Shrinking device, method for optimizing shrinking of packaging material onto a combination comprising at least one commodity, and shrinking medium module

Abstract

The invention relates to a shrinking device (1), a method for optimizing the shrinking of packaging material (2) onto a combination of at least one commodity (3), and a shrinking medium module (40). The shrinking device (1) comprises at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device (15), which is arranged below a transport section (6) of a combination of commodities (4) wrapped with packaging material (2). The shrinking medium is introduced into an interior space (5) of the shrinking device (1) via the lower shrinking medium introduction device (15) in an upward flow direction on the transport section (6). The at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device (15) can be arranged at different positions below the transport section (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a shrinking device, a method for optimizing the shrinking of packaging material onto an assembly comprising at least one article of merchandise and a shrinking medium module.

[0002] The invention relates to conveying a shrinking medium in a shrinking device, in particular conveying it from below via a conveyor of the shrinking device. Background Art

[0003] Methods and devices for packaging goods are known in the prior art, which use thermoplastic packaging materials (especially shrink films) as packaging covers for articles. The shrink film is usually wrapped around at least one article or a combination of articles as a film section by means of a packaging system. The goods thus at least partially wrapped are transported through a shrinking device. In the shrinking device (for example, in a shrinking tunnel), the goods wrapped with the thermoplastic packaging material are acted upon with a shrinking medium (for example, with hot gas, such as warm or hot air), thereby shrinking the shrink film so that the shrink film adheres to the articles and forms a finished packaging unit or a finished shrink bundle.

[0004] Typically, the wrapped goods are processed in a shrink tunnel in a plurality of parallel tracks, depending on their size. In order to be able to apply shrinking medium from all sides to the goods or combinations of goods wrapped with thermoplastic packaging material, a device for introducing hot air must also be provided, which injects the shrinking medium between the goods or combinations of goods guided in parallel. For example, a shrink tunnel with at least one inner shaft wall is used for multi-track processing. The inner shaft wall has nozzle openings on two side walls parallel to the transport direction, so that the shrinking medium flows into the interior of the shrink tunnel on both sides.

[0005] In addition to applying the shrinking medium to the wrapped goods laterally, it is also necessary to apply it to the wrapped goods from the bottom area in order to ensure the required stability of the packaging unit or shrink bundle in the area of ​​the overlapping ends of the film sections located at the bottom and the form fit in this area. For this purpose, a shrinking medium generator (for example a hot air blower) is used, which is arranged below an air-permeable conveyor device on which the wrapped goods are transported through the shrinking tunnel.

[0006] The conveying device is usually formed as a conveyor belt or other suitable conveying means. It is known in the prior art to apply shrinking medium to the conveyor belt from below over the entire surface.

[0007] The conveyor belt, through which the shrinking medium can pass, is usually supported on so-called sliding elements, which are also called sliding strips and extend through the shrinking channel parallel to the conveying direction.

[0008] The problem is that in the area of ​​the position of the sliding strip, no hot air can flow from below to the bottom area of ​​the surrounded goods. This problem is solved in the patent document DE 10 2014 104 646 B4 in that at least one flow element is arranged near the sliding element, which flow element has a surface facing the sliding element, the extension of which extends upwards essentially vertically or intersects with the upward projection of the sliding element in the vertical direction or with the sliding element itself. The surface of the flow element facing the sliding element deflects at least part of the hot air in one direction, more precisely towards the area located above or in the sliding element.

[0009] The disadvantage of full-surface heat application is, in particular, that the conveyor belt is heated over its entire width. This can lead to the packaging material sticking to the conveyor belt. In addition, this results in a high energy output in the shrink tunnel and high energy consumption when cooling the conveyor belt on the return run, especially in the area of ​​the lower run. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is to improve the shrinkage of the packaging material on the goods and, in particular, to reduce the energy requirement of the shrinkage process.

[0011] The above objects are achieved by a shrinking device, a method for optimizing the shrinking of packaging material onto a combination comprising at least one article of merchandise, and a shrinking medium module.

[0012] The product to which a shrinking agent or shrinking medium is applied in the shrinking device is formed, for example, by a plurality of commodities or at least one commodity, which is wrapped with a packaging material. For this purpose, it is provided that the commodities are grouped into commodity groups or commodity combinations in a grouping device. Then, the commodity groups or commodity combinations are wrapped with a packaging material in a packaging device. In particular, the packaging material is wrapped around at least one commodity or commodity combination in the packaging device.

[0013] The packaging material is preferably formed from a thermoplastic flat shrink material, in particular a shrink film, which shrinks together when heat is input and thus lies against the outwardly directed outer side of the goods, thereby producing a compact composite in the form of a packaging unit, which is also referred to as a shrink bundle below.

[0014] Alternatively, the shrink material can be a shrink tube or a shrink label, which is arranged around the goods and shrunk onto the goods in the shrinking device. In the case of a shrink label, it may be necessary to determine the position of the shrink label on the goods by means of adhesive points or the like, at least before the shrinking process begins.

[0015] The article of manufacture is preferably a container, in particular a beverage container such as a bottle, can or the like made of glass, plastic, metal or the like.

[0016] The shrinking device according to the invention comprises an interior space with a transport section for at least single-track transport of goods or combinations of goods wrapped with packaging material.

[0017] The transport section is formed, for example, by a conveying device in the form of a circulating conveyor belt or the like, which extends through the contraction device.

[0018] The shrinking device comprises a plurality of shrinking medium introduction devices, which are configured to apply shrinking medium to the commodity wrapped with the packaging material. Preferably, this involves lateral shrinking medium introduction devices and / or lower shrinking medium introduction devices and / or upper shrinking medium introduction devices.

[0019] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the lateral contraction medium introduction devices are designed as shaft walls which each have at least one outflow surface for the contraction medium which faces toward the respective transport track.

[0020] In single-track transport on a transport path, so-called external shaft walls are provided on or above the transport track on both sides, each of which has an outflow surface facing the interior space of the shrinking device and a closed side surface facing the housing of the shrinking device.

[0021] In the double-track transport on two parallel transport sections, three shaft walls are arranged on or above the transport sections. In particular, the two transport sections are respectively defined by outer shaft walls adjacent to the housing of the shrinking device.

[0022] An inner shaft wall is arranged in the middle or approximately in the middle between the two outer shaft walls, whose two essentially vertical sides parallel to the transport direction are each designed as outflow surfaces. Thus, the middle or inner shaft wall in particular supplies shrinking agent or shrinking medium for two parallel transport sections, respectively, wherein the shrinking medium applied to the two parallel transport sections is approximately of the same order of magnitude.

[0023] At least one lower shrinking medium introduction device, which is designed to introduce shrinking medium into the interior of the shrinking device on the transport section with an upward flow direction, is arranged below the transport section. It is provided that the at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device can be arranged at different positions below the transport section.

[0024] By changing the position, the input of the shrinking medium can be specifically coordinated with the product passing through the shrinking device. Therefore, the position of the lower shrinking medium introduction device can be changed and adjusted, especially when the shrinking device is first operated or when changing products.

[0025] At least one lower shrinking medium introduction device extends substantially along the longitudinal extension of the shrinking device below the transport section and is arranged or designed to be movable.

[0026] One embodiment can be that the at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device is configured to perform a movement orthogonal to the transport direction. For example, the at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device is arranged on a positioning device formed by a rail system or the like.

[0027] The positioning device preferably extends below the transport section transversely to the transport direction and the at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device can adopt different positions below the transport section by being displaced transversely to the direction of movement.

[0028] In particular, for shrinking devices designed for multi-track transport, it is proposed that a plurality of lower shrinking medium introduction devices are arranged on a correspondingly constructed positioning device or multiple positioning devices. Preferably, the respective positions of at least two lower shrinking medium introduction devices can be set independently of one another on at least one positioning device.

[0029] A shrinking medium generator, for example a hot air blower for generating hot air, is assigned to at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device. If a plurality of lower shrinking medium introduction devices are provided, shrinking medium can preferably be supplied to each lower shrinking medium introduction device individually and regularly. In particular, the supply of shrinking medium to at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device can also be completely disconnected if necessary. To achieve this, each lower shrinking medium introduction device can be assigned its own shrinking medium generator.

[0030] Alternatively, multiple lower shrinkage medium introduction devices can also be connected to a common shrinkage medium generator. Preferably, the lower shrinkage medium introduction device can be connected to the corresponding shrinkage medium generator via a flexible supply line, which allows smooth replacement of the lower shrinkage medium introduction device.

[0031] If a single shrinking medium generator is used for a plurality of (at least two) lower shrinking medium introduction devices, a setting device can be provided in particular so that the supply of shrinking medium to the different lower shrinking medium introduction devices can be controlled and set differently as required. The setting device can be formed, for example, by a valve, a throttle flap or other suitable device.

[0032] In one embodiment, at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device is designed as a nozzle module, which has a nozzle opening on the upper side pointing toward the transport section, through which the shrinking medium flows upward in the direction of the transport section. In this case, the size of the nozzle opening and / or the shrinking medium applied by the nozzle opening can be set and / or varied at least partially in the region along the longitudinal extension in order to match the respective product to be processed.

[0033] For example, the shrinking medium can be applied to the bottom side from below with high intensity immediately after the goods have entered the interior of the shrinking device, so as to quickly achieve a stable support surface by shrinking the packaging material onto the bottom area of ​​the goods. In contrast, the supply of shrinking medium from below can be reduced in the subsequent area.

[0034] Other embodiments can be achieved by setting the nozzle opening accordingly, that is, less shrinking medium is guided from below to the goods wrapped with packaging material in the starting area, or the shrinking medium is not guided from below to the goods wrapped with packaging material, but the packaging material is preferably shrunk onto the bottom area of ​​the goods in the middle area or rear area of ​​the shrinking device.

[0035] In order to stabilize the transport section, it is conceivable to assign the required sliding strips for the conveyor device as a supporting and / or stabilizing surface to the lower shrinking medium introduction device or to form a part thereof.

[0036] One embodiment provides that at least one sliding strip is assigned to the upper side of the lower shrinking medium introduction device or is arranged on this upper side. In particular, it is provided that two sliding strips extend parallel to the transport direction on the upper lateral edges of the lower shrinking medium introduction device. It is particularly advantageous if the width of the goods wrapped in packaging material transversely to the transport direction is smaller than the width of the corresponding lower shrinking medium introduction device. In this case, the goods are guided centrally via the lower shrinking medium introduction device, thereby ensuring that the shrinking medium is applied from below to the entire lower side of the goods wrapped in packaging material. In particular, a stabilization of the conveyor device is achieved in laterally corresponding areas in which there are no goods.

[0037] If necessary, it can be provided that the sliding strip also has nozzle openings, wherein the nozzle openings of the sliding strip are aligned with the nozzle openings of the upper side of the lower shrinking medium introduction device, so that the shrinking medium is guided upwards via the sliding strip through the placed conveying device.

[0038] It can also be provided that the shrinking medium device comprises a control device or that a control device is assigned to the shrinking medium device, via which the positioning of at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device can be controlled. Preferably, the positioning and / or operating state of other lateral shrinking medium introduction devices can also be controlled via the control device, so that when changing products, the transport section can be easily adapted to the new production conditions.

[0039] For example, the lateral shrinking medium introduction devices can also be moved transversely to the transport direction in order to change the width of the individual transport sections. It can also be provided that the supply of shrinking medium to the individual lateral shrinking medium introduction devices can be switched on or off when necessary. Particularly preferably, at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device and the other lateral shrinking medium introduction devices can be adjusted in a coordinated manner via the control device.

[0040] Furthermore, a shrinking medium module for a shrinking device is described. The shrinking medium module comprises at least one shrinking medium introduction device and at least one positioning device. The shrinking medium module is designed to be arranged below a transport section of the shrinking device, wherein the shrinking medium introduction device is designed to discharge the shrinking medium with an upward flow direction, and wherein the shrinking medium introduction device can be fixed to the positioning device at different positions.

[0041] By means of a modular design, in particular by means of a modular arrangement of shrinking medium modules with at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device and / or a modular arrangement of the inner shaft wall through which the shrinking medium is sprayed laterally, the number of transport sections in the shrinking device can be adapted during product changes. In particular, smaller products can thus be processed in the shrinking device in a multi-track manner, thereby increasing the productivity of the shrinking device. In addition, the energy requirement per produced packaging unit can be reduced during multi-track processing.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower shrinkage medium introduction device is formed by a longitudinally oriented adjustable flow channel, which is constructed similarly to the well wall matrix known in the prior art. The flow channel is arranged below the conveying device, which is configured as a grid belt, for example. The upper side of the flow channel is perforated, so that the shrinkage medium in the form of hot air or the like flows upward. A slide rail for supporting the conveying device is arranged on the flow channel.

[0043] Due to the possibility of adjustment The shrinking process can be influenced in a targeted manner and directed, in particular, to specific areas. This allows the shrinking medium to be applied in a targeted manner to the products, in particular to goods or combinations of goods wrapped in packaging material. Energy can be saved because only parts of the transport chain, etc., are heated instead of the entire conveyor system. Due to the overall lower heating of the conveyor system, sticking of the packaging material to the conveyor system is prevented.

[0044] Arranging the slide rails on the lower shrinking medium introduction device also allows for an advantageous positioning relative to the respective product, since the product can preferably be guided along the slide rails between them. The shrinking medium can thus be applied to the product from below over the entire surface. This achieves an optimized and symmetrical shrinking effect.

[0045] In particular, the at least one lower adjustable shrinking medium introduction device can extend over a maximum of half the length of the shrinking device (as viewed in the transport direction of the bundle).

[0046] As an alternative thereto, the at least one lower adjustable shrinking medium introduction device can extend over a maximum of three quarters of the length of the shrinking device (as viewed in the transport direction of the bundle).

[0047] Alternatively, it is also possible for several or preferably all adjustable shrinking medium introduction devices to extend over a maximum of three quarters, optionally half, of the length of the shrinking device (as viewed in the transport direction of the bundle).

[0048] In particular, the starting region of the shrinking device (as viewed in the transport direction of the bundle) can be free of adjustable shrinking medium introduction devices and / or positioning devices.

[0049] In particular, it is possible for only the middle region and / or the end regions of the shrinking device to have adjustable shrinking medium introduction devices and / or positioning devices.

[0050] It should be emphasized here that all solutions and variants mentioned in connection with the device according to the invention may relate to or may be the same partial solution of the method. Therefore, when specific solutions and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned here in the description of the device according to the invention, this also applies to the method according to the invention. The reverse also applies, so that all solutions and variants mentioned in connection with the method according to the invention may relate to or may be the same partial solution of the device according to the invention. Therefore, when specific solutions and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned here in the description of the method according to the invention, this also applies to the device according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The following will explain in detail the embodiments of the present invention and its advantages with reference to the drawings. The size ratios of the individual elements in the drawings are not always consistent with the actual size ratios, because some shapes are simplified compared to other elements and other shapes are enlarged for better explanation.

[0052] Figure 1 A shrinking device according to the known prior art is shown in a sectional view in the transport direction.

[0053] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1A detailed enlarged view of the transport section in the.

[0054] Figures 3 to 6 Different operating modes of a first embodiment of the shrinking device are shown in a sectional view along the transport direction.

[0055] Figure 7 A second embodiment of the shrinking device is shown in a sectional view in the transport direction.

[0056] Figure 8 One embodiment of a shrink media module is shown.

[0057] The same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements with the same function of the present invention. In addition, for the sake of clarity, only the reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the device according to the present invention or the method according to the present invention can be realized and are not ultimate limitations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 1 A shrinking device 1 according to the known prior art is shown in a sectional view in the transport direction. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Detailed enlarged view of transport section 6 in FIG.

[0059] The shrinking device 1 is used in particular to shrink a thermoplastic packaging material 2 onto a good 3 or a group of good 4 .

[0060] The shrinking device 2 has an interior 5 with a transport section 6 for at least single-track transport of the group of goods 4 wrapped with the packaging material 2 in a transport direction. The transport section 6 is formed by a circulating conveyor belt 7.

[0061] The shrinking device 1 also has a shrinking medium introduction device 8, which is designed to apply shrinking medium to the goods 3 wrapped with the packaging material 2. Here, on the one hand, a lateral shrinking medium introduction device 9 is provided, in particular a lateral shaft wall 10, which has an outflow surface 11 for the shrinking medium pointing toward the corresponding transport track.

[0062] In the shrinking device 1 shown here, transport can be carried out in up to four parallel transport tracks. In particular, the shrinking device has three inner shaft walls 12, which each have an outflow surface 11 for the shrinking medium on both sides, so that the shrinking medium can be applied laterally to the goods 3 wrapped with packaging material 2 transported via the transport tracks.

[0063] The constriction device 1 further comprises two outer shaft walls 13 which in particular each have an outflow surface 11 which points in the direction of the interior 5 of the constriction device 1 , while the other side of the outer shaft walls 13 is designed as a closed side surface 14 .

[0064] Preferably, a lower shrinking medium introduction device 15 in the form of a bottom chamber 16 or the like is also provided, which is located below the transport section 11 and is configured to guide the shrinking medium with an upward flow component through the conveyor belt 7 to the underside of the goods 4 wrapped with the packaging material 2 .

[0065] In order to prevent overheating of the conveyor device 7, which could result in damage to the goods 3 wrapped with the packaging material 2, for example due to sticking of the shrink film, one or more cooling devices (not shown) can be provided, which cool the conveyor belt 7 in particular in the area of ​​the return via the lower return section (not shown).

[0066] exist Figure 2 The flow direction of the shrinking medium is schematically shown by arrows in the figure. The shrinking medium flows out of the bottom chamber 16 via the perforated plate 17 and then flows through the conveyor belt 7 spaced apart from the perforated plate 17. The shrinking medium flowing through the conveyor belt 7 hits the lower side of the commodity 3 wrapped with the packaging material 2 and thereby shrinks the packaging material 2 onto the commodity 3 in the lower area (not shown).

[0067] Below the upper run of the conveyor belt 7, a sliding strip 18 is arranged, which extends parallel to the transport direction and on which the upper run of the conveyor belt 7 runs. Therefore, in the area of ​​the sliding strip 18, no shrinking medium passes directly through the conveyor belt 7.

[0068] At or near the periphery of the sliding slat 18, Figure 2 It can be seen from the enlarged view of FIG that the shrinking medium is deflected from the sliding strip 18 so that a portion continues to leave the sliding strip 18 and hits the conveyor belt 7 from below. As a result, the outflow of shrinking medium in this area is reduced. In particular, in the area immediately above the sliding strip 18, no shrinking medium even flows out onto the conveyor belt 7. This causes the shrinking quality of the thermoplastic packaging material 2 in this area to deteriorate.

[0069] Figures 3 to 6 The schematic diagram of FIG. 1 shows different operating modes of a first embodiment of a shrinking device 20 according to the invention in a sectional view along the transport direction.

[0070] therefore, Figure 3A sectional view in the transport direction of a first embodiment of the shrinking device 20 is shown. In this case, two lower shrinking medium introduction devices 15-1, 15-2 are arranged below the transport section 6, which can be arranged at different positions below the transport section 6. For this purpose, the lower shrinking medium introduction devices 15-1, 15-2 are each designed as distribution channels 21, which are designed to discharge the shrinking medium in an upward flow direction.

[0071] The distribution channels 21 each extend along the longitudinal extension of the contraction device 1 below the transport section 6 , in particular below the upper run of the conveyor belt 7 .

[0072] In order to be able to change the position of the distribution channel 21 in the shrinking device 1, the shrinking channel is assigned a suitable positioning device 22. The positioning device 22 is formed, for example, by a slider guide 23 assigned to the respective distribution channel 21 and at least one guide rail 24 extending transversely to the transport direction. Thus, the distribution channel 21 can be moved transversely to the transport direction by moving along the guide rail 24.

[0073] The position can be set manually or mechanically and / or automatically. For example, the positioning device 22 can include a spindle adjustment with a corresponding crank. Automatic adjustment can also be achieved via a control device 30, which determines the optimal arrangement of the distribution channels 21 based on specific product parameters and controls the positioning device 22 to set the arrangement of the distribution channels accordingly.

[0074] In this case, it may be necessary to adapt the arrangement of the shaft wall 10 within the retraction device 20. For example, it may be provided that the shaft wall 10 is moved laterally so that the width of the transport track is adapted to the respective product requirements. For example, one of the inner shaft walls 12 may be brought directly close to the outer shaft wall 13 so that the retraction device 20 can be used for three-track transport. Alternatively, one of the inner shaft walls 12 may also be completely removed from the retraction device 20 when the product is switched.

[0075] In this case, a preferred embodiment can provide that at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device 15 and the other lateral shrinking medium introduction devices 9 are positioned in a coordinated manner and / or are set in a coordinated manner by the control device 30 .

[0076] A shrinking medium generator 25, for example a hot air blower 26, is assigned to each distribution channel 21. An alternative embodiment (not shown) can provide for each distribution channel 21 to be assigned its own hot air blower 26, so that the supply of shrinking medium to each distribution channel 21 can be controlled and set individually.

[0077] In this exemplary embodiment, a common contraction medium generator 25 is assigned to both distribution channels 21 , in particular via flexible supply lines 27 which are of sufficient length to enable different positioning.

[0078] In this case, the supply of contraction medium to each of the two distribution channels 21 can preferably also be controlled and set individually. For this purpose, a setting device 28, such as a valve, a throttle flap or the like, is arranged between the contraction medium generator 25 and the respective distribution channel 21.

[0079] In particular, the distribution channels 21 are designed as nozzle modules 31 , wherein each distribution channel 21 has an upper side 32 facing the transport section 6 with a nozzle opening 33 , through which the shrinking medium flows upwards in the direction of the transport section 6 .

[0080] One embodiment can be arranged such that the size of the nozzle opening 33 and / or the application of shrinking medium to the nozzle opening 33 can be set at least partially in an area extending along the longitudinal direction, so that when transporting through the shrinking device 20, more or less shrinking medium is locally applied from below to the product 3 wrapped with the packaging material 2.

[0081] It can also be provided that the distribution channel 21 comprises at least one sliding strip 35 on the upper side 32 or assigned to the upper side, which sliding strip 35 is used as a support surface for the conveyor belt 7. In particular, it can be provided that the two sliding strips 35 extend on the upper side edge parallel to the transport direction. In particular, when the width of the goods 3 wrapped with packaging material 2 transversely to the transport direction is smaller than the width of the corresponding distribution channel, it can be ensured that the shrinking medium is applied from below to the entire lower side of the goods 3 wrapped with packaging material 2.

[0082] If necessary, it can be provided that the sliding strip 35 also has a nozzle opening which is designed to be aligned with the nozzle opening 33 of the upper side 32 , so that the shrinking medium is guided upwards through the conveyor belt 7 lying on the sliding strip 35 .

[0083] In the shown Figure 3 Only use two middle transport tracks in the operating mode. In this case, two distribution channels 21 are respectively distributed in the middle of two transport tracks.

[0084] And in Figure 4 All four transport tracks are used in the transport mode shown. In this case, each distribution channel 21 is respectively distributed in the middle of two adjacent transport tracks, so that it can be used for all four transport tracks accordingly.

[0085] according to Figure 5, the retraction device 20 can also have a service position 37. The distribution channel 21 can be moved into this service position when repair or maintenance work has to be carried out on the distribution channel 21 due to a failure or the like. Preferably, the service position 37 can be easily reached from the outside, so that maintenance work can also be carried out on the distribution channel 21 in the reset position 37 by corresponding operating personnel during work.

[0086] exist Figure 6 2 shows an application for wide products. In this case, the central inner shaft wall 12 has been completely removed from the shrinking device 20. Two distribution channels 21 have been arranged adjacent to each other in the middle, whereby the two distribution channels 21 are used jointly for the central transport track.

[0087] Figure 7 The shrinking device 20 designed for four-track transport is shown, in which four distribution channels 21 are provided, so that each transport track is respectively assigned a distribution channel 21. If only a part of the transport track is used, the distribution channel 21 assigned to the corresponding unused transport track can be cut off by the setting device 28, which Figure 7 Indicated by X.

[0088] In particular, according to one embodiment, it can be provided that the lower shrinking medium introduction device 15 is configured as Figure 8 Components of the shrinking medium module 40 shown in FIG. Such a shrinking medium module 40 comprises at least one shrinking medium introduction device 15 and at least one positioning device 22. The shrinking medium module 40 is designed to be arranged below the transport section of a shrinking device (not shown).

[0089] The shrinking medium introduction device 15 is also designed to discharge the shrinking medium in an upwardly directed flow direction. The shrinking medium introduction device 15 can be fixed on the positioning device 22 in different positions.

[0090] Preferably, the contraction medium introduction device 15 is designed as a distribution channel 21 or as a nozzle module 31 with nozzle openings 33 through which the contraction medium flows out upwards.

[0091] The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the following description and the accompanying drawings (including their different views or individual features) may be applied independently of each other or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment may be used in all embodiments, as long as these features are not incompatible.

[0092] Even when “schematic” illustrations and views are often mentioned in conjunction with the drawings, this does not mean that the drawings and their description should be considered secondary in terms of the disclosure of the invention. A person skilled in the art is fully able to obtain from the schematically and abstractly shown illustrations sufficient information to enable a person skilled in the art to easily understand the invention, without this information interfering with his understanding in any way, for example due to parts of goods and / or devices that are drawn and possibly not shown exactly to scale or other elements drawn. The drawings thus enable a person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the general part of the description of the general and / or specifically expressed inventive idea from the more specifically explained implementation of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained working mode of the device according to the invention.

[0093] Reference numerals list

[0094] 1. Shrinkage device

[0095] 2 Thermoplastic packaging materials

[0096] 3 products

[0097] 4 Product Groups

[0098] 5. Internal Space

[0099] 6 Transport sections

[0100] 7 Conveyor belt

[0101] 8 Shrinkage medium introduction equipment

[0102] 9 Lateral shrink medium introduction device

[0103] 10 Lateral wellbore

[0104] 11 Outflow surface

[0105] 12 Internal wall

[0106] 13 External shaft wall

[0107] 14 Closed side

[0108] 15 Lower shrink medium introduction device

[0109] 16 Bottom chamber

[0110] 17-well plate

[0111] 18 Sliding slats

[0112] 20 Shrinkage device

[0113] 21 Distribution Channels

[0114] 22 Positioning equipment

[0115] 23 Slider guide

[0116] 24 Rails

[0117] 25 Shrinkage medium generator

[0118] 26 Hot air blower

[0119] 27 Input pipeline

[0120] 28 Setting device

[0121] 30 Control Equipment

[0122] 31 Nozzle module

[0123] 32 upper side

[0124] 33 Nozzle

[0125] 35 Sliding Slats

[0126] 37 Service Locations

[0127] 40 Shrink media module

Claims

1. A shrinking device (1) for shrinking a packaging material (2) onto a combination comprising at least one commodity (3), in, The shrinking device (1) comprises an interior space (5) with a transport section (6), the transport section (6) being used for at least single-track transport of a combination of goods (4) wrapped with packaging material (2), the combination of goods (4) being conveyed through the shrinking device (1) in a transport direction (TR), The shrinking device (1) comprises a plurality of shrinking medium introduction devices (8), wherein the shrinking medium introduction devices (8) are configured to apply shrinking medium to a commodity combination (4) wrapped with a packaging material (2). wherein at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device (15) is arranged below the transport section (6), and the at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device (15) is configured to introduce the shrinking medium into the inner space (5) of the shrinking device (1) via the transport section (6) in an upward flow direction, It is characterized in that At least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) can be arranged at different positions below the transport section (6), at least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) is arranged on a positioning device (22), the positioning device (22) extends transversely to the transport direction (TR) below the transport section (6), and at least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) can occupy different positions below the transport section (6) by moving transversely to the transport direction (TR).

2. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) extends substantially along the longitudinal extension of the shrinking device (1) below the transport section (6), and at least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) is arranged or designed to be movable.

3. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) is designed to perform a movement orthogonal to the transport direction.

4. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that At least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) is arranged on a positioning device (22), wherein the positioning device (22) is formed by a guide rail system (24), which extends below the transport section (6) transversely to the transport direction, wherein at least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) is arranged movably on the guide rail system (24).

5. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The shrinking device (1) comprises at least two lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15), and the at least two lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) are arranged on a positioning device (22).

6. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The positioning device (22) is formed by a rail system (24) which extends below the transport section (6) transversely to the transport direction, wherein the respective positions of at least two lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) can be set independently of one another on the positioning device (22).

7. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The supply of shrinking medium to each of the at least two lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) can be set individually.

8. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that A shrinkage medium generator (25) is assigned to each of at least two of the lower shrinkage medium introduction devices (15); or, the shrinkage device (1) comprises a shrinkage medium generator (25), wherein at least two of the lower shrinkage medium introduction devices (15) are respectively connected to the shrinkage medium generator (25).

9. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that At least two of the lower contraction medium introduction devices (15) are connected to the contraction medium generator via flexible supply lines (27), wherein at least one setting device (28) is arranged between the contraction medium generator (25) and the corresponding lower contraction medium introduction device (15).

10. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) is designed as a nozzle module (31), which has a nozzle opening (33) on an upper side (32) pointing toward the transport section (6), through which the shrinking medium flows upward in the direction of the transport section (6).

11. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The size of the nozzle opening (33) and / or the shrinking medium applied by the nozzle opening (33) can be adjusted at least partially in the region along the longitudinal extension of the lower shrinking medium introduction device (15).

12. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) has at least one sliding strip (35) on the upper side pointing toward the transport section (6), and at least one of the sliding strips (35) forms a support surface for at least one conveying device forming the transport section (6).

13. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that It comprises a control device (30), via which the positioning of at least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) and other lateral shrinking medium introduction devices (9) can be controlled.

14. A method for optimizing the shrinkage of a packaging material (2) onto a combination comprising at least one commodity, in, The commodity combination (4) wrapped with the packaging material (2) moves along the transport path (6) through the shrinking device (1) in the transport direction. wherein the shrinking medium is applied from below in an upward flow direction to the commodity combination (4) wrapped with the packaging material (2) via at least one lower shrinking medium introduction device (15), It is characterized in that The position of at least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) below the transport section (6) can be changed and adjusted, at least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) is arranged on a positioning device (22), the positioning device (22) extends transversely to the transport direction below the transport section (6), and at least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) can occupy different positions below the transport section (6) by moving transversely to the transport direction.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that At least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) is movable orthogonally to the transport direction.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that Shrinking medium is also applied laterally with a horizontal flow component to the combination of goods (4) wrapped with the packaging material (2) via at least one lateral shrinking medium introduction device (9), wherein the positioning of at least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) and at least one of the lateral shrinking medium introduction devices (9) is coordinated when switching products.

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that At least one of the lower shrinking medium introduction devices (15) extends substantially along the longitudinal extension of the shrinking device (1) in the interior space (5) of the shrinking device (1) and has an upper side (32) pointing toward the transport section (6) and including a nozzle opening (33) for shrinking medium, wherein, in order to match the respective product to be processed, the size of the nozzle opening (33) and / or the shrinking medium applied by the nozzle opening (33) is set at least partially in the area along the longitudinal extension.

18. A shrinking medium module (40) for a shrinking device (1), the shrinking medium module comprising a shrinking medium introduction device (8) and a positioning device (22), The shrinking medium module (40) is configured to be arranged below the transport section (6) of the shrinking device (1). The shrinkage medium introduction device (8) is configured to discharge the shrinkage medium in an upward flow direction. The shrinking medium introduction device (8) can be fixed on the positioning device (22) at different positions, the positioning device (22) extends transversely to the transport direction below the transport section (6) and the shrinking medium introduction device (8) can occupy different positions below the transport section (6) by moving transversely to the transport direction.

19. The shrink medium module (40) according to claim 18, characterized in that The contraction medium introduction device (8) is designed as a nozzle module (31) which has a nozzle opening (33) on the upper side (32) through which the contraction medium flows out in an upward direction.

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