Packaging device and method for fitting an external package with a dividing element

1. A packaging device ( 1 ) for fitting an external package ( 3 ) with a dividing element ( 2 ) and for filling a divided external package ( 3 ) with articles ( 4 ), the packaging device ( 1 ) comprising:

a first supply station ( 70 ) for external packages ( 3 ) that are open on one side;

a second supply station ( 60 ) for expanded or unfolded dividing elements ( 2 );

a placement device ( 6 ) that places the expanded or unfolded dividing element ( 2 ) into the supplied external package ( 3 );

at least one holding device ( 9 ) that holds or stabilizes the expanded or unfolded dividing element ( 2 ) inside the external package ( 3 ) prior to the articles ( 3 ) being placed therein, wherein the at least one holding device ( 9 ) holds the at least one section of the dividing element ( 2 ) protruding out of the external package ( 3 ); and

an article feed station ( 11 ) that places the articles ( 4 ) into the divided external package ( 3 ).

2. The packaging device ( 1 ) of claim 1 , wherein the at least one holding device ( 9 ) holds or stabilizes the at least one section of the dividing element ( 2 ) protruding out of the external package ( 3 ) prior to and during placement of the articles ( 4 ) into the divided external package ( 3 ).

3. The packaging device ( 1 ) claim 2 , further comprising a transfer device ( 15 ) that transfers the external package ( 3 ), fitted with the dividing element ( 2 ), from the placement device ( 6 ) to the article feed station ( 11 ).

4. The packaging device ( 1 ) of claim 3 , wherein the holding device ( 9 ) moves with the transfer device ( 15 ).

5. The packaging device ( 1 ) of claim 4 , wherein the article feed station ( 11 ) comprises at least one stabilizing device ( 13 ) that holds or stabilizes the dividing element ( 2 ) inside the external package ( 3 ) within the article feed station ( 11 ).

6. The packaging device ( 1 ) of claim 5 , wherein the at least one stabilizing device ( 13 ) is an aid for insertion of the articles ( 4 ) into the divisions of the external package ( 3 ) that are formed by the dividing element ( 2 ).

7. A method for fitting an external package ( 3 ) within a packaging device ( 1 ) with a dividing element ( 2 ) for the formation of individual divisions for articles ( 4 ) to be disposed in the external package ( 3 ), the method comprising:

supplying an external package ( 3 ) that is open at least on one side;

supplying an expanded or unfolded dividing element ( 2 );

placing the supplied and expanded or unfolded dividing element ( 2 ) into the supplied external package ( 3 ), wherein at least one section of the dividing element ( 2 ) protrudes out of the external package ( 3 ); and

holding the at least one section of the dividing element ( 2 ) protruding out of the external package ( 3 ).

8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising

holding the at least one section of the dividing element ( 2 ) protruding out of the external package ( 3 ) prior to and while the articles ( 3 ) are being placed therein.

9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:

holding the section of the dividing element ( 2 ) that is protruding out of the external package ( 3 ) by a holding device ( 9 ) during transferring the external package ( 3 ) to an article feed station ( 11 ) and at least temporarily during the preparation of the external package within the article feed station ( 11 );

completely inserting the dividing element ( 2 ) into the external package ( 3 ) within the article feed station ( 11 ); and

holding or stabilizing the dividing element ( 2 ) disposed completely inside the external package ( 3 ) by a stabilizing device ( 13 ) of the article feed station ( 11 ) while the articles ( 4 ) are being placed therein.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the stabilizing device ( 13 ) of the article feed station ( 11 ) supports the insertion of the articles ( 4 ) into the divisions of the external package ( 3 ) that are formed by the dividing element ( 2 ).