Device and method for forming container groups

Device for forming container groups having a predetermined container piece count from a continuous container stream in a transport region, comprising:

• an infeed conveyor belt for receiving a container stream which can be driven at a first speed,
• an outfeed conveyor belt which can be driven at a second speed greater than the first speed,
• a transport belt interposed between the infeed conveyor belt and the outfeed conveyor belt, which transport belt is designed such that it can be driven at least at times with at least the second speed, and
• a drive station for introducing one or more separation elements into the container stream,
• wherein the drive station is designed in such a way that, in order to form container groups, after the predetermined number of containers has come in a separating element is moved into the container stream in the area of the infeed conveyor belt, and travels in front of the containers that follow in the container stream,
• and in that the speed of a separating element introduced into the area of the transport belt is controlled to no more than the first speed, as long as the following container group has not completely entered onto the transport belt.