Shrink device and method for shrinking a shrinking material onto articles at least partly wrapped with the shrinking material

Abstract

The invention relates to a shrink device (1) and a method for shrinking a shrinking material (30) onto articles (21) at least partly wrapped with the shrinking material (30). The shrink device (1) comprises an interior (8) having at least one conveyor line (7) for transporting articles (21) wrapped with shrinking material (30) in a transport direction (TR) between an inlet (5) and an outlet (6). The shrink device (1) comprises, at least in some regions, an outflow area (10) which is designed to introduce shrink medium (9) into the interior (8) of the shrink device (1) from above towards the conveyor line (7). The outflow area (10) is located above the at least one conveyor line (7) and can be set or adjusted in height (40).

Description

[0001] Shrinking device and method for shrinking a shrink material onto articles at least partially wrapped with the shrink material

[0002] The present invention relates to a shrinking device and a method for shrinking a shrink material onto articles at least partially wrapped with the shrink material, having the features of the independent claims.

[0003] The present invention relates to shrinking devices such as those used for the heat treatment of article groups wrapped in film, in particular for the purpose of forming shrink film packages.

[0004] In filling and packaging plants, it is common practice for items, especially bottles, cans, beverage cartons, or the like, to be wrapped in shrink film and then transported through a shrinking device. The items wrapped in shrink film are exposed to a shrinking medium or shrinking agent, especially hot air. The shrink film shrinks and adheres to the items or combination of items. A cooling area with fans, directly adjacent to the shrinking device, ensures rapid cooling of the resulting packaging units or containers, thus giving them their transportable strength.

[0005] The basic structure of a shrinking device will only be outlined here in broad outline. A specialist familiar with the subject matter and topics of the packaging industry will be well aware of the structure of such shrinking devices, so no further details are required here.

[0006] A shrinking device usually comprises a circulating endless conveyor which runs at least partially through a housing which defines an interior space of the shrinking device. Furthermore, a shrinking device usually comprises several heating elements on its top side as well as fans or blowers to generate the hot air required as a shrinking agent and then distribute it within the interior of the shrinking device. In order to achieve a particularly even distribution of the hot air, after it has been generated, the hot air is preferably guided partly into so-called shaft walls by means of suitable hot air ducts and partly into a floor chamber which is located directly beneath the conveyor of the shrinking device. In this way, the articles wrapped in shrink film can preferably be actively exposed to the shrinking agent from at least three sides.

[0007] Large containers containing numerous items often result in unsightly shrinkage results. This is especially evident when using more stable or thicker shrink materials with suboptimal shrink properties. This is particularly evident in the upper area or top of the produced shrink packs, as the shrink material does not shrink cleanly between the items. The shrink packs are then still very unstable after leaving the shrinking device and are sometimes unsuitable for subsequent processing, such as palletizing.

[0008] One object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved shrinking result, particularly when using stronger or more stable shrink materials. Preferably, less energy should also be required for this.

[0009] The present invention relates to a shrinking device and a method for shrinking a shrink material onto articles at least partially wrapped with the shrink material, having the features of the independent claims.

[0010] The shrinking device comprises an interior space with at least one conveyor line for transporting articles wrapped with shrink material in a transport direction between an inlet and an outlet of the shrinking device.

[0011] The conveying path is defined or formed by a conveying device which passes through the shrinking device, in particular in an extended and substantially horizontal conveying direction.

[0012] At least in some areas, the shrinking device comprises an outflow surface, which is designed to introduce shrinking agent from above into the interior space in the direction of the conveying path. The outflow surface is arranged on the top side of the at least one conveying path and is designed to be adjustable in height. The outflow surface can be designed, for example, as a type of horizontally arranged nozzle plate, which has a flat arrangement of outflow openings for shrinking agent on its underside.

[0013] Along the transport direction and transversely to the transport direction, the outflow surface can each have at least five, preferably ten, more preferably fifteen outflow openings.

[0014] In particular, all outflow openings of the outflow surface can be arranged in a single part.

[0015] In particular, at least ten outflow openings can be arranged in a single part of the outflow surface.

[0016] The method provides that the articles wrapped with shrink material are transported over at least one conveyor line between an inlet and an outlet through an interior of a shrink device, wherein the articles wrapped with shrink material are at least partially exposed to shrinking agent from above via an outflow surface, wherein a height of the outflow surface above the conveyor line can be set or adjusted.

[0017] In particular, a distance between the outflow surface for the shrinking agent and the upper side of the at least one article wrapped with shrink material can be set.

[0018] The features described below relate both to embodiments of the shrinking device and to embodiments of the method.

[0019] The items typically include containers of all kinds, preferably liquid-filled containers, especially beverage containers such as bottles, cans, etc. made of glass, plastic, metal, etc.

[0020] The products are formed, for example, by an article or a plurality of articles which are at least partially covered with a shrink material.

[0021] In this case, it can be provided that several articles are assembled into article groups or sets in a grouping or dividing device. These article groups or sets are then wrapped with the shrink material in a wrapping device. In particular, a shrink film is wrapped around the article groups or sets in the wrapping device. The article groups or sets can also be arranged on so-called trays, pads, or similar.

[0022] For the sake of simplicity, the following will refer to articles, although this term should also include groups of articles or collections of articles.

[0023] The shrink material is preferably formed from a thermoplastic, flat shrink material, in particular a shrink film, which contracts when heat is applied and thus adheres to the outward-facing outer surfaces of the article, creating a tight bond in the form of a packaging unit, which packaging unit is also referred to below as a shrink pack. A shrink film or the shrink material can, for example, comprise PE or consist essentially of PE.

[0024] Alternatively, the shrink material can be a shrink tube or a shrink label that is placed around a single item or multiple items and shrunk onto the item(s) within the shrinking device. In the case of a shrink label, it may be necessary to fix its position on the item at least temporarily before the start of the shrinking process by means of at least one adhesive point, e.g., an adhesive dot. This or a similar adhesive point fixation can also be used for wrapped shrink films.

[0025] When reference is made in the present context to shrinking means, which is often also referred to as shrinking medium, this generally means a gaseous medium or another suitable fluid that transports the elevated temperature required for shrinking and conveys it to the articles to be tempered, which are at least partially covered with shrinking material. The shrinking means or shrinking medium is thus generally formed by hot gas, hot air, or superheated steam. The shrinking means is introduced towards the articles, particularly within the shrinking tunnel, in a defined manner as described below. The shrinking device according to the invention can preferably be a component of a packaging system for articles, in particular a packaging system for beverage containers.The beverage packaging system typically comprises a wet section, which includes at least the filling module and the closing module, as well as, if required, a labeling module. If the beverages are filled into PET bottles, for example, the wet section may additionally include modules for producing the PET bottles, in particular a heating module for preforms and a stretch blow molding module.

[0026] The beverages, filled into appropriate containers, are then grouped into packaging units. For example, bottle or can sets are formed in a grouping module, which are then shrink-wrapped in a film-wrapping module. The shrink-wrapped item sets are fed to the shrinking device. Within the shrinking device, the shrink film shrinks onto the items, creating finished packaging units in the form of shrink packs.

[0027] A carrying handle application module can be provided downstream of the shrinking device, which attaches a carrying handle to the shrink pack for easier handling, for example by gluing it to it or welding it to the shrink film.

[0028] The shrink-wrapped containers are then preferably assembled into palletizable layers or single-unit layers in a layer-forming module, for example, using suitable gantry robots, tripods, articulated robots, or other suitable devices. The palletizable layers are fed to a palletizing device and combined into pallet stacks.

[0029] Within the beverage packaging plant, the items are preferably transported from one module to the next via suitable transport systems. These transport systems can be equipped with suitable buffer systems if necessary.

[0030] At least one feeder device for the at least single-lane feeding of article assemblies wrapped with shrink material is assigned to the shrinking device, in particular arranged upstream of it. Preferably, the feeder device is arranged in alignment with a conveyor device downstream of the shrinking device.

[0031] The articles wrapped with shrink material are conveyed in particular in one transport direction over a transport surface along the conveyor line through the shrink device.

[0032] The transport surface is essentially the upper surface of at least one conveyor of the shrinking device, on which the articles wrapped with shrink material are transported. The volume formed above the conveyor line, through which the article assemblies or articles wrapped with shrink material pass, can also be referred to as a corridor.

[0033] The shrinking device comprises at least one shrinking agent generator and at least one shrinking agent introduction device, wherein the at least one shrinking agent introduction device is designed to apply the fluid shrinking agent to the articles wrapped with shrink material.

[0034] For example, the shrink agent generator can generate a shrink agent in the form of hot steam or hot air, which shrink agent is introduced into the interior of the shrink device via the at least one shrink agent introduction device.

[0035] For example, the shrink agent generator can generate hot air by drawing air from the interior of the shrinking device through an intake device, such as a radial fan, and passing it over heating devices, where it is heated. Electric heating devices, such as electric heating rods, can be used as heating devices. Alternatively, fuel-powered heating devices, such as gas burners or porous burners, can be used.

[0036] The at least one shrink agent introduction device can be formed, for example, by the outflow surface described above.

[0037] In one embodiment, at least one additional shrink-on-the-shrink-agent introduction device is preferably formed by lateral shrink-on-the-shrink-agent introduction devices. According to one embodiment, the lateral shrink-on-the-shrink-agent introduction devices are designed as shaft walls, each of which has at least one surface facing the respective conveyor line and containing outflow openings for the shrink-on-the-shrink-agent.

[0038] The number of shaft walls can define the number of conveyor lines formed. For single-lane transport over a conveyor line, so-called outer shaft walls are preferably provided on both sides of the conveyor line. Each of these shaft walls has a surface facing the interior of the shrinking device with outlet openings and a closed side surface facing the housing delimiting the interior of the shrinking device.

[0039] For a two-track transport of articles over or along the conveyor line, three shaft walls are arranged on or above the transport level. This creates two conveyor lines between the three shaft walls. In particular, the two conveyor lines adjacent to the housing of the shrink device are each delimited by outer shaft walls. An inner shaft wall is arranged centrally or approximately centrally between the two outer shaft walls, the two essentially vertical side surfaces of which are each designed as a surface with outlet openings, parallel to the transport direction.

[0040] The inner shaft wall can also be referred to as the middle shaft wall. The inner shaft wall thus supplies shrinking medium or shrinking agent to each of the two parallel conveyor lines, with the shrinking agent being applied to the two parallel conveyor lines in approximately the same order of magnitude. Alternatively, two shaft walls could be provided in the middle of the transport plane, each of which dispenses shrinking agent to only one side. These two centrally arranged shaft walls thus dispense shrinking agent to only one conveyor line.

[0041] The shaft walls can be arranged suspended from the device. In particular, they can be positioned approximately at the height of the articles wrapped with shrink material.

[0042] In particular, the shaft walls can only be installed above the

[0043] The distance between the transport plane on which the articles wrapped with shrink material are conveyed and the lower edge of the shaft walls is in particular greater than 0.1 mm and less than 50 cm, preferably greater than 1 mm and less than 30 cm, even more preferably greater than 2 mm and less than 10 cm.

[0044] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the outflow surface is arranged in a section directly or substantially directly upstream of the outlet.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the articles wrapped with shrink material in the section which is arranged upstream of the outlet are subjected to shrinking agent exclusively from above.

[0046] In particular, it can be provided that a width of the outflow surface transverse to the transport direction is at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50% of the width of the at least one conveying path transverse to the transport direction.

[0047] In particular, it can be provided that a width of the outflow surface transverse to the transport direction corresponds to a width of a corridor in which containers are transported.

[0048] The width of the corridor corresponds to the width of the containers perpendicular to the transport direction. In particular, the width of the corridor represents only a portion of the width of the entire conveyor system.

[0049] In particular, it can be provided that the width of the outflow surface transverse to the transport direction is at least 8 cm wide.

[0050] In particular, it can be provided that the outflow surface has at least two, preferably at least three outflow openings, more preferably at least five outflow openings, transversely to the transport direction.

[0051] In particular, it can be provided that a width of the outflow surface transverse to the transport direction is at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50% of the width of the opening of the inlet of the shrinking device. In particular, it can be provided that a width of the outflow surface transverse to the transport direction is at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50% of the width of the interior of the shrinking device.

[0052] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that a width of the outflow surface transverse to the transport direction of the articles wrapped with shrink material corresponds to a width of the at least one conveyor line transverse to the transport direction or substantially to a width of the at least one conveyor line transverse to the transport direction. In particular, it is thus provided that the outflow surface at least partially completely or substantially completely covers an area above the at least one conveyor line transverse to the transport direction, so that in this area of ​​the shrinking device, the conveyor line is sprayed from above over the entire surface or substantially over the entire surface.

[0053] Alternatively, it can be provided that the outflow surface at least partially covers a central area above the at least one conveying path transverse to the transport direction.

[0054] If several parallel conveyor lines for multi-lane transport are configured within the shrinking device, a preferred embodiment can provide that a width of the outflow surface transverse to the transport direction of the articles wrapped with shrink material has a width of all conveyor lines transverse to the transport direction or substantially a width of all conveyor lines transverse to the transport direction. In particular, it is thus provided that the outflow surface at least partially completely or substantially completely covers an area above all conveyor lines transverse to the transport direction, so that in this area of ​​the shrinking device, all conveyor lines are sprayed from above over the entire area or substantially over the entire area.

[0055] One embodiment of the invention provides that the shrinking device comprises, in a first section adjoining the inlet, at least two shrinking agent introduction devices that laterally delimit the conveying path and are spaced apart from one another, which shrinking agent introduction devices each have at least one surface with outflow openings and are designed to introduce shrinking agent with a laterally directed movement component into the interior of the shrinking device in the direction of the at least one conveying path via the at least one surface with outflow openings.

[0056] The shrinking agent introduction devices can preferably be the shaft walls described above, which are arranged laterally of the at least one conveyor line and which introduce shrinking agents into the interior of the shrinking device with a substantially horizontal direction of movement or with a direction of movement inclined downwards or upwards relative to a horizontal in the direction of the articles wrapped with shrinking material which are moved within the conveyor line.

[0057] In particular, it is provided that the section arranged upstream of the outlet forms a second section, in which second section preferably no lateral application of shrinking agent takes place, in particular in which second section the at least one conveying path is delimited by side surfaces which are designed to be fluid-tight.

[0058] It can further be provided that the output of the shrinking device connects directly to the second section.

[0059] It is therefore preferably provided that no shrinkage agent introduction devices spaced apart from one another laterally delimiting the at least one conveying path are arranged in the second subsection.

[0060] If several parallel conveyor lines are provided within the shrinking device for the multi-lane transport of articles wrapped with shrink material, the conveyor lines in the first section are preferably separated from each other by laterally delimiting, spaced-apart shrink agent introduction devices, in particular by the shaft walls described above. In contrast, no spatial separation is preferably provided between the conveyor lines within the second section.

[0061] The above-described outflow surface is arranged in the second subsection. In this way, shrinking agent can be applied in a targeted manner to the top side of the articles wrapped with shrink material in the second subsection with a downward direction of movement, while according to a preferred embodiment, shrinking agent is preferably not sprayed laterally in the second subsection. An alternative embodiment further described in this context provides that, in the second subsection, shrinking agent is additionally applied from below and / or that, in the second subsection, shrinking agent is additionally applied from the side.

[0062] Additional sections may be formed or arranged between the first section and the second section. These additional sections may be structurally identical to the first section or the second section, or they may have a different design. In particular, the additional sections may have additional shrink-on insert devices and / or shrink-on generators. The shrink-on insert devices in the region of additional sections of the shrinking device may also be configured differently than in the first section or the second section, etc.

[0063] According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the first subsection comprises at least one shrinking agent generator, which shrinking agent generator is coupled to the at least two shrinking agent introduction devices laterally delimiting the at least one conveying path, and which shrinking agent generator provides the shrinking agent for these at least two shrinking agent introduction devices.

[0064] In one embodiment, it is particularly provided that the outflow surface of the second subsection is coupled to the shrink agent generator of the first subsection. Thus, the outflow surface is not assigned a separate shrink agent generator.

[0065] If at least one further subsection is arranged between the first subsection and the second subsection, it can alternatively be provided that the outflow surface of the second subsection is coupled to a shrink agent generator of the at least one further subsection, in particular to the shrink agent generator of the further subsection, which further subsection is arranged directly in front of the second subsection with the outflow surface and thus borders on the second subsection.

[0066] Shrinkage agent is supplied to the outflow surface via a connection to a shrinkage agent generator of a first subsection adjacent to the inlet of the shrinkage device or of a further subsection arranged between the first subsection and the second subsection. The amount of shrinkage agent supplied to the outflow surface is preferably regulated; for example, at least one regulating device is arranged between the shrinkage agent generator and the outflow surface, which regulating device is designed to regulate the amount of shrinkage agent supplied to the outflow surface.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the regulating device can be formed by a valve or by a butterfly valve. Furthermore, the regulating device is preferably associated with a drive for adjusting the regulating device, in particular an electric, magnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive for motorized adjustment of the regulating device. The motorized adjustment can, in particular, be automated.

[0068] The size of the discharge area can be varied. In particular, the length of the discharge area parallel to the transport direction and / or the width of the discharge area perpendicular to the transport direction can be varied. This allows for specific customer requirements to be met, particularly when retrofitting existing shrink devices, but also when producing new shrink devices.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the connection between the outflow surface and the shrink agent generator comprises at least one pipe connection. Preferably, the pipe connection can be sealed and designed to be variable in length, in particular telescopic.

[0070] Alternatively, the connection between the outflow surface and the shrink agent generator may comprise at least one sealed hose connection.

[0071] One embodiment of the invention provides for the height of the discharge surface above the conveyor line to be continuously adjusted. This can be achieved, for example, via pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or other suitable devices.

[0072] Alternatively, the height adjustment mechanism can provide a stepwise, lockable height adjustment. For example, the height adjustment mechanism can comprise a locking element that engages in engagement recesses. According to one embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism comprises at least one toothed rack to provide different locking positions for arranging the outflow surface at different heights.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism can be formed by a substantially vertically positioned support arm, on which support arm a sliding guide element that is firmly connected to the outflow surface is slidably arranged, and wherein the mechanism further comprises a locking means with a locking element that can be actuated against a spring force and engages in engagement recesses. For example, a sliding guide element is designed as a C-shaped, elongated profile part that is slidable on substantially U-shaped slide rails that are in turn attached to the support arm. One leg of a slide rail has locking recesses into which the locking lug of a locking lever that is articulated to the C-shaped sliding guide element engages when the height is adjusted to different heights.

[0074] In particular, the shrinking device can have an electric motor for adjusting the height of the discharge surface. This adjustment can be continuous or stepwise.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the articles wrapped in shrink material are subjected to shrinking agent exclusively or additionally from above in a rear section of the shrinking device, in particular in a rear section associated with the exit of the shrinking device. The shrinking result can be improved by improving the introduction of shrinking agent, in particular by increasing the temperature from above. A significant improvement in the shrinking result can be achieved, particularly with critically large containers or when using shrink material with a higher material thickness. This affects both the visual appearance and the general improvement in container stability.

[0076] The targeted application of the shrinking agent from above in this rear section creates additional adjustment options within the shrinking device, which has a positive effect on the overall energy consumption of the shrinking device. Preferably, the general operating temperature within the shrinking device can be reduced. In particular, the general operating temperature within the shrinking device can be reduced by up to 30°C or more, which contributes to significant energy savings.Conventional shrink devices, which comprise a so-called passive section located directly upstream of the outlet, in which passive section no shrink agent introduction devices are located, can be retrofitted relatively easily with a previously described outlet surface, which is connected to a shrink agent generator already present within the shrink device. It is therefore possible to retrofit such existing shrink devices easily and cost-effectively in order to improve the shrinking result and / or the energy efficiency of an existing shrink device.

[0077] It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the shrinking device according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the shrinking device according to the invention, this equally applies to the method according to the invention. The same applies conversely, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the shrinking device according to the invention.Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the shrinking device according to the invention.

[0078] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration.

[0079] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shrinking device according to the invention in a lateral and schematic representation.

[0080] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view through part of a second embodiment of such a shrinking device in a side view. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of an outflow surface in a rear portion of a shrinking device, in particular of such a shrinking device according to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2.

[0081] Fig. 4 shows a schematic front view of the embodiment of the shrinking device according to Fig. 3.

[0082] For identical or equivalently acting elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are generally used in the following description passages. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the invention can be implemented and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0083] The embodiments, examples, and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless the features are incompatible.

[0084] The schematic view of Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shrinking device 1 for shrinking a shrink material 30 onto articles 21 at least partially wrapped with the shrink material 30 in a lateral view.

[0085] Articles 21 can be formed by containers, in particular beverage containers such as bottles 22, cans or similar made of glass, plastic, metal, etc.

[0086] The shrink material 30 is preferably formed from a thermoplastic, flat shrink material 30, in particular a shrink film 31, which contracts when heat is applied and thus adheres to the outwardly facing outer surfaces of the articles 21. This creates a tight bond in the form of a packaging unit, which packaging unit is also referred to below as a shrink package 25. A shrink film 31 or the shrink material 30 can, for example, comprise PE or consist essentially of PE.

[0087] Alternatively, the shrink material 30 can be a shrink tube or a shrink label 32 (see Fig. 4) that is arranged around an individual article 21 and shrunk onto the article 21 within the shrink device 1. In the case of a shrink label 32, it may be necessary to fix its position on the article 21 by means of at least one adhesive bond, e.g., an adhesive dot or similar, at least temporarily before the start of the shrinking process. This or a similar adhesive dot fixation can also be the case or can be performed with wrapped shrink films 31.

[0088] In the embodiment shown here, article assemblies 23 are formed in advance (not shown) from a plurality of articles 21, in particular bottles 22, which article assemblies 23 are wrapped in a film wrapping device (not shown) with a shrink material 30, for example with a shrink film 31. The article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30 are fed in the transport direction TR on a feed device 2 of the shrink device 1 and transferred to a conveyor device 13 of the shrink device 1. The feed device 2 and / or the conveyor device 13 can, for example, each be formed by an endlessly circulating endless conveyor belt 14 or another suitable conveyor means.

[0089] Even if the shrinking of shrink material 30 onto an article assembly 23 is described in connection with Fig. 1, all features described here also apply to an article 21 at least partially wrapped with shrink material 30.

[0090] The shrinking device 1 comprises an interior space 8, an inlet 5 and an outlet 6, between which inlet 5 and outlet 6 at least one conveyor line 7 extends for the at least one-way transport of the article assemblies 23 wrapped with the shrink material 30 or other articles 21 wrapped with shrink material 30 in the transport direction TR.

[0091] The transport surface is essentially understood to be the upper surface of the conveyor device 13, on which the article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30 are transported. The transport surface forms, in particular, the at least one conveyor line 7 with a transport plane for the article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30.

[0092] Within the shrinking device 1, heating means (not visible) are arranged as shrinking agent generators 3, which generate the shrinking agent in order to apply shrinking agent 9 to the article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30. In particular, at least one shrinking agent generator 3 is provided inside or outside the shrinking device 1. The at least one shrinking agent generator 3 provides a fluid shrinking agent 9. For example, the shrinking agent generator 3 can generate a shrinking agent 9 in the form of hot steam or hot air, which is introduced into the interior 8 of the shrinking tunnel 3.

[0093] For example, hot air can be generated by drawing air from the interior 8 of the shrinking device 1 through an intake device (not shown), such as a radial fan or similar, and passing it over the heating devices, where it is heated. Electric heating devices, such as electric heating rods, can be used as heating devices. Alternatively, fuel-powered heating devices, such as gas burners or porous burners, etc., can be used.

[0094] After the article assemblies 23 with the shrunk-on shrink material 30 have left the shrink device 9 via the exit 6 as so-called shrink packs 25, it may be advisable to cool them using cold air or similar before further processing. The cold air is provided, for example, by blowers 4 arranged above the transport path for the shrink packs 25, which blowers 4 are arranged downstream of the shrink device 1.

[0095] The shrinking device 1 comprises, at least in part, an outflow surface 10, which is designed to introduce shrinking agent 9 from above in the direction of the conveyor line 7 into the interior 8 of the shrinking device 1. The outflow surface 10 is arranged on the upper side of the at least one conveyor line 7 and is adjustable in height 40, which is schematically illustrated by the arrow with the reference number 40. In particular, a distance 53 between the outflow surface 10 and the upper side 24 of the article assembly 23 wrapped with shrink material 30 can be adjusted.

[0096] The outflow surface 10 can, for example, be designed as a type of horizontally arranged nozzle plate 11, which has a flat arrangement of outflow openings 12 for the shrinking agent 9 on the underside (see Fig. 3). Fig. 2 shows a sectional view through part of a second embodiment of a shrinking device 1 in a side view. The shrinking device 1 shown here comprises a first subsection 15, which is assigned to the inlet (not shown). The shrinking device 1 further comprises a second subsection 16, which is assigned to the outlet 6. In particular, the first subsection 15 is directly connected to the inlet and the outlet 6 is directly connected to the second subsection 16.

[0097] The shrinking device 1 comprises in the first subsection 15 at least two shrinking agent introduction devices 17 which laterally delimit the conveyor line 7 and are spaced apart from one another. These shrinking agent introduction devices 17 each have at least one surface 18 with outflow openings (not shown) and are designed to introduce shrinking agent 9 with a laterally directed movement component into the interior 8 of the shrinking device 1 via the outflow openings in the direction of the at least one conveyor line 7 and thus in the direction of the article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30 and transported by the shrinking device 1 in the transport direction TR.

[0098] The first shrinking agent introduction devices 17 can preferably be shaft walls 19 arranged laterally of the at least one conveyor line, which introduce shrinking agents 9 into the interior 8 of the shrinking device 1 with a substantially horizontal direction of movement or with a direction of movement inclined downwards or upwards relative to a horizontal in the direction of the article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrinking material 30 that are moved within the conveyor line 7.

[0099] Furthermore, it is provided that in the second partial section 16 no lateral loading with shrinking means 9 takes place, in particular that in the second partial section 16 the at least one conveying path 7 is delimited by side surfaces 35 which are designed to be fluid-tight.

[0100] Preferably, therefore, no shaft walls 19 are arranged in the second subsection 16. If several parallel conveyor lines 7 are provided within the shrink device 1 for the multi-lane transport of article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30, the conveyor lines in the first subsection 15 are preferably separated from one another by shaft walls 19, while there is no separation between the conveyor lines 7 within the second subsection 16.

[0101] In this embodiment, the height-adjustable outflow surface 10 is arranged in the second section 16 of the shrinking device. General features of the outflow surface 10 have already been described in connection with Fig. 1, and further features will be described below in connection with Figs. 3 and 4, to which descriptions reference is hereby made.

[0102] In this way, in the second subsection 16, shrinking agent 9 can be applied in a targeted manner with a downward direction of movement to the upper side 24 of the article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30, wherein in particular no lateral spraying with shrinking agent 9 takes place in the second subsection 16.

[0103] Between the first subsection 15 and the second subsection 16, further subsections (not shown) can be formed or arranged. These further subsections can correspond in structure to the first subsection 15 or the second subsection 16, or they can have a different design. In particular, the further subsections can have further additional shrink agent introduction devices and / or shrink agent generators. The shrink agent introduction devices and / or shrink agent generators in the region of the further subsections of the shrinking device 1 can also be designed differently than in the first subsection 15 or the second subsection 16, etc.

[0104] It is provided that the first subsection 15 comprises a shrink agent generator 3, which shrink agent generator 3 is coupled to the at least two shrink agent introduction devices 17 laterally delimiting the at least one conveyor line 7, and which shrink agent generator 3 provides the shrink agent 9 for these at least two shrink agent introduction devices 17. For example, the shrink agent 9 is introduced into the shrink agent introduction device 17 from above via at least one first pipe connection 36.

[0105] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, it is provided in particular that the outflow surface 10 of the second sub-section 16 is coupled to the shrink agent generator 3 of the first sub-section 15. The outflow surface 10 of the second sub-section 16 is therefore not assigned a separate shrink agent generator 3. If at least one further sub-section is arranged between the first sub-section 15 and the second sub-section 16, it can alternatively be provided that the outflow surface 10 of the second sub-section 16 is coupled to a shrink agent generator of the at least one further sub-section (not shown), in particular to the shrink agent generator of the further sub-section, which further sub-section is arranged directly in front of the second sub-section 16 and thus borders on the second sub-section 16.

[0106] The connection between the outflow surface 10 and a shrink agent generator 3 of the first subsection 15 or a further subsection is established, for example, via at least one second pipe connection 37. Preferably, the at least one second pipe connection 37 is sealed and of variable length (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0107] Shrinkage agent 9 is supplied to the outflow surface 10 via the connection of the outflow surface 10 to a shrinkage agent generator 3 of the first subsection 15 or a further subsection. The amount of shrinkage agent 9 can preferably be regulated. For example, at least one regulating device 38 is arranged between the shrinkage agent generator 3 and the outflow surface 10. This regulating device 38 is designed to regulate the amount of shrinkage agent 9 supplied to the outflow surface 10.

[0108] The regulating device 38 is formed, for example, by a valve or a butterfly valve or similar device. Furthermore, a drive 41 is provided for the motorized adjustment of the at least one regulating device 38. The motorized adjustment can, in particular, be automated. The drive 41 can be electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or magnetic.

[0109] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that a width of the outflow surface 10 transversely to the transport direction TR of the article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30 corresponds to a width of the at least one conveyor section 7 transversely to the transport direction TR or substantially to a width of the at least one conveyor section 7 transversely to the transport direction TR (see also the embodiment according to Fig. 3). In particular, it is therefore provided that the outflow surface 7 at least partially completely or substantially completely covers an area above the at least one conveyor section 7 transversely to the transport direction TR, so that in this area of ​​the shrink device 1, the conveyor section 7 is sprayed from above over the entire area or substantially over the entire area.

[0110] If a plurality of parallel conveyor lines 7 are configured for multi-lane transport within the shrinking device 1, a preferred embodiment can provide that a width of the outflow surface 10 transverse to the transport direction TR of the article assemblies 30 wrapped with shrink material 30 has a width of all conveyor lines 7 transverse to the transport direction TR or substantially a width of all conveyor lines 7 transverse to the transport direction TR. In particular, it is therefore provided that the outflow surface 10 at least partially completely or substantially completely covers an area above all conveyor lines 7 transverse to the transport direction TR, so that in this area of ​​the shrinking device 1, all conveyor lines 7 are sprayed from above over the entire area or substantially over the entire area.

[0111] In connection with Fig. 2, differently designed article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30 are depicted. This is to be understood only as an example. While it is certainly possible to process different products within one production mode, as a rule, article assemblies 23 of the same size wrapped with shrink material 30 are processed within one production mode and fed to subsequent handling, for example, palletizing.

[0112] The contents of the articles 21 of the article sets 23 may vary considerably. However, the resulting shrink packs 25 are generally of the same size for subsequent processing, since, for example, subsequent palletizing of shrink packs of different heights would result in pallet layers that would not have a uniform top surface when subsequently stacked due to the height differences, thus resulting in unstable pallet stacks.

[0113] In addition, a greater distance can generally be provided between the article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30, which follow one another in the transport direction TR, in order to ensure that in the first partial area 15 sufficient shrinking agent 9 reaches the front side 26 or rear side 27, as seen in the transport direction TR, of the article assemblies 23 wrapped with shrink material 30. The perspective view of Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of an outflow surface 10 in a rear partial area 16 of a shrinking device 1, while the schematic front view of Fig. 4 shows a representation of the embodiment of the outflow surface 10 according to Fig. 3 from the front.

[0114] By way of example, Fig. 4 shows a can 28 equipped with a shrink label 32 as an article 21 wrapped with shrink material 30.

[0115] The outflow surface 10 is designed as a horizontally arranged nozzle plate 11, which has a flat arrangement of outflow openings 12 for the shrinking agent 9 on the underside (see Fig. 3).

[0116] For other features of the outflow surface 10, reference is made to the description of Figures 1 and 2. For connection to a shrink agent generator 3 in a different section of the shrink device 1, reference is made to the description of Figure 2.

[0117] According to the embodiment shown here, the connection between the outflow surface 10 and the shrink agent generator comprises two sealed second pipe connections 37. Preferably, the second pipe connections 37 can be designed to be variable in length, in particular telescopic. The pipe connection 36 shown here has, in particular, two telescopic sections 42.

[0118] A distance 50 between the outflow surface 10 and the shrink agent generator can be set and adjusted via an optional first telescopic area 43.

[0119] The second telescopic area 44 is important for the height adjustability of the outflow surface 10 in order to guide the pipe connection 37 during and after the height adjustment of the outflow surface 10 and to further ensure a secure and fluid-tight connection between the shrink agent generator 3 and the outflow surface 10.

[0120] According to the illustrated embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 45 provides for a step-by-step locking of the outflow surface 10 at different heights 40 above the conveyor device 13. For example, the height adjustment mechanism 45 can comprise a locking element that engages in engagement recesses. According to the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism 45 comprises a plurality of toothed racks 46 to provide different locking positions 47 for arranging the outflow surface 10 at different heights 40.

[0121] An alternative embodiment (not shown) provides for the height 40 of the outflow surface 10 above the conveying device 13 to be continuously adjusted. For example, this can be done using pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or other suitable adjustment devices.

[0122] By applying shrinking agent 9 from above to the articles 21 wrapped with shrink material 30 in a rear section 16 of the shrinking device 1, in particular in a rear second section 16 associated with the outlet 6 of the shrinking device 1, the shrinking result can be improved by improving the introduction of shrink agent 9, in particular by increasing the temperature from above. A significant improvement in the shrinking result can be achieved, particularly with critically large containers or when using shrink material 30 with a greater material thickness. This affects both the visual appearance and the general improvement in container stability.

[0123] The targeted application of the shrinking agent 9 from above in this rear, second section 16 results in additional adjustment options within the shrinking device 1, which also have a positive effect on the energy consumption of the entire shrinking device 1. Preferably, the general operating temperature within the shrinking device 1 can be reduced. In particular, the general operating temperature within the shrinking device 1 can be reduced by up to 30°C or more, which contributes to significant energy savings.

[0124] The size of the outflow surface 10 can be varied. In particular, the length 51 of the outflow surface 10 parallel to the transport direction TR and / or the width 52 of the outflow surface 10 perpendicular to the transport direction TR can be varied. Customer requirements can be specifically addressed in this context, particularly when retrofitting old shrink devices 1, but also when producing new shrink devices 1.

[0125] A final note should be given at this point regarding the descriptions of embodiments of the invention, whereby these descriptive passages each refer to the attached drawings. When reference is generally made to "schematic" representations and views in the context of the figures and their descriptions, this in no way means that the figures and their descriptions are of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. A person skilled in the art will be perfectly capable of deriving sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn representations to facilitate their understanding of the invention, without their understanding being in any way impaired by the drawn proportions, which may not be exactly to scale.The figures thus enable the skilled reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated in a more general and / or abstract manner in the claims and in the general part of the description on the basis of the more concretely explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more concretely explained mode of operation of the shrinking device according to the invention.

[0126] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0127] Reference symbol

[0128] 1 shrinking device

[0129] 2 feed device

[0130] 3 shrink agent generators

[0131] 4 fans

[0132] 5 Entrance

[0133] 6 Exit

[0134] 7 Conveyor line

[0135] 8 Interior

[0136] 9 shrinking agents

[0137] 10 Outflow area

[0138] 11 Nozzle plate

[0139] 12 outlet openings conveyor system

[0140] Circulating endless conveyor belt

[0141] First section

[0142] Second section

[0143] Shrink agent introduction device

[0144] Area with outlet openings

[0145] shaft wall

[0146] Article

[0147] Bottle

[0148] Article compilation

[0149] Top Article / Article compilation

[0150] Shrink packaging

[0151] Front page

[0152] back

[0153] can

[0154] Shrink material

[0155] shrink film

[0156] shrink label

[0157] Fluid-tight side walls

[0158] First pipe connection

[0159] Second pipe connection

[0160] Regulatory body

[0161] Height

[0162] drive

[0163] Telescoping area

[0164] First telescoping area

[0165] Second telescoping area

[0166] Height adjustment mechanism

[0167] rack

[0168] Locking position

[0169] Distance between outflow surface and shrink agent generator

[0170] Length of the outflow area

[0171] Width of the outflow area

[0172] Distance between outflow surface and top of article /

[0173] Article composition TR transport direction

Claims

Claims 1. Shrinking device (1) for shrinking a shrink material (30) onto articles (21) at least partially wrapped with the shrink material (30), which shrink device (1) comprises an interior space (8) with at least one conveyor line (7) for transporting articles (21) wrapped with shrink material (30) in a transport direction (TR) between an inlet (5) and an outlet (6), wherein the shrink device (1) comprises, at least in regions, an outflow surface (10) which is designed to introduce shrinking means (9) from above in the direction of the conveyor line (7) into the interior space (8) of the shrink device (1), which outflow surface (10) is arranged on the upper side of the at least one conveyor line (7), wherein a width (52) of the outflow surface (10) transverse to the transport direction (TR) is at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50% of the width of the at least one conveyor section (7) transverse to the transport direction (TR),and which outflow surface (10) is adjustable or adjustable in height (40).

2. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outflow surface (10) is arranged in a section directly or substantially directly upstream of the outlet (6).

3. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a width (52) of the outflow surface (10) transversely to the transport direction (TR) corresponds to a width of the at least one conveying path (7) transversely to the transport direction (TR) or substantially to a width of the at least one conveying path (7) transversely to the transport direction (TR).

4. Shrinking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shrinking device (1) comprises, in a first sub-section (15) adjoining the inlet (5), at least two shrinking agent introduction devices (17) spaced apart from one another which laterally delimit the conveying section (7), which shrinking agent introduction devices (17) each have at least one surface (18) with outflow openings and are designed to introduce shrinking agent (9) with a laterally directed movement component into the interior (8) of the shrinking device (1) in the direction of the at least one conveying section (7) via the outflow openings, wherein the sub-section arranged upstream of the outlet (6) forms a second sub-section (16), in which second sub-section (16) no lateral application of shrinking agent (9) takes place, in particular in which second sub-section (16) the at least one conveying section (7) or the plurality of conveying sections (7) is delimited by side surfaces (35) which are designed to be fluid-tight.

5. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first subsection (15) comprises at least one shrinking agent generator (3), which shrinking agent generator (3) is coupled to the at least two shrinking agent introduction devices (17) and which shrinking agent generator (3) provides the shrinking agent (9) for the at least two shrinking agent introduction devices (17), and wherein the outflow surface (10) of the second subsection (16) is coupled to the shrinking agent generator (3) of the first subsection (15) or of a further subsection of the shrinking device.

6. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the connection between the outflow surface (10) and the shrinking agent generator (3) comprises at least one pipe connection (37) which is sealed and of variable length.

7. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the connection between the outflow surface (10) and the shrinking agent generator (3) comprises at least one sealed hose connection.

8. Shrinking device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein at least one regulating device (38) is arranged between the shrinking agent generator (3) and the outflow surface (10), which regulating device (38) is designed to regulate the amount of shrinking agent (9) which is supplied to the outflow surface (10).

9. Shrinking device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the regulating device (38) is formed by a valve or wherein the regulating device (38) is formed by a control flap, in particular wherein the regulating device (38) is assigned a drive for adjusting the regulating device (38).

10. Shrinking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outflow surface (10) is designed to be continuously adjustable in height.

11. Shrinking device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the height adjustment mechanism (45) comprises a stepwise lockable height adjustment, in particular wherein the height adjustment mechanism (45) comprises a locking element which engages in engagement recesses.

12. A method for shrinking a shrink material (30) onto articles (21) at least partially wrapped with the shrink material (30), wherein the articles (21) wrapped with shrink material (30) are transported over at least one conveyor line (7) between an inlet (5) and an outlet (6) through an interior space (8) of a shrink device (1), wherein the articles (21) wrapped with shrink material (30) are at least partially exposed to shrinking agent (9) from above via an outflow surface (10), wherein a width (52) of the outflow surface (10) transversely to the transport direction (TR) is at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50% of the width of the at least one conveyor line (7) transversely to the transport direction (TR), and wherein a height (40) of the outflow surface (10) above the conveyor line (7) can be set or adjusted.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the articles (21) wrapped with shrink material (30) are subjected to shrinking means (9) exclusively from above in a section upstream of the outlet (6).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the outflow surface (10) is arranged in a second sub-section (16), which second sub-section (16) corresponds to the Output (6) is arranged upstream, in particular wherein the output (6) connects to the second subsection (16).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the outflow surface (10) is connected to a shrinking agent generator (3) of a first shrinking device (1) following the inlet (5) of the shrinking device (1) or connected to an inlet (5) of the Shrinking device (1) is coupled to the subsequent section (15) or a further section and is supplied with shrinking agent (9) by the shrinking agent generator (3) of the first section (15) or the further section.

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