Wrapping apparatus and wrapping method for wrapping at least one film around products arranged on a load carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a wrapping apparatus (1) for wrapping at least one film (3) around products (P) arranged on a load carrier (2), wherein the wrapping apparatus (1) comprises: a receiving device (4a) for receiving the load carrier (2); a feed chute (5) for feeding the products (P') to the load carrier (2) arranged on the receiving device (4a); a positioning device (48) for positioning the receiving device (4a) and the feed chute (5) relative to one another along a vertical movement axis (A1); and a wrapping system (49) for rotationally wrapping the at least one film (3) about the movement axis (A1); wherein the wrapping system (49) is designed to wrap the film (3) or a first film (11) about the movement axis (A1) in a first wrapping position (WP1) in which an upper film end (3a, 11a) of the corresponding film (3, 11) lies above a lower chute end (5a) of the feed chute (5) in the vertical direction and a lower film end (3b, 11b) of the corresponding film (3, 11) lies below the lower chute end (5a), and is designed to wrap the film (3) or a second film (23) about the movement axis (A1) in a second wrapping position (WP2) in which an upper film end (3a, 23a) of the corresponding film (3, 23) lies below the lower chute end (5a) of the feed chute (5) in the vertical direction.

Description

[0001] WINDING DEVICE AND WINDING METHOD FOR WRAPPING PRODUCTS ARRANGED ON A LOAD CARRIER WITH AT LEAST ONE FILM

[0002] The invention relates to a winding device for wrapping products arranged on a load carrier with at least one film. The winding device comprises a receiving device for receiving the load carrier, a feed chute for feeding the products to the load carrier arranged on the receiving device, a positioning device for positioning the receiving device and the feed chute relative to one another along a vertical movement axis, and a winding system for rotationally winding the at least one film about the movement axis. Furthermore, the invention relates to a feed chute for a winding device for feeding products to a load carrier and to a winding method for wrapping products arranged on a load carrier with at least one film.

[0003] Generic wrapping devices are used to feed multiple products, such as consumer goods, onto a load carrier and then wrap the load carrier and the products with film. This reliably prevents the products from falling off the load carrier during further transport. A standardized transport pallet, such as a wooden Euro pallet in accordance with EN 13698-1, is usually used as the load carrier. A suitable, often transparent, packaging film with sufficient strength can be used as the film. The film can be rolled up on a film reel.

[0004] Winding devices of this type are known, for example, from EP 3 472 078 A1 and EP 0 645 305 A1. The winding device of EP 0 645 305 A1 comprises a winder for a film, which is positioned below a feed chute so that the film can be wound over the products. A disadvantage of this is that, especially with small products, products may fall to the floor under certain circumstances.

[0005] The winding device of EP 3 472 078 A1 comprises a winder for a film, which is positioned so that the film can be wound partially over a feed chute and partially over the products. A disadvantage is that the maximum tension with which the film holds the products together is limited by the feed chute. Excessive tension would cause the film to stick to the feed chute, particularly in the area of ​​or due to any corners of the chute, which is disadvantageous.

[0006] The object of the present invention was to provide a winding device of the type mentioned, a feed shaft for such a winding device and a winding method which enable a high reliability of the wrapping of the products and the highest possible winding tension of the wrapping of the products on the load carrier.

[0007] This object is achieved by the winding device mentioned at the outset in that the winding system is at least designed to wind the film or a first film in a first winding position around the movement axis, in which an upper film end of the respective film lies in the vertical direction above a lower shaft end of the feed shaft and a lower film end of the respective film lies below the lower shaft end and to wind the film or a second film in a second winding position around the movement axis, in which an upper film end of the respective film lies in the vertical direction below the lower shaft end of the feed shaft and / or that the winding system is at least designed to wind a film or a first film in a third winding position around the movement axis, in which a lower film end of the respective film,in the vertical direction below an upper shaft end of the feed shaft and an upper film end of the respective film is above the upper shaft end and to wind the film or another film in a fourth winding position around the movement axis, in which a lower film end of the respective film,in the vertical direction above the upper end of the feed chute. This allows the film or the first film to be initially wrapped around the feed chute and the products, and if necessary, around the load carrier, in the area of ​​the lower or upper end of the chute. The load carrier and the feed chute can then be repositioned relative to each other accordingly, and the film or the second film can now only be wrapped over the previously wrapped layer of film or the first film in the area of ​​the products. Since the film or the second film is not wrapped around the feed chute in the second wrapping position or the fourth wrapping position, it can be tensioned significantly more tightly, i.e. with a higher wrapping tension.than in the first winding position or the third winding position. Products can be fed to the load carrier arranged on the receiving device via the feed chute. The feed chute, or at least a portion of the feed chute, can be arranged vertically above the receiving device. Viewed in the vertical direction, the feed chute can comprise a lower chute end with a first chute opening and an opposite upper chute end (spaced vertically from the first chute opening) with a second chute opening. The lower chute end can also be referred to as the first chute end, and the upper chute end as the second chute end. The first chute opening and the second chute opening can be connected via an interior space. The interior space can be bounded laterally by one or more side walls of the feed chute.

[0008] The positioning device preferably comprises a lifting device for moving, in particular raising and / or lowering, the receiving device along the vertical movement axis relative to the feed shaft and / or a shaft manipulator for moving, in particular raising and / or lowering, the feed shaft along the vertical movement axis relative to the receiving device. As a result, for example, the receiving device can be arranged stationary and the feed shaft can be moved relative to the receiving device. Alternatively and preferably, the feed shaft could also be arranged stationary and the receiving device can be moved relative to the feed shaft. Of course, both the feed shaft and the receiving device could also be designed to be movable. The winding device can thus be constructed flexibly as required.

[0009] The winding system preferably comprises a winding unit for unwinding the film from a film roll, a rotation device for rotating the winding unit at a defined winding distance around the movement axis, and a translation device for translationally moving the winding unit parallel to the movement axis relative to the feed shaft. The translation device is at least designed to move the winding unit between the first winding position and the second winding position and / or between the third winding position and the fourth winding position. This advantageously requires only one winding unit, resulting in a simple and space-saving design.

[0010] The winding unit for unwinding the film can include an adjustable braking device (retaining device) for the film roll and thus apply different winding tensions; furthermore, different winding speeds (speed of the rotation device) are conceivable.

[0011] The lifting device and / or the shaft manipulator and the translation device can comprise a common guide structure. This can reduce the complexity of the winding device's design.

[0012] The winding unit can be movable translationally along a translational guide structure of the translation device, wherein the translational guide structure can be movable rotationally along a stationary rotational guide structure of the rotation device. Alternatively, the winding unit can also be movable rotationally along a rotational guide structure of the rotation device, wherein the rotational guide structure can be movable translationally along a stationary translational guide structure of the translation device. This allows the winding device to be very flexibly adapted to different boundary conditions.

[0013] It is advantageous if the winding system is designed to carry out a head winding, wherein the winding unit can be moved cyclically back and forth between a first head winding position and a second head winding position by means of the translation device during the rotational movement by the rotation device, wherein the upper film end of the film is spaced from the lower shaft end by a first head winding distance in the first head winding position and is spaced from the lower shaft end by a larger second head winding distance in the second head winding position.Alternatively or additionally, the winding unit can be cyclically moved back and forth between a third head winding position and a fourth head winding position by means of the translation device during the rotational movement by the rotation device, wherein the lower film end of the film is spaced from the upper shaft end by a third head winding distance in the third head winding position and is spaced from the upper shaft end by a larger fourth head winding distance in the fourth head winding position, and that the winding unit and the receiving device can each be positioned relative to one another in the vertical direction in a head loading position in the head winding positions in such a way that the uppermost products on the load carrier in the vertical direction are located in the region of the film. This advantageously makes it possible to produce a cover layer of the (packaging) film which at least partially overlaps the product stack on an upper side.This reliably protects the products from falling.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the winding system comprises a first winding unit, which is preferably immovable in the vertical direction, for unwinding a first film from a first film roll and a first rotation device for rotating the first winding unit at a defined winding distance around the movement axis, wherein the first winding unit is arranged in the vertical direction such that the first film is in the first winding position or in the third winding position and further comprises a second winding unit, which is preferably immovable in the vertical direction, for unwinding a second film from a second film roll and a second rotation device for rotating the second winding unit at a defined winding distance around the movement axis, wherein the second winding unit is arranged in the vertical direction such thatthat the second film is in the second winding position or in the fourth winding position. This creates a very reliable system, since, unlike the variant described above, no translation device is required for the movement of the winding unit.

[0015] The winding device preferably comprises at least one control unit for controlling the positioning device, in particular the lifting device and / or the shaft manipulator, and for controlling the winding system, wherein the control unit is designed to synchronize the movement of the receiving device and / or the movement of the feed shaft with the movement of the winding system, in particular the rotational and translational movement of the winding unit or the rotational movement of the first and second winding unit. This makes it possible, for example, to match the speed of the translation device and, if applicable, the rotation device to the speed of the lifting device and / or the shaft manipulator, or vice versa. In this context, "synchronization" does not necessarily mean the same speed, but rather that the movements occur in a fixed relationship to one another.

[0016] It is advantageous if the receiving device comprises a holding device for holding the respective film on the load carrier. This can prevent the film from slipping off the load carrier during the winding process. The holding device can comprise an actuating device for selectively actuating the holding device, and the winding device can comprise a control unit for controlling the actuating device. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, and the winding process can be carried out essentially fully automatically.

[0017] The holding device can, for example, comprise a clamping device for holding, in particular frictionally, the film on the load carrier and / or the products arranged on the load carrier. The holding device can comprise a plurality of holding elements distributed around the circumference of the receiving device, wherein the plurality of holding elements can preferably be actuated by the actuating device.

[0018] The object is further achieved with the feed chute mentioned above in that the feed chute has an adhesion-reducing device designed to reduce the adhesion of the film wound around the feed chute to the feed chute. As a result, the film can be wound more tightly around the feed chute and, thanks to the adhesion-reducing device, can still slide reliably off the feed chute during the relative movement between the load carrier and the feed chute. The feed chute is preferably used in the winding device according to the invention.

[0019] The feed chute can comprise an open first chute end and an open second chute end connected to the first chute end, wherein the adhesion-reducing device is provided at least in the region of the first chute end or the second chute end. The feed chute can be arranged in the winding device such that one chute end points vertically downwards (shaft axis of the feed chute aligned vertically), so that the products can be fed via the second chute end through an interior of the feed chute to a load carrier located in the interior or below the lower chute end, or vice versa. This provides a structurally simple embodiment. The adhesion-reducing device does not necessarily have to be arranged only in the region of the first or second chute end, but could of course also extend over a larger part of the length of the feed chute, up to the entire length.When viewed in the vertical direction, the length of the feed chute can also be referred to as the chute height.

[0020] The feed chute can taper from the second end of the chute toward the first end, or vice versa. This creates a funnel through which the products can be fed to the load carrier, making loading easier.

[0021] The feed chute can have a polygonal, preferably rectangular, outer contour or a round outer contour, at least in the area of ​​the first and / or second chute ends. This allows the feed chute to be easily adapted to a desired shape of the load carrier, for example, to the shape and size of the aforementioned Euro pallet.

[0022] If the feed chute has a polygonal contour, the adhesion-reducing device can be provided at least on one edge of the polygonal outer contour. This can reduce friction at critical points. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesion-reducing device can also be provided on at least one circumferential surface of the outer contour. This applies to both the polygonal and the round outer contour.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adhesion-reducing device can comprise a plurality of flow channels through which compressed air can be blown into an area between the feed chute and the film. For this purpose, the feed chute can be double-walled, for example, at least in the area of ​​the first and / or second chute end, with the plurality of flow channels being provided in an outer wall and the compressed air being supplied to the flow channels via a space formed between the outer wall and an inner wall. By blowing in compressed air, a type of air cushion can be formed, along which the film can reliably slide.

[0024] The adhesion-reducing device can also comprise at least one free-running or driven belt, wherein a belt surface of the belt facing the film is movable toward the first and / or second shaft end. If the belt is driven, it can have a belt drive device that can be controlled by a control unit of the winding device.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the adhesion-reducing device can comprise a lubricant introduction device for introducing a, preferably powdered, lubricant into a region between the film and the feed chute, wherein the lubricant introduction device can be controlled by a control unit of the winding device. The adhesion-reducing device can also comprise a brush arrangement with a number of brushes. This allows for a simple and cost-effective embodiment.

[0026] The adhesion reducing device may also comprise a friction-reducing coating, which is preferably arranged on an outer side of the feed chute, wherein the coating preferably comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known under the trade name “Teflon”.

[0027] Furthermore, the adhesion-reducing device can comprise an unwinding device with a number of free-running or driven rollers. In the case of driven rollers, a roller drive device can be provided that can be controlled by a control unit of the winding device. The rollers can comprise, for example, rollers and / or balls and / or wheels.

[0028] The products P can be fed by means of a feeding device, for example, a feeding conveyor system. The feeding device can, for example, be part of the winding device. In this case, the feeding device can be controlled, for example, by a control unit of the winding device. However, the feeding device could also, in principle, be part of a separate feeding system and, for example, be controlled by a control unit of the feeding system.

[0029] The object is further achieved by a winding method according to claim 27 and by a winding method according to claim 30. Advantageous embodiments of the winding methods are specified in the dependent claims 28 and 29 and 31 to 37, respectively.

[0030] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0031] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a winding device of a first embodiment in a longitudinal section according to section line AA in Fig. 2 with a winding unit in a first winding position;

[0033] Fig. 2 shows the winding device in a top view; Fig. 3 shows the winding device of the first embodiment in a longitudinal section along section line AA in Fig. 2 with the winding unit in a second winding position;

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a winding device in an alternative second embodiment in a longitudinal section according to section line BB in Fig. 5;

[0035] Fig. 5 the winding device according to Fig. 4 in a view from above;

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a winding device of a third embodiment in a longitudinal section according to section line CC in Fig. 7 with a winding unit in a third winding position;

[0037] Fig. 7 shows the winding device from Fig. 6 in a view from above;

[0038] Fig. 8 the winding device of the third embodiment in a longitudinal section according to

[0039] Section line DD in Fig.9 with the winding unit in a fourth winding position;

[0040] Fig. 9 shows the winding device of the third embodiment in a view from above;

[0041] Fig. 10 shows a feed shaft according to the invention for a winding device of an exemplary embodiment in a longitudinal section and in plan view;

[0042] Fig. 11 shows a feed shaft according to the invention for a winding device of a further exemplary embodiment in a longitudinal section and in plan view;

[0043] Fig. 12 shows a feed shaft according to the invention for a winding device of a further exemplary embodiment in a longitudinal section and in plan view;

[0044] Fig. 13 shows an adhesion reducing device in an exemplary embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 14 shows an adhesion reducing device in a further exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 15 shows an adhesion reducing device in a further exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 16 shows an adhesion reduction device in a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 17 shows an adhesion reduction device in a further exemplary embodiment;

[0048] Fig. 18 shows an adhesion reducing device in a further exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing method steps of the winding method according to the invention of an exemplary first and second embodiment and

[0050] Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing method steps of the winding method according to the invention of an exemplary third and fourth embodiment.

[0051] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0052] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a winding device 1 in an exemplary first embodiment of the invention. The winding device 1 is designed to wrap a film 3 around a plurality of products P arranged on a load carrier 2. Fig. 1 shows the winding device 1 in a longitudinal section along section line AA in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows the winding device in a view from above (plan view).

[0053] The winding device 1 has a receiving device 4a for receiving the load carrier 2 and a positioning device 48 with a lifting device 4 for raising and / or lowering the receiving device 4a along a vertical movement axis Al. In the example shown, the movement axis Al corresponds to the Z-axis. The load carrier 2 can, for example, be a known and standardized Euro pallet. The receiving device 4a can, for example, have a platform that can be guided in the vertical direction on a lifting guide structure 17 of the lifting device 4. In the example shown, the lifting guide structure 17 comprises, by way of example only, two guide columns spaced apart in the X-direction, preferably arranged diametrically opposite the movement axis Al, and extending in the Z-axis (parallel to the movement axis Al). Furthermore, the lifting device 4 can comprise a suitable (not shown) lifting drive.

[0054] The winding device 1 can comprise a control unit 14, which is designed to control the winding device 1 to carry out a winding process described in more detail below. The control unit 14 is only schematically indicated in Fig. 1 and can have suitable hardware and / or software. Such control units 14 are known in the art, which is why no further description is provided here.

[0055] The control unit 14 can be designed, for example, to control the positioning device 48, here in particular the lifting device 4, and can be suitably connected to the lifting drive of the lifting device 4. The lifting drive can be controlled by the control unit 14 to control the movement of the receiving device 4a along the first movement axis A1, ie, to raise it vertically upwards and lower it downwards.

[0056] The lifting drive can, for example, comprise an electric drive unit. The lifting drive can also, for example, comprise a gear. The control unit 14 can, for example, control a position and / or speed and / or acceleration of the lifting device 4. If necessary, generally and particularly in the illustrated embodiment, a suitable sensor device can also be provided to detect an actual value of a movement variable of the lifting device 4, e.g., an actual position and / or an actual speed and / or an actual acceleration of the receiving device 4a. The sensor device can comprise one or more suitable sensors, e.g., light barriers, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, limit switches, etc.

[0057] The movement of the lifting device 4 can, for example, be continuous or intermittent.

[0058] The winding device 1 further comprises a feed chute 5 via which products P' can be fed to the load carrier 2 arranged on the receiving device 4a. The feed chute 5 or at least a part of the feed chute 5 can be arranged vertically above the receiving device 4a. Viewed in the vertical direction, the feed chute 5 can comprise a lower first chute end 5a with a first chute opening 15a and an opposite upper second chute end 5b with a second chute opening 15b. The first chute opening 15a and the second chute opening 15b can be connected via an interior space 16. The interior space 16 is delimited laterally by one or more side walls of the feed chute 5.

[0059] The products P' (indicated by dashed lines) can generally, and in particular in the example shown, be fed via the second shaft opening 15b into the interior 16 of the feed shaft 5, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1. From the interior 16, the products P' can be fed through the first shaft opening 15a to a loading surface 2a of the load carrier 2 if the load carrier 2 is in a corresponding position below the feed shaft 5. Depending on the type of product P, the products P can, for example, be arranged in an orderly or chaotic manner on the load carrier 2. Cuboid-shaped products, e.g. packages, can be stacked in an orderly manner, while odd-shaped and possibly flexible products, such as items of clothing, bags, etc., can be stacked irregularly. In Fig. 1, some products P of different shapes stacked chaotically on the loading surface 2a are indicated by hatching.

[0060] The feeding of the products P' can generally, and in particular in the example shown, be carried out by means of a (not shown) feeding device. The feeding device can, for example, be part of the winding device 1. In this case, the feeding device can, for example, be controlled by the control unit 14 of the winding device 1. In general, and in particular in the example shown, the feeding device could, however, in principle also be part of a separate system and, for example, be controlled by a control unit of the system. In this case, the control unit 14 of the winding device 1 and the control unit of the system can preferably communicate with each other in a suitable manner so that the winding process can be synchronized with the feeding process. The feeding device can generally, and in particular in the example shown, be a suitable conveyor device, e.g.a continuous conveyor, and / or a suitable manipulation device, e.g. a crane or industrial robot.

[0061] The load carrier 2 arranged on the receiving device 4a can be moved vertically relative to the feed shaft 5 by means of the lifting device 4. The feed shaft 5 is arranged stationary here merely by way of example. Alternatively, however, the positioning device 48 could also comprise a shaft manipulator 50 (not shown in Fig. 1 for the sake of simplicity), which is designed to move the feed shaft 5 along the vertical movement axis A1 relative to the receiving device 4a (see, for example, Figs. 6 and 8). The shaft manipulator 50 can be provided in addition to or alternatively to the lifting device 4.

[0062] The receiving device 4a can generally, and particularly in the example shown, have a platform on which the load carrier 2 can be arranged. A shape of a cross-sectional area of ​​the interior 16 can, for example, be geometrically similar to a shape of a cross-sectional area of ​​the load carrier 2. However, the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior 16 is preferably larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the load carrier 2. As a result, a part of the load carrier 2 can extend, for example, through the first shaft opening 15a into the interior 16 of the feed shaft 5 when the platform is in the uppermost position.

[0063] The outer surfaces of the load carrier 2 are preferably as small as possible, but sufficiently far apart from the inner surfaces of the side walls of the feed shaft 5, so that a preferably contactless relative movement is possible. In the example shown, the movement of the platform is only limited upwards by the feed shaft 5. Of course, the receiving device 4a could also be designed so that the load carrier 2 can be moved further upwards within the interior space 16, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4. This allows the load carrier 2 to be moved, for example, into the area of ​​the upper second shaft opening 15b, possibly so far that the loading surface 2a and the second shaft opening 15b lie in the same horizontal plane.

[0064] The winding device 1 further comprises a winding system 49 for the rotational winding of the film 3 at a fixed winding distance WA around the movement axis AL. In the embodiment shown, the winding system 49 is designed to wind the film 3 in a first winding position WP1 around the movement axis A1, in which an upper film end 3a of the film 3 lies in the vertical direction above a lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5 and a lower film end 3b of the film 3 lies below the lower shaft end 5a. The first winding position WP1 is shown in Fig. 1. In addition, the winding system 49 is designed to wind the film 3 in a second winding position WP2 around the movement axis A1, in which an upper film end 3a of the film 3 lies in the vertical direction below the lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5. The second winding position WP2 is shown in Fig. 3.

[0065] In general, and particularly in the illustrated embodiment, the winding system 49 can comprise a winding unit 6 for unwinding the film 3 from a film roll 7. For this purpose, the film roll 7 is preferably arranged in the winding unit 6 so as to be rotatable about its axis. The axis is preferably arranged parallel to the first movement axis A1. The film roll 7 can, for example, be enclosed essentially on all sides by a housing of the winding unit 6, and only a gap can be provided in the housing through which the film 3 can be unrolled, as can be seen in Fig. 2. Of course, the winding unit 6 does not necessarily have to comprise a housing for receiving the film roll 7. In a simple embodiment, the winding unit 6 could also comprise only a rotatable holder on which the film roll 7 can be arranged, as is shown by way of example in Fig. 4. In this case, the film roll 7 can be accessible from all sides apart from the holder.

[0066] At this point, it should be noted that the film 3 or the film roll 7 are not necessarily part of the invention. In particular, the film roll 7 can, for example, be a consumable that can be replaced at certain intervals. Therefore, different films 3 could of course also be used, e.g., films 3 made of different materials or films 3 of different sizes, for example, films 3 with different film widths (in the axial direction) or different film thicknesses. However, the film roll 7 could also be part of the winding device 1.

[0067] The winding system 49 further comprises a rotation device 8 for rotating the winding unit 6 at a defined winding distance WA around the movement axis A1. The winding distance WA is shown in Fig. 2 and, in the case of a circular movement, can correspond, for example, to a winding radius. The winding distance WA can be fixed or can also be variable if necessary. The winding unit 6, including the film roll 7, can thus rotate preferably continuously in one direction of movement around the first movement axis A1, as shown by the double arrow in Fig. 2.

[0068] The rotation device 8 can, for example, be designed such that movement is only possible in one direction, i.e., only clockwise or only counterclockwise. However, the rotation device 8 could also be designed such that movement is possible in both directions of rotation, i.e., selectively clockwise or counterclockwise. The rotation device 8 can comprise a suitable (not shown) rotation drive, which can be connected in a suitable manner to the control unit 14. The rotation drive can, for example, comprise an electric drive unit. The rotation drive can also, for example, comprise a gear.

[0069] The control unit 14 can control the rotary drive accordingly to control the rotary movement of the winding unit 6, e.g., a position and / or speed and / or acceleration. If necessary, a suitable sensor device (not shown) can also be provided to detect an actual value of a movement variable of the rotary device 8, e.g., an actual position (or actual angle) and / or an actual speed (or angular velocity) and / or an actual acceleration (or angular acceleration) of the winding unit 6. The sensor device can comprise one or more suitable sensors, e.g., light barriers, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, limit switches, etc.

[0070] Furthermore, the winding system 49 has a translation device 9 for translationally moving the winding unit 6 parallel to the movement axis A1 and relative to the feed chute 5. The translation device 9 is particularly designed to move the winding unit 6 between the first winding position WP1 shown in Fig. 1 and the second winding position WP2 shown in Fig. 3. The translation device 9 can comprise a suitable translation drive (not shown), which can be suitably connected to the control unit 14. The translation drive can, for example, comprise an electric drive unit. The translation drive can also, for example, comprise a gear.

[0071] The control unit 14 can control the translational drive accordingly to control the translational movement of the winding unit 6, e.g., a position and / or speed and / or acceleration. If necessary, a suitable sensor device can also be provided to detect an actual value of a movement variable of the rotation device 8, e.g., an actual position and / or an actual speed and / or an actual acceleration of the winding unit 6. The sensor device can comprise one or more suitable sensors, e.g., light barriers, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, limit switches, etc.

[0072] In the first winding position WP1, the winding unit 6 is arranged with respect to the feed chute 5 such that an upper film end 3a of the film 3 lies vertically above the lower chute end 5a of the feed chute 5 and a lower film end 3b of the film 3 lies below the lower chute end 5a. This allows an upper section of the film 3 to be wrapped around the lower end of the feed chute 5 and a lower section of the film 3 to be wrapped around the products P located on the loading surface 2a of the load carrier at the same time. At the start of the wrapping process, it can be advantageous if the receiving device 4a is positioned in an initial position (not shown) in which the loading surface 2a of the load carrier 2 is located vertically between the two film ends 3a, 3b. This also allows the load carrier 2 to be wrapped with the film 3, whereby the load can be fixed relative to the load carrier 2.

[0073] Fig. 3 shows a representation of the winding device 1 analogous to Fig. 1, wherein the winding unit 6 is in the second winding position WP2. The winding unit 6 is arranged with respect to the feed chute 5 such that the upper film end 3a of the film 3 lies vertically below the lower shaft end 5a of the feed chute 5. This makes it possible for only the products P that are on the loading surface 2a (and that were already wrapped with film in the first winding position WP1) to be wrapped with the film 3, but not a section of the feed chute 5. Since the feed chute 5 is not wrapped in the second winding position WP2, the film 3 can be wound more tightly than in the first winding position WP1. This allows a significantly improved hold of the products P on the load carrier 2 compared to previously known winding devices.

[0074] The winding unit 6 can be moved cyclically back and forth between the first winding position WP1 (Fig. 1) and the second winding position WP2 (Fig. 3) by means of the translation device 9. The translational movement can, for example, be intermittent or continuous. With an intermittent movement, the winding unit 6 can, for example, be moved into the first or second winding position WP1, WP2 and stopped in the respective winding position for a certain period of time. The winding by means of the rotation device 8 can then, for example, only take place when the winding unit 6 is in one of the winding positions WP1, WP2. If the winding unit 6 is located in the vertical direction between the first winding position WP1 and the second winding position WP2, then the winding, i.e. the rotational movement of the winding unit 6, can, for example, be omitted. For example,It is conceivable that the winding unit 6 is held in the first winding position WP1 or the second winding position WP2 for a specific holding period, within which the rotation device 8 rotates the winding unit 6 a fixed number of revolutions about the movement axis A1. The holding period of the translational movement of the winding unit 6 can thus be dependent on the rotational movement of the winding unit 6. The number of revolutions can, for example, be at least one (i.e., one film layer). For better hold, several film layers can of course also be produced by increasing the number of revolutions to two or more.

[0075] During a continuous movement, the winding unit 6 can be moved cyclically back and forth in the vertical direction between the two winding positions WP1, WP2 essentially without a prolonged stop (except at the reversal point). The winding by means of the rotation device 8 could also be carried out continuously, for example.

[0076] The movement of the positioning device 48, here the lifting device 4, can similarly be either intermittent or continuous.

[0077] The control unit 14 is preferably designed to synchronize a movement of the positioning device 48 with a movement of the winding system 49. In general, and particularly in the illustrated embodiment, this can mean, for example, that the translational movement of the winding unit 6 is synchronized with the movement of the lifting device 4 by the control unit 14 controlling the lifting drive and the translational drive accordingly. In addition, the rotational movement of the winding unit 6 by the rotation device 8 can also be synchronized with the movement of the lifting device 4 by the control unit 14 controlling the rotational drive and the lifting drive accordingly. If the positioning device 48 comprises a shaft manipulator 50, then of course the movement of the feed shaft 5 can also be synchronized with the rotational and / or translational movement of the winding unit 6.

[0078] "Synchronization" can mean that the movement variables of the positioning device 48, here the lifting device 4 (i.e., the movement of the receiving device 4a in the vertical direction along the movement axis A1), the movement variables of the translation device 9 (i.e., the movement of the winding unit 6 in the vertical direction), and, if applicable, the movement variables of the rotation device 8 (i.e., the rotational movement of the winding unit 6 about the movement axis A1) are coordinated with one another. The movement variables here include, for example, a position (or angle), a speed (or angular speed), or an acceleration (or angular acceleration).

[0079] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the positioning device 48, here the lifting device 4, and the translation device 9 can, for example, be guided on a common guide structure, here the lifting guide structure 17. If the positioning device 48 comprises a shaft manipulator 50, then the feed shaft 5 can also be guided on the common guide structure if necessary. The lifting device 4 (and / or the shaft manipulator 50) and the translation device 9 could also be driven by a common drive device (not shown). This embodiment is of course only an example. Alternatively, the lifting device 4 and the translation device 9 could each have their own guide structure, for example.

[0080] In general, and particularly in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the rotation device 8 comprises a rotation guide structure 18 along which the winding unit 6 is rotatably movable. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the rotation guide structure 18 can, for example, comprise an annular guide rail that surrounds the movement axis A1 in the circumferential direction. The guide rail preferably forms a closed guide path in the circumferential direction along which the winding unit 6 is movable, as indicated by the double arrow in Fig. 2.

[0081] The translation device 9 comprises a stationary translation guide structure 17, along which the rotation guide structure 18 is translationally movable. The translation guide structure 17 simultaneously functions as a lifting guide structure 17, as already described above. The translation guide structure 17 can, for example, comprise a number of vertical columns, which can be arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction around the movement axis A1. The columns are preferably firmly anchored in the ground. The columns can each form a vertical guideway along which the rotation guide structure 18 is movable in a translational direction of movement, as indicated by the double arrows in Fig. 1.

[0082] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), however, the rotation device 8 could also comprise a stationary rotational guide structure along which the translational guide structure of the translation device 9 is rotatably movable. The rotational guide structure could, in turn, be firmly anchored in the ground or to a suitable supporting structure. The winding unit 6 would, in turn, be translationally movable along the translational guide structure of the translation device 9.

[0083] The receiving device 4a of the lifting device 4 can comprise a holding device 19 for holding the film 3 on the load carrier 2. The holding device 19 can also comprise one or more actuating devices 20a for selectively actuating the holding device 19. The at least one actuating device 20a can be controlled, for example, by the control unit 14 of the winding device 1, as indicated in Fig. 1 by the connecting line.

[0084] The holding device 19 can, for example, comprise a clamping device for holding or clamping the film 3 to the load carrier 2, in particular by frictional engagement. The holding device 19, in particular the clamping device, can also comprise a plurality of holding elements 20b, which are distributed around the circumference of the receiving device 4a, as can be seen in Fig. 2.

[0085] In general, and particularly in the illustrated embodiment, a clamping device 19 is provided for each outer surface of the load carrier 2. Each clamping device comprises a movable holding element 20b, which is movable between a release position and a clamping position by means of an actuating device 20a, as indicated by the double arrow in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. In the clamping position, the film 3 can be clamped between the load carrier 2 and the holding elements 20b and thereby fixed to the load carrier 2.

[0086] For example, an actuating device 20a can be provided for actuating several, e.g., all, holding elements 20b, or a separate actuating device 20a can be provided for each clamping device. The actuating device 20a can comprise one or more suitable actuators for this purpose. The actuator can be designed, for example, for electrical, electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuation. The control unit 14 can actuate the available actuating devices 20a, for example, after a number of film layers of the film 3 have been wrapped around the load carrier 2 and preferably before the load carrier 2 is lowered by the lifting device 4.

[0087] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show a further and possibly independent embodiment of the winding device 1 according to the invention, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figs. 1-3. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1-3 for the same components. Fig. 4 shows a view similar to Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 shows a view similar to Fig. 2. For the sake of simplicity, only the essential differences from the first embodiment will be discussed in more detail.

[0088] The winding device 1 in turn has a positioning device 48, which is designed to position the receiving device 4a and the feed shaft 5 relative to one another along the movement axis A1. The positioning device 48 here in turn comprises a lifting device 4 for lifting and / or lowering the receiving device 4a or the load carrier 2 arranged on the receiving device 4a along a vertical movement axis A1. The lifting device 4 comprises the receiving device 4a for receiving the load carrier 2, which can be, for example, a standardized Euro pallet. Alternatively or in addition to the lifting device 4, the positioning device 48 could also comprise a shaft manipulator 50 for moving the feed shaft 50 along the movement axis A1. For the sake of simplicity, the shaft manipulator 50 is not shown in Fig. 4.

[0089] In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the lifting device 4 here does not comprise an external lifting guide structure 17 (see Fig. 1), but rather a telescopic drive 21, for example a hydraulic or pneumatic one, which can be arranged centrally below the receiving device 4a in the region of the movement axis A1. The telescopic drive 21 can be controlled by the control unit 14 to raise and / or lower the receiving device 4a along the movement axis A1. Of course, this embodiment is also to be understood only as an example and not as restrictive. A person skilled in the art could also provide a suitable other type of lifting device 4.

[0090] The winding device 1, in turn, has a feed chute 5 for feeding the plurality of products P to the load carrier 2 arranged on the receiving device 4a. The feed chute 5, or at least a part of the feed chute 5, is arranged vertically above the lifting device 4. The shape and size of the feed chute 5 can be determined such that the receiving device 4a, including the load carrier 2 arranged thereon, can be moved through the first chute opening 15a into the interior 16 of the feed chute 5. If the lifting device 4 has a sufficiently large stroke, the load carrier 2 can, if necessary, be moved upwards in the vertical direction until the loading surface 2a is located in the region of the second chute opening 15b, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figs. 6-9.

[0091] The receiving device 4a can comprise a platform on which the load carrier 2 can be arranged. The shape of a base area of ​​the platform is preferably geometrically similar to the shape of a base area of ​​the load carrier 2. In the case of a Euro pallet, the platform can, for example, be rectangular and have substantially the same length and width as the Euro pallet.

[0092] The winding system 49 of the second embodiment is designed according to the invention to wind a first film 11 in a first winding position WP1 around the movement axis A1, wherein an upper film end 11a of the first film 11 in the first winding position WP1 lies vertically above a lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5 and a lower film end 11b of the first film 11 lies below the lower shaft end 5a. Furthermore, the winding system 49 is designed to wind a second film 23 in a second winding position WP2 around the movement axis A1, in which an upper film end 23a of the respective film 3, 23 lies vertically below the lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5.

[0093] While the winding system 49 of the first embodiment comprises only one winding unit 6 which is movable in the vertical direction, the winding system 49 of the second embodiment comprises two separate winding units 10, 22 which are not movable in the vertical direction or at least do not necessarily have to be movable. The first winding unit 10 serves to unwind a first film 11 from a first film roll 12. The first winding unit 10 is arranged or can be arranged with respect to the feed shaft 5 such that an upper film end 11a of the first film 11 lies vertically above the lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5 and a lower film end 11b of the first film 11 lies below the lower shaft end 5a. The first winding unit 10 can be moved rotationally at a defined winding distance WA about the movement axis A1 by means of a first rotation device 13.

[0094] The position of the first winding unit 10 thus essentially corresponds to the first winding position WP1 of the winding unit 6 of the first embodiment according to Fig. 1. By means of the first winding unit 10, an upper part of the first film 11 can thus be wound around the first shaft end 5a and the lower section of the first film 11 can be wound around the products P located on the load carrier 2 (or, at the beginning of the winding process, possibly around the load carrier 2 itself).

[0095] The second winding unit 22 is designed to unwind a second film 23 from a second film roll 24. The second winding unit 22 is arranged or can be arranged with respect to the feed shaft 5 such that an upper film end 23a of the second film 23 lies vertically below the lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5. The winding device 1 further comprises a second rotation device 25 for rotating the second winding unit 22 at a defined winding distance WA about the movement axis AL. The position of the second winding unit 22 thus essentially corresponds to the second winding position WP2 of the winding unit 6 of the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0096] By means of the second winding unit 22, the second film 23 can thus be wrapped around the products P located on the load carrier 2 or over the already existing number of film layers of the first film 11. If the load carrier 2 is in the corresponding position, the second film 23 can also be wrapped around the load carrier 2 or the number of layers of the first film 11 that may already be wrapped around the load carrier 2. As a result, the second winding unit 22 enables tighter wrapping compared to the first winding unit 10, i.e., a higher winding tension, which enables improved cohesion of the products P or improved hold on the load carrier 2.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotation device 13 and the second rotation device 25 comprise a common stationary rotation guide structure 26. In principle, however, each rotation device could also have a separate rotation guide structure. The rotation guide structure 26 has a first guide rail 26a, which forms a guide path for the first winding unit 10, and a second guide rail 26b located vertically below the first guide rail 26a, which forms a guide path for the second winding unit 22. The guide rails 26a, 26b extend in the circumferential direction in a ring shape around the movement axis A1 and preferably form guide paths that are closed in the circumferential direction.On the receiving device 4a of the lifting device 4, a suitable holding device 19 for holding the first film 11 and the second film 23 on the load carrier 2 can again be provided, analogously to the first embodiment. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations, which apply analogously to the second embodiment.

[0098] Fig. 6 - Fig. 9 show a further and possibly independent embodiment of the winding device 1 according to the invention, wherein the same reference symbols or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Fig. 1 - Fig. 5. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Fig. 1 - Fig. 5 for the same components. Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section along the section line CC in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows a view from above. In Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 the winding device 1 is in a first state which is described in more detail below. Fig. 8 again shows a longitudinal section along the section line DD in Fig. 9 and Fig. 9 shows a view from above. In Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the winding device 1 is in a second state which is described in more detail below.

[0099] The winding device 1 of the third embodiment is largely designed in the same way as the winding device 1 of the first embodiment (see Figs. 1 - 3). For the sake of simplicity, only the essential differences from the first embodiment will be discussed in detail.

[0100] The winding device 1 in turn comprises a feed shaft 5, a receiving device 4a and a positioning device 48 for positioning the feed shaft 5 and the receiving device 4a relative to one another along the vertical movement axis AL. The feed shaft 5 is arranged stationary here and the positioning device 48 comprises a lifting device 4 for raising and lowering the receiving device 4a. The lifting device 4 is essentially designed as in the second embodiment (see above comments on Fig. 4). The receiving device 4a is part of the lifting device 4. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning device 48 could in turn comprise a shaft manipulator 50 for moving the feed shaft 5 along the vertical movement axis Al. The shaft manipulator 50 is indicated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 for the sake of completeness.The lifting device 4 is designed here in particular to move the receiving device 4a and the load carrier 2 arranged thereon within the interior 16 of the feed shaft 5 relative to the feed shaft 5. The receiving device 4a can thus, for example, initially be arranged below the lower shaft end 5a so that the load carrier 2 can be arranged thereon. The receiving device 4a including the load carrier 2 can then be lifted from the direction of the lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5 and moved further upwards into the interior 16. The lifting device 4 is preferably designed to move the receiving device 4a up to the upper shaft end 5b so that the load carrier 2 arranged thereon, or at least a part thereof, projects vertically beyond the upper shaft end 5b.

[0101] The winding device 1 in turn comprises a winding system 49, which is designed to wind a film 3 in a third winding position WP3 around the movement axis A1. In the third winding position WP3, a lower film end 3b of the film 3 lies vertically below the upper shaft end 5b of the feed shaft 5 and an upper film end 3a of the film 3 lies above the upper shaft end 5b. The third winding position WP3 is shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, the winding system is designed to wind the film 3 in a fourth winding position WP4 around the movement axis A1, wherein the lower film end 3b of the film 3 in the fourth winding position WP4 lies vertically above the upper shaft end 5b of the feed shaft 5. The fourth winding position WP4 is shown in Fig. 8. The winding system 49 and the positioning device 48, here the lifting device 4, can be controlled by the control unit 14 of the winding device 1.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the winding system 49 is designed essentially analogously to the first embodiment according to Fig. 1-Fig. 3. The winding system 49 thus comprises a winding unit 6 for unwinding the film 3 from a film roll 7. The winding system 49 further comprises a rotation device 8 for rotating the winding unit 6 at a defined winding distance WA around the movement axis AL

[0103] Furthermore, the winding system 49 comprises a translation device 9 for translationally moving the winding unit 6 parallel to the movement axis A1 and relative to the feed chute 5. The translation device 9 is particularly designed to move the winding unit 6 between the third winding position WP3 shown in Fig. 6 and the fourth winding position WP4 shown in Fig. 8. The winding unit 6 can be moved back and forth, in particular cyclically, between the third winding position WP3 (Fig. 6) and the fourth winding position WP4 (Fig. 8) by means of the translation device 9.

[0104] In the third winding position WP3 of the winding unit 6, a lower section of the film 3 can be wrapped around the upper shaft end 5b of the feed shaft 5 and an upper section of the film 3 can be wrapped around the products P that are located on the loading surface 2a of the load carrier 2 (see Fig. 6). In the fourth winding position WP4 (see Fig. 8), it is possible for only the products P that are on the loading surface 2a (and that have already been wrapped with the film 3 in the third winding position WP3) to be wrapped with the film 3, but not a section of the feed shaft 5. Since the feed shaft 5 is not wrapped in the fourth winding position WP4, the film 3 can be wound more tightly than in the third winding position WP3, i.e., with a higher winding tension. This allows a significantly improved hold of the products P on the load carrier 2 compared to previously known winding devices.

[0105] In the illustrated third embodiment, the rotation device 8 comprises a rotation guide structure 18 along which the winding unit 6 is rotatably movable. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the rotation guide structure 18 can, for example, comprise an annular guide rail that surrounds the movement axis A1 in the circumferential direction. The guide rail preferably forms a closed guide path in the circumferential direction along which the winding unit 6 is movable, as indicated by the double arrow in Fig. 7.

[0106] The translation device 9 here comprises a stationary translation guide structure 17, along which the rotation guide structure 18 is translationally movable. In contrast to the first embodiment, however, the translation guide structure 17 does not function as a lifting guide structure 17; rather, the lifting device has a telescopic drive, as already described above. The translation guide structure 17 can, for example, comprise a number of vertical columns that can be arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction around the movement axis A1. The columns are preferably firmly anchored in the ground. The columns can each form a vertical guide track along which the rotation guide structure 18 is movable in a translational direction of movement, as indicated by the double arrows in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8.According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), however, the rotation device 8 could also comprise a stationary rotational guide structure along which the translational guide structure of the translation device 9 is rotatably movable. The rotational guide structure could, in turn, be firmly anchored in the ground or to a suitable supporting structure. The winding unit 6 would, in turn, be translationally movable along the translational guide structure of the translation device 9.

[0107] The receiving device 4a can comprise a holding device 19 (not shown in Fig. 6 - Fig. 9) for holding the film 3 on the load carrier 2. To avoid repetition, with regard to the details of the winding system 49 and the holding device 19, reference is made to the above explanations for the first embodiment, which also apply analogously to the third embodiment.

[0108] At this point, it should be noted that the winding system 49 in the third embodiment of the winding device 1 could, in principle, also be designed to additionally wind the film 3 in the first and second winding positions WP1, WP2 in the lower region of the feed chute 5. Similarly, the winding system 49 in the first embodiment of the winding device 1 could, in principle, also be designed to wind the film 3 in the third and fourth winding positions WP3, WP3 in the upper region of the feed chute 5.

[0109] A fourth (not shown) embodiment of the winding device 1 can be designed analogously to the second embodiment according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. However, in contrast to the second embodiment, the first winding unit 10 is arranged such that the first film 11 can be wound around the movement axis A1 in the third winding position WP3. The second winding unit 22 is arranged such that the second film 23 can be wound around the movement axis A1 in the fourth winding position WP4.

[0110] With regard to the details, reference is made to the above statements regarding the second embodiment, which also apply analogously to the fourth embodiment. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted at this point that four winding units, each with a rotation device 8, could also be provided (not shown), e.g., a first winding unit for the first winding position WP1, a second winding unit for the second winding position WP2, a third winding unit for the third winding position WP3, and a fourth winding unit for the fourth winding position WP4. Exemplary embodiments of a feed chute 5 according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 10 to 18. The feed chute 5 can be used in the winding device 1 according to the invention and serves to feed products P to the load carrier 2.According to the invention, the feed chute 5 comprises an adhesion-reducing device 27 designed to reduce adhesion of the film 3 or first film 11 wound around the feed chute 5 to the feed chute 5. Figures 10 to 12 each show an advantageous embodiment of the feed chute 5.

[0111] The feed shaft 5 can comprise an open first shaft end 5a and an open second shaft end 5b connected to the first shaft end 5a. A first shaft opening 15a is provided at the first shaft end 5a, and a second shaft opening 15a is provided at the second shaft end 5b. The shaft openings 15a, 15b are connected via an interior space 16. The adhesion-reducing device 27 is preferably provided at least in the region of the first shaft end 5a, as indicated in Fig. 6. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesion-reducing device 27 could also be provided in the region of the second shaft end 5b, as indicated in Fig. 10. The adhesion-reducing device 27 could, of course, also extend over a greater length of the feed shaft 5, e.g., over a third of the length, half the length, or over the entire length, as shown by way of example in Fig. 11.

[0112] The feed chute 5 can be arranged in the winding device 1 such that the first chute opening 15a provided at the first chute end 5a is directed vertically downwards. The products P can thus be fed to the load carrier 2 via the second chute opening 15b provided at the second chute end 5b through the interior 16 of the feed chute 5. However, the feed chute 5 could also be arranged the other way around in the winding device 1, so that the second chute opening 15b is directed vertically downwards. The products P can thus be fed to the load carrier 2 via the first chute opening 15a through the interior 16 of the feed chute 5.

[0113] The feed shaft 5 can have a polygonal, preferably rectangular, outer contour or a round outer contour, at least in the region of the first shaft end 5a and / or in the region of the second shaft end 5b. The inner contour in the interior space 16 can, for example, correspond to the outer contour. Alternatively or additionally, the feed shaft 5 can taper from the second shaft end 5b toward the first shaft end 5a, or vice versa. The adhesion-reducing device 27 can, for example, be provided on an edge of the polygonal outer contour. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesion-reducing device 27 can also be provided on at least one peripheral surface of the outer contour.

[0114] In Fig. 10, the feed chute 5 is embodied, for example, as a hollow cylinder having an inner diameter Di and an outer diameter Da. The adhesion-reducing device 27 is arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder and extends longitudinally from the first chute end 5a over part of the length of the hollow cylinder toward the second chute end 5b. In the circumferential direction, the adhesion-reducing device 27 extends over the entire circumference of the hollow cylinder. Alternatively, the adhesion-reducing device 27 could also comprise several separate adhesion-reducing devices, which can be arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0115] In Fig. 1 1, the feed shaft 5 comprises, for example, a first shaft section 28 designed as a hollow cylinder, on which the first shaft end 5a lies, and a second shaft section 29 designed as a hollow cone, on which the second shaft end 5b lies. The adhesion-reducing device 27 is arranged here on an outer circumferential surface of the first shaft section 28 and extends substantially over the entire length of the first shaft section 28. In the circumferential direction, the adhesion-reducing device 27 again extends over the entire circumference of the hollow cylinder.

[0116] In Fig. 12, the feed chute 5 has a polygonal outer contour. The feed chute 5 comprises a first chute section 28 formed as a hollow prism with a rectangular cross-section, on which the first chute end 5a lies, and a second chute section 29, on which the second chute end 5b lies, and which is formed as a hollow truncated pyramid with a rectangular cross-section. The adhesion-reducing device 27 comprises several separate adhesion-reducing devices 27a, 27b, which are arranged circumferentially spaced from one another on the first chute section 28. The first adhesion-reducing devices 27a are arranged on the four outer edges, and the second adhesion-reducing devices 27b are arranged on the four flat outer circumferential surfaces, each of which lies between two outer edges.

[0117] The adhesion reduction device 27 is shown only schematically in Figs. 10-12.

[0118] Some advantageous specific embodiments of the adhesion reduction device 27 are described in more detail below. The different embodiments can also be combined in a feed chute 5, if necessary.

[0119] Fig. 13 shows a partial section of the feed chute 5 in the region of the adhesion-reducing device 27. In the example shown, the adhesion-reducing device 27 comprises a plurality of flow channels 30 through which compressed air 31 can be blown into a contact area 32 between the outer circumferential surface of the feed chute 5 and the film 3, 11. For this purpose, the feed chute 5 can, for example, be double-walled, wherein the plurality of flow channels 30 are provided in an outer wall 33 and wherein the compressed air 31 can be fed to the flow channels 30 via a gap 35 formed between the outer wall 33 and an inner wall 34.

[0120] The compressed air 31 can, for example, be provided by a suitable compressed air source 31a. The compressed air source 31a could, for example, be a compressed air tank or a compressed air generating device, e.g., a compressor. The intermediate space 35 could, for example, be substantially hermetically sealed and thus function as a pressure chamber that can be connected to the compressed air source 31a. Alternatively, the flow channels 30 could also be connected to the compressed air source 31a via suitable compressed air lines.

[0121] Fig. 14 shows a partial section of the feed chute 5 in the region of the adhesion-reducing device 27. In the example shown, the adhesion-reducing device 27 comprises at least one free-running or driven belt 36, wherein a strand of the belt 36 facing the respective film 3, 11 is movable in the direction of the first chute end 5a, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 10. If the adhesion-reducing device 27 is arranged in the region of the second chute end 5b, then the strand of the belt 36 facing the respective film 3, 11 would be movable in the direction of the second chute end 5b.

[0122] If the belt 36 is designed as a driven belt 36, then a belt drive device 37 can be provided, which can be controlled by a control unit 14 of the winding device 1. The belt drive device 37 can, for example, comprise a suitable electrical machine, in particular an electric motor. A movement of the belt 36 can, for example, be synchronized with a movement of the lifting device 4. Fig. 15 shows a partial section of the feed chute 5 in the region of the adhesion-reducing device 27. In the example shown, the adhesion-reducing device 27 comprises a lubricant introduction device 38 for introducing a preferably powdered lubricant 39 into the contact area 32 between the film 3, 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the feed chute 5.

[0123] The lubricant introduction device 38 can be controlled, for example, by the control unit 14 of the winding device 1 to introduce the lubricant. The lubricant introduction device 38 can, for example, comprise a lubricant reservoir and a lubricant delivery unit, e.g., a suitable pump. The pump can supply the lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the contact area 32, for example, via suitable lines 40.

[0124] For this purpose, the feed shaft 5 can, for example, be double-walled and comprise a plurality of lubricant channels 41 in the outer wall 33. The lubricant 39 can be supplied to the lubricant channels 41 via the intermediate space 35 formed between the outer wall 33 and the inner wall 34, e.g., via the above-mentioned lines 40.

[0125] Fig. 16 shows a partial section of the feed chute 5 in the area of ​​the adhesion-reducing device 27. In the example shown, the adhesion-reducing device 27 comprises a friction-reducing coating 42 provided on an outer side of the feed chute 5. The coating 42 can, for example, comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The coating 42 does not necessarily have to be provided on the entire outer circumferential surface; in the case of a polygonal outer contour, it could, for example, be provided only in the area of ​​the edges.

[0126] Fig. 17 shows a partial section of the feed chute 5 in the region of the adhesion-reducing device 27. In the example shown, the adhesion-reducing device 27 comprises a brush arrangement 43 with a number of brushes 44. The brushes 44 each comprise a plurality of bristles facing the film 3, 11.

[0127] Fig. 18 shows a partial section of the feed chute 5 in the area of ​​the adhesion-reducing device 27. In the example shown, the adhesion-reducing device 27 comprises an unwinding device 45 with a number of free-running rollers 46a or driven rollers 46b. The rollers 46a, 46b can, for example, comprise rollers and / or balls and / or wheels. If the unwinding device 45 comprises driven rollers 46b, then a roller drive device 47 can be provided, which can be controlled by the control unit 14 of the winding device 1. The roller drive device 47 can, for example, comprise a suitable electrical machine, in particular an electric motor.

[0128] A winding method according to the invention for wrapping a plurality of products P arranged on a load carrier 2 with a film 3 according to a first embodiment is described below. The method can be carried out, for example, with the winding device 1 of the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3. Fig. 19 shows a block diagram with the method steps of the method.

[0129] In a first step S1, a load carrier 2 including a plurality of products P arranged thereon and a feed shaft 5 provided for feeding the plurality of products P' to the load carrier 2 are positioned in a first loading position LP1 relative to one another along the first movement axis A1. The positioning can be carried out by means of the positioning device 48, i.e. by means of the lifting device 4 and / or by means of the shaft manipulator 50. In the first loading position LP1, a loading surface 2a of the load carrier 2 is spaced at a first loading distance LI>0 from a lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5 facing the load carrier 2, as indicated in Fig.1. A first loading distance LI=0 would mean, for example, that the loading surface 2a directly borders the lower shaft end 5a.

[0130] In a next step S2, at least a first film web of a film 3 is automatically produced by rotating the film 3 around the vertical movement axis A1 in a first winding position WP1. An upper film end 3a of the film 3 lies vertically above the lower shaft end 5a, and a lower film end 3b of the film 3 lies below the lower shaft end 5a (see Fig. 1). The wrapping is carried out here by means of a winding unit 6, in which the winding unit 6 is moved rotationally around the vertical movement axis A1 by means of a rotation device 8. This allows the feed shaft and the products P located on the load carrier 2 (or possibly the load carrier 2 itself) to be wrapped with the film 3 at the same time.In a further step S3, the load carrier 2 and the feed shaft 5 are positioned in a second loading position LP2 relative to each other along the movement axis A1, wherein the loading surface 2a in the second loading position LP2 is spaced from the lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5 by a second loading distance L2 that is greater than the first loading distance L1, as shown in Fig. 3. The positioning can again be carried out by means of the positioning device 28, i.e., by means of the lifting device 4 and / or by means of the shaft manipulator 50.

[0131] In a further step S4, at least a second film web of the film 3 is produced automatically by rotating the film 3 around the vertical movement axis A1 in a second winding position WP2. In the second winding position WP2, the upper film end 3a of the film 3 lies vertically below the lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5. The second winding position WP2 is shown in Fig. 3. The wrapping is carried out here again using the same winding unit 6. For this purpose, the winding unit 6 can first be moved, in particular lowered, from the first winding position WP1 to the second winding position WP2 parallel to the movement axis A1 relative to the feed shaft 5 by means of a translation device 9. The products P can then be wrapped with the film 3 by rotating the winding unit 6 around the movement axis A1 by means of the rotation device 8.

[0132] As a result, only the products P located on the load carrier 2 (or the film 3 previously wrapped around the products P in the first wrapping position WP1) can be wrapped with the same film 3. Because the feed chute 5 is not wrapped, the film 3 can be wrapped more tightly around the products P than in the first wrapping position WP1, i.e., with a higher wrapping tension.

[0133] It should be noted that steps S1-S4 do not necessarily have to be performed in the order mentioned. For example, steps S3 and S4 could be performed simultaneously or in reverse order.

[0134] According to a preferred embodiment, in an optional step S5, the film 3 can be held on the load carrier 2 by means of a holding device 19, in particular during the relative movement between the receiving device 4a and the feed shaft, for example the lowering of the lifting device 4. Step S5 can be carried out, for example, between step S2 and step S3. For example, a specified number of film layers of the film 3 can first be wrapped around the load carrier 2 and the specified number of film layers of the film 3 can then be fixed to the load carrier 2 by means of the holding device 19. This can prevent the film 3 from slipping off the load carrier 2 during the lowering of the load carrier 2.

[0135] According to a further preferred embodiment, in an optional step S6, adhesion of the film 3 to the feed chute 5 can be reduced by means of an adhesion-reducing device 27. Step S6 can, for example, also be performed between step S2 and step S3, possibly simultaneously with the optional step S5. This can improve the sliding of the film 3 from the feed chute 5 and thus prevent the film 3 from adhering to the feed chute 5. The adhesion-reducing device 27 can, for example, be designed as described with reference to Figs. 10 to 18.

[0136] In a further optional step S7, a so-called head wrap can be created. The head wrap is preferably created at the very end of the wrapping process at the upper end of the product stack already wrapped with film 3. The head wrap can be created by cyclically moving film 3 back and forth between a first head wrap position and a second head wrap position during rotary wrapping. In the first head wrap position, the vertically upper film end 3a of film 3 is spaced from the lower shaft end 5b by a first head wrap distance. In the second head wrap position, the upper film end 3a of film 3 is spaced from the lower shaft end 5b by a larger second head wrap distance.

[0137] The load carrier 2 is arranged in a preferably constant head-loading position in each of the two head-winding positions. In the head-loading position, the products P of the product stack arranged on the load carrier 2 and located vertically on top are located in the area of ​​the film 3. This advantageously allows a cover layer of the (packaging) film 3 to be created, which at least partially overlaps the product stack on one upper side. The products are thus reliably secured against falling.

[0138] According to an alternative second variant of the winding method, winding in the first winding position WP1 in step S2 is carried out with a first film 11, and winding in the second winding position WP2 in step S4 is carried out with a separate second film 23. The method can be carried out, for example, with the winding device 1 according to Figs. 4 and 5. Steps S1 and S3 as well as the optional steps S5 and S6 remain unchanged. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations. Head winding according to step S7 is not possible here due to the vertically immobile winding units 10, 22.

[0139] Step S2 is preferably carried out by rotating a first winding unit 10 about the vertical movement axis A1 by means of a first rotation device 13. The first winding unit 10 is arranged with respect to the feed chute 5 such that the first film 11 is in the first winding position WP1, i.e., an upper film end 11a of the first film 11 lies vertically above the lower chute end 5a and a lower film end 11b of the first film 11 lies below the lower chute end 5a, as can be seen in Fig. 4.

[0140] Step S4 is preferably carried out by rotating the second winding unit 22 about the movement axis A1 by means of a second rotation device 25. The second winding unit 22 is arranged with respect to the feed chute 5 such that the second film 23 is in the second winding position WP2, i.e., an upper film end 23a of the second film 23 is spaced vertically from a lower film end 11b of the first film 11, as can be seen in Fig. 4.

[0141] It should be noted here that the steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order listed. For example, steps S3 and S4 could be performed at least partially concurrently.

[0142] The first loading distance LI can, for example, be set in both the first and the second variant of the winding method such that the lower film end 3b, 11b of the respective film 3, 11 is located in the area of ​​the load carrier 2. This allows the lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5 and the load carrier 2 to be wrapped with the first film web of the film 3, 11 at the same time. Alternatively, the first loading distance LI can also be set such that the lower film end 3b, 11b of the respective film 3, 11 is located in the area of ​​the products P located on the load carrier 2. This allows the lower shaft end 5a of the feed shaft 5 and at least some of the products P to be wrapped with the first film web of the respective film 3, 11 at the same time.

[0143] The second loading distance L2 can be set in both the first and the second variant of the wrapping method, for example, such that the lower film end 3b, 23b of the respective film 3, 23 is located in the area of ​​the load carrier 2. This allows the load carrier 2 and at least some of the products P located thereon to be wrapped with the at least one second film web at the same time. Alternatively, the second loading distance L2 can be set such that the lower film end 3b, 23b of the respective film 3, 23 is located above the loading surface 2a of the load carrier 2, so that at least some of the products P located on the load carrier 2 are wrapped with the at least one second film web without the load carrier 2.

[0144] A winding method according to a third embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 20. The winding method can be carried out, for example, using the winding device 1 shown in Figs. 6 to 9. Fig. 20 shows a block diagram with the method steps of the method.

[0145] In a first step S1, a load carrier 2 including the plurality of products P arranged thereon and a feed shaft 5 provided for feeding the plurality of products P' to the load carrier 2 are positioned in a third loading position LP3 relative to each other along a vertical movement axis A1. In the third loading position LP3, a loading surface 2a of the load carrier 2 is spaced at a third loading distance L3 from a vertically upper shaft end 5b of the feed shaft 5, as shown, for example, in Fig.6. Positioning can be performed by means of the positioning device 48, i.e., by means of the lifting device 4 and / or by means of the shaft manipulator 50.

[0146] In a further step S2, at least a first film web of a film 3 is produced by rotating the film 3 around the vertical movement axis Al in a third winding position WP3. In the third winding position WP3, a lower film end 3b of the film 3 lies vertically below the upper shaft end 5b and an upper film end 3a of the film 3 lies above the upper shaft end 5b, as also shown in Fig. 6. The wrapping takes place here by means of a winding unit 6, in that the winding unit 6 is moved rotationally around the vertical movement axis Al by means of a rotation device 8. This allows the feed shaft and the products P located on the load carrier 2 to be wrapped with the film 3 at the same time.

[0147] In a further step S3, the load carrier 2 and the feed shaft 5 are positioned relative to each other along the movement axis A1 in a fourth loading position LP4. In the fourth loading position LP4, the loading surface 2a is spaced from the upper shaft end 5b of the feed shaft 5 by a fourth loading distance L4, which is smaller than the third loading distance L3, as shown in Fig. 8. Positioning can again be performed by means of the positioning device 48, i.e., by means of the lifting device 4 and / or by means of the shaft manipulator 50.

[0148] In a further step S4, at least a second film web of the film 3 is produced by rotating the same film 3 around the vertical movement axis A1 in a fourth winding position WP4. In the fourth winding position WP4, the lower film end 3b of the film 3 lies vertically above the upper shaft end 5b of the feed shaft 5, as shown in Fig.8. The winding is carried out here using the same winding unit 6 as the winding in the third winding position WP3. For this purpose, the winding unit 6 can first be moved, in particular raised, from the third winding position WP3 to the fourth winding position WP4 parallel to the movement axis A1 relative to the feed shaft 5 by means of a translation device 9.Thereafter, the products P already previously wrapped with the at least one first film web can be wrapped with one or more second film webs of the same film 3 by moving the winding unit 6 in a rotational manner about the movement axis Al by means of the rotation device 8.

[0149] Preferably, in an optional step S5, the film 3 can again be held on the load carrier 2 by means of a holding device 19, in particular during the relative movement between the receiving device 4a and the feed shaft 5, for example, the lifting of the lifting device 4. Step S5 can be carried out, for example, between step S2 and step S3. Furthermore, in an optional step S6, the adhesion of the film 3 to the feed shaft 5 can preferably be reduced by means of an adhesion-reducing device 27. Step S6 can, for example, also be carried out between step S2 and step S3, if necessary simultaneously with the optional step S5.

[0150] In a further optional step S7, a head winding can again be created. The head winding is preferably again created at the very end of the winding process at the upper end of the product stack already wrapped with the film 3. The head winding can be created by cyclically moving the film 3 back and forth between a third head winding position and a fourth head winding position during the rotary winding. In the third head winding position, the lower film end 3a of the film 3 is spaced a third head winding distance from the upper shaft end 5b, and in the fourth head winding position, the lower film end 3a of the film 3 is spaced a larger fourth head winding distance from the upper shaft end 5b. The load carrier 2 is again arranged in a preferably constant head loading position in each of the two head winding positions.In the head loading position, the products P of the product stack arranged on the load carrier 2 and at the top in the vertical direction are located in the area of ​​the film 3.

[0151] According to an alternative fourth variant of the winding method, winding in the third winding position WP3 in step S2 is carried out with a first film 11, and winding in the fourth winding position WP4 in step S4 is carried out with a separate second film 23. Steps S1 and S3, as well as the optional steps S5 and S6, remain unchanged. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations. Head winding according to step S7 is not possible here due to the vertically immobile winding units 10, 22.

[0152] Step S2 is preferably carried out by rotating a first winding unit 10 about the vertical movement axis A1 by means of a first rotation device 13. The first winding unit 10 is arranged with respect to the feed shaft 5 such that the first film 11 is in the third winding position WP3, ie, a lower film end 11b of the first film 11 lies vertically below the upper shaft end 5b and an upper film end 11a of the first film 11 lies above the upper shaft end 5b.

[0153] Step S4 is preferably carried out by rotating the second winding unit 22 about the movement axis A1 by means of a second rotation device 25. The second winding unit 22 is arranged with respect to the feed chute 5 such that the second film 23 is in the fourth winding position WP4, i.e., a lower film end 23b of the second film 23 is spaced vertically from an upper film end 11a of the first film 11.

[0154] It should be noted at this point that the steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order mentioned. For example, steps S3 and S4 could again be performed at least partially simultaneously. The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiments. It should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments. Rather, various combinations of the individual embodiments are also possible. This variation possibility, based on the teaching of technical action based on the present invention, lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field.

[0155] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0156] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0157] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0158] Reference symbol list

[0159] Winding device 24 Second film roll

[0160] Load carrier 25 Second rotation devicea Loading area 26 Rotation guide structure

[0161] Film 26a First guide rail a Upper film end 26b Second guide rail b Lower film end 27 Adhesive reduction device

[0162] Lifting device 28 First shaft sectiona Receiving device 29 Second shaft section Feed shaft 30 Flow channel a First shaft end 31 Compressed air b Second shaft end 31a Compressed air source

[0163] Winding unit 32 contact area

[0164] Film roll 33 Outer wall

[0165] Rotation device 34 inner wall

[0166] Translation device 35 Intermediate space 0 First winding unit 36 ​​Belt 1 First film 37 Belt drive device 2 First film roll 38 Lubricant introduction device 3 First rotation device 4 Control unit 39 Lubricant 5a First shaft opening 40 Line 5b Second shaft opening 41 Lubricant channel 6 Interior 42 Coating 7 Lifting guide structure 43 Brush arrangement 8 Rotation guide structure 44 Brush 9 Holding device 45 Unwinding device 0a Actuating device 46a Rolling body 0b Holding element 46b Driven rolling body 1 Telescopic drive 47 Roll drive device 2 Second winding unit 48 Positioning device 3 Second film 49 Winding system 50 Shaft manipulator

[0167] Al vertical axis of movement

[0168] P, P' Products

[0169] WPi winding position

[0170] WA changing distance

[0171] LPi charging position

[0172] Li Ladeabstand

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Winding device (1) for wrapping products (P) arranged on a load carrier (2) with at least one film (3), wherein the winding device (1) comprises the following: a receiving device (4a) for receiving the load carrier (2), a feed shaft (5) for feeding the products (P') to the load carrier (2) arranged on the receiving device (4a), a positioning device (48) for positioning the receiving device (4a) and the feed shaft (5) relative to one another along a vertical movement axis (Al), a winding system (49) for rotationally winding the at least one film (3) around the movement axis (Al), characterized in that the winding system (49) is at least designed to wind the film (3) or a first film (11) in a first winding position (WP1) around the movement axis (Al), in which an upper film end (3a, 11a) of the respective film (3,11) is located in the vertical direction above a lower shaft end (5a) of the feed shaft (5) and a lower film end (3b, 11b) of the respective film (3, 11) is located below the lower shaft end (5a) and to wind the film (3) or a second film (23) in a second winding position (WP2) around the movement axis (A1), in which an upper film end (3a, 23a) of the respective film (3, 23) is located in the vertical direction below the lower shaft end (5a) of the feed shaft (5) and / or that the winding system (49) is at least designed to wind a film (3) or a first film (11) in a third winding position (WP3) around the movement axis (A1), in which a lower film end (3b, 11b) of the respective film (3, 11) is located in the vertical direction below an upper shaft end (5b) of the feed chute (5) and an upper film end (3a, 11a) of the respective film (3,11) is located above the upper shaft end (5b) and to wind the film (3) or another film (23) in a fourth winding position (WP4) around the movement axis (Al), in which a lower film end (3b, 23b) of the respective film (3, 23) is located vertically above the upper shaft end (5b) of the feed shaft (5).

2. Winding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning device (48) comprises a lifting device (4) for moving, in particular lifting and / or lowering, the receiving device (4a) along the vertical movement axis (Al) relative to the feed shaft (5) and / or that the positioning device (48) comprises a shaft manipulator (50) for moving, in particular lifting and / or lowering, the feed shaft (5) along the vertical movement axis (Al) relative to the receiving device (4a).

3. Winding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the winding system (49) comprises a winding unit (6) for unwinding the film (3) from a film roll (7), a rotation device (8) for rotating the winding unit (6) at a defined winding distance (WA) about the movement axis (Al) and a translation device (9) for translationally moving the winding unit (6) parallel to the movement axis (Al) relative to the feed shaft (5), wherein the translation device (9) is at least designed to move the winding unit (6) between the first winding position (WP1) and the second winding position (WP2) and / or between the third winding position (WP3) and the fourth winding position (WP4).

4. Winding device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the lifting device (4) and / or the shaft manipulator (50) and the translation device (9) comprise a common guide structure (17).

5. Winding device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the winding unit (6) is movable translationally along a translation guide structure of the translation device (9), wherein the translation guide structure is movable rotationally along a stationary rotation guide structure of the rotation device (8) or that the winding unit (6) is movable rotationally along a rotation guide structure (18) of the rotation device (8), wherein the rotation guide structure (18) is movable translationally along a stationary translation guide structure (17) of the translation device (9).

6. Winding device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the winding system (49) is designed to carry out a head winding, wherein the winding unit (6) during the rotary movement by the rotation device (8) by means of the translation device (9) is cyclically moved between a first Head winding position and a second head winding position, wherein the upper film end (3a) of the film (3) is spaced from the lower shaft end (5a) in the first head winding position by a first head winding distance and is spaced from the lower shaft end (5a) in the second head winding position by a larger second head winding distance and / or is cyclically movable back and forth between a third head winding position and a fourth head winding position, wherein the lower film end (3b) of the film (3) is spaced from the upper shaft end (5b) in the third head winding position by a third head winding distance and is spaced from the upper shaft end (5b) in the fourth head winding position by a larger fourth head winding distance, and that the winding unit (6) and the receiving device (4a) are each positionable relative to one another in the vertical direction in a head loading position in the head winding positions,in which the uppermost products (P) on the load carrier (2) in the vertical direction are located in the area of the film (3).

7. Winding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the winding system (49) comprises a first winding unit (10), preferably immovable in the vertical direction, for unwinding a first film (11) from a first film roll (12), and a first rotation device (13) for rotating the first winding unit (10) at a defined winding distance (WA) around the movement axis (Al), wherein the first winding unit (10) is arranged in the vertical direction such that the first film (11) is in the first winding position (WP1) or in the third winding position (WP3), and in that the winding system (49) comprises a second winding unit (22), preferably immovable in the vertical direction, for unwinding a second film (23) from a second film roll (24), and a second rotation device (25) for rotating the second winding unit (22) at a defined winding distance (WA) around the movement axis (Al),wherein the second winding unit (22) is arranged in the vertical direction so that the second film (23) is in the second winding position (WP2) or in the fourth winding position (WP4).

8. Winding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the winding device (1) comprises at least one control unit (14) for controlling the positioning device (48), in particular the lifting device (4) and / or the shaft manipulator (50), and for controlling the winding system (49), wherein the Control unit (14) is designed to synchronize the movement of the receiving device (4a) and / or the movement of the feed shaft (5) with the movement of the winding system (49).

9. Winding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the receiving device (4a) has a holding device (19) for holding the film (3, 11) on the load carrier (2).

10. Winding device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the holding device (19) comprises an actuating device (20a) for selectively actuating the holding device (19) and that the winding device (1) comprises a control unit (14) for controlling the actuating device.

11. Winding device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the holding device (19) comprises a clamping device for holding, in particular frictionally locking, the respective film (3, 11) on the load carrier (2) and / or the products (P) arranged on the load carrier (2).

12. Winding device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the holding device (19) comprises a plurality of holding elements (20b) which are arranged distributed around the circumference of the receiving device (4a), wherein the plurality of holding elements (20b) can preferably be actuated by the actuating device (20a).

13. Winding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the feed shaft (5) is designed according to one of claims 14 to 26.

14. Feed chute (5) for a winding device (1), in particular a winding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, for feeding products (P) to a load carrier (2), characterized in that the feed chute (5) has an adhesion reducing device (27) which is designed to reduce adhesion of a film (3, 11) wound around the feed chute (5) to the feed chute (5).

15. Feed chute (5) according to claim 14, characterized in that the feed chute (5) comprises an open first chute end (5a) and an open second chute end (5b) connected to the first chute end (5a), wherein the adhesion reducing device is provided at least in the region of the first chute end (5a) or the second chute end (5b), and wherein the feed chute (5) can preferably be arranged in the winding device (1) such that the first chute end (5a) points downwards in the vertical direction, so that the products (P) can be fed via the second chute end (5b) through an interior of the feed chute (5) to a load carrier (2) located in the interior or below the lower chute end (5a), or vice versa.

16. Feed chute (5) according to claim 15, characterized in that the feed chute (5) tapers from the second chute end (5b) towards the first chute end (5a) or vice versa.

17. Feed chute (5) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the feed chute (5) has a polygonal, preferably rectangular, outer contour or a round outer contour at least in the region of the first and / or second chute end (5a, 5b).

18. Feed chute (5) according to claim 17, characterized in that the adhesion reducing device (27) is provided at least on one edge of the polygonal outer contour and / or that the adhesion reducing device (27) is provided on at least one circumferential surface of the outer contour.

19. Feed chute (5) according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the adhesion-reducing device (27) comprises a plurality of flow channels (30) through which compressed air (31) can be blown into a contact area (32) between the feed chute (5) and the film (3).

20. Feed shaft (5) according to claim 19, characterized in that the feed shaft (5) is double-walled at least in the region of the first and / or second shaft end (5a, 5b), wherein the plurality of flow channels (30) are arranged in an outer Wall (33) is provided and wherein the compressed air (31) can be supplied to the flow channels (30) via an intermediate space (35) formed between the outer wall (33) and an inner wall (34).

21. Feed chute (5) according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the adhesion-reducing device (27) comprises at least one free-running or driven belt (36), wherein a strand of the belt (36) facing the film (3) is movable in the direction of the first and / or second chute end (5a, 5b), wherein the driven belt (36) has a belt drive device (37) which can be controlled by a control unit (14) of the winding device (1).

22. Feed chute (5) according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the adhesion-reducing device (27) comprises a lubricant introduction device (38) for introducing a, preferably powdered, lubricant (39) into a contact area (32) between the film (3) and the feed chute (5), wherein the lubricant introduction device (38) can be controlled by a control unit (14) of the winding device (1).

23. Feed chute (5) according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the adhesion reducing device (27) comprises a brush arrangement (43) with a number of brushes (44).

24. Feed chute (5) according to one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that the adhesion-reducing device (27) comprises a friction-reducing coating (42) which is preferably arranged on an outer side of the feed chute (5), wherein the coating (42) preferably comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.

25. Feed chute (5) according to one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that the adhesion reducing device (27) comprises a rolling device (45) with a number of free-running or driven rolling bodies (46a, 46b), wherein the rolling device (45) preferably comprises at least one roller drive device (47) for driving the driven rolling body (46b) which can be controlled by a control unit of the winding device (1).

26. Feed chute (5) according to claim 25, characterized in that the number of rolling bodies (46a, 46b) comprises a number of rollers and / or balls and / or wheels.

27. A winding method for wrapping products (P) arranged on a load carrier (2) with at least one film (3), the winding method comprising the following steps: Positioning a load carrier (2) including the products (P) arranged thereon and a feed shaft (5) provided for feeding the plurality of products (P') to the load carrier (2) in a first loading position (LP1) relative to one another along a vertical movement axis (Al), wherein a loading surface (2a) of the load carrier (2) in the first loading position (LP1) is spaced at a first loading distance LI > 0 from a lower shaft end (5a) of the feed shaft (5) facing the load carrier (2), Automated production of at least a first film web of the film (3) or a first film (11) by rotationally winding the film (3) or the first film (11) around the vertical movement axis (Al) in a first winding position (WP1), in which an upper film end (3a, 11a) of the respective film (3, 11) lies vertically above the lower shaft end (5a) and a lower film end (3b, 11b) of the respective film (3, 11) lies below the lower shaft end (5a), Positioning the load carrier (2) and the feed shaft (5) in a second loading position (LP2) relative to each other along the movement axis (Al), wherein the loading surface (2a) in the second loading position (LP2) is spaced from the lower shaft end (5a) of the feed shaft (5) by a second loading distance (L2) which is greater than the first loading distance (LI), and Automated production of at least one second film web of the film (3) or of a second film (23) by rotationally winding the film (3) or the second film (23) around the vertical movement axis (Al) in a second winding position (WP2), in which the upper film end (3a, 23a) of the respective film (3, 23) lies in the vertical direction below the lower shaft end (5a) of the feed shaft (5).

28. Wrapping method according to claim 27, wherein the first loading distance (LI) is set such that the lower film end (3b, 11b) of the respective film (3, 11) is located in the region of the load carrier (2), so that the lower shaft end (5a) of the feed shaft (5) and the load carrier (2) are wrapped with a film web of the film (3, 11), or that the first loading distance (LI) is set such that the lower film end (3b, 11b) of the respective film (3, 11) is located in the region of the products (P) located on the load carrier (2), so that the lower shaft end (5a) of the feed shaft (5) and at least some of the products (P) are wrapped with the first film web of the respective film (3, 11).

29. Wrapping method according to one of claims 27 or 28, wherein the second loading distance (L2) is set such that the lower film end (3b, 23b) of the respective film (3, 23) is located in the region of the load carrier (2), so that the load carrier (2) and at least some of the products (P) located thereon are wrapped with the at least one second film web, or is set such that the lower film end (3b, 23b) of the respective film (3, 23) is located above the loading surface (2a) of the load carrier (2), so that at least some of the products (P) located on the load carrier (2) are wrapped with the at least one second film web without the load carrier (2).

30. A winding method for wrapping a plurality of products (P) arranged on a load carrier (2) with at least one film (3), the winding method comprising the following steps: Positioning a load carrier (2) including the plurality of products (P) arranged thereon and a feed shaft (5) provided for feeding the plurality of products (P') to the load carrier (2) in a third loading position (LP3) relative to one another along a vertical movement axis (Al), wherein a loading surface (2a) of the load carrier (2) in the third loading position (LP3) is spaced at a third loading distance L3 > 0 from a vertically upper shaft end (5b) of the feed shaft (5), Automated production of at least a first film web of a film (3) or a first film (11) by rotationally winding the film (3) or the first film (11) around the vertical movement axis (Al) in a third winding position (WP3), in which a lower film end (3b, 11b) of the respective film (3, 11) lies vertically below the upper shaft end (5b) and an upper film end (3a) of the respective film (3, 11) lies above the upper shaft end (5b), Positioning the load carrier (2) and the feed shaft (5) along the movement axis (Al) relative to each other in a fourth loading position (LP4), in which the loading surface (2a) is spaced from the upper shaft end (5b) of the feed shaft (5) at a fourth loading distance (L4) which is smaller than the third loading distance (L3), and Automated production of at least one second film web of the film (3) or of a second film (23) by rotationally winding the film (3) or the second film (23) around the vertical movement axis (Al) in a fourth winding position (WP4), in which the lower film end (3b, 23b) of the respective film (3, 23) lies in the vertical direction above the upper shaft end (5b) of the feed shaft (5).

31. Winding method according to claim 27 or 30, wherein the relative positioning of the load carrier (2) and the feed shaft (5) is carried out by moving the load carrier (2) by means of a lifting device (4) along the movement axis (Al) relative to the feed shaft (5) and / or by moving the feed shaft (5) by means of a shaft manipulator (50) along the movement axis (Al) relative to the load carrier (2).

32. Winding method according to one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the production of the first film web and the production of the second film web are carried out with the same film (3), wherein the film (3) is unwound from a film roll (7) in the first winding position (WP1) or in the third winding position (WP3) by means of a winding unit (6) by moving the winding unit (6) rotationally about the vertical movement axis (A1) by means of a rotation device (8), wherein the winding unit (6) is moved by means of a translation device (9) in the vertical direction parallel to the movement axis (A1) from the first winding position (WP1) to the second winding position (WP2) or from the third winding position (WP3) to the fourth winding position (WP4), and wherein the film (3) is unwound from the film roll (7) in the second winding position (WP2) or in the fourth winding position (WP4) by means of the winding unit (6),by moving the winding unit (6) rotationally around the vertical movement axis (Al) by means of the rotation device (8).

33. Winding method according to one of claims 27 to 32, wherein a head winding is produced by moving the film (3) cyclically back and forth between a first head winding position and a second head winding position during the rotary winding, wherein the upper film end (3a) of the film (3) is spaced from the lower shaft end (5b) at a first head winding distance in the first head winding position and is spaced from the lower shaft end (5b) at a larger second head winding distance in the second head winding position or is cyclically moved back and forth between a third head winding position and a fourth head winding position, wherein the lower film end (3a) of the film (3) is spaced from the upper shaft end (5b) at a third head winding distance in the third head winding position and is spaced from the upper shaft end (5b) at a larger fourth head winding distance in the fourth head winding position and that the load carrier (2) is arranged in a preferably constant head loading position in each of the head winding positions, in which the uppermost products (P) on the load carrier (2) in the vertical direction are located in the region of the film (3).

34. Winding method according to one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the production of the at least one first film web takes place by means of a first winding unit (10) and the production of the at least one second film web takes place with a second winding unit (22), wherein the first film (11) is unwound from a first film roll (7) in the first winding position (WP1) by means of the first winding unit (10) in that the first winding unit (10) is moved rotationally about the movement axis (A1) by means of a first rotation device (13) and the second film (23) is unwound from a second film roll (24) in the second winding position (WP2) by means of the second winding unit (22) in that the second winding unit (22) is moved rotationally about the movement axis (A1) by means of a second rotation device (25), wherein the first winding unit (10) and the second winding unit (22) are arranged in the vertical direction such that mutually facing film ends (11b,23a) of the first film (11) and the second film (23) are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction, or wherein the first film (11) is unwound from a first film roll (7) in the third winding position (WP3) by means of the first winding unit (10) in that the first winding unit (10) is moved in a rotational manner about the movement axis (Al) by means of a first rotation device (13), and the second film (23) is unwound from a second film roll (24) in the fourth winding position (WP4) by means of the second winding unit (22) in that the second winding unit (22) is moved in a rotational manner about the movement axis (Al) by means of a second rotation device (25), wherein the first winding unit (10) and the second winding unit (22) are arranged in the vertical direction in such a way that one another, facing film ends (11a, 23b) of the first film (11) and the second film (23) are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction.

35. Winding method according to one of claims 27 to 34, characterized in that the film (3) and / or the first film (11) and / or the second film (23) is held on the load carrier (2) by means of a holding device (19) at least during the positioning of the load carrier (2) and the feed shaft (5) relative to one another.

36. Method according to one of claims 27 to 35, characterized in that by means of an adhesion reducing device (27) adhesion of the film (3) or of the first film (11) to the feed shaft (5) in the region of the lower shaft end (5a) is reduced or adhesion of the film (3) or of the first film (11) to the feed shaft (5) in the region of the upper shaft end (5b) is reduced.

37. Method according to one of claims 27 to 36, characterized in that the at least one first film web of the film (3) or of the first film (11) is wound in the first winding position (WP1) with a first winding tension and that the at least one second film web of the film (3) or of the second film (23) is wound in the second winding position (WP2) with a second winding tension which is greater than the first winding tension, or that the at least one first film web of the film (3) or of the first film (11) is wound in the third winding position (WP3) with a first winding tension and that the at least one second film web of the film (3) or of the second film (23) is wound in the fourth winding position (WP4) with a second winding tension which is greater than the first winding tension.

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