Shrinkage device for shrinking shrink material onto article at least partially wrapped with shrink material

Abstract

The utility model relates to a shrinking device (1) which is used for shrinking a shrinking material (4) to an article (5) at least partially wrapped by the shrinking material (4). The constriction device (1) comprises an interior space (2) having at least one conveying path (3) for transporting articles (5) wrapped with a constriction material (4), the articles (5) wrapped with the constriction material (4) being conveyed along the conveying path (3) via a conveying surface (6) in a conveying direction through the constriction device (1). The shrinking device (1) comprises at least two spaced-apart shrinking agent introduction devices configured to introduce shrinking agent (20) into the interior space (2) of the shrinking device (1) in the direction of the conveying path (3). The shrinking device (1) comprises at least one first shrinking agent generator (13) for supplying the shrinking agent (20) to the at least one shrinking agent introduction device, the at least one first shrinking agent generator being arranged on the side of the conveying path (3) and / or in the at least one shrinking agent introduction device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a shrinking device for shrinking shrinkage material onto an article at least partially wrapped with shrinkage material.

[0002] This invention relates to a shrinkage device, which preferably requires less energy and is easy to maintain. Background Technology

[0003] In filling and packaging equipment, items, particularly bottles, cans, beverage cartons, etc., are known to be wrapped in shrink film and then transported through shrink tunnels. In this process, a shrink-shrink medium or agent, especially hot air, is applied to the items wrapped in the shrink film. During this process, the shrink film shrinks and adheres to the items or combinations of items. A cooling zone with fans, directly adjacent to the shrink tunnel, ensures rapid cooling of the resulting packaging units or bundles, thereby maintaining their transportable strength.

[0004] The basic structure of a shrink tunnel can only be explained roughly at this point. Technicians dealing with objects and subjects in the packaging industry have sufficient knowledge of the structure of such shrink tunnels, so there is no need to go into further details at this point.

[0005] Shrink tunnels typically include a circulating annular conveyor that passes through the housing that confines the shrink tunnel at least a partial distance. Furthermore, the shrink tunnel usually includes several heating elements and a fan or blower on its upper side to generate the required hot air, which is then distributed into the interior of the shrink tunnel. To achieve a particularly uniform distribution of the hot air, the hot air, after generation, is partially guided through suitable hot air ducts into the so-called axial wall and partially into a bottom chamber located directly below the conveyor of the shrink tunnel. Thus, articles wrapped in the shrink film can preferably be actively subjected to the shrinkage medium from at least three sides. Utility Model Content

[0006] Therefore, one objective of this invention is to optimize the shrinkage device so as to reduce the energy consumption used to generate the shrinkage medium. Furthermore, the maintenance of the shrinkage agent generator should be easier.

[0007] The above objective is achieved by the following shrinking device for shrinking shrinkage material onto an article at least partially wrapped with shrinkage material.

[0008] Articles that are subjected to shrinkage by a shrink agent (hereinafter sometimes also referred to as a shrink medium) within a shrink-fit device are, for example, a combination of multiple articles wrapped in packaging material. In this case, the group of articles may be additionally arranged on a so-called tray, mat, etc.

[0009] When referring to shrinkage agents in this context, they are often also called shrinkage media, which typically refers to a gaseous medium that delivers the high temperatures required for shrinkage to the article to be tempered. Therefore, shrinkage agents or shrinkage media are usually formed from hot gas or hot air, which is blown onto the article within the shrinkage tunnel in a defined manner, as described below.

[0010] Alternatively, the items can be held together by a previously applied cardboard blank in its open area. If, in the following description, items wrapped with shrink-wrap material are mentioned in many places, the term should also always include wrappings that only partially wrap the items. Since many common wrappings leave so-called shrink holes where the items are not covered or surrounded by film, such wrappings can and should be included in the term "items wrapped with shrink-wrap material."

[0011] For this purpose, items can be grouped into combinations of items in optional grouping devices or otherwise. Alternatively, individual items can also be processed and then wrapped in a folding device with packaging material. Specifically, shrink film is folded around the items or combinations of items in the folding device. The folding device can optionally be a component of the shrinking device, but this is not a requirement. The folding device can also be arranged upstream of the shrinking device in the transport direction.

[0012] For simplicity, we will discuss items below, but the term also includes combinations of items in principle.

[0013] The packaging material is preferably formed of a thermoplastic flat shrink material, particularly a shrink film, which shrinks when heated to contact the outward peripheral surface of the article, thereby creating a tight bond in the form of a packaging unit, which is also referred to below as a shrink bundle.

[0014] Alternatively, the shrink material can be a shrink tube or a shrink label, which is placed around a single item and shrinks onto the item within the shrink device. In the case of a shrink label, it may be necessary to determine its position on the item at least temporarily by at least one adhesion (e.g., adhesive points) before the shrink process begins. This or similar adhesive point fixation can also be, or can be, done with shrink film encapsulation.

[0015] The preferred items are containers, especially beverage containers, such as bottles and jars made of glass, plastic, metal, etc.

[0016] The shrink-wrap device has an internal space with at least one conveying path for transporting articles wrapped in shrink-wrap material. The articles wrapped in shrink-wrap material are conveyed along the conveying path via a conveying surface through the shrink-wrap device in the transport direction.

[0017] In particular, the transport path can be a corridor through which the items and the applied shrinkage material pass.

[0018] The transport surface is basically understood as the upper surface of the conveying device on which items wrapped in shrink material are transported.

[0019] The shrinking device includes at least two spaced-apart first shrink agent introduction devices configured to introduce shrink agent into the interior space of the shrinking device along the direction of the delivery path. These are preferably first lateral shrink agent introduction devices.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the transverse shrinkage agent introduction device is configured as shaft walls, each shaft wall having at least one shrinkage agent outflow surface facing the corresponding delivery path.

[0021] The shrinkage device specifically features a housing with an internal space. In particular, the shrinkage agent introduction device is entirely disposed within the internal space of the housing, wherein the walls of the housing are part of the housing. Preferably, all existing shrinkage agent introduction devices can be entirely disposed within the internal space of the housing, wherein the walls of the housing should also be part of the housing.

[0022] During the production process, there may be no other part or component installed between the shrink agent introducing device and the article or its shrink material. In other words, the shrink agent introducing device preferably directs the shrink agent directly onto the article wrapped with shrink material.

[0023] The distance between shrink-injector devices can be at least as large as the width of the article traversing the conveying path. Preferably, the distance can be greater than the width of the article multiplied by 1.05, particularly 1.1, and less than the width of the article multiplied by 4, particularly 2.5.

[0024] As described above, the shrinkage agent or shrinkage medium is preferably a tempering fluid, especially a tempering gas, and preferably hot air.

[0025] The number of shrinkage agent introduction devices or shaft walls can define the number of conveying paths formed. In the case of monorail transport via a transport surface, the so-called outer shaft walls are preferably located on both sides of the conveying path, particularly above the transport surface, each outer shaft wall having an outflow surface facing the interior of the shrinkage device and a closed side surface facing the housing of the shrinkage device (at least during monorail production).

[0026] In cases where articles are transported via two or more rails over a transport surface, three or more shrink-injector devices or shaft walls are arranged above the transport surface. Therefore, n-1 transport paths are formed among the multiple, particularly n, shrink-injector devices or shaft walls. Specifically, in each case, the transport path closest to the housing of the shrink-injector is defined by the outer shaft wall.

[0027] In the case of dual-track transport, the inner (or also called the center) shaft wall is arranged between the two outer shaft walls, preferably at approximately the center between the two outer shaft walls, and its two substantially perpendicular sides, parallel to the transport direction, are each configured as an outflow surface. Therefore, in particular, the inner shaft wall supplies a shrinkage medium or shrinkage agent to both parallel transport paths in each case, thereby allowing the application of the shrinkage medium to the two parallel transport paths to be of approximately the same order of magnitude.

[0028] In the case of two or more rail transport, more inner shaft wall is provided accordingly.

[0029] Alternatively, in the case of dual-track transport, four shaft walls for discharging the shrinkage medium can be arranged in the shrinkage device: two outer shaft walls as shown above and two inner shaft walls, wherein the two inner shaft walls have only one outflow surface in each case from which the shrinkage medium flows out during the production process.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of at least two first shrink-inducing devices is configured to move laterally to the transport direction of the article, such that the distance between the two first shrink-inducing devices and thus the width of the transport path can be changed, and can be adapted to articles transported by the shrink-inducing devices respectively.

[0031] The shrinkage device includes at least one first shrinkage agent generator for supplying shrinkage agent to at least one of at least two first shrinkage agent introduction devices.

[0032] In this case, at least one first shrinkage generator is arranged on the side of the conveying path, that is, in a region spaced apart from the conveying path in the horizontal direction.

[0033] Specifically, the shrinkage agent generator can be arranged at least partially at a height between 0.5m and 2.5m above the lower edge of the shrinkage device, preferably between 0.9m and 2.1m, and even more preferably between 1.2m and 1.8m. The lower edge is typically formed by the mounting surface of the shrinkage device, particularly by the underside of the machine legs (if present).

[0034] In particular, the shrinkage generator may have a handle through which the shrinkage generator can be manually grasped and moved.

[0035] For example, at least one first shrinkage generator may be provided arranged or formed within and / or on at least one shrinkage introduction device.

[0036] A preferred embodiment provides that the horizontal distance between at least one first shrinkage agent generator arranged on the side of the conveying path and the conveying path is configured to be adjustable. This applies both to first shrinkage agent generators arranged laterally in the conveying path and to first shrinkage agent generators arranged or formed within or on at least one first shrinkage agent introduction device.

[0037] At least one first shrinkage generator can be constructed in a known manner as a heating register, a gas combustion unit, or a blower. According to one embodiment, at least one first shrinkage generator is provided to be configured as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas combustion unit, or a laterally movable blower.

[0038] The term “laterally movable housing” or “lateral” as used herein specifically refers to a substantially horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport of the goods.

[0039] One embodiment provides that at least one first shrinkage agent generator is disposed in the internal space of the shrinkage device in the operating mode or production mode of the shrinkage device, and wherein at least one first shrinkage agent generator is at least partially disposed outside the internal space of the shrinkage device in the alternating mode or maintenance mode of the shrinkage device.

[0040] To achieve this, one embodiment of the shrinkage device provides at least one first sealing element, particularly a pivotally configured sealing element, which is dispensed with at least one first shrinkage agent generator. The first sealing element is in a closed state in the operating mode. Furthermore, the first sealing element is in an open state in an alternating mode, making the at least one first shrinkage agent generator particularly easily accessible for maintenance, repair, or replacement work in the alternating mode.

[0041] For example, at least one first closure element may be configured to pivot upwards and / or laterally. Alternatively, at least one first closure element may be configured to move upwards and / or laterally.

[0042] Enclosing elements can be, in particular, doors.

[0043] Another embodiment provides that at least one of the at least two shrinkage agent introduction devices is itself configured as a shrinkage agent generator. In this case, a heating register, a gas combustion unit, or a blower may be arranged within at least one shrinkage agent introduction device.

[0044] Therefore, for example, multiple heating wires can be provided arranged within at least one shrinkage agent introduction device.

[0045] In this case, different heating wires can preferably be configured to have different temperatures along the transport direction and / or at the height of the shrinkage introducer, such that the temperature of the shrinkage introducer can vary along the length of the shrinkage introducer and / or at the height of the shrinkage introducer.

[0046] One embodiment of the shrinkage device provides two first shrinkage agent introduction devices, in particular two first shrinkage agent introduction devices configured as outer shaft walls, which in each case form the lateral boundary of the conveying path, or are arranged laterally to the conveying path such that the conveying path extends between the two first shrinkage agent introduction devices.

[0047] Another embodiment of the shrinkage device provides a first shrinkage agent introduction device, particularly a first shrinkage agent introduction device configured as an inner shaft wall, arranged above the transport plane, and similarly restricting adjacent transport paths or arranged on the side of adjacent transport paths.

[0048] Furthermore, at least one second shrinkage agent generator may be arranged below the transport plane, and thus below at least one transport path. The at least one second shrinkage agent generator is configured to introduce shrinkage agent into the interior space of the shrinkage device in an upward flow direction.

[0049] In one embodiment, the transport surface is formed by the upper section of a circulating annular conveyor belt. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one second shrinkage generator is disposed between the upper and lower sections of the annular conveyor belt.

[0050] Preferably, at least one second shrinkage generator is configured as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas burner, or a laterally movable blower. The second shrinkage generator may include multiple heating wires. Due to its lateral mobility, in operating or production mode, at least one second shrinkage generator can be positioned between the ascending and descending sections of the annular conveyor belt. Furthermore, in alternating or maintenance mode, at least one second shrinkage generator can be at least partially arranged in an area outside the region formed between the ascending and descending sections of the annular conveyor belt.

[0051] Specifically, the second shrinkage generator can be configured to be movable or movable in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the article.

[0052] Furthermore, at least one second shrinkage generator may be provided, which is equipped with at least one second sealing element. The second sealing element is in a closed state in the operating mode and in an open state in the alternating mode. Through the open second sealing element, the second shrinkage generator can be easily accessed in the alternating mode for maintenance, repair, or replacement.

[0053] In particular, at least one second closure element may be configured to pivot upwards and / or laterally. Alternatively, at least one second closure element may be configured to move upwards and / or laterally, etc.

[0054] Additional shrinkage generators may also be provided, which may be arranged in parallel or in series with the first and / or second shrinkage generators, wherein a series arrangement means that they are arranged continuously in the direction of shrinkage flow.

[0055] Therefore, in the case of a series connection, for example, the shrinkage agent can be preheated by a third shrinkage agent generator and heated to the final temperature by a first or second shrinkage agent generator.

[0056] The heating register may include multiple heating resistors, which may be arranged side by side in multiple columns and / or rows.

[0057] A recirculation channel can be provided in the housing or internal space, which guides the shrinkage agent back to the shrinkage agent generator after it impacts the article, so as to reheat the shrinkage agent.

[0058] The device may have an insertion channel in the housing through which the shrinkage generator can be inserted and removed separately.

[0059] The housing and / or shrinkage generator may include a locking device by which the shrinkage generator can be locked relative to the housing.

[0060] The housing and / or shrinkage generator may include a lever for releasing the lock.

[0061] The lock can be, for example, a bayonet lock or any other quick-change lock.

[0062] Furthermore, a method for shrinking shrinkage material onto an article at least partially wrapped with shrinkage material is described. The method includes the following steps:

[0063] - Items wrapped in shrink-wrap material are transported on the transport surface along a transport path that passes through the internal space of the shrink device.

[0064] -Heating and / or accelerating the shrinkage agent on the sides of the conveying path using at least one first shrinkage agent generator arranged on the side of the conveying path.

[0065] - When the shrink agent is transported through the shrinkage device, it is directed onto the item wrapped in shrink material.

[0066] One implementation may provide that, in another method step, at least a portion of the shrinkage agent is returned to the shrinkage agent generator. Since the recycled shrinkage agent already has the required or nearly required temperature, no energy needs to be supplied to the recycled shrinkage agent, or only a small amount is required, before it is reintroduced into the shrinkage agent introduction device.

[0067] Another embodiment of the method further includes the step of removing at least one first shrinkage generator by movement during alternating modes, the movement comprising a horizontal, particularly substantially lateral, moving component.

[0068] Specifically, this is a lateral moving component that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of transport of the goods. Preferably, the moving component includes a lateral moving component that is located away from the transport path.

[0069] Another step of the method may include pushing the fourth shrinkage generator into the position previously occupied by the first shrinkage generator.

[0070] The fourth shrinkage generator can be used optionally, provided that the first shrinkage generator is maintained. It is also conceivable that the fourth shrinkage generator continues to operate, while the first shrinkage generator remains as a spare unit for future replacement.

[0071] A preferred embodiment of the shrink-fit device may provide at least one first shrink-fit generator laterally connected to the shrink-fit introduction device. For example, in each case, the first shrink-fit generator may be arranged on the laterally outer circumferential surface of the outer shaft wall and form a fluid connection to the interior of the respective shaft wall. The shrink-fit generator can be moved to alternating positions by lateral movement of the shaft wall perpendicular to the transport direction of the article, particularly in movement away from the transport path.

[0072] Optionally, at least one shrinkage generator may be provided arranged on the side of the conveying path and configured as a laterally pull-out heating register, a laterally pull-out gas combustion unit and / or a laterally pull-out blower.

[0073] The shrinkage generator can be configured as a combined blower-gas combustion unit. Alternatively, it can be configured as a combined heating register-blower unit.

[0074] The advantages of the present invention described herein are that the maintenance, repair, or replacement of at least one first shrink agent generator and / or at least one second shrink agent generator is facilitated by the lateral accessibility of the shrink agent generator relative to its usual arrangement above the conveying path. Furthermore, several shrink agent generators can be individually operated and moved to adapt their positions to different products, enabling the processing of different products within the shrink unit, for example, in the case of dual-track processing.

[0075] Furthermore, the rising heat of the shrinkage agent results in energy savings, especially since it does not require the shrinkage agent introduction device to be moved downwards first.

[0076] Another embodiment of the present invention may provide at least one shrinkage generator arranged on the side of the conveying path that is accessible via the conveying path.

[0077] Another embodiment may provide at least one first shrinkage generator with an inner shaft wall, or the inner shaft wall may be configured as a first shrinkage generator. The inner shaft wall divides the transport surface into two transport paths, thus forming the lateral boundaries of the two transport paths in each case.

[0078] If at least two first shrinkage agent generators, or at least one first shrinkage agent generator and at least one second shrinkage agent generator, are used within the shrinkage unit, they can each be provided with the same construction. This has the particular advantage that fewer different spare parts must be provided for the shrinkage unit if needed.

[0079] However, alternatively, different shrinkage generators can be used within the shrinkage unit. This may be meaningful, for example, for space reasons or in the sense of redundancy, since shrinkage generators with different constructions are also more prone to errors, wear, etc.

[0080] This utility model also relates to a system that includes the described apparatus and may further include filling apparatus and / or packaging machine and / or palletizing apparatus and / or other machines.

[0081] It should be explicitly stated here that all aspects and variations thereof explained in connection with the shrink-fit device according to this invention also relate to or may be parts of the described method. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description of the shrink-fit device according to this invention, this also applies to the described method. Conversely, all aspects and variations thereof explained in connection with the described method also relate to or may be parts of the shrink-fit device according to this invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or context and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description of the described method, this also applies to the shrink-fit device according to this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0082] In the following sections, embodiments of the present invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensional proportions of individual elements in the drawings do not always correspond to actual dimensional proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration compared to other elements.

[0083] Figure 1A first embodiment of the shrinkage device according to the present invention is shown.

[0084] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the shrinkage device according to the present invention is shown.

[0085] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the shrinking device according to the present invention in working mode is shown.

[0086] Figure 4 The basis for the alternating pattern is shown. Figure 3 The third embodiment of the shrinkage device.

[0087] Figure 5 A fourth embodiment of the shrinking device according to the present invention in its working mode is shown.

[0088] Figure 6 A fourth embodiment of the shrinkage device according to the present invention in alternating mode is shown.

[0089] Figure 7 A packaging apparatus including a shrink-wrap device according to the present invention is described.

[0090] Figure 8 A packaging device including a shrink-wrap device according to the present invention is described.

[0091] The same reference numerals are used for elements that are identical or have the same effect in this invention. Furthermore, for clarity, only the reference numerals necessary for the description of the corresponding figure are depicted in a single drawing. The embodiments shown are merely examples of the design schemes of this invention and do not represent conclusive limitations. Detailed Implementation

[0092] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates a first embodiment of the shrink-wrap device 1 according to the present invention. The shrink-wrap device 1 has an internal space 2 and two conveying paths 3 for dual-track transport of articles 5 wrapped with shrink-wrap material 4. The articles 5 wrapped with shrink-wrap material 4 are conveyed along the conveying paths 2 on the transport surface 6 via the shrink-wrap device 1 in a transport direction orthogonal to the plane of the drawing (see also...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0093] The transport surface 6 is essentially understood as the upper surface of the conveying device or conveyor 7, on which the article 5 wrapped with shrink material 4 is transported. The conveying device 7 is formed, for example, by a circulating conveyor belt, a pad chain, etc.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the shrinkage device 1 includes three first shrinkage agent introduction devices 8 spaced apart from each other, configured to introduce shrinkage agent 20 into the internal space 2 of the shrinkage device 1 in the direction of the delivery path 3. In each case, two first shrinkage agent introduction devices 8 define one of the delivery paths 3. In particular, the first shrinkage agent introduction devices 8 are configured as shaft walls 9, each shaft wall 9 having at least one outflow surface of shrinkage agent 20 facing the corresponding delivery path 3.

[0095] The number of shaft walls 9 determines the number of transport paths 3 formed. In the case of monorail transport via transport surface 6, the so-called outer shaft walls 10 are preferably provided on both sides of the transport path 3, especially above the transport surface 6, each outer shaft wall 10 having an outflow surface facing the internal space 2 of the shrinking device 1 and a closed side surface facing the housing 11 of the shrinking device 1.

[0096] In the double-track transport of the article 5 wrapped in shrinkable material 4 on the transport surface 6, three shaft walls 9 are arranged on or above the transport surface 6. Therefore, two transport paths 3 are formed between the three shaft walls 9. Specifically, the two transport paths 3 near the housing 11 of the shrinkable device 1 are each defined by an outer shaft wall 9.

[0097] The inner shaft wall 12 is arranged at the center or near the center between the two outer shaft walls 9, and its two substantially perpendicular sides, parallel to the transport direction, are configured as outflow surfaces in each case. Therefore, the inner shaft wall 12 specifically supplies shrinkage medium or shrink agent 20 to the two parallel transport paths 3 respectively, wherein the shrinkage agent 20 in the two parallel transport paths 3 has or can have approximately the same order of magnitude.

[0098] Optionally, in the case of dual-track transport, four shaft walls 9, two outer shaft walls 10 and two inner shaft walls 12 as described above can be provided in the shrinkage device 1 for discharging the shrinkage medium 20, wherein the two inner shaft walls 12 have only one outflow surface in each case from which the shrinkage medium 20 is discharged during the production process.

[0099] In addition, at least one of the two first shrink agent introducing devices 8 may be configured to move laterally to the transport direction of the article 5 wrapped with shrink material 4, such that the distance between the two first shrink agent devices 8 and thus the width of the transport path 3 may be changed, and the article 5 wrapped with shrink material 4 may be adapted to be transported by the shrink device 1 respectively.

[0100] The shrinkage device 1 includes at least one first shrinkage agent generator 13 for supplying shrinkage agent 20 to at least one of at least two first shrinkage agent introduction devices 8.

[0101] In this case, at least one first shrinkage agent generator 13 can be provided and arranged on the side of the conveying path 3. Specifically, according to... Figure 1 In this embodiment, two first shrinkage agent generators 13 are provided, arranged laterally on the housing 11 of the shrinkage device 1. The shrinkage agent 20 is introduced from there into a distribution channel 14 formed above the shaft wall 9, and enters the shaft wall 9 from the distribution channel 14.

[0102] The first shrinkage generator 13 can be constructed in a known manner, such as a heating register, a gas combustion unit with an integrated blower, or a blower.

[0103] Figure 2 The schematic diagram illustrates a second embodiment of the shrinkage device 1 according to the present invention, which is also used for dual-track transport.

[0104] In order to understand Figure 2 Reference numerals shown in the figures but not mentioned separately, see attached figures. Figure 1 The description.

[0105] In the embodiment shown here, a first shrinkage generator 13 is provided with at least one first shrinkage introduction device 8. In particular, in the embodiment shown, each shaft wall 9 is provided with its own first shrinkage generator 13.

[0106] For example, in each case, a heating register, a gas combustion unit, or a blower is arranged inside the outer shaft wall 10, such that the shrinkage agent 20 is generated directly inside the outer shaft wall 10 and introduced into the corresponding assigned delivery path 3 via the outflow surface.

[0107] On the other hand, the inner shaft wall 12 may be provided with a plurality of heating wires 15, which together form a first shrinkage generator 13. In this case, the different heating wires 15 may preferably be individually and controllably constructed along the inner shaft wall 12 in the transport direction and / or at the height of the inner shaft wall 12, such that the temperature of the shrinkage agent 20 may vary along the length of the inner shaft wall 12 in the transport direction or at the height of the inner shaft wall 12.

[0108] The shaft wall 9 is arranged on the upper suspension 16. Preferably, the shaft wall 9 is slidably arranged on the upper suspension 16, as indicated by the black double arrow on the left outer shaft wall 10. Therefore, the distance between the shaft walls 9 and the width of the corresponding conveying path 3 can be adjusted according to the product.

[0109] Furthermore, air can be drawn in from the internal space 2 of the shrinkage device and introduced into the shaft wall 9 through the upper suspension 16. Since this air is already heated, the corresponding first shrinkage generator 13 must heat it slightly in order to reach the required shrinkage temperature.

[0110] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the inner shaft wall 12 can also be equipped with a heating register, a gas combustion unit, or a blower, or the outer shaft wall 10 can be equipped with a heating wire 15. Furthermore, both the outer shaft wall 10 and the inner shaft wall 12 can be equipped with the same first shrinkage agent generator 13.

[0111] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the shrinking device 1 according to the present invention is shown in operating mode 30; Figure 4 The basis for alternating mode 31 is shown. Figure 3 The third embodiment of the shrinkage device 1.

[0112] The following will specifically discuss and Figure 2 Differences in implementation methods.

[0113] In the embodiment shown here, a first shrinkage generator 13 is arranged on and fluidly connected to the closed side surface of the outer shaft wall 10, such that shrinkage agent 20 generated by the first shrinkage generator 13 can be introduced into the outer shaft wall 10.

[0114] First sealing elements 17 are formed on the side wall of the housing 11 of the retraction device 1, for example in the form of an upwardly pivoting door, and these first sealing elements 17 are closed in the operating mode 30.

[0115] Conversely, in alternating mode 31, the closing element 17 is opened. Now, the first shrinkage generator 13, located on the outer shaft wall 10, can be easily accessed from the outside for maintenance, repair, or replacement work.

[0116] Furthermore, taking the left outer shaft wall 10 as an example, one embodiment is shown in which the first shrinkage agent generator 13 is arranged in the internal space 2 of the shrinkage device 1, particularly within the housing 11 of the shrinkage device 1, in the operating mode 30 or production mode of the shrinkage device 1. Conversely, in the alternating mode 31 or maintenance mode, the first shrinkage agent generator 13 is arranged at least partially outside the internal space 2 of the shrinkage device 1.

[0117] For example, the suspension 16 extends out of the housing 11, allowing the outer axle wall 10 to be moved together with the allocated first shrinkage generator 13 to a position outside the housing 11. This further increases the accessibility of the first shrinkage generator 13 disposed on the left outer axle wall 10 for maintenance, repair, or replacement work.

[0118] Figure 5 A fourth embodiment of the shrinking device 1 according to the present invention is shown in operating mode 30. Figure 6 A fourth embodiment of the shrinkage device 1 according to the present invention is shown in alternating mode 31.

[0119] Here we will discuss the differences from the previous figures again, referring to the description of the previous figures.

[0120] In this embodiment, another, particularly a second shrinkage generator 18, is provided, which is arranged below the delivery path 3. The second shrinkage generator 18 is configured to introduce shrinkage 20 into the internal space 2 of the shrinkage device 1 in an upward flow direction.

[0121] In the embodiment shown here, the transport surface 6 is formed by the upper section 25 of the circulating annular conveyor belt 26. A second shrinkage generator 18 is specifically arranged between the upper section 25 and the lower section 27 of the annular conveyor belt 26. As a result, the second shrinkage generator 18 can be arranged within the shrinkage device 1 in a very space-saving manner.

[0122] The second shrinkage generator 18 is preferably configured as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas combustion unit, a laterally movable blower, etc. Due to its lateral mobility, the second shrinkage generator 18 is arranged between the upper section 25 and the lower section 27 of the annular conveyor belt 26 in operating mode 30 or production mode. Conversely, in alternating mode 31 or maintenance mode, the second shrinkage generator 18 may be arranged at least partially outside the area formed between the upper section 25 and the lower section 27 of the annular conveyor belt 26.

[0123] Furthermore, the retraction device has a closing element 19, which is in a closed state in operating mode 30 and in an open state in alternating mode 31. In particular, the closing element 19 may be configured to pivot upward and / or laterally, or the closing element 19 may be configured to move upward and / or laterally.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the right outer shaft wall 10, on which the heating wire is disposed, and the second shrinkage generator 13 in alternating mode 31 are easily accessible via the open closure element 19 for maintenance, repair, or replacement.

[0125] In particular, if the second shrinkage generator 18 is additionally configured to be laterally movable, it can be moved at least partially to a position outside the housing 11 of the shrinkage device 1 for maintenance, repair or replacement work.

[0126] In addition, it can be provided that, in alternating mode 31, the shaft wall 9 can be moved to a more accessible position, particularly to a position outside the housing 11.

[0127] Furthermore, one embodiment will be described in which shrinkage agent 20 is supplied to the shaft wall 9 from a shrinkage agent generator arranged above the conveying path in a conventionally known manner. This embodiment has a second shrinkage agent generator 18 disposed between the ascending section 25 and the descending section 27, which is preferably configured to be laterally movable and accessible from the side via a closure element distributed by the housing 11 of the shrinkage device 1.

[0128] Using the described shrinkage device 1 according to the present invention, a method for shrinking shrinkage material 4 onto an article 5 at least partially wrapped with shrinkage material 4 can be specifically performed, the method comprising the following steps:

[0129] - The item 5, wrapped in shrink material 4, is transported along the conveyor path 3 on the transport surface 4 through the internal space 2 of the shrink device 1.

[0130] - By using at least one first shrinkage generator 13 arranged on the side of the conveying path 3 to heat and / or accelerate the shrinkage medium or shrinkage agent 20 on the side of the conveying path 3,

[0131] - When the shrink agent 20 is transported through the shrink device 1, the shrink agent 20 is guided onto the article 5 wrapped with the shrink material 4.

[0132] Another embodiment may provide that, in another method step, at least a portion of the shrinkage agent 20 introduced into the internal space 2 is returned to the first shrinkage agent generator 13. Since the recycled shrinkage agent 20 already has the desired temperature or near-desired temperature, no energy needs to be provided to the recycled shrinkage agent 20, or only a small amount of energy needs to be provided, before the recycled shrinkage agent 20 is reintroduced into the shrinkage agent inlet device 8 or the shaft wall 9.

[0133] Another embodiment of the method specifically includes the step of removing at least one first shrinkage generator 13 by movement during alternating mode 31, the movement comprising a horizontal movement component, particularly a substantially lateral movement component. Specifically, this is a lateral movement component that is substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the article 5. Preferably, the movement component comprises a lateral movement component located away from the transport path 3.

[0134] Figure 7 A packaging device 35 including a shrink device 1 according to the present invention is shown and described.

[0135] The product acted upon by the shrink medium or shrink agent 20 within the shrink device 1 is, for example, formed from multiple articles 5 wrapped in packaging material. The packaging material is preferably formed from a thermoplastic flat shrink material 4, particularly a shrink film, which shrinks upon heating and thus rests against the outward circumferential surface of the articles 5, thereby creating a tight bond in the form of a packaging unit 39, also referred to as a shrink bundle 40.

[0136] Therefore, in grouping module 36, items 5 are grouped into item group 37. Then, they are wrapped in film encapsulation module 38 with shrink material 4. Specifically, in film encapsulation module 38, shrink film wraps around item group 37.

[0137] Shrinkable material 4 is provided in the form of film roll 41 and is cut to the required length by cutting device 42 and provided to film encapsulation module 38.

[0138] The completed packaging unit 39 is then sent for further processing, such as grouping and palletizing.

[0139] Alternatively, the shrink material 4 may be a shrink tube or shrink label disposed around the article 5 and shrink-to-the-article-5 within the shrink device 1. In the case of a shrink label, it may be necessary to determine its position on the article 5 at least temporarily by means of adhesive points before the shrinking process begins. Such or similar adhesive point fixation may be, or may be, performed with shrink film encapsulation.

[0140] Item 5 is preferably a container, especially a beverage container, such as a bottle or jar made of glass, plastic, metal, etc.

[0141] Figure 8 The schematic top view also depicts an implementation variation of a more complex beverage packaging device 45, including the shrinking device 1 according to the present invention.

[0142] Beverage packaging equipment 45 may include a wet section 46 having a can and / or bottle ejector or stretch blow molding machine 47, a filling module 48 and a closure module assigned to the filling module 48, and an optional labeling module 50. Reference numeral 49 may indicate, for example, a pasteurizer or a buffer.

[0143] Subsequently, the beverages filled in cans or bottles are processed according to... Figure 7 The packaging device 35 is assembled into a packaging unit 39, or the "articles" are produced separately.

[0144] The packaging device 35 specifically includes a shrink device 1 according to the present invention.

[0145] Packaging unit 39 is then assembled in transport module 53, which is configured to group module 51 or layer forming module 52 or similar module to form stackable layers that are stacked on pallets in palletizing device 54.

[0146] The overlap between 51 and 35 is only shown in the accompanying drawings, as these two elements are actually spaced apart from each other. For example, palletizer 54 and group 51 could be arranged at a higher level.

[0147] Within the beverage packaging equipment 45, items and packaging units or individual goods are transported from one handling module to the next via a suitable transport system, which may optionally be equipped with a suitable cushioning system.

[0148] The components of the beverage packaging equipment 45 are understood as examples only. This application also includes other configurations that include the shrink-fit device 1 according to this utility model.

[0149] The embodiments, examples, and variations described in the preceding paragraphs, or the descriptions and drawings that follow, including their various views or corresponding individual features, may be used independently or in any combination thereof. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless these features are contradictory.

[0150] At this point, final instructions are given regarding the description of embodiments and variations of the present invention, wherein these descriptive paragraphs refer to the accompanying drawings respectively. When “schematic” diagrams and views are generally referred to in the context of the figures and their description, this in no way implies that the diagrams and their description are considered subordinate to the disclosure of this invention. Those skilled in the art are fully capable of obtaining sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn diagrams to simplify their understanding of the invention without being affected, for example, by the drawn and possibly not perfectly scaled dimensions. Therefore, the drawings enable those skilled in the art, as readers, to better understand the inventive concept, which is generally and / or more abstractly expounded in the description, through a more concrete explanation of the implementation of the described methods and a more concrete explanation of the function of the shrinking device according to the invention.

[0151] Figure Labels

[0152] 1. Shrinkage device

[0153] 2. Interior space

[0154] 3. Conveying Path

[0155] 4. Shrinkage material

[0156] 5 items

[0157] 6. Transport Surface

[0158] 7 Conveying device

[0159] 8 First shrinkage agent introduction device

[0160] 9. Shaft wall

[0161] 10. Outer shaft wall

[0162] 11. Shell

[0163] 12 Inner shaft wall

[0164] 13 First shrinkage agent generator

[0165] 14. Allocation Channel

[0166] 15 Heating wire

[0167] 16 Suspension

[0168] 17 First Closing Element

[0169] 18 Second shrinkage agent generator

[0170] 19. Enclosed elements

[0171] 20 Shrinkage Agent

[0172] 25 Upward segment

[0173] 26 Circular Conveyor Belt

[0174] 27 Downward segment

[0175] 30 working modes

[0176] 31 Alternating Pattern

[0177] 35 Packaging equipment

[0178] 36 Grouping Module

[0179] 37 Item Groups

[0180] 38 Membrane Encapsulation Module

[0181] 39 Packaging Units

[0182] 40 Shrink wrapping

[0183] 41 membrane rolls

[0184] 42 Cutting device

[0185] 45 Beverage Packaging Equipment

[0186] 46 Wet end

[0187] 47. Stretch blow molding module or can pusher

[0188] 48 Filling Module

[0189] 49. Pasteurizer or buffer

[0190] 50 Tag Module

[0191] 51 Grouping Module

[0192] 52-layer module

[0193] 53. Transport Module

[0194] 54 Palletizing device

[0195] TR (Transportation Direction)

Claims

1. A shrinking device (1) for shrinking shrinkable material (4) onto an article (5) at least partially wrapped with said shrinkable material (4), -The shrinking device (1) includes an internal space (2) having at least one conveying path (3) for transporting an article (5) wrapped with shrinkable material (4), wherein, The article (5) wrapped in shrink material (4) is conveyed along the conveying path (3) via the conveying surface (6) in the conveying direction (TR) through the shrinking device (1). -The shrinking device (1) includes at least two spaced-apart shrink agent introducing devices configured to introduce shrink agent (20) into the internal space (2) of the shrinking device (1) along the direction of the delivery path (3), and - Wherein, the shrinkage device (1) includes at least one first shrinkage agent generator (13) for supplying shrinkage agent (20) to at least one shrinkage agent introduction device, - the at least one first shrinkage agent generator (13) is arranged on the side of the conveying path (3), and / or - The at least one first shrinkage generator (13) is arranged in at least one shrinkage introducer device.

2. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal distance between the at least one first shrinkage agent generator disposed on the side of the conveying path (3) and the conveying path (3) is adjustable.

3. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first shrinkage agent generator (13) is configured as a heating register, a gas burner or a blower.

4. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one first shrinkage agent generator (13) is configured as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas burner, or a laterally movable blower.

5. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one first shrinkage agent generator (13) is configured as a heating register, a gas burner or a blower.

6. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one first shrink agent generator (13) is disposed in the internal space (2) of the shrinking device (1) in the operating mode (30) of the shrinking device (1), and wherein the at least one first shrink agent generator (13) is disposed at least partially outside the internal space of the shrinking device (1) in the alternating mode (31) of the shrinking device (1).

7. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one first shrinkage agent generator (13) is provided with at least one first sealing element (17), the first sealing element (17) being in a closed state in the operating mode (30), and the first sealing element (17) being in an open state in the alternating mode (31), and the at least one first shrinkage agent generator (13) being accessible through the open first sealing element (17) in the alternating mode (31).

8. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one first closing element (17) is pivotable.

9. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of heating wires (15) are disposed within the at least one shrinkage agent introduction device.

10. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 9, wherein different heating wires (15) can be individually controlled along the shrinkage agent introduction device in the transport direction (TR) and / or at the height of the shrinkage agent introduction device.

11. The shrinkage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein two first shrinkage agent introduction devices (8) are respectively disposed on the side of the conveying path (3).

12. The shrinkage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one second shrinkage agent generator (18) is disposed below the conveying path (3), the at least one second shrinkage agent generator (18) being configured to introduce shrinkage agent (20) into the internal space (2) of the shrinkage device (1) in an upward flow direction.

13. The shrinking device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the transport surface (6) is formed by the upper section (25) of a circulating annular conveyor belt (26), wherein, The at least one second shrinkage generator (18) is disposed between the upper section (25) and the lower section (27) of the annular conveyor belt (26).

14. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one second shrinkage agent generator (18) is configured as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas burner, or a laterally movable blower, or wherein, The at least one second shrinkage generator (18) is formed by a plurality of heating wires (15).

15. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one second shrinkage agent generator (18) is disposed in operating mode (30) between the upper section (25) and the lower section (27) of the annular conveyor belt (26), and wherein, The at least one second shrinkage generator (18) is arranged at least partially in alternating mode (31) outside the area formed between the upper section (25) and the lower section (27) of the annular conveyor belt (26).

16. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 14, wherein the at least one second shrinkage agent generator (18) is disposed in operating mode (30) between the upper section (25) and the lower section (27) of the annular conveyor belt (26), and wherein, The at least one second shrinkage generator (18) is arranged at least partially in alternating mode (31) outside the area formed between the upper section (25) and the lower section (27) of the annular conveyor belt (26).

17. The shrinkage device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one second shrinkage generator (18) is provided with at least one second sealing element (19), the second sealing element (19) being in a closed state in an operating mode (30), and the second sealing element (19) being in an open state in an alternating mode (31), and the second shrinkage generator (18) being accessible through the open second sealing element (19) in the alternating mode (31).

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