EP3070009A1 - Device and method for the preparation of shrink film containers - Google Patents
Device and method for the preparation of shrink film containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3070009A1 EP3070009A1 EP16156254.1A EP16156254A EP3070009A1 EP 3070009 A1 EP3070009 A1 EP 3070009A1 EP 16156254 A EP16156254 A EP 16156254A EP 3070009 A1 EP3070009 A1 EP 3070009A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- folding
- film
- folding tabs
- article
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 42
- 229920006300 shrink film Polymers 0.000 title description 5
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 59
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 21
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000007306 turnover Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006735 deficit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001771 impaired effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012229 microporous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010924 continuous production Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012809 cooling fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003534 oscillatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012858 packaging process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
- B65B11/06—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
- B65B11/08—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path
- B65B11/10—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents
- B65B11/12—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a single straight path to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents and then to form closing folds of similar form at opposite ends of the tube
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B49/00—Devices for folding or bending wrappers around contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B53/00—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging
- B65B53/02—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat
- B65B53/06—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat supplied by gases, e.g. hot-air jets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B53/00—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging
- B65B53/02—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat
- B65B53/06—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat supplied by gases, e.g. hot-air jets
- B65B53/063—Tunnels
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the production of shrink-wrapped film from combined article or container groups according to the features of independent claims 1 and 9, respectively.
- the prior art discloses methods and apparatuses for packaging articles, such as plastic containers, which use a shrink wrap as outer packaging for the articles or containers.
- the shrink wrap is generally wrapped around the article assembly as a film blank by means of a wrapping system.
- This so-called foil container is transported through a shrink tunnel.
- shrinkage medium e.g. warm or hot air
- the film package is also referred to as shrinkage package after passing through the heat treatment.
- Such a method for the formation of shrink wrap goes from the DE 10 2006 036 590 A1 out.
- the DE 10 2010 032 455 A1 discloses a shrinking apparatus and method for shrink-wrapping shrink-wrap on containers which are moved as a packaging unit on a transport path.
- the distance between the heat sources used for shrinking the packaging unit is variably adjustable and is adjusted during the shrinking process according to the possibly changing dimensions of the packaging unit.
- the primary object of the present invention is therefore to provide an efficient and largely automatable method of producing shrink-wrapped film which neither complicates, in any way impairs nor slows down the packaging process.
- an object of the invention is to provide a corresponding device for the production of shrink-wrapped film.
- the invention proposes a method for the production of shrink-wrapped film from groups of combined articles or containers having the features of the independent method claim 1.
- this Process are the respectively to be packaged article or container groups in the transport direction on a transport path to form an overlap region as well as each transverse edge side over the article or container groups projecting folding flaps wrapped with a film section.
- the folding tabs which project beyond both transverse sides are at least partially superimposed on one another by means of mechanical folding elements to form an opening or largely close the transverse sides between mutually facing end edges of the folding tabs and / or are applied to the adjacent article or container outer sides.
- the article or container groups together with the film wrapping, undergo a heating section in which shrink-wrapped packages are formed in which the article or container groups wrapped in foil are subjected to hot air.
- a heating section in which shrink-wrapped packages are formed in which the article or container groups wrapped in foil are subjected to hot air.
- at least a part of the folded folding tabs is fixed over a defined length within the heating section by means of the mechanical folding elements and / or held in its folded position, so that the previously achieved folding state is maintained at least over a first portion of the heating section.
- the mechanical folding elements extend at least as far in the direction of transport into the heating section that a shrinking process acting upon the respective enveloped container or article groups has begun and the film sections superimposed on one another adhere to one another.
- the folding elements each comprise guide rails on at least one longitudinal side of the transport path or are formed by such guide rails.
- Such guide rails can effectively ensure that a folded state of the transverse edge side over the article or container groups projecting folding tabs that are superimposed there, is reached or maintained in the heating section, so that the shrinking process can be performed at exactly placed folding tabs .
- guide rails can be designed to be height adjustable and / or adjusted in its horizontal position to the transport path. A width adjustment is particularly necessary for adaptation to different container sizes.
- the mentioned guide rails can be equipped with air outlet openings in a variant of the method according to the invention, so that air escapes from the guide rails extending through at least one longitudinal side of the transport path and / or into the heating section through openings.
- This air can on the one hand serve as cooling air, which prevents sticking or sticking of the film tabs of the wrapped with foil article or container groups on the guide rails.
- the air also serves as an air cushion, which can also reliably prevent such adhesion.
- the air flowing out of openings can reduce the friction of the article or container groups sliding along the guide rails.
- the folding elements may each comprise movable impact elements or at least partially be formed by such movable impact elements.
- the movable impact elements may, for example, comprise at least one pivot lever, which is arranged pivotably about an approximately horizontal pivot axis on at least one side of the transport path.
- a useful turning radius of the striking elements can range from a vertical position to an approximately horizontal position, directed approximately parallel to the conveying direction. Depending on the prevailing installation conditions and depending on the selected drive variant, however, larger pivot ranges may be useful.
- the pivot lever can also be arranged to be rotationally movable, so that they can constantly rotate about horizontal axes of rotation.
- impactors or so-called impactors are each formed by pivotable folding fingers with the specified radius of movement, they can preferably immediately before the entrance of the heating by a pivoting movement or rotational movement at least the rear in the transport direction folding tabs over the previously folded folding tabs, so that the desired final folding state can be produced, which then leads in the heating section during the shrinking process to the desired adhesion of the superimposed folding tabs together.
- the movable impact elements can also be made adjustable in their vertical and / or horizontal position relative to the transport path.
- the height and / or width adjustability makes sense, so that an adaptability to different article or container sizes, different container sizes, widths, etc. is given, which should pass the heating section.
- the method provides that the guide rails extend by a defined length in the heating section.
- the guide rails can optionally be passed through the entire heating section or even only through a section, since it may be sufficient to not press the superimposed folding tabs through the entire heating section together.
- the length of the guide rails can also be variably adjustable.
- the guide rails may, for example, be hollow, so that a cooling fluid can circulate therein, which can provide the desired temperature control or cooling of the guide rails.
- lubrication can be provided by providing small outlet openings for loss lubrication with suitable lubricant on the guide rails. The lubricant can escape by means of suitable devices at definable time intervals and in the desired amount on the surfaces of the guide rails.
- the method may optionally provide that at least individual folds are adhered, glued or welded on one side or on both transverse sides of the foil packs. This sticking, gluing or welding can with individual folding tabs, for example. At the top, bottom and / or side folding tabs, or at done several folding tabs. In this way, the shrinkage is supported by the fact that the superimposed folding straps are additionally fixed to each other.
- the method according to the invention provides for a defined folding order in which the respective upper folding tabs of the article or container groups wrapped with foil are held in their unfolded or folded position at least until the folding tabs of each side are folded or folded then be applied laterally to the article or container group.
- unordered folding operations can be reliably prevented, in which, for example, the upper folding tabs during the impact, in particular the lateral, i. Fold the front and / or the rear folding tabs down and interfere with these folding operations or can cause wrinkling.
- the upper folding tabs are held up by suitable means until the remaining folding tabs are applied to the foil or foil-wrapped article or container groups, such potential interference is prevented.
- the fixation of the upper folding straps can be ensured, for example, with suitable suction devices, optionally also with electrostatic holding force, mechanical holding force or the like.
- the upper folding tabs can also be held by blowing with compressed air in its upper, not yet folded position until the remaining folding tabs are applied, after which the upper folding tabs can be created as last, after which the folds may be attached, glued or bspw. can also be welded.
- a particularly useful folding operation of the lateral overlapping areas of the film section placed around the respective article or container group provides that first the front and rear folding tabs are folded, after which the upper folding tabs are folded on both sides and only then and lastly on both sides are the upper folding tabs folded in each case optionally supported by suitable mechanical folding elements or guide rails and / or fixing or holding devices, in particular for holding the upper folding tabs in their horizontal position.
- the folding edges superimposed on the transverse edge side can optionally be overlapped on one another in a manner such that a completely closed shrinkage package is produced.
- the folding tabs do not completely overlap so that lateral openings remain, which are typically referred to as foil eyes.
- the method makes it possible to provide up to four conveyor lines arranged side by side, each with similar folding elements.
- the guide rails and / or movable folding elements may each be arranged in multiple versions for up to four parallel conveyor tracks, although the heating section is formed correspondingly wide for receiving up to four parallel conveyed article or container groups.
- the invention further proposes a device for producing shrink-wrapped film from groups of combined articles or containers having the features of independent claim 9.
- This device comprises a transport path, which is associated with a film application device.
- the film application device is used to wrap the respective article or container groups in the transport direction with a film section, wherein at the same time an overlap region is formed with respective folding edge on the transverse edge side over the article or container groups.
- the device comprises mechanical folding elements for at least partially superimposing the folding tabs projecting on both transverse sides against the adjacent article or container outer sides. In this superimposition can optionally be formed between mutually facing end edges of the folding tabs an opening.
- the transport path has one of the film application device in the transport direction downstream heating section for acting on the article or container groups together with the film wrapping with hot air to form shrink tubing.
- the mechanical folding elements for fixing the folded folding tabs and / or for holding the folding tabs in their folded position extend into the heating section at least over a section of a defined length.
- the folding elements each comprise guide rails on at least one longitudinal side of the transport path or are formed by such guide rails.
- These guide rails can effectively ensure that a folded state of the transverse edge side over the article or container groups projecting folding tabs that are superimposed there, is reached or maintained in the heating section, so that the shrinking process can be performed at exactly placed folding tabs .
- the guide rails arranged on at least one longitudinal side of the transport path can be designed to be height-adjustable and / or adjusted in their horizontal position to the transport path.
- a width or distance adjustment of the guide rails from each other is particularly necessary for adaptation to different container sizes or widths.
- the folding elements may each comprise movable impact elements or at least partially be formed by such movable impact elements.
- the movable impact elements may, for example, comprise at least one pivot lever, which is arranged pivotably about an approximately horizontal pivot axis on at least one side of the transport path.
- these pivoting devices can be designed to rotate, wherein the impacting process comprises part of a 360 ° movement of the pivoting device or the pivoting lever.
- Such continuous processes with continuously rotating parts are usually more reliable in continuous operation than oscillating drives.
- a useful turning radius of the striking elements can range from a vertical position to an approximately horizontal position, directed approximately parallel to the conveying direction.
- impactors or so-called Eineller are each formed by pivoting or rotating Faltfinger with the specified range of motion between about 90 ° at oscillating and 360 ° with rotating movement, they can preferably immediately before the entrance of the heating by a pivoting movement at least the in Lay the transport direction rear folding tabs over the previously folded folding tabs, so that the desired final folding state can be produced, which then leads in the heating section during the shrinking process to the desired adhesion of the superimposed folding tabs together.
- the movable impact elements can also be made adjustable in their vertical and / or horizontal position relative to the transport path.
- the height and / or width adjustability makes sense, so that adaptability to different article or container sizes, different container sizes, widths, etc. is given, which should pass through the heating section.
- the device provides that the guide rails extend by a defined length in the heating section, so that the folded folding tabs are each held in place and do not reopen.
- the guide rails can optionally be passed through the entire heating section or even only through a section, since it may be sufficient to not press the superimposed folding tabs through the entire heating section together.
- the length of the guide rails can also be variably adjustable. Furthermore, it makes sense if the movable impact elements and / or extending into the heating route guide rails are each formed heat-resistant and / or equipped with a heat-resistant coating to reduce their friction or tendency to stick to the packaging.
- the mentioned guide rails can be equipped with air outlet openings, so that air can escape from the guide rails extending through at least one longitudinal side of the transport path and / or into the heating section.
- This air can on the one hand serve as cooling air, which prevents sticking or sticking of the film tabs of the wrapped with foil article or container groups on the guide rails.
- the air also serves as an air cushion, which can also reliably prevent such adhesion.
- the air flowing out of openings can reduce the friction of the articles sliding along the guide rails Reduce container groups.
- the air outlet openings may be formed by a plurality of small holes or air nozzles in the hollow guide rails.
- the guide rails may also be formed by microporous material, through which the air can flow in the desired amount.
- the device can optionally provide that the mechanical folding elements additional application devices for attaching, gluing and / or welding at least individual folds are assigned to one side or on both transverse sides of the film bundles or downstream in the transport direction.
- at least individual folds can be attached, glued or welded on one side or on both transverse sides of the foil packs. This sticking, gluing or welding can be done with individual folding tabs, eg. At the top, bottom and / or side folding tabs, or even with multiple folding tabs. In this way, the shrinkage is supported by the fact that the superimposed folding straps are additionally fixed to each other.
- the method makes it possible to provide up to four conveyor lines arranged side by side, each with similar folding elements.
- the guide rails and / or movable folding elements can each be arranged in up to four times for up to four parallel conveyor tracks, although the heating section is formed correspondingly wide for receiving up to four parallel conveyed article or container groups.
- FIG. 1A The schematic representations of Figures 1A to 1D show successive process steps in the production of film shrinkage package according to the invention from groups of 10 summarized article or container 12.
- FIG. 1C the transport of four to 10 groups summarized beverage container 12, which are fed along a symbolically indicated here by arrows transport path 14 by means of a not shown here in detail foil application device 16.
- the four containers 12 of the container group 10 combined in a square or rectangular composite are enveloped in the transport direction 18 by a film section 20 which is slightly larger than the container group 10, such that on the one hand it overlaps an overlap region, not shown here, in the transport direction 18 forms.
- lateral overlapping regions 22 are formed, each with folding edge 24 projecting beyond the container group 10 on the transverse edge side, which are folded over in the further conveying region of the transport path 14 and placed one above the other.
- Fig. 1A illustrated in the transport direction 18 right, already taken with the film section 20 container group 10 whose overlapping areas 22 by folding a front and a rear folding tab 24a and 24b have already been partially applied to the side surfaces of the container group 10.
- Fig. 1C On the other hand, at first only the front folding tab 24a of the overlapping area 22 was applied to the container group 10 and turned over.
- FIGS. 1A and 1C shown folding operations are supported or performed in particular by means of mechanical folding elements 26, which in the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 1B are formed by guide rails 28 which are arranged on both sides on the longitudinal sides of the transport path 14, so that the Container groups 10 can be conveyed therethrough.
- the guide rails 28 shown are not adapted to reposition the respective rear folding tabs 24 b and to be applied to the container outer sides of the group 10.
- other folding devices are necessary, which are explained in more detail with reference to the following figures and described in their function and mode of action.
- the Fig. 1B illustrates in the middle figure, an optional folding a lower folding tab 24c by flaps upwards, preferably on both sides of the lateral overlap areas 22. Furthermore, the right figure illustrates the Fig. 1B optional folding of an upper folding tab 24d by flaps down, preferably in turn on both sides of the lateral overlap regions 22.
- the fixation of the lower and / or upper folding tabs 24c and / or 24d after they are folded on the outer sides of the container group 10 may preferably also by mechanical Folding elements 26 are supported by guide rails 28 which can accompany the transport path 24 to both sides of the conveyed groups 10 in a horizontal course. These further guide rails 28 are, however, in the illustration of Fig. 1B only shown in the left picture.
- the side and front views of the Fig. 1D again show a meaningful folding operation of the lateral overlap regions 22 of the set of films 10 around the container section 20, in which first the front and rear folding tabs 24a and 24b are folded (Figure left), after which on both sides of the lower folding tabs 24c (middle side view and middle front view ) and then on both sides of the upper folding tabs 24d (right side view above, right front view below) can be folded, each optionally supported by suitable mechanical folding elements or guide rails (in Fig. 1D not shown).
- the upper folding tabs 24d are folded over last, it can be provided that they are initially held in their unfolded or folded position during the turning over of the remaining folding tabs 24a, 24b and 24c and only then laterally applied to the container group 10. In this way unordered folding operations can be reliably prevented, in which, for example, the upper folding tabs 24d fold down during folding in particular the lateral, ie the front and / or the rear folding tabs 24a and 24b and interfere with these folding operations or can cause wrinkling. On the other hand, if the upper folding tabs 24d are held up by suitable means (not shown) until the remaining folding tabs 24a, 24b, 24c are applied to the container group 10 wrapped in film 20, such potential interference is prevented.
- the fixation of the upper folding tabs 24d can be ensured, for example, with suitable suction devices, optionally also with electrostatic holding force, mechanical holding force or the like.
- the upper folding tabs 24d can also be held in their upper, unfolded position by blowing with compressed air until the remaining folding tabs 24a, 24b, 24c are applied, after which the upper folding tabs 24d can also be applied last.
- an opening 32 can be formed in the middle region of the side surfaces of the enveloped container groupings 10, optionally between mutually facing end edges 30 of the folding tabs 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, as shown in FIGS FIGS. 1B and 1D is indicated.
- This opening 32 is usually also referred to as a film eye, which may possibly also become larger during the heat application of the shrinking process, since the film retracts in the direction of the container edges.
- the mutually facing end edges 30 are superimposed so that they overlap and form closed side surfaces without openings 32.
- FIG. 2 shows a typical portion of the transport path 14, which has one of the film application device 16 in the transport direction 18 downstream heating section 34 for acting on the container groups 10 together with the film envelope 20 with hot air to form shrink tubing.
- the heating section which is traversed by the film groups 10 enveloped in film 20 in the transport direction 18, is formed in the embodiment shown as a shrink tunnel 36, which is equipped with means for uniform and all-round H thoroughly Anlagenchtyerung the container groups 10.
- the temperatures within the heating section 34 and the shrink tunnel 36 are chosen so that the film envelope 20 together with the folded transverse edge side folding tabs 24 (see. Fig. 1 ) is tightly clamped around the container 12 and this summarized to Folienschrumpfgebinden 38, within which the container 12 are held substantially stationary against each other and can perform only minimal relative movements to each other.
- cooling fan 40 at the output of the shrink tunnel 36 are used to cool the previously heated container 38, so that they can be fed in the conveying direction 18 further handling, stacking, palletizing and / or packaging devices (not shown).
- the mechanical folding elements 26 for fixing the folded folding tabs 24 and / or for holding the folding tabs 24 extend in their folded position over a portion 42 of variable length 44a or 44b in the heating section 34 inside.
- the length 44a of the folding elements 26 or guide rails 28 can optionally be very short, so that they can end in a front region of the heating section 34.
- the length 44b may also be chosen so that it corresponds approximately to the length of the heating path 34.
- Other lengths of the folding elements 26 and guide rails 28 are possible. It should be noted in this context that the illustrated alternative lengths 44a and 44b are to be understood as examples only.
- the selected length 44a or 44b may be based on the requirements of the particular shrinkage package 38. If the folding tabs 24 adhere to each other or to the outer sides of the film wrapping 20 after a very short exposure time of heat application, then relatively short sections of the folding elements 26 or guide rails 28 (first length 44a) suffice. However, if the folding tabs 24 require a longer exposure time of heat application to adhere to each other or to the outer sides of the film wrapping 20, a longer version of the folding elements 26 or guide rails 28 (second length 44b) makes sense.
- the guide rails 28 may be equipped with air outlet openings, not shown here, so that from the on at least one longitudinal side, preferably on both longitudinal sides of the reaching into the heating section 34 guide rails 28 can escape through air nozzles or small openings.
- this air can serve as cooling air, which can prevent sticking or sticking of the film tabs of the container groups 10 wrapped with foil 20 against the guide rails 28.
- the air also serves as an air cushion, which can also reliably prevent such adhesion.
- the air flowing out of openings can reduce the friction of the container groups 10 sliding along the guide rails 28.
- the air outlet openings may be formed by a plurality of small holes or air nozzles in the hollow guide rails 28.
- the guide rails 28 may also be formed at least in sections by microporous material, through which the air can flow in the desired amount, in particular in the Area of the heating section 34 or at least in sections in which the guide rails 28 extend into the heating section 34.
- FIGS. 3A . 3B and 3C illustrate a variant of a folding module 46, which serves to turn over the folding tabs 24 of a 20 enveloped with foil container grouping 10, as shown in the Figures 1A to 1D is shown.
- the folding module 46 is located on the inlet side 48 of the shrink tunnel 36 and is anchored there to horizontal support struts 50 which are secured to an upper surface of the inlet opening 52 of the shrink tunnel 36 so as to be above a conveyor plane 54 and parallel thereto.
- FIG. 3A provides an overview of the placement of the folding module 46
- the schematic perspective view of Fig. 3B recognize some details of the folding module 46, such as by means of clampable holder 56 to transverse to the direction of support struts 50 and fixed in position adjustable vertical support struts 58, where the mechanical folding elements 26 and the guide rails 28 are suspended (see. Fig. 1 ).
- the adjustability of the clampable holder 56 to the transverse support struts 50 allows the positioning of the folding module 46 and the variation of the distance of the guide rails 28 to each other, whereby their position can be adapted to the width of the respective container grouping 10.
- the adjusting mechanism 60 for adjusting the height of the guide rails 28 and for adjusting a vertical distance between two parallel guide rails 28 on each side of the folding module 46 can be seen.
- the adjusting mechanism 60 comprises upper adjusting wheels 62, which are arranged at the level of the clampable holder 56.
- the adjusting wheels 62 are rotatably connected to vertical shafts 64, which cooperate with a scissors joint 66 of the adjusting mechanism 60, so that a rotation of the adjusting wheels 62 causes the vertical distance of the two superimposed guide rails 28 on each side of the folding module 46.
- FIGS. 3A to 3C movable impact elements 68 can be seen, which are part of the folding elements 26 and which serve for folding over the respective rear folding tabs 24b of the lateral overlapping areas 22 of a container grouping 10 enveloped in foil 20. Since the movable impact elements 68 better in the detail views of FIGS. 4A and 4B can be seen at this point to the following description of these figures.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B the complete folding module 46, which is suspended from the transverse struts 50, which are suspended on the longitudinal struts 50 on the inlet side 48 of the shrinking tunnel 36 (see. Fig. 3 ), removed and separated.
- the folding module 46 serves to turn over the folding tabs 24 of a container grouping 10 enveloped by foil 20 (cf. Figures 1A to 1D ). So lets the Fig. 4A recognize many of the already explained construction details, so attached to the clamped holders 56 vertical support struts 58, where the mechanical folding elements 26 and the guide rails 28 are suspended.
- the adjusting mechanism 60 for adjusting the height of the guide rails 28 and for adjusting a vertical distance between two parallel guide rails 28 on each side of the folding module 46.
- the upper adjusting wheels 62 act on the vertical shear waves 64 on the respective scissors joint 66 of the adjusting mechanism 60 that a rotation of the adjusting wheels 62 allows a variation of the vertical distance of the two superimposed guide rails 28 on each side of the folding module 46.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B identifiable movable impact elements 68, which are part of the folding elements 26 and which serve to turn over the respective rear folding tabs 24b of the lateral overlapping areas 22 of a container grouping 20 enveloped in foil 20, are located on horizontal frame elements 70 which are above the guide rails 28 and also above the adjusting mechanism 60 are arranged to the height adjustment.
- the horizontal frame members 70 which are arranged on both sides of the transport path 14 and parallel to the transport direction 18, protrude furthest in the opposite direction to the inlet side 48 of the shrink tunnel 36 and form the longest arm of the folding module 46.
- pivot shafts 72 take horizontal pivot shafts 72, whose axial direction transverse to the conveying direction 18, and which are each driven by drive lever 74 of electric motors 76, so that the pivot shafts 72 each perform defined oscillatory pivoting movements about a defined pivot angle of about 40 to 70 degrees.
- the pivot shafts 72 each carry a folding finger 78, which ensures the impact movement of the rear folding tab 24b of each container grouping 10.
- the movable impact elements 68 can perform in otherwise largely unchanged structural design optionally also rotating movements, with a part of this movement curve for folding the respective rear folding tabs 24b of the lateral overlap regions 22 of the foil 20 enveloped container grouping 10 is used.
- the pivot shafts 72 can in this alternative embodiment, either directly coupled to the electric motors 76 and driven directly by these, resulting in the continuously rotating rotational movements of the folding fingers 78.
- a useful pivoting radius of the impact elements 68 or pivoting lever 78 can range approximately from a vertical position to an approximately horizontal position, directed approximately parallel to the conveying direction 18.
- the pivotable folding fingers 78 with the specified range of movement immediately before the entrance of the heating section 34 can at least move the rear folding tabs 24b forward over the previously folded folding tabs 24a by a pivoting movement so that the desired final folding state is produced can be, which then leads in the heating section 34 during the shrinking process to the desired adhesion of the superimposed folding tabs 24 together.
- both the movable impact elements 68 and folding fingers 78 and the extending into the heating section 34 guide rails 28 are each formed heat resistant and / or equipped with a heat-resistant coating. In this way it can be prevented that the heated shrink film 20 adheres to the guide rails 28 and / or to the adjustable impact elements 68 and either the folding state is impaired or even the film 20 is damaged.
- FIG. 5A shows in view of the transport direction 18, the inlet opening 52 of the shrinking tunnel 36 with the mounted folding module 46.
- This view shows that with sufficiently wide transport path 14 through the heating section 34 optionally also two similar folding modules 46 can be mounted with similar folding elements 26 (not shown ).
- the guide rails 28 and / or movable folding elements 68 may each be arranged in a double design for two parallel conveyor tracks, although the heating section 34 is formed by the shrink tunnel 36 correspondingly wide for receiving two parallel transported container groups 10.
- the presentation of the Fig. 5A and the detailed view of the Fig. 5B show a folding group 26 and the movable hammers 68 passing container grouping 10, which is conveyed along the guide rails 28 running parallel on both sides into the heating section 34 of the shrinking tunnel 36.
- the Fig. 5B leaves also lower guide rails 80 for guiding and folding the lower folding tabs 24c (see. Fig. 1B, Fig. 1D ), which are arranged on both sides of the container grouping 10 or of the film pack 38 and provide in the inlet region for the desired folding movements of the lower folding tabs 24c upward.
- the middle guide strips 82 disposed above ensure the guidance and folding of the front folding tabs 24a (cf. Figures 1A to 1D ), while the upper guide rails 84 provide for the guidance and folding of the upper folding tabs 24d.
- the rear folding tabs 24b are finally folded by the folding fingers 78 as soon as the grouping 10 has passed them laterally.
- the front view of the Fig. 5C shows the reverse direction of view from the shrink tunnel 36 out.
- the container grouping 10 shown there moves in the direction of the viewer along the guide rails 28 and passes through the folding module 46.
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Abstract
Es ist eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Folienschrumpfgebinden (38) aus Gruppen (10) zusammengefasster Artikel oder Behälter (12) offenbart, die eine Transportstrecke (14) aufweist, der eine Folienapplikationseinrichtung (16) zur Umhüllung der jeweiligen Artikel- oder Behältergruppen (10) in Transportrichtung (18) mit einem Folienabschnitt (20) unter Ausbildung eines Überlappungsbereichs (22) sowie von jeweils querrandseitig über die Artikel- oder Behältergruppen (10) überstehenden Faltlaschen (24) zugeordnet ist. Die Vorrichtung umfasst mechanische Faltelemente (26) zum zumindest teilweisen Übereinanderlegen der zu beiden Querseiten überstehenden Faltlaschen (24) an die angrenzenden Artikel- oder Behälteraußenseiten, wobei insbesondere zwischen zueinander weisenden Endkanten (30) der Faltlaschen (24) eine Öffnung (32) ausgebildet wird. Die Transportstrecke (14) umfasst eine der Folienapplikationseinrichtung (16) in Transportrichtung (18) nachgeordnete Heizstrecke (34) zur Beaufschlagung der Artikel- oder Behältergruppen (10) mitsamt der Folienumhüllung (20) mit Heißluft zur Ausbildung von Schrumpfgebinden (38). Die mechanischen Faltelemente (26) zur Fixierung der gefalteten Faltlaschen (24) und/oder zum Halten der Faltlaschen (24) in ihrer gefalteten Lage erstrecken sich zumindest über einen Teilabschnitt (42) einer definierten Länge (44a, 44b) in die Heizstrecke (34) hinein. Die Erfindung umfasst zudem ein Verfahren zur Herstellung von Folienschrumpfgebinden (38) mittels der Vorrichtung. Hierbei werden die jeweiligen Artikel- oder Behältergruppen (10) unter Ausbildung eines Überlappungsbereichs (22) mit einem Folienabschnitt (20) umhüllt. Die zu beiden Querseiten überstehenden Faltlaschen (24) werden mittels mechanischer Faltelemente (26) unter Ausbildung einer Öffnung (32) zwischen zueinander weisenden Endkanten (30) der Faltlaschen (24) oder überlappend zumindest teilweise übereinander gelegt und/oder an die angrenzenden Artikel- oder Behälteraußenseiten angelegt. In der Heizstrecke (34) werden die gefalteten Faltlaschen in ihrer jeweiligen Lage gehalten.A device is disclosed for producing film shrinkage packages (38) from groups (10) of combined articles or containers (12), which has a transport path (14) which has a film application device (16) for wrapping the respective article or container groups (10). in the transport direction (18) with a film section (20) to form an overlap region (22) and from each transverse edge side on the article or container groups (10) projecting folding tabs (24) is assigned. The device comprises mechanical folding elements (26) for at least partially superimposing the folding tabs (24) projecting on both transverse sides against the adjacent article or container outer sides, an opening (32) being formed in particular between mutually facing end edges (30) of the folding tabs (24) , The transport path (14) comprises one of the film application device (16) in the transport direction (18) downstream heating section (34) for acting on the article or container groups (10) together with the film envelope (20) with hot air for forming shrinkage packages (38). The mechanical folding elements (26) for fixing the folded folding tabs (24) and / or holding the folding tabs (24) in their folded position extend into the heating path (34) at least over a part section (42) of a defined length (44a, 44b) ) into it. The invention also includes a method for producing film shrinkage packages (38) by means of the device. In this case, the respective article or container groups (10) are wrapped with a film section (20) to form an overlapping region (22). The folding tabs (24) projecting on both transverse sides are at least partially superimposed on one another by means of mechanical folding elements (26) to form an opening (32) between mutually facing end edges (30) of the folding tabs (24) or overlapping them Container outside created. In the heating section (34), the folded folding tabs are held in their respective position.
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zur Herstellung von Folienschrumpfgebinden aus zusammengefassten Artikel- oder Behältergruppen gemäß den Merkmalen der unabhängigen Ansprüche 1 bzw. 9.The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the production of shrink-wrapped film from combined article or container groups according to the features of
Aus dem Stand der Technik sind Verfahren und Vorrichtungen zum Verpacken von Artikeln wie Kunststoffbehälter bekannt, die als Umverpackung für die Artikel bzw. Behälter eine Schrumpffolie verwenden. Die Schrumpffolie wird im Allgemeinen als Folienzuschnitt mittels eines Einschlagsystems um die Artikelzusammenstellung herum gewickelt. Dieses sog. Foliengebinde wird durch einen Schrumpftunnel transportiert. Im Schrumpftunnel werden die umhüllten Artikel mit Schrumpfmedium, z.B. warmer bzw. heißer Luft, beaufschlagt, wodurch sich die Schrumpffolie zusammenzieht, so dass sie sich an die Artikel anschmiegt, diese stabilisiert und zusammenhält. Das Foliengebinde wird nach Durchlaufen der Wärmebehandlung auch als Schrumpfgebinde bezeichnet.The prior art discloses methods and apparatuses for packaging articles, such as plastic containers, which use a shrink wrap as outer packaging for the articles or containers. The shrink wrap is generally wrapped around the article assembly as a film blank by means of a wrapping system. This so-called foil container is transported through a shrink tunnel. In the shrink tunnel, the wrapped articles are covered with shrinkage medium, e.g. warm or hot air, causing the shrink film to contract so that it conforms to, stabilizes and holds the articles together. The film package is also referred to as shrinkage package after passing through the heat treatment.
Ein solches Verfahren zur Bildung von Schrumpfverpackungen geht z.B. aus der
Da die Folienbahn sich beim Schrumpfen verkürzt und zur Verhinderung von unerwünschten Faltungserscheinungen ein begrenzter Folienabschnitt je Gebinde verwendet wird, bilden sich normalerweise offene seitliche Bereiche, die auch als Schrumpfaugen oder Folienaugen bezeichnet werden. Diese Schrumpfaugen können einerseits zu Nachteilen bei der mechanischen Stabilität der Schrumpfgebinde, andererseits zu optischen Beeinträchtigungen bzw. zu Unregelmäßigkeiten in der Gestaltung des Schrumpfgebindes führen.Since the film web is shortened when shrinking and a limited film section per container is used to prevent unwanted folding phenomena, normally open lateral areas are formed, which are also referred to as Schrumpfaugen or film eyes. On the one hand, these shrinkage eyes can lead to disadvantages in the mechanical stability of the shrinkage packages, on the other hand to optical impairments or to irregularities in the design of the shrinkage package.
Zur Vermeidung solcher unerwünschter Folienaugen und zur Bildung von Gebinden mit allseits geschlossenem Folieneinschlag wurden bereits verschiedene Verfahren vorgeschlagen. So offenbart die
Ein ähnliches Verfahren zur Herstellung von mit allseitig geschlossener Folie umhüllten Verpackungseinheiten geht aus der
Vorrichtungen zur Verpackung derartiger Verpackungseinheiten und zum Anlegen der Folienüberstände finden sich in der
Die
Da der Faltungsaufwand und die Fixierung der gefalteten und überlappenden Folienabschnitte jedoch einen relativ hohen mechanischen Zusatzaufwand bei der Konstruktion vorhandener Verpackungsmaschinen bedeutet, und da allseits geschlossene Folienumhüllungen bei Schrumpfgebinden in Einzelfällen weitere Nachteile aufweisen können, ist es für viele Anwendungsfälle wünschenswert, weiterhin Schrumpfaugen bei der Herstellung der Schrumpfgebinde vorzusehen.However, since the folding effort and the fixation of the folded and overlapping film sections means a relatively high mechanical overhead in the construction of existing packaging machines, and since everywhere closed film wrappings shrink packaging in individual cases may have other disadvantages, it is desirable for many applications continue shrinking in the production to provide the shrinkage package.
Das vorrangige Ziel der vorliegenden Erfindung wird daher darin gesehen ein effizientes und weitgehend automatisierbares Verfahren zur Herstellung von Folienschrumpfgebinden zur Verfügung zu stellen, das den Verpackungsprozess weder verkompliziert, in irgendeiner Weise beeinträchtigt noch ihn verlangsamt. Zudem besteht ein Ziel der Erfindung darin, eine entsprechende Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Folienschrumpfgebinden zur Verfügung zu stellen.The primary object of the present invention is therefore to provide an efficient and largely automatable method of producing shrink-wrapped film which neither complicates, in any way impairs nor slows down the packaging process. In addition, an object of the invention is to provide a corresponding device for the production of shrink-wrapped film.
Diese Ziele werden mit den Gegenständen der unabhängigen Ansprüche erreicht. Merkmale vorteilhafter Weiterbildungen finden sich in den jeweiligen abhängigen Ansprüchen.These objects are achieved with the subject matters of the independent claims. Features of advantageous developments can be found in the respective dependent claims.
Zur Erreichung des genannten Ziels schlägt die Erfindung ein Verfahren zur Herstellung von Folienschrumpfgebinden aus Gruppen zusammengefasster Artikel oder Behälter mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Verfahrensanspruchs 1 vor. Bei diesem Verfahren werden die jeweils zu verpackenden Artikel- oder Behältergruppen in Transportrichtung auf einer Transportstrecke unter Ausbildung eines Überlappungsbereichs sowie von jeweils querrandseitig über die Artikel- oder Behältergruppen überstehenden Faltlaschen mit einem Folienabschnitt umhüllt. Anschließend werden die zu beiden Querseiten überstehenden Faltlaschen mittels mechanischer Faltelemente unter Ausbildung einer Öffnung oder unter weitgehendem Verschließen der Querseiten zwischen zueinander weisenden Endkanten der Faltlaschen zumindest teilweise übereinander gelegt und/oder an die angrenzenden Artikel- oder Behälteraußenseiten angelegt. Weiterhin durchlaufen bei dem Verfahren die Artikel- oder Behältergruppen mitsamt der Folienumhüllung unter Ausbildung von Schrumpfgebinden eine Heizstrecke, in der die mit Folie umhüllten Artikel- oder Behältergruppen mit Heißluft beaufschlagt werden. Hierbei wird zumindest ein Teil der gefalteten Faltlaschen über eine definierte Länge innerhalb der Heizstrecke mittels der mechanischen Faltelemente fixiert und/oder in ihrer gefalteten Lage gehalten, damit der zuvor erreichte Faltzustand zumindest über einen ersten Abschnitt der Heizstrecke aufrecht erhalten wird. Die mechanischen Faltelemente reichen zumindest soweit in Transportrichtung in die Heizstrecke hinein, dass ein die jeweiligen umhüllten Behälter- oder Artikelgruppen beaufschlagender Schrumpfungsvorgang begonnen hat und die übereinander gelegten Folienabschnitte aneinander haften.In order to achieve the stated object, the invention proposes a method for the production of shrink-wrapped film from groups of combined articles or containers having the features of the
Eine besonders vorteilhafte Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens sieht vor, dass die Faltelemente jeweils Leitschienen an wenigstens einer Längsseite der Transportstrecke umfassen oder durch solche Leitschienen gebildet werden. Solche Leitschienen können auf effektive Weise dafür sorgen, dass ein Faltzustand der querrandseitig über die Artikel- oder Behältergruppen überstehenden Faltlaschen, die dort übereinander gelegt werden, erreicht bzw. in die Heizstrecke hinein aufrechterhalten wird, so dass der Schrumpfvorgang bei exakt platzierten Faltlaschen durchgeführt werden kann. Wahlweise können zur Anpassung an unterschiedliche Artikel- oder Behältergrößen die an wenigstens einer Längsseite der Transportstrecke angeordneten Leitschienen höhenverstellbar ausgebildet sein und/oder in ihrer horizontalen Position zur Transportstrecke verstellt werden. Eine Breitenverstellung ist besonders zur Anpassung an unterschiedliche Gebindegrößen erforderlich. Ebenso möglich sind Varianten, bei denen zumindest an einer Längsseite der Transportstrecke zwei oder mehr parallel übereinander und beabstandet voneinander angeordnete Leitschienen vorgesehen sind, die für ein gleichmäßiges Andrücken der Faltlaschen über die gesamte Höhe der jeweiligen Artikel- oder Behältergruppen sorgen können. Wenn es auch denkbar ist, dass die Leitschienen links und rechts unterschiedlich ausgebildet sind, ist jedoch typischerweise ein längssymmetrischer Aufbau vorgesehen, bei dem die Leitschienen links und rechts an der Transportstrecke jeweils annähernd identisch ausgebildet und positioniert sind.A particularly advantageous variant of the method according to the invention provides that the folding elements each comprise guide rails on at least one longitudinal side of the transport path or are formed by such guide rails. Such guide rails can effectively ensure that a folded state of the transverse edge side over the article or container groups projecting folding tabs that are superimposed there, is reached or maintained in the heating section, so that the shrinking process can be performed at exactly placed folding tabs , Optionally, to adapt to different article or container sizes arranged on at least one longitudinal side of the transport path guide rails can be designed to be height adjustable and / or adjusted in its horizontal position to the transport path. A width adjustment is particularly necessary for adaptation to different container sizes. Also possible are variants in which at least on one longitudinal side of the transport path, two or more parallel superimposed and spaced apart guide rails are provided which can ensure uniform pressing of the folding tabs over the entire height of the respective article or container groups. If it is also possible that the guide rails are formed differently on the left and right, however, a longitudinally symmetrical structure is typically provided, in which the guide rails on the left and right of the transport path are each approximately identically formed and positioned.
Die erwähnten Leitschienen können bei einer Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit Luftaustrittsöffnungen ausgestattet sein, so dass aus den an wenigstens einer Längsseite der Transportstrecke und/oder in die Heizstrecke reichenden Leitschienen durch Öffnungen Luft austritt. Diese Luft kann einerseits als Kühlluft dienen, die ein Ankleben oder Anhaften der Folienlaschen der mit Folie eingeschlagenen Artikel- oder Behältergruppen an den Leitschienen verhindert. Andererseits dient die Luft auch als Luftpolster, das ebenfalls ein solches Anhaften zuverlässig verhindern kann. Außerdem kann die aus Öffnungen ausströmende Luft die Reibung der an den Leitschienen entlanggleitenden Artikel- oder Behältergruppen reduzieren.The mentioned guide rails can be equipped with air outlet openings in a variant of the method according to the invention, so that air escapes from the guide rails extending through at least one longitudinal side of the transport path and / or into the heating section through openings. This air can on the one hand serve as cooling air, which prevents sticking or sticking of the film tabs of the wrapped with foil article or container groups on the guide rails. On the other hand, the air also serves as an air cushion, which can also reliably prevent such adhesion. In addition, the air flowing out of openings can reduce the friction of the article or container groups sliding along the guide rails.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens können die Faltelemente jeweils bewegliche Einschlagelemente umfassen oder zumindest teilweise durch solche beweglichen Einschlagelemente gebildet sein. Hierbei können die beweglichen Einschlagelemente bspw. wenigstens einen Schwenkhebel umfassen, der um eine in etwa horizontale Schwenkachse an wenigstens einer Seite der Transportstrecke schwenkbar angeordnet ist. Ein sinnvoller Schwenkradius der Einschlagelemente kann in etwa von einer vertikalen Position bis zu einer ungefähr horizontalen Position, gerichtet in etwa parallel zur Förderrichtung, reichen. Je nach den herrschenden Einbauverhältnissen und je nach gewählter Antriebsvariante können jedoch auch größere Schwenkbereiche sinnvoll sein. Alternativ können die Schwenkhebel auch rotatorisch beweglich angeordnet sein, so dass sie ständig um horizontale Drehachsen rotieren können. Wenn diese Einschlagelemente bzw. sog. Einschläger jeweils durch schwenkbare Faltfinger mit dem angegebenen Bewegungsradius gebildet sind, können sie vorzugsweise unmittelbar vor dem Eingang der Heizstrecke durch eine Schwenkbewegung bzw. Drehbewegung zumindest die in Transportrichtung hinteren Faltlaschen nach vorne über die zuvor gefalteten Faltlaschen legen, so dass der gewünschte abschließende Faltzustand hergestellt werden kann, der dann in der Heizstrecke während des Schrumpfungsvorganges zur gewünschten Haftung der übereinander gelegten Faltlaschen aneinander führt. Bei Verzicht auf die beweglichen Einschlagelemente wäre es sinnvoll, andere geeignete Maßnahmen zu treffen, um zumindest die in Transportrichtung rückseitigen Faltlaschen nach vorne umschlagen zu können, da gerade diese Faltlaschen durch den Transport der Artikel- oder Behältergruppen ansonsten leicht nach hinten umgeschlagen werden könnten, was nicht gewünscht ist und unweigerlich zu einer Beeinträchtigung der Verpackungsqualität der herzustellenden Folienschrumpfgebinde führen würde.According to a further embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, the folding elements may each comprise movable impact elements or at least partially be formed by such movable impact elements. In this case, the movable impact elements may, for example, comprise at least one pivot lever, which is arranged pivotably about an approximately horizontal pivot axis on at least one side of the transport path. A useful turning radius of the striking elements can range from a vertical position to an approximately horizontal position, directed approximately parallel to the conveying direction. Depending on the prevailing installation conditions and depending on the selected drive variant, however, larger pivot ranges may be useful. Alternatively, the pivot lever can also be arranged to be rotationally movable, so that they can constantly rotate about horizontal axes of rotation. If these impactors or so-called impactors are each formed by pivotable folding fingers with the specified radius of movement, they can preferably immediately before the entrance of the heating by a pivoting movement or rotational movement at least the rear in the transport direction folding tabs over the previously folded folding tabs, so that the desired final folding state can be produced, which then leads in the heating section during the shrinking process to the desired adhesion of the superimposed folding tabs together. In the absence of the movable impact elements, it would be useful to take other suitable measures to at least be able to turn over the back in the transport direction folding tabs to the front, as just these folding straps by the transport of the article or Container groups could otherwise be easily turned over to the rear, which is not desirable and would inevitably lead to an impairment of the packaging quality of the produced Folienschrumpfgebinde.
Wie auch die starren bzw. höhenbeweglich ausgebildeten Leitschienen können auch die beweglichen Einschlagelemente in ihrer vertikalen und/oder horizontalen Position gegenüber der Transportstrecke verstellbar ausgebildet sein. Die Höhen- und/oder Breitenverstellbarkeit ist sinnvoll, damit eine Anpassbarkeit an unterschiedliche Artikel- oder Behältergrößen, unterschiedliche Gebindegrößen, -breiten etc. gegeben ist, die die Heizstrecke passieren sollen.Like the rigid or vertically movable guide rails, the movable impact elements can also be made adjustable in their vertical and / or horizontal position relative to the transport path. The height and / or width adjustability makes sense, so that an adaptability to different article or container sizes, different container sizes, widths, etc. is given, which should pass the heating section.
Das Verfahren sieht vor, dass die Leitschienen um eine definierte Länge in die Heizstrecke hineinreichen. Die Leitschienen können wahlweise durch die gesamte Heizstrecke hindurch geführt sein oder auch nur durch einen Teilabschnitt, da es ggf. ausreichen kann, die übereinander gelegten Faltlaschen nicht durch die gesamte Heizstrecke aneinander zu drücken. Wahlweise kann die Länge der Leitschienen auch variabel einstellbar sein.The method provides that the guide rails extend by a defined length in the heating section. The guide rails can optionally be passed through the entire heating section or even only through a section, since it may be sufficient to not press the superimposed folding tabs through the entire heating section together. Optionally, the length of the guide rails can also be variably adjustable.
Weiterhin ist es sinnvoll, wenn die beweglichen Einschlagelemente und/oder die in die Heizstrecke hineinreichenden Leitschienen jeweils hitzebeständig ausgebildet und/oder mit einer hitzebeständigen Beschichtung ausgestattet sind. Auf diese Weise kann verhindert werden, dass die erhitzte Schrumpffolie an den Leitschienen und/oder an den verstellbaren Einschlagelementen haften bleibt und dabei entweder der Faltzustand beeinträchtigt wird oder sogar die Folie beschädigt wird. Darüber hinaus sind gekühlte und/oder geschmierte Ausführungsvarianten denkbar. So können die Leitschienen bspw. hohl ausgebildet sein, so dass ein Kühlfluid darin zirkulieren kann, das für die gewünschte Temperierung bzw. Abkühlung der Leitschienen sorgen kann. Eine Schmierung kann bspw. dadurch zur Verfügung gestellt werden, dass an den Leitschienen kleine Austrittsöffnungen für eine Verlustschmierung mit geeignetem Schmiermittel vorgesehen sein können. Das Schmiermittel kann mittels geeigneter Vorrichtungen in definierbaren Zeitabständen und in gewünschter Menge an den Oberflächen der Leitschienen austreten.Furthermore, it makes sense if the movable impact elements and / or extending into the heating element guide rails are each formed heat-resistant and / or equipped with a heat-resistant coating. In this way it can be prevented that the heated shrink film adheres to the guide rails and / or on the adjustable wrapping elements and thereby either the folding condition is impaired or even the film is damaged. In addition, cooled and / or lubricated variants are conceivable. Thus, the guide rails may, for example, be hollow, so that a cooling fluid can circulate therein, which can provide the desired temperature control or cooling of the guide rails. For example, lubrication can be provided by providing small outlet openings for loss lubrication with suitable lubricant on the guide rails. The lubricant can escape by means of suitable devices at definable time intervals and in the desired amount on the surfaces of the guide rails.
Das Verfahren kann wahlweise vorsehen, dass zumindest einzelne Falze an einer Seite oder an beiden Querseiten der Foliengebinde angeheftet, angeklebt oder angeschweißt werden. Dieses Anheften, Ankleben oder Anschweißen kann bei einzelnen Faltlaschen, bspw. bei den oberen, unteren und/oder seitlichen Faltlaschen, oder auch bei mehreren Faltlaschen erfolgen. Auf diese Weise wird das Schrumpfen dadurch unterstützt, dass die übereinander gelegten Faltlaschen zusätzlich aneinander fixiert werden.The method may optionally provide that at least individual folds are adhered, glued or welded on one side or on both transverse sides of the foil packs. This sticking, gluing or welding can with individual folding tabs, for example. At the top, bottom and / or side folding tabs, or at done several folding tabs. In this way, the shrinkage is supported by the fact that the superimposed folding straps are additionally fixed to each other.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsvariante sieht das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren eine definierte Faltreihenfolge vor, bei der die jeweiligen oberen Faltlaschen der mit Folie eingeschlagenen Artikel- oder Behältergruppen zumindest bis zum Falten bzw. Einschlagen der übrigen Faltlaschen jeder Seite in ihrer nicht eingeschlagenen bzw. gefalteten Lage gehalten und erst anschließend seitlich an die Artikel- oder Behältergruppe angelegt werden. Auf diese Weise können ungeordnete Faltvorgänge zuverlässig verhindert werden, bei denen bspw. die oberen Faltlaschen während des Einschlagens insbesondere der seitlichen, d.h. der vorderen und/oder der hinteren Faltlaschen nach unten klappen und diese Faltvorgänge stören bzw. zum Knittern führen können. Wenn die oberen Faltlaschen dagegen mittels geeigneter Einrichtungen solange oben gehalten werden, bis die übrigen Faltlaschen an die mit Folie eingeschlagenen Artikel- oder Behältergruppen angelegt sind, werden solche potentiellen Störungen verhindert. Die Fixierung der oberen Faltlaschen kann bspw. mit geeigneten Ansaugeinrichtungen, wahlweise auch mit elektrostatischer Haltekraft, mechanischer Haltekraft o. dgl. gewährleistet werden. Wahlweise können die oberen Faltlaschen auch durch Anblasen mit Druckluft in ihrer oberen, noch nicht gefalteten Lage gehalten werden, bis die übrigen Faltlaschen angelegt sind, wonach auch die oberen Faltlaschen als Letzte angelegt werden können, wonach die Falze ggf. angeheftet, angeklebt oder bspw. auch angeschweißt werden können.According to a preferred embodiment variant, the method according to the invention provides for a defined folding order in which the respective upper folding tabs of the article or container groups wrapped with foil are held in their unfolded or folded position at least until the folding tabs of each side are folded or folded then be applied laterally to the article or container group. In this way, unordered folding operations can be reliably prevented, in which, for example, the upper folding tabs during the impact, in particular the lateral, i. Fold the front and / or the rear folding tabs down and interfere with these folding operations or can cause wrinkling. On the other hand, if the upper folding tabs are held up by suitable means until the remaining folding tabs are applied to the foil or foil-wrapped article or container groups, such potential interference is prevented. The fixation of the upper folding straps can be ensured, for example, with suitable suction devices, optionally also with electrostatic holding force, mechanical holding force or the like. Optionally, the upper folding tabs can also be held by blowing with compressed air in its upper, not yet folded position until the remaining folding tabs are applied, after which the upper folding tabs can be created as last, after which the folds may be attached, glued or bspw. can also be welded.
Ein besonders sinnvoller Faltvorgang der seitlichen Überlappungsbereiche des um die jeweilige Artikel- oder Behältergruppe gelegten Folienabschnittes sieht vor, dass zunächst die vorderen und hinteren Faltlaschen umgelegt werden, wonach an beiden Seiten die unteren Faltlaschen und erst anschließend und zuletzt an beiden Seiten die oberen Faltlaschen umgelegt werden, jeweils wahlweise unterstützt durch geeignete mechanische Faltelemente bzw. Leitschienen und/oder Fixier- bzw. Halteeinrichtungen, insbesondere zum Halten der oberen Faltlaschen in ihrer horizontalen Lage.A particularly useful folding operation of the lateral overlapping areas of the film section placed around the respective article or container group provides that first the front and rear folding tabs are folded, after which the upper folding tabs are folded on both sides and only then and lastly on both sides are the upper folding tabs folded in each case optionally supported by suitable mechanical folding elements or guide rails and / or fixing or holding devices, in particular for holding the upper folding tabs in their horizontal position.
Wie oben bereits erwähnt, können die querrandseitig übereinander gelegten Faltlaschen wahlweise in einer Weise überlappend übereinander gelegt werden, dass ein vollständig geschlossenes Schrumpfgebinde erzeugt wird. Ebenso möglich sind jedoch Varianten, bei denen sich die Faltlaschen nicht komplett überlappen, so dass seitliche Öffnungen verbleiben, die typischerweise als Folienaugen bezeichnet werden.As already mentioned above, the folding edges superimposed on the transverse edge side can optionally be overlapped on one another in a manner such that a completely closed shrinkage package is produced. However, variants are also possible in which the folding tabs do not completely overlap so that lateral openings remain, which are typically referred to as foil eyes.
Weiterhin ermöglicht es das Verfahren, bis zu vier nebeneinander angeordnete Förderstrecken mit jeweils gleichartigen Faltelementen vorzusehen. Hierbei können die Leitschienen und/oder beweglichen Faltelemente jeweils in mehrfacher Ausführung für bis zu vier parallele Förderbahnen angeordnet sein, wenn auch die Heizstrecke entsprechend breit zur Aufnahme von bis zu vier parallel beförderten Artikel- oder Behältergruppen ausgebildet ist.Furthermore, the method makes it possible to provide up to four conveyor lines arranged side by side, each with similar folding elements. Here, the guide rails and / or movable folding elements may each be arranged in multiple versions for up to four parallel conveyor tracks, although the heating section is formed correspondingly wide for receiving up to four parallel conveyed article or container groups.
Zur Erreichung des genannten Ziels schlägt die Erfindung weiterhin eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Folienschrumpfgebinden aus Gruppen zusammengefasster Artikel oder Behälter mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Anspruchs 9 vor. Diese Vorrichtung umfasst eine Transportstrecke, der eine Folienapplikationseinrichtung zugeordnet ist. Die Folienapplikationseinrichtung dient der Umhüllung der jeweiligen Artikel- oder Behältergruppen in Transportrichtung mit einem Folienabschnitt, wobei gleichzeitig ein Überlappungsbereich mit jeweils querrandseitig über die Artikel- oder Behältergruppen überstehenden Faltlaschen ausgebildet wird. Weiterhin umfasst die Vorrichtung mechanische Faltelemente zum zumindest teilweisen Übereinanderlegen der zu beiden Querseiten überstehenden Faltlaschen an die angrenzenden Artikel- oder Behälteraußenseiten. Bei diesem Übereinanderlegen kann wahlweise zwischen zueinander weisenden Endkanten der Faltlaschen eine Öffnung ausgebildet werden. Ebenso möglich ist es jedoch, dass die zueinander weisenden Endkanten übereinander gelegt werden, so dass sie sich überlappen und geschlossene Seitenflächen ohne Öffnungen bilden. Die Transportstrecke weist eine der Folienapplikationseinrichtung in Transportrichtung nachgeordnete Heizstrecke zur Beaufschlagung der Artikel- oder Behältergruppen mitsamt der Folienumhüllung mit Heißluft zur Ausbildung von Schrumpfgebinden auf. Die mechanischen Faltelemente zur Fixierung der gefalteten Faltlaschen und/oder zum Halten der Faltlaschen in ihrer gefalteten Lage erstrecken sich zumindest über einen Teilabschnitt einer definierten Länge in die Heizstrecke hinein.To achieve the stated object, the invention further proposes a device for producing shrink-wrapped film from groups of combined articles or containers having the features of independent claim 9. This device comprises a transport path, which is associated with a film application device. The film application device is used to wrap the respective article or container groups in the transport direction with a film section, wherein at the same time an overlap region is formed with respective folding edge on the transverse edge side over the article or container groups. Furthermore, the device comprises mechanical folding elements for at least partially superimposing the folding tabs projecting on both transverse sides against the adjacent article or container outer sides. In this superimposition can optionally be formed between mutually facing end edges of the folding tabs an opening. However, it is equally possible that the mutually facing end edges are superimposed so that they overlap and form closed side surfaces without openings. The transport path has one of the film application device in the transport direction downstream heating section for acting on the article or container groups together with the film wrapping with hot air to form shrink tubing. The mechanical folding elements for fixing the folded folding tabs and / or for holding the folding tabs in their folded position extend into the heating section at least over a section of a defined length.
Eine besonders bevorzugte Variante der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sieht vor, dass die Faltelemente jeweils Leitschienen an wenigstens einer Längsseite der Transportstrecke umfassen oder durch solche Leitschienen gebildet sind. Diese Leitschienen können auf effektive Weise dafür sorgen, dass ein Faltzustand der querrandseitig über die Artikel- oder Behältergruppen überstehenden Faltlaschen, die dort übereinander gelegt werden, erreicht bzw. in die Heizstrecke hinein aufrechterhalten wird, so dass der Schrumpfvorgang bei exakt platzierten Faltlaschen durchgeführt werden kann. Wahlweise können zur Anpassung an unterschiedliche Artikel- oder Behältergrößen die an wenigstens einer Längsseite der Transportstrecke angeordneten Leitschienen höhenverstellbar ausgebildet sein und/oder in ihrer horizontalen Position zur Transportstrecke verstellt werden. Eine Breiten- bzw. Abstandsverstellung der Leitschienen voneinander ist besonders zur Anpassung an unterschiedliche Gebindegrößen bzw. -breiten erforderlich. Ebenso möglich sind Varianten, bei denen zumindest an einer Längsseite der Transportstrecke zwei oder mehr parallel übereinander und vertikal beabstandet voneinander angeordnete Leitschienen vorgesehen sind, die für ein gleichmäßiges Andrücken der Faltlaschen über die gesamte Höhe der jeweiligen Artikel- oder Behältergruppen sorgen können. Wenn es auch denkbar ist, dass die Leitschienen links und rechts unterschiedlich ausgebildet sind, ist jedoch typischerweise ein längssymmetrischer Aufbau vorgesehen, bei dem die Leitschienen links und rechts an der Transportstrecke jeweils annähernd identisch ausgebildet und positioniert sind.A particularly preferred variant of the device according to the invention provides that the folding elements each comprise guide rails on at least one longitudinal side of the transport path or are formed by such guide rails. These guide rails can effectively ensure that a folded state of the transverse edge side over the article or container groups projecting folding tabs that are superimposed there, is reached or maintained in the heating section, so that the shrinking process can be performed at exactly placed folding tabs , Optionally, for adaptation to different article or container sizes the guide rails arranged on at least one longitudinal side of the transport path can be designed to be height-adjustable and / or adjusted in their horizontal position to the transport path. A width or distance adjustment of the guide rails from each other is particularly necessary for adaptation to different container sizes or widths. Also possible are variants in which at least on one longitudinal side of the transport path two or more parallel above one another and vertically spaced apart guide rails are provided which can ensure uniform pressing of the folding tabs over the entire height of the respective article or container groups. Although it is also conceivable that the guide rails are formed differently on the left and right, however, a longitudinally symmetrical structure is typically provided, in which the guide rails on the left and right of the transport path are each approximately identically formed and positioned.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsvariante der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung können die Faltelemente jeweils bewegliche Einschlagelemente umfassen oder zumindest teilweise durch solche beweglichen Einschlagelemente gebildet sein. Hierbei können die beweglichen Einschlagelemente bspw. wenigstens einen Schwenkhebel umfassen, der um eine in etwa horizontale Schwenkachse an wenigstens einer Seite der Transportstrecke schwenkbar angeordnet ist. Um eine taktende Arbeitsweise der Vorrichtung zu vermeiden, können diese Schwenkvorrichtungen rotierend ausgeführt sein, wobei der Einschlagvorgang einen Teil einer 360°-Bewegung der Schwenkvorrichtung bzw. der Schwenkhebel umfasst. Derartige kontinuierliche Prozesse mit durchgängig rotierenden Teilen sind im Dauerbetrieb meist zuverlässiger als oszillierend arbeitende Antriebe. Ein sinnvoller Schwenkradius der Einschlagelemente kann in etwa von einer vertikalen Position bis zu einer ungefähr horizontalen Position, gerichtet in etwa parallel zur Förderrichtung, reichen. Wenn diese Einschlagelemente bzw. sog. Einschläger jeweils durch schwenkbare bzw. rotierende Faltfinger mit dem angegebenen Bewegungsradius zwischen ca. 90° bei oszillierender und 360° bei rotierender Bewegung gebildet sind, können sie vorzugsweise unmittelbar vor dem Eingang der Heizstrecke durch eine Schwenkbewegung zumindest die in Transportrichtung hinteren Faltlaschen nach vorne über die zuvor gefalteten Faltlaschen legen, so dass der gewünschte abschließende Faltzustand hergestellt werden kann, der dann in der Heizstrecke während des Schrumpfungsvorganges zur gewünschten Haftung der übereinander gelegten Faltlaschen aneinander führt. Bei Verzicht auf die beweglichen Einschlagelemente wäre es sinnvoll, andere geeignete Maßnahmen zu treffen, um zumindest die in Transportrichtung rückseitigen Faltlaschen nach vorne umschlagen zu können, da gerade diese Faltlaschen durch den Transport der Artikel- oder Behältergruppen ansonsten leicht nach hinten umgeschlagen werden könnten, was nicht gewünscht ist und unweigerlich zu einer Beeinträchtigung der Verpackungsqualität der herzustellenden Folienschrumpfgebinde führen würde.According to a further embodiment variant of the device according to the invention, the folding elements may each comprise movable impact elements or at least partially be formed by such movable impact elements. In this case, the movable impact elements may, for example, comprise at least one pivot lever, which is arranged pivotably about an approximately horizontal pivot axis on at least one side of the transport path. In order to avoid a clocking operation of the device, these pivoting devices can be designed to rotate, wherein the impacting process comprises part of a 360 ° movement of the pivoting device or the pivoting lever. Such continuous processes with continuously rotating parts are usually more reliable in continuous operation than oscillating drives. A useful turning radius of the striking elements can range from a vertical position to an approximately horizontal position, directed approximately parallel to the conveying direction. If these impactors or so-called Einschläger are each formed by pivoting or rotating Faltfinger with the specified range of motion between about 90 ° at oscillating and 360 ° with rotating movement, they can preferably immediately before the entrance of the heating by a pivoting movement at least the in Lay the transport direction rear folding tabs over the previously folded folding tabs, so that the desired final folding state can be produced, which then leads in the heating section during the shrinking process to the desired adhesion of the superimposed folding tabs together. In the absence of the movable impact elements, it would be useful to take other suitable measures to at least be able to turn over the back in the transport direction folding tabs to the front, there straight otherwise these folding tabs could easily be moved backwards by the transport of the article or container groups, which is undesirable and would inevitably lead to an impairment of the packaging quality of the film shrinkage package to be produced.
Wie auch die starren bzw. höhenbeweglich ausgebildeten Leitschienen können auch die beweglichen Einschlagelemente in ihrer vertikalen und/oder horizontalen Position gegenüber der Transportstrecke verstellbar ausgebildet sein. Die höhen- und/oder Breitenverstellbarkeit ist sinnvoll, damit eine Anpassbarkeit an unterschiedliche Artikel- oder Behältergrößen, unterschiedliche Gebindegrößen, -breiten etc. gegeben ist, die die Heizstrecke passieren sollen.Like the rigid or vertically movable guide rails, the movable impact elements can also be made adjustable in their vertical and / or horizontal position relative to the transport path. The height and / or width adjustability makes sense, so that adaptability to different article or container sizes, different container sizes, widths, etc. is given, which should pass through the heating section.
Die Vorrichtung sieht vor, dass die Leitschienen um eine definierte Länge in die Heizstrecke hineinreichen, damit die gefalteten Faltlaschen jeweils an ihrem Platz gehalten werden und sich nicht wieder öffnen. Die Leitschienen können wahlweise durch die gesamte Heizstrecke hindurch geführt sein oder auch nur durch einen Teilabschnitt, da es ggf. ausreichen kann, die übereinander gelegten Faltlaschen nicht durch die gesamte Heizstrecke aneinander zu drücken. Wahlweise kann die Länge der Leitschienen auch variabel einstellbar sein. Weiterhin ist es sinnvoll, wenn die beweglichen Einschlagelemente und/oder die in die Heizstrecke hineinreichenden Leitschienen jeweils hitzebeständig ausgebildet und/oder mit einer hitzebeständigen Beschichtung ausgestattet sind, um ihre Reibung bzw. Haftneigung gegenüber dem Packmittel zu verringern. Auf diese Weise kann verhindert werden, dass die erhitzte Schrumpffolie an den Leitschienen und/oder an den verstellbaren Einschlagelementen haften bleibt und dabei entweder der Faltzustand beeinträchtigt wird oder sogar die Folie beschädigt wird. Für solche Beschichtungen stehen geeignete Materialien zur Verfügung, die gleichzeitig eine sehr glatte Oberfläche bieten, um das Gleiten der Folienabschnitte während des Passierens der Behältergruppierung zu erleichtern.The device provides that the guide rails extend by a defined length in the heating section, so that the folded folding tabs are each held in place and do not reopen. The guide rails can optionally be passed through the entire heating section or even only through a section, since it may be sufficient to not press the superimposed folding tabs through the entire heating section together. Optionally, the length of the guide rails can also be variably adjustable. Furthermore, it makes sense if the movable impact elements and / or extending into the heating route guide rails are each formed heat-resistant and / or equipped with a heat-resistant coating to reduce their friction or tendency to stick to the packaging. In this way it can be prevented that the heated shrink film adheres to the guide rails and / or on the adjustable wrapping elements and thereby either the folding condition is impaired or even the film is damaged. For such coatings, suitable materials are available which at the same time provide a very smooth surface to facilitate sliding of the film sections during passage of the container array.
Wahlweise können die erwähnten Leitschienen mit Luftaustrittsöffnungen ausgestattet sein, so dass aus den an wenigstens einer Längsseite der Transportstrecke und/oder in die Heizstrecke reichenden Leitschienen durch Öffnungen Luft austreten kann. Diese Luft kann einerseits als Kühlluft dienen, die ein Ankleben oder Anhaften der Folienlaschen der mit Folie eingeschlagenen Artikel- oder Behältergruppen an den Leitschienen verhindert. Andererseits dient die Luft auch als Luftpolster, das ebenfalls ein solches Anhaften zuverlässig verhindern kann. Außerdem kann die aus Öffnungen ausströmende Luft die Reibung der an den Leitschienen entlanggleitenden Artikel- oder Behältergruppen reduzieren. Die Luftaustrittsöffnungen können durch eine Vielzahl kleiner Bohrungen bzw. Luftdüsen in den hohl ausgebildeten Leitschienen gebildet sein. Wahlweise können die Leitschienen auch durch mikroporöses Material gebildet sein, durch das die Luft in gewünschter Menge ausströmen kann.Optionally, the mentioned guide rails can be equipped with air outlet openings, so that air can escape from the guide rails extending through at least one longitudinal side of the transport path and / or into the heating section. This air can on the one hand serve as cooling air, which prevents sticking or sticking of the film tabs of the wrapped with foil article or container groups on the guide rails. On the other hand, the air also serves as an air cushion, which can also reliably prevent such adhesion. In addition, the air flowing out of openings can reduce the friction of the articles sliding along the guide rails Reduce container groups. The air outlet openings may be formed by a plurality of small holes or air nozzles in the hollow guide rails. Optionally, the guide rails may also be formed by microporous material, through which the air can flow in the desired amount.
Die Vorrichtung kann wahlweise vorsehen, dass den mechanischen Faltelementen zusätzliche Applikationseinrichtungen zum Anheften, Ankleben und/oder Anschweißen zumindest einzelner Falze an einer Seite oder an beiden Querseiten der Foliengebinde zugeordnet oder in Transportrichtung nachgeordnet sind. Somit können zumindest einzelne Falze an einer Seite oder an beiden Querseiten der Foliengebinde angeheftet, angeklebt oder angeschweißt werden. Dieses Anheften, Ankleben oder Anschweißen kann bei einzelnen Faltlaschen, bspw. bei den oberen, unteren und/oder seitlichen Faltlaschen, oder auch bei mehreren Faltlaschen erfolgen. Auf diese Weise wird das Schrumpfen dadurch unterstützt, dass die übereinander gelegten Faltlaschen zusätzlich aneinander fixiert werden.The device can optionally provide that the mechanical folding elements additional application devices for attaching, gluing and / or welding at least individual folds are assigned to one side or on both transverse sides of the film bundles or downstream in the transport direction. Thus, at least individual folds can be attached, glued or welded on one side or on both transverse sides of the foil packs. This sticking, gluing or welding can be done with individual folding tabs, eg. At the top, bottom and / or side folding tabs, or even with multiple folding tabs. In this way, the shrinkage is supported by the fact that the superimposed folding straps are additionally fixed to each other.
Weiterhin ermöglicht es das Verfahren, bis zu vier nebeneinander angeordnete Förderstrecken mit jeweils gleichartigen Faltelementen vorzusehen. Hierbei können die Leitschienen und/oder beweglichen Faltelemente jeweils in bis zu vierfacher Ausführung für bis zu vier parallele Förderbahnen angeordnet sein, wenn auch die Heizstrecke entsprechend breit zur Aufnahme von bis zu vier parallel beförderten Artikel- oder Behältergruppen ausgebildet ist.Furthermore, the method makes it possible to provide up to four conveyor lines arranged side by side, each with similar folding elements. In this case, the guide rails and / or movable folding elements can each be arranged in up to four times for up to four parallel conveyor tracks, although the heating section is formed correspondingly wide for receiving up to four parallel conveyed article or container groups.
Im Folgenden sollen Ausführungsbeispiele die Erfindung und ihre Vorteile anhand der beigefügten Figuren näher erläutern. Die Größenverhältnisse der einzelnen Elemente zueinander in den Figuren entsprechen nicht immer den realen Größenverhältnissen, da einige Formen vereinfacht und andere Formen zur besseren Veranschaulichung vergrößert im Verhältnis zu anderen Elementen dargestellt sind.
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Fig. 1 zeigt in vier schematischen Ansichten die Verarbeitung und Verpackung von Behältergruppen mit Folie. -
Fig. 2 zeigt eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Heizstrecke zur Herstellung von Folienschrumpfgebinden. -
Fig. 3 zeigt in drei schematischen Ansichten ein Faltmodul zur Herstellung der Folienschrumpfgebinde. -
Fig. 4 zeigt zwei Detailansichten des Faltmoduls gemäßFig. 3 . -
Fig. 5 zeigt drei weitere Detailansichten der Heizstrecke bzw. des Faltmoduls zur Herstellung der Folienschrumpfgebinde.
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Fig. 1 shows in four schematic views the processing and packaging of groups of containers with foil. -
Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of a heating section for the production of Folienschrumpfgebinden. -
Fig. 3 shows in three schematic views a folding module for the production of Folienschrumpfgebinde. -
Fig. 4 shows two detailed views of the folding module according toFig. 3 , -
Fig. 5 shows three more detailed views of the heating section and the folding module for producing the Folienschrumpfgebinde.
Für gleiche oder gleich wirkende Elemente der Erfindung werden identische Bezugszeichen verwendet. Ferner werden der Übersicht halber nur Bezugszeichen in den einzelnen Figuren dargestellt, die für die Beschreibung der jeweiligen Figur erforderlich sind. Die dargestellten Ausführungsformen stellen lediglich Beispiele dar, wie die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung sowie das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ausgestaltet sein können und stellen keine abschließende Begrenzung dar.For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments represent only examples of how the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention can be configured and do not constitute a final limitation.
Die schematischen Darstellungen der
Die in den
Die
Die Seiten- und Frontansichten der
Um sicherzustellen, dass die oberen Faltlaschen 24d zuletzt umgelegt werden, kann vorgesehen sein, dass sie während des Umschlagens der übrigen Faltlaschen 24a, 24b und 24c zunächst in ihrer nicht eingeschlagenen bzw. gefalteten Lage gehalten und erst anschließend seitlich an die Behältergruppe 10 angelegt werden. Auf diese Weise können ungeordnete Faltvorgänge zuverlässig verhindert werden, bei denen bspw. die oberen Faltlaschen 24d während des Einschlagens insbesondere der seitlichen, d.h. der vorderen und/oder der hinteren Faltlaschen 24a und 24b nach unten klappen und diese Faltvorgänge stören bzw. zum Knittern führen können. Wenn die oberen Faltlaschen 24d dagegen mittels geeigneter Einrichtungen (nicht gezeigt) solange oben gehalten werden, bis die übrigen Faltlaschen 24a, 24b, 24c an die mit Folie 20 eingeschlagene Behältergruppe 10 angelegt sind, werden solche potentiellen Störungen verhindert. Die Fixierung der oberen Faltlaschen 24d kann bspw. mit geeigneten Ansaugeinrichtungen, wahlweise auch mit elektrostatischer Haltekraft, mechanischer Haltekraft o. dgl. gewährleistet werden. Wahlweise können die oberen Faltlaschen 24d auch durch Anblasen mit Druckluft in ihrer oberen, noch nicht gefalteten Lage gehalten werden, bis die übrigen Faltlaschen 24a, 24b, 24c angelegt sind, wonach auch die oberen Faltlaschen 24d zuletzt angelegt werden können.In order to ensure that the
Bei diesem Übereinanderlegen der seitlichen Überlappungsbereiche 22 kann wahlweise zwischen zueinander weisenden Endkanten 30 der Faltlaschen 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d eine Öffnung 32 im mittleren Bereich der Seitenflächen der umhüllten Behältergruppierungen 10 ausgebildet werden, wie dies in den
Die schematische Darstellung der
Die in
Wie es die
Wahlweise können die Leitschienen 28 mit hier nicht gezeigten Luftaustrittsöffnungen ausgestattet sein, so dass aus den an wenigstens einer Längsseite, vorzugsweise an beiden Längsseiten der in die Heizstrecke 34 reichenden Leitschienen 28 durch Luftdüsen oder kleine Öffnungen austreten kann. Diese Luft kann einerseits als Kühlluft dienen, die ein Ankleben oder Anhaften der Folienlaschen der mit Folie 20 eingeschlagenen Behältergruppen 10 an den Leitschienen 28 verhindern kann. Andererseits dient die Luft auch als Luftpolster, das ebenfalls ein solches Anhaften zuverlässig verhindern kann. Außerdem kann die aus Öffnungen ausströmende Luft die Reibung der an den Leitschienen 28 entlanggleitenden Behältergruppen 10 reduzieren. Die Luftaustrittsöffnungen können durch eine Vielzahl kleiner Bohrungen bzw. Luftdüsen in den hohl ausgebildeten Leitschienen 28 gebildet sein. Wahlweise können die Leitschienen 28 auch zumindest abschnittsweise durch mikroporöses Material gebildet sein, durch das die Luft in gewünschter Menge ausströmen kann, insbesondere im Bereich der Heizstrecke 34 oder zumindest in Abschnitten, in denen die Leitschienen 28 in die Heizstrecke 34 hineinreichen.Optionally, the guide rails 28 may be equipped with air outlet openings, not shown here, so that from the on at least one longitudinal side, preferably on both longitudinal sides of the reaching into the
Die schematischen Darstellungen der
Während die schematische Perspektivansicht der
Die schematische Seitenansicht der
Die
So zeigen die schematischen Darstellungen der
Die in den
Es sei an dieser Stelle erwähnt, dass die beweglichen Einschlagelemente 68 in ansonsten weitgehend unverändertem konstruktivem Aufbau wahlweise auch rotierende Bewegungen ausführen können, wobei ein Teil dieses Bewegungsverlaufs zum Umschlagen der jeweils hinteren Faltlaschen 24b der seitlichen Überlappungsbereiche 22 der mit Folie 20 umhüllten Behältergruppierung 10 dient. Die Schwenkwellen 72 können bei dieser alternativen Ausführungsvariante wahlweise direkt mit den Elektromotoren 76 gekoppelt und direkt von diesen angetrieben werden, wodurch sich die kontinuierlich umlaufenden Drehbewegungen der Faltfinger 78 ergibt.It should be mentioned at this point that the
Ein sinnvoller Schwenkradius der Einschlagelemente 68 bzw. Schwenkhebel 78 kann in etwa von einer vertikalen Position bis zu einer ungefähr horizontalen Position, gerichtet in etwa parallel zur Förderrichtung 18, reichen. Durch ihre Anordnung und ihre Schwenkbewegungen können die schwenkbaren Faltfinger 78 mit dem angegebenen Bewegungsradius unmittelbar vor dem Eingang der Heizstrecke 34 durch eine Schwenkbewegung zumindest die in Transportrichtung 18 hinteren Faltlaschen 24b nach vorne über die zuvor gefalteten Faltlaschen 24a legen, so dass der gewünschte abschließende Faltzustand hergestellt werden kann, der dann in der Heizstrecke 34 während des Schrumpfungsvorganges zur gewünschten Haftung der übereinander gelegten Faltlaschen 24 aneinander führt.A useful pivoting radius of the
Vorzugsweise sind sowohl die beweglichen Einschlagelemente 68 bzw. Faltfinger 78 als auch die in die Heizstrecke 34 hineinreichenden Leitschienen 28 jeweils hitzebeständig ausgebildet und/oder mit einer hitzebeständigen Beschichtung ausgestattet. Auf diese Weise kann verhindert werden, dass die erhitzte Schrumpffolie 20 an den Leitschienen 28 und/oder an den verstellbaren Einschlagelementen 68 haften bleibt und dabei entweder der Faltzustand beeinträchtigt wird oder sogar die Folie 20 beschädigt wird.Preferably, both the
Die schematische Frontansicht der
Die Darstellung der
Die Frontansicht der
Die Erfindung wurde unter Bezugnahme auf eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform beschrieben. Es ist jedoch für einen Fachmann vorstellbar, dass Abwandlungen oder Änderungen der Erfindung gemacht werden können, ohne dabei den Schutzbereich der nachstehenden Ansprüche zu verlassen.The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.
- 1010
- Gruppe, Behältergruppe, BehältergruppierungGroup, tank group, tank grouping
- 1212
- Behälter, GetränkebehälterContainer, beverage container
- 1414
- Transportstrecketransport distance
- 1616
- FolienapplikationseinrichtungFoil application device
- 1818
- Transportrichtung, FörderrichtungTransport direction, conveying direction
- 2020
- Folie, Folienabschnitt, FolienumhüllungFoil, foil section, foil wrapping
- 2222
- Überlappungsbereich, seitlicher ÜberlappungsbereichOverlap area, lateral overlap area
- 2424
- FaltlascheFolded tongue
- 24a24a
- vordere Faltlaschefront folding strap
- 24b24b
- hintere Faltlascherear folding strap
- 24c24c
- untere Faltlaschelower folding strap
- 24d24d
- obere Faltlascheupper folding strap
- 2626
- Faltelement, mechanisches FaltelementFolding element, mechanical folding element
- 2828
- Leitschiene, seitliche LeitschieneGuardrail, side guardrail
- 3030
- Endkanteend edge
- 3232
- Öffnung, FolienaugeOpening, foil eye
- 3434
- Heizstreckeheating section
- 3636
- Schrumpftunnelshrink tunnel
- 3838
- Gebinde, Foliengebinde, Folienschrumpfgebinde, SchrumpfgebindeContainers, film containers, film shrink containers, shrink containers
- 4040
- Kühlgebläsecooling fan
- 4242
- Teilabschnittpart Of
- 44a44a
- erste Länge (Leitschiene)first length (guide rail)
- 44b44b
- zweite Länge (Leitschiene)second length (guide rail)
- 4646
- Faltmodulfolding module
- 4848
- Einlaufseiteinlet side
- 5050
- Haltestrebe, horizontale Haltestrebe, QuerstrebeSupport strut, horizontal support strut, cross strut
- 5252
- Einlauföffnunginlet opening
- 5454
- Förderebeneconveying plane
- 5656
- Halter, Klemmhalter, klemmbarer HalterHolder, clamp holder, clampable holder
- 5858
- Haltestrebe, vertikale HaltestrebeSupport strut, vertical support strut
- 6060
- Verstellmechanismusadjustment
- 6262
- Verstellradadjustment wheel
- 6464
- Welle, vertikale WelleWave, vertical wave
- 6666
- Scherengelenkscissor joint
- 6868
- Einschlagelement, bewegliches EinschlagelementImpact element, movable impact element
- 7070
- Rahmenelementframe element
- 7272
- Schwenkwelle, horizontale SchwenkwelleSwivel shaft, horizontal swivel shaft
- 7474
- Antriebshebeldrive lever
- 7676
- Elektromotor, elektrischer AntriebsmotorElectric motor, electric drive motor
- 7878
- Faltfingerfolding fingers
- 8080
- untere Führungsleistelower guide rail
- 8282
- mittlere Führungsleistemiddle guide rail
- 8484
- obere Führungsleisteupper guide rail
Claims (21)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102015103919.2A DE102015103919A1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2015-03-17 | Apparatus and method for producing shrink-wrapped film |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3070009A1 true EP3070009A1 (en) | 2016-09-21 |
EP3070009B1 EP3070009B1 (en) | 2018-01-17 |
Family
ID=55411246
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16156254.1A Active EP3070009B1 (en) | 2015-03-17 | 2016-02-18 | Device and method for the preparation of shrink film containers |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3070009B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105984601A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102015103919A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3606832B1 (en) | 2017-04-04 | 2021-03-31 | KHS GmbH | System and method for producing packaging multi-packs |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102017203581A1 (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-06 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Transport section of a packing line and method for modifying a packing line provided for articles or assemblies of articles |
DE102017203660A1 (en) | 2017-03-07 | 2018-09-13 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Packaged goods wrapped with shrinkable film and method and packaging machine for its production |
DE102018128351B3 (en) | 2018-11-13 | 2020-02-20 | Khs Gmbh | Device and method for wrapping groups of containers |
EP4003844A1 (en) * | 2019-07-30 | 2022-06-01 | Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. | Packaging apparatus for secondary packages |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5142689A (en) * | 1974-10-09 | 1976-04-10 | Towa Seiki Kk | SHURINKUGATAHOSOSOCHI |
DE102006036590A1 (en) | 2006-08-04 | 2008-02-07 | Khs Ag | Method for shrinking a shrink wrap on packaging and apparatus for carrying out the method |
EP2219954B1 (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2011-12-28 | KHS GmbH | Method and device for the production of a packaged unit |
DE102010032455A1 (en) | 2010-07-28 | 2012-02-02 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Shrinking device for shrinking hot shrink film on e.g. beverage bottles during packaging process, has heat sources for shrinking film on packaging unit, where spacing between sources and packaging unit is adjusted in variable manner |
WO2012149947A1 (en) | 2011-05-03 | 2012-11-08 | Khs Gmbh | Method and apparatus for packaging groups of articles combined to form packaging units |
DE102012016699A1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2014-02-27 | Khs Gmbh | Method and device for packaging groups of objects combined into packaging units |
DE102012016698A1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2014-02-27 | Khs Gmbh | Device for packaging objects |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1157134B (en) * | 1956-09-28 | 1963-11-07 | Robert G Carpenter | Method and device for closing a container by means of a plastic film |
JP4235716B2 (en) * | 2001-08-07 | 2009-03-11 | 株式会社エコー産業 | Resin film bag in which a plurality of roll papers are packaged The bag manufacturing method The bag manufacturing apparatus |
US8424272B2 (en) * | 2007-09-17 | 2013-04-23 | Alain Cerf | Apparatus and process for wrapping an article with a heat shrink film having a strip that acts as a handle |
DE102009003653A1 (en) * | 2009-03-23 | 2010-09-30 | Krones Ag | Shrinkable packaging and process for its production |
CN203032987U (en) * | 2012-12-24 | 2013-07-03 | 广东泰恩康制药厂有限公司 | Double-film-cylinder-end folding mechanism of heat shrink film packing machine |
-
2015
- 2015-03-17 DE DE102015103919.2A patent/DE102015103919A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2016
- 2016-02-18 EP EP16156254.1A patent/EP3070009B1/en active Active
- 2016-03-15 CN CN201610147480.3A patent/CN105984601A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5142689A (en) * | 1974-10-09 | 1976-04-10 | Towa Seiki Kk | SHURINKUGATAHOSOSOCHI |
DE102006036590A1 (en) | 2006-08-04 | 2008-02-07 | Khs Ag | Method for shrinking a shrink wrap on packaging and apparatus for carrying out the method |
EP2219954B1 (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2011-12-28 | KHS GmbH | Method and device for the production of a packaged unit |
DE102010032455A1 (en) | 2010-07-28 | 2012-02-02 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Shrinking device for shrinking hot shrink film on e.g. beverage bottles during packaging process, has heat sources for shrinking film on packaging unit, where spacing between sources and packaging unit is adjusted in variable manner |
WO2012149947A1 (en) | 2011-05-03 | 2012-11-08 | Khs Gmbh | Method and apparatus for packaging groups of articles combined to form packaging units |
DE102012016699A1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2014-02-27 | Khs Gmbh | Method and device for packaging groups of objects combined into packaging units |
DE102012016698A1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2014-02-27 | Khs Gmbh | Device for packaging objects |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3606832B1 (en) | 2017-04-04 | 2021-03-31 | KHS GmbH | System and method for producing packaging multi-packs |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102015103919A1 (en) | 2016-09-22 |
CN105984601A (en) | 2016-10-05 |
EP3070009B1 (en) | 2018-01-17 |
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