Method for creating a void area in a coat and a shaping device for carrying out the method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for creating a free space in a jacket made of shrink film, which jacket protects a stack of goods arranged on a pallet, wherein the pallet has four outer edges, an upper supporting surface, and a plurality of lower supporting feet, wherein the pallet has one supporting foot in the region of each of its four corners, wherein each foot gap of the pallet is configured quadrilaterally and with an additionally upper outer corner region, and wherein the jacket at least partially grasps from below the supporting surfaces of the supporting feet arranged in the region of the four outer edges of the pallet, and wherein at least one free space is introduced into the jacket region between two supporting feet that are on a common outer edge. With this method, one or more foot gaps can be made completely free of the jacket between the supporting feet on a common outer edge of the pallet, without thereby reducing the loading stability and protective effect of the jacket. The present invention also relates to a forming device for carrying out this method.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for creating at least one free space in a jacket made of shrink film, preferably configured as a shrink hood, which protects a stack of goods arranged on a pallet. The pallet has four outer edges, namely two front edges opposite each other and two longitudinal edges opposite each other, a support surface for the upper side of the stack of goods, and a plurality of lower support feet arranged at intervals from each other and forming a lower support surface in the case of forming a foot space. The pallet has one support foot in the region of each of its four corners and preferably also has at least one additional support foot arranged therebetween, preferably between two support feet of each outer edge. Each foot space of the pallet is quadrangularly configured and, in addition, the upper outer corner region. The jacket at least partially grasps from below the support surfaces of the support feet arranged in the region of the four outer edges of the pallet, and at least one free space is introduced into the jacket region between two support feet located at a common outer edge. Background Art

[0002] In the case of a Euro-Palette, there are a total of three rows of three block-shaped support feet each, and the three support feet of one row are connected to each other by a shelf on the lower side. In the case of such a design, the jacket grasps from below the lower sides of the two outermost shelves. The support surface of the pallet is usually formed by five top plates. Cross plates can also be arranged between the support feet and the support surface.

[0003] The lower shrink method is a method for protecting the load of a stack of goods arranged on a pallet. In the case of the shrink method, a shrink hood is usually used, which is pulled onto the stack of goods arranged on the pallet from above and then shrunk from top to bottom or from bottom to top. Thereby, the stack of goods is wrapped on four sides and the upper side. In connection with the bottom plate, comprehensive protection of the stack of goods is also possible. In the non-shrunk state, the shrink hood has a length greater than that of the stack of goods together with the pallet, so that in the case of lower shrinkage, the shrink hood protrudes below the lower side of the pallet in the non-shrunk state. In the case of lower shrinkage, the edge of the shrink hood protruding below the lower side of the pallet is heated and thus pulled under the pallet. Thereby, maximum protection and the best possible loading stability are obtained.

[0004] For the transportation by industrial trucks, such as for example forklift trucks, free spaces must be introduced into the jacket in the lower region in order to accommodate the pallet. Usually, the free spaces are arranged in the region of the front edge of the pallet, since the forklift truck usually lifts the pallet via one of the two front edges and then deposits the goods stack with one of the front edges first in the high-bay warehouse. The front edge of the pallet is usually oriented perpendicular to the transport direction in the case of packing. The free space is usually obtained by the penetration of the fork tips into the jacket. It has proven disadvantageous that the foot space is not completely free of the jacket.

[0005] Consequently, the pallet is often not accepted by automated high-bay warehouses because the mandatory facility capacity detection of the foot space between the support feet fails negatively. Likewise, it has been attempted to remove the complete lower shrinkage and also the side shrinkage in the region of the pallet in the region of the side of the pallet into which the fork tips of the forklift truck are to be introduced. Consequently, although the foot space is completely free, this causes a serious impairment of the loading stability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to avoid the abovementioned disadvantages and to describe a method by means of which the foot space between the two support feet of the common outer edge of the pallet can be made free of the jacket, whereby the loading stability and the protective effect of the jacket are not reduced.

[0007] This object is achieved in that in two opposite regions of two mutually opposite outer edges of the pallet, preferably two opposite front edges of the pallet, preferably simultaneously, a free space with two slightly elongate transfer elements is produced in each case, wherein the transfer elements are initially arranged below the support feet on the underside of the pallet and wherein each transfer element projects beyond the respective outer edge of the pallet with its two ends, wherein the jacket region is heated at least in the opposite regions into which each of the two transfer elements is to be introduced in the region of the respective free space, wherein each of the two transfer elements is transferred upwards in the direction of the upper outer corner region of the respective foot space, and wherein the jacket region transferred upwards is fixed in its upwardly transferred position by cooling.

[0008] By means of the method according to the invention, the jacket region is placed around the foot space in the form of a bulge by the upward transfer of the two transfer elements. After cooling, the bulge formed by the jacket region transferred upwards, which extends along the two support feet and the bearing surface of the pallet, is reinforced. If the jacket region is cooled sufficiently, the jacket region remains in this position. Consequently, the associated foot space is completely free of the jacket region since the jacket region is "placed" around the associated foot space.

[0009] The foot voids are thus permanently and completely free. If in the upwardly displaced state of the jacket region of each transfer element, in the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot void, the jacket region is, for example, lifted above the lower side of the support surface. By the method according to the invention, the jacket is not damaged. After the shrinkage of the complete jacket, the jacket is tightened due to its released restoring force and thus causes good load protection by the lateral and longitudinal forces acting on the goods stack.

[0010] If two transfer elements are simultaneously lifted to the same extent at their total four ends, while in the opposing regions of two opposing outer edges, a quadrilateral free region is introduced in each. However, it is equally absolutely possible that the transfer elements are lifted with a time offset. Clearly, it is equally possible that one end of the transfer element and the other end of the transfer element are lifted with a time offset.

[0011] With the method according to the invention, the foot voids can thus be reliably determined. The method according to the invention can be simply integrated into the current shrinking process and allows the production of a permanent jacket. The method is used for all pallet types and pallet layers in which the relevant foot voids do not have a lower base plate in the region where the free regions should be introduced, where the loading stability can be adjusted arbitrarily.

[0012] In the case of the method according to the invention, first the jacket region is heated at least in the opposing regions where each of the free regions is to be produced by means of two transfer elements. The region of the heated jacket that is below the support surface of the pallet (except in the jacket region where the free region is to be introduced) is pulled under the support surface and then forms the lower shrinkage. Thus, after the execution of the packing process, the jacket at least partially grasps from below the lower sides of the support feet arranged in the regions of the four outer edges of the pallet. After the execution of the method, the jacket abuts against the two outward-facing outer surfaces of the support feet and also partially abuts against the inner sides of the support feet that face the adjacent support feet. By combining the lower shrinkage with "wrapping", particularly high load protection is obtained because high vertical forces can be borne by the jacket.

[0013] If the support feet are arranged on the base plate, the support surface of the lower side of the support feet is understood as the lower side of the base plate.

[0014] The transfer element can, for example, be configured as a rod preferably with a smaller diameter. At one or both of the two ends of the rod, for example, a cylinder can be provided at each end, so that the transfer element can be lifted upwards. Thus, even in the case of a non-optimally oriented pallet, the relevant foot voids can be reliably emptied, and each transfer element can also be tilted upwards in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot void.

[0015] Here, in the regions of two mutually opposite outer edges of the tray, a free space can be created between two directly adjacent support feet respectively, wherein the size of the free space corresponds to the size of the free space of the feet between these two directly adjacent support feet of the relevant outer edge.

[0016] In the case of such a process, the size of the free space created in the jacket region corresponds to the size of the foot gap between these two directly adjacent support feet.

[0017] The tray can have a support foot respectively in the corner region on the one hand in two mutually opposite outer edges and additionally at least one further support foot arranged therebetween on the other hand, and the free space can be introduced into the jacket region between two non-directly adjacent support feet of a common outer edge. If the tray has, for example, three support feet in a row in the region of its front edge, one transfer element is transferred upwards in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the first foot gap and another transfer element is transferred upwards in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the second foot gap. Thus, the free space created in the jacket region extends across two foot gaps and thus also across the intermediate support foot separating the two free spaces. If the tray has, for example, five support feet in a row, the two support feet can equally be the second and fourth support feet. In such a design, the free space created in the jacket region extends across the free space between the second and third support feet, across the foot gap between the third and fourth support feet and across the intermediate (third) support foot separating the two support feet.

[0018] Cords or wires can be used as transfer elements. The cords or wires can be tensioned, for example, between two cylinders. Each cylinder is oriented and controllable such that the tensioned wire or the tensioned cord can equally be transferred diagonally upwards in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot gap. By virtue of the design as a cord or as a wire, the respective transfer element is moved into the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot gap during the upward transfer when the tray is, for example, not optimally oriented or when the size of the foot gap changes.

[0019] At least one transfer element can be translationally transferred during the transfer in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot gap and / or after the transfer in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot gap. The translational movement is understood as a linear movement of each transfer element. Here, the movement is oriented perpendicular or at least approximately perpendicular to the mutually opposite outer edges of the tray, in the region of which the free space is to be introduced into the jacket. By means of this reciprocating movement, it is achieved that in the upwardly transferred state of the jacket region, the two upper outer corner regions are free of film. This is due to the fact that each transfer element is transferred upward into the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot gap and thus the jacket region, for example, is lifted beyond the lower side of the support surface. By the translational movement, a form of sawing movement is generated, by means of which the jacket region is conveyed from below the tray to in front of the front side of the tray. By means of this movement, a particularly shape-stable film bulge is formed and the foot gap is completely free of jacket.

[0020] At least one transfer element can be composed of two partial regions connected to one another by springs, preferably tension springs, wherein the two partial regions are translationally transferred separately, preferably in mutually opposite directions. Such a design allows the two partial regions of the transfer element to be displaced from one another or moved relative to one another accordingly. In this way, the jacket region is pulled away from the tray or both are moved to the tray in the regions of the mutually opposite sides.

[0021] At least one transfer element can have a rough surface in each of at least two regions in which it comes into contact with the jacket region and / or preferably projections in a serrated configuration. Preferably, the projections are configured in the form of a gear profile, such as, for example, in the form of a saw blade. If the transfer element is composed of two regions, it is provided that each projection of at least one transfer element is configured as a tooth, wherein each tooth has a more flatly arranged front edge and a more steeply arranged rear edge, wherein all the teeth of each partial region have a uniform orientation, and wherein the front edges of the teeth of one partial region face the opposite partial region. In the case of such an orientation of the teeth, the respective jacket region is pulled better outwards in the case where the respective partial region is pulled away from the tray, which simplifies the upward transfer of the jacket region. By means of the rough surface and / or the projections, the jacket region clamped in particular by the upward transfer is transported out of the relevant foot gap of the tray, so that the subsequently formed film bulge is placed around the foot gap and is thus located at the outer edge (outer side) of the tray.

[0022] Here, the jacket area is preferably heated before the jacket area is to be produced in the opposite regions, at least in one free area each, by means of two transfer elements, and is transferred laterally towards the tray, preferably sucked. For this purpose, for example, a ventilation device can be arranged in the conveying device, which sucks air downwards from the space surrounded by the jacket, and in this case the lower jacket area is pulled laterally towards the tray. In the case of a change in the direction of rotation, the air can also be blown upwards, that is to say into the space surrounded by the jacket.

[0023] The jacket area can be transferred upwards only when the heating in the relevant area is completely finished, at least in one of the two areas, preferably in both areas (in which one free area each is to be produced by means of two transfer elements).

[0024] Here, the jacket can be spaced apart horizontally from the tray and / or from the stack of goods arranged on the tray, at least in one of the two areas, preferably in both areas (in which one free area each is to be produced by means of two transfer elements), before heating and / or during heating and / or before a possible lateral (i.e. horizontal) transfer of the jacket area relative to the tray, preferably by suction. This prevents the heated jacket area from coming into contact with the stack of goods and the tray in the area to be transferred.

[0025] The jacket can preferably be fastened in the area above the jacket area that has already been heated or is to be heated, before heating and / or preferably during heating and / or preferably when at least one transfer element is in the direction of the corner area on the outer side above the corresponding foot gap, relative to the support surface of the tray. This counteracts the unwanted half-moon formation in the free area. The half-moon formation occurs due to the restoring force released in the jacket area immediately after heating.

[0026] Here, the jacket can be preferably completely shrunk or reduced at least in the area in contact with the four outer edges of the tray, in the area of two mutually opposite outer edges during the upward transfer of each jacket area or after the upward transfer of each jacket area is completed. If the jacket is then completely shrunk, the packing process is finished.

[0027] When the entire area of the jacket below the support surface of the tray is heated, it is provided before each of the two transfer elements is transferred upwards in the direction of the corner area on the outer side above the corresponding foot gap.

[0028] The object of the present invention is also a forming device for performing a method for creating at least one free space in a jacket preferably configured as a shrink wrap formed from a shrink film, which jacket protects a stack of goods arranged on a pallet, wherein the pallet has four outer edges, namely two front edges opposite each other and two longitudinal edges opposite each other, a support surface for the upper side of the stack of goods, and a plurality of lower support feet that are spaced apart from each other and arranged in such a way as to form a foot gap and form a lower support surface, wherein the pallet has one support foot in the region of each of its four corners and preferably also has at least one additional support foot arranged between them, preferably on each outer edge, between two support feet of each outer edge, wherein each foot gap of the pallet is configured quadrilaterally and with the outer upper corner regions in addition, and wherein the jacket at least partially grabs from below the support surfaces of the support feet arranged in the regions of the four outer edges of the pallet, and wherein at least one free space is introduced into the jacket region between two support feet that are on a common outer edge.

[0029] In the case of a European pallet, there are a total of three rows of three block-shaped support feet each, wherein the three support feet of one row are connected to each other on the lower side by a shelf. In the case of such a design, the jacket grabs from below the lower sides of the two outermost shelves. The support surface of the pallet usually consists of five top plates. Cross plates can also be arranged between the support feet and the support surface.

[0030] The lower shrink method is a method for protecting the load of a stack of goods arranged on a pallet. In the case of the shrink method, a shrink wrap is usually used, which is pulled onto the stack of goods arranged on the pallet from above and then shrunk from top to bottom or from bottom to top. Thereby, the stack of goods is wrapped on four sides and the upper side. In connection with the bottom plate, full protection of the stack of goods is also possible. In the non-shrunk state, the shrink wrap has a length greater than that of the stack of goods together with the pallet, so that in the case of lower shrinkage, the shrink wrap protrudes below the lower side of the pallet in the non-shrunk state. In the case of lower shrinkage, the edge of the shrink wrap that protrudes below the lower side of the pallet is heated and thus pulled under the pallet. Thereby, maximum protection and the best possible loading stability are obtained.

[0031] For the transportation by industrial trucks, such as for example forklift trucks, free spaces have to be introduced into the jacket in the lower region in order to accommodate the pallet. Usually, the free spaces are provided in the region of the front edge of the pallet, since the forklift truck usually lifts the pallet via one of the two front edges and then deposits the goods stack with one of the front edges first in the high-bay warehouse. The front edge of the pallet is usually oriented perpendicular to the transport direction in the case of packaging. The free spaces are usually obtained by piercing the fork tips into the jacket. It has proven disadvantageous that the foot space is not completely free of the jacket. Therefore, the pallet is often not accepted by the automated high-bay warehouse, since the mandatory installation capacity detection of the foot space between the support feet fails negatively. Similarly, it has been attempted to remove the complete lower shrinkage and the lateral shrinkage in the region of the pallet in the region of the side into which the fork tips of the forklift truck are to be introduced. Thus, although the foot space is completely free, this causes a serious impairment of the loading stability.

[0032] The object of the invention is to avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages and to describe a forming device by means of which the foot space between the two support feet of the common outer edge of the pallet can be made free of the jacket, whereby the loading stability and the protective effect of the jacket are not reduced.

[0033] This object is solved in that at least two transfer elements are provided which are configured somewhat elongate, wherein each of the two transfer elements is first arranged below the support surface on the underside of the pallet, and wherein each transfer element projects beyond the respective outer edge of the pallet with its two ends, and wherein each of the two transfer elements is associated with at least one transfer device by means of which the relevant transfer element can be transferred upwards in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot space for the upward transfer of the jacket region. Thus, each transfer element extends over the entire length or over the entire width of the pallet.

[0034] By means of the forming device according to the invention, the jacket region is placed around the foot space in the form of a bulge by the upward transfer of the two transfer elements. After cooling, the bulge formed by the upwardly transferred jacket region extending along the two support feet and the support surface of the pallet is reinforced. If the jacket region is sufficiently cooled, it remains in this position. Thus, the relevant foot space is completely free of the jacket region, since the jacket region is "placed" around the relevant foot space.

[0035] The foot space is thus permanently and completely free. If, in the upwardly displaced state of the jacket region of each transfer element, in the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot space, the jacket region is, for example, lifted beyond the lower side of the support surface. The jacket is not damaged in the case of using the shaping device according to the invention. After the shrinkage of the complete jacket, the jacket is tensioned due to its released restoring force and thus causes good load protection by the transverse and longitudinal forces acting on the goods stack.

[0036] If two transfer elements are lifted simultaneously to the same extent at their total four ends, a quadrilateral free space is introduced in each of the opposite regions of two opposite outer edges. However, it is equally absolutely possible that the transfer elements are lifted with a time offset. Obviously, it is equally possible that one end of the transfer element and the other end of the transfer element are lifted with a time offset.

[0037] In the case of this method, first the jacket region is heated in at least one of the opposite regions into which the free space is to be produced by means of two transfer elements. The region of the heated jacket that is below the support surface of the pallet (except in the jacket region in which the free space is to be introduced) is pulled under the support surface and then forms a lower shrinkage. Thus, after the execution of the packing process, the jacket at least partially grasps from below the lower sides of the support feet arranged in the regions of the four outer edges of the pallet. The jacket abuts against the two outwardly facing outer surfaces of the support feet and also partially against the inner sides of the support feet that face the adjacent support feet after the execution of this method. A particularly high load protection is obtained by the combination of the "wrapping" and the lower shrinkage, because high vertical forces can be borne by the jacket.

[0038] If the support feet are arranged on the bottom plate, the support surface of the lower side of the support feet is understood as the lower side of the bottom plate.

[0039] With the shaping device according to the invention, the foot space can thus be reliably emptied. The shaping device according to the invention can be easily integrated into the current shrinking process and allows the manufacture of a permanent jacket. Similarly, the shaping device according to the invention can be easily installed in a common shrinking facility with a conveying device. The shaping device according to the invention is an extension of a known shrinking system for full pallets for the automated removal shaping of one or more foot spaces of a pallet in order to ensure the stowability for automated warehouse equipment, in particular high-bay warehouses. The shaping device can be integrated into the shrinking facility.

[0040] The transfer element can be configured, for example, as a rod preferably with a smaller diameter. At one or both ends of the rod, one cylinder each can be provided, for example, so that the transfer element can be transferred upwards. Thus, for example, even in the case of a non-optimally oriented pallet, the relevant foot clearance can be reliably emptied, and each transfer element can also be transferred obliquely upwards in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot clearance.

[0041] At least one transfer element can be configured, for example, as a rod which is first guided below the support surface of the pallet. In the case of the configuration of the transfer element as a rod, for example, at one end of the rod acting as a transfer device, a cylinder can act which transfers the rod upwards. The upward transfer in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot clearance can also be designed diagonally.

[0042] The transfer device can be installed, for example, between the conveyor chains of the conveyor device. The conveyor device is used for the loading and unloading of the pallet and the goods stack located thereon. If the transfer element is not required, the cylinder is retracted and does not protrude from the conveyor device on the upper side. In this way, the pallet can be easily loaded and unloaded. In contrast, if a free space is created in the jacket region, the cylinder extends, so that in this way the relevant transfer element is transferred into the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot clearance.

[0043] At least one transfer element can be configured as a rope or as a wire. The rope or wire offers the advantage that the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot clearance does not have to be precisely "pulled". Because, in the case of a diagonal transfer, the rope or wire is pulled upwards into the relevant corner region in contact with the lower side of the support surface. The rope or wire can be tensioned, for example, between two cylinders each configured as a transfer device.

[0044] At least one transfer element can be associated with two transfer devices. The transfer devices are preferably arranged at both ends of the transfer element. The transfer devices of the transfer element can be transferred synchronously or also separately from each other (i.e., with a time offset) and / or at different speeds.

[0045] At least one transfer device can be configured as a cylinder. Each cylinder is oriented and controllable in such a way that, for example, a tensioned wire or a tensioned rope can also be transferred diagonally upwards in the direction of the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot clearance. By virtue of the design as a rope or as a wire, the respective transfer element also moves into the corner region on the upper outer side of the respective foot clearance in the case of an upward transfer, when the pallet is not optimally oriented, for example, or when the dimensions of the foot clearance vary.

[0046] At least one of the two transfer devices of the transfer element, preferably both transfer devices, can be arranged so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the respective transfer element. Thus, the respective transfer element can move relative to the tray, for example.

[0047] At least one transfer element can be transferred translationally. The translational movement is understood as a linear movement of each transfer element. Here, the movement is oriented perpendicular to or at least approximately perpendicular to the mutually opposite outer edges of the tray in the region of which the free space should be introduced into the jacket. By means of this reciprocating movement, it is achieved that in the state in which the jacket region is transferred upwards, the two upper outer corner regions are not provided with a film. The reason for this is that each transfer element is transferred upwards into the upper outer corner region of the respective foot gap and thus the jacket region is, for example, lifted above the lower side of the support surface. Thus, for example, the transfer element can be configured as a circulating rope guided around two mutually opposite rollers, which can be set in rotation around the rollers. A form of sawing movement is generated by the translational movement, by means of which the jacket region is conveyed from beneath the tray to in front of the end face of the tray. By means of this movement, a particularly shape-stable film bulge is formed and the foot gap is completely free of the jacket.

[0048] At least one transfer element can be formed by two partial regions connected to one another by a spring, preferably a tension spring, wherein the two partial regions can be transferred translationally separately from one another, preferably in opposite directions. Such a design allows the two partial regions of the transfer element to be moved away from one another or towards one another correspondingly. In this way, the jacket region is moved away from the tray or towards the tray in the region of the mutually opposite sides or both.

[0049] At least one transfer element can have a rough surface in each of the two regions in which it contacts a respective jacket region. By means of the rough surface, an output of the jacket region clamped by upward transfer from the associated foot gap of the tray is obtained in particular, so that the subsequently formed film bulge is placed around the foot gap and is thus located at the outer edge (outer side) of the tray.

[0050] At least one transfer element can have a sleeve with a rough surface and / or with projections preferably having a serrated configuration in each of the two regions in which it contacts a respective jacket region. Similarly by means of the projections, an output of the jacket region clamped by upward transfer from the associated foot gap of the tray is obtained in particular, so that the subsequently formed film bulge is placed around the foot gap and is thus located at the outer edge (outer side) of the tray.

[0051] This is provided when each projection of at least one transfer element is configured as a tooth having a more flatly arranged front edge and a more strongly arranged rear edge, wherein all teeth in a partial area have a uniform orientation and the front edges of the teeth in one partial area face a relatively opposed partial area. In the case of such an orientation of the teeth, the respective jacket area is pulled better outwards in the case where the respective partial area is pulled apart by the tray, which simplifies the upward transfer of the jacket area. Description of the Drawings

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings are described below. Among them:

[0053] Figure 1 A side view showing the longitudinal edge of the lifted tray towards the stack of goods arranged thereon,

[0054] Figure 2 Shown from the observation direction towards the front edge Figure 1 of the object,

[0055] Figure 3 Shows the object according to Figure 1 after the tray has been lowered onto the conveying device,

[0056] Figure 4 Shown from the observation direction towards the front edge Figure 3 of the object,

[0057] Figure 5 Shows the object according to Figure 3 wherein the transfer element is transferred upwards,

[0058] Figure 6 Shown from the observation direction towards the front edge Figure 5 of the object,

[0059] Figure 7 Shows the object according to Figure 5 wherein the transfer element is translated,

[0060] Figure 8 Shows the front edge of the tray, wherein a free area has been created,

[0061] Figure 9 Shows an inclined view towards the object according to Figure 8 ,

[0062] Figure 10 Shows the method step in which the transfer element is moved back down again into the conveying device by lowering,

[0063] Figure 11 Shows a stack of goods of a completed package with a tray, wherein a free area has been introduced into the jacket,

[0064] Figure 12 shows the transfer element in a separate position,

[0065] Figure 13 shows according to Figure 12 detail "X",

[0066] Figure 14 shows different views of the sleeve,

[0067] Figure 15 +16 shows the wiper (Abstreifer) in two different positions, and

[0068] Figure 17 shows details of the stack of goods to be packed according to the invention with a lower shrinkage.

[0069] In all the figures, the same or similar components are denoted by consistent reference numerals. Detailed description

[0070] In Figure 1 a side view shows the conveying device 1 for the loading of the stack of goods 2 to be packed and the unloading of the packed stack of goods 2. A partial area of the conveying device 1 is configured as a shrinkage area. The conveying device 1 includes different components and parts, which are shown in the figures, but are not further described below if they are not important for the method according to the invention.

[0071] In the shrinkage area, the conveying device 1 has four reciprocating pistons 3 by means of which the pallet 4 with the stack of goods 2 arranged thereon can be transferred to a raised position, as shown in Figure 1 For example, in Figure 3 the pallet 4 is shown in the non-raised position. The pallet 4 stands on the conveying device 1.

[0072] Additionally, in the shrinkage area in the area surrounded by the four reciprocating pistons 3, a ventilation device 5 is arranged below the conveying device 1 by means of which air can be sucked downward.

[0073] The pallet 4 has four outer edges, namely two front edges 6 opposite to each other and two longitudinal edges 7 opposite to each other, a support surface 8 for the upper side of the goods stack 2, and a plurality of lower support feet 11 which are arranged at intervals from each other and form a lower support surface 10 in the case of forming a foot gap 9. One support foot 11 is provided in the region of each of its four corners. In addition, another intermediate support foot 11 is provided not only in the region of each of the two longitudinal edges 7 but also in the region of each of the two front edges 6. Three support feet 11 are in a row in this regard. Three rows each composed of three support feet 11 extending parallel to the two longitudinal edges 7 of the pallet 4 have a bottom plate (Bodenbrett) 12 on the lower side.

[0074] In the case of the front edge (Stirnkante) 6 shown in Figure 2 the pallet 4, two quadrilateral foot gaps 9 can be recognized. Each foot gap 9 also has an upper outer corner region 13.

[0075] To protect the goods stack 2, a jacket 14 is used. The jacket 14 can be configured, for example, as a shrink wrap, which is pulled onto the goods stack 2 from above. The jacket 14 extends in the pulled-on state down to below the support surface 11 of the pallet 14.

[0076] In the conveying device 1, two transfer elements 16 are arranged, which are in the contour of the conveying device 1 in the non-activated state and extend parallel to the longitudinal edges 7 of the pallet 4. Each transfer element 16 can be transferred upward from the contour of the conveying device 1 by means of two transfer devices 17. For this purpose, reference is made, for example, to Figure 6 . It shows how each of the two transfer elements 16 can be transferred diagonally upward in the direction of the corresponding arrow 18 in the direction of the upper outer corner region 13 of the corresponding foot gap 9 by means of the corresponding transfer device 17.

[0077] Each transfer element 16 is composed of wire. Each wire is composed of two partial regions 20 connected to each other by a tension spring 19, wherein the two partial regions 20 can be translated separately and transferred in opposite directions accordingly. For this purpose, an actuator 21 acts on the free end of each partial region 20, so that the partial regions 20 can be transferred in different directions as shown in Figure 12 and 13 . This can be shown by a double arrow 22 or by arrows 22 pointing towards each other.

[0078] As already implemented, each transfer device 17 is configured as a cylinder (Zylinder) which is oriented at an angle α of approximately 65° relative to the horizontal line. Each cylinder has rollers 23 at its upper free end, via which the respective partial regions 20 of the wire are guided. By means of a tension spring 19, the two partial regions 20 can be displaced relative to one another. By means of a forward and backward movement, the jacket region 15 is displaced from under the tray 14 upwards in the region of the bearing surface 8 of the tray 4. In this way, the relevant jacket region 15 can be placed as a stable film bulge 24 at the outer edge of the front edge 6 of the tray 4, thus as it is shown for example in Figure 8 as shown.

[0079] Each of the two partial regions 20 of each transfer element 16 has two sleeves 25 each, wherein each sleeve 25 is provided with a projection 26. Each projection 26 is configured as a tooth which has a flat front edge 27 and a more strongly configured rear edge 28. All the teeth of the partial region 20 have a uniform orientation. The front edge 27 of the teeth of one partial region 20 faces the opposite partial region 20.

[0080] The method according to the invention is designed as follows:

[0081] In Figure 1 the tray 4 has been lifted because the jacket 14 projects beyond the lower side of the tray 4 on the lower side. After lifting the tray 4, the ventilation device 5 is activated. Thereby, air is sucked downwards and the jacket 14 is pulled under the tray 4. Here, the jacket 14 covers the foot space 9 with its jacket region 15. Also in this lifted position, lower shrinkage is achieved, that is to say shrinkage of the region of the jacket 14 which extends below the bearing surface 8 of the tray 4.

[0082] Each of the four reciprocating pistons 3 has a scraper (Abstreifer) 29 each, which can be displaced between two positions. It is provided when the scraper 29 against which the jacket 14 abuts is coated with a suitable material (such as Teflon) in order to prevent adhesion of the jacket 14. The scraper 29 is arranged such that it can act on the front edge 6 of the tray 4. In Figure 16 the spaced position is shown. In this position, the jacket 14 is spaced from the tray 4. Each scraper 29 is associated with a guide roller 30 which moves along a position-fixed guide in the case of lifting and in the case of lowering of the reciprocating piston 3 and thus causes the displacement of the respective scraper 29. Figure 15 Shows the orientation of the scraper 29 in its non-activated position. In this non-activated position, each scraper 29 is located within the contour of the tray 4 not shown in Figure 15 as shown.

[0083] As in Figure 3As shown in [reference], the tray 4 is lowered at this time and the wiper 29 is moved back into its inactive position due to the downward movement of the reciprocating plunger 3. Additionally, in the region of each front edge 6, two film holding devices 31 in the form of swing arms are respectively provided in the conveying device 1. The swing arms are swung upward towards the tray 4, thus as shown in Figure 3 As shown therein. Thereby, the jacket 14 is fastened at the support surface 8 of the tray 4 because the end of each film holding device 31 presses the jacket 14 against the support surface 8 of the tray 4.

[0084] The forming device in the form of two transfer elements 16 can then be transferred diagonally upward from the starting position shown in Figure 1 As shown therein (thus as shown by the arrow 18 in Figure 6 As shown therein) to its corresponding final position. In this position, the wire is in the corner region 13 on the upper outer side of the corresponding foot gap 9. This lifting is shown by the two arrows 18 in Figure 5 And 6 As shown therein.

[0085] During the upward transfer of the transfer element 16 or equally after the transfer element 16 reaches the intended area, i.e., the corner region 13 on the upper outer side of the foot gap 9, the two partial regions 20 of each transfer element 16 can be separately translated and thus transferred in the corresponding opposite directions. This transfer is shown by the double arrow 22 in Figure 7 As shown therein. By the forward and backward movements, the relevant jacket region 15 is transferred outward from below the tray 4 to the height of the support surface 8 of the tray 4. In this way, a stable film bulge 24 can be obtained at the outer edge of the front edge 6 of the tray 4, thus as shown for example in Figure 8 As shown therein.

[0086] As can be seen for example from Figure 8 And 9 As shown therein, the film bulge 24 is reliably placed around the corresponding foot gap 9, that is to say it creates a free area in the jacket 14. In the example shown, the jacket 14 also has a lower shrinkage, that is to say the shrunk partial region of the jacket 14 is also below the support surface 11 of the tray 4.

[0087] In the case of such a design, the jacket 14 "wraps" the support feet 11, thus as shown also in Figure 17 As shown therein. In Figure 17The support foot 11 on the right side is shown. The outer jacket 14 abuts against two outward-facing outer surfaces of the support foot 11 and also partly abuts against the inner side of the support foot 11, which faces an adjacent, not-shown support foot 11. A particularly high load protection is obtained through the lower shrinkage combined with "wrapping", since high vertical forces can be borne by the outer jacket 14.

[0088] During the lateral shrinkage, the still-hot outer jacket region 15 of the lower shrinkage is shaped. Through subsequent cooling, each film bulge 24 and the foot gap 9 are permanently and completely free. In the illustrated embodiment, the free region extends across two foot gaps 9 together with the intermediate support foot 11. In Figure 8 and 9 In the case of the design shown, the outer jacket 14 is also fastened by two film holding devices 31 configured as swing arms.

[0089] Immediately following the return swing of the two swing arms, which is shown in Figure 10 At the same time, as shown in Figure 10 As shown in Figure 11 In the case of the design shown, the two transfer elements 16 are also moved back to their original initial situation, as shown in

[0090] As can be recognized in Figure 11 In the outer jacket 14 abutting against the front edge 6 of the tray 4, a free region is obtained, such that the relevant foot gap 9 is completely free of the outer jacket 14. Through the circumferential placement, the outer jacket 14 is not damaged and, in this regard, good load stability is ensured.

[0091] In the case of the illustrated embodiment, one transfer element 16 is transferred in the left foot gap 9 and the other transfer element 16 is transferred in the right foot gap. Thus, the free region (Freibereich) extends across two foot gaps 9 as well as across the intermediate support foot 11.

[0092] In the method flow shown in the drawings, the two transfer elements 16 are simultaneously lifted at their total of four ends. Thus, simultaneously in the opposing regions of two opposing front edges 6 facing each other, a quadrilateral free region is introduced into the outer jacket 14. However, it is equally possible, as follows, that the transfer elements 16 are lifted with a time offset. Obviously, it is equally possible that one end of the transfer element 16 and the other end of this transfer element 16 are lifted with a time offset and / or at another speed.

Claims

1. A method for creating at least one free area in a jacket (14) made of shrink film, which jacket protects a stack of goods (2) arranged on a pallet (4), wherein, The pallet (4) has four outer edges, namely two front edges (6) opposite one another and two longitudinal edges (7) opposite one another, a support surface (8) for the upper side of the goods stack (2), and a plurality of lower support feet (11) which are arranged at a distance from one another and form lower support surfaces (10) in the case of forming foot gaps (9), wherein the pallet (4) has one support foot (11) in the region of each of its four corners, wherein each foot gap (9) of the pallet (4) is constructed quadratically and with an upper outer corner region (13), and wherein the jacket (14) at least partially grasps from below the support surfaces (10) of the support feet (11) arranged in the region of the four outer edges of the pallet (4), and wherein at least one free region is introduced into the jacket region (15) between two support feet (11) lying on a common outer edge, characterized in that in the opposite regions of two mutually opposite outer edges of the pallet (4) a free region is produced by means of two slightly elongated transfer elements (16), wherein the transfer elements (16) are initially arranged below the lower support surfaces (10) of the pallet (4), and wherein each transfer element (16) projects beyond the corresponding outer edge of the pallet (4) with its two ends, wherein the jacket region (15) is heated at least in the opposite regions in which a free region is to be produced by means of the two transfer elements (16), wherein each of the two transfer elements (16) is transferred upwards in the direction of the upper outer corner region (13) of the corresponding foot gap (9), and wherein the jacket region (15) transferred upwards is fastened in its upwards transferred position by cooling.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The jacket (14) is constructed as a shrink hood, wherein the pallet (4) has one support foot (11) in the region of each of its four corners and also at least one further support foot (11) arranged between the two support feet (11) of the outer edge, wherein in the opposite regions of two opposite front edges (6) of the pallet (4) a free region is produced simultaneously by means of two slightly elongated transfer elements (16).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The pallet (4) has one support foot (11) in the region of each of its four corners and also at least one further support foot (11) arranged between the two support feet (11) of each outer edge.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein In the opposite regions of two mutually opposite outer edges of the pallet (4) a free region is produced between two directly adjacent support feet (11), wherein the size of the free region corresponds to the size of the foot gap (9) between these two directly adjacent support feet (11) of the relevant outer edge.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The tray (4) has, in two mutually opposite outer edges, on the one hand, in the region of the corners, a support foot (11) each, and on the other hand, additionally, at least one further support foot (11) arranged therebetween, and a free space region is introduced into the jacket region (15) between two support feet (11) that are not directly adjacent and are on a common outer edge.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that A rope or wire is used as the transfer element (16).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one transfer element (16) is transferred translationally during the transfer in the direction of the corner region (13) on the upper outer side of the respective foot gap (9) and / or after the transfer in the direction of the corner region (13) on the upper outer side of the respective foot gap (9).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one transfer element (16) consists of two partial regions (20) that are connected to each other by a spring, and the two partial regions (20) are transferred separately and translationally.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one transfer element (16) consists of two partial regions (20) that are connected to each other by a tension spring (19), and the two partial regions (20) are transferred separately and translationally in opposite directions.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein At least one transfer element (16) has a rough surface and / or has protrusions (26) in each of at least two partial regions (20) where it contacts the jacket region (15).

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein At least one transfer element (16) has a rough surface and / or has protrusions (26) configured in a serrated shape in each of at least two partial regions (20) where it contacts the jacket region (15).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The jacket region (15) is transferred laterally towards the tray (4).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The jacket region (15) is suctioned laterally towards the tray (4).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The jacket region (15) is transferred upwards only when the heating in the relevant region is completely finished in at least one of the two regions where a respective free space region is to be produced by means of the two transfer elements (16).

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The jacket region (15) is transferred upwards only when the heating in the relevant region is completely finished in the two regions where a respective free space region is to be produced by means of the two transfer elements (16).

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The jacket (14) is spaced apart from the tray (4) and / or from the goods stack (2) arranged on the tray (4) in the horizontal direction before heating and / or during heating and / or before the lateral transfer of the jacket region (15) towards the tray (4) in at least one of the two regions where a respective free space region is to be produced by means of the two transfer elements (16).

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The jacket (14) is spaced apart from the tray (4) and / or from the goods stack (2) arranged on the tray (4) in the horizontal direction before heating and / or during heating and / or before the lateral transfer of the jacket region (15) towards the tray (4) by suction in the two regions where a respective free space region is to be produced by means of the two transfer elements (16).

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The jacket (14) is fastened relative to the bearing surface (8) of the tray (4) in a region above the jacket region (15) that has been heated or is to be heated.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Before heating and / or during heating and / or during the transfer of at least one transfer element (16) in the direction of the corner region (13) on the upper outer side of the respective foot gap (9), the jacket (14) is fastened relative to the bearing surface (8) of the tray (4) in a region above the jacket region (15) that has been heated or is to be heated.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, During the upward transfer of each jacket region (15) in the region of the two mutually opposite outer edges and / or after the upward transfer of each jacket region (15) in the region of the two mutually opposite outer edges, the jacket (14) is shrunk or reduced at least in the region in contact with the four outer edges of the tray (4).

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, During the upward transfer of each jacket region (15) in the region of the two mutually opposite outer edges and / or after the upward transfer of each jacket region (15) in the region of the two mutually opposite outer edges, the jacket (14) is completely shrunk or reduced at least in the region in contact with the four outer edges of the tray (4).

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Before each of the two transfer elements (16) is transferred upward in the direction of the corner region (13) on the upper outer side of the respective foot gap (9), the entire region of the jacket (14) located below the bearing surface (8) of the tray (4) is heated.

23. A forming device for performing a method for creating at least one free area in a jacket (14) formed by a shrink film, the jacket protecting a stack of goods (2) arranged on a pallet (4), wherein, The pallet (4) has four outer edges, namely two mutually opposite front edges (6) and two mutually opposite longitudinal edges (7), a support surface (8) for the upper side of the goods stack (2), and a plurality of lower support feet (11) which are spaced apart from one another and which form lower support surfaces (10) in a situation where a foot gap (9) is formed. Each of the four corners of the pallet (4) has a support foot (11). Each foot gap (9) of the pallet (4) is configured quadrilaterally and with an upper outer corner region (13). The jacket (14) at least partially grasps from below the support surfaces (10) of the support feet (11) arranged in the regions of the four outer edges of the pallet (4), and at least one free region is introduced into a jacket region (15) between two support feet (11) which are on a common outer edge. It is characterized in that the shaping device has at least two transfer elements (16) which are configured slightly elongate. Each of the two transfer elements (16) is first arranged below the lower support surface (10) of the pallet (4), and each transfer element (16) projects beyond the respective outer edge of the pallet (4) with its two ends. Each of the two transfer elements (16) is associated with at least one transfer device (17) each, and the associated transfer element (16) can be transferred upwards for an upward transfer of the jacket region in the direction of the upper outer corner region (13) of the respective foot gap (9).

24. The molding device according to claim 23, wherein The jacket (14) is configured as a shrink hood, wherein each of the four corners of the pallet (4) has a support foot (11), and there is also at least one additional support foot (11) arranged between two support feet (11) on the outer edge.

25. The molding device according to claim 24, wherein Each of the four corners of the pallet (4) has a support foot (11), and there is also at least one additional support foot (11) arranged between two support feet (11) on each outer edge.

26. The molding device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, At least one transfer element (16) is configured as a rope or as a wire.

27. The shaping device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, At least one transfer element (16) is associated with two transfer devices (17).

28. The shaping device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that At least one transfer device (17) is configured as a cylinder.

29. The molding device according to claim 27, wherein, At least one of the two transfer devices (17) of the transfer element (16) is arranged so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the transfer element (16).

30. The shaping device according to claim 27, characterized in that, The two transfer devices (17) of the transfer element (16) are arranged so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the transfer element (16).

31. The molding device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that At least one transfer element (16) can be transferred translationally.

32. The molding device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, At least one transfer element (16) consists of two partial regions (20) which are connected to one another by a spring, and the two partial regions (20) can be transferred translationally separately from one another.

33. The molding device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, At least one transfer element (16) consists of two partial regions (20) that are connected to each other by a tension spring (19), wherein the two partial regions (20) are translatable separately in opposite directions.

34. The shaping device according to claim 32, wherein, At least one transfer element (16) has a rough surface in each of the two partial regions (20) that are in contact with a respective jacket region (15).

35. The molding device according to claim 32, wherein, At least one transfer element (16) has a sleeve (25) with a rough surface and / or with protrusions (26) in each of the two partial regions (20) that are in contact with a respective jacket region (15).

36. The molding device according to claim 32, wherein, At least one transfer element (16) has a sleeve (25) with a rough surface and / or with protrusions (26) configured in a serrated structure in each of the two partial regions (20) that are in contact with a respective jacket region (15).

37. The shaping device according to claim 35, characterized in that, Each protrusion (26) of at least one transfer element (16) is configured as a tooth that has a more flatly arranged front edge (27) and a more strongly arranged rear edge (28), wherein all the teeth of one partial region (20) have a uniform orientation and wherein the front edges (27) of the teeth of the one partial region (20) face the opposite partial region (20).

38. The molding device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, The shaping device is a shaping device for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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