DE102011107265A1 - Method for producing packages of bottles, involves partially providing adhesive coat on sub region, and drawing containers near each other and pressing containers against each other such that containers are connected with each other by coat - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves partially providing an adhesive coat (3) i.e. hotmelt adhesive coat, on a sub region of outer surfaces of containers (2) by a holding and gripping head before formation of a compressed container group (2.1). Coating fluid is provided on regions of the outer surfaces before application of the coat. The containers are drawn near each other and pressed against each other such that the containers are connected with each other by the adhesive coat. The containers are provided with a random orientation relative to a container and/or configuration character. The coating fluid is silicon based fluid, silicon oil based fluid, and acryl based fluid.

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 or 2.

The production of containers, ie of solid and for the consumer also easy to handle transport units by forming a plurality of containers, for example, several cans or bottles to a container group and by summarizing the container group is known. In particular, the combination of the respective container group forming the container using shrink films ( US 7,726,464 A1 ) or by at least one strapping ( DE 10 2009 025 824 A1 . DE 10 2009 044 271 A1 . DE 41 26 212 A1 ), also by gluing the container with the strapping.

In detail, the production of the container z. B. in such a way that the container on a transport plane of a conveyor rising and oriented with its container axis in the vertical direction or substantially vertical direction are fed in a mass transport or in a wide container flow in which the container with respect to distinctive container and / or Equipment features have an arbitrary orientation. This wide container stream is then converted by lane division into several single-lane container streams. In further process steps, the compartments of the later containers or their container groups forming the single-lane container streams, bringing together the necessary number of containers in each case to a compacted container group, in which the container with several shell or peripheral surfaces abut each other, and that connecting the container of each group of containers to the compact and solid or stable container.

The object of the invention is to provide a method by which the production of containers in a simplified manner and / or with a substantially improved visual appearance is possible. To solve this task, a method according to claim 1 or 2 is formed.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the containers are produced by providing the container or container group at least partially with at least a portion of its container surface or outer surface with an adhesive or adhesive application, and then by pressing together and pressing against each other be connected via these adhesive or adhesive orders to the solid and stable container.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the combination of the respective container or container group forming container is generally carried out by gluing, for example by the aforementioned adhesive or adhesive orders and / or adhesive tapes and / or by at least one strapping, preferably by at least one adhesive or self-adhesive strapping, and only after the containers have been aligned with respect to an alignment feature, which is or corresponds to a distinctive container or container feature, such that the containers have a desired orientation in each container so produced, i. H. are oriented with their container or equipment features in a given direction, thus resulting in a harmonious, visually appealing appearance, which u. a. provides an additional incentive to buy, especially against containers with arranged in arbitrary orientation containers.

The alignment of the container takes place in the inventive method basically by turning about the respective container axis. The alignment or the respective angle of rotation is controlled by detecting alignment features on the containers with opto-electrical sensors. If the alignment of the containers is then carried out when they have already been brought together to form the container group forming the container, the registration of the alignment features controlling the alignment takes place from above and / or from below.

Especially in the case of containers in the form of cans, the catchment area or the part of the can wall which tapers on the top of the can or the can shoulder are generally provided with a container equipment, ie. H. This catchment area is also printed, this all-round pressure basically having an overlap only by unavoidable tolerances of the container diameter. This can then be used as a visually very distinctive alignment feature, especially since the orientation of the remaining equipment of the container with the orientation of the equipment at the catchment area clearly and completely correlated. The overlapping area can be seen optically well as a narrow line, so that with this overlapping area a very exact alignment of the respective container in the desired orientation is possible.

For the purposes of the invention, "containers" are in particular bottles, cans and soft packagings, for example those produced from cardboard and / or plastic film and / or metal foil.

In the context of the invention, an "alignment feature" is a particularly optically detectable one Design feature of the respective container itself and / or the container equipment (container imprint and / or labeling), which has a unique position to the desired target orientation and at which the alignment is carried out in the desired orientation, and / or the respective adhesive or adhesive application to understand.

"Adhesive or adhesive" within the meaning of the invention are u. a. All materials or compounds with which an adhesive bond between containers is possible, in particular compounds, materials or masses applied in the liquid or viscous state form a self-adhesive order and / or under application of pressure and / or by energy input and / or after curing or crosslinking (also by energy input) cause an adhesive bond. "Adhesive or adhesive" within the meaning of the invention are u. a. also multi-layer materials, eg. As those of at least one carrier material, which is coated with a material with which an adhesive bond between containers is possible, so at least two-sided adhesive and / or adhesive are active.

The term "substantially" or "approximately" in the sense of the invention means deviations from respectively exact values by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5%, and / or deviations in the form of changes, refinements, advantages insignificant for the function and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of an embodiment. Show it:

1 a container according to the invention, consisting of six containers in the form of bottles, which are joined together by gluing to the container;

2 the container of 1 in a container removed from this container;

3 in a simplified representation and in plan view of an apparatus for the production of containers according to 1 ;

4 in a schematic functional representation of the treatment portion of the device for applying the respective adhesive application to the container and for connecting the container to the containers by merging and pressing together;

5 a container according to the invention, consisting of six containers in the farm of bottles which, after being aligned in a desired orientation by a strapping to the container, have been joined together;

6 in a simplified representation and in plan view of an apparatus for the production of containers according to 1 ;

7a and 7b an adhesive and adhesive system with two different coating areas for the adhesive and adhesive jobs;

8th and 9 show in a perspective view special carrying handles in the form of an intermediate foil;

10 and 11 show analogous to the examples 8th and 9 Carrying handles in the form of double-layered intermediate films, which form a common engagement area above the container and

12 and 13 also show variants of carrying handles, similar to the 8th to 11 , wherein the intermediate film is formed only as a foil strip or tape, and both ends of the tape are fixed between the containers and forms a support loop.

In the 1 - 4 are with 1 generally referred containers, in this embodiment, each of six directly interconnected by gluing container 2 in the form of bottles. For connecting the containers 2 to the container 1 these are each on their Behälterober- or outer surface with multiple adhesive and adhesive orders 3 an adhesive or adhesive, preferably a self-adhesive adhesive or adhesive, so that the container 2 every container 1 after applying the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 by merging and pressing together to the container 1 are connected. In addition, the respective container indicates 1 also a carrying handle 4 on, which consists of a suitable sheet-like flat material and also by gluing to two containers 2 every container 1 is attached.

The 3 shows a device 5 for producing the containers 1 , The device 5 includes a transporter 6 on which the containers 2 stand up with their container axes BA oriented in the vertical direction or substantially in the vertical direction and in mass transport, ie in a disordered amount and with a relatively large delivery width in a transport direction A on a section 6.1 be fed to the transporter.

In one at the section 6.1 subsequent section 6.2 of the transporter 6 takes place through outer and inner guide railings 7 first, a lane division of the container flow in such a way that several, ie three in the illustrated embodiment by the inner guide rails 7 separate lanes 8th are formed, in which the container 2 each form a single-lane container stream.

In a subsequent transport direction A section 6.3 or in a local, in the 3 schematically represented by the block workstation 9 the application of the adhesive or adhesive orders takes place 3 and the merging and pressing of the container 2 for the formation of the container 1 , In the workstation 9 At the same time, the application of the carrying handles takes place 4 on the containers 1 by gluing or by applying the adhesive or adhesive jobs 3 corresponding orders of an adhesive or adhesive.

The functioning and general training of the workstation 9 arises from the 4 , As shown, first the single-lane container streams in the streets 8th moved apart, and by a corresponding course of the outer and inner guide railings 7 so the lanes 8th and thus the local container streams perpendicular to the transport direction A are clearly spaced from each other. In another section 6.4 also through the station 9 extending transporter 6 there is a separation of the container 2 in every alley 8th so the containers 2 then in a further, subsequent in the direction of transport A section 6.5 in every alley 8th have a predetermined distance from each other. With the help of applicators 10 be on the passing container 2 the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 laterally, ie applied to the perpendicular to the transport direction A oriented side regions of the container outer surfaces. After that, those with the adhesive and adhesive orders 3 provided container 2 by suitable means, ie with suitable turning means 11 rotated about its vertical or substantially vertical container axis by 90 °, so that the adhesive and adhesive jobs 3 point in the transport direction before the containers 2 another applicator 12 for applying adhesive or adhesive jobs 3 on further, perpendicular to the transport direction A oriented areas of the container outer surface happen. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive or adhesive jobs 3 on the applicators 10 and 12 in pairs in the form of an upper and a lower adhesive or adhesive application 3 applied. This is followed by a rotating device 13 re-rotating the containers about their container axis by 90 °, so that the last applied adhesive or adhesive jobs are located on the leading in the transport direction areas of the respective container outer surface.

As with containers 1 with a total of six containers 2 only seven pairs of adhesive or adhesive jobs 3 are required, in the illustrated embodiment, the container 2 In the two outer streets 8th ie in the in the 4 upper alley 8th and in the lower alley in this figure 8th each with two pairs of adhesive or adhesive orders 3 provided, in the in the 4 upper alley 8th only every second container 2 and in the in the 4 lower street 8th every container 2 , In the middle street 8th only one pair of upper and lower adhesive or adhesive application is applied to each container 3 applied so that there the applicator 12 is not provided. Continue in the middle lane 8th only every second container 2 after applying the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 with the turning device 11 turned around its container axis by 90 °.

In one of the section 6.5 subsequent section 6.6 of the transporter 6 Then first in every alley 8th two each to a container 1 associated container and pressed together, so that these containers 2 about the adhesive or adhesive jobs 3 connected to each other and a container subgroup 2.2 form. Following this, the container subgroups become 2.2 transverse to the transport direction A merged and pressed together, so then the respective container 1 forming container groups 2.1 is received and the containers thus formed 1 in the direction of transport A can be promoted to another system component, for example on a palletizer.

Turning and aligning the containers 2 at the turning facilities 11 and 13 is preferably controlled by opto-electrical sensors, for example in the form of cameras or camera systems and using a sensor or image signals of the sensors 14 evaluating computer 15 , the respective turning device 11 respectively. 13 controls. As an orientation feature are doing on the container 2 applied adhesive or adhesive orders 3 used.

Basically, there is also the possibility on the streets 8th in the transport direction A in front of the applicators 10 further alignment or turning devices 16 provide with which the alignment of the container 2 by rotating about its container axis such that the container 2 then in the respective container 1 in terms of their container features a predetermined target orientation and this results in a visually appealing appearance for the particular container. Aligning the containers 2 at these additional turning devices 16 again takes place in each case with the help of at least one opto-electrical sensor 17 , for example in the form of a camera or a camera system, for detecting an equipment feature or alignment feature 19 of the respective container and with the aid of the sensor or image signals of the respective sensor 17 evaluating and the rotating device concerned 16 or the required rotation angle controlling computer 15 , As an orientation feature 19 become distinctive features of the containers 2 itself or else striking features of the respective container equipment, for example, the overlap area of the equipment forming the print etc. used. By aligning the containers 2 at the turning facilities 18 then also the application of the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 in a predetermined assignment to a specific, preferably striking feature of the container 2 so the containers 2 then in the respective container 1 are arranged with this container and / or equipment feature in a predetermined desired orientation and results in the desired quality for the respective container reproducible.

With appropriate adaptation of the applicators 10 and 12 may be the application of the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 take place in various ways, for example in the form of a fluid, which is then dried and / or cured, for example, after application in a suitable manner, that the self-adhesive and / or under pressure an adhesive bond producing adhesive and adhesive orders 3 result.

The flowable, for example, liquid or viscous adhesive or adhesive fluid is applied, for example, by spraying or printing, for example using moving transfer pads on the surface of the container.

For the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 Also suitable are hot or hot melt adhesives, which then in a suitable manner, for example via nozzles in the hot and thus liquid or viscous state on the outer surface of the container 2 be applied, wherein the bonding of the container to the respective container by merging and Aneinenderdrücken the container takes place while still sufficiently liquid hot melt adhesive or the adhesive and adhesive orders formed by the hot melt adhesive 3 at or just before connecting the containers 2 by energy input, z. B. by heat, infrared radiation, etc. in a liquid or viscous state. In principle, there is also the possibility of using such hot melt adhesives, which after cooling self-adhesive adhesive or adhesive orders 3 or adhesive jobs 3 form, which connect the pressing together of the container to the respective container.

Furthermore, there is the possibility of the adhesive and / or adhesive orders 3 by adhesives and / or adhesives or foils, z. B. by the use of adhesive tapes or adhesive labels, in particular using two-sided adhesive tapes or adhesive labels to realize. Suitable for this purpose is in particular also the adhesive tape offered by the company tesa SE, 20253 Hamburg under the brand "Powerstrip".

In the same way as connecting the respective container group 2.1 to the container 1 also takes place the attachment of the respective carrying strap or the respective carrying handle 4 by gluing to two containers 2 the relevant container group 2.1 ,

In an advantageous variant, the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) Velcro elements or materials. These are known to each have an adhesive and / or adhesive backing, or a back, which can be provided with a Kebe- or adhesive to secure them on the first surface, here a container surface. The front sides are complementary, in a hook and eye principle, so that the style of the front side is a hook and loop with a variety of small and flexible hook or claw-like elements and the counterpart, the other front, a plurality of small loop or counter-claws , In the method according to the invention, the containers 2 provided in the spaced state in a suitable manner with the respective parts of the Velcro elements, so that after approaching and pressing a viable container 1 arises. The attachment of a handle or handle can acc. made of the types described herein.

It was assumed above that the containers of the respective group of containers were used to form the containers 2.1 about the adhesive or adhesive jobs 3 each directly connected. The invention further provides that when the containers 2 prior to forming the respective package, taking into account or detecting such equipment feature, which are formed by design characteristics of the container and / or the container equipment, forming the respective container in general by connecting the container of the respective group of containers, for. B. generally by gluing and in this sense also with a corresponding strapping of the aligned container group. When Strapping are, for example, tapes, especially those made of a transparent material and / or those with a self-adhesive or adhesive application, or tapes that before applying to the relevant group of containers 2.1 with the aligned containers 2 be provided with an adhesive or adhesive fluid, or bands, the or the ends of which form the respective group of containers 2.1 enclosing and cohesive strapping are thermally welded at least at their ends.

The 5 shows in a representation similar to the 1 such a container 1a which with a strapping 18 is held together. Because the containers 2 in the container 1a are aligned in consideration of their optically detectable design features and / or taking into account their container equipment in a desired orientation, has the respective container 1a a particularly appealing visual appearance.

To form the container 1a serves the device 5a of the 6 , It in turn includes the transporter 6 on which the containers 2 stand up with their container axes oriented in the vertical direction or substantially in the vertical direction and initially in the mass transport, ie in a disorderly amount and in an arbitrary orientation and with a relatively large conveying width in the transport direction A on the section 6.1 of the transporter 6 be supplied. In the section 6.2 takes place through the outer and inner guide rails 7 turn the lane division of the container flow into several separate streets 8th ie, in the illustrated embodiment, in three separate lanes 8th in which the containers 2 each form a single-lane container stream. Still within the section 6.2 ie still within the streets 6 a separation takes place in each case a predetermined number of containers 2 from every alley 8th for forming a first not yet compacted or not yet finally formed container group, the number of containers 2 in this container group is already equal to the number of containers in the container group 2.1 of the respective container 1a , In the illustrated embodiment, to form the preliminary tank group, the single-lane tank stream becomes each lane 8th the same number of containers 2 separated, ie two containers 2 from every gas 8th ,

On the subsequent in the direction of transport A section 6.3 or in the station provided there 9a then the application of the strapping takes place 18 to the respective container group 2.1 , The containers thus formed 1a then be with the carrier 6 fed to a further use.

To order for the containers 1a the appealing appearance, shows each container 2 in the respective container 1a Even taking into account its local position on a predetermined target orientation, so that, for example, a certain feature, ie in the form of a brand used logo, respectively on the outside of the container 1a is thus optimally visible, preferably also by the strapping formed by a transparent band 18 ,

Aligning the containers 2 again takes place by turning around its container axis. This alignment or the respectively required angle of rotation for the alignment is controlled taking into account alignment features on the containers 2 which are detected by optoelectrical sensors, for example in the form of cameras or camera systems, and by means of at least one computer which evaluates the sensor or image signals of the sensors, in the same way as described above in connection with the alignment or rotating units 16 and the sensors 17 has been described.

When in the 6 illustrated embodiment, the alignment of the container takes place 2 In the station 9a immediately before application of the respective strapping 18 , Basically, however, the alignment of the containers may be at other areas or portions of the device 5a respectively. The alignment takes place but in any case after the lane. For example, the alignment of the container 2 In your respective target orientation at the section 6.2 or on at least part of the lanes 8th before dividing the groups of containers from these streets 8th that is, in relation to the transport direction A before a compartment causing device 20 take place, in such a way that in each case the alignment of at least one container in each alley 8th he follows.

Furthermore, the alignment of the container 2 in their desired orientation even after the division of the container or container subgroups done, for example, such that in a single operation in each case at least two containers 2 , Preferably, all containers of the container subgroups generated by the compartments are aligned.

Is the alignment of the containers 2 at a time when these containers 2 already to the compacted, the respective container 1a forming container group 2.1 are merged, then at least one alignment feature at the top or at the shoulder of the respective container for aligning 2 used, so an alignment feature on such a container outer surface, which is accessible from above and not by other containers 2 completely or partially covered.

The detection of the respective alignment feature from above also has the fundamental advantage that already at the beginning of alignment in the computer processing the sensor or image signal the actual orientation, which coincidentally has the alignment feature prior to alignment, and from this the alignment of the respective container 2 in the desired orientation necessary rotation angle can be calculated. This is a very fast alignment of the container 2 and thus a high performance of the device 5a (Number of aligned and to containers 1a combined container 2 per unit of time).

Above, it was assumed that the joining of the respective formed container group 2.1 forming container 2 by applying the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 (Contraption 5 ) or by strapping 18 (Contraption 5a ) follows. But there are also possible methods in which the connection of the container 2 through the adhesive or adhesive jobs 3 and by applying at least one strapping 18 is combined, for example, such that only subsets of the respective group of containers 2.1 forming container 2 , For example, the container of the sub-container groups 2.2 about the adhesive or adhesive jobs and otherwise the connection of the container to the respective container through the at least one strapping 18 he follows.

Before applying the at least one strapping 18 and / or the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 For example, at least such areas of the container outer surfaces are provided with a coating fluid, on the subsequent strapping the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 be applied. The coating fluid is, for example, a liability strapping the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 improving primer. Coatings based on silicates or acrylic base are known, if necessary with photoinhibitors, which are curable extremely rapidly under UV radiation.

Conversely, depending on the adhesive and substrate, it may be advantageous to provide a coating fluid for forming a coating which ensures or facilitates the manual and non-destructive detachment or separation of the containers, ie reduces or completely prevents sticking or sticking. In particular, coating fluids based on silicones, silicone oils or fats are known here. In these coating fluids, it is often not so crucial that they cure very quickly or dry, as long as they do not lead to contamination.

If a two-time adhesive or adhesive tape or film is applied, the application of adhesion or adhesion-reducing fluids can be carried out in sections directly on the tape or film, so that an engagement and manipulation section is produced. Ideally, the tape or film will also be cut in this area.

Such systems of material (substrate), coating fluid and adhesive are widely described and must be selected depending on the container material.

A particularly advantageous variant consists of creating an engagement region on a smaller partial area by the application of adhesion-reducing or -verhindernden coating fluids, on which the consumer can grip and peel the adhesive and adhesive, especially when so-called adhesive strips are applied, which dissolve in elongation under train from the surface, such as. the customary powerstrip ^® from Tesa.

7 shows such a variant in which the container 28 an adhesive or adhesive improving first coating 21 and a second coat reducing adhesion 22 is applied. The first coating 21 in the area, attached, in which the tanks 2a and 2 B through the local section of the adhesive and adhesive order 3.1 should be kept. The second coating 22 is ideally arranged so that the resting there portion of the adhesive and adhesive application 3.2 Can be grasped by the consumer by hand and in the direction of arrow A can be solved (peel-off). In 7b Arrow B shows the direction of pull, under which an adhesive and adhesive order 3 stretched in the style of a strip, with simultaneous detachment from the surface of the container 2 B and subsequently (not shown) also from the first coating 21 or the container 2a ,

In one variant, adhesives or adhesives may be applied which already have two zones on the production side, one with a high adhesive or adhesive force and one with or without reduced adhesion or adhesive power.

The for the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 , the strapping 18 and carrying handles 4 used adhesive tapes consist for example of a temperature-resistant tape-shaped carrier material, for example of plastic, for. B. based on polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PVC, polyamide or polyimide and / or of paper and / or of a composite material of the aforementioned substances, this carrier material is then, for example, both sides (for the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 ) or one-sided (for strapping 18 ) is coated with the adhesive or adhesive, these adhesive tapes or PSAs are preferably prepared with little or no anisotropy. Appropriate Adhesive tapes or adhesives and their preparation are in the DE 10 2005 054 054 A1 described.

For the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 as well as for the strapping 18 Also suitable are those adhesives or adhesives which are curable by the action of energy, for example by heating and / or by irradiation, for example by infrared radiation, UV radiation, electromagnetic radiation or microwave energy, by radioactive radiation, by electron or X-radiation, etc. These adhesives or adhesives may in turn be part of adhesive tapes or PSAs which consist of the web-shaped carrier material. Pressure-sensitive adhesive compounds or adhesive tapes of the aforementioned type and their preparation are described in US Pat DE 103 44 449 A1 As adhesives or adhesives in particular those materials are used which have a good adhesion to the material of the container and a high cohesion (internal strength in the respective adhesive or adhesive layer), whereby good adhesive properties and thus a particularly strong connection of the container is reached to the stable container. Such adhesives and adhesives are in the DE 103 23 048 A described. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the adhesives and adhesives are slightly raised, so that the support surface is enlarged on the usually slightly convex container wall.

Come in the invention in water soluble or dispersible adhesives or adhesives, for. As water-soluble or water-dispersible hot melt adhesives for use, then it is mögllch, the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 , the strapping 18 and / or the carrying handles 4 and / or on the containers 2 Remaining remnants thereof, at least when cleaning the empty containers 2 In the usual cleaning machines to remove, for example, in a temperature range between 40 ° C to 70 ° C water with addition of electrolyte, for example, with the addition of sodium hydroxide.

In the 8th to 11 Variants of a handle assembly or handle assembly are shown, in which one or more intermediate and carrier films 23 are provided, a sheet, foil or fabric-like material. in the variants as they are in 8th or 9 are shown, is ever an intermediate and Tragfolien 23 between two series of over adhesive or adhesive applications 3 directly connected containers 2 arranged. The intermediate and carrier foils 23 points in the field of adhesive or adhesive applications 3 over which the rows of containers 2 with the parallel row of containers 2 connected, recesses 24 on. The intermediate and carrier foil 23 is further dimensioned so that these are the container 2 or the container 1 above the closures ( 8th ) or on the ventral side. In this overhanging part of the intermediate and supporting foil 23 can be a carrying handle opening 25 be provided as in 7 shown, or a perforation 26 to make a carrying handle for the end user educable.

In case of lifting the container 1 at the intermediate and carrier foils 23 , make the recesses 24 Eyelets resulting from the adhesive or adhesive application 3 being held. It is harmless if the edge of the recess 24 when approaching and pressing the rows of containers slightly from the adhesion or adhesive application 3 adhered to one of the two opposing container surfaces zw., was glued, if necessary, this variant in at least one or more of the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 be specifically provided to the intermediate and support film 23 in the packaging process in its position relative to the container 2 to fix.

For a larger or more than two-row container 1 It may be advantageous, more than one or a double-layer intermediate and support film 23 provided. 10 shows such a two-ply, one-piece intermediate and support film 23 that are above the container 2 turned over. 11 shows an alternative variant in which in each of the two rows of containers 2 , one intermediate and one supporting foil each 23 is arranged in the abdominal area in front of the containers 2 can be taken together. The recesses are not visible in this figure and of course the solutions can after 10 and 11 be provided analogously.

The 12 and 13 showed variants in which the intermediate and support film 23 designed as a band or narrow strip, with one end with aforementioned recesses 24 between at least two containers 2 is held, the middle part of the tape so above or in front of the containers 2 is arranged or guided so that it forms a handle portion or loop, so can be detected as a carrying handle and continue the other end between the same two or other containers 2 , respectively the adhesive or adhesive orders 3 is positioned and held. For larger containers 1 It is recommended that the band-like intermediate and supporting film 23 diagonally or in another suitable way over the container 1 to lead that an advantageous weight distribution is achieved. It may be advantageous, not an above intermediate and support film 23 provide, which itself forms the handle or support portion or has, but on an intermediate and supporting foil 23 that does not or does not have the container 2 or the container protrudes to attach a carrying handle or loop, for example by a suitable adhesive, shit or soldering method.

The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1a

container

2

container

2.1

to the container 1 respectively. 1a merged container group 2

2.2

preliminary container group

3

Adhesive or adhesive application

4

Carrying strap or carrying handle

5, 5a

contraption

6

carrier

6.1-6.5

Sections of the transporter 6

7

guide railings

8th

streets

9, 9a

station

10

applicator

11

rotary unit

12

applicator

13

rotary unit

14

opto-electrical sensor

15

computer

16

rotary unit

17

sensor

18

strapping

18

alignment feature

20

Device for dividing container groups

21

Coating (improving adhesion or adhesive strength)

22

Coating (reducing adhesive strength)

23

Intermediate and carrier foil

24

recess

25

Handle opening

26

Perforation for handle opening

A

Transport direction of the carrier 6

BA

container axis

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 7726464 A1 [0002]
• DE 102009025824 A1 [0002]
• DE 102009044271 A1 [0002]
• DE 4126212 A1 [0002]
• DE 102005054054 A1 [0057]
• DE 10344449 A1 [0058]
• DE 10323048 A [0058]

Claims (31)

Process for the production of containers ( 1 ) from containers ( 2 ), wherein from a container stream, in which the containers ( 2 ) have, for example, an arbitrary orientation with regard to their container and / or equipment features, by separating and merging a predetermined number of containers ( 2 ) and by merging the containers ( 2 ) condensed or formed container groups ( 2.1 ) and subsequently each to a container ( 1 ), characterized in that the respective group of containers ( 2.1 ) of the container ( 1 ) forming containers ( 2 ) before forming the compacted container group ( 2.1 ) at least partially on at least a portion of its container surface or container outer surface with an adhesive or adhesive or with an adhesive or adhesive application ( 3 ) and that the containers ( 2 ) are then brought closer to each other and pressed against each other or pressed so that the container group ( 2.1 ) of the container ( 1 ) forming containers ( 2 ) about the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ), wherein the adhesive or adhesive or the adhesive or adhesive application ( 3 ) is such that the containers ( 2 ) manually and non-destructively from the container group ( 2.1 ) or are separable from each other. Method for producing containers ( 1a ) from containers ( 2 ), wherein from a container stream, in which the containers ( 2 ) have an arbitrary orientation with respect to their containers and / or equipment features, a lane formation for the formation of single-lane container flows in alleys ( 8th ) and then by dividing a predetermined number of containers ( 2 ) in the streets ( 8th ) not yet finally formed, provisional container groups and from these by merging the container ( 2 ) each formed, compacted container groups and subsequently to the respective container ( 1a ), whereby the respective group of containers ( 2.1 ) of a container ( 1a ) be aligned with respect to a distinctive container and / or equipment feature, so that the container ( 2 ) in the finished container ( 1a ) have a predetermined desired orientation, characterized in that the alignment of the container after the lane division takes place, and that after the alignment of the containers formed by these respective compacted and formed container group ( 2.1 ) with each other to the container ( 1a ), by means of adhesive or adhesive or adhesive or adhesive application ( 3 ), the containers ( 2 ) subsequently manually and non-destructively from the container group ( 2.1 ) or are separable from each other. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the containers ( 2 ) of the container stream in which the containers ( 2 ) have an arbitrary orientation with regard to their container and / or equipment characteristics, before joining to the respective container ( 1 ) are respectively aligned with respect to a distinctive container and / or equipment feature, so that the containers ( 2 ) in the finished container ( 1 ) have a predetermined orientation, wherein the alignment of the container ( 2 ) preferably takes place after a draft of the container stream. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the joining of the respective group of containers ( 2.1 ) of the container ( 1a ) at least by at least one container group ( 2.1 ) enclosing and adhering thereto by an adhesive or adhesive strapping ( 18 ) and / or connected to one another in that at least a subset of the group of containers formed ( 2.1 ) of a container ( 1a ) forming container ( 2 ) on at least a partial surface of its container surface with at least one adhesive or adhesive application ( 3 ) and that the containers ( 2 ) of the container group ( 2.1 ) and pressed together in such a way that they are informed about the adhesive and adhesive orders ( 3 ) are interconnected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment of the respective container ( 2 ) by controlled rotation about its container axis, with respect to an alignment feature ( 19 ) in particular with regard to the desired position and / or orientation of a container or equipment feature and / or with regard to the desired position of the at least one on the respective container ( 2 ) applied adhesive or adhesive application ( 3 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the approaching and / or pressing and / or aligning the respective container ( 2 ) by means of at least one method holding and gripping head, which is movable in and / or opposite to the main transport path. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the holding and gripping head grip the containers ( 2 ) individually in the XY direction relative to each other. A method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the holding and gripping head comprises motor-driven gripping elements, whereby the grasped container ( 2 ) can be independently rotated or rotated about their respective container axis. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment of the containers ( 2 ) after dividing the respective container ( 1 . 1a ) forming container group from the container stream, for example after the lane formation takes place. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that prior to the application of the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) at least those areas of the container outer surfaces are provided with a coating fluid, to which the adhesive or adhesive jobs ( 3 ), wherein the coating fluid, for example, a liability he Adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) improving fluid, in particular on silicon or acrylic basis. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the coating fluid is dried immediately after application and / or cured, in particular by means of a radiation emitter. A method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that prior to application of the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) are provided in at least in such areas of the container outer surfaces with a coating fluid in partial surfaces of these areas, then to which the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ), wherein the coating fluid a the adhesion of the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) reducing or preventing fluid, in particular silcon, silicone oil and / or oil-based. Method according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that at least such areas of the container outer surfaces are provided with different coating fluid in partial surfaces of these areas, then the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ), wherein a coating-Fuid the adhesion of the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) and another coating fluid on another sub-surface reduces adhesion or is a preventive fluid. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on one or more containers ( 2 ) of the respective container ( 1 . 1a ) a carrying handle ( 4 ) is fixed, in particular by gluing or by means of an adhesive or adhesive or by a suitable soldering or welding process. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment of the containers ( 2 ) and detecting the at least one alignment feature ( 19 ) is controlled in each case with at least one opto-electronic sensor, for example with at least one camera or a camera system. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment of the containers ( 2 ) by detecting the at least one alignment feature ( 19 ) from above and / or from below. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as an orientation feature ( 19 ) an overlap of a container print forming the container equipment is used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) are formed by a double-sided adhesive or adhesive adhesive or adhesive element or material, for example by a two-sided adhesive tape or a two-sided adhesive label A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the double-sided adhesive tape is constructed in the manner of a Klebestrips, which dissolves when stretched under tension, from the surfaces. A method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the double-sided adhesive tape has a non-adhesive or low-adhesion or adhesive engagement region, Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) Velcro elements or material, each of which have an adhesive and / or adhesive or can be provided with a Kebe- or adhesive first side and in complementary as a counterpart hook or claw-like or a loop or counter-claws having second side. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) are produced by a flowable, for example liquid or viscous adhesive or adhesive fluid. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that the adhesive or adhesive fluid by spraying and / or printing, for example by means of at least one nozzle and / or by means of at least one moving transfer pads on the container ( 2 ) is applied. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive or adhesive is a hot melt adhesive. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting of the containers ( 2 ) to which the respective structure ( 1 ) forming container group ( 2.1 ) takes place in at least two stages, wherein first the subset of the container ( 1 ) containers, preferably containers of the rows of containers produced by the lane formation with adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) and then to temporary container groups ( 2.2 ) and then in at least one subsequent step these container subgroups ( 2.2 ) by merging and pressing together to the container ( 1 ) forming container group ( 2.1 ) get connected. A method according to claim 25, characterized in that the application of the container subgroups ( 2.2 ) Adhesive or adhesive jobs ( 3 ) after and / or before the manufacture of the container subgroups ( 2.2 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective container ( 1 . 1a ) forming container group ( 2.1 ) at least partially on the adhesive and adhesive orders ( 3 ) interconnected containers ( 2 ) with at least one strapping ( 18 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two containers an intermediate and support film ( 23 ) is inserted, which in the field of adhesive or adhesive orders ( 3 ) at least one recess ( 24 ) and at one end has at least one support portion, in particular a carrying handle opening ( 25 ). A method according to claim 28, characterized in that the intermediate and support film ( 23 ) is designed as a carrying or grip loop. A method according to claim 28, characterized in that on the intermediate and support film ( 23 ) at least one carrying or handle strap is attached. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that a perforation ( 26 ) for the later formation of a handle opening ( 25 ) is provided.

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