METHOD FOR CREATING AT LEAST A FREEDOM IN A SHEARING MADE OF SHRINK FILM, PREFERABLY DESIGNED AS A SHRINK HOOD, AND FORMING DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT A METHOD FOR CREATING AT LEAST A FREEDOM IN A SHEARING MADE OF SHRINK FILM, PREFERABLY DESIGNED AS A SHRINK HOOD

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for creating at least one free area in a casing made of shrink film, preferably designed as a shrink hood, which secures a stack of goods arranged on a pallet, wherein the pallet has four outer edges, namely two opposite end edges and two opposite longitudinal edges, a top support surface for the stack of goods and several underside feet arranged at a distance from one another to form foot clearances, forming an underside standing surface, wherein the pallet has a foot in each of its four corners and preferably also has at least one further foot arranged between two feet of an outer edge, preferably each outer edge, wherein each foot clearance of the pallet is square and is formed with, among other things, an upper outer corner area,and wherein the casing at least partially engages under the standing surface of the feet arranged in the region of the four outer edges of the pallet and wherein at least one free area is introduced into a casing area which lies between two feet of a common outer edge.

[0002] A Euro pallet has a total of three rows of three block-like feet each, with the three feet in a row connected to each other at the bottom by a support board. With this design, the sheathing extends beneath the underside of the two outermost support boards. The pallet's support surface typically consists of five top boards. Cross boards can also be arranged between the feet and the support surface.

[0003] The undershrink process is a method for securing a stack of goods arranged on a pallet. The shrink process usually involves using a shrink hood which is pulled over the stack of goods arranged on the pallet from above and then shrunk from top to bottom or from bottom to top. This encloses the stack of goods on all four sides and the top. In conjunction with a base sheet, all-round protection of the stack of goods is also possible. In the unshrunk state, the shrink hood is longer than the stack of goods including the pallet, so that in the event of undershrinkage, the shrink hood protrudes from the underside relative to the underside of the pallet. During undershrinkage, the edge of the shrink hood which protrudes from the underside relative to the underside of the pallet is heated and consequently pulls under the pallet.This ensures maximum protection and the best possible load stability.

[0004] For transport with industrial trucks, such as a forklift truck, free spaces must be created in the casing at the bottom to allow the pallet to be picked up. The free spaces are usually provided in the area of ​​the front edge of a pallet, as a forklift truck usually lifts the pallet using one of the two front edges and later stores the stack of goods in a high-bay warehouse with one of the front edges first. The front edge of a pallet is usually aligned orthogonal to the direction of transport during packaging. The free spaces are usually created by inserting the fork tips into the casing. A disadvantage is that the foot clearances are not completely free of the casing.

[0005] Therefore, the pallet is often not accepted by automated high-bay warehouses because the mandatory system capability test for the foot clearances between the feet fails. Attempts have also been made to completely remove the undershrink and side shrink wrap from the side of the pallet into which the forklift forks are to be inserted. While this completely clears the foot clearances, it severely compromises load stability. US 2020 / 0331649 A1 discloses a method for creating at least one clearance in a shrink-wrap wrap.

[0006] The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a method with which a foot space or foot spaces between two feet of a common outer edge of a pallet can be made free of the casing without reducing the load stability and the protective effect of the casing.

[0007] The object is achieved in that in opposite areas of two mutually opposite outer edges of the pallet, preferably the two opposite end edges of the pallet, preferably simultaneously, a free area is created with two elongated displacement elements, wherein the displacement elements are initially arranged below the underside standing surfaces of the pallet and wherein each displacement element protrudes with its two ends beyond the respective outer edge of the pallet, wherein the sheathing area is heated at least in the opposite areas in which a free area is to be created by means of the two displacement elements,wherein each of the two displacement elements is displaced upwards in the direction of the upper outside corner region of the respective foot space, and wherein the upwardly displaced sheathing region is fixed in its upwardly displaced position by cooling in this upwardly displaced position.

[0008] By means of the method according to the invention, the sheathing area is placed around the foot space in the form of a bead by the upward displacement of both displacement elements. After cooling, the bead formed by the upwardly displaced sheathing area, which runs along the two feet and the support surface of the pallet, solidifies. Once the sheathing area has cooled sufficiently, it remains in this position. As a result, the relevant foot space is completely free of the sheathing area, since the sheathing area has been "placed around" the relevant foot space.

[0009] This permanently leaves the foot space completely free. If, when the sheathing area is moved upwards, each displacement element is located in the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot space, the sheathing area is raised slightly above the underside of the support surface. The method according to the invention does not damage the sheathing. After the entire sheathing has shrunk, the sheathing contracts due to the restoring forces released, thus ensuring effective load securing through the transverse and longitudinal forces acting on the stack of goods.

[0010] If both displacement elements are raised simultaneously at their four ends to the same extent, a square free area is created in the opposite areas of the two opposing outer edges. However, it is also entirely possible for the displacement elements to be raised at different times. Of course, it is also possible for one end of a displacement element and the other end of this displacement element to be raised at different times.

[0011] The method according to the invention can thus reliably create foot clearances. The method according to the invention can be easily integrated into the existing shrink-wrapping process and allows the production of a permanent wrapping. The method can be used for all pallet types and layers where the foot clearances in question do not have a bottom board in the area where the clearances are to be created, whereby the load stability can be adjusted as desired.

[0012] In the method according to the invention, the sheathing area is first heated at least in the opposite areas in each of which a free space is to be created by means of the two displacement elements. The areas of the heated sheathing located below the base of the pallet - with the exception of the sheathing areas in which a free space is to be created - pull under the base and later form the undershrink. Thus, after the packaging process has been carried out, the sheathing at least partially engages under the underside of the feet arranged in the area of ​​the four outer edges of the pallet. After the method has been carried out, the sheathing lies against the two outward-facing outer surfaces of a foot and partly also against the inner side of the foot, which faces the adjacent foot.The undershrink in combination with the "wrapping" achieves a particularly high load securing effect, as high vertical forces can be absorbed by the wrapping.

[0013] If a stand is arranged on a floor board, the underside of the stand is understood to be the underside of the floor board.

[0014] A displacement element can, for example, be designed as a rod, preferably with a small diameter. A cylinder can be provided at one or both ends of the rod, for example, so that the displacement element can be displaced upwards. To ensure that the relevant foot clearance can be reliably cleared even when pallets are not optimally aligned, each displacement element can also be displaced diagonally upwards toward the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot clearance.

[0015] In the opposite areas of two opposing outer edges of the pallet, a free space can be created between two immediately adjacent feet, whereby the dimensions of the free space correspond to the dimensions of the foot space between these two immediately adjacent feet of the respective outer edge.

[0016] With such a procedure, the size of the free space created in the casing area corresponds to the size of the foot space between these two immediately adjacent feet.

[0017] The pallet can have one support leg in each of two opposite outer edges in the corner area and at least one additional support leg arranged in between, and a free space can be created in the casing area between two not directly adjacent support legs on a common outer edge. If, for example, the pallet has three support legs arranged in a row in the area of ​​its front edge, one displacement element is displaced upwards towards the upper outside corner area of ​​the first foot clearance and the other displacement element is displaced upwards towards the upper outside corner area of ​​the second foot clearance. The free space created in the casing area thus extends over both foot clearances and thus also over the middle support leg that separates the two foot clearances from each other.For example, if the pallet has five feet in a row, the two feet could also be the second and fourth feet. With such a configuration, the created free space in the casing area would extend over the foot space between the second and third feet, over the foot space between the third and fourth feet, and over the middle (third) foot separating the two foot spaces.

[0018] A rope or wire can be used as the displacement element. The rope or wire can, for example, be stretched between two cylinders. Each cylinder is aligned and actuated in such a way that the tensioned wire or rope can also be moved diagonally upwards toward the upper outside corner area of ​​the respective foot space. Designed as a rope or wire, the corresponding displacement element is moved into the upper outside corner area of ​​the respective foot space during the upward displacement, even if the pallet is not optimally aligned, for example, or if the dimensions of the foot space vary.

[0019] At least one displacement element can be translationally displaced during the displacement in the direction of the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot clearance and / or after the displacement has been completed in the direction of the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot clearance. A translational movement is understood to be a rectilinear movement of each displacement element. The movement is orthogonal or at least approximately orthogonal to the opposite outer edges of the pallet in which the clearance areas are to be incorporated into the wrapping. This back-and-forth movement ensures that, when the wrapping area is displaced upwards, the two upper outer corner areas are free of film.This is because each displacement element is moved upwards into the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot space, thus raising the wrapping area slightly above the underside of the support surface. This translational movement creates a kind of sawing motion, which moves the wrapping area from underneath the pallet to the front of the pallet. This movement forms a particularly dimensionally stable film bead, and the foot space is completely free of the wrapping.

[0020] At least one displacement element can consist of two sub-regions connected to one another by a spring, preferably a tension spring, wherein the two sub-regions are displaced separately in translation, preferably in opposite directions. Such a configuration allows the two sub-regions of a displacement element to be moved away from or toward one another. In this way, the sheathing regions in the region of the opposite sides are either both pulled away from the pallet or both moved toward the pallet.

[0021] At least one displacement element can have a rough surface and / or, preferably, serrated elevations in at least each of its two regions that are in contact with the casing region. The elevations are preferably designed in the manner of a tooth profile, such as, for example, in the manner of a saw blade. If a displacement element consists of two regions, it is advisable for each elevation of at least one displacement element to be designed as a tooth, with each tooth having a flatter front edge and a steeper rear edge, with all teeth of each sub-region having a uniform orientation and with the front edges of the teeth of one sub-region facing the opposite sub-region.With this alignment of the teeth, the respective wrapping area is more effectively pulled outward when the corresponding section is pulled away from the pallet, which simplifies the upward displacement of the wrapping area. The rough surface and / or the raised portions particularly ensure that the wrapping area clamped by the upward displacement is expelled from the relevant foot space of the pallet, so that the film bead that will later form is wrapped around the foot space and is thus located on the outer edge (outside) of the pallet.

[0022] The casing area can be displaced, preferably sucked, laterally against the pallet, preferably before the casing area is heated, at least in the opposing areas in each of which a free space is to be created by means of the two displacement elements. For this purpose, a fan can be arranged in the conveyor, for example, which sucks air downwards from the space enclosed by the casing and, in doing so, draws the lower casing area laterally against the pallet. By changing the direction of rotation, air can also be blown upwards, i.e., into the space enclosed by the casing.

[0023] The sheathing region can be displaced upwards in at least one of the two regions, preferably in both regions, in each of which a free region is to be created by means of the two displacement elements, only when the heating in the region in question has been completely completed.

[0024] In this case, the casing can be spaced apart from the pallet and / or from the stack of goods arranged on the pallet in the horizontal direction, preferably by suction, at least in one of the two regions, preferably in both regions, in each of which a free space is to be created by means of the two displacement elements, before heating and / or during heating and / or before any lateral, i.e., horizontal, displacement of the casing region toward the pallet. This prevents the heated casing region from coming into contact with the stack of goods and the pallet in the region to be displaced.

[0025] The casing can be fixed relative to the support surface of the pallet, preferably before heating, and / or preferably during heating, and / or preferably during the displacement of at least one displacement element toward the upper outer corner region of the respective foot clearance, in the area located above the casing area that has already been heated or is to be heated. This counteracts the undesirable formation of a crescent in the clearance area. Crescent formation occurs due to the restoring forces released in the casing area as a result of heating.

[0026] The wrapping can be shrunk or unshrunk during the upward displacement of each wrapping section in the area of ​​the two opposing outer edges, or after the completion of the upward displacement of each wrapping section in the area of ​​the two opposing outer edges, preferably completely, at least in the areas in contact with the four outer edges of the pallet. Once the wrapping has been completely shrunk, the packaging process is complete.

[0027] It is advisable to heat the entire area of ​​the casing located below the support surface of the pallet before each of the two displacement elements is moved upwards towards the upper outside corner area of ​​the respective foot space.

[0028] The invention also relates to a forming device for carrying out a method for creating at least one free area in a casing made of shrink film, preferably designed as a shrink hood, which secures a stack of goods arranged on a pallet, wherein the pallet has four outer edges, namely two opposite end edges and two opposite longitudinal edges, a top support surface for the stack of goods and several lower feet arranged at a distance from one another to form foot spaces, forming a lower standing surface, wherein the pallet has a foot in each of its four corners and preferably also has at least one further foot arranged between two feet of an outer edge, preferably each outer edge,wherein each foot clearance of the pallet is square and has, inter alia, an upper outer corner region, and wherein the casing at least partially engages under the standing surface of the feet arranged in the region of the four outer edges of the pallet, and wherein at least one clearance area is introduced into a casing region which lies between two feet of a common outer edge.

[0029] A Euro pallet has a total of three rows of three block-like feet each, with the three feet in a row connected to each other at the bottom by a support board. With this design, the sheathing extends beneath the underside of the two outermost support boards. The pallet's support surface typically consists of five top boards. Cross boards can also be arranged between the feet and the support surface.

[0030] The undershrink process is a method for securing a stack of goods arranged on a pallet. The shrink process usually involves using a shrink hood which is pulled over the stack of goods arranged on the pallet from above and then shrunk from top to bottom or from bottom to top. This encloses the stack of goods on all four sides and the top. In conjunction with a base sheet, all-round protection of the stack of goods is also possible. In the unshrunk state, the shrink hood is longer than the stack of goods including the pallet, so that in the event of undershrinkage, the shrink hood protrudes from the underside relative to the underside of the pallet. During undershrinkage, the edge of the shrink hood which protrudes from the underside relative to the underside of the pallet is heated and consequently pulls under the pallet.This ensures maximum protection and the best possible load stability.

[0031] For transport with industrial trucks, such as a forklift truck, free spaces must be created in the lower area of ​​the pallet to pick up the pallet. The free spaces are usually provided in the area of ​​the front edge of a pallet, as a forklift truck usually lifts the pallet over one of the two front edges and later stores the stack of goods in a high-bay warehouse with one of the front edges first. The front edge of a pallet is usually aligned orthogonal to the direction of transport during packaging. The free spaces are usually achieved by inserting the fork tips into the sheathing. A disadvantage is that the foot clearances are not completely free of the sheathing. As a result, the pallet is often not accepted by automated high-bay warehouses because the mandatory system capability test of the foot clearances between the feet fails.An attempt was also made to completely remove the undershrink and side shrink wrap from the side of the pallet where the forklift forks are to be inserted. While this completely frees up the footwells, it severely compromises load stability.

[0032] The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a forming device with which a foot space or foot spaces between two feet of a common outer edge of a pallet can be made free of the casing, without thereby reducing the load stability and the protective effect of the casing.

[0033] The object is achieved in that at least two elongated displacement elements are provided, wherein each of the two displacement elements is initially arranged below the underside standing surface of the pallet and wherein each displacement element protrudes with its two ends beyond the respective outer edge of the pallet, and wherein each of the two displacement elements is assigned at least one displacement device by means of which the respective displacement element can be displaced upwards in order to displace the casing area upwards in the direction of the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot space. Thus, each displacement element extends over the entire length or across the entire width of the pallet.

[0034] Using the molding device according to the invention, the encasing area is placed around the foot space in the form of a bead by upwardly displacing both displacement elements. After cooling, the bead formed by the upwardly displaced encasing area, which runs along the two feet and the support surface of the pallet, solidifies. Once the encasing area has cooled sufficiently, it remains in this position. As a result, the relevant foot space is completely free of the encasing area, since the encasing area has been "placed around" the relevant foot space.

[0035] This permanently leaves the foot space completely free. If, when the wrapping area is moved upwards, each displacement element is located in the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot space, the wrapping area is raised slightly above the underside of the support surface. The wrapping is not damaged when using the forming device according to the invention. After the complete wrapping has shrunk, the wrapping contracts due to the restoring forces released, thus ensuring effective load securing through the transverse and longitudinal forces acting on the stack of goods.

[0036] If both displacement elements are raised simultaneously at their four ends to the same extent, a square free area is created in the opposite areas of the two opposing outer edges. However, it is also entirely possible for the displacement elements to be raised at different times. Of course, it is also possible for one end of a displacement element and the other end of this displacement element to be raised at different times.

[0037] In this process, the wrapping area is first heated, at least in the opposite areas in which a free space is to be created using the two displacement elements. The areas of the heated wrapping located below the base of the pallet - with the exception of the wrapping areas in which a free space is to be created - pull under the base and later form the undershrink. Thus, after the packaging process has been completed, the wrapping at least partially engages under the underside of the feet arranged in the area of ​​the four outer edges of the pallet. After the process has been completed, the wrapping lies against the two outward-facing outer surfaces of a foot and partly also against the inside of the foot, which faces the adjacent foot.The undershrink in combination with the "wrapping" achieves a particularly high load securing effect, as high vertical forces can be absorbed by the wrapping.

[0038] If a stand is arranged on a floor board, the underside of the stand is understood to be the underside of the floor board.

[0039] With the forming device according to the invention, foot clearances can be reliably created. The forming device according to the invention can be easily integrated into the existing shrinking process and allows the production of a permanent covering. The forming device according to the invention can also be easily installed in a conventional shrinking system with a conveyor. The forming device according to the invention represents an extension of known shrinking systems for full pallets by the automated free forming of a foot clearance(s) of a pallet, ensuring the system's suitability for automated storage facilities, in particular high-bay warehouses. The forming device can be integrated into a shrinking system.

[0040] A displacement element can, for example, be designed as a rod, preferably with a small diameter. A cylinder can be provided at one or both ends of the rod, for example, so that the displacement element can be displaced upwards. To ensure that the relevant foot clearance can be reliably cleared even when pallets are not optimally aligned, each displacement element can also be displaced diagonally upwards toward the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot clearance.

[0041] At least one displacement element can be designed, for example, as a rod that is initially guided beneath the pallet's base. If the displacement element is designed as a rod, a cylinder can act as a displacement device at one end of the rod, for example, which displaces the rod upwards. The upward displacement toward the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot space can also be designed diagonally.

[0042] The transfer devices can, for example, be installed between the conveyor chains of a conveyor. The conveyor serves to transport the pallets and the stacks of goods on them to and from the conveyor. When the transfer elements are not needed, the cylinders are retracted and do not protrude from the top of the conveyor. This allows a pallet to be transported to and from the conveyor without any problems. However, if a free space needs to be created within a casing area, the cylinders extend, thus relocating the respective transfer element to the upper outer corner of the respective foot space.

[0043] At least one displacement element can be designed as a cable or a wire. A cable or a wire offers the advantage that the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot space does not have to be precisely "targeted." Thus, when displaced diagonally upwards, the cable or wire is pulled into the relevant corner area upon contact with the underside of the support surface. The cable or wire can, for example, be stretched between two cylinders, each designed as a displacement device.

[0044] At least one displacement element can be assigned two displacement devices. The displacement devices are preferably arranged at both ends of the displacement element. The displacement devices of a displacement element can be displaced synchronously or separately from one another, i.e., with a time offset and / or at different speeds.

[0045] At least one displacement device can be designed as a cylinder. Each cylinder is aligned and operable in such a way that, for example, the tensioned wire or cable can also be displaced diagonally upward toward the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot space. By designing it as a cable or wire, the corresponding displacement element is moved into the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot space during the upward displacement, even if, for example, the pallet is not optimally aligned or the dimensions of the foot space vary.

[0046] At least one of the two displacement devices, preferably both displacement devices, of a displacement element can be arranged so that it can be moved parallel to the longitudinal extension of the respective displacement element. This allows the corresponding displacement element to be moved relative to the pallet, for example.

[0047] At least one displacement element can be displaced translationally. A translational movement is understood to mean a rectilinear movement of each displacement element. The movement is orthogonal or at least approximately orthogonal to the opposite outer edges of the pallet in which the free spaces are to be incorporated into the wrapping. This back-and-forth movement ensures that, when the wrapping area is displaced upwards, the two upper outer corner areas are free of film. This is due to the fact that each displacement element is displaced upwards into the upper outer corner area of ​​the respective foot space, thus raising the wrapping area slightly above the underside of the support surface.For example, a transfer element can be designed as an endless cable guided around two opposing rollers, which can be set into rotation around the rollers. The translational movement creates a kind of sawing motion, which moves the wrapping area from underneath the pallet to the front of the pallet. This movement forms a particularly dimensionally stable film bead, and the foot space is completely free of the wrapping.

[0048] At least one displacement element can consist of two sections connected to one another by a spring, preferably a tension spring, wherein the two sections can be displaced separately in translation, preferably in opposite directions. Such a configuration allows the two sections of a displacement element to be moved away from or toward one another. In this way, the sheathing sections in the area of ​​the opposite sides are either both pulled away from the pallet or both moved toward the pallet.

[0049] At least one displacement element can have a rough surface in each of its two regions, each of which is in contact with a respective wrapping region. The rough surface particularly facilitates the removal of the wrapping region clamped by the upward displacement from the relevant foot space of the pallet, so that the film bead that subsequently forms is wrapped around the foot space and is thus located on the outer edge (outside) of the pallet.

[0050] At least one displacement element can have a sleeve with a rough surface and / or with, preferably jagged, elevations in each of its two regions, which are in contact with a respective sheathing region. The elevations also serve, in particular, to expel the sheathing region clamped by the upward displacement from the relevant foot space of the pallet, so that the film bead that will subsequently form is wrapped around the foot space and is thus located on the outer edge (outside) of the pallet.

[0051] It is advisable for each elevation of at least one displacement element to be designed as a tooth with a flatter leading edge and a more pronounced trailing edge, with all teeth of a sub-area having a uniform alignment and the leading edges of the teeth of one sub-area facing the opposite sub-area. With such an alignment of the teeth, the respective sheathing area is more effectively pulled outward when the corresponding sub-area is pulled away from the pallet, which simplifies the upward displacement of the sheathing area.

[0052] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1a side view of the longitudinal edge of a raised pallet with a stack of goods arranged on it, Fig. 2the subject of Fig. 1 from the viewpoint of the front edge, Fig. 3 the object after Fig. 1 after placing the pallet on the conveyor, Fig. 4 the object of Fig. 3 from the viewpoint of the front edge, Fig. 5 the object after Fig. 3 , whereby the displacement elements are displaced upwards, Fig. 6 the subject of Fig. 5 from the viewpoint of the front edge, Fig. 7 the object after Fig. 5 , whereby the displacement elements are moved translationally, Fig. 8 the front edge of the pallet, whereby the free area has already been created, Fig. 9 an oblique view of the object after Fig. 8 , Fig. 10 the process step in which the displacement element is lowered back into the conveyor, Fig. 11 the finished wrapped stack of goods with pallet, with a free area already introduced into the wrapping, Fig. 12 a displacement element in a standalone position, Fig. 13 the detail "X" from Fig. 12 , Fig. 14 different views of a sleeve, Fig. 15 + 16 a stripper in two different positions and Fig. 17 a detail of a stack of goods packed according to the invention with undershrink.

[0053] In all figures, identical reference symbols are used for identical or similar components.

[0054] In Fig. 1 A conveyor 1 is shown in a side view, which serves to transport a stack of goods 2 that are yet to be packaged and to remove a packaged stack 2. A portion of the conveyor 1 is designed as a shrink-wrapping area. The conveyor 1 comprises various parts and components that are indicated in the figures but are not explained in detail below unless they are relevant to the method according to the invention.

[0055] In the shrinking area, the conveyor 1 has four lifting rams 3, by means of which a pallet 4 with a stack of goods 2 arranged thereon is raised into a position as shown in Fig. 1 shown, can be relocated. For example, in Fig. 3 Pallet 4 is shown in the unraised position. Pallet 4 rests on conveyor 1.

[0056] In addition, in the shrinking area in the area encompassed by the four lifting rams 3, a fan 5 is arranged below the conveyor 1, by means of which air can be sucked downwards.

[0057] A pallet 4 has four outer edges, namely two opposing end edges 6 and two opposing longitudinal edges 7, a top support surface 8 for the stack of goods 2, and several underside feet 11 arranged at a distance from one another to form foot spaces 9 and forming an underside standing surface 10. A foot 11 is provided in each of its four corners. In addition, a further central foot 11 is provided in the area of ​​each of the two longitudinal edges 7 as well as in the area of ​​each of the two end edges 6. Three feet 11 are thus arranged in a row. The three rows, each consisting of three feet 11, which extend parallel to the two longitudinal edges 7 of the pallet 4, each have a base board 12 on the underside.

[0058] At the Fig. 2 Two rectangular foot spaces 9 are visible on the front edge 6 of the pallet 4. Each foot space 9 has, among other things, an upper outer corner area 13.

[0059] A sheath 14 is used to secure the stack of goods 2. The sheath 14 can, for example, be designed as a shrink-wrap hood that is pulled over the stack of goods 2 from above. When pulled over, the sheath 14 extends below the base 11 of the pallet 4.

[0060] Two displacement elements 16 are arranged in the conveyor 1, which in the inactive state are located within the contour of the conveyor 1 and extend parallel to the longitudinal edges 7 of the pallet 4. Each displacement element 16 can be displaced upwards out of the contour of the conveyor 1 by means of two displacement devices 17. For this purpose, for example, Fig. 6 This shows how each of the two displacement elements 16 can be displaced diagonally upwards in the direction of the respective arrow 18 toward the upper outer corner area 13 of the respective foot space 9 by the respective displacement devices 17.

[0061] Each displacement element 16 consists of a wire. Each wire consists of two sections 20 connected by a tension spring 19, whereby the two sections 20 can be displaced separately in translation and in opposite directions. For this purpose, an actuator 21 engages the free end of each section 20, so that the sections 20, as shown in the Fig. 12 und 13 shown, can be shifted in different directions, which is indicated by the double arrow 22 or by the arrows 22 pointing towards each other.

[0062] As already explained, each displacement device 17 is designed as a cylinder that is aligned at an angle α of approximately 65° to the horizontal. Each cylinder has a roller 23 at its upper free end, over which the corresponding partial area 20 of the wire is guided. The tension spring 19 allows the two partial areas 20 to be displaced relative to one another. By means of the forward and backward movement, the sheathing area 15 is displaced from below the pallet 4 upwards in the area of ​​the support surface 8 of the pallet 4. In this way, the respective sheathing area 15 can be placed as a stable film bead 24 on the outer edge of the front edge 6 of the pallet 4, as shown in Fig. 8 as shown for example.

[0063] Each of the two sub-regions 20 of each displacement element 16 has two sleeves 25, each sleeve 25 being provided with elevations 26. Each elevation 26 is formed as a tooth having a flat front edge 27 and a more pronounced rear edge 28. All teeth of a sub-region 20 have a uniform orientation. The front edges 27 of the teeth of one sub-region 20 face the opposite sub-region 20.

[0064] The method according to the invention is as follows: In Fig. 1 the pallet 4 is already raised because the casing 14 protrudes beyond the underside of the pallet 4. After the pallet 4 has been lifted, the fan 5 is activated. As a result, air is sucked downwards and the casing 14 is pulled under the pallet 4. In the process, the casing 14 and its casing areas 15 cover the foot spaces 9. In this raised position, the undershrinkage also takes place, ie the shrinking of the area of ​​the casing 14 that extends below the support surface 8 of the pallet 4.

[0065] Each of the four lifting rams 3 has a wiper 29 that can be moved between two positions. It is advisable to coat the surface of a wiper 29 against which the casing 14 rests with a suitable material, such as Teflon, to prevent the casing 14 from sticking. The wipers 29 are arranged so that they can act on the front edges 6 of the pallet 4. Fig. 16 The spacing position is shown. In this position, the casing 14 is spaced from the pallet 4. Each scraper 29 is assigned a guide roller 30, which runs along a stationary guide when the lifting ram 3 is raised and lowered, thus causing the respective scraper 29 to move. Fig. 15 shows the orientation of the wiper 29 in its inactive position. In this inactive position, each wiper 29 is located within the contour of the Fig. 15 Palette 4 not shown.

[0066] As in Fig. 3 As shown, the pallet 4 is now lowered and the scrapers 29 return to their inactive position as a result of the lowering movement of the lifting rams 3. In addition, two film holding devices 31 in the form of pivoting levers are provided in the area of ​​each end edge 6 in the conveyor 1. The pivoting levers are pivoted upwards against the pallet 4, as shown in Fig. 3 is shown. This fixes the sheath 14 to the support surface 8 of the pallet 4, since the end of each film holding device 31 presses the sheath 14 against the support surface 8 of the pallet 4.

[0067] The forming device in the form of the two displacement elements 16 can then be used to create free areas in the heated jacket area 15 from the Fig. 1 shown starting position by shifting diagonally upwards, as shown in Fig. 6 shown by the arrows 18, into their respective end positions. In this position, the wire is located in the upper outer corner area 13 of the respective foot space 9. This lifting is indicated by the two arrows 18 in the Fig. 5 and 6 shown.

[0068] During the upward displacement of a displacement element 16 or after the displacement element 16 has reached the targeted area, namely the upper outer corner area 13 of a foot space 9, the two partial areas 20 of each displacement element 16 can be displaced separately in translation and thus in opposite directions. This displacement is indicated by the double arrows 22 in Fig. 7 As a result of the forward and backward movement, the respective wrapping area 15 is shifted from underneath the pallet 4 to the outside at the level of the support surface 8 of the pallet 4. In this way, a stable film bead 24 can be achieved on the outer edge of the front edge 6 of the pallet 4, as for example in Fig. 8 is shown.

[0069] Such as the Fig. 8 und 9 As can be seen, the film bead 24 is securely wrapped around the corresponding foot clearance 9, ie, a free area has been created in the casing 14. In the example shown, the casing 14 also has an undershrink, ie, there is also a shrunken portion of the casing 14 under the base 11 of the pallet 4.

[0070] In such a design, the casing 14 "wraps around" the base 11, as is also the case in Fig. 17 is shown. In Fig. 17 The right support leg 11 is shown. The sheathing 14 rests against the two outward-facing outer surfaces of the support leg 11 and partially also against the inner side of the support leg 11, which faces the adjacent, not-shown support leg 11. The undershrink in combination with the "wrapping" achieves particularly high load securing, since the sheathing 14 can absorb high vertical forces.

[0071] During the side shrinking, the sheathing areas 15, which are still hot from the undershrinking, are formed. Due to the subsequent cooling, each film bead 24 solidifies and the foot spaces 9 are permanently completely free. In the illustrated embodiment, a free area extends over both foot spaces 9, including the middle foot 11. Fig. 8 und 9 In the embodiment shown, the casing 14 is still fixed by the two film holding devices 31 designed as pivoting levers.

[0072] Then the two pivot levers swing back, which in Fig. 10 At the same time, as shown in Fig. 10 shown - the two displacement elements 16 return to their original starting position, as shown in Fig. 11 shown, shifted back.

[0073] As in Fig. 11As can be seen, a free area has been created in the casing 14, which rests against the front edge 6 of the pallet 4, so that the relevant foot space 9 is completely free of the casing 14. The casing 14 has not been damaged by being turned around and thus ensures good load stability.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiments, one displacement element 16 is displaced in the left foot space 9 and the other displacement element 16 is displaced in the right foot space. Thus, the free area extends over both foot spaces 9 and over the middle support leg 11.

[0075] In the process sequence illustrated in the figures, both displacement elements 16 are raised simultaneously at their four ends. Therefore, a square free area is simultaneously introduced into the casing 14 in the opposite regions of the two opposing end edges 6. However, it is also entirely possible for the displacement elements 16 to be raised at different times. Of course, it is also possible for one end of a displacement element 16 and the other end of this displacement element 16 to be raised at different times and / or at different speeds.

Claims

1. Method for creating at least one free area in a casing (14) made of shrink foil, preferably designed as a shrink hood, which secures a stack of goods (2) arranged on a pallet (4), wherein the pallet (4) comprises four outer edges, namely two mutually opposing face edges (6) and two mutually opposing longitudinal edges (7), on the upper side a contact surface (8) for the stack of goods (2), and on the under side a plurality of standing feet (11) arranged at a distance from one another with the formation of foot clearance spaces (9) and forming an underside standing surface (10), wherein the pallet (4) comprises in each case a standing foot (11) in the region of its four corners, and preferably also comprises, between two standing feet (11) of an outer edge, preferably of each outer edge, and further at least one additional standing foot (11) arranged between them, wherein each foot clearance space (9) of the pallet (4) is configured as quadrilateral and with, among other elements, a top upper side corner region (13), and wherein the casing (14) engages at least partially beneath the standing surface (11) of the standing feet (11) arranged in the region of the four outer edges of the pallet (4), and wherein at least one free area is introduced into a casing region (15) which lies between two standing feet (11) of a common outer edge, characterised in that in the mutually opposing areas of two mutually opposing outer edges of the pallet (4), preferably of the two mutually opposing face edges (6) of the pallet (4), preferably at the same time, in each case a free area with two longitudinally formed displacement elements (16) is produced, wherein the displacement elements (16) are initially arranged beneath the underside standing surfaces (10) of the pallet (4), and wherein each displacement element (16) projects with both its end over the respective outer edge of the pallet (4), wherein the casing region (14) is heated at least in the mutually opposed areas in which it is intended that a free area should be created by means of the two displacement elements (16), wherein each of the two displacement elements (16) is displaced upwards in the direction of the upper outside corner area (13) of the respective foot free area (9), and wherein the casing area (15) displaced upwards is fixed in its upwards displaced position by cooling in this upwards displaced position.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that in the mutually opposed areas of two mutually opposed outer edges of the pallet (4), in each case a free area is produced between two immediately adjacent standing feet (11), wherein the dimensions of the free area correspond to the dimensions of the foot free area (9) between these immediately adjacent standing feet (11) of the outer edge concerned.

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pallet (4) comprises, in two mutually opposed outer edges, on the one hand in the area of the corners in each case a standing foot (11) and, on the other, additionally at least one further standing foot (11) arranged between them, and that a free area is introduced into the casing region (15) which lies between two not immediately adjacent standing feet (11) of a common outer edge.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a cable or wire is used as the displacement element (16).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one displacement element (16) is translationally displaced, during the displacement, in the direction (arrow 18) of the upper outside corner area (13) of the respective foot free area (9), and / or after the conclusion of the displacement in the direction of the upper outside corner area (13) of respective foot free area (9).

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one displacement element (16) consists of two part areas (20), connected to one another by a spring, preferably a tension spring (19), wherein the two part areas (20) are displaced translationally, preferably in each case in mutually opposed directions / 7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one displacement element (16) exhibits, at least in each of its two areas which are in contact with the casing area (15), a rough surface and / or elevations (26), preferably configured in a serrated pattern.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, preferably before the casing area (15) is heated, and at least in the mutually opposed areas in which it is intended that in each case a free area should be produced by means of the two displacement elements (16), the casing area (15) is heated, and moved laterally against the pallet (4), preferably by suction.

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the casing area (15), at least in one of the two areas and preferably in both areas in which it is intended that a free area should be produced in each case by means of the two displacement elements (16), is only moved upwards when the heating in the area concerned has been entirely completed.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the casing (14), at least in one of the two areas and preferably in both areas in which it is intended that a free area should be produced in each case by means of the two displacement elements (16), before the heating and / or during the heating and / or before a possible lateral displacement of the casing area (15) against the pallet (4), preferably by suction, is moved away from the pallet (4) and / or from the stack of goods (2) arranged on the pallet (4), seen in the horizontal direction.

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the casing (14), preferably before the heating and / or preferably during the heating and / or preferably during the displacement of at least one displacement element (16) in the direction of the upper outside corner area (13) of the respective foot free area (9), in the area located above the already heated or to be heated casing area (15), is fixed opposite the contact surface (8) of the pallet (4).

12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, during the upwards displacement of each casing area (15), in the area of the two mutually opposed outer edges, the casing (14), and / or after the conclusion of the upwards displacement of each casing area (15), in the area of the two mutually opposed outer edges, at least in the areas in contact with the four outer edges of the pallet (4), the casing (14) is shrunk or shrunk out, preferably completely.

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the entire area of the casing (14) which is located beneath the contact surface (8) of the pallet (4), is heated, before each of the two displacement elements (16) is displaced upwards in the direction of the upper outside corner area (13) of the respective foot free area (9).

14. Shaping device for carrying out a method for producing at least one free area in a casing (14) consisting of a shrink foil, preferably designed as a shrink hood, which secures a stack of goods (2) arranged on a pallet (4), wherein the pallet (4) comprises four outer edges, namely two mutually opposing face edges (6) and two mutually opposing longitudinal edges (7), on the upper side a contact surface (8) for the stack of goods (4), and on the under side a plurality of standing feet (11) arranged at a distance from one another with the formation of foot clearance spaces (9) and forming an underside standing surface (10), wherein the pallet (4) comprises in each case a standing foot (11) in the region of its four corners, and preferably also comprises, between two standing feet (11) of an outer edge, preferably of each outer edge, and further at least one additional standing foot (11) arranged between them, wherein each foot clearance space (9) of the pallet (4) is configured as quadrilateral and with, among other elements, a top upper side corner region (13), and wherein the casing (14) engages at least partially beneath the standing surface (11) of the standing feet (11) arranged in the region of the four outer edges of the pallet (4), and wherein at least one free area is introduced into a casing region (15) which lies between two standing feet (11) of a common outer edge, characterised in that, in particular for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, at least two longitudinally configured displacement elements (16) are provided, wherein each of the two displacement elements (16) is initially arranged beneath the underside standing surface (10) of the pallet (4), and wherein each displacement element (16) projects with both its ends over the respective outer edge of the pallet (4), and wherein at least in each case one displacement device (17) is assigned to each of the two displacement elements (16), by means of which the displacement element (16) concerned can be displaced for the upwards displacement of the cover area in the direction of the upper outside corner area (13) of the respective foot free area (9).

15. Shaping device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that at least one displacement element (16) is formed as a cable or as a wire.

16. Shaping device according to any one of claims 14 to 15, characterised in that two displacement devices (17) are assigned to at least one displacement element (16).

17. Shaping device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that at least one displacement device (17) is configured as a cylinder.

18. Shaping device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterised in that at least one of the two displacement devices (17), preferably both displacement devices (17), of a displacement element (16) is (are) arranged as movable, seen parallel to the longitudinal extension of the displacement element (16).

19. Shaping device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterised in that at least one displacement element (16) can be displaced translationally.

20. Shaping device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterised in that at least one displacement element (16) consists of two part areas (20), connected to one another by a spring, preferably a tension spring (19), wherein the two part areas (20) can be displaced separately, translationally and preferably in mutually opposed directions.

21. Shaping device according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterised in that at least one displacement (16) comprises a rough surface in each of its two areas which are in contact in each case with a casing area (15).

22. Shaping device according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterised in that at least one displacement element (16) comprises, in each of its two areas which are in contact in each case with a casing area (15), a sleeve (25) with a rough surface and / or with elevations (26), preferably formed in a serrated pattern.

23. Shaping device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that each elevation (26) at least of each displacement element (16) is formed as a tooth, which comprises a flatter configured front edge (27) and a more steeply configured rear edge (28), wherein all the teeth of a part area (20) exhibit a uniform orientation, and wherein the front edges (27) of the teeth of the one part area (20) face towards the opposing part area (20).