Shrink-wrapping apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a shrink-wrapping apparatus (1) for shrinking a packaging material (25) onto an assembly comprising at least one article (20). The shrink-wrapping apparatus (1) comprises a plurality of shrink-medium introduction devices (3) which are designed to apply shrink medium (SM) to the article assemblies (21) enveloped with packaging material (25). Arranged below the transport plane (TE) are two outer shrink-medium channels (7) which are designed to introduce shrink medium (SM) with an upwardly directed flow direction, via the transport plane (TE), into the interior (4) of the shrink-wrapping apparatus (1). The outer shrink-medium channels (7) each have a strip-like or linear shrink-medium outlet (9) or a row (10) with a plurality of aligned shrink-medium outlets.

Description

[0001] Shrinking device

[0002] The present invention relates to a shrinking device having the features of the independent claims.

[0003] Methods and devices for packaging articles are known from the prior art, which use a thermoplastic packaging material, in particular shrink film, as the packaging wrap for the objects. This shrink film is generally wrapped as a film cutout around at least one article or a combination of articles using a wrapping system. The articles, thus at least partially wrapped, are transported through a shrink device. In the shrink device, for example a shrink tunnel, the articles wrapped in thermoplastic packaging material are subjected to a shrinking agent, for example hot gas, e.g. warm or hot air, which causes the shrink film to contract, so that it clings to the article and forms the finished packaging unit or the finished shrink package.

[0004] Depending on their size, the wrapped articles are often processed in several parallel lanes in the shrink tunnel. To ensure that all articles or article assemblies wrapped in thermoplastic packaging material are exposed to shrinking agent from all sides, means must also be provided for introducing warm air, which injects the shrinking agent between the parallel articles or article assemblies. For example, shrink tunnels with at least one inner shaft wall are used for multi-lane processing. This inner shaft wall has nozzle openings on both side walls parallel to the transport direction, so that the shrinking agent flows into the interior of the shrink tunnel from both sides.

[0005] In addition to applying shrinkage agent to the sides of the wrapped articles, it is also necessary to apply shrinkage agent to the bottom of the wrapped articles to ensure the necessary stability of the packaging unit or shrink pack in the area of ​​the overlapping ends of the film blank lying on the bottom, as well as to ensure a positive fit in this area. This is achieved using a shrinkage agent generator, such as a hot air blower, which is arranged below an air-permeable conveyor system on which the wrapped articles are transported through the shrink tunnel. The conveyor system is often designed as an endlessly circulating conveyor belt or other suitable conveyor means. It is known in the art to apply shrinkage agent over the entire surface of the conveyor belt from below.

[0006] A particular disadvantage of full-surface heat application is that the conveyor belt is heated across its entire width. This can lead to the packaging material sticking to the conveyor belt. Furthermore, it results in high energy consumption combined with a high energy dissipation from the shrink tunnel. This leads, among other things, to increased effort for cooling the conveyor belt on the return run, especially in the lower run area.

[0007] A shrinking device which only partially applies pressure to the conveyor from below is described, for example, in published patent application EP4 043 354 A1.

[0008] The object of the invention is to improve the shrinking of packaging material onto articles, in particular to reduce the energy consumption of the shrinking process.

[0009] The above object is achieved by a shrinking device comprising the features in the independent patent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0010] The invention relates to a shrinking device for shrinking a packaging material onto an assembly comprising at least one article, in particular for shrinking a thermoplastic packaging material.

[0011] The items are preferably beverage containers, especially bottles, cans, or similar items filled with beverages and sealed. However, other items, such as cartons or similar, can also be wrapped with packaging material. In this case, the packaging material can also be combined into several cartons to form a larger packaging unit, or the packaging material can be arranged around a cardboard packaging and shrink-wrapped onto it for protection.

[0012] If the application refers to at least one article, this can also refer to sets of articles or groups of articles comprising at least two articles each. The packaging material can, in particular, be a thermoplastic packaging material in the form of shrink film. The shrink film can be provided as a flat packaging blank, which is wrapped around the article in advance. However, the shrink film can also be provided as a shrink tube or similar, which is, for example, pulled over the at least one article before shrinking.

[0013] When the term "shrink film" is used below, it is intended to encompass any suitable thermoplastic packaging material. In particular, the thermoplastic packaging material does not have to be made of a plastic material, or at least not entirely.

[0014] Before handling within the shrink device, for example, several articles are assembled into article sets or groups in a single-part module and wrapped with the thermoplastic packaging material in a wrapping module.

[0015] The arrangements consisting of at least one article and packaging material are hereinafter also referred to as wrapped article groups. The suitably produced wrapped article groups are fed to the shrink-wrapping device.

[0016] A shrinking device according to the invention comprises at least one interior space with a conveyor device forming a transport plane for the at least one-way transport of article assemblies wrapped with packaging material, wherein the article assemblies are conveyed in one transport direction through the shrinking device.

[0017] The transport route is formed, for example, by at least one suitable conveyor device, for example an endless conveyor belt, a mat chain conveyor or similar.

[0018] Furthermore, it is provided that the shrinking device comprises a plurality of shrinking agent introduction devices designed to apply shrinking agent to the article assemblies wrapped with packaging material. In particular, the interior is delimited laterally by outer shaft walls. The outer shaft walls are, for example, lateral spraying devices known from the prior art in the form of hollow bodies perforated on one side. For the parallel, multi-lane transport of article assemblies wrapped with packaging material through the shrinking device, at least one inner shaft wall can also be provided. An inner shaft wall is formed, for example, by a hollow body perforated on two sides, as is frequently described in the prior art.

[0019] Hot air, for example, is used as a shrinking agent. To generate the hot air, the shrinking device can comprise at least one heating element. The shrinking agent is blown into the interior of the shrinking device via the outer shaft walls and, if applicable, the at least one inner shaft wall. In particular, the shrinking agent is blown in the direction of the wrapped article assemblies.

[0020] Furthermore, it is intended that shrinking agent is blown from below onto the underside of the wrapped article groups via the correspondingly permeable transport level.

[0021] The shrinking agent causes the shrink film to shrink around the articles. The shrinking process starts, particularly when using flat film sections, from the initially freely overlapping film overhangs and continues towards the center of the film. The further the wrapped article assembly is transported through the shrink device in the transport direction, the more the shrink film shrinks around the article(s) of the wrapped article assembly, depending on its properties, onto the outward-facing outer surfaces of the article(s). The so-called film eyes form on the side surfaces with the initially freely overlapping film overhangs. Before the wrapped article assembly leaves the shrink device, the shrink film is almost completely in close contact with the outer surfaces of the article(s).

[0022] To introduce shrinking agent from below, the shrinking device provides two outer shrinking agent channels located below the transport plane. These two outer shrinking agent channels are designed to introduce shrinking agent with an obliquely upward flow direction across the transport plane into the interior of the shrinking device. The two outer shrinking agent channels each have a strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlet or a row with a plurality of shrinking agent outlets arranged in a straight line.

[0023] In particular, in a shrink device equipped for single-lane transport, exactly two such outer shrink medium channels are provided.

[0024] In a shrink device equipped for multi-lane transport, at least one inner shrink channel is additionally arranged below the transport plane. In particular, the inner shrink channel is arranged between the two outer shrink channels.

[0025] The at least one inner shrinking agent channel is designed to introduce shrinking agent with an obliquely upward flow direction over the transport plane into the interior of the shrinking device.

[0026] The at least one inner shrink agent channel has two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets or two rows, each with a plurality of shrink agent outlets arranged in alignment.

[0027] Multi-lane transport is understood to mean transport in n+1 transport lanes, where n > 1. In a shrink device equipped with n+1 transport lanes, in particular n inner shrink agent channels are arranged below the transport plane. This means that a shrink device equipped for double-lane transport is equipped with one inner shrink agent channel, a shrink device equipped for three-lane transport is equipped with two inner shrink agent channels, etc. Particularly preferably, the number of inner shrink agent channels corresponds to the number of inner shaft walls. Furthermore, the inner shrink agent channels are preferably arranged below a respectively associated inner shaft wall. Particularly preferably, a plane of symmetry of the inner shaft wall and a plane of symmetry of the associated inner shrink agent channel are arranged in a common vertical plane.

[0028] In contrast, the two outer shrink-on channels are each assigned to one of the two outer shaft walls. An advantageous embodiment may provide for the outer shrink-on channels to be arranged preferably below a respective assigned outer shaft wall. Particularly preferably, a plane of symmetry of the outer shaft wall and a plane of symmetry of the assigned outer shrink-on channel are arranged in a common vertical plane.

[0029] An alternative embodiment can provide that the outer shrinking agent channels are arranged offset inwards relative to the respective associated outer shaft walls, ie in the direction of the interior of the shrinking device, so that the planes of symmetry of the outer shaft walls and the planes of symmetry of the respective associated outer shrinking agent channels diverge.

[0030] In summary, it can be stated that a preferred embodiment provides that the number of shrinking agent channels arranged below the transport level corresponds to the number of shaft walls arranged above the transport level.

[0031] One embodiment of the invention provides that the shrinking agent channels, ie the outer shrinking agent channels or the outer shrinking agent channels and the at least one inner shrinking agent channel, extend parallel to a longitudinal direction of the transport plane, in particular parallel to a transport direction of the conveyor device.

[0032] Preferably, the one strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlet or the shrinking agent outlets of the outer shrinking agent channels arranged in a row are each designed such that the upwardly directed exit direction of the shrinking agent comprises a first, vertical movement component and a second, additional, horizontal movement component in the direction of the interior of the shrinking device.

[0033] In contrast, the two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets or the shrink agent outlets arranged in two rows of the at least one inner shrink agent channel are each designed such that the upward exit direction of the shrink agent has a first vertical movement component and a second horizontal movement component toward the interior of the shrink device, wherein the second movement components of the two shrink agent outlets or the two rows are each designed opposite to each other. In particular, it is provided that the flow directions of the shrink agent from the two shrink agent outlets or from the two rows point in opposite directions.

[0034] A preferred embodiment provides that the outer shrink agent channels each comprise a base body, a transition region and an outflow region, wherein the one strip-like or linear shrink agent outlet or the shrink agent outlets arranged in a row of the respective outer shrink agent channel are formed on the upper side of the outflow region.

[0035] In order to obtain the desired outflow direction of the shrinking medium, it is provided, for example, that the transition region has a first taper starting from the base body, wherein the first taper is formed by side surfaces inclined towards one another.

[0036] Furthermore, it is provided, for example, that the outflow area has a second taper starting from the transition area, wherein the second taper is formed by side surfaces inclined in the same direction but preferably at different angles.

[0037] The side surfaces in the outflow area each have an upward slope toward the interior of the shrinking device, in particular an inclination toward the center of the interior of the shrinking device. This results in the one strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlet or the one row of shrinking agent outlets being formed on the upper side of the outflow area of ​​an outer shrinking agent channel at a distance from a vertical plane of symmetry of the main body of the outer shrinking agent channel.

[0038] One embodiment may provide that a side surface of the transition region and the adjacent side surface of the exit region are arranged in a common plane, thus forming a single surface. However, it may also be advantageous if the two side surfaces enclose an angle of less than 180 degrees.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be provided that a first angle is formed between the opposite side surface of the transition region and the adjacent side surface of the exit region. The first angle is preferably an obtuse angle, in particular an angle between 95 degrees and 170 degrees, preferably an angle of approximately 110 degrees.

[0040] Due to the second taper in the outlet area, the shrinking medium receives the desired flow direction, which has an inclination relative to a vertical due to the second horizontal movement component, so that the shrinking medium does not flow vertically upwards over the transport plane into the interior of the shrinking device, but has a desired inclination.

[0041] The base body can, for example, be a cuboid with a square or rectangular cross-sectional area. Other suitable shapes can also be used; for example, for space reasons, it may be appropriate for the base body to be in the shape of a prism with the cross-sectional area of ​​a trapezoid or a parallelogram.

[0042] One embodiment may provide that a second obtuse angle is formed between a side surface of the base body and the side surface of the transition region, for example an angle of approximately 135 degrees.

[0043] Preferably, a third obtuse angle is also formed between the opposite side surface of the base body and the adjacent side surface. The second and third angles can have the same value. However, the second and third angles can also have different values.

[0044] Furthermore, a coupling area is provided for connection to a distribution device for shrinking agents. The coupling area is preferably formed on the base body. For example, the coupling area is an opening through which the shrinking agent channel can be connected in a fluid-tight manner to the distribution device for shrinking agents or directly to a shrinking agent generator using suitable fastening devices.

[0045] An alternative embodiment of an external shrink-on channel dispenses with a transition area and consists of a base body and an outlet area directly adjacent to the base body with the properties described above, in particular with an upwardly extending taper that is inclined relative to a vertical line. In extreme cases, an external shrink-on channel can also be formed by only one outlet area extending from a base plate. The coupling area for connecting to a shrink-on distribution device or to a shrink-on generator is formed in particular in the area of ​​the base plate.

[0046] One embodiment of the inner shrink-on channel comprises a base body, a transition region, and an outflow region. Alternatively, embodiments comprising only a base body and an outflow region, or an outflow region directly adjacent to a base plate, are also conceivable.

[0047] One embodiment of an inner shrink-on channel can be formed by two outer shrink-on channels attached to each other in a mirror-symmetrical manner. Due to the mirror-symmetrical arrangement, the flow directions of the shrink-on agent via the two strip-like or linear shrink-on outlets or the two rows, each with a plurality of aligned shrink-on outlets, are inclined in opposite directions to each other. In particular, it is provided that the flow directions point away from each other.

[0048] The base body of the inner shrink channel is formed by two interconnected base bodies of the two outer shrink channels. The transition area of ​​the inner shrink channel is formed by the two transition areas of the two outer shrink channels. The exit area of ​​the inner shrink channel is formed by the two exit areas of the two interconnected outer shrink channels.

[0049] The inner shrink channel, formed from two outer shrink channels, has a vertical plane of symmetry. In particular, the first tapered regions and the second tapered regions are mirror-symmetrical to the plane of symmetry of the inner shrink channel.

[0050] This results in the two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets, or the shrink agent outlets arranged in two rows, being formed on the upper side of the outflow area, each at an equal distance from the vertical plane of symmetry of the inner shrink agent channel. An alternative embodiment of an inner shrink agent channel comprises a base body, a transition area, and an outflow area, wherein the two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets, or the shrink agent outlets arranged in two rows, are formed on the upper side of the outflow area.

[0051] Preferably, the two shrink agent outlets or the two rows are arranged at a mean distance from one another. The mean distance is preferably maximum. In particular, it can be provided that the opposite side edges of the upper side of the outflow area are part of the shrink agent outlets or the rows, so that the mean distance essentially corresponds to the width of the upper side of the outflow area or is slightly smaller.

[0052] The transition region has two first tapered regions extending from the base body, wherein the first tapered regions are each formed by mutually inclined side surfaces. In particular, the two first tapered regions are arranged side by side.

[0053] Furthermore, the outflow region of this embodiment of the inner shrinking agent channel has a second tapered region extending from the two first tapered regions of the transition region, wherein the second tapered regions are each formed by side surfaces inclined in the same direction but at different angles.

[0054] In particular, the side surfaces in a second tapered region located on the left have an upward and leftward inclination. In contrast, the side surfaces in a second tapered region on the right have an upward and rightward inclination.

[0055] This results in the two strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlets or the shrinking agent outlets arranged in two rows being arranged or formed at a medium distance from one another on the upper side of the outflow area.

[0056] This embodiment of an inner shrink-on channel also has a vertical plane of symmetry. In particular, the first tapered regions and the second tapered regions are mirror-symmetrical to the plane of symmetry of the inner shrink-on channel.

[0057] Here too, the two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets or the shrink agent outlets arranged in two rows on the upper side of the outflow area are each formed at an equal distance from the vertical plane of symmetry of the inner shrink agent channel.

[0058] Due to the two second tapers of the inner shrink medium channel in the outlet area, the upwardly directed shrink medium receives the desired inclined flow direction, since the second taper imparts the second movement component described above to the shrink medium.

[0059] One embodiment of the invention provides that shrinking agent is introduced into the shrinking device with a first volume flow via the outer shrinking agent channels and that shrinking agent is introduced into the shrinking device with a second volume flow via the at least one inner shrinking agent channel.

[0060] It can be provided that the strength of the volume flow for each shrink agent channel can be controlled individually via valves, flaps or similar.

[0061] One embodiment may provide for the first volume flow and the second volume flow to be of equal or substantially equal intensity. Alternatively, it may be advantageous to provide for the first volume flow and the second volume flow to be of different intensity. One embodiment may provide for a first volume flow to one of the two outer shrink agent channels to have an intensity of 50% or approximately 50% of the second volume flow.

[0062] Furthermore, it can be provided that the temperature of the shrinking agent is the same in the first volume flow and the second volume flow. Alternatively, it can be advantageous if the first volume flow and the second volume flow each supply shrinking agent at different temperatures.

[0063] For example, the outer shrink-medium channels can be positioned laterally offset from the contact surface of the article assemblies below the transport plane, so that the shrink-medium passes through the conveyor device and impacts a lower area of ​​the article assembly from the side. In contrast, the at least one inner shrink-medium channel is arranged directly below the contact surface of the article assemblies, so that the shrink-medium passes through the conveyor device and impacts the bottom of the article assembly directly. It can therefore be advantageous for the shrink-medium supplied via the inner shrink-medium channel to have a slightly lower temperature in order to prevent heat build-up below the bottom of the article assembly. This can prevent the packaging material from sticking to the conveyor device.

[0064] Analogous to the outer shrinking agent channels, the at least one inner shrinking agent channel also has a coupling area for connection to a distribution device for shrinking agents or to a shrinking agent generator.

[0065] It is preferably provided that no shrinking agent is introduced from below through the conveying device on the outside side of the outer shrinking agent channels.

[0066] In particular, a zone through which no shrinking agent flows is formed between the outer shrinking agent channels and a respective adjacent lateral boundary or a respective adjacent lateral support area for the conveyor. Since no wrapped article assemblies are moved on the conveyor in this zone, a supply of shrinking agent is not necessary, thus saving energy. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the conveyor is heated to a lesser extent in certain areas. This allows the higher energy input from more heated areas to be better distributed, resulting in lower overall heating of the conveyor.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the two outer shrink-on channels can be arranged in variable positions below the transport plane or the conveyor device forming the transport plane. For this purpose, the two outer shrink-on channels can be designed to be movable transversely to the transport direction of the conveyor device.

[0068] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one inner shrink agent channel can be arranged in variable positions below the transport plane or the conveyor device forming the transport plane. For this purpose, it can be provided that the at least one inner shrink agent channel is designed to be movable transversely to the transport direction of the conveyor device. Analogously, a corresponding positioning option for the at least one inner shaft wall above the transport plane is preferably provided. Particularly preferably, the positioning of the at least one inner shaft wall and the associated inner shrink agent channel is coupled to one another and takes place synchronously. However, a decoupled, completely individual adjustment of the various shrink agent introduction devices is also possible.

[0069] For example, this is achieved using a rail system. The rail system comprises, for example, one or more rails arranged orthogonally to the transport direction, on which the shrink-on channels are arranged for sliding movement.

[0070] A first embodiment of a lower shrink agent introduction device comprises two outer shrink agent channels and at least one inner shrink agent channel.

[0071] The use of at least one inner shrinking agent channel is particularly advantageous in order to use the shrinking device for the at least two-lane transport of article assemblies.

[0072] For example, the shrinking device can comprise a plurality of suitable fastening devices, via which the inner shrinking means channels can be fastened, preferably in a simple and quick releasable manner, so that when a product is changed, the number of inner shrinking means channels and / or the positioning of the outer and inner shrinking means channels can be easily and quickly adapted to the respective new production mode.

[0073] A second embodiment of a lower shrink agent introduction device comprises two outer shrink agent channels and at least one further shrink agent supply arranged below the transport plane, which serves in particular to heat the area between the outer shrink agent channels.

[0074] Thus, the article assemblies transported via the conveyor system are supplied with shrinkage agent from below in the base area via the additional shrinkage agent supply. In particular, this additional shrinkage agent supply blows shrinkage agent flatly beneath the article assemblies equipped with packaging material to seal the packaging material in the base area. In particular, the shrinkage agent is distributed only in the area between the outer shrinkage agent channels and is fed upwards into the interior of the shrinking device, where the article assemblies equipped with packaging material are transported.

[0075] In addition, shrinkage medium is blown through the shrinkage medium channels with an obliquely upward flow direction towards the article assembly wrapped with packaging material.

[0076] A further embodiment of a lower shrink agent introduction device comprises two outer shrink agent channels, at least one inner shrink agent channel and at least one further shrink agent supply arranged below the transport plane, which serves in particular to heat the areas between the shrink agent channels.

[0077] In particular, the further supply of shrinking agent supplies a first area between an outer shrinking agent channel and the inner shrinking agent channel as well as a second area between the inner shrinking agent channel and the other outer shrinking agent channel with shrinking agent, which shrinking agent then reaches the interior of the shrinking device via the conveyor device.

[0078] If the lower shrink agent introduction device comprises a plurality of inner shrink agent channels, then it is provided that the areas between the inner shrink agent channels can also be supplied with shrink agent by means of the additional shrink agent supply.

[0079] The supply of shrinking agent to the shrinking agent channels and the further shrinking agent supply can be carried out, for example, via a common distribution device or via separate distribution devices or shrinking agent generators.

[0080] An embodiment of the invention can provide that shrinking agent is introduced into the shrinking device with a third volume flow and / or with a third temperature via the further shrinking agent supply.

[0081] In particular, the strength of the third volume flow can be controlled via valves, flaps, etc.

[0082] One embodiment may provide for the third volume flow to be of equal or substantially equal intensity to the first volume flow and / or the second volume flow. Alternatively, it may be advantageous to provide for the third volume flow and the first volume flow and / or the second volume flow to be of different intensity. One embodiment may provide for the third volume flow to be significantly greater, since the regions between the shrink-on channels have a significantly greater width than the shrink-on channels themselves.

[0083] Furthermore, it can be provided that the temperatures of the shrinking agent in the third volume flow and in the first volume flow and / or in the second volume flow are the same. Alternatively, it can be advantageous if the third volume flow and the first volume flow and / or the second volume flow each supply shrinking agent at different temperatures.

[0084] In particular, for energy efficiency reasons, it is preferably provided that the third volume flow supplies shrinking agent at a lower temperature.

[0085] An exemplary embodiment may provide that the shrinking agent for the shrinking agent channels is provided via a first distribution channel and that the shrinking agent for the further shrinking agent supply is provided via a second distribution channel.

[0086] This makes it possible, in particular, to provide shrinking agents with different volume flow rates for the shrinking agent channels and the further shrinking agent supply and, in particular, also to provide shrinking agents with different shrinking agent temperatures for the shrinking agent channels and the further shrinking agent supply.

[0087] Preferably, the temperature of the shrinking agent is higher in the first distribution channel than in the second distribution channel. For example, the temperature in the first distribution channel is approximately three degrees or more higher than in the second distribution channel, preferably five degrees or more, particularly preferably at least ten degrees or more.

[0088] Thus, with the help of the shrink agent channels, an increased temperature can be specifically introduced into the interior of the shrink device in order to optimize the shrinking result. The lower heating of the conveyor in the areas that are supplied with shrink agent by the additional shrink agent supply prevents, in particular, excessive heating or overheating of the conveyor. Preferably, this makes it possible to reduce the cooling of the conveyor during the return in the lower run area, which represents a further advantageous aspect in terms of energy savings. With the help of the lower shrink agent introduction device described here, the hot air flow or shrink agent flow can be specifically directed from below onto the wrapped article groups. The outer areas of the conveyor, on which no wrapped article groups are located, are not flowed through with shrink agent and are therefore heated to a lesser extent.This allows for reduced energy consumption. Furthermore, the shrinking process can be specifically influenced, thus optimizing the shrinking result and achieving higher shrink quality.

[0089] 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.

[0090] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shrinking device.

[0091] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a shrinking device.

[0092] Fig. 3 schematically shows the movement components of the shrinking means of an outer shrinking means channel shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0093] Fig. 4 schematically shows the movement components of the shrinking means of an inner shrinking means channel.

[0094] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an outer shrink agent channel.

[0095] Fig. 6 shows a cross section of the embodiment of the outer shrink agent channel according to Fig. 5.

[0096] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an inner shrink agent channel.

[0097] Fig. 8 shows a cross section of an embodiment of an inner shrink agent channel.

[0098] Fig. 9 shows a cross-section of another embodiment of an internal shrink-on channel. Fig. 10 shows another embodiment of a shrink-on device.

[0099] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a lower shrink agent introduction device.

[0100] Fig. 12 shows a side view of a lower shrink agent introduction device according to Fig. 10.

[0101] Fig. 13 shows a front view of a lower shrink agent introduction device according to Fig. 10.

[0102] Fig. 14 shows a top view of a lower shrink agent introduction device according to Fig. 10.

[0103] Fig. 15 shows the flow of shrinkage agent through the lower shrinkage agent introduction device according to Fig. 10.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shrinking device 1 and Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a shrinking device 1.

[0107] A shrinking device 1 is used in particular for shrinking a thermoplastic packaging material 25 onto at least one article 20 or onto at least one article group 21 comprising at least two articles 20.

[0108] The thermoplastic packaging material 25 can, for example, be a shrink film 26. The shrink film 26 can be provided as a flat packaging blank, which is wrapped in advance around the article 20. The shrink film 26 can also be provided as a shrink tube, which is placed over at least one article 20 or an article group 21.

[0109] When the term shrink film 26 is used below, it is intended to include any suitable thermoplastic packaging material 25.

[0110] Articles 20, in particular beverage containers, bottles 22, cans or similar, are, for example, assembled into article groups 21 in a dividing module (not shown) and wrapped in a wrapping module (not shown) with a flat cut of a thermoplastic packaging material 25, in particular with a cut of a shrink film 26.

[0111] The arrangements of article group 21 and shrink film 26 are also referred to as wrapped article groups 30 (Fig. 2). The wrapped article groups 30 are fed to the shrinking device 1, through which they are guided in a transport direction. In Fig. 1, the transport direction extends orthogonally to the plane of the drawing. The wrapped article groups 30 are moved in one or more lanes on a conveyor device, which forms a transport plane TE. The conveyor device is formed, for example, by a conveyor belt 2 or similar.

[0112] The shrinking device 1 comprises at least one heating means (not shown) which, for example, generates hot air HL as a shrinking agent SM, which is introduced into the interior 4 of the shrinking device 1 via shrinking agent introduction devices 3.

[0113] In particular, at least lateral shrink agent introduction devices 3s and lower shrink agent introduction devices 3u are provided. The lateral shrink agent introduction devices 3s are formed by so-called shaft walls, as are known from the relevant prior art. In particular, the shrink device 1 comprises at least two so-called outer shaft walls 5 (Figures 1 and 2). For multi-lane transport, inner shaft walls 6 are additionally used (see Figure 2). The hot air HL is blown laterally via outer shaft walls 5 into the interior space 4 formed between the two outer shaft walls 5 in the direction of the wrapped article group 30. The interior space 4 is therefore also referred to as the shrink chamber. The outer shaft walls 5 are, for example, lateral spray devices in the form of hollow bodies perforated on one side.The side surfaces of the outer shaft walls 5 facing the interior of the shrinking device 1 are designed as outflow surfaces and each have a plurality of outflow openings, via which outflow openings the shrinking agent SM, for example the hot air HL, flows laterally into the interior 4 of the shrinking device 1 delimited between the outer shaft walls 5.

[0114] The shrinking device 1 according to Fig. 2 is further equipped with an inner shaft wall 6, whereby a two-lane transport of wrapped article groups 30 through the shrinking device 1 is possible.

[0115] The inner shaft wall 6 has two lateral outflow surfaces for shrinking agent SM. The inner shaft wall 6 divides the interior 4 of the shrinking device into two partial shrinking chambers 4-1, 4-2.

[0116] Below the transport plane TE, further shrinking agent introduction devices 3u are arranged; in particular, the shrinking device 1 according to the invention has two outer shrinking agent channels 7.

[0117] In the case of multi-lane transport according to Figure 2, at least one inner shrink-on channel 8 is additionally arranged below the transport plane TE. In particular, the at least one inner shrink-on channel 8 is arranged between the two outer shrink-on channels 7.

[0118] Multi-lane transport is understood to mean transport in n+1 transport lanes, where n > 1. In a shrink device equipped with n+1 transport lanes, in particular, n inner shrink channels 8 are arranged below the transport plane TE. This means that a shrink device 1 equipped for double-lane transport, as shown in Figure 2, is equipped with an additional inner shrink channel 8.

[0119] Particularly preferably, the number of inner shrink-on channels 8 corresponds to the number of inner shaft walls 6. In addition, the inner shrink-on channels 8 are preferably arranged below a respectively assigned inner shaft wall 6. Particularly preferably, a plane of symmetry SE6 of the inner shaft wall 6 and a plane of symmetry SE8 of the assigned inner shrink-on channel 8 are arranged in a common vertical plane. In contrast, the outer shrink-on channels 7 are each assigned to an outer shaft wall 5. In this case, an advantageous embodiment can provide that the outer shrink-on channels 7 are preferably arranged below a respectively assigned outer shaft wall 5. Particularly preferably, a plane of symmetry SE5 of the outer shaft wall 5 and a plane of symmetry SE7 of the assigned outer shrink-on channel 7 are arranged in a common vertical plane.

[0120] An alternative embodiment can provide that the outer shrinking agent channels 7 are arranged offset inwards relative to the respective associated outer shaft walls 5, ie in the direction of the interior 4 of the shrinking device 1, so that the symmetry planes SE5 of the outer shaft walls and the symmetry planes SE7 of the respective associated outer shrinking agent channels 7 diverge.

[0121] The shrinking agent channels 7, 8 are designed to introduce shrinking agent SM with an upward flow direction over the transport plane TE, in particular through the conveyor belt 2, into the interior 4 of the shrinking device 1.

[0122] In particular, the conveyor belt 2 is designed to be permeable, for example in the form of a mat chain conveyor or similar. The shrinking agent SM causes the shrink film 26 to shrink around the articles 20. The further the wrapped article group 30 is transported in the transport direction through the shrinking device 1, the more the shrink film 26 shrinks around the articles 20 according to its properties. The so-called film eyes form on the side surfaces with the initially freely overlapping film overhangs. In particular, the shrinking process begins at the initially freely overlapping film overhangs and continues towards the film center.

[0123] Before the wrapped article group 30 leaves the shrink device 1, the shrink film 26 lies almost completely tightly against the outer surfaces of the articles 20.

[0124] As better illustrated in the following figures, the outer shrink agent channels 7 each have a strip-like or linear shrink agent outlet 9 or a row 10 with a plurality of shrink agent outlets arranged in a line. The at least one inner shrink agent channel 8 for multi-lane transport, in contrast, has two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets 9 or two rows 10, each with a plurality of shrink agent outlets arranged in a line.

[0125] The shrinking agent channels 7, 8 extend parallel to a longitudinal direction of the transport plane TE, in particular parallel to a transport direction of the wrapped article groups 30.

[0126] Fig. 3 schematically shows the movement components BK1, BK2 of the shrinking means SM of an outer shrinking means channel 7 shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0127] The one strip-like or linear shrink agent outlet 9 or the shrink agent outlets of the outer shrink agent channels 7 arranged in a row 10 are each designed such that the upwardly directed outlet direction or flow direction SR of the shrink agent SM comprises a first vertically upwardly directed first movement component BK1 and a second, additional, orthogonal movement component BK2 in the direction of the interior of the shrink device 1.

[0128] Fig. 4 schematically shows the movement components BK1, BK2, BK2* of the shrinking means SM of an inner shrinking means channel 8.

[0129] The two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets 9 or the shrink agent outlets of the inner shrink agent channel 8 arranged in two rows 10 are each designed such that the upwardly directed outlet direction or flow direction SR1, SR2 of the shrink agent SM has a first vertically upwardly directed first movement component BK1 and a second, additional, orthogonal movement component BK2, BK2* in the direction of the interior of the shrink device, wherein the second movement components BK2, BK2* of the two shrink agent outlets 9 or the two rows 10 are each designed opposite to one another.

[0130] In particular, it is provided that the flow directions SR1, SR2 of the shrinking agent SM from the two shrinking agent outlets 9 or the two rows 10 point away from each other. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an outer shrinking agent channel 7, and Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of an outer shrinking agent channel 7.

[0131] The outer shrinkage agent channels 7 each comprise a base body 11, a transition area 12 and an outflow area 13.

[0132] The strip-like or linear shrink agent outlet 9 is formed on the top of the outflow area 13.

[0133] The transition region 12 has a first taper V1 starting from the base body 11, wherein the first taper V1 is formed by side surfaces 14, 15 inclined towards one another.

[0134] The outflow region 13 has a second taper V2 starting from the transition region 12, wherein the second taper V2 is formed by side surfaces 16, 17 inclined in the same direction but preferably at different angles.

[0135] In particular, the side surfaces 16, 17 in the outflow area 13 have an inclination directed upwards and in the direction of the interior space 4 of the shrinking device 1, in particular an inclination in the direction of the center of the interior space 4.

[0136] This results in the one strip-like or linear shrink agent outlet 9 or the one row 10 with shrink agent outlets being formed on the upper side of the outflow area 13 at a distance A(S) from a vertical plane of symmetry SE7 of the base body.

[0137] For example, it can be provided that the side surface 15 of the transition region 12 and the side surface 17 of the exit region 13 are arranged in a common plane, thus forming a single surface. However, it can also be advantageous if the side surfaces 15, 17 enclose an angle of < 180 degrees.

[0138] Furthermore, it can be provided that an angle a is formed between the side surface 14 of the transition region 12 and the side surface 16 of the exit region 13. The angle a is preferably an obtuse angle, in particular an angle between 95 degrees and 170 degrees, preferably an angle of approximately 110 degrees. The base body 11 can, for example, have a cuboid shape with a square or rectangular cross-sectional area. Other suitable shapes can also be used; for example, for reasons of space, it may be expedient for the base body to have the shape of a prism with the cross-sectional area of ​​a trapezoid or a parallelogram.

[0139] One embodiment may provide that a second obtuse angle ß is formed between a side surface 18 of the base body 11 and the side surface 15 of the transition region 12, for example an angle ß of approximately 135 degrees.

[0140] Through the second taper V2 in the outlet area 13, the shrink medium SM receives the desired flow direction SR, which has an inclination relative to a vertical due to the second movement component BK2.

[0141] The base body 11 further comprises a coupling region 40. For example, the coupling region 40 is an opening 41. In the region of the opening 41, the shrink-on channel 7 can be connected in a fluid-tight manner to a distribution device for shrink-on medium SM (not shown) or directly to a shrink-on medium generator (not shown) by means of suitable fastening devices.

[0142] An embodiment of an outer shrink agent channel 7, not shown, can also consist only of a base body 11 and an outlet region 13 directly adjoining the base body 11 with the properties described above.

[0143] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an inner shrink agent channel 8.

[0144] Analogous to the outer shrinkage channel 7, this channel can also comprise a base body 51, a transition region 52, and an outflow region 53. Alternatively, embodiments comprising only a base body 51 and an outflow region 53 or even only an outflow region extending from a base plate are also conceivable (not shown).

[0145] The inner shrink agent channel 8 is characterized in that two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets 9-1, 9-2 or two rows (not shown in Fig. 7), each with a plurality of shrink agent outlets arranged in alignment, are formed on the upper side of the outflow area 53. Fig. 8 shows a cross section of a first embodiment of an inner shrink agent channel 8-1.

[0146] The inner shrink agent channel 8-1 is formed by two outer shrink agent channels 7 that are attached to one another in a mirror-symmetrical manner. Due to the mirror-symmetrical arrangement, the flow directions SR of the shrink agent SM via the two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets 9-1, 9-2 or the two rows 10, each with a plurality of aligned shrink agent outlets, are inclined in opposite directions to one another. In particular, it is provided that the flow directions SR1, SR2 are designed to point away from one another.

[0147] The base body 51 of the inner shrink-on channel 8-1 is thus formed by two base bodies 11 of the two outer shrink-on channels 7 fastened to one another in a mirror-symmetrical manner.

[0148] The transition region 52 of the inner shrink-on channel 8-1 is formed by the two transition regions 12 of the two outer shrink-on channels 7 which are attached to one another in a mirror-symmetrical manner.

[0149] The outlet region 53 of the inner shrinking agent channel 8-1 is formed by the two outlet regions 13 of the two outer shrinking agent channels 7 which are attached to one another in a mirror-symmetrical manner.

[0150] Fig. 9 shows a cross section of another embodiment of an inner shrink agent channel 8-2.

[0151] The inner shrink agent channel 8-2 has a base body 51, a transition region 52, and an outflow region 53. In the region of the upper side of the outflow region 53, two strip-like or linear shrink agent outlets 9 or two rows 10, each with a plurality of shrink agent outlets arranged in a line, are formed.

[0152] In particular, the two shrink agent outlets 9 or the two rows 10 are arranged at a mean distance A. The mean distance A is preferably maximum. In particular, it can be provided that the opposite side edges of the upper side of the outflow region 53 are part of the shrink agent outlets 9 or the rows 10, so that the mean distance A essentially corresponds to the width B of the upper side of the outflow region 53 or is slightly smaller.

[0153] In this embodiment of the inner shrink agent channel 8-2, the transition region 52 has two first tapered regions V1-1 and V1-2 extending from the base body 51. The two first tapered regions V1-1 and V1-2 are arranged adjacent to one another and are characterized by mutually inclined side surfaces 54, 55, 56, 57, wherein the mutually inclined side surfaces 54, 55 form a first tapered region V1-1, and wherein the mutually inclined side surfaces 56, 57 form the further first tapered region V1-2.

[0154] Furthermore, it is provided that the outflow region 53 has a second tapered region V2-1, V2-2 emanating from the two first tapered regions V1-1, V1-2 of the transition region 52, wherein the second tapered regions V2-1, V2-2 are each formed by side surfaces 58, 59, 60, 61 inclined in the same direction but at different angles.

[0155] In particular, the side surfaces 58, 59 in the left second tapered region V2-1 have an upward and leftward inclination. In contrast, the side surfaces 60, 61 in the right second tapered region V2-2 have an upward and rightward inclination.

[0156] This results in the two strip-like or linear shrinkage agent outlets 9 or the shrinkage agent outlets arranged in two rows 10 on the upper side of the outflow area 53 being formed at a mean distance A from one another and at a distance A(S) from a vertical plane of symmetry SE8 of the base body 51.

[0157] It is preferably provided that the first tapering regions V1-1, V1-2 and the second tapering regions V2-1, V2-2 are each formed mirror-symmetrically to the plane of symmetry SE8 of the inner shrinkage agent channel 8-2.

[0158] For example, it can be provided that the side surface 55 of the tapered region V1-1 of the transition region 52 and the side surface 59 of the tapered region V2-1 of the exit region 53 are arranged in a common plane and thus form a single surface. However, it can also be advantageous if the side surfaces 55, 59 enclose an angle of < 180 degrees. The same applies to the side surfaces 56, 60 of the tapered regions V1-2 and V2-2.

[0159] Furthermore, it can be provided that an angle a is formed between the side surface 54 of the transition region 52 and the side surface 58 of the exit region 53. Preferably, the angle a is an obtuse angle, in particular an angle between 95 degrees and 170 degrees, preferably an angle of approximately 110 degrees.

[0160] The base body 21 can, for example, have a cuboid shape with a square or rectangular cross-sectional area. Other suitable shapes can also be used; for example, for space reasons, it may be expedient for the base body to have the shape of a prism with the cross-sectional area of ​​a trapezoid.

[0161] One embodiment may provide for an angle γ to be formed between the side surface 55 of the first tapered region V1-1 and the side surface 56 of the first tapered region V1-2. This angle may, for example, have a size of 360 degrees minus 2 times the magnitude of the angle β (see Fig. 6), in particular approximately 90 degrees.

[0162] Through the two second tapers V2-1, V2-2 in the outlet area 53, the shrink medium SM receives the desired flow directions SR1, SR2, which each have an inclination relative to a vertical due to the second movement component BK2 or BK2* (see Fig. 4).

[0163] The base body 51 further comprises a coupling region 62. For example, the coupling region 62 is an opening 63. In the region of the opening 63, the inner shrink-on channel 8-2 can be connected in a fluid-tight manner to a shrink-on distribution device SM (not shown) or directly to a shrink-on generator (not shown) by means of suitable fastening devices.

[0164] An embodiment of an inner shrink agent channel 8, not shown, can also consist only of a base body 51 and an outlet region 53 directly adjoining the base body 51 or of an outlet region 53 extending from a base plate with the properties described above.

[0165] Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of a shrinking device 1. This essentially corresponds to the embodiment of Fig. 1, which is why reference is made to the description of Fig. 1 for an explanation of the reference numerals. Only the differences will be discussed below.

[0166] The embodiment according to Fig. 10 comprises two outer shrinking agent channels 7 and at least one further shrinking agent supply 77 arranged below the transport plane TE as lower shrinking agent introduction devices 3u, which serves in particular to heat the area between the outer shrinking agent channels 7.

[0167] Thus, the wrapped article groups 30 transported via the conveyor belt 2 are supplied with shrinkage agent SM in the base area from below via the additional shrinkage agent supply 77. In particular, shrinkage agent SM is blown flatly beneath the wrapped article groups 30 via this additional shrinkage agent supply 77 in order to weld the packaging material 25 in the base area. In particular, the shrinkage agent SM is distributed only in the area between the outer shrinkage agent channels 7 and introduced upwards into the interior 4 of the shrinkage device 1, in which the wrapped article groups 30 are transported.

[0168] In addition, shrinkage medium is inflated via the two outer shrinkage medium channels 7 with an obliquely upward flow direction SR (cf. Fig. 3) in the direction of the wrapped article groups 30.

[0169] Fig. 11 to 14 show different representations of a lower shrink agent introduction device 70, in particular Fig. 11 shows a perspective representation, Fig. 12 a side representation, Fig. 13 a representation from the front and Fig. 14 a representation from above.

[0170] The lower shrink agent introduction device 70 comprises two outer shrink agent channels 7, each with a strip-like shrink agent outlet 9, and an inner shrink agent channel 8 with two strip-like shrink agent outlets 9. This is thus in particular a lower shrink agent device 70 for two-lane transport according to Figure 2.

[0171] The two outer shrink-on channels 7 are preferably mirror-symmetrical to each other. In addition to the shrink-on channels 7, 8, a further shrink-on supply can be arranged below the transport plane, which is described in more detail in connection with Fig. 15.

[0172] The supply of shrinking agent SM to the shrinking agent channels 7, 8 and other areas of the lower shrinking agent introduction device 70 below a conveyor belt (not shown) takes place via at least one distribution channel 71 which is in fluid communication with a shrinking agent generator 80 (see Figures 11 to 13) and is shown and described in more detail below in connection with Figure 15.

[0173] Furthermore, Fig. 11 shows the transport direction TR of the conveyor device (not shown) through the shrinking device 1. This illustrates that the outer shrinking agent channels 7 and the at least one inner shrinking agent channel 8 extend parallel to the transport direction TR below the conveyor belt (not shown).

[0174] Between the outer shrink-agent channels 7 and the respective adjacent lateral boundary 72 or the respective adjacent lateral support area 73 for the conveyor belt (not shown), a region 74 through which shrink-agent does not flow is formed. Since no wrapped article groups are moved on the conveyor belt in this region, a supply of shrink-agent is not necessary, thus saving energy. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the conveyor belt is heated to a lesser extent in certain areas. This allows the energy input from more strongly heated areas to be better distributed, resulting in lower overall heating of the conveyor belt.

[0175] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the two outer shrink-on channels 7 and / or the at least one inner shrink-on channel 8 can be arranged in variable positions below the transport plane or the conveyor belt (not shown) forming the transport plane. For this purpose, it can be provided that the two outer shrink-on channels 7 and / or the at least one inner shrink-on channel 8 are designed to be movable transversely to the transport direction TR. For example, the shrink-on channels 7, 8 are arranged so as to be movable in sliding motion on a rail system 75 arranged below the transport plane. The rail system 75 comprises, for example, a plurality of rails 76 arranged orthogonally to the transport direction TR. The transverse mobility of the shrink-on channels 7, 8 is illustrated by way of example by the arrows in Figures 11 and 14.

[0176] Analogously, a corresponding positioning option for the at least one inner shaft wall 6 above the transport plane TE (cf. Fig. 2) is preferably provided. Particularly preferably, the positioning of the at least one inner shaft wall 6 and the associated inner shrinking agent channel 8 is coupled to one another and occurs synchronously. However, a decoupled, completely individual adjustment of the various shrinking agent introduction devices 3 is also possible. A further embodiment, not shown, can provide for the lower shrinking agent introduction device 70 to comprise a plurality of inner shrinking agent channels 8. This is particularly advantageous in order to be able to use the shrinking device 1 for transporting more than two lanes.For this purpose, it can be provided that the shrinking device 1 provides a plurality of suitable fastening devices, via which inner shrinking agent channels 8 can be fastened, preferably in a simple and quick releasable manner, so that when a product is changed, the number of inner shrinking agent channels 8 and / or the positioning of the shrinking agent channels 7, 8 within the shrinking device 1 can be easily and quickly adapted to the respective new production mode.

[0177] Fig. 15 shows the flow of shrinkage agent SM through the lower shrinkage agent introduction device 70 according to Fig. 11.

[0178] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower shrink agent introduction device 70 comprises a further shrink agent supply 77 arranged below the transport plane, which serves to heat the areas between the shrink agent channels 7, 8.

[0179] The distribution channel 71 comprises two partial areas 71-1, 71-2, wherein the first partial area 71-1 supplies shrinking agent SM to the shrinking agent channels 7, 8 and wherein the second partial area 71-2 supplies shrinking agent SM to the further shrinking agent supply 77.

[0180] In this case, it can be provided, in particular, that the shrinking agent SM, which is supplied via the first sub-region 71-1, is supplied in a first volume flow V1 and / or at a first temperature T1. Furthermore, it can be provided that the shrinking agent SM, which is supplied via the second sub-region 71-2, is supplied in a second volume flow V2 and / or at a second temperature T2.

[0181] The first volume flow V1 and the second volume flow V2 can be of equal or different strengths. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second volume flow V2 can be of greater strength, particularly since the second volume flow applies shrinkage agent SM to larger areas.

[0182] The first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 can be the same or different. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second temperature T2 is lower than the first temperature, with which specific areas of the conveying means are heated. The lower heating of the conveying means in the areas that are supplied with shrinking agent SM by the additional shrinking agent supply 77 prevents, in particular, excessive heating or overheating of the conveying means. Preferably, the cooling of the conveying means in the lower strand area can be reduced, which represents a further positive aspect with regard to energy savings.

[0183] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first partial area 71-1 of the distribution channel 71 is divided into a feed to an outer shrinking agent channel 7 and the middle shrinking agent channel 8.

[0184] Here, too, it can be provided that when the first volume flow VS1 is divided into a third volume flow VS3 to the outer shrinking agent channel 7 and a fourth volume flow VS4 to the inner shrinking agent channel 8, these two volume flows VS3, VS4 are formed with the same or different strengths.

[0185] In the illustrated embodiment, two distribution channels 71 are provided on opposite sides of the conveyor line, so that a first sub-region 71-1 supplies one of the two outer shrink agent channels 7 and the inner shrink agent channel 8. The inner shrink agent channel 8 is thus supplied with shrink agent SM from both distribution channels 71.

[0186] Furthermore, the second partial area 71-2 of the distribution channel 71 shown in the left figure supplies the further shrinking agent supply 77 in the area between the left outer shrinking agent channel 7 and the inner shrinking agent channel 8, while the second partial area 71-2 of the distribution channel 71 shown in the right figure supplies the further shrinking agent supply 77 in the area between the right outer shrinking agent channel 7 and the inner shrinking agent channel 8.

[0187] The regulation of the volume flows VS1, VS2, VS3 and VS4 can be carried out in particular via suitable adjustment devices (not shown), such as valves or throttle valves or similar.

[0188] The regulation of temperatures T1, T2 can be carried out, for example, by means of heating elements and / or cooling elements positioned at a suitable location and controlled accordingly (not shown).

[0189] An embodiment not shown can also provide that the supply of shrinking agent SM to the outer shrinking agent channels 7 is decoupled from the supply of shrinking agent SM to the at least one inner shrinking agent channel 8, so that they can be regulated independently of one another.

[0190] Using the lower shrink agent introduction device 70 described here, the hot air or shrink agent flow can be directed from below onto the wrapped article groups 30. The outer areas of the conveyor 2, on which no wrapped article groups 30 are located, are not exposed to shrink agent SM and are therefore heated to a lesser extent. This allows for reduced energy consumption. Furthermore, the shrinking process can be specifically influenced, thus optimizing the shrinking result, thereby achieving higher shrink quality.

[0191] Through the variable use of different numbers of internal shrink-agent channels 8, the amount of shrink-agent SM introduced from below into the interior 4 of the shrink-agent device 1 and the location at which the shrink-agent SM is sprayed from below onto the wrapped article groups 30 can be adjusted to suit the specific product. In particular, this provides a simple way to optimally adapt the shrink-agent device 1 for single-lane or multi-lane transport.

[0192] A final note should be given at this point regarding the descriptions of embodiments of the invention, whereby these descriptive passages each refer to the attached 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. A person skilled in the art will be 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 functioning of the device according to the invention.

[0193] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for 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.

[0194] List of reference symbols

[0195] 1 shrinking device

[0196] 2 conveyor belt

[0197] 3 Shrinkage agent introduction device

[0198] 3s lateral shrink agent introduction device

[0199] 3u lower shrink agent introduction device

[0200] 4 Interior

[0201] 4-1 , 4-2 Partial shrinkage space

[0202] 5 outer shaft wall

[0203] 6 inner shaft wall

[0204] 7 outer shrink channel

[0205] 8 inner shrink channel

[0206] 8-1 , 8-2 inner shrink channel

[0207] 9 strip-like or linear shrink agent outlet 10 row

[0208] 11 Basic body

[0209] 12 Transition area

[0210] 13 Outflow area

[0211] 14 Side surface transition area

[0212] 15 Side surface transition area

[0213] 16 Side surface outflow area

[0214] 17 Side surface outflow area

[0215] 18 Side surface of the base body

[0216] 20 articles

[0217] 21 article group

[0218] 22 bottles

[0219] 25 thermoplastic packaging material

[0220] 26 shrink film

[0221] 30 wrapped article group

[0222] 40 coupling area

[0223] 41 Opening

[0224] 51 basic bodies

[0225] 52 Transition area

[0226] 53 Outflow area

[0227] 54 Side surface first tapered area

[0228] 55 Side surface first tapered area

[0229] 56 Side surface first tapered area

[0230] 57 Side surface first tapering area

[0231] 58 Side surface second tapered area

[0232] 59 Side surface of second tapered area

[0233] 60 Side surface second tapered area

[0234] 61 Side surface second tapered area

[0235] 62 coupling area

[0236] 63 Opening

[0237] 70 lower shrink agent introduction device

[0238] 71 distribution channel

[0239] Sub-area

[0240] 72 lateral boundary

[0241] 73 lateral support area

[0242] 74 Area not flowing through shrinkage agent 75 Rail system 76 Rail 77 Additional shrinkage agent supply 80 Shrinkage agent generator

[0243] A mean distance a first angle A(S) distance to the plane of symmetry

[0244] B Width ß Second angle BK1 First movement component BK2, BK2* Second movement component HL Hot air SE5 Symmetry plane of outer shaft wall SE6 Symmetry plane of inner shaft wall SE7 Symmetry plane of outer shrinking agent channel SE8 Symmetry plane of inner shrinking agent channel SM Shrinking agent SR Flow direction SR1, SR2 Flow direction T1 First temperature T2 Second temperature TE Transport plane TR Transport direction

[0245] V1 first rejuvenation

[0246] V1-1, V1-2 first tapered area V2 second tapered area V2-1, V2-2 second tapered area VS1 first volume flow VS2 second volume flow VS3 third volume flow VS4 fourth volume flow

Claims

Claims Shrinking device (1) for shrinking a packaging material (25) onto an assembly comprising at least one article (20), wherein the shrinking device (1) comprises an interior space (4) with a conveyor device forming a transport plane (TE) for the at least one-way transport of article assemblies (21) wrapped with packaging material (25), wherein the article assemblies (21) wrapped with packaging material (25) are conveyed in a transport direction (TR) through the shrinking device (1), wherein the shrinking device (1) comprises a plurality of shrinking agent introduction devices (3) which are designed to apply shrinking agent (SM) to the article assemblies (21) wrapped with packaging material (25), wherein two outer shrinking agent channels (7) are arranged below the transport plane (TE), which outer shrinking agent channels (7) are designed toShrinking agent (SM) is introduced with an obliquely upward flow direction (SR) via the transport plane (TE) into the interior (4) of the shrinking device (1), wherein the outer shrinking agent channels (7) each have a strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlet (9) or a row (10) with a plurality of shrinking agent outlets arranged in alignment. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shrinking device (1) is equipped for multi-lane transport of article assemblies (30) wrapped with packaging material (25) in n+1 transport lanes, wherein n inner shrinking agent channels (8) are arranged below the transport plane (TE), which inner shrinking agent channels (8) are designed toTo introduce shrinking agent (SM) with an obliquely upward flow direction (SR) over the transport plane (TE) into the interior (4) of the shrinking device (1), which n inner shrinking agent channels (8) each have two strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlets (9) or two rows (10) each with a plurality of shrinking agent outlets arranged in a line. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer shrinking agent channels (7) or the outer shrinking agent channels (7) and the at least one inner shrinking agent channel (8) extend parallel to a longitudinal direction of the transport plane (TE), in particular parallel to a transport direction (TR) of the conveyor device (2). Shrinking device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlet (9) or the shrinking agent outlets of the outer shrinking agent channels (7) arranged in a row (10) are each designed such that the upwardly directed exit direction of the shrinking agent (SM) comprises a first vertically upwardly directed first movement component (BK1) and a second, additional, orthogonal movement component (BK2) in the direction of the interior (4) of the shrinking device (1).Shrinking device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the two strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlets (9) or the shrinking agent outlets arranged in two rows (10) of the at least one inner shrinking agent channel (8) are each designed such that the upwardly directed outlet direction of the shrinking agent (SM) has a first vertically upwardly directed first movement component (BK1) and a second, additional, orthogonal movement component (BK2, BK2*) in the direction of the interior (4) of the shrinking device (1), wherein the second movement components (BK2, BK2*) of the two shrinking agent outlets or of the two rows (10) are each designed opposite to one another.Shrinking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer shrinking agent channels (7) each comprise a base body (11), a transition region (12) and an outflow region (13), wherein the one strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlet (9) or the shrinking agent outlets arranged in a row (10) of the respective outer shrinking agent channel (7) are formed on the upper side of the outflow region (13), wherein the transition region (12) has a first taper (V1) starting from the base body (11), wherein the first taper (V1) is formed by side surfaces (14, 15) inclined towards one another. wherein the outflow region (13) has a second taper (V2) starting from the transition region (12), wherein the second taper (V2) is formed by side surfaces (16, 17) inclined in the same direction but preferably at different angles, in particular wherein the side surfaces (16, 17) in the outflow region (13) have an inclination directed upwards and in the direction of the interior (4) of the shrinking device (1).

7. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the one strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlet (9) or the shrinking agent outlets arranged in a row (10) of the respective outer shrinking agent channel (7) is / are formed at a distance (A(S)) from a vertical plane of symmetry of the base body.

8. Shrinking device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the at least one inner shrinking agent channel (8) is formed by two outer shrinking agent channels (7) attached to one another in a mirror-symmetrical manner.

9. Shrinking device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the at least one inner shrinking agent channel (8) comprises a base body (51), a transition region (52) and an outflow region (53), wherein the two strip-like or linear shrinking agent outlets (9) or the shrinking agent outlets arranged in two rows (10) are formed on the upper side of the outflow region (53), wherein the transition region (52) has two first tapered regions (V1-1, V1-2) extending from the base body (51), wherein the two first tapered regions (V1-1, V1-2) are each formed by mutually inclined side surfaces (54, 55, 56, 57), wherein the outflow region (53) each comprises one of the two first tapered regions (V1-1, V1-2) of the transition region (52) outgoing second tapering region (V2-1, V2-2), wherein the second tapering regions (V2-1,V2-2) are each formed by side surfaces (58, 59, 60, 61) inclined in the same direction but at different angles., 10. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first tapered regions (V1-1, V1-2) and the second tapered regions (V2-1, V2-2) are formed mirror-symmetrically to a plane of symmetry (SE) of the inner shrinking agent channel (8).

11. Shrinking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein shrinking agent (SM) can be introduced into the shrinking device (1) via the outer shrinking agent channels (7) with a first volume flow and / or with a first temperature.

12. Shrinking device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 11, wherein shrinking agent (SM) with a second volume flow and / or with a second temperature can be introduced into the shrinking device (1) via the at least one inner shrinking agent channel (8).

13. Shrinking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a further shrinking agent supply (77) arranged below the transport plane (TE), by means of which shrinking agent (SM) can be introduced into the regions formed between the two outer shrinking agent channels (7), in particular wherein shrinking agent (SM) with a third volume flow and / or with a third temperature can be introduced into the shrinking device (1) via the further shrinking agent supply (77).

14. Shrinking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two outer shrinking means channels (7) can be arranged in variable positions below the transport plane (TE), in particular wherein the two outer shrinking means channels (7) are designed to be transversely movable to the transport direction (TR).

15. Shrinking device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the at least one inner shrinking agent channel (8) can be arranged in variable positions below the transport plane (TE), in particular the at least one inner shrinking agent channel (8) is designed to be transversely movable to the transport direction (TR), in particular wherein the shrinking device (1) comprises fastening devices for the arrangement of a plurality of inner shrinking agent channels (8).

Images