Shrinking device and method for shrinking a shrinking material onto articles at least partially wrapped with the shrinking material

Abstract

The invention relates to a shrinking device (1) and a method for shrinking a shrink material (4) onto articles (5) at least partially wrapped with the shrink material (4). The shrinking device (1) comprises an interior space (2) with at least one conveyor line (3) for transporting articles (5) wrapped with shrink material (4), wherein the articles (5) wrapped with shrink material (4) are conveyed through the shrinking device (1) in a transport direction via a transport surface (6) along the conveyor line (3). The shrinking device (1) comprises at least two shrinking agent introduction devices (9) spaced apart from one another, which are designed to introduce shrinking agent (20) into the interior space (2) of the shrinking device (1) in the direction of the conveyor line (3).Furthermore, the shrinking device (1) comprises at least one first shrinking agent generator (13) for supplying at least one shrinking agent introduction device (9) with shrinking agent (20), which is arranged laterally of the conveyor line (3) and / or which is arranged within at least one shrinking agent introduction device (9).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shrinking device and a method for shrinking a shrink material onto articles at least partially wrapped with the shrink material.

[0002] The present invention relates to shrinking devices which preferably require less energy and whose maintenance is facilitated.

[0003] In filling and packaging plants, it is common practice for items, especially bottles, cans, beverage cartons, or the like, to be wrapped in shrink film and then transported through a shrink tunnel. The shrink-wrapped items are exposed to a shrinking medium or agent, particularly hot air. The shrink film shrinks and adheres to the items or sets of items. A cooling area with fans, directly adjacent to the shrink tunnel, ensures rapid cooling of the resulting packaging units or containers, thus maintaining their transportable strength.

[0004] The basic structure of a shrink tunnel will only be explained in brief outline here. Anyone familiar with the packaging industry will be familiar with the structure of such shrink tunnels, so no further details are needed here.

[0005] A shrink tunnel typically comprises a circulating, endless conveyor that travels at least partially through a housing that defines the shrink tunnel. Furthermore, a shrink tunnel typically includes several heating elements and fans or blowers on its top to generate the required hot air and then distribute it throughout the interior of the shrink tunnel. To ensure a particularly even distribution of the hot air, the hot air is directed, after generation, by means of suitable hot air ducts, preferably partly into so-called shaft walls and partly into a floor chamber located directly beneath the conveyor of the shrink tunnel. This allows the articles wrapped in shrink film to be actively exposed to shrinking medium from at least three sides.

[0006] One object of the invention is therefore to optimize a shrinking device such that the energy required to generate the shrinking medium can be reduced. Furthermore, maintenance of the shrinking medium generator should be facilitated.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a shrinking device and a method for shrinking a shrink material onto articles at least partially wrapped with the shrink material, comprising the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0008] The articles to be shrink-wrapped within the shrink device using shrinking agents (sometimes referred to as shrink media) are formed, for example, by a group of several articles wrapped in a packaging material. The article groups can also be arranged on so-called trays, pads, or similar.

[0009] When we speak of shrinking agent, often also referred to as shrink medium, in this context, we generally mean the gaseous medium that transports the elevated temperature required for shrinking and delivers it to the articles to be tempered. The shrinking agent or shrink medium is therefore usually formed by hot gas or hot air, which is blown onto the articles within the shrink tunnel in a defined manner described below to subject them to thermal treatment.

[0010] Alternatively, sets of items can be held together by a previously applied cardboard blank at the opening. Whenever the following description refers to items wrapped in shrink material, this term is always intended to include wrapping that only partially encloses the items. Since many common wrappings leave so-called shrink eyes where the items are not covered or enclosed by film, such packaging can and should also be included in the term "items wrapped in shrink material."

[0011] For this purpose, the articles are arranged in an optional grouping device or in another way to form sets. Alternatively, individual articles can also be processed. These are then wrapped in packaging material in a wrapping device. In particular, a shrink film is wrapped around the articles or set of articles in the wrapping device. The wrapping device can optionally be a component of the shrinking device, but this is not a requirement. The wrapping device can also be arranged upstream of the shrinking device in the transport direction.

[0012] For the sake of simplicity, we will refer to articles in the following, although this term should also include collections of articles.

[0013] The packaging material is preferably formed from a thermoplastic, flat shrink material, in particular a shrink film, which contracts when heat is applied and thus adheres to the outwardly facing outer surfaces of the articles, creating a tight bond in the form of a packaging unit, which packaging unit is also referred to below as a shrink pack.

[0014] Alternatively, the shrink material can be a shrink tube or a shrink label that is placed around an individual article and shrunk onto the article within the shrinking device. In the case of a shrink label, it may be necessary to fix its position on the article at least temporarily before the shrinking process begins by means of at least one adhesive bond, e.g., an adhesive dot or similar. This or a similar adhesive dot fixation can also be used for wrapped shrink films.

[0015] The items are preferably containers, especially beverage containers such as bottles, cans or similar made of glass, plastic, metal, etc.

[0016] The shrinking device has an interior with at least one conveyor line for transporting the articles wrapped with shrink material. The articles wrapped with shrink material are conveyed through the shrinking device in one transport direction over a transport surface along the conveyor line.

[0017] In particular, the conveyor line can be a corridor through which the articles and the applied shrink material pass.

[0018] The transport surface is essentially the upper surface of the conveyor on which the articles wrapped in shrink material are transported.

[0019] The shrinking device comprises at least two spaced-apart first shrinking agent introduction devices, which are designed to introduce shrinking agent into the interior of the shrinking device in the direction of the conveying path. These are preferably first lateral shrinking agent introduction devices.

[0020] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the lateral shrinking agent introduction devices are designed as shaft walls, each of which has at least one outflow surface for shrinking agent directed towards the respective conveying section.

[0021] The shrinking device, in particular, comprises a housing with an interior space. In particular, a shrinking agent introduction device is arranged entirely within the interior space of the housing, with the housing wall forming part of the housing. Preferably, all existing shrinking agent introduction devices can each be arranged entirely within the interior space of the housing, with the housing wall again forming part of the housing.

[0022] During production, no additional parts or components may be installed between the shrink-wrap application device and the articles or their shrink material. In other words, the shrink-wrap application device preferably directs the shrink material directly onto the articles wrapped in shrink material.

[0023] The spacing of the shrink agent introduction devices can be at least as large as the width of the articles passing through the conveyor line. Preferably, the spacing can be greater than the width of the articles multiplied by 1.05, in particular 1.1, and less than the width of the articles multiplied by 4, in particular 2.5.

[0024] As already mentioned above, the shrinking agent or shrinking medium is preferably a tempered fluid, in particular a tempered gas, preferably hot air or similar.

[0025] The number of shrink agent introduction devices or shaft walls can define the number of conveyor lines formed. For single-lane transport over the transport surface, so-called outer shaft walls are preferably provided on both sides of the conveyor line, in particular above the transport surface. Each shaft wall has an outflow surface facing the interior of the shrink device and a closed side surface facing the housing of the shrink device (at least during single-lane production).

[0026] For two- or multi-lane transport of articles across the transport surface, three or more shrink-on insert devices or shaft walls are arranged above the transport surface. This creates n-1 conveyor lines between the multiple, in particular n, shrink-on insert devices or shaft walls. In particular, the conveyor lines adjacent to the housing of the shrink-on device are each delimited by outer shaft walls.

[0027] In the case of two-track transport, an inner (or middle) shaft wall is arranged between the two outer shaft walls, preferably approximately midway between the two outer shaft walls. Both of the essentially vertical side surfaces of the shaft wall are designed as outflow surfaces parallel to the transport direction. The inner shaft wall thus supplies shrinking medium or shrinking agent, in particular, to the two parallel conveying lines, whereby the amount of shrinking medium applied to the two parallel conveying lines can be approximately the same.

[0028] In the case of more than two-lane transport, more inner shaft walls are provided accordingly.

[0029] Alternatively, in the case of a two-lane transport, four shaft walls for discharging shrink medium may be arranged in the shrink device, two outer ones, as shown above, and two inner ones, whereby the two inner ones each have only one outflow surface from which shrink medium emerges during production.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one of the at least two first shrinking agent introduction devices is designed to be movable transversely to a transport direction of the articles, so that a distance between the two first shrinking agent devices and thus a width of the conveyor path can be changed and adapted to the articles respectively transported by the shrinking device.

[0031] The shrinking device can, in particular, comprise at least one first shrinking agent generator. Furthermore, this shrinking agent generator can, in particular, be provided for supplying shrinking agent to at least one of the at least two first shrinking agent introduction devices.

[0032] It is provided that the at least one first shrinkage agent generator is arranged laterally of the conveyor line, i.e. in an area which is at a distance from the conveyor line in the horizontal direction.

[0033] In particular, the shrink agent generator can be arranged at least in some areas at a height that is between 0.5 meters above a lower edge of the shrink device and 2.5 meters above the lower edge, preferably in a range between 0.9 m and 2.1 m, more preferably between 1.2 m and 1.8 m. The lower edge is usually formed by the installation surface of the shrink device, in particular by the underside of machine feet, if present.

[0034] In particular, the shrink agent generator may have a handle with which it can be grasped and handled manually.

[0035] For example, it can be provided that the at least one first shrinking agent generator is arranged or formed within and / or on at least one shrinking agent introduction device.

[0036] A preferred embodiment provides that a horizontal distance between at least one first shrink agent generator arranged laterally along the conveyor line and the conveyor line is adjustable. This applies both to a first shrink agent generator arranged laterally along the conveyor line and to a first shrink agent generator arranged or formed within or on at least one first shrink agent introduction device.

[0037] The at least one first shrink agent generator can be designed in a known manner as a heating register, a gas combustion unit, or a blower. According to one embodiment, the at least one first shrink agent generator is designed as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas combustion unit, or a laterally movable blower.

[0038] The term "laterally movable housing" or "laterally" used here refers in particular to a substantially horizontal direction, which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the articles.

[0039] One embodiment provides that the at least one first shrinking agent generator is arranged in the interior of the shrinking device in a working mode or in a production mode of the shrinking device and that the at least one first shrinking agent generator is arranged at least partially outside the interior of the shrinking device in a change mode of the shrinking device or in a maintenance mode of the shrinking device.

[0040] To achieve this, one embodiment of the shrinking device provides that at least one first, in particular pivotable, closure element is assigned to the at least one first shrinking agent generator. The first closure element assumes a closed state in the working mode. Furthermore, the first closure element assumes an open state in the exchange mode, so that the at least one first shrinking agent generator is, in particular, easily accessible for maintenance, repair, or replacement work in the exchange mode.

[0041] For example, the at least one first closure element can be designed to pivot upwards and / or laterally. Alternatively, the at least one first closure element can be designed to be displaceable upwards and / or laterally.

[0042] A closure element can, in particular, be a door. Such a door or closure element can be designed in a known manner, in particular pivotable or movable, or optionally foldable.

[0043] A further embodiment provides that at least one of the at least two shrinking agent introduction devices is itself designed as a shrinking agent generator. A heating register, a gas combustion unit, or a blower can be arranged within at least one shrinking agent introduction device.

[0044] For example, it can be provided that a plurality of heating wires are arranged within the at least one shrink agent introduction device.

[0045] Preferably, different heating wires along the shrinking agent introduction device in the transport direction and / or over the height of the shrinking agent introduction device can be designed so that their temperature can be individually controlled, so that the temperature of the shrinking agent can be varied over the length of the shrinking agent introduction device in the transport direction and / or over the height of the shrinking agent introduction device.

[0046] One embodiment of the shrinking device provides that the two first shrinking agent introduction devices, in particular the two first shrinking agent introduction devices designed as outer shaft walls, each form a lateral boundary of the conveying path or are arranged laterally of the conveying path, so that the conveying path runs between the two first shrinking agent introduction devices.

[0047] A further embodiment of the shrinking device provides that a first shrinking agent introduction device, in particular a first shrinking agent introduction device designed as an inner shaft wall, is arranged above the transport plane and also delimits the adjacent conveyor lines or is arranged laterally to the adjacent conveyor lines.

[0048] Furthermore, at least one second shrink agent generator can be arranged below the transport plane and thus below the at least one conveyor line. The at least one second shrink agent generator is designed to introduce shrink agent into the interior of the shrink device with an upward flow direction.

[0049] One embodiment provides that the transport surface is formed by an upper run of a circulating endless conveyor belt. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one second shrink agent generator is arranged between the upper run and a lower run of the endless conveyor belt.

[0050] Preferably, the at least one second shrink agent generator is designed as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas combustion unit, or as a laterally movable blower. The second shrink agent generator can comprise a plurality of heating wires. Due to the lateral mobility, the at least one second shrink agent generator can be arranged between the upper run and the lower run of the endless conveyor belt in the working mode or production mode. Furthermore, the at least one second shrink agent generator can be arranged at least partially in an area in the changeover mode or maintenance mode, which area is located outside an intermediate area formed between the upper run and the lower run of the endless conveyor belt.

[0051] In particular, the second shrink agent generator can be designed to be movable or displaceable in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the articles.

[0052] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one second closure element is assigned to the at least one second shrink agent generator, which second closure element assumes a closed state in the working mode and which second closure element assumes an open state in the changeover mode. The second shrink agent generator is easily accessible for maintenance, repair, or replacement in the changeover mode via the open second closure element.

[0053] In particular, the at least one second closure element can be designed to pivot upwards and / or laterally. Alternatively, the at least one second closure element can be designed to be displaceable upwards and / or laterally, or similarly.

[0054] Further shrinking agent generators may also be provided, which may be arranged parallel or in series to the first and / or second shrinking agent generator, wherein a series arrangement means a successive arrangement in the flow direction of the shrinking agent.

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

[0056] A heating register may comprise a plurality of heating resistors, which may be arranged next to one another in several columns and / or rows.

[0057] Return channels can be provided in the housing or within the interior, which guide the shrinking agent back to a shrinking agent generator after it has hit the articles in order to heat it up again.

[0058] The device may have an insertion channel in the housing through which a shrink agent generator can be inserted or pushed in and removed or moved out.

[0059] The housing and / or the shrink agent generator may comprise a locking means with which the shrink agent generator can be locked relative to the housing.

[0060] The housing and / or the shrink agent generator may include a lever to release the locking mechanism.

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

[0062] The invention further relates to a method for shrinking a shrink material onto articles at least partially wrapped with the shrink material. The method comprises at least the following steps: Transporting articles wrapped with shrink material over a transport surface along a conveyor line through an interior of a shrink device, heating and / or accelerating a shrinking agent laterally of the conveyor line with at least one first shrinking agent generator arranged laterally of the conveyor line, directing shrinking agent onto the articles wrapped with shrink material while they are transported through the shrink device.

[0063] One embodiment may provide that, in a further method step, at least a portion of the shrinking agent is returned to the shrinking agent generator. Since the returned shrinking agent already has the desired temperature or is almost at the desired temperature, no or only minimal amounts of energy need to be supplied to the returned shrinking agent before it is reintroduced into the shrinking agent introduction devices.

[0064] A further embodiment of the method further comprises the following step: removal of the at least one first shrink agent generator with a movement during a change mode, which movement comprises a horizontal, in particular a substantially lateral movement component.

[0065] In particular, it is a lateral movement component directed essentially orthogonally to the transport direction of the articles. Preferably, the movement component comprises a lateral movement component directed away from the conveyor line.

[0066] A further step of the method may also comprise inserting a fourth shrink agent generator into the position in which the first shrink agent generator was previously located.

[0067] This fourth shrink agent generator can optionally be used while the first one is being serviced. It would also be conceivable to continue operation with the fourth shrink agent generator and keep the first one on standby as a spare unit for later replacement.

[0068] A preferred embodiment of the shrinking device can provide for the at least one first shrink agent generator to be attached laterally to a shrink agent introduction device. For example, it can be provided that a first shrink agent generator is arranged on the lateral outer surfaces of the outer shaft walls, and a fluid connection to the interior of the respective shaft wall is formed. By laterally moving the shaft walls orthogonally to the transport direction of the articles, and in particular in a movement directed away from the conveyor line, the shrink agent generators can be transferred to the changeover position.

[0069] Alternatively, it can be provided that the at least one shrink agent generator is arranged laterally of the conveyor line and is designed as a laterally removable heating register, laterally removable gas combustion unit and / or laterally removable blower.

[0070] A shrink agent generator can be designed as a combined blower-gas burner unit. Alternatively, it can be designed as a combined heater-blower unit.

[0071] The advantages of the invention described here are that the maintenance, repair, or replacement of the at least one first shrink-on-the-shrink device and / or the at least one second shrink-on-the-shrink device is facilitated by the lateral accessibility compared to the shrink-on-the-shrink device conventionally arranged above the conveyor line. Furthermore, multiple shrink-on-the-shrink device can be controlled and moved separately to adapt their position to different products, allowing, for example, different products to be processed within the shrink device during two-lane processing.

[0072] Furthermore, the rising heat of the shrinking agent leads to energy savings, especially since it does not have to be first introduced into the shrinking agent introduction devices with a downward movement.

[0073] A further embodiment of the invention can provide that the at least one shrink agent generator arranged laterally of the conveyor line is accessible via the conveyor line.

[0074] A further embodiment may provide that the at least one first shrink-forming agent generator is assigned to an inner shaft wall or that an inner shaft wall is configured as the first shrink-forming agent generator. The inner shaft wall divides the transport area into two conveyor sections and thus forms a lateral boundary for each of the two conveyor sections.

[0075] If at least two first shrink-on-the-shrink device generators are used within a shrink device, or at least one first shrink-on-the-shrink device generator and at least one second shrink-on-the-shrink device generator, it can be provided that these are each of the same design. This has the particular advantage that fewer different spare parts for the shrink device need to be provided when needed.

[0076] However, it is also possible to use different shrink media generators within the shrink device. This can be useful, for example, for space reasons or for redundancy, since differently designed shrink media generators are also differently susceptible to errors, wear, etc.

[0077] The invention is also directed to a system which comprises a device according to independent claim 1 and which may further comprise a filling device and / or a packaging machine and / or a palletizing device and / or further machines.

[0078] The present invention relates in particular to electrically operated heating modules and / or electrically operated heating registers that are similar in design and application to a kettle. However, the present invention also relates to gas-operated heating modules and / or gas-operated heating registers. Regardless of the selected design and operating mode, it has often been found that the conventional mounting on the top of the shrink tunnel results in poor accessibility, particularly for maintenance and repair measures, but also for necessary adjustments, adaptations, or settings.

[0079] The present invention provides an effective remedy for this problem by arranging the heating registers on the side of the shrink tunnel, making them much more accessible for any maintenance, repair, or adjustment work. Accessibility can be provided, for example, via a transport corridor located on the side of the shrink tunnel. Likewise, such a lateral arrangement on the shrink tunnel significantly facilitates manually assisted heating register replacement.

[0080] Alternatively, the heating register(s) can also be installed in the shaft wall running centrally through the shrink tunnel, which can offer essentially the same advantages as top-mounted installation. In this context, integration of the heating register(s) into the shaft wall may be considered, but this is merely a practical structural option.

[0081] In addition, such arrangements can be provided with an openable side door which can, for example, be folded up or moved sideways in order to make the shaft walls including the heating register accessible and / or to make it easier to replace the shaft walls including the heating register.

[0082] Furthermore, the chosen lateral arrangement or the arrangement in a shaft wall makes it possible to combine different heating cassettes or heating registers. This also makes it possible to combine electrically operated heating registers with gas-powered heating registers.

[0083] Finally, it should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the shrinking device according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the shrinking device according to the invention, this equally applies to the method according to the invention. The same applies conversely, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the shrinking device according to the invention.Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the shrinking device according to the invention.

[0084] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. The Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shrinking device according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a shrinking device according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a shrinking device according to the invention in a working mode. Fig. 4 shows the third embodiment of the shrinking device according to Fig. 3 in a switching mode. Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a shrinking device according to the invention in working mode. Fig. 6 shows the fourth embodiment of a shrinking device according to the invention in the change mode. Fig. 7 describes a packaging device comprising a shrinking device according to the invention. Fig. 8 describes a packaging system comprising a shrinking device according to the invention.

[0085] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the invention can be configured and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0086] The schematic representation of the Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shrinking device 1 according to the invention. The shrinking device 1 has an interior space 2 and two conveyor lines 3 for the two-lane transport of articles 5 wrapped with shrink material 4. The articles 5 wrapped with shrink material 4 are conveyed in a transport direction that is orthogonal to the plane of the drawing, over a transport surface 6 along the conveyor line 2 through the shrinking device 1 (see also the Figuren 7 and8 ).

[0087] The transport surface 6 is essentially understood to be the upper surface of the conveyor or conveyor device 7 on which the articles 5 wrapped with shrink material 4 are transported. The conveyor device 7 is formed, for example, by a circulating endless conveyor belt, a mat chain, or the like.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the shrinking device 1 comprises three spaced-apart first shrinking agent introduction devices 8, which are designed to introduce shrinking agent 20 into the interior 2 of the shrinking device 1 in the direction of the conveying sections 3. Two first shrinking agent introduction devices 8 each delimit one of the conveying sections 3. In particular, the first shrinking agent introduction devices 8 are designed as shaft walls 9, each of which has at least one outflow surface for shrinking agent 20 directed towards the respective conveying section 3.

[0089] The number of shaft walls 9 defines the number of conveyor sections 3 formed. In the case of a single-lane transport over the transport surface 6, so-called outer shaft walls 10 are preferably provided on both sides of the conveyor section 3, in particular above the transport surface 6, which outer shaft walls 10 each have an outflow surface facing the interior 2 of the shrinking device 1 and a closed side surface facing the housing 11 of the shrinking device 1.

[0090] For a two-lane transport of articles 5 wrapped with shrink material 4 over the transport surface 6, three shaft walls 9 are arranged on or above the transport surface 6. Two conveyor lines 3 are thus formed between the three shaft walls 9. In particular, the two conveyor lines 3 are each delimited by outer shaft walls 9 in the vicinity of the housing 11 of the shrink device 1.

[0091] An inner shaft wall 12 is arranged centrally or approximately centrally between the two outer shaft walls 9, the two substantially vertical side surfaces of which are each designed as outflow surfaces parallel to the transport direction. The inner shaft wall 12 thus supplies shrink medium or shrinking agent 20, in particular, to the two parallel conveyor lines 3, wherein the application of shrinking agent 20 to the two parallel conveyor lines 3 is or can be of approximately the same order of magnitude.

[0092] Alternatively, in the case of a two-lane transport, four shaft walls 9 are provided for the discharge of shrink medium 20 in the shrink device 1, two outer shaft walls 10, as shown above, and two inner shaft walls 12, wherein the two inner shaft walls 12 each have only one outflow surface from which shrink medium 20 emerges during production.

[0093] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one of the at least two first shrinking agent introduction devices 8 is designed to be movable transversely to the transport direction of the articles 5 wrapped with shrinking material 4, so that a distance between the two first shrinking agent devices 8 and thus a width of the conveyor line 3 can be changed and adapted to the articles 5 wrapped with shrinking material 4 respectively transported by the shrinking device 1.

[0094] The shrinking device 1 comprises at least one first shrinking agent generator 13 for supplying at least one first shrinking agent introduction device 8 of the at least two first shrinking agent introduction devices 8 with shrinking agent 20.

[0095] In this case, it can be provided that the at least one first shrinking agent generator 13 is arranged laterally of the conveyor line 3. In particular, in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 Two first shrinking agent generators 13 are provided, arranged laterally on the housing 11 of the shrinking device 1. From these, the shrinking agent 20 is introduced into a distribution channel 14 formed above the shaft walls 9 and, from the distribution channel 14, into the shaft walls 9.

[0096] The first shrink agent generators 13 can be designed in a known manner, for example as a heating register, gas combustion unit, possibly with an integrated fan, or as a fan or the like.

[0097] The schematic representation of the Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a shrinking device 1 according to the invention, which is also intended for two-lane transport.

[0098] To understand reference symbols used in Fig. 2 are shown but not mentioned separately, please refer to the description of the Fig. 1 referred

[0099] In the embodiment shown here, it is provided that a first shrink agent generator 13 is assigned to at least one first shrink agent introduction device 8. In particular, in the embodiment shown, each shaft wall 9 is assigned its own first shrink agent generator 13.

[0100] For example, a heating register, a gas combustion unit or a blower or the like is arranged within the outer shaft walls 10, so that the shrinking agent 20 is generated directly within the outer shaft walls 10 and is introduced into the respectively assigned conveying section 3 via the outflow surfaces.

[0101] The inner shaft wall 12, on the other hand, can be equipped with a plurality of heating wires 15, which plurality of heating wires 15 form a first shrink agent generator 13. Preferably, different heating wires 15 can be configured to be individually controllable along the inner shaft wall 12 in the transport direction and / or across the height of the inner shaft wall 12, so that the temperature of the shrink agent 20 can be varied across the length of the inner shaft wall 12 in the transport direction or across the height of the inner shaft wall 12.

[0102] The shaft walls 9 are arranged on an upper suspension 16. Preferably, the shaft walls 9 are arranged so that they can slide on the upper suspension 16, which is indicated by the black double arrow on the left outer shaft wall 10. Thus, the distance between the shaft walls 9 and, accordingly, the width of the respective conveyor line 3 can be adjusted depending on the product.

[0103] Furthermore, it can be provided that air is extracted from the interior 2 of the shrinking device via the upper suspension 16 and introduced into the shaft walls 9. Since this is already heated air, it needs to be heated less intensely by the respective first shrinking agent generators 13 in order to achieve the required shrinking agent temperature.

[0104] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that he can also equip the inner shaft wall 12 with a heating register, a gas combustion unit, a blower, or the like, or that he can also equip the outer shaft walls 10 with heating wires 15. Both the outer shaft walls 10 and the inner shaft wall 12 can also be equipped with identical first shrink agent generators 13.

[0105] The Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a shrinking device 1 according to the invention in a working mode 30; the Fig. 4 shows the third embodiment of the shrinking device 1 according to Fig. 3 in a switching mode 31.

[0106] The following will focus on the differences to the design of the Fig. 2 received.

[0107] In the embodiment shown here, first shrink agent generators 13 are arranged on the closed side surfaces of the outer shaft walls 10 and are in fluid communication with them, so that the shrink agent 20 generated by the first shrink agent generators 13 can be introduced into the outer shaft walls 10.

[0108] First closure elements 17 are formed on the side walls of the housing 11 of the shrinking device 1, for example in the form of upwardly pivoting doors or the like. In the working mode 30, these first closure elements 17 are closed.

[0109] In exchange mode 31, however, the closure elements 17 are opened. The first shrink agent generators 13 arranged on the outer shaft walls 10 are now easily accessible from the outside for maintenance, repair, or replacement work.

[0110] Using the example of the left outer shaft wall 10, an embodiment is also shown which provides that the associated first shrink agent generator 13 is arranged in the interior 2 of the shrink device 1 in the working mode 30 or in a production mode of the shrink device 1, in particular within the housing 11 of the shrink device 1. In contrast, the first shrink agent generator 13 is arranged at least partially outside the interior 2 of the shrink device 1 in the change mode 31 or in a maintenance mode.

[0111] For example, the suspension 16 extends out of the housing 11 so that the outer shaft wall 10, together with the associated first shrink agent generator 13, can be moved into a position outside the housing 11. This further increases the accessibility of the first shrink agent generator 13 arranged on the left outer shaft wall 10 for maintenance, repair, or replacement work.

[0112] The Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a shrinking device 1 according to the invention in working mode 30 and Fig. 6 shows the fourth embodiment of a shrinking device 1 according to the invention in the change mode 31.

[0113] Here again, the main focus is on the differences to the previous figures, to whose description reference is made here.

[0114] In this embodiment, a further, in particular a second shrink agent generator 18 is provided, which is arranged below the conveyor line 3. The second shrink agent generator 18 is designed to introduce shrink agent 20 into the interior 2 of the shrink device 1 with an upward flow direction.

[0115] In the embodiment shown here, the transport surface 6 is formed by an upper run 25 of a circulating endless conveyor belt 26. The second shrink agent generator 18 is arranged in particular between the upper run 25 and the lower run 27 of the endless conveyor belt 26. This allows the second shrink agent generator 18 to be arranged in a very space-saving manner within the shrink device 1.

[0116] Preferably, the second shrink agent generator 18 is configured as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas combustion unit, a laterally movable blower, or the like. Due to the lateral mobility, the second shrink agent generator 18 is arranged between the upper run 25 and the lower run 27 of the endless conveyor belt 26 in the working mode 30 or production mode. In contrast, the second shrink agent generator 18 can be arranged at least partially outside the area formed between the upper run 25 and the lower run 27 of the endless conveyor belt 26 in the changeover mode 31 or maintenance mode.

[0117] Furthermore, the shrinking device has a closure element 19, which assumes a closed state in the working mode 30 and an open state in the changeover mode 31. In particular, the closure element 19 can be designed to be pivotable upwards and / or laterally, or similarly. Alternatively, the closure element 19 can be designed to be displaceable upwards and / or laterally.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, both the right outer shaft wall 10, which is equipped with heating wires, and the second shrink agent generator 13 in the exchange mode 31 are easily accessible for maintenance, repair or replacement via the opened closure element 19.

[0119] In particular, if the second shrinking agent generator 18 is additionally designed to be laterally movable, it can be moved at least partially into a position outside the housing 11 of the shrinking device 1 for maintenance, repair or replacement work.

[0120] In addition, it can be provided that the shaft walls 9 can be moved into a more accessible position in the change mode 31, in particular into a position outside the housing 11.

[0121] Furthermore, an embodiment is described which supplies the shaft walls 9 with shrinking agent 20 in a conventional manner from a shrinking agent generator arranged above the conveyor line. This embodiment has a second shrinking agent generator 18 arranged between the upper run 25 and the lower run 27, which is preferably designed to be laterally movable and is accessible from the side via a closure element assigned to the housing 11 of the shrinking device 1.

[0122] With the described shrinking devices 1 according to the invention, in particular a method for shrinking a shrink material 4 onto articles 5 at least partially wrapped with the shrink material 4 can be carried out, which method comprises at least the following steps: Transporting articles 5 wrapped with shrink material 4 over a transport surface 4 along a conveyor line 3 through an interior 2 of a shrink device 1, heating and / or accelerating a shrink medium or shrink agent 20 laterally of the conveyor line 3 with at least one first shrink agent generator 13 arranged laterally of the conveyor line 3, directing shrink agent 20 onto the articles 5 wrapped with shrink material 4 while they are transported through the shrink device 1.

[0123] A further embodiment may provide that, in a further method step, at least a portion of the shrinking agent 20 introduced into the interior 2 is returned to a first shrinking agent generator 13. Since the returned shrinking agent 20 already has the desired temperature or almost the desired temperature, no or only small amounts of energy need to be supplied to the returned shrinking agent 20 before it is reintroduced into the shrinking agent introduction devices 8 or shaft walls 9.

[0124] A further embodiment of the method comprises, in particular, the following step: removing the at least one first shrink agent generator 13 with a movement during a changeover mode 31, which movement comprises a horizontal, in particular a substantially lateral movement component. In particular, this is a lateral movement component directed substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the articles 5. Preferably, the movement component comprises a lateral movement component directed away from the conveyor line 3.

[0125] The Fig. 7 shows and describes a packaging device 35 comprising a shrinking device 1 according to the invention.

[0126] The products to be applied by means of the shrinking medium or shrinking agent 20 within the shrinking device 1 are formed, for example, by a plurality of articles 5 that are wrapped in a packaging material. The packaging material is preferably formed from a thermoplastic, flat shrink material 4, in particular a shrink film, which contracts when heat is applied and thus adheres to the outwardly facing outer surfaces of the articles 5, creating a tight bond in the form of a packaging unit 39, which packaging unit 39 is also referred to as a shrink package 40.

[0127] For this purpose, the articles 5 are grouped into article groups 37 in a grouping module 36. These are then wrapped with the shrink material 4 in a film wrapping module 38. In particular, a shrink film is wrapped around the article group 37 in the film wrapping module 38.

[0128] The shrink material 4 is provided in the form of film rolls 41 and cut to the required length via a cutting device 42 and provided to the film wrapping module 38

[0129] The finished packaging units 39 are then sent for further processing, for example grouping and palletizing.

[0130] Alternatively, the shrink material 4 can be a shrink tube or a shrink label that is placed around an article 5 and shrunk onto the article 5 within the shrink device 1. In the case of a shrink label, it may be necessary to fix its position on the article 5 by means of an adhesive dot or similar, at least temporarily before the start of the shrinking process. This or a similar adhesive dot fixation can also be the case or can be performed with wrapped shrink films.

[0131] Articles 5 primarily concern containers, in particular beverage containers such as bottles, cans or similar made of glass, plastic, metal, etc.

[0132] The schematic top view of the Fig. 8 further describes an embodiment variant of a more complex beverage packaging system 45, which comprises a shrinking device 1 according to the invention.

[0133] The beverage packaging system 45 may comprise a wet section 46 with a can and / or bottle pusher or a stretch blow molding machine 47, a filling module 48, and a closing module associated with the filling module 48, as well as optionally a labeling module 50. Reference numeral 49 may, for example, denote a pasteurizer or a buffer.

[0134] Subsequently, the beverages filled in cans or bottles are packed in a packaging device 35 according to Fig. 7 are grouped into packaging units 39 or "articles" are created.

[0135] The packaging device 35 comprises in particular a shrinking device 1 according to the invention.

[0136] The packaging units 39 are subsequently assembled into palletizable layers in a handling module 53 or similar designed as a grouping module 51 or layer forming module 52, which are stacked on pallets in a palletizing device 54.

[0137] The overlap between 51 and 35 is only shown graphically, as in practice the two elements are spaced apart. For example, palletizer 54 and grouping 51 can be arranged on a higher level.

[0138] Within the beverage packaging system 45, the articles and packaging units or piece goods are transported from one handling module to the next via suitable transport systems, which may be equipped with suitable buffer systems.

[0139] The components of the beverage packaging system 45 are to be understood as examples only. Other configurations comprising a shrink device 1 according to the invention are also intended to be encompassed by the application.

[0140] The embodiments, examples, and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless the features are incompatible.

[0141] A final note should be made at this point regarding the descriptions of embodiments of the invention, whereby these descriptive passages each refer to the accompanying drawings. When reference is generally made to "schematic" representations and views in the context of the figures and their descriptions, this in no way means that the figures and their descriptions are of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The skilled person is perfectly capable of deriving sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn representations to facilitate their understanding of the invention, without their understanding being in any way impaired by the drawn proportions, which may not be exactly to scale.The figures thus enable the skilled reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated in a more general and / or abstract manner in the claims and in the general part of the description on the basis of the more concretely explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more concretely explained mode of operation of the shrinking device according to the invention.

[0142] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable to a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. Bezugszeichen

[0143] 1 Shrink device 2 Interior 3 Conveyor section 4 Shrink material 5 Article 6 Transport surface 7 Conveyor device 8 First shrink agent introduction device 9 Shaft walls 10 Outer shaft wall 11 Housing 12 Inner shaft wall 13 First shrink agent generator 14 Distribution channel 15 Heating wire 16 Suspension 17 First sealing element 18 Second shrink agent generator 19 Sealing element 20 Shrink agent 25 Upper run 26 Endless conveyor belt 27 Lower run 30 Working mode 31 Changeover mode 35 Packaging device 36 Grouping module 37 Article group 38 Film wrapping module 39 Packaging unit 40 Shrink pack 41 Film roll 42 Cutting device 45 Beverage packaging system 46 Wet section 47Stretch blow molding module or can pusher 48Filling module 49Pasteur or buffer 50Labeling module 51Grouping module 52Layer forming module 53Handling module 54Palletizing device TRTransport direction

Claims

1. A shrinking device (1) for shrinking a shrink material (4) onto articles (5) at least partially wrapped with the shrink material (4), - wherein the shrink device (1) comprises an interior space (2) with at least one conveyor line (3) for transporting articles (5) wrapped with shrink material (4), wherein the articles (5) wrapped with shrink material (4) are conveyed in a transport direction (TR) over a transport surface (6) along the conveyor line (3) through the shrink device (1), - wherein the shrink device (1) comprises at least two spaced-apart shrink agent introduction devices (9) which are designed to introduce shrink agent (20) into the interior space (2) of the shrink device (1) in the direction of the conveyor line (3), and - wherein the shrink device (1) has at least one first shrink agent generator (13) for supplying at least one shrink agent introduction device (9) with shrinking agent (20),- which at least one first shrink agent generator (13) is arranged laterally of the conveyor line (3), and / or - which at least one first shrink agent generator (13) is arranged within at least one shrink agent introduction device (9).

2. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a horizontal distance between the at least one first shrinking agent generator arranged laterally of the conveyor line (3) and the conveyor line (3) is adjustable.

3. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first shrinking agent generator (13) is designed as a heating register, a gas combustion unit or as a blower, in particular as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas combustion unit or as a laterally movable blower.

4. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one first shrinking agent generator (13) is arranged in the interior (2) of the shrinking device (1) in a working mode (30) of the shrinking device (1), and wherein the at least one first shrinking agent generator (13) is arranged at least partially outside the interior of the shrinking device (1) in a changeover mode (31) of the shrinking device (1).

5. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 4, wherein at least one first, in particular pivotable, closure element (17) is assigned to the at least one first shrinking agent generator (13), which first closure element (17) assumes a closed state in the working mode (30) and which first closure element (17) assumes an open state in the change mode (31) and via which opened first closure element (17) the at least one first shrinking agent generator (13) is accessible in the change mode (31).

6. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of heating wires (15) are arranged within the at least one shrinking agent introduction device (9).

7. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 6, in which different heating wires (15) along the shrinking agent introduction device (9) in the transport direction (TR) and / or via the height of the shrinking agent introduction device (9) can be individually controlled.

8. Shrinking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the two first shrinking agent introduction devices (9) are each arranged laterally of the conveyor line (3).

9. Shrinking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one second shrinking agent generator (18) is arranged below the conveyor line (3), which at least one second shrinking agent generator (18) is designed to introduce shrinking agent (20) with an upward flow direction into the interior (2) of the shrinking device (1).

10. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the transport surface (6) is formed by an upper run (25) of a circulating endless conveyor belt (26), wherein the at least one second shrinking agent generator (18) is arranged between the upper run (25) and a lower run (27) of the endless conveyor belt (26).

11. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one second shrinking agent generator (18) is designed as a laterally movable heating register, a laterally movable gas combustion unit or as a laterally movable blower, or wherein the at least one second shrinking agent generator (18) is formed by a plurality of heating wires (15).

12. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one second shrinking agent generator (18) is arranged in the working mode (30) between the upper run (25) and the lower run (27) of the endless conveyor belt (26), and wherein the at least one second shrinking agent generator (18) is arranged in the changeover mode (31) at least partially outside the area formed between the upper run (15) and the lower run (27) of the endless conveyor belt (26).

13. Shrinking device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one second closure element (19) is assigned to the at least one second shrinking agent generator (18), which second closure element (19) assumes a closed state in the working mode (30) and which second closure element (19) assumes an open state in the changeover mode (31), and via which opened second closure element (19) the second shrinking agent generator (18) is accessible in the changeover mode (31).

14. A method for shrinking a shrink material (4) onto articles (5) at least partially wrapped with the shrink material (4), which method comprises at least the following steps: - transporting articles (5) wrapped with shrink material (4) over a transport surface (6) along a conveyor line (3) through an interior space (2) of a shrink device (1), - heating and / or accelerating a shrink means (20) laterally of the conveyor line (3) with at least one first shrink means generator (13) arranged laterally of the conveyor line (3), and - directing shrink means (20) onto the articles (5) wrapped with shrink material (4) during the transport of the articles (5) wrapped with shrink material (4) through the shrink device (1).

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the following step: - movement of the at least one first shrink agent generator (13) for transferring the at least one first shrink agent generator (13) from a working mode (30) into a changeover mode (31), which movement comprises a horizontal, in particular a lateral movement component directed substantially orthogonally to a transport direction (TR) of the articles (5), in particular wherein the movement component comprises a lateral movement component directed away from the conveyor line (3).

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