U.S. patent application number 16/088945 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-15 for method and device for forming container groupings.
The applicant listed for this patent is KRONES AG. Invention is credited to Richard ESCHLBECK, Andreas FRITSCH, Christian HASTREITER, Johannes KIRZINGER, Manuel KOLLMUSS, Christian NAPRAVNIK, Heiner SCHAEFER, Herbert SPINDLER, Juergen WERNER, Thomas WIMMER.
Application Number | 20200324926 16/088945 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004954896 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200324926 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAPRAVNIK; Christian ; et
al. |
October 15, 2020 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FORMING CONTAINER GROUPINGS
Abstract
Provided is a method for packaging piece good groupings, in
which a plurality of piece goods, particularly containers, are at
least partially interconnected by means of a first connection,
wherein at least two-piece goods of this plurality are directly
interconnected by the connection. According to the embodiment, this
plurality of piece goods connected by the first connection is
packaged with a second connection in the form of a second wrapping
element, and said plurality of piece goods connected by a first
connection is conveyed by a conveyor device to a packaging unit and
enclosed, particularly wrapped, with the second wrapping element by
said packaging unit.
Inventors: |
NAPRAVNIK; Christian;
(Rosenheim, DE) ; SPINDLER; Herbert;
(Niedermoosen, DE) ; KIRZINGER; Johannes;
(Unterhaching, DE) ; HASTREITER; Christian;
(Rosenheim, DE) ; KOLLMUSS; Manuel; (Raubling,
DE) ; ESCHLBECK; Richard; (Vogtareuth, DE) ;
SCHAEFER; Heiner; (Muenchen, DE) ; FRITSCH;
Andreas; (Eggstatt, DE) ; WERNER; Juergen;
(Bruckmuhl, DE) ; WIMMER; Thomas; (Rosenheim,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KRONES AG |
Neutraubling |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004954896 |
Appl. No.: |
16/088945 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
December 30, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/082917 |
371 Date: |
September 27, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 5/06 20130101; B65B
27/04 20130101; B65B 11/008 20130101; B65B 21/245 20130101; B65B
2220/16 20130101; B65B 35/44 20130101; B65B 53/02 20130101; B65B
11/585 20130101; B65B 35/50 20130101; B65B 17/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 11/58 20060101
B65B011/58; B65B 5/06 20060101 B65B005/06; B65B 11/00 20060101
B65B011/00; B65B 17/02 20060101 B65B017/02; B65B 21/24 20060101
B65B021/24; B65B 27/04 20060101 B65B027/04; B65B 35/44 20060101
B65B035/44; B65B 35/50 20060101 B65B035/50; B65B 53/02 20060101
B65B053/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 30, 2016 |
DE |
10 2016 105 806.8 |
Claims
1. A method for packaging piece good groupings, wherein a plurality
of piece goods and in a form of containers is delivered by a
transport device along a predetermined transport direction, and
this plurality of piece goods is packaged by a first wrapping
element, wherein the wrapping element surrounds the plurality of
piece goods at least partially and wherein the plurality of piece
goods packaged with the first wrapping element is packaged with a
second wrapping element and for this purpose the plurality of piece
goods packaged with the first wrapping element is wrapped by a
packaging device with the second wrapping element which is designed
as a stretchable film element, wherein this wrapping preferably
takes place about a longitudinal axis defined by the transport
direction, characterised in that the first wrapping element and the
second wrapping element are attached to the piece goods in such a
way that the piece goods are completely enclosed by the entirety of
the first wrapping element and the second wrapping element, wherein
at least one further piece good is delivered to the plurality of
piece goods packaged with the first wrapping element, and the
grouping of piece goods packaged with the first wrapping element
and the at least one further piece good is wrapped with the second
wrapping element.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of piece
goods is positioned in such a way that the second wrapping element
completely covers an opening of the first wrapping element attached
to the piece goods.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a position of the piece
goods provided with the first wrapping element relative to the
transport device is changed before the attachment of the second
wrapping element.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least the second
wrapping element is wound around the piece goods transversely with
respect to the transport direction.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of piece
goods packaged with the first wrapping element is pushed in the
transport direction onto a carrier.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one portion of
the piece good grouping wrapped with the second wrapping element is
separated from a further portion of the piece good grouping wrapped
with the second wrapping element.
7. A piece good grouping with a plurality of piece goods in the
form of containers, which are at least partially surrounded by a
first wrapping element and which are at least partially surrounded
by a second wrapping element, wherein at least the second wrapping
element is designed as a stretchable plastic film and wherein the
first wrapping element and the second wrapping element abut against
one another in sections and wherein the first wrapping element
abuts directly against at least one of the piece goods, wherein a
first geometric line extending in a radial direction of at least
one first piece good passes through both wrapping elements and at
least one second geometric line extending in a radial direction of
at least one second piece good of this piece good grouping passes
through only one wrapping element and/or the first wrapping element
and the second wrapping element are attached to the piece goods in
such a way that the piece goods are completely enclosed by the
entirety of the first wrapping element and the second wrapping
element.
8. The piece good grouping according claim 7, wherein at least one
wrapping element abuts in multiple layers on at least one piece
good.
9. An apparatus for producing a piece good grouping with a
transport device which transports a plurality of piece goods in a
predetermined transport direction, with a first packaging device,
which applies a first wrapping element to the plurality of piece
goods in such a way that this first wrapping element at least
partially surrounds the plurality of piece goods, with a second
packaging device, which applies a second wrapping element designed
as a film element to the plurality of piece goods provided with the
first wrapping element, wherein this second packaging device is
suitable and intended to wrap the plurality of piece goods provided
with the first film element with the second film element, wherein
the apparatus has an adapting device which is arranged in the
transport direction between the first packaging device and the
second packaging device, which changes a geometric position of the
first plurality of piece goods relative to the transport device and
which adds at least one further piece good to the plurality of
piece goods provided with the first film element and/or the second
packaging device is configured in such a way that openings
remaining during the wrapping of the piece goods are completely
covered by the second wrapping element.
10. The apparatus according claim 9, wherein the apparatus has a
carrier for supporting the piece goods, as well as a removal device
which removes the plurality of piece goods provided with the second
wrapping element from this carrier, wherein this removal device is
arranged upstream or downstream of this packaging device in the
transport direction of the piece goods.
11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the transport
device conveys the piece good grouping to at least one of the two
packaging devices in such a way that at least one piece good of the
piece good grouping is pushed by a further piece good of the piece
good grouping to this packaging device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to PCT Application No.
PCT/EP2016/082917, having a filing date of Dec. 30, 2016, based on
German Application No. 10 2016 105 806.8, having a filing date of
Mar. 30, 2016, the entire contents both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The following relates to a method and an apparatus for
forming piece good groupings, in particular container groupings and
in particular wrapped piece good groupings. Such methods and
apparatus have been known for a long time from the known art.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Thus, it is for example known that groupings of containers,
for example containers delivered in two rows, are provided with a
film and this film is then shrunk onto these containers. In order
to achieve this, in the known art so-called shrink tunnels are
provided, through which the containers are transported. In
addition, however, in the known art methods and apparatus have
become known more recently in which such container groupings are
wrapped with a stretchable film.
[0004] In the past, for example, methods for producing double-row
wound packs have been known, wherein a double-row stream of bottles
is wrapped around with a film, in particular a so-called stretch
film, and then packs are isolated by a cutting device. A
disadvantage of this procedure is that as a rule only double-row
packs can be produced, and multi-row packs cannot be produced,
since in particular the containers in the middle cannot be held by
the stretch film and can slide out of the pack, for example slide
downwards.
[0005] In addition, the packs produced are opened laterally. In
this way it is usually not possible to produce a completely closed
pack. Advantageously, in the methods and packaging plants for
producing such film packages which are known in the known art, the
continuously conveyed film packages are severed in particular at
defined points, which can take place for example by means of a
cutting device which is passed, in particularly vertically, through
the film packages between successive pairs of containers, so that
in each case a pack with four, six or eight containers is separated
off, which retains the required mechanical stability in spite of
the partially open end faces in the case of double-row
containers.
SUMMARY
[0006] An aspect relates to a possible means by which multi-row
packs or generally larger packs can be produced. In addition, a
possibility should preferably also be created for producing a pack
which is at least substantially and preferably fully enclosed.
However, it is pointed out that possibly both of the said aspects
are not necessarily achieved by the same configuration of
embodiments of the invention.
[0007] In the method according to embodiments of the invention for
packaging piece good groupings a plurality of piece goods, in
particular piece goods of the same kind and in particular
containers, are delivered by means of a transport device along a
predetermined transport direction. Furthermore, this plurality of
piece goods is packaged and/or assembled by means of a first
wrapping element which at least partially surrounds the plurality
of piece goods. Furthermore, the plurality of piece goods packaged
with the first wrapping element is packaged with a second wrapping
element and for this purpose the plurality of piece goods packaged
with the first wrapping element is wrapped by a wrapping device
with a wrapping element in the form of a stretchable film element,
wherein this wrapping preferably takes place about a longitudinal
axis defined by the transport direction.
[0008] Packaging of the piece good grouping is understood in
particular to mean that the individual piece goods of this piece
good grouping are also held together at least temporarily by this
wrapping element.
[0009] According to embodiments of the invention at least one
further piece good is delivered to the plurality of piece goods
packaged with the first wrapping element, and the grouping of piece
goods packaged with the first wrapping element and the at least one
further piece good is wrapped with the second wrapping element.
[0010] The first wrapping element is advantageously a film element
and in particular a stretchable film element. However, it would
also be conceivable that the first wrapping element is a strip-like
wrapping element which is laid around the piece good grouping or is
arranged thereon. The first wrapping element can also be a shrink
wrap film which in particular has been shrunk onto the containers
or the piece goods. In general, the wrapping elements are
preferably elongated, in particular strip-shaped wrapping elements
which extend in particular in a longitudinal direction and
additionally, but to a large extent, in a transverse direction
perpendicular thereto. These wrapping elements are preferably
available in a rolled-up form and can be for example unwound from a
carrier roll. The wrapping elements are preferably elements
produced from a material containing plastic or paper.
[0011] Therefore, in this embodiment it is proposed that first of
all a piece good grouping provided with a wrapping element is
provided, further piece goods are then delivered thereto and then
the grouping is again surrounded by a wrapping element in the form
of a film element. Advantageously the piece good grouping
surrounded by the first wrapping element is a double-row pack.
However, it would also be conceivable that this piece good grouping
is already a three-row or multi-row pack. It could also be merely a
single-row pack.
[0012] In addition, it would also be possible that two or more
piece good groupings already in each case combined with a first
wrapping element are enclosed by the second wrapping element and
thus are grouped together into a large package.
[0013] Thus, the embodiment describes a possibility, as described
above, first of all to produce a for example double-row pack and to
produce a stable, multi-row pack by addition for example of
single-row streams of bottles and further packaging and in
particular further winding. In this case, as set out in greater
detail below, the possibility exists that the shrink-wrapped pack
or the pack produced by a winding method is rotated by a
predetermined angle, for example 90.degree., and is again enclosed
by a film, such as a winding film, in order thus to produce a
completely enclosed pack.
[0014] Thus, in a further method according to embodiments of the
invention for packaging piece good groupings a plurality of piece
goods and in particular containers, are likewise delivered by means
of a transport device along a predetermined transport direction,
and this plurality of piece goods is packaged by means of a first
wrapping element, wherein the first wrapping element surrounds the
plurality of piece goods at least partially and wherein the
plurality of piece goods packaged with the first wrapping element
is packaged with a second wrapping element and for this purpose the
number of piece goods packaged with the first wrapping element is
wrapped by a wrapping device with the stretchable film element,
wherein this wrapping preferably takes place about a longitudinal
axis defined by the transport direction.
[0015] Advantageously the first wrapping element and the second
wrapping element, which is a film element, are attached to the
piece goods in such a way that the piece goods are completely
enclosed by the totality of the first film element and the second
film element. This may be understood to mean that this enclosing
does not necessarily always take place by both wrapping elements,
but also either the one or the other film element, considered
jointly, close off all regions of the piece good grouping.
Advantageously here the first wrapping element can also be a
stretchable film or a stretch film, but shrinking on of a film, as
explained above, would also be possible.
[0016] Advantageously the piece goods are transported lying against
one another or touching one another. Also, in the grouping thus
formed at least two-piece goods touch one another. Preferably
several piece goods in each case touch one another with their
circumferential wall.
[0017] A further object of embodiments of the invention is to
improve the stability of such piece good groupings. Accordingly, in
a further method according to embodiments of the invention for
packaging piece good groupings, it is proposed that a plurality of
piece goods and in particular containers, are at least partially
interconnected by means of a first connection means or first
connector, wherein at least two of these piece goods are fastened
directly to one another.
[0018] According to embodiments of the invention, this plurality of
piece goods connected at least partially by the first connection
means or connector is packaged with a second connection means or
connector in the form of a second wrapping element or covering
element, and for this purpose the plurality of piece goods
connected by a first connection means or connector is transported
by means of a transport device to a packaging device and is wrapped
and/or surrounded with the second wrapping element by said
packaging device.
[0019] In this variant of embodiments of the invention it is
proposed that first of all a piece good grouping is provided in
which the at least two containers and preferably a plurality of
containers in each case are interconnected by the first connecting
means or connector. In order to increase the stability of this
piece good grouping, this piece good grouping is surrounded by a
further wrapping or covering element and in particular a plastic
element, in particular a film element.
[0020] An interconnection of the containers is understood in
particular here to mean that a plurality of containers is not
connected to one another by a common element, such as for instance
an enclosing strip, but in each case one container is connected
directly to a further container. Thus, for example a container can
be connected by force fitting to a further element. In this case in
particular a wall of a container can be fastened to a wall of a
further container.
[0021] The second wrapping element is advantageously a stretchable
film element, as described above. Instead of a stretchable film
element, however, a wrapping strip could also be used or also a
shrink wrap film.
[0022] In a further advantageous method this winding with the
second wrapping element takes place about a longitudinal axis
defined by a transport direction. In this case the transport
direction is again the transport direction in which the containers
of the above-mentioned packaging device are delivered and/or in
which the containers are guided through this packaging device. With
this method the aspects described above and also the aspects still
to be described below can be applied correspondingly.
[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the connecting means
or connector is a flowable connecting means or connector and in
particular an adhesive. In this case a cold adhesive or also a hot
melt adhesive can be used. Furthermore, this could be an acrylate
adhesive. It would also be conceivable that adhesion points are
arranged at specific regions on the containers. Thus, for example
adhesion points could be arranged on the outer surfaces of the
containers. In addition, the containers could also be welded to one
another. In this case this adhesive is advantageously applied to an
outer surface of the containers.
[0024] In this case it would also be possible that the adhesive is
applied to an outer wall of already filled containers. In a further
advantageous embodiment several containers and preferably also all
containers are connected to one another by the connecting
means.
[0025] In a further preferred method, the connecting means or
connector holds at least two of the piece goods of the piece good
grouping directly together. The packaging means or packaging
advantageously holds at least three of the piece goods of the piece
good grouping together. In this case it is possible that every
piece good and in particular every container is connected and in
particular directly connected to at least two further containers.
In addition, it would also be conceivable that some of the
containers are connected to more than two further containers or
generally piece goods. In this case at least one, preferably
several and particularly preferably each piece good is
advantageously connected directly to its closest neighbour.
[0026] In a further preferred method, the connecting means holds
together at least two of the piece goods arranged externally with
regard to the piece good grouping. This embodiment is based on the
idea that in a wrapped piece good grouping the outer containers are
often at particular risk of falling out. If the outer containers
are connected to one another or to inner container by a connecting
means or connector, such as an adhesive, the falling apart of of
these containers can be prevented. Advantageously at least the
piece goods of an outer row of this piece good grouping are
connected to one another or to inner rows by the connecting
means.
[0027] Each of the piece goods arranged externally with respect to
the piece good grouping is advantageously connected by the
connecting means to at least one further piece good.
[0028] Advantageously each piece good is connected to at least two
further piece goods by the connecting means or connector. Thus, for
example it would also be possible that the piece goods are provided
in several rows and in each row the individual piece goods are
connected to one another by the connecting means or connector.
[0029] In a further preferred method, a grip element is arranged on
the piece good grouping. In this case it is preferably possible
that on the already wrapped piece good grouping a grip element is
arranged, and in particular this grip element is arranged on a film
element, for example adhered thereto. However, it would also be
possible that the grip element is fastened directly to the piece
goods and this grip element is wrapped at least partially by the
wrapping element. In this way it can be possible that first of all
during opening the film element is removed and then the grip
element is accessible. However, it would also be possible that the
grip element is fastened to a region of the piece good grouping at
which no wrapping element is located, for example on a plan which
is perpendicular to the transport direction or the wrapping
direction.
[0030] Because a grouping of piece goods at least partially adhered
to one another is already delivered to the wrapping device here, it
is advantageously possible to omit the lateral guiding devices
which are otherwise included in the wrapping, since the containers
are already retained on one another.
[0031] Likewise, due to the use of a piece good grouping which is
already at least partially adhered it would also be possible to
omit the stationary carrier onto which the piece good grouping is
fitted in order then to be wrapped jointly therewith. Instead of
this it would actually be conceivable that the already at least
partially adhered piece good grouping is pushed away via a gap and
the wrapping is introduced into this gap.
[0032] By the use of a second wrapping in these embodiments it is
also possible to reduce the weights of applied adhesive and thus
the quantities of adhesive relative to methods known from the known
art. Thus, it would be possible that the containers are already
held against one another with a smaller quantity of adhesive and/or
a smaller number of adhesion points so that together with the outer
wrapping a stable pack is produced. In addition, the adhesion
between the containers can also be used merely in order to obtain a
stable intermediate product which can be better handled during the
further processing.
[0033] The film element is advantageously a plastic film and in
particular a stretchable plastic film. This plastic film
particularly preferably has a thickness between 3 .mu.m and 50
.mu.m, preferably between 5 .mu.m and 30 .mu.m, particularly
preferably between 8 .mu.m and 14 .mu.m and particularly preferably
between 8 .mu.m and 12 .mu.m. The film element is preferably a
transparent film element.
[0034] In this case the film element is preferably attached to the
piece good grouping in at least one full revolution in the
circumferential direction. In addition, however, it would also be
conceivable that the piece good grouping is wrapped several times
with the film element.
[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, the conveying
direction is rectilinear. The piece goods can be in particular
plastic bottles or glass bottles. However, an application to other
containers, such as for instance cans or so-called pouches, would
also be conceivable.
[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first wrapping
element and/or the second wrapping element can be arranged in such
a way that it wraps spirally around the grouping.
[0037] Furthermore, within the context of embodiments of the
invention it would also be conceivable for example to group and/or
to stack shrink-wrapped packs or smaller wound packs and to wrap
them again. In this case this method according to embodiments of
the invention could also be used as a substitute for so-called
shrink-to-shrink methods, in which the grouped and/or stacked packs
are surrounded with shrink wrap film and shrank. Such a
shrink-to-shrink method actually bears the risk that the film of
the smaller packs is glued or welded to the "collecting film". In
addition, the winding process described here is also more
energy-efficient.
[0038] Overall, the embodiment allows a more energy-efficient
procedure and also a reduction in packaging material. In particular
a solution for unprinted low-cost packs and transport packaging can
also be created in this way.
[0039] In a further advantageous variant of the method a position
of the piece goods provided with the first film element or the
first wrapping element relative to the transport direction is
changed before the attachment of the film element or of the second
wrapping element. Advantageously in this case the piece good
grouping is rotated in particular relative to the transport device.
In this case a rotation by a defined angle, for example by
90.degree., advantageously takes place. Particularly preferably in
this case a rotation takes place with respect to an axis of
rotation which is perpendicular to the transport device and/or to a
transport plane in which the piece goods are transported.
[0040] In this way an opening which remains during the first
winding process with the first packaging device can also be covered
by the second wrapping element.
[0041] For this purpose, it would be possible for example that the
apparatus has a gripping device which grips the piece good grouping
and rotates about a defined angle. However, such a displacement and
in particular rotation can also take place in order then, in a
rotated position, to add further containers to the piece good
grouping in a particularly convenient manner.
[0042] In a further advantageous method at least two further piece
goods are delivered to the plurality of piece goods packaged with
the first wrapping element and/or to the plurality of piece goods
at least partially connected with the connecting element. Thus, for
example a piece good grouping of six containers can be produced by
the first wrapping element and for example two or three further
containers can be added to these six containers. However, it would
also be possible that a second piece good grouping is added to the
first piece good grouping. Thus, it would be possible for example
that by means of the first wrapping element two-piece good
groupings are formed, these are then moved close to one another and
are surrounded by the second wrapping element and in particular the
film element.
[0043] Combinations of the methods described here are also
conceivable. Thus, for example first of all a piece good grouping
could be produced by at least partial adhesion of individual piece
goods, these could then be wrapped with a film element and at least
one further piece good could be added to this piece good grouping
and then the entire grouping could be wrapped again. Also, first of
all a piece good grouping could be produced which is connected
together at least partially by an adhesive, further piece goods (in
particular loose) could be added to this and then the resulting
grouping could be wrapped.
[0044] In this case these piece goods are preferably similar piece
goods, for instance containers, which are filled with the same
beverage. However, it would also be possible that the piece goods
are of different types, for instance containers which are filled
with different beverages. They could also be piece goods of
different generic types, for instance in the case where a
promotional item, such as for instance a drinking glass or a bottle
opener, is to be added to a group of containers.
[0045] Generally, with this procedure further piece goods are
delivered to the grouping, for instance delivered laterally. A
delivery of the further containers advantageously takes place on
precisely one side wall of the first grouping. However, it would
also be possible that containers are added both on one side and
also on a second (in particular opposing) side of the piece good
grouping. In addition, it would be possible that this operation is
repeated and, for example, two containers are delivered to the
piece good grouping, these are then wrapped with the film element
and further piece goods are added to the pack thus produced.
[0046] In a further preferred method at least two further piece
goods are oriented parallel to one another and/or the at least two
further piece goods are also oriented parallel to the plurality of
piece goods. Thus, for example it is possible that a plurality of
containers is grouped together in the first piece good grouping and
these are conveyed, each standing upright, on a conveyor belt. Two
further containers, likewise standing upright and thus oriented
parallel can for example be added to this grouping.
[0047] In a further advantageous embodiment, the plurality of piece
goods which are already wrapped with the first wrapping element and
to which a further piece good has already been added is transported
on a carrier in such a way that the at least one piece good abuts
against the plurality of piece goods. Thus, for example it is
possible that the first piece good grouping is wrapped by a film
and then to a certain extent outside the film the further piece
goods, such as in particular containers, are added. Advantageously
the carrier on which piece goods are wrapped is a stationary
carrier. In this case this carrier is also advantageously wrapped
around by a wrapping device and then the piece good grouping is
pulled down or pushed down from this carrier.
[0048] In addition, lateral guiding elements can also be provided,
which can likewise be included in the wrapping and from which the
piece good grouping is subsequently pulled down
[0049] In a further advantageous method, the plurality of piece
goods packaged with the first wrapping element and/or the plurality
of piece goods at least partially connected to or packaged with the
connecting element are pushed in the transport direction onto the
(in particular stationary) carrier. In this case further containers
can be added, for example in the transport direction downstream or
upstream of the first piece good grouping, but also alongside or
above it. This is explained in greater detail with reference to the
drawings.
[0050] In a further preferred method at least one portion of the
piece good grouping wrapped with the second wrapping element is
separated from a further portion of the piece good grouping wrapped
with the second wrapping element. This means that in this case a
piece good grouping, in particular a continuously further
transported piece good grouping, is formed with a plurality of
piece goods, and these are then separated again. Thus, the wrapping
films are for example cut again at a later stage and thus the piece
good groupings are divided into arbitrary or required units. For
this separation for example a guillotine-like separating element,
for example a blade, can be used, which moves downwards in a
perpendicular direction with respect to the transport direction and
thus cuts at least one of the two wrapping elements and in
particular the film element. In this case this separating element
is preferably moved at least temporarily with the piece goods. In
this case this movement of the separating element can also be
synchronised with the movement of the piece goods.
[0051] In a further advantageous method, a plurality of piece goods
is positioned in such a way that the second film element
substantially completely frees an opening of the first wrapping
element attached to the piece goods. In this case overall a piece
good grouping can be formed which has no direct opening to the
environment. In this case subsequent contamination of these piece
good groupings can be counteracted.
[0052] In this case for example the second wrapping element or film
element can advantageously be wound transversely with respect to
the transport direction around the piece goods. In this case
different types of process are conceivable. Thus, the first piece
good grouping can be a shrink-wrapped pack which is rotated so that
also the openings or eyes systematically produced in this case are
covered.
[0053] Furthermore, the following is directed to a piece good
grouping with a plurality of piece goods, wherein the piece goods
are at least partially in particular containers which are at least
partially surrounded by a first wrapping element and which are at
least partially surrounded by a second wrapping element, wherein at
least the second wrapping element is designed as a stretchable
plastic film and wherein the first wrapping element and the second
wrapping element abut against one another at least in sections and
wherein the first wrapping element abuts directly against at least
one of the piece goods.
[0054] According to embodiments of the invention at least one
portion of the first wrapping element extends at least in sections
between two piece goods and preferably separates them from one
another.
[0055] Thus, in this embodiment first of all the first wrapping
element is placed onto a first plurality of piece goods and holds
them. Then further containers are added and the entirety is in turn
surrounded by the second wrapping element, that is to say the film
element. In this way at least one portion of the first wrapping
element is located between one of the originally packaged
containers and one of the newly added containers. This portion of
the first wrapping element advantageously forms a line and/or
plane, in particular between the original piece goods and the newly
added piece goods.
[0056] Furthermore, the following is directed to a piece good
grouping with a plurality of piece goods and in particular
containers, which are at least partially surrounded by a first
wrapping element and which are at least partially surrounded by a
second wrapping element, wherein at least the second wrapping
element is designed as a stretchable plastic film and wherein the
first wrapping element and the second wrapping element abut against
one another at least in sections and wherein the first wrapping
element abuts directly against at least one of the piece goods.
[0057] According to embodiments of the invention a first geometric
line extending in a radial direction of at least one first piece
good passes through both film elements and at least one second
geometric line extending in a radial direction of at least one
second piece good of this piece good grouping passes through only
one film element and/or the first wrapping element and the second
wrapping element, which is a film element, are attached to the
piece goods in such a way that the piece goods are completely
enclosed by the entirety of the first film element and the second
film element.
[0058] Additionally, or alternatively it would also be conceivable
that each geometric line always passes through at least two
wrapping elements. In this embodiment it would be possible for
example that two piece good groupings formed by a first wrapping
element are in turn grouped together and surrounded by a film
element. In this case here too it is again possible that the second
film element covers an opening and in this case the geometric line
only passes through one wrapping element and in particular one film
element. In addition, it also possible that the wrapping elements
lie one above the other in some regions, so that both are passed
through. If, as mentioned, further containers are delivered to the
first container, only the second wrapping element abuts against
these further containers.
[0059] Furthermore, the following is directed to a piece good
grouping with a plurality of piece goods and in particular
containers, which are at least partially connected (in particular
to one another) by means of a first connecting element, wherein
this first connecting element is an adhesive which holds at least
two piece goods of this piece good grouping against one
another.
[0060] According to embodiments of the invention the piece good
grouping is surrounded and in particular wrapped at least partially
by a second wrapping element. Here "at least partially" is
understood to mean that the piece good grouping does not
necessarily have to be fully enclosed by the wrapping element.
[0061] Thus, here too it is proposed that first of all a piece good
grouping is held together with a first connecting element, in this
case in particular an adhesive, and this grouping is additionally
wrapped by a further wrapping element and in particular a film-like
wrapping element. Advantageously--as mentioned above--several
containers or piece goods of this piece good grouping are in each
case connected to the connecting element and in particular directly
connected to the connecting element.
[0062] Advantageously, here too at least the second wrapping
element is again a stretchable plastic film. In addition,
however--as mentioned above--a strip could also be used as wrapping
element. Advantageously no portion of the film element is in
contact with the connecting means. Advantageously the connecting
means is only formed on those contact surfaces on which two piece
goods and in particular containers of these piece good grouping
contact one another. This is in particular a basic body of the
containers. The containers are advantageously containers which are
similar with regard to their geometry.
[0063] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that at least
two containers are arranged one above the other in the longitudinal
direction of these containers. Also, in this case the outer walls
of the respective wrappings partially abut against one another.
[0064] The first plurality of piece goods is advantageously a
plurality of piece goods delivered in a double row. Advantageously
the entire piece good grouping has at least one axis of symmetry
with respect to the piece goods.
[0065] In a further advantageous embodiment at least one further
wrapping element abuts in multiple layers on at least one piece
good. Thus, it would be possible that at least one piece good or
one piece good grouping has been wrapped several times, for example
at least twice.
[0066] Furthermore, the following is directed to an apparatus for
the production of piece good groupings. This apparatus has a
transport device which transports a plurality of piece goods in a
predetermined transport direction. Furthermore, the apparatus has a
first packaging device, which applies a first wrapping element to
the plurality of piece goods in such a way that this first wrapping
element at least partially surrounds the plurality of piece goods.
Furthermore, the machine has a second packaging device, which is
arranged in particular downstream with respect to the first
packaging device in the transport direction of the piece goods, and
which applies a second wrapping element in the form of a film
element to the plurality of piece goods provided with the first
wrapping element.
[0067] In this case this second packaging device is suitable and
intended to wrap the plurality of piece goods provided with the
first film element with the second film element.
[0068] According to embodiments of the invention the apparatus has
an adapting device which is arranged in the transport direction
between the first packaging device and the second packaging device
and which adds at least one further piece good to the plurality of
piece goods provided with the first film element. Thus, in this
embodiment it is proposed in terms of the apparatus that further
containers are added to the grouping between the two packaging
devices. In this case these further containers are preferably only
wrapped by the second wrapping element wrapped, but not by the
first wrapping element.
[0069] Furthermore, the following is directed to an apparatus for
the production of a piece good grouping which has a transport
device which transports a plurality of piece goods in a
predetermined transport direction. Furthermore, the apparatus has a
first packaging device, which applies a first wrapping element to
the plurality of piece goods in such a way that this first wrapping
element at least partially surrounds the plurality of piece goods.
Furthermore, a second packaging device is provided which applies a
second wrapping element in the form of a film element to the
plurality of piece goods provided with the first wrapping element,
wherein this second packaging device is suitable and intended to
wrap the plurality of piece goods provided with the first film
element with the second film element.
[0070] According to embodiments of the invention the apparatus has
an adapting device which is arranged in the transport direction
between the first packaging device and the second packaging device
and which changes a geometric position of the first plurality of
piece goods relative to the transport device. This may
advantageously be a rotating device which rotates the piece good
grouping relative to the transport direction and in particular
rotates about an axis which is perpendicular to the transport
direction.
[0071] In addition, it would also be conceivable that the second
packaging device is oriented differently from the first packaging
device, so that holes or open points which ensue during the
wrapping with the first wrapping element can be closed.
[0072] Furthermore, the following is directed to an apparatus for
the production of a piece good grouping which has a transport
device which transports a plurality of piece goods in a
predetermined transport direction. Furthermore, the apparatus has a
first packaging device, which fastens at least two of these piece
goods to one another by means of a connecting element. Furthermore,
the apparatus has a second packaging device which applies a second
wrapping element designed in particular as a film element and/or
strip-like element to the piece good grouping at least partially
interconnected by the connecting element, wherein this second
packaging device is suitable and intended so that the plurality of
piece goods at least partially connected by the connecting element
are wrapped and/or surrounded by the second wrapping element.
[0073] Thus, in terms of the system it is also proposed here that
first of all a piece good grouping with at least one,
advantageously a plurality of containers fastened to one another is
produced and this then is in turn further processed and in
particular is wrapped with the further wrapping element. The
container grouping is advantageously designed in the manner
described above, i.e. in that each outer container of this piece
good grouping is connected to at least two further containers. In
this case it is possible that first of all the first packaging
device applies an adhesive to a region of the outer wall of the
containers and then delivers further containers to these positions,
so that as a result adhesion of at least two containers occurs.
[0074] In a further advantageous embodiment the apparatus has a
carrier for supporting the piece goods (in particular during
wrapping with the first wrapping element), as well as a removal
device, which removes the plurality of piece goods provided with
the second wrapping element from this carrier, wherein the removal
device is arranged upstream or downstream of the packaging device
in the transport direction of the piece goods. This removal device
can be for example a traction unit which, if required, engages a
piece good grouping laterally and pulls it off from the said
carrier. Advantageously the said carrier is also wrapped by at
least the second wrapping element. In this case this carrier can
preferably be formed as a sliding surface, relative to which the
piece goods can slide with a low coefficient of friction.
[0075] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device
conveys the piece good grouping in such a way to at least one of
the two packaging devices that at least one piece good of the piece
good grouping is pushed by a further piece good of the piece good
grouping to this packaging device (and in particular is pushed on
and/or relative to the carrier). This means that for example the
front most containers of the piece good grouping are pushed by the
following ones. In this case in particular these said piece goods,
for example containers, abut directly against one another.
[0076] For transporting of the containers, the transport device can
have a plurality of transport units, which transport the containers
in each case in sections, in particular in the transport direction.
In this case these individual transport units can for example
transport the containers from the first packaging device to the
second packaging device.
[0077] In a further advantageous embodiment these transport units
are synchronised with one another, and at least to some extent
convey the containers at the same transport speed.
[0078] In a further advantageous embodiment, the adapting device
has a delivery device which conveys at least one further piece good
to the piece good grouping provided with the first wrapping
element. In this case this conveying, as mentioned above, can take
place perpendicularly to the transport direction or also obliquely
or also parallel to the transport direction.
[0079] The embodiments described here, or the inventive aspects
described here are in each case based on the common concept that
the piece good grouping is packaged with two packaging means or
packaging. In particular at least the outer packaging means or
packaging is a stretchable film, with which the piece good grouping
is wrapped.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0080] Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with
references to the following Figures, wherein like designations
denote like members, wherein:
[0081] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for
packaging piece good groupings;
[0082] FIG. 1a shows a further view of an apparatus for packaging
piece good groupings;
[0083] FIG. 2 shows a representation for illustrating the
production of a piece good packaging;
[0084] FIG. 3 shows a representation of a method for producing a
piece good packaging with the addition of further containers;
[0085] FIG. 4--shows a representation illustrating the production
of wrapped piece good groupings;
[0086] FIG. 5 shows a representation illustrating the production of
wrapped piece good groupings;
[0087] FIG. 5a shows a representation illustrating the production
of wrapped piece good groupings;
[0088] FIG. 6 shows a representation illustrating the production of
wrapped piece good groupings;
[0089] FIG. 6a shows a representation illustrating the production
of wrapped piece good groupings;
[0090] FIG. 7a shows a representation illustrating the production
of wrapped piece good groupings;
[0091] FIG. 7b shows a representation illustrating the production
of wrapped piece good groupings;
[0092] FIG. 7c shows a representation illustrating the production
of wrapped piece good groupings;
[0093] FIG. 8 shows a further representation for illustrating the
production of a piece good grouping;
[0094] FIG. 9 shows a representation for the production of a piece
good grouping with containers arranged one above the other;
[0095] FIG. 10 shows a further representation for illustrating the
production of the piece good grouping with containers arranged one
above the other;
[0096] FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation for illustration of
the production of piece good groupings without openings;
[0097] FIG. 12 shows a further representation for the production of
a piece good grouping without an opening;
[0098] FIG. 12a shows a further representation for the production
of a piece good grouping without an opening;
[0099] FIG. 13 shows a further representation for illustrating the
production of a wrapped pack;
[0100] FIG. 14shows a representation for the production of a piece
good grouping without an opening;
[0101] FIG. 15 shows a representation for the production of a piece
good grouping without an opening;
[0102] FIG. 16 shows a representation for the production of a piece
good grouping without an opening;
[0103] FIG. 17 shows a representation for the production of a piece
good grouping without an opening;
[0104] FIG. 18 shows a representation for the production of a piece
good grouping without an opening;
[0105] FIG. 19 shows a further representation for the production of
a piece good grouping without openings;
[0106] FIG. 20 shows a further representation for the production of
piece good groupings without openings;
[0107] FIG. 21 shows a further representation for the production of
piece good groupings without openings;
[0108] FIG. 22a shows a further representation for the production
of piece good groupings without openings;
[0109] FIG. 22b shows a further representation for the production
of piece good groupings without openings;
[0110] FIG. 23 shows a further representation for the production of
piece good groupings without openings;
[0111] FIG. 24 shows a further piece good grouping, wherein here
the containers are in each case fastened to one another by
connecting means; FIG. 25a shows a representation of the piece good
grouping shown in FIG. 24 which is wrapped by a wrapping
element;
[0112] FIG. 25b shows a representation of the piece good grouping
shown in FIG. 24 which is wrapped by a wrapping element;
[0113] FIG. 25c shows a representation of the piece good grouping
shown in FIG. 24 which is wrapped by a wrapping element;
[0114] FIG. 25d shows a representation of the piece good grouping
shown in FIG. 24 which is wrapped by a wrapping element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0115] FIG. 1 shows schematically an apparatus 50 for the
production of a piece good grouping 1 and more precisely a
schematic plan view of a packaging machine or a portion of a
packaging machine. The packaging machine serves here for packaging
beverage containers 10. These are delivered along the transport
direction T as a stream of articles or piece goods, in this case in
a two-track feed, by means of a first horizontal conveying device
21, which in this case is a component of a transport device
designated by 2. This horizontal conveying device 21 can be for
example a conveyor belt, a mat chain conveyor or the like.
[0116] The reference numeral 52 designates a first packaging device
in the form of a wrapping device, i.e. a winding module in which
the containers are wrapped with at least one layer of a so-called
stretch film. In this case this first packaging device 52 can have
a circumferential roller or a circumferential film dispenser which
here runs in a circular path around the containers perpendicular to
the drawing plane. Unlike the illustration in FIG. 1, however, the
two rows of containers 10 are also moved closer to one another, so
that they are ultimately conveyed and wrapped in contact with one
another.
[0117] In a manner which is known per se, the stretch film is wound
helically around the articles or beverage containers 10 which are
conveyed adjacent to one another in pairs, wherein a sufficient
tension of the film preferably ensures the firm mechanical cohesion
of the stream of articles or piece goods.
[0118] In order to ensure the disruption-free transport of the
stream of articles or piece goods in the first packaging device 52,
circumferential feed belts (not shown) can engage for example
laterally on the stream of articles or piece goods, which conveys
the containers 10 through the first packaging device 52, whilst the
containers 10 are simultaneously wrapped. In this case it is
conceivable that an operating speed of the first packaging device
and/or the second packaging device is at least temporarily and
preferably continuously synchronised with a transport speed of the
piece goods.
[0119] In the first winding module 52 the containers will usually
slide onto a lower carrier or a slide plate which is likewise
wrapped. In the further course of conveying, however, the already
wrapped stream of articles or piece goods is pulled over the
sliding plate, wherein after leaving this slide plate the stretch
film is applied due to its pretension to the underside of the
containers.
[0120] The reference numeral 61 designates a first feed module
which effects the further transport of the stream of articles and
piece goods which are now already wrapped here with a layer of film
element. In this case this feed unit can for example have upper and
lower feed lines or feed belts, which preferably over the length of
this first feed module 61 engage continuously on the upper and
lower faces of the stream of articles or piece goods and thus
ensure further conveying. Here too, lateral guides can again be
provided, which support the stream of articles or piece goods on
the left and right and guide the stream laterally.
[0121] The reference numeral 60 designates quite schematically an
adapting device which is designed here as a delivery device which
adds further piece goods to the piece good grouping already wrapped
with the first wrapping element. In this case this delivery device
can have a transport device which delivers these further products
for instance laterally. In this case it is conceivable that a
conveying speed of this further delivery device is synchronised
with a transport speed of the transport device which conveys the
containers through the packaging devices 52, 54.
[0122] In this way further piece goods can be added in a defined
manner in each case to the piece goods wrapped with the first
wrapping element. In a further advantageous embodiment this
adapting device 60 can also have an advancing device (not shown)
which brings the further piece goods so close to the piece goods
wrapped with the first wrapping element that they contact these
wrapped piece goods and/or the first wrapping element. In this way
piece good groupings lying very close together can again be wrapped
by the subsequent second packaging device.
[0123] In addition, this region can also be provided with an
adapting device (not shown) which rotates the piece good grouping,
for example in each case by a defined angle of 90.degree. with
respect to an axis which is perpendicular to the drawing plane
here.
[0124] The reference numeral 54 designates a second packaging
device, again in the form of a wrapping device, i.e. a winding
module, which here winds a second layer of stretch film again
helically around the stream of articles or piece goods. Here a
winding angle is advantageously changed relative to the winding
angle of the first wrapping station 52.
[0125] The reference numeral 62 designates a second feed module
which effects the further transport of the stream of piece goods
which are now wrapped with several layers of stretch film. For this
purpose, upper and lower feed lines or feed belts are again
provided, which preferably over the length of the second feed
module 62 run around continuously on the upper and lower faces of
the stream of articles or piece goods and thus ensure further
conveying thereof to the subsequent second horizontal conveying
device 73. Cutting elements which cut the winding film can be
provided in the region of this conveying device 73 and 75. In this
case these cutting elements can at least move with the containers
during a cutting operation.
[0126] The reference numeral 66 designates a removal device, which
removes the now cut packs or piece good groupings 1.
[0127] FIG. 1a shows a side view of an apparatus for producing such
piece good groupings. Here too, the transport device 2, which first
of all pushes containers 10 onto a stationary carrier plate 32, can
be seen. This means that the containers are pushed by pressure onto
the carrier 32. The reference numeral 34 designates lateral guide
elements, which cause the containers 10 to be wrapped close
together. In the first packaging device 52 the containers 10 are
wrapped so, wherein the carrier plate 32 and the lateral guiding
element 34 are also included in the wrapping.
[0128] The reference numeral 36 designates further transport
devices, which convey the now wrapped containers further, that is
to say towards the right in FIG. 1a. In this way the piece good
groupings are also removed again from the carrier 32 and also from
the lateral guiding elements 34.
[0129] The reference numeral 68 designates a first cutting element
which in each case cuts off piece good groupings. This can be
arranged, as shown by the arrow P1, like a guillotine in a vertical
direction. The piece good groupings thus produced are transported
into a further wrapping device 54 and there they can likewise be
wrapped again with a stretch film. The reference numerals 72 and 74
here designate transport devices which ensure feeding of the piece
goods. Between the first winding module and the second winding
module the piece good groupings can be rotated, as mentioned above,
however, in FIG. 1a about an axis of rotation which extends in the
drawing plane.
[0130] The reference numeral 68 designates a further cutting
element which again serves to cut off the stretch film. The piece
good groupings finished in this way can be removed by means of a
conveyor belt 82.
[0131] FIG. 2 shows a quite schematic representation for
illustration of the production of piece good groupings. Ultimately
it is possible, as explained more precisely below, first of all to
bind together a plurality of containers 10 into a group and then to
wrap them with a wrapping element 12, such as a film in this case.
The processing of an individual container 10 to form a container
pack, which takes place by a plurality of wrappings, is set out in
the following steps.
[0132] FIG. 3 explains a general production process. In this case
first a plurality of containers is delivered which are already
enclosed by a first wrapping element 12. In this case the reference
numeral 13 designates an opening which for example can occur in the
shrinking operation. Two further containers 10 (second part-drawing
in FIG. 3) are guided towards this first grouping of containers 10.
With the second wrapping device (not shown) a film element 14 is
attached around this grouping of the first piece good grouping and
the two further containers. This film contracts, so that (right
part-drawing) ultimately a pack of six containers is produced. This
is now a completely wrapped pack.
[0133] In this case the film element 12 abuts directly against some
of the containers (as does the film element 14), here on the
containers on the left side and the film element 14 abuts against
only some of the containers, here on the containers on the right
side. In some regions, for example, here on the middle containers,
both film elements abut.
[0134] FIG. 4 identifies a first step for a corresponding
production process. In this case first, as an example, four
containers or generally containers are placed alongside one another
and are wrapped by a first wrapping element, in this case likewise
a stretch film. A pack thus wound or also shrink-wrapped is
produced, as shown in the next part-drawing, wherein here
systematic a film opening 13 is produced, as shown in the right
part-drawing.
[0135] This pack can now be further processed, as shown in FIG. 5.
As in the representation shown in FIG. 5, two further containers
are delivered to the pack shown in the left part-drawing, and the
entire grouping is wrapped again, as shown in the second
part-drawing from the right. The stretch film again applies itself
(cf. right part-drawing), so that a completely wrapped pack with
six containers is produced.
[0136] In FIG. 5a a further process is illustrated. In this case
two further containers are delivered to the pack shown in FIG. 5
(right part-drawing) and this grouping is wrapped again. Thus (cf.
right part-drawing of FIG. 5a) as a result a pack of eight
containers is produced which, however, has been included in the
wrapping of three film elements here. The portion 12a of the first
wrapping element, in this case the film element, which extends
between containers, can be seen here. The process shown in FIG. 5a
could still be taken further and in particular successive further
piece goods could be added to an already existing piece good
grouping. Accordingly, the reference numeral 15 relates to a
further film element, which wraps the piece good grouping in
addition to the film elements 12 and 14.
[0137] The reference numeral L1 designates a geometric radial line,
which extends from one of the containers and passes through both
wrapping elements. The reference numeral L2 designates a further
geometric radial line, which extends from a further one of the
containers and passes through only one of the two wrapping
elements.
[0138] FIG. 6 shows a similar representation to FIG. 5, but with
the difference that here two containers are added above the
grouping consisting of the four containers and in total are
wrapped. Accordingly FIG. 6a also shows a similar representation to
FIG. 5a, wherein here too further containers are added above.
[0139] In the situation illustrated in FIG. 7, both above and also
below in each case two bottles are added to the pack illustrated in
the left part-drawing, and the entire pack is wrapped again. In the
representation on the right a pack is produced which is made up of
two film elements, specifically an inner film element 12 which
surrounds four containers and an outer film element 14 which
surrounds all the containers.
[0140] FIG. 7a shows a representation, in which further piece goods
are added to the piece good grouping produced in FIG. 7 both above
and also blow (i.e. from two sides). This entire grouping is again
wrapped with a film element and so a bulk pack is produced with a
total of 12 containers here. Thus, it is proposed that the process
according to the invention for the addition of containers to an
already wrapped piece good grouping can also be repeated several
times.
[0141] FIG. 7b shows a further representation for a method
according to the invention. Here first of all two shrink-wrapped
packs are brought together and these two shrink-wrapped packs are
then wrapped with a film. In this way a pack is produced (cf. right
part-drawing) which contains two shrink-wrapped packs which are in
each case surrounded by the second film element as winding
film.
[0142] FIG. 7c shows a similar representation to FIG. 7b, wherein,
however, four such shrink-wrapped packs are wound together and, in
this way, (lower part-drawing) a wrapped pack is produced from four
shrink-wrapped packs.
[0143] FIG. 8 illustrates a further grouping, wherein the number of
packs can amount here to at least two pieces or more. The
above-mentioned packs are, as mentioned above, formed into large
packets by wrapping with film.
[0144] FIG. 9 illustrates a further grouping of containers, wherein
here two shrink-wrapped packs are placed one above the other and
likewise are wrapped again with a film.
[0145] FIG. 10 shows that an arrangement of several shrink-wrapped
packs one above the other can also be combined with a lateral
arrangement, so that the bulk pack illustrated in FIG. 10 is
produced.
[0146] FIGS. 11 to 23 illustrate the production of containers
without openings or eyes. In this connection FIG. 11 illustrates in
principle how individual containers 10 can be grouped into
opening-free (fully enclosed) container packs. In this case it is
possible, as shown in FIG. 12, to produce a pack which has an
opening or a film eye. This pack can then be rotated, for instance
by 90.degree., before the second wrapping unit and can then be
wrapped again. Due to this second wrapping the film eye 13 is also
closed, so that overall the pack is completely closed, as shown in
the right part of FIG. 12a.
[0147] In FIG. 13 the production of such a pack is likewise
illustrated. Here too containers are again placed alongside one
another and for example in the second part-drawing are covered with
film. In this way, in the third upper part-drawing a shrink-wrapped
or wound pack is produced with a film eye 13. This pack is now, as
shown in the next part-drawing, rotated by 90.degree. and wrapped
again. Lastly (cf. last part-drawing) a wrapped pack which is
completely closed is produced.
[0148] FIG. 14 shows a combination of the previously illustrated
method. Here again the starting point is also a wrapped pack, which
here contains six containers and two film elements 12, 14. This is
rotated by 90.degree. and again wrapped with a film. Here too a
pack consisting of six containers is produced which, however, is
completely closed. In this case this production process can be used
for any type of wrapped packs.
[0149] FIG. 15 shows a further possible production process. Here
too a covered pack is produced and then a winding film is wound on
transversely with respect to the machine running direction. Here
too (last part-drawing of FIG. 15) a wrapped pack is produced which
is completely closed.
[0150] FIG. 16 shows a further representation of a described
procedure. Here too the starting point is again a wrapped pack,
which also here is again wrapped with a winding film transversely
with respect to the machine running direction. Also, in this case a
wrapped pack is produced which is completely closed. This
production process can also be used for any type of wrapped
packs.
[0151] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, first two shrink-wrapped
packs or wound packs are provided and placed alongside one another.
Next, they are wrapped with film, as shown in the last upper
part-drawing. In this way a wrapped pack is produced (lower
part-drawing on the left) which is again rotated by 90.degree.
(second lower part-drawing of FIG. 17) and is wrapped with a second
film. Here too a wrapped pack is again produced which is completely
closed and which can have two for example shrink-wrapped or wound
packs inside it.
[0152] FIG. 18 is similar to the representation shown in FIG. 17,
wherein, however, here no rotation of the pack by 90.degree. is
carried out, but a second winding takes place transversely with
respect to the machine running direction. As a result, also here a
wrapped pack which is completely closed is also produced.
[0153] FIG. 19 again illustrates the production of containers which
are completely wrapped.
[0154] In the illustration shown in FIG. 20 one or more
shrink-wrapped or wound packs are placed one above the other or on
one another and again are wrapped with a film. Here too a wrapped
pack is produced which, however, has a film eye. This pack is, as
illustrated in FIG. 21, rotated by 90.degree. and again wrapped
with film, so that as a result a wrapped pack is produced which is
completely closed.
[0155] FIGS. 22a and 22b again illustrate in a similar manner the
production of a wound pack, wherein here again no rotation of the
pack is carried out, but the second winding film is again applied
transversely with respect to the machine running direction. Here
too it is pointed out that the shrink-wrapped pack is first of all
delivered in such a way that for example a film eye is located
towards the front and so can be wrapped around by the second
winding film.
[0156] Finally, FIG. 23 illustrates the production of bulk packs
from a plurality of containers arranged one above the other.
[0157] FIG. 24 shows a further embodiment of a piece good grouping.
These has 6 containers here, which are in each case interconnected
by connecting means 42 These connecting means can be in particular
adhesives. During the production adhesion points can be applied in
a targeted manner to the circumferential walls of individual
containers and in each case further containers 10 can be adhered
thereto. In this way the containers here are not packaged by a
surrounding wrapping element, but in each case are held against one
another in particular in pairs. In this way it is already possible
to achieve a relatively stable grouping. Precisely, this is a
plurality of connection means which preferably hold the containers
together in each case in pairs.
[0158] In the illustration shown in FIG. 25a these piece good
grouping is now wrapped by a second wrapping element 14. It is
pointed out that in these representations, to be precise, the
wrapping element 14 is the only wrapping element. However, the term
"second wrapping element" has been used here with a view to
maintaining uniform terminology. This wrapping element 14 surrounds
the piece good grouping here with respect to an axis which extends
horizontally. Also, the transport direction along the piece goods
are transported extends horizontally here. Nevertheless, a greater
stability of the wrapped piece good grouping can be achieved by the
wrapping element 14.
[0159] FIG. 25b shows a further representation of a piece good
grouping. It will be recognised here that a connecting element
(arrow P2) between the two middle containers has been omitted. This
is possible while maintaining sufficient stability since this
stability is still achieved by the surrounding wrapping element
14.
[0160] In the illustration shown in FIG. 25c several adhesion
points or connecting elements have been omitted. More precisely,
the upper row of piece goods here is not adhered to the lower row
of piece goods. This is also still acceptable with regard to the
required stability because of the additional wrapping. Finally, in
the illustration shown in FIG. 25d no connection points or
connection elements have been affixed between respective laterally
adjacent pairs of containers.
[0161] It will be recognised that in addition to the illustrated
embodiments other groupings are also possible. Also, more
containers than illustrated can be grouped together. In addition,
further containers could also be added to the piece good groupings
shown in FIGS. 25a-d and such a grouping can be wrapped again.
[0162] In addition, the piece good groupings shown in FIGS. 25a-d
could also be wrapped again by a further wrapping device, in order
thus to again obtain completely closed piece good groupings. In
addition, gripping elements could also be fastened to the piece
good groupings shown in FIGS. 25a-d.
[0163] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in
greater detail with reference to the preferred exemplary
embodiment, the invention is not limited to the examples disclosed,
and further variations can be inferred by a person skilled in the
art, without departing from the scope of protection of the
invention.
[0164] For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use
of "a" or "an" throughout this application does not exclude a
plurality, and "comprising" does not exclude other steps or
elements.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0165] 1 piece good grouping
[0166] 2 transport device
[0167] 10 beverage containers
[0168] 12 first wrapping element
[0169] 13 opening/film eye
[0170] 14 film element
[0171] 15 further film element
[0172] 21 first horizontal conveying device
[0173] 32 carrier plate/carrier
[0174] 34 lateral guide elements
[0175] 36 further transport devices
[0176] 42 connecting element
[0177] 50 apparatus
[0178] 52 first packaging device/wrapping device
[0179] 54 second packaging device/wrapping device
[0180] 60 adapting device
[0181] 61 first feed module
[0182] 62 second feed module
[0183] 66 removal device
[0184] 68 cutting element
[0185] 72, 74 transport devices
[0186] 73, 75 horizontal conveying device
[0187] 82 transport belt
[0188] T transport direction
[0189] P1 arrow
* * * * *