U.S. patent application number 16/093218 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-15 for piece good combination with spirally mounted carrier element and method for production thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is KRONES AG. Invention is credited to Richard ESCHLBECK, Andreas FRITSCH, Johannes KIRZINGER, Manuel KOLLMUSS, Christian NAPRAVNIK, Heiner SCHAEFER, Herbert SPINDLER, Juergen WERNER, Thomas WIMMER.
Application Number | 20210214108 16/093218 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005538488 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210214108 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIRZINGER; Johannes ; et
al. |
July 15, 2021 |
PIECE GOOD COMBINATION WITH SPIRALLY MOUNTED CARRIER ELEMENT AND
METHOD FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF
Abstract
A method for packaging piece good batches is provided. A
transport device transports a plurality of piece goods in
particular in the form of a piece good flow in a specified
transport direction, and a first wrapping device wraps a film
element around the piece goods, the film element having a specified
first width. The first wrapping device has a dispensing assembly
which circulates around the piece goods, and the piece goods are
supplied to the first wrapping device in order to be wrapped with
the film element. The piece goods are wrapped with a strip-like
element by means of a strip application device, the strip-like
element having a smaller width than the film element.
Inventors: |
KIRZINGER; Johannes;
(Unterhaching, DE) ; SPINDLER; Herbert;
(Niedermoosen, DE) ; SCHAEFER; Heiner; (Munich,
DE) ; KOLLMUSS; Manuel; (Raubling, DE) ;
FRITSCH; Andreas; (Eggstatt, DE) ; WERNER;
Juergen; (Bruckmuhl, DE) ; ESCHLBECK; Richard;
(Vogtareuth, DE) ; WIMMER; Thomas; (Rosenheim,
DE) ; NAPRAVNIK; Christian; (Rosenheim, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KRONES AG |
Neutraubling |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005538488 |
Appl. No.: |
16/093218 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
December 29, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/082877 |
371 Date: |
October 12, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/56 20130101;
B65B 11/008 20130101; B65B 21/245 20130101; B65D 71/08 20130101;
B65B 35/44 20130101; B65D 2575/56 20130101; B65B 41/16 20130101;
B65B 61/14 20130101; B65D 75/002 20130101; B65B 53/063 20130101;
B65B 11/58 20130101; B65D 2571/00493 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 11/00 20060101
B65B011/00; B65B 35/44 20060101 B65B035/44; B65B 11/58 20060101
B65B011/58; B65B 61/14 20060101 B65B061/14; B65B 21/24 20060101
B65B021/24; B65B 41/16 20060101 B65B041/16; B65B 53/06 20060101
B65B053/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 15, 2016 |
DE |
10 2016 106 987.6 |
Claims
1. A method for packaging a piece good combination, wherein a
transport device transports a plurality of piece goods in a
predetermined transport direction, and wherein a first wrapping
device wraps the piece goods with a first film element, wherein the
first film element has a predetermined first width, and wherein the
first wrapping device has a dispensing unit revolving around the
piece goods, and wherein the piece goods are delivered to the first
wrapping device in order to be wrapped by the first film element,
wherein the piece goods are wrapped with a strip-like element by
means of a strip application device, the strip-like element having
a smaller width than the first film element, wherein the strip-like
element is applied in the form of a spiral wrapping to the piece
goods.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein adjacent windings of
the spiral wrapping do not touch.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein adjacent turns of the
first film element applied spirally to the piece goods overlap.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein both the first film
element and also the strip-like element are severed by means of a
separating device arranged in the transport direction after the
first wrapping device and the strip application device.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein by means of a second
wrapping device a second film element is applied to the piece
goods, wherein this second wrapping device has a dispensing unit
revolving around the piece goods, and wherein the piece goods are
delivered to the second wrapping device in order to be wrapped by
the second film element.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the strip-like element
is arranged on the piece goods in such a way that it can be used as
a gripping element for carrying the piece good combination.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the strip-like element
has at least one of a uniform orientation and a uniform gradient
angle.
8. A machine for packaging a piece good combination comprising a
transport device which transports a plurality of piece goods in a
predetermined transport direction, a first wrapping device which is
suitable and intended for wrapping the piece goods with a first
film element, wherein the first film element has a first
predetermined width, and wherein the first wrapping device has a
dispensing unit revolving around the piece goods, wherein the piece
goods can be delivered to the first wrapping device in order be
wrapped by the first film element, and a strip application device
which wraps the piece goods with a strip-like element, the
strip-like element having a smaller width than the first film
element, wherein the strip-like element is applied in the form of a
spiral wrapping to the piece goods.
9. The machine according to claim 8, further comprising a second
wrapping device which is arranged after the first wrapping device
in the transport direction of the piece goods and which is suitable
and intended to wrap the piece goods with a second film
element.
10. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the strip application
device is arranged after the second wrapping device or between the
first wrapping device and the second wrapping device in the
transport direction of the piece goods.
11. A piece good combination comprising a plurality of piece goods
wrapped by means of a first film element and with a strip-like
carrying element arranged on the first film element for carrying
the piece good combination, wherein the strip-like carrying element
is wound spirally around the piece good combination.
12. The piece good combination according to claim 11, wherein the
strip-like element has a smaller width than the first film element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to PCT Application No.
PCT/EP2016/082877, having a filing date of Dec. 29, 2016, based on
German Application No. 10 2016 106 987.6, having a filing date of
Apr. 15, 2016, the entire contents both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The following relates to a method for packaging piece good
combinations and a machine for packaging piece good combinations as
well as a piece good combination. It has been known for a long time
from the prior art that piece goods, for example containers, are
bundled together into groups of containers, for example so-called
six packs. Various procedures are known for this purpose. In a
procedure known from the prior art these containers are packaged in
a film and this film is then shrink-wrapped onto the containers,
for example in a shrink tunnel.
BACKGROUND
[0003] More recently it has also become known for such groups of
containers to be wrapped by means of a stretchable film (also
referred to below as a stretch film). For this purpose, the
containers are introduced into a wrapping device and are wrapped
there by means of a stretchable film. In this case the stretchable
film is usually unwound from rolls. In addition, it is also known
in the prior art that a gripping element or a handle is usually
attached at a later stage to such groupings which are already
wrapped. For this purpose, the packs which are already cut and
wrapped with film are spaced apart from one another in order to
apply a handle in the running direction of the pack for example by
means of front and rear gluing arms.
[0004] In this case the problem arises that it is often not simple
to attach the handle centrally on the piece good combination. In
addition, the spacing of the pack sections, usually by means of
individual transporter sections, is complex, in particular if it
should also take place in different speed steps.
SUMMARY
[0005] An aspect relates to simplifying the attachment in
particular of handle elements.
[0006] Therefore the aspect is in particular to simplify the
production of such piece good combinations, in particular with
handles. In particular a possibility should be created which makes
it possible to dispense with a spacing of adjacent groups of
containers for attachment of the handle.
[0007] In a method according to embodiments of the invention for
packaging piece good combinations a transport device transports a
plurality of piece goods in particular as a stream of piece goods
in a predetermined transport direction, and a first wrapping device
wraps the piece goods with a film element. In this case this film
element has a predetermined first width. Furthermore, this first
wrapping device has a dispensing unit revolving around the piece
goods, wherein the piece goods are delivered to the first wrapping
device in order to be wrapped by the film element. The transport
direction is preferably a rectilinear transport direction.
[0008] According to embodiments of the invention the piece goods
are wrapped with a strip-like element by means of a strip
application device, the strip-like element having a smaller width
than the film element.
[0009] The dispensing unit preferably has a dispensing element,
such as for instance a carrier for a film roll or a dispensing edge
which dispenses the film element. The film element preferably has a
thickness between 5 .mu.m and 30 .mu.m, preferably between 5 .mu.m
and 20 .mu.m and particularly preferably between 8 .mu.m and 12
.mu.m. The strip-like material has a thickness between 20 .mu.m and
100 .mu.m. The strip-like element preferably has a greater
thickness than the film element. The film element is preferably
made of a plastic material and in particular a transparent plastic
material. The strip-like element is preferably made from a material
which is selected from a group of materials including plastics,
fibre materials and paper materials.
[0010] In this case a width of the film element or of the
strip-like element is understood to be a dimension in one direction
which extends in particular perpendicular to a main extension
direction of this strip or of the film. This main extension
direction is understood to be the direction from which for example
the film element is pulled off from a film roll or also the
strip-like element is pulled off from a strip roll. Thus, this is
the direction along which the film element or the strip-like
element substantially extends.
[0011] Thus, the present application describes that a piece good
combination wrapped with a film element is wrapped with the
strip-like element. Therefore, it is pointed out that this
procedure is also applicable to other pack types and in particular
to shrink-wrapped packs. In this way for instance shrink-wrapped
packs could be wrapped in particular uninterruptedly with the
strip-like element, in particular with a handle wrapped.
[0012] In a further method according to embodiments of the
invention for packaging piece good combinations a transport device
transports a plurality of piece goods in particular as a stream of
piece goods in a predetermined transport direction, and a film
application device applies a film element to this piece good
combination. By means of a shrink-wrapping device this film element
is shrunk on, at least section by section, onto the piece good
combination. The transport direction is preferably a rectilinear
transport direction.
[0013] According to embodiments of the invention, the piece
goods--in particular with the film element shrunk onto it--are
wrapped with a strip-like element by means of a strip application
device.
[0014] This strip-like element preferably has a lesser thickness
than the film element. The film element is preferably shrunk on by
an effect of heat on the piece good combination. For this purpose,
the piece good combination can be transported with the film element
arranged thereon through a shrink tunnel. Furthermore, a further
conveyor device, such as in particular an accumulating conveyor,
could be arranged after such a shrink tunnel, so that the
shrink-wrapped pack can be wrapped uninterruptedly with the
strip-like element, in particular a handle.
[0015] The containers are advantageously pushed onto a fixed or
stationary carrier and is wrapped by the film element on this
carrier. In addition, the containers are also advantageously
transported between two lateral guiding elements and, during
wrapping, these lateral guiding elements are also wrapped. These
lateral guiding elements are advantageously rod-like members, which
extend for example in the transport direction on the right side and
on the left side of the stream of containers.
[0016] It is also possible that during the wrapping with the
strip-like element the containers are pushed onto a fixed or
stationary carrier. However, it would also be possible to dispense
with pushing the piece good combination onto a fixed carrier during
the wrapping with the strip-like carrier. Since, on the one hand,
the strip-like carrier has a substantially lesser width than the
film element (and, on the other hand, the piece goods are already
wrapped with the film element and therefore already have a higher
stability) it would be possible for the piece good combination,
already wrapped with the film element, to be pushed away over a gap
and to wrap the strip-like element inside this gap. In this case
the piece good combination would not have to be pulled down from
such a carrier.
[0017] Furthermore, it would also be possible to provide lateral
guiding elements during the wrapping of the piece goods with the
strip-like material. In addition, it would also be possible here to
dispense with the lateral guiding elements during the wrapping with
the strip-like material, since, as stated, the strip-like material
has a lesser width than the film element. The width direction of
the film element and/or of the strip-like element preferably
extends in the transport direction of the piece goods. The wrapping
preferably takes place in a circumferential direction with respect
to this transport direction.
[0018] The piece goods are preferably wrapped directly by the
strip-like element without further (in particular stationary)
elements such as lateral guiding elements or carrier plates also
being wrapped.
[0019] In this case the wrapping strip can also surround the fixed
carrier and the lateral guide. However, it would also be
conceivable that the strip is merely wrapped around the fixed
carrier and the containers already wrapped with a film element.
[0020] Furthermore, the strip-like element can be constructed both
resiliently and rigidly in its longitudinal direction.
[0021] In this case this strip-like element can fulfil several
purposes. Thus, for example, the strip-like element could be a
wrapping strip for advertising purposes. In addition, the
strip-like element could also be formed as a handle or could also
serve both as a handle and for advertising purposes.
[0022] If the strip-like element serves as a gripping element, it
can be advantageous (so that the strip can be "gripped" in the
handle region) if it does not rest too tightly on the piece good
combination and or the film element. In particular in conjunction
with gluing before and/or after the handle region a "loose" handle
could be provided by a brief driven unwinding of the gripping strip
with a higher unwinding speed than the normal pulling. The possibly
necessary pressing of the gripping strip after the loose region can
preferably take place by a local pressing device before the further
unwinding takes place sectionally again with strip tension.
[0023] If the strip-like element is used for advertising purposes
it could be advantageous, in particular with a very oblique and/or
almost horizontal attachment ("infinite" gradient, i.e. is then no
longer wound but only pulled off), in addition to a synchronisation
of the attachment with the final pack length, also to apply an
alternating mirrored imprint/lettering to be applied (avoiding
"inversion"). In this way a uniform legibility for instance of an
imprint is made possible.
[0024] In addition, it would also be possible to apply and/or to
introduce the strip-like element with a "gradient of 0", that is to
say in particular parallel to the transport direction. This could
take place for example by continuous pulling off (wherein in the
handle region a driven unwinding possibly takes place for more
"air"). In this case this pulling off can take place from one or
more rolls.
[0025] In this case an application to an outer or inner wrapping
layer is also conceivable, possibly also first directly onto piece
goods. In addition, a location-related controlled build-up for "air
handles" can also take place, but also a subsequent pack spacing
and thus also additionally a "front" adhesion/fastening are made
possible. In addition, the film packaging can also be cut to length
by cutting to length and, if necessary, the film packaging can be
cut free in the handle region.
[0026] Therefore, it is advantageously proposed that the container
combination or the containers are wrapped in particular spirally by
the strip-like element. In this way it is possible that the
strip-like element, which can later serve for example in part as a
handle, is attached during uninterrupted pack transport. In this
case for application of the strip-like elements similar devices can
be used, as also in the case of application of the film element.
The strip-like material is advantageously unrolled from a strip
roll.
[0027] It would also be possible that the strip-like element is
first applied to the containers and only then a film element is
applied. Furthermore, the strip-like element can also be printed or
can have markings, such as for instance a barcode or the like.
Advantageously the strip-like element is continuously attached to
the stream of containers.
[0028] Advantageously the film element and/or the strip-like
element are applied to the containers circumferentially with
respect to the transport direction of the containers. The film
element is advantageously applied under tension to the containers.
In this case--as mentioned above--it is possible that first the
film element and then the strip-like element are applied.
[0029] In addition, it would also be possible that the film element
and the strip-like element are applied substantially
simultaneously, for example, in that a wrapping device has both a
revolving roller for the film element and a revolving roller for
the strip-like element. It would also be possible that the
strip-like element is already integrated into the film. In
addition, it would also be possible that first a film element and
the strip-like element are already combined in the wrapping device
and subsequently in this combined state are wound around the
containers. In this case it is possible that the wrapping device
also functions simultaneously as a strip application device.
[0030] Advantageously the film element and the strip element
themselves are conveyed in a specific longitudinal direction and
extend in this longitudinal direction. The width is--as mentioned
above--in particular defined perpendicular to this longitudinal
direction. Advantageously the width of the strip-like element is
less than half of the width of the film element, preferably less
than 1/3 of the width of the film element, preferably less than 1/4
of the width of the film element, preferably less than 1/5 of the
film element and particularly preferably less than 1/10 of the
width of the film element.
[0031] In contrast to the prior art, in which a handle is applied
in the running direction of the pack by means of front and rear
adhesive frames, it is now proposed that the strip-like element and
in particular a handle element is applied during the uninterrupted
pack transport, for which purpose small individual separate
transporter sections for producing gaps can be omitted. Thus, the
strip-like element is preferably applied spirally to the pack
contour, in order as a result to simplify gripping of the pack.
[0032] In terms of the machine this can be achieved by an
integrated handle winding module or a handle application means.
Therefore, the above-mentioned strip-like material is preferably
suitable for use as a carrying element for the piece good
combination. The handle can be provided for example in the region
of a film wrapping station. Furthermore, the strip-like element can
preferably be a handle material which is variable in width and
preferably also has a label, in particular a pre-assembled handle
material. In this case product information and barcodes can also be
applied to the strip-like carrier and this can be introduced or
applied to the complete pack.
[0033] In a further advantageous method, the strip-like element is
applied in the form of a spiral wrapping to the piece goods. In
this case a winding spacing between the individual turns of the
strip-like element can be different. Thus, for example it is
possible to choose the inclination or gradient of the individual
turns.
[0034] In a further advantageous method adjacent turns of this
spiral wrapping of the strip-like element do not touch one
another.
[0035] In a further advantageous method adjacent turns of the
spiral first film element applied to the piece goods overlap. In
this way a complete coverage of the containers can advantageously
be achieved in this circumferential direction with the film
element. Therefore, adjacent turns of the spiral first film element
applied to the piece goods advantageously overlap.
[0036] In a further preferred method both the first film element
and the strip-like element are severed by means of at least one
separating device arranged in the transport direction after the
first wrapping device and the strip application device. This
separating element preferably moves at least intermittently with
the containers or the piece goods in the transport direction. In
this case a movement of the separating element in the transport
direction can be synchronised with a movement of the containers in
the transport direction. Advantageously the separating element
separates the film element by means of a movement which extends
perpendicular to the transport direction of the containers.
[0037] In a further advantageous method, by means of a second
wrapping device a second film element is applied to piece goods,
wherein this second wrapping device has a dispensing unit revolving
around the piece goods (preferably with a dispensing element), and
wherein the piece goods are delivered to the second wrapping device
in order to be wrapped by the second film element. Thus, the piece
goods are advantageously wrapped with two different film elements.
Advantageously the films from the two wrapping devices are wrapped
in opposite directions, for example from the first wrapping device
in a clockwise direction with respect to the transport direction
and from the second wrapping device in an anti-clockwise direction.
In this case it is possible that the application element is
arranged after the first wrapping device or also after the second
wrapping device. Thus, it would be possible that the strip-like
element is applied between the two film elements, but it would also
be conceivable that the strip-like element is only applied after
the attachment of the second film element.
[0038] In this case it is possible that also the application device
has a dispensing unit revolving with respect to the transport
direction of the containers. The application device can also have a
roll support, on which for example rolls with the strip-like
material can be arranged. Furthermore, it would also be possible
that the dispensing unit for the strip-like material is also
integrated into a wrapping device. Thus, for example two dispensing
units offset by 180.degree. could revolve around the containers,
wherein preferably one of these two dispensing units supports a
roller with the film element and the other one of these dispensing
units supports a roller with the strip-like material. In this way
the application of the strip-like material or of the strip-like
element could also be achieved with a wrapping device.
[0039] In addition, it would also be conceivable that the
strip-like material is applied in an opposite direction or in
opposite directions to the first film element.
[0040] Thus, here again an integrated handle-winding module is
proposed, or an integrated handle application which is carried out
in particular in the region of a film wrapping station. In this
case the winding of the strip-like material or the handle winding
can take place by the same principle with which the film-like
material is also applied. As mentioned, in this case it is possible
that the strip-like material between or outside a stretch film
packaging. Thus, advantageously the strip-like material or the
handle application is also carried out continuously and the cutting
can take place for example by means of a cutting bar of the already
present stretch film packer. Alternatively, it would also be
possible to dispose the strip-like material or to arrange it piece
by piece for example by means of a cutting device in the strip
application unit. Thus, in each case the strip application unit
could apply the strip-like material only in sections to the piece
good combinations or also between the film-like elements.
[0041] Furthermore, it would also be possible to introduce the
strip-like element on a support film and in particular a continuous
support film. This can take place with appropriate pre-spacing
and/or synchronised with the pack flow or the transport of the
piece good combinations.
[0042] In a further preferred method, the strip-like material is
arranged in such a way on the piece goods that it can be used as a
grip element for carrying the piece good combination. Thus, for
example it is possible that the strip-like material extends
obliquely over an upper surface of the containers or of the piece
good combination, so that it can be gripped here by a user and thus
the piece good combination can be carried. In this case it would
also be possible that the strip-like element is adhered locally to
the piece good combination or a film element or is located between
a first and a second film element.
[0043] Advantageously the application of the application element or
of the strip-like element is also synchronised with an advance or a
movement of the piece good combination in the transport direction.
In addition, the application of the film element is preferably also
synchronised with an advance or a movement of the piece good
combination in the transport direction. As mentioned, the
strip-like material can be a pre-assembled material, on which for
example a label print can also be arranged.
[0044] In a further advantageous method, the strip-like element is
arranged with a uniform orientation and/or a uniform gradient angle
on the piece goods. In particular if the strip-like element is to
be used as a handle, the uniform arrangement thereof on the pack
ultimately produced (which is produced in particular after the
cutting device) is significant. In this case it is advantageous if
the strip-like element extends substantially centrally over the
upper face of the pack, since as a result the carrying comfort can
be increased.
[0045] If the strip-like element serves for advertising purposes,
the degrees of freedom in the attachment thereof to the piece good
combination are somewhat higher. Thus, the strip-like element here
could also extend centrally on one of the lateral surfaces of the
piece good combination.
[0046] In order to achieve such a uniform orientation, a gradient
(in particular defined perpendicularly to a direction of the
strip-like element) and/or a positioning in relation to the pack
being produced can preferably be adjustable. This can be achieved
for instance by corresponding adaptations of the winding speed
and/or the transport speed of the piece good combinations.
[0047] Also, the location of a start of winding for the strip-like
element is preferably selected as a function of the final pack unit
or the final piece good combination. Thus, for example the length
of the piece good combination to be produced is known. Furthermore,
if the average speed at which the piece good combination is
transported is known, the strip application device can be adjusted
in such a way that the strip-like element in each case begins at
the same circumferential position with the wrapping of a specific
piece good combination (which is later to be separated off).
[0048] Therefore, a wrapping speed with which the strip-like
element is wound around the piece goods is preferably controlled as
a function of a transport speed of the piece goods and/or as a
function of a size of the piece good combination to be
achieved.
[0049] In other words, the wrapping speed of the strip-like element
is preferably in a fixed relationship with the transport speed
and/or the pack length to be achieved (the length in the transport
direction). In this case such a firm relationship or such
synchronicity can be achieved by means of an electronic coupling of
the respective drives and/or a cam control and/or a cam-controlled
automatic machine.
[0050] In a further advantageous method, the piece goods are in
particular wrapped by means of a strip application device with a
second strip-like element which preferably has a smaller width than
the film element. In this embodiment the piece goods are wrapped
with two different strip-like elements.
[0051] In this case the wrapping with the first strip-like element
and the wrapping with the second strip-like element preferably
takes place in different (i.e. in particular opposite) revolving
directions.
[0052] In other words, it can be advantageous to apply a second
strip crossed with the first strip by a second strip winding unit
in opposite directions. In this way uniform effective advertising
on both sides can be achieved. In addition, it would also be
possible to create a crossed carry handle, advantageously adhered 4
times to a winding film. This results in a "straight" grip, a
better distribution of force and compensation for shear/transverse
forces at the adhesion point, which is advantageous in particular
in the case of large, heavy packs or also in the case of thin
stretch films. In this case again this attachment of the second
strip-like element can be coupled with the transport speed and/or
synchronised in the manner described above.
[0053] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention is
directed to a device for packaging piece good combinations which
has a transport device which transports a plurality of piece goods
in a predetermined transport direction, and wherein a first
wrapping device wraps the piece goods with a first film element,
wherein this first film element has a first predetermined width and
wherein this first wrapping device has a dispensing element
revolving around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods can be
delivered to the first wrapping device in order to be wrapped by
the first film element.
[0054] According to embodiments of the invention the device has a
strip application device which wraps the piece goods with a
strip-like element which has a smaller width than the film
element.
[0055] Therefore, it is also proposed with regard to the machine
that in addition to the wrapping device an application device is
also provided which applies the strip-like material to the film
and/or to the piece good combination.
[0056] With regard to the machine it would also be possible to
apply the strip-like element to combinations other than wrapped
packs, in particular shrink-wrapped packs. The applicant reserves
the right also to claim protection for such embodiments.
[0057] Furthermore, therefore, embodiments of the present invention
is directed to a device for packaging piece good combinations which
has a transport device which transports a plurality of piece goods
in a predetermined transport direction, and film application device
which is suitable and intended to apply a first film element to the
piece goods, wherein this first film element preferably has a first
predetermined width and wherein the piece goods can be delivered to
the first film application device in order to be provided with the
first film element.
[0058] According to embodiments of the invention the machine has a
strip application device which wraps the piece goods with a
strip-like element which preferably has a smaller width than the
film element.
[0059] The machine preferably has a shrink-wrapping device, which
applies the film element, in particular by a heat treatment, to the
piece good combinations. This can be in particular a shrink tunnel
through which the piece goods are transported.
[0060] Advantageously the strip application device is suitable and
intended to wrap the strip-like element spirally on the piece good
combination and in particular spirally with respect to the
transport direction of the piece good combination. Advantageously
the strip-like elements have a higher tensile strength than the
tensile strength of the film element. Advantageously the strip-like
element is also less stretchable along its longitudinal direction
than the film element.
[0061] In a further advantageous embodiment, the machine has a
second wrapping device which is arranged after the first wrapping
device in the transport direction of the piece goods and which is
suitable and intended to wrap the piece goods with a second film
element. Thus, in this embodiment the piece goods as a whole are
wrapped by two film elements as well as the strip-like element. The
strip-like element is advantageously made from a plastic.
[0062] The piece goods to be wrapped are preferably selected from a
group of piece goods which contains plastic bottles, glass bottles,
cans, pouches and the like.
[0063] In a further advantageous embodiment, the strip application
device is arranged after the wrapping device or between the first
and the second wrapping device in the transport direction of the
piece goods. In this embodiment either the strip-like element is
attached outside the second film element or combination between two
film elements.
[0064] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention relate to
a piece good combination and in particular a container combination
with a plurality of piece goods wrapped by means of a first film
element and with a strip-like carrying element arranged on the film
element for carrying the piece good combination. According to
embodiments of the invention, the strip-like element is wound
spirally around the piece good combination. In this case, however,
it is not necessary that the strip-like element is completely
looped or wound around the piece good combination, but an already
partial wrapping is also sufficient.
[0065] In an advantageous embodiment the strip-like element has a
lesser width than the film element. Advantageously the strip-like
element is arranged on the piece good combination in such a way
that it can also be used as a grip element for carrying and/or
holding the piece good combination.
[0066] In a further advantageous embodiment, the strip-like element
has sections provided with an adhesive. With these sections the
strip-like element can be adhered to the piece good combination or
the first film element. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that
the rotational speed of the application element and the transport
device which transports the piece goods are adapted to one another
in such a way that the strip-like material in each case is adhered
at specific positions on the film element, for instance in the
region of a side wall of the piece good combination. In this way an
improved hold can be achieved if the strip-like material is to be
used as a grip or handle. Sections of the strip-like element are
preferably also free of adhesive or are not coated with an
adhesive. These may be the regions which should be gripped by a
hand later.
[0067] In an advantageous embodiment the strip-like element has a
lesser width than the first film element, as described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0068] Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with
references to the following Figures, wherein like designations
denote like members, wherein:
[0069] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a machine for
producing piece good combinations;
[0070] FIG. 2a shows a representation of a method according to the
prior art;
[0071] FIG. 2b shows a container pack produced by the method of
FIG. 2a;
[0072] FIG. 3a shows a representation of a method; and
[0073] FIG. 3b shows a representation of a piece good combination
produced by the method of FIG. 3a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a machine 50
according to embodiments of the invention for producing piece good
combinations or piece good packs and in particular container packs.
In this case the reference numeral 2 designates a transport device
which transports containers 10 here from left to right along a
rectilinear transport path T. In this case this transport device
has overall a plurality of transport units, such as in particular a
supply conveyor belt 28 as well as three feed modules 22, 24 und
26. These feed modules 22, 24 und 26 in each case serve to pull a
wrapped pack out of respective preceding wrapping devices 4, 8 and
6 to extract and/or to deliver it to following wrapping
devices.
[0075] The reference numeral 4 designates a first wrapping device
4. In this case this wrapping device 4 has a carrier plate 32 onto
which the containers 10 are pushed. In addition, lateral guiding
elements 34 are provided which laterally delimit the stream of
containers. Both the carrier plate 32 and the lateral guiding
elements 34 are wrapped by a film element 12 which originates or
has been unwound from a film roll 14. The reference sign B relates
to a width of the film element 12. The reference numeral 30
identifies in its entirety a dispensing unit which revolves with
respect to the containers and perpendicular to the drawing
plane.
[0076] A transport unit 22 in the form of a feed module adjoins the
first wrapping device 4. This conveys the containers, which are now
already wrapped with the first film element, to a second wrapping
device 8. This likewise again has a (stationary) carrier plate 32
as well as lateral guiding elements 34. In this second wrapping
device the containers are wrapped with a second film element 18,
which in this case originates from a film roll 15. This film roll
also revolves around the containers, albeit preferably in a reverse
direction from the film roll 14 in the first wrapping device.
[0077] The reference numeral 24 designates a further transport unit
in the form of a feed module, which transports the containers, now
already wrapped twice, to the strip application device 6. This also
again has an (albeit shorter) carrier plate 32 as well as lateral
guiding elements. The reference numeral 17 designates a strip roll,
from which the strip-like element 16 is unrolled and is wound
around the containers. By means of a further transport unit 26,
such as a feed module, the containers are pulled out of the strip
application device.
[0078] In contrast to the illustration in the drawing, the carrier
plate could also be dispensed with during the wrapping with the
strip-like element and the piece good combination could be pushed
away over the resulting gap. The strip-like element could then be
wrapped specifically in this gap. For this purpose, the transport
or supporting device following the wrapping with the strip-like
element could have rounded surfaces or oblique surfaces which
simplify bridging of the gap. Lateral guiding devices could also be
dispensed with during the wrapping with the strip-like element.
[0079] Thus, here the possibility of attaching a strip-like element
16 with an in particular uninterrupted pack transport is
illustrated. Therefore, in this case for attachment of a handle no
more gaps are produced between the packs. Thus here, particularly
preferably, the strip-like element 16 is applied spirally to the
pack, in order thus to achieve the gripping of the pack ultimately
produced. The feed module 26 adjoins a separating device 40, which
splits the continuous stream of containers into individual piece
good combinations. In this case this separating device 40 can move
together with the containers, wherein preferably a movement of this
separating element is synchronised with the movement of the
containers.
[0080] The reference sign B1 designates a width of the strip-like
element 16. It will be recognised that this width B1 is
considerably smaller than the width B of the or the film elements.
Therefore, the strip-like element is preferably wound around the
piece goods in such a way that adjacent turns of this winding do
not touch or overlap.
[0081] FIG. 2a shows a representation of the attachment of handle
elements according to the prior art. It will be recognised that
here the piece good combinations 110 are delivered and first a
distance is produced between them, in order thus to attach the
handle element 116, for example by means of a rear and a front
adhesive frame. In this way--as shown in FIG. 2b--a pack 110 is
produced with a handle 116 arranged thereon.
[0082] FIG. 3a illustrates the procedure according to embodiments
of the invention. Here too, the piece good combinations 1 are again
delivered, but the spiral strip-like material 16 is attached by the
strip application device 6 (cf. FIG. 1). Thus, the piece good
combination illustrated in FIG. 3b is produced, which likewise with
the strip-like element 16 has a handle, but this is arranged here
slightly inclined relative to the piece good combination. In this
case this "inclination" or gradient of the length of the piece good
combination to be produced and/or the number of windings required
per piece good combination to be produced is preferably determined.
In this case this gradient can be adjusted from "almost vertical",
that is to say an angle of approximately 90.degree. with respect to
the transport direction to "very inclined", that is to say for
instance an angle of 10.degree. relative to the transport
direction. The latter can be relevant in particular for advertising
imprints with almost horizontal lettering.
[0083] Due to the procedure according to embodiments of the
invention it would also be conceivable in particular to produce a
plurality of handles on longer piece good combinations, for
instance by winding the strip-like element a number of times around
such longer piece good combinations.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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 REFERENCES
[0086] 1 machine
[0087] 2 transport device
[0088] 4, 8 wrapping device for wrapping with film element
[0089] 6 strip application device for wrapping with strip-like
element
[0090] 10 container
[0091] 12, 18 film element
[0092] 14, 15 film roll for film element
[0093] 16 strip-like element
[0094] 17 strip roll for strip-like element
[0095] 22, 24, 26 feed module, transport unit
[0096] 28 delivery transport belt
[0097] 30 dispensing unit
[0098] 32 carrier plate
[0099] 34 lateral guiding element
[0100] 40 separating device
[0101] 50 machine
* * * * *