producing a first embodiment of a packaging unit.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a packaging device and a method for producing a second embodiment of a packaging unit.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a pre-container. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the application of an adhesive and a flat packaging material to a pre-container.

FIG. 5 shows a further schematic illustration of the application of an adhesive and a flat packaging material to a pre-container.

6 shows a further embodiment of a flat packaging means. Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a stability-giving

Outer packaging in the form of a packaging blank.

8 shows a further embodiment of a flat packaging means.

FIG. 9 shows the design of the carrying and / or holding device in the case of a packaging blank according to FIG. 7 and a packaging means according to FIG. 8. FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a packaging device and a method for producing packaging units.

11 shows a further system configuration of a packaging device. 12 shows a further use of a flat packaging means.

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 packaging unit according to the invention, the packaging device and the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device 1, 1a and a method for producing a first embodiment of a packaging unit 30, 30a.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a packaging device 1, 1b and a method for producing a second embodiment of a packaging unit 30, 30b.

In both cases, i.e. in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 as well as in the embodiment according to FIG. 2, articles 10, for example beverage bottles or cans 11, are put together in a dividing module 2 to form article groups 12. The articles 10 are fed to the dividing module 2, for example, as a disordered mass flow. Alternatively, the articles 10 are fed to the dividing module 2 in at least one row, preferably in at least two parallel rows.

Article groups 12 denote, in particular, a compilation comprising at least two articles 10, which are subsequently combined by means of at least one outer packaging means 15 that provides stability. The article groups 12 are fed via a feed device, for example a conveyor belt or the like, to a first packaging module 3 in which the stability-providing outer packaging 15 is applied to the articles 10 of the article group 12 and fixed.

According to FIG. 1, the first packaging module 3 is an application module 4 in which a flat packaging blank 16 is applied to and fixed on the articles 10 of the article group 12. The packaging blank 16 is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank which has a defined number of passage openings 17. The flat packaging blank 16 can also be referred to as an upper gripping box because it can be used for grasping and gripping the article group 12 equipped with the gripping box. The number of passage openings 17 preferably corresponds to the number of articles 10 within the article group 12, and the arrangement of the passage openings 17 corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 10 within the article group 12.

In particular, the passage openings 17 can be designed in such a way that the packaging blank 16 can be applied, in particular pressed, onto the article 10 from above.

The packaging blank 16 preferably consists essentially of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material.

The articles 10 are mechanically held together by the packaging blank 16. The combination of outer packaging means 15 and articles 10 is also referred to below as pre-container 19.

The packaging blank 16 is pressed onto the article group 12 from above by a suitable application head (not shown) of the first packaging module 3 and is applied and fixed to the articles 10 in the process. In particular, after the packaging blank 16 has been applied to the article group 12, a first upper portion of the article 10 is located above the packaging blank 16, while a second lower portion of the article 10 extends below the packaging blank 16. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 16 is held in this position by the article 10 and vice versa.

For example, the application head comprises at least one vacuum suction device, which is subjected to a vacuum in order to pick up a packaging blank 16 from a magazine or the like. After the packaging blank 16 has been fixed to the article group 12 by pressing it with an application force, the vacuum is released and thus the packaging blank 16 is released from the application head. The packaging blank 16 is now partially arranged and fixed between the articles 10 and holds them together.

According to FIG. 2, the first packaging module 3 is a strapping module 5 in which a strapping band 18 is tensioned around the outside facing outer circumferential surfaces of the article 10 of the article group 12 and the ends of the strapping 18 are connected to one another. The strapping band 18 preferably consists essentially of a plastic material, a paper material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material. The connection of the free ends of the strapping 18 takes place by gluing or welding or the like.

In addition, it can be provided that the strapping tape 18 is connected to the article 10 via an adhesive connection at a contact point with an article 10, for example the strapping tape 18 is glued, spot-welded or the like to at least one article 10.

Subsequently, the pre-container 19 is fed to a second packaging module 6, for example via a further conveyor belt or the like. This is in particular an application module 7. The second packaging module 6 is prepared and equipped to provide the top 13 of the at least two articles 10 held together with a stability-providing outer packaging 15 as a pre-container 19 with a flat packaging 20, which is formed by paper or consists essentially of paper. Here, for example, blanks 21 of the flat packaging means 20 are provided in a magazine.

The size and shape of the blanks 21 corresponds to an area that includes all of the top sides 13 of the articles 10 combined with the outer packaging means 15, so that the top sides 13 of the combined articles 10 can be completely covered by the packaging means 20 with the flat packaging means 20. It is preferably provided here that the blanks 21 do not protrude laterally beyond a largest horizontal cross section of the group of articles 12 after they have been applied and fastened to the upper sides 13 of the articles 10.

In particular, it is provided that the packaging means 20 is attached to at least one top side 13 of at least one article 10 of the pre-container 19 via an adhesive connection. In particular, an adhesive application module 8 is assigned to the second packaging module 6, for applying a corresponding adhesive to the top 13 of at least one article 10 and / or to the blank 21 of the flat packaging 20 10 of the pre-container 19 is at least one adhesive Connection between at least one article 10 of the pre-container 19 and the flat packaging means 20 is established.

The articles 10 combined with an outer packaging means 15, the upper sides 13 of which are covered by flat packaging means 20, are also referred to below as packaging unit 30 or bundle 31. The packaging units 30, in which the articles 10 are mechanically held together by a packaging blank 16, are also identified below with the reference symbol 30a. The packaging units 30, in which the articles 10 are mechanically held together by means of a strapping band 18, are also identified below with the reference symbol 30b.

The flat packaging means 20 serves in particular as product protection. Such a product protection is particularly preferably used when the articles 10 are beverage cans 11. The product protection prevents direct contact of the upper side 13 of the article 10, in particular contact, during the handling of the packaging units 30 both by the producer and by the retailer, right through to the end consumer. As a result, the hygiene when using cans 11 as beverage containers can be increased.

3 shows an embodiment of a pre-container 19. The articles 10 are cans 11. A packaging blank 16 serves as the stability-providing outer packaging means 15. The cans 11 have an essentially cylindrical base body with an essentially constant cross-section across them Length on. Only in the area below the top 13 and possibly in the standing area is the cross section somewhat smaller. On their upper side 13, the cans 11 furthermore have a closure element 32 and an edge region 14 that is raised relative to the upper side 13.

The smaller cross-section below the top 13 is advantageous for securely fixing the packaging blank 16 by pressing it onto the cans 11 assembled as an article group 12. The packaging blank 16 has passage openings 17 with auxiliary incisions 33 extending radially therefrom, which enable the first, Upper portion of the can 11 forming lid with the top 13 when pressing the packaging blank 16 onto the cans 11 from above. On the other hand, there is a removal of the packaging blank 16 by an upward pulling movement only possible with increased expenditure of force and usually with destruction of the packaging blank 16.

4 shows a schematic representation of the application of an adhesive 28 and a flat packaging means 20 to a pre-pack 19. For this purpose, the pre-pack 19 is contacted with application brushes 9 in an adhesive application module 8 below an adhesive device. The application brushes 9 are provided with adhesive 28 in order to apply the adhesive 28 to the raised edge regions 14 of the cans. A blank 21 of the flat packaging means 20 is then pressed from above onto the pre-container 19 to which adhesive 28 has been applied, as a non-stabilizing product protection, an adhesive connection being established between the raised edge areas 14 of the cans 11 and the packaging means 20. The flat packaging means 20 is provided, for example, in a magazine, removed therefrom by a robot or the like, and pressed onto the pre-container 19.

The stability-providing packaging blank 16 is preferably unprinted and can therefore be used for different product contents. The packaging blank 16 can thus be produced more cheaply and can be used more universally.

In contrast, the blank 21 serving as product protection can preferably be equipped with product-specific features and information and / or serve as an advertising space, in particular the blank 21 can have a corresponding printing. Since the product protection does not have to have any stability-giving properties, very thin material can be used for this.

A food-safe adhesive is preferably used as the adhesive 28, in particular an adhesive with approval for the food and drinking water sector, so that the user can drink safely from the cans 11 after removing the blank 21 serving as product protection.

FIG. 5 shows a further schematic illustration of the application of an adhesive 28 and a flat packaging material 20 to a pre-container 19. In contrast to FIG temporal connection with the application to the article group 12, at least two mutually opposite edge regions 24 of the flat packaging means 20 can still be folded over. As a result, a so-called protective hood 22 is formed from the flat packaging means 20. The folded edge areas 24 of the protective hood 22 extend after application to the article group 12 from the upper side 13 of the article 10 downwards, so that in addition to the upper side 13 of the article 10, an upper area of the article 10 is partially protected. In addition, the folded edge regions 24 offer a further additional advertising area, which can be used advantageously for product presentation, in particular when the containers 31 are stacked on top of one another in shelves.

The schematic view of FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a flat packaging means 20. In this case, at least two mutually opposite edge regions 24 are designed as double-folded edge regions 26. The flat packaging means 20 forms a so-called blank cover 25, in which the double-folded edge regions 26 are designed such that they can engage below the edge regions 13 of the cans 11 in order to further increase product protection.

The schematic view of FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a stability-providing outer packaging means 15 in the form of a packaging blank 16, and FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a flat packaging means 20 designed to correspond to the outer packaging means 15.

The packaging blank 16 according to FIG. 7 is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank which has a defined number of passage openings 17 for the articles (not shown). Furthermore, the packaging blank 16 is equipped with at least one carrying and / or holding device 35, which make it easier for the user to grasp and hold or carry the articles (not shown) combined with the packaging blank 16 to form a packaging unit. For this purpose, for example, grip holes 36 are provided in the packaging blank.

The grip holes 36 can already be formed by punching out the corresponding material before the packaging blank is applied to the articles. Alternatively, it can be provided that the grip holes 36 are only pre-punched or pre-perforated and the carrying and / or holding device 35 is only formed when the consumer opens the perforations by means of targeted pressure from above. The flat packaging means 20 according to FIG. 8 is a thin blank 21 which essentially covers the same area as the packaging blank 16 according to FIG. 7. In particular, the blank 21 also has grip openings 37 at corresponding points. For example, the blank 21 is only partially cut in the area of the grip openings 37, so that tabs 38 are formed which can be pressed down.

9 shows the design of the carrying and / or holding device 35 in a packaging blank 16 according to FIG. 7 and a packaging means 20 according to FIG. 8 in a side view, in particular only the area of a grip hole 36 of the packaging blank 16 is shown here.

The packaging blank 16 is placed on the articles and the packaging means 20 is placed on top of the articles. The grip hole 36 and the grip opening 37 are prepared by partially cutting into the packaging blank 16 and the packaging means 20. By pressing the tabs 38, 39 downwards, the handle hole 36 or the handle opening 37 and thus the carrying and / or holding device 35 are fully formed.

For example, it can be provided that an application of adhesive is provided in the region of the tab 38 on the underside of the flat packaging means 20, so that when the tabs 38, 39 are pressed in, the underside of the tab 38 of the packaging means 20 is glued to the top of the tab 39 of the packaging blank 16 will. Alternatively, provision can be made for an application of adhesive to be provided in the area of the tab 39 on the top of the packaging blank 16, so that when the tabs 38, 39 are pressed in, the bottom of the tab 38 of the packaging means 20 is glued to the top of the tab 39 of the packaging blank 16 . Although the tab 38 also forms part of the carrying and / or holding device 35, its stability is only achieved via the material of the packaging blank 16.

10 shows a further embodiment of a packaging device 1 and a method for producing packaging units 30. The cans 11 assembled in article groups 12 are combined in an application module 4, each with a packaging blank 16 as a stability-providing outer packaging means 15. The packaging blanks 16 are provided in a first magazine 40 assigned to the first packaging module 3. The packaging blanks 16 are removed from the magazine 40 by an application head and pressed onto the respective article groups 12 to form a pre-container 19 and thereby attached to the articles 10.

An adhesive is applied in an adhesive application module 8, for example the upper, raised edge areas 14, i.e. the lid edge of the cans 11, are provided with a food-safe adhesive application.

Subsequently, the flat packaging means 20 provided in a second magazine 41 are placed on the pre-container within the second packaging module 6 and pressed onto the tops of the cans 11, for example by means of a suitable application roller or the like.

11 shows a further system configuration of a packaging device 1. The articles pass through the following handling modules one after the other in a transport direction TR:

The reference number 50 denotes a feed module for the articles, which are provided in particular in a disordered mass flow.

Reference number 2 denotes a module for dividing the articles to form article groups. In this case, an alignment device 51 can additionally be provided or integrated into the dividing module in order to orient the articles according to certain features within the article group.

Reference number 3 denotes a first packaging module for combining the articles of the article groups formed by means of a stability-providing outer packaging means, for example application module 4 with a first magazine 40 for applying a stability-providing packaging blank.

The reference number 8 denotes an adhesive application module for applying an adhesive to the top of the articles combined with an outer packaging and / or to the underside of a flat packaging that does not provide stability.

Finally, the reference number 6 designates a second packaging module for applying the flat packaging means that does not provide stability to the means of a stability-providing outer packaging as pre-packaged articles. The application module 7 which can be seen in FIG. 11 can be part of the second packaging module 6 or interact with it. A magazine for flat packaging means 41 can also be assigned to the second packaging module 6 and / or the application module 7.

12 shows a further use of a flat packaging means 20. Here, the articles 10 of the article group are arranged on a so-called tray 60.

In particular, an open packaging means is referred to as a tray 60, in which there are several individual articles 10, for example beverage cans. The tray 60 offers a stable underside. In addition, the cans 11 are stabilized in the lower area by the side parts 61 of the tray 60, so that the cans 11 of the article group 12 can be handled better together. Here, too, it can be advantageous to equip the top 13 of the cans 11 with product protection. Analogous to FIGS. 4 and 5, an application of an adhesive 25 to the raised edge areas 14 of the cans 11 on the upper side 13 and then the application of a flat packaging means 20 as product protection is provided.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the description of 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 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, in particular bottles, 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 use 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 as well as the design of the packaging units according to the invention a better understanding of the more general and / or in the claims and in the general part of the description to derive more abstractly formulated inventive ideas. 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, 1a, 1b packaging device 2 dividing module

3 first packaging module

4 application module

5 strapping module

6 second packaging module

7 application module

8 adhesive application module 9 application brushes

10 items

11 can

12 item group

13 top of the article

14 Raised border area

15 outer packaging material that provides stability

16 Cut to size for packaging

17 passage opening

18 strapping tape

19 pre-containers

20 flat packaging material 21 blank 22 protective cover

24 border area

25 blank lids

26 Edge area folded over twice. 28 Adhesive

30, 30a, 30b packaging unit

31 containers

32 locking element

33 auxiliary incisions

35 Carrying and / or holding device

36 grip hole

37 handle openings

38 tab 39 tab

40 magazine for packaging blanks

41 Magazine for flat packaging

50 feed module

51 Alignment device

60 T ray

61 side panel

TR transport direction

Claims

Expectations

1. Packaging unit (30) comprising at least two articles (10) which are combined by at least one stability-providing outer packaging means (15), a top side of the packaging unit (30) being at least partially formed by paper or consisting essentially of paper flat packaging means (20) is formed, and wherein the underside of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the undersides of the articles (10) or wherein the underside of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the stability-creating outer packaging means (15).

2. Packaging unit (30) according to claim 1, wherein the stability-providing outer packaging means (15) is formed by a flat packaging blank (16) which has at least two passage openings (17) for the at least two articles (10) and which the at least two articles ( 10) holds together mechanically.

3. Packaging unit (30) according to claim 2, wherein the packaging blank (16) is partially arranged and fixed between the articles (10), the articles (10) each being arranged in regions to pass through a passage opening (17) of the packaging blank (16) are so that a lower portion of the article (10) is arranged below the packaging blank (16) and an upper portion of the article (10) is arranged above the packaging blank (16).

4. Packaging unit (30) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the packaging blank (16) consists essentially of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material.

5. Packaging unit (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat packaging means (20) only covers the upper side (13) of the articles (10) combined with the stability-providing outer packaging means (15).

6. Packaging unit (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flat packaging means (20) the upper side (13) with the stability-giving Outer packaging means (15) covers combined articles (10), as well as outwardly facing outer circumferential surfaces of the articles (10) in an upper portion.

7. Packaging unit (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat packaging means (20) is connected to the top of the article (10) via at least one adhesive connection.

8. Packaging unit (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging unit (30) comprises at least one carrying and / or holding device, in particular wherein at least one carrying handle on the outer packaging means (16) and / or on the packaging unit (30) Articles (10) is formed or arranged and attached.

9. Packaging unit (30) according to claim 8, wherein the packaging blank (16) and the packaging means (20) have at least one handle opening.

10. Packaging device (1) for producing packaging units (30) each comprising at least two articles (10), in particular packaging device (1) for producing packaging units (30) each comprising at least two articles (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least two articles (10) of each packaging unit (30) are combined by at least one stability-providing outer packaging means (15), the top of the packaging unit (30) being at least partially covered by a flat packaging means formed by paper or essentially consisting of paper (20) is formed, and wherein the underside of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the undersides of the articles (10), or wherein the underside of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the stability-creating outer packaging means (15), the packaging device (1) full

• a feed device for the at least two articles (10) or for assemblies (12) of at least two articles (10);

• a first packaging module (3) for applying and fixing a stability-providing outer packaging means (15) to the at least two articles (10) and • a second packaging module (6) for applying and fixing the flat packaging means (20) on the top (13) of the at least two articles (10).

11. Packaging device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second packaging module (6) has a device (8) for applying an adhesive (25) to the top (13) of the article (10) and / or to the flat packaging means (20) comprises, or wherein the second packaging module (6) is assigned a device (8) for applying an adhesive (25) to the top (13) of the article (10) and / or to the flat packaging means (20), or wherein between the a device (8) for applying an adhesive (25) to the top (13) of the article (10) and / or to the flat packaging means (20) is arranged on the first packaging module (3) and the second packaging module (6).

12. A method for producing packaging units (30), in particular a method for producing packaging units (30) each comprising at least two articles (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an assembly (12) comprising at least two articles (10) comprises, is summarized by a stability-providing outer packaging means (15), and wherein a flat packaging means (20), which flat packaging means (20 ) is at least partially formed by paper or consists essentially of paper.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the stability-providing outer packaging means (15) is formed by a packaging blank (16) which has at least two passage openings (17) for the at least two articles (10), the packaging blank (16) from above onto the Article (10) is applied, so that the article (10) in each case pass through associated passage openings (17) of the packaging blank (16) so that the packaging blank (16) in the applied state and fixed to the article (10) partially between the articles (10) is arranged and specified.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein before the fastening of the flat packaging means (20) on at least one upper side (13) of the at least two articles (10) at least one application of adhesive takes place, and wherein the flat packaging means (20) adheres the top (13) is connected by at least one article (10).