DE102013215415A1 - Method and apparatus for shrinking materials onto articles and / or to a collection of articles - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a method and apparatus for shrinking materials onto articles (10) and / or for assembling articles (10) by means of gaseous shrinkage media within a defined space (2). Thermal energy of the gaseous shrinkage medium is supplied by waste heat of at least one internal combustion engine (30) and / or heating energy of at least one electrically operated additional heater (5, 5 '). The at least one internal combustion engine (30) drives at least one converter (13) for converting mechanical shaft power into electric power for the at least partial operation of the at least one additional heater (5, 5 ').

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for shrinking materials onto articles and / or to a collection of articles.

In prior art devices for shrinking materials, articles such as PET bottles are transported along a transport path through the so-called "shrink tunnel". During their transport, the articles are provided with shrink material before entering the shrink tunnel, which heats shrink material and thereby shrunk onto the respective article. Known shrink tunnels include, for example, electric heaters for heating the material to be shrunk.

A shrink tunnel in which an electric heater is used, for example, from DE 199 20 057 A1 known. In the case of the shrink tunnel known from the DE application, heated air is conducted through the heating devices into the interior of the shrink tunnel via hot air outlets. The hot air outlets are provided in the form of a jalousine in hot air ducts and are adjustable in terms of direction and passage cross section. The electrical energy for the heaters is obtained from a public network, so the resulting costs for heating the shrinking medium are bound to the respective price of the electrical energy. Reducing the cost of shrinking the particular material would be desirable in practice.

In other known from the prior art possibilities for heating the shrinking medium, the temperature is applied via a gas heater. Such a gas heater or burner unit, as can be used for a shrink tunnel, is for example from the DE Patent No. 10 2007 030 2645 known. The gas burner of the DE patent comprises a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a pore element, in which the combustion takes place.

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for shrinking materials available, in which the investment and operating costs can be kept low by technical means. Furthermore, the device should have a straightforward structure and the method can be easily implemented.

The above objects are achieved by a method and a device comprising the features in claims 1 and 11. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The method according to the invention is intended for shrinking materials onto articles and / or on a collection of articles. For example, the materials may be formed as thermoplastic films and / or as shrinkable labels. It is conceivable, for example, that after shrinking a collection of articles on the material as a so-called container is held together.

According to the invention, the shrinking of materials to the respective article and / or on the respective compilation of articles within a defined space. The defined space is preferably formed as a shrink tunnel and optionally comprises an inlet and an outlet for the respective article or for the respective compilation of articles. The inlet and the outlet can in this case be formed as part of a housing and aligned with each other in the transport direction of the respective article. In order to transport the respective articles and / or the respective assortment of articles through the shrink tunnel, the respective articles and / or the respective combination of articles can be put up on articles on a horizontal conveyor. The horizontal conveyor expediently extends through the housing and passes through the entrance and the exit. In preferred embodiments, the horizontal conveyor may be formed as a circulating conveyor belt.

In order to prevent unhindered escape of heat, the housing can have only one entrance open to the outside and one exit open to the outside, and moreover can be designed to be at least substantially closed.

Furthermore, thermal energy of the gaseous shrinkage medium is supplied by waste heat of at least one internal combustion engine and / or heating energy of at least one electrically operated additional heater. In various embodiments, it may be the case that the internal combustion engine passes on waste heat to a heat exchanger, which heat exchanger supplies thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium.

In preferred embodiments, as further detailed below, waste heat of the at least one internal combustion engine is supplied to the gaseous shrinkage medium by an exhaust gas volume flow of the at least one internal combustion engine.

The thermal energy, which the gaseous shrinkage medium before loading the Material has, must be designed such that the material is shrink-on the respective article and / or on the respective assortment of articles. Furthermore, the thermal energy of the gaseous shrinkage medium is expediently to be embodied in such a way that no damage to the respective articles and / or the respective compilation of articles takes place during the shrinking process or while the material is being exposed to the gaseous shrinkage medium. Accordingly, the supply of thermal energy to the gaseous shrinkage medium by the at least one internal combustion engine and / or the at least one additional heater is preferably to be designed such that the temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium before loading of the material corresponds to a predefined target temperature.

In addition, the at least one internal combustion engine drives at least one converter for converting mechanical shaft power into electrical power. The converter may be driven by the at least one internal combustion engine to provide at least an approximately constant output voltage throughout. In this case, the at least one internal combustion engine can drive the converter via a shaft.

The electrical power is provided for at least partial operation of the at least one electric auxiliary heater. It makes sense for the converter to be designed as a generator and preferably as a rotary generator for electrical energy.

If necessary, one or more inverters can be arranged downstream of the generator. Since the electric power of the converter or the generator can be continued over a short distance to the respective at least one electrical auxiliary heater, only low transmission losses are associated with the continuation of the inventive method. The method according to the invention thus offers further advantages with regard to the energy balance compared to relating to electrical energy from a public pipeline network with resulting transmission losses.

If more than one auxiliary heater is present in various embodiments, it may be that the converter or the generator is connected to an electrical distribution system, via which an electrical power generated by the converter or by the generator is forwarded to the respective auxiliary heaters as required.

In order to supply thermal energy from the at least one additional electrical heater for the gaseous shrinkage medium, it may be that the at least one additional electric heater comprises one or more heating elements, such as heating wires, heating coils or the like, past which flows the gaseous energy source.

For example, during operation of the shrink tunnel, the thermal energy of the gaseous shrink medium may be completely supplied via the at least one internal combustion engine so that no operation of the at least one additional electric heater is necessary, at least over the given period of time gaseous shrink medium continue to heat to certain target temperature. Since electrical power which is made available via the converter or the generator is not necessary for the operation of the at least one auxiliary heater, the entire electric power produced by the converter can be transmitted to other electrical components and / or to the at least one certain time period a public pipeline network.

Due to the possible feed into a public network, there is still the advantage that an excess of electrical power is not lost but a feed into the public network with remuneration allows an economically optimized implementation of the method.

It is also conceivable that electrical power, which is not necessary for the operation of the at least one additional heater over the certain period of time, is temporarily stored and used at a later time for operating at least one additional heater and / or for operating further electrical devices. For example, accumulators or the like are suitable for temporary storage.

It may be that a control device is present, which selects by means of an intelligent distribution logic and taking into account the respective remuneration for feeding electrical power into the public network between the feed and a temporary storage and / or a transfer to additional electrical components.

In addition, it can also be provided that the electrical power which is generated via the at least one converter is not completely sufficient for the operation of the at least one additional electric heater, at least over a certain period of time. In this case, additional electrical energy can be obtained from a public power supply network and / or from accumulators for operating the at least one additional electric heater over the given period of time. For example, the previously mentioned control device depending on the respective Energy price make a decision whether the respective electrical power from the public network and / or is obtained from a cache.

As already mentioned above, the temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium should be in a certain range when the material is acted upon or have a certain nominal temperature. In particular, embodiments have proven in which of the at least one internal combustion engine continuously a substantially constant amount of thermal energy is supplied to the gaseous shrinkage medium. Furthermore, from the at least one additional heater, a further amount of thermal energy can be supplied to the shrinking medium, which is designed such that the temperature of the shrinking medium is before the loading of the material in the respective specific area or has the predefined target temperature. The amount of thermal energy delivered by the at least one internal combustion engine for the gaseous shrinkage medium over the course of time is preferably at least substantially constant while the amount of thermal energy delivered by the at least one additional heater varies over the course of time.

In preferred embodiments, the electrical power provided across the converter consistently meets at least the need for which at least one auxiliary heater is required for operation. If the electrical power is greater than the need for at least one additional heater, there is also the possibility to deliver an excess of electrical power beyond the demand of the additional heater to other electrical components, to store them in accumulators and / or to forward them to a public pipeline network , A decision on this can, as previously mentioned, be made by means of a control device with intelligent distribution logic.

It is also conceivable that the at least one internal combustion engine is coupled via one or more gear stages to the converter. The one or more gear stages can optionally be selected as a function of the power of the respective internal combustion engine and depending on the design of the respective converter.

To shrink the material, the respective material is charged with the gaseous energy carrier. It may be that within the defined space several nozzles are present, which lead the gaseous energy carrier against the material to be shrunk. The nozzles may for example be installed in shaft walls of the shrink tunnel.

In particular, the at least one internal combustion engine can provide thermal energy in the form of an exhaust gas volume flow for the subsequent temperature control via the at least one additional electric heater. For example, the at least one internal combustion engine may be coupled to at least one physical line connection, which continues the exhaust gas volume flow directly to the at least one auxiliary heater. As already mentioned above, one or more pollutant filters may be arranged in the at least one physical line connection.

If more than one auxiliary heater is present, then the at least one physical line connection can branch, wherein the exhaust gas volume flow can be continued to one of the additional heaters via at least one branch in each case.

In further embodiments, it may be that the continuation of the exhaust gas volume flow of the at least one internal combustion engine is not directly to the at least one additional heater. For example, for this purpose, the at least one internal combustion engine may be coupled to at least one physical line connection, which continues the exhaust gas volume flow preferably filtered into the interior of the shrink tunnel. The at least one physical line connection can open into the shrink tunnel in the region of the at least one additional heater. The at least one additional heater can receive the preferably filtered exhaust gas volume flow from the shrink tunnel and deliver further thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium.

In particular, in this case have proven embodiments in which the at least one electric auxiliary heater is formed as part of a recirculation system, in which by gaseous shrinking medium material is applied, then again thermal energy is supplied by the at least one electric auxiliary heater to the gaseous shrinking medium and then a renewed Loading of material via the gaseous shrinkage medium takes place.

If more than one additional electric heater is present, then it may be that the at least one physical line connection branches, with at least one branch in the region of an additional heater discharging into the shrinking tunnel. The more than one auxiliary heater can each receive the preferably filtered exhaust gas volume flow from the shrink tunnel and further thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium Provide energy. The amount of delivered thermal energy from a first auxiliary heater may in this case be different from the amount of delivered thermal energy of a second auxiliary heater. Each of the several additional heaters can be designed as a previously described circulating air system.

In practice, it has been shown that the demand for electrical power from the at least one additional heater for supplying the necessary thermal energy over the course of time is not constant. In particular, in the area of the entrance and the exit of the shrink tunnel losses of thermal energy can occur, the redelivered by the one or more additional heaters for the gaseous shrinkage medium or must be compensated by the respective additional heating, so that the gaseous shrinkage medium upon application of the material, if necessary has certain setpoint temperature. The loss of thermal energy from the shrink tunnel may also vary over time.

For example, when articles and / or compilations of articles enter the shrink tunnel, there is a greater loss of thermal energy than when the articles and / or the respective assemblies of articles from the shrink tunnel fail to enter or exit. In order to provide the thermal energy requirement for the gaseous shrinkage medium and to temper the gaseous shrinkage medium upon exposure of the material within a certain range, the respective electrical power demand required by the at least one auxiliary electric heater may vary over time.

Also conceivable are embodiments in which thermal energy for combustion air of the at least one internal combustion engine is provided by an exhaust gas volume flow of the at least one internal combustion engine. If an exhaust gas volume flow is also provided by the at least one internal combustion engine, which supplies thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium, the entire exhaust gas volume flow of the at least one internal combustion engine can branch and proportionally provide thermal energy for combustion air of the at least one internal combustion engine.

In particular, in this case have proven embodiments in which the at least one internal combustion engine is coupled to the previously mentioned at least one physical line connection, which continues the exhaust gas flow rate and / or in the direction of at least one electric auxiliary heater. The at least one physical line connection can branch, with one branch continuing the exhaust gas volume flow to a supply for combustion air of the at least one internal combustion engine.

Embodiments are also conceivable in which the exhaust gas volume flow of the at least one internal combustion engine at least partially passes through a heat exchanger and the combustion air of the at least one internal combustion engine via the heat exchanger thermal energy is supplied or wherein the combustion air of at least one internal combustion engine is preheated via the heat exchanger.

In addition, it is possible to provide thermal energy for fuel of the at least one internal combustion engine by means of an exhaust gas volume flow of the at least one internal combustion engine. As will be described in more detail below, the at least one internal combustion engine is designed in preferred embodiments as a gas turbine and / or as a gas engine. Accordingly, the at least one internal combustion engine in these preferred embodiments can be driven by fuel gas. The at least one internal combustion engine can provide thermal energy for the fuel gas via its exhaust gas volume flow or the at least one internal combustion engine can preheat the fuel gas via its exhaust gas volume flow. For example, the supply of thermal energy or the preheating of the fuel gas by mixing the fuel gas with an at least partially derived from the at least one internal combustion engine exhaust gas volume flow.

Furthermore, it may be that an actual temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium is determined by means of a sensor system and, depending on the detected actual temperature, the at least one additional electric heater is controlled at least approximately in real time. For this purpose, the sensor system may be in connection with a previously mentioned control device which, if necessary, after the transmission of values of the sensor draws conclusions about the respective actual temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium. It is also conceivable that the actual temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium is detected by the sensor directly within the defined space or within the shrink tunnel.

As already mentioned, provision can be made for the gaseous shrinkage medium to be heated to a specific temperature or to a specific setpoint temperature before the material is acted upon. If the determined by means of the sensor actual temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium deviates from the specific target temperature, the control device can the respective Adjust additional heater so that more thermal energy is supplied to the gaseous shrinkage medium from the respective additional heater to achieve the desired temperature.

In further embodiments, at least two additional heaters may be present, wherein a first temperature zone with the first setpoint temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium is associated with a first of the at least two additional heaters and a second temperature zone with second setpoint temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium is associated with a second of the at least two additional heaters , The first setpoint temperature and the second setpoint temperature can be designed differently. A regulation of the first and the second of the at least two additional heaters can take place taking into account the respective setpoint temperature and the respective determined actual values.

The at least one first auxiliary electric heater and the at least one second additional electric heater can be arranged at different positions along a transport path of the articles and / or the article assembly during their movement through the shrink tunnel and optionally in the region of the respective temperature zone.

The first and the second temperature zones can thus run along the transport path of the articles and / or the article assemblies in the shrink tunnel. The regulation of the at least one first additional electric heater and the at least one second additional electric heater can be effected via a previously mentioned control device. In practice, more than two additional heaters can be used, each of the more than two additional heaters is assigned its own temperature zone with its own set temperature for the gaseous shrinking medium. The desired temperatures of the temperature zones can be designed completely different or partially identical. It is also conceivable that one or more of the temperature zones are assigned a plurality of additional heaters.

In conceivable embodiments, the first temperature zone and the second temperature zone may each be assigned at least one actuator, via which actuators the respective temperature zone for supplying thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium is selectively connected to the at least one internal combustion engine.

For example, it is conceivable that by means of actuation of one or more of the actuators a supply of thermal energy by the at least one internal combustion engine and for the respective temperature zone associated with the actuator is completely prevented. In preferred embodiments, the amount of thermal energy to be supplied to the at least one internal combustion engine for the respective temperature zones can be preset via the actuators. The actuators can be designed, for example, as valves which at least partially prevent the transfer of a gaseous exhaust gas volume flow of the at least one internal combustion engine to the shrink tunnel or, depending on the specification, permit it completely.

For example, as previously mentioned, a control device may be provided. Taking into account the respective desired temperature in the temperature zones via the actuators, the control device can connect the at least one internal combustion engine to one or more of the temperature zones. In particular, it can be provided here that the control device selectively distributes the amount of available thermal energy of the at least one internal combustion engine for the respective temperature zones in operative connection with the actuators. For this purpose, the control device may have an intelligent logic which, taking into account the respective desired temperatures in the temperature zones, selects the most energy-efficient distribution for the thermal energy of the at least one internal combustion engine. The amount of deliverable thermal energy of the at least one internal combustion engine can be formed substantially constant over the course of time and optionally deposited on the control unit or detected via sensors. A distribution can take place with an intelligent distribution logic taking into account economic aspects and the subsequent temperature control over the several additional heaters.

If the defined space or the shrink tunnel, as previously described, has an input and an output for the articles and / or the assembly of articles, it can be provided that thermal energy is tapped in the region of the input and / or in the region of the output and for combustion air of the at least one internal combustion engine is provided. For energy-saving implementation of the method, the loss of thermal energy from the shrink tunnel in practice is undesirable, but due to the necessary entry of articles and / or the compilation of articles in the shrink tunnel and the outlet of the article and / or the compilation of articles from the Shrink tunnel unavoidable up to a certain amount. As in preferred embodiments, as previously mentioned, an exhaust gas flow volume for the supply of thermal Energy is continued to the shrink tunnel, corresponds to the loss volume of gaseous medium from the shrink tunnel at least the volume of the exhaust stream. It makes sense that the shrink tunnel can therefore be designed to be largely sealed, the loss volume formed as a gaseous medium being tapped as extensively as possible in the area of the container inlet and the container outlet.

In order to continue to use the thermal energy, it can therefore be used in preferred embodiments for preheating the combustion air for the at least one internal combustion engine. For example, it may be that a suction device on the input side and / or output side is in communication with the shrink tunnel, receives emerging gaseous medium, continues to the combustion air and mixes it with the combustion air for temperature control. The entire device can thus be designed as a circulating air system.

For receiving the exiting gaseous medium funnel-like devices can be used, the cross section of which tapers in the direction of the entrance and / or the exit.

In addition, it may alternatively or additionally be provided that thermal energy, which is tapped in the region of the input and / or output of the shrink tunnel, is provided for fuel material of the at least one internal combustion engine or is provided for preheating fuel of the at least one internal combustion engine. The fuel may further be formed by fuel gas. A preheating of the fuel can be done for example by mixing the gaseous medium with the fuel or with the fuel gas. Embodiments are also conceivable in which thermal energy consumed in the region of the input and / or output is used for further heat recovery systems. Transport of gaseous medium taken from the shrink tunnel in the area of the input and / or output can preferably be effected via physical line connections.

In further embodiments, the articles and / or the assembly of articles may be moved upright during shrinkage of materials on a horizontal conveyor through the defined space, wherein thermal energy is derived from the horizontal conveyor and provided for combustion air of the at least one internal combustion engine. Since the horizontal conveyor extends in such embodiments through the defined space or through the shrink tunnel, thermal energy of the shrinking process is absorbed by the horizontal conveyor. Cooling is imperative to avoid damage to the horizontal conveyor, for example due to material distortion.

In order to optimize the method according to the invention energetically, such embodiments have proved successful, in which thermal energy is derived from the horizontal conveyor. It is conceivable for this purpose, for example, that the horizontal conveyor having thermal energy is acted upon by an air volume flow, the air volume flow is tapped heated after exposure to the horizontal conveyor and further processes for energy recovery is supplied. In principle, any processes which permit the further utilization of heated gaseous medium are conceivable. For example, the heated air volume flow can be mixed after removal with combustion air for the at least one internal combustion engine. Also, methods and devices are conceivable in which the air volume flow for preheating fuel for the at least one internal combustion engine is used. The fuel may, as previously mentioned, be formed by fuel gas.

For other heat recovery systems, the optionally derived from the horizontal conveyor thermal energy can be used.

In addition, it can be provided that the at least one electrically operated auxiliary heater is connected to a flow generator, which forms, maintains and / or amplifies a volume flow from the gaseous energy carrier. The flow generator can form a recirculation system together with the respective additional electric heater. For example, each auxiliary heater can be assigned at least one flow generator.

It is also conceivable that the flow generator (s) are operated at least proportionally with an electrical power generated by the converter. In particular, such operation may be useful if the at least one electrical booster heater can be fully powered by the generated electrical power of the converter and the converter produces an excess of electrical power. An at least proportional operation of one or more of the flow generators by the electrical power generated via the converter or generator may optionally be decided by a control device having an intelligent logic.

The operation of one or more of the flow generators on the electric power generated by the converter can be specified by the control device, if necessary, if this makes sense from an energetic point of view. Possibly. For example, the control device can compare, by means of the intelligent logic, a supply of the flow generator (s) with a return to the public pipeline network from an economically advantageous point of view.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the electrical power generated by the converter is made available to further processes. In particular, it is conceivable that the electrical power generated by the converter processes of container manufacturing and / or the filling and / or sealing technology is provided.

The invention further relates to a device for shrinking materials on articles and / or on a collection of articles by means of a gaseous shrinking medium and within a defined space.

It should be noted in advance that all features which have been described for the previously described method can also be used for the device according to the invention. Likewise, all the features which are described below for the device may be provided for implementing the method according to the invention.

The apparatus comprises at least one internal combustion engine, which is coupled to at least one converter for converting mechanical shaft power into electrical power and designed to provide thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium. Next at least one additional electric heater, which is in communication with the converter for electrical power supply. The converter is preferably formed in the inventive device as an electric generator or as a rotary generator, the defined space usefully as a shrink tunnel.

Further, the at least one internal combustion engine is formed in preferred embodiments as a gas turbine and / or as a gas engine. A gas turbine, as can also be used for the at least one internal combustion engine of the device according to the invention, comprises an inlet for combustion air, a compressor, a combustion chamber, and a turbine and is designed for the rotational drive of a shaft. If necessary, the shaft can be connected to the converter or the rotary generator via one or more gear stages.

If the at least one internal combustion engine is designed as a gas turbine, the gas turbine can deliver thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium via an exhaust gas volume flow. In practice, it has been found that embodiments in which the gas turbine is driven at a constant operating point or in which the rotational speed of the gas turbine is kept at least substantially constant over the course of time can preferably be used. If a regulation of the internal combustion engine or the gas turbine and / or the gas engine takes place, unwanted compositions in the exhaust gas volume flow can result from this. In addition, gas turbines per se have a sluggish control dynamics. In this respect, a constant amount of thermal energy can be made available over the course of time over the gas turbine at a constant operating point, preferably via its exhaust gas volume flow, while a further amount of thermal energy for a certain target temperature of the gaseous shrinking medium through the at least one electric auxiliary heater available is provided. Since, due to losses of thermal energy from the shrink tunnel, the need for further thermal energy over the course of time is not constant, the at least one electrically auxiliary heater can be dynamically controlled.

If at least one gas engine is used for the at least one internal combustion engine, this can be designed, for example, as a piston engine or rotary engine and can be connected to the converter or to the generator via a shaft. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which the gas engine is designed as a Wankel engine. In embodiments with the formation of the at least one internal combustion engine as a gas engine thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium can be supplied via the exhaust gas volume flow and the gas engine preferably be driven at a constant operating point or the speed of the gas engine over the course of time are kept at least substantially constant. The operating point of the gas engine or the gas turbine is preferably to be selected such that the gas engine or the gas turbine is at least approximately in the range of its optimum efficiency.

In particular, embodiments have proven in which one or more of the electric booster heaters a sensor for detecting an actual temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium is associated and the device comprises a control device via which depending on the detected actual temperature, the respective electric booster at least approximately in Real time is adjustable.

For example, the at least one internal combustion engine can be coupled to physical connections, such as lines, pipes or the like, for passing on an exhaust gas volume flow as thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium. In this case, the sensor system can be arranged at least proportionally in the region of the physical connection, detect the temperature of the exhaust gas volume flow and transmit it to a control device which, taking into account the temperature of the exhaust gas volume flow, regulates the at least one auxiliary heater.

It is also conceivable that the respective sensor system is arranged in the shrink tunnel, the temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium is detected in the shrink tunnel and transmitted to a control device which, taking into account the temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium in the shrink tunnel, controls the at least one additional electric heater. The transmission of the respective detected by the sensor temperature can be wired or wireless. The sensors are in this case designed as temperature sensors. Are, as previously mentioned, formed in the shrink tunnel several temperature zones, each associated with at least one additional heating, it may be provided for each of the temperature zones own sensor or for each of the temperature zones own actual temperature can be determined.

In order to pressurize the respective articles or the respective compilation of articles with the gaseous energy carrier, in preferred embodiments the at least one electrically operated auxiliary heater is associated with a flow generator for the formation, maintenance and / or amplification of a volumetric flow formed from the gaseous energy carrier. The at least one electrically operated additional heater can be arranged with the associated flow generator within the defined space or within the shrink tunnel. The at least one electrically operated auxiliary heater and the respective flow generator can jointly form a recirculation system. If several additional heaters are present, then in preferred embodiments, each of the additional heaters can be assigned at least one flow generator.

In order to ensure an economically sensible further utilization of an excess of electrical power produced by the converter, the converter or the generator can be connected to a public power line network and / or further electrical components. Accordingly, it can also be provided for various embodiments of the device according to the invention, a feed of electrical power into the public line network and / or an intermediate storage via an accumulator or the like. A decision on this can, as previously mentioned, be made via a controller with intelligent distribution logic.

It can further be provided that thermal energy of the at least one internal combustion engine is used at least proportionally for further processes. For example, thermal energy of the at least one internal combustion engine can be used at least partially for preheating combustion air and / or fuel of the at least one internal combustion engine. In particular, embodiments have proved suitable for this, in which a return system for an exhaust gas volume flow of the at least one internal combustion engine is provided, which feedback system is brought into contact with a supply for combustion air of the at least one internal combustion engine. For example, the at least one internal combustion engine may be in communication with the supply of combustion air via one or more physical line connections for passing an exhaust gas volume flow.

It is also conceivable that when the shrinking process is suspended over a relatively long period of time, the at least one internal combustion engine is still operated to generate electrical power. In this case, thermal energy from the shrink tunnel can furthermore be provided for preheating combustion air and / or fuel of the at least one internal combustion engine. A container inlet and a container outlet can be at least largely closed during the exposure of the shrinking process, so that thermal energy does not escape from the shrink tunnel via the container inlet and the container outlet.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

1 shows a schematic view of a device for shrinking materials, as known from the prior art;

2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention for shrinking of materials;

3 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention;

4 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention;

5 shows in detail an embodiment of a shrink tunnel in longitudinal section, as it can be used as a component for various embodiments of the device according to the invention;

6 shows an end view of a shrink tunnel, as it can be used for various embodiments of the device according to the invention;

7 shows the schematic view of the shrink tunnel 5 clarifying the supply of an exhaust gas volume flow as thermal energy of the internal combustion engine;

8th shows a schematic view of an additional heater, as it can be found in various embodiments of the device according to the invention use;

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 are merely examples of how the device or method of the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation.

1 shows a schematic view of a device 1 for shrinking materials known in the art.

The device 1 is as a shrinking device 3 formed and includes a shrink tunnel 2 through which article 10 and present container 11 (see. 6 to 8th ) are transported for shrinking of materials. For example, the materials may be used to combine multiple of the containers 11 serve and as a thermoplastic film 12 as exemplified in 6 be recognized, be trained. In other embodiments, the materials to be shrunk may be formed by labels, for example. Such materials are preferred even before the respective container 11 in the shrink tunnel 2 on the or the respective containers 11 arranged.

As in 1 shown, owns the shrink tunnel 2 a container inlet BE, through which the container 11 in the shrink tunnel 2 enter and a container outlet BA, through which container 11 after shrinking the material out of the shrink tunnel 2 escape. The containers 11 can through the shrink tunnel 2 by means of an in 1 unrecognizable horizontal conveyor 14 to be moved.

In known from the prior art devices 1 can have one or more heating devices 50 and 50 ' be present, which are designed for example as electric heaters and / or gas heating. For electric heaters 50 respectively. 50 ' will be the operation of the heaters 50 respectively. 50 ' necessary energy from a public pipeline network 16 based. For this reason, the resulting costs associated with heating the shrinking medium and operating the electrical heaters 50 respectively. 50 ' are necessary, tied to the respective price of the electrical energy. Other versions, which instead of or in addition to the electric heaters 50 respectively. 50 ' provide a gas burner are characterized by high acquisition costs. A reduction in the cost of shrinkage allow the embodiments of the device according to the invention shown in the following figures 1 ,

references 7 and 7 ' refer to 1 each to a flow generating device, wherein each of the heaters 50 and 50 ' a flow generating device 7 respectively. 7 ' assigned. As by arrow in 1 indicated symbolically, is a volume flow of air or a volume flow of shrinking agent via the flow generation devices 7 and 7 ' sucked the heaters 5 and 5 ' passing heated and then directed against the respective material to be shrunk.

Because in the case 2 already a temperature level prevails, which compared to the temperature level outside the housing 2 is formed enlarged, which has the heaters 50 and 50 ' passing volume flow already before heating a higher temperature level than the ambient air outside the housing 2 ,

numeral 18 also refers to a control cabinet in which electrical components to supply the heaters 7 and 7 ' can be arranged with electrical energy. Furthermore, for example, in the control cabinet 18 Fuses and / or control devices may be arranged.

An embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 which is a shrinkage of materials on articles 10 or container 11 by means of gaseous shrinking medium, while saving costs, is in 2 shown. Further clarified 2 the implementation of a method according to the invention.

The device 1 and by means of the device 1 implementable method 20 are intended for shrinking materials on articles 10 (see. 6 to 8th ).

The shrinking of the respective materials on the articles 10 takes place within a defined space, the present usefully as a shrink tunnel 2 is trained. The shrink tunnel 2 has, analogous to the representation from 1 , a container entrance BE for the respective article 10 and a container exit BA through which the respective articles 10 from the shrink tunnel 2 escape.

It is conceivable, for example, that in case of non-entry of the article 10 in the shrink tunnel 2 and / or if the items do not leak 10 from the shrink tunnel 2 the container inlet BE and / or the container outlet BA are closed by means such as louvre curtains or the like in order to prevent gaseous medium from escaping from the shrink tunnel 2 at least be able to reduce and thus a loss of thermal energy from the shrink tunnel 2 to reduce.

The container inlet BE and the container outlet BA can in the longitudinal direction of the shrink tunnel 2 aligned with each other, so that the respective article 10 without deflection and by means of a horizontal conveyor 14 through the shrink tunnel 2 can be transported standing. The horizontal conveyor 14 This extends usefully through the shrink tunnel 2 and the container inlet BE and the container outlet BA.

Thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium is indicated by the reference numeral 30 exemplified internal combustion engine supplied in the embodiment of the 2 as a gas turbine 31 is trained. In addition, there are several additional electric heaters 5 and 5 ' which are also provided for supplying thermal energy to the gaseous shrinkage medium.

The thermal energy is transmitted through the gas turbine 31 in the form of an over the gas turbine 31 discharged exhaust gas volume flow delivered. As in 2 to recognize is a line connection 18 to the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 coupled, which is provided to guide the exhaust gas flow rate. The exhaust gas volume flow is in 2 directly to the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' continued, which supply the exhaust gas flow volume for heating more thermal energy. In the line connection 18 Several pollutant filters are arranged, so that the exhaust gas flow filtered to the additional heaters 5 respectively. 5 ' can be continued. To the exhaust gas flow to both additional heaters 5 and 5 ' to be able to continue, the line connection branches 18 , wherein a branch the exhaust gas volume flow in the direction of the first auxiliary heater 5 leads and another branch the exhaust gas flow in the direction of the second auxiliary heater 5 ' leads.

The at least one internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 drives the converter 13 , designed as an electrical generator 15 , to convert their mechanical shaft power into electrical power. The gas turbine 31 This is done with a constant operating point. The constant operating point is preferably to be selected such that the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 a high degree of efficiency with respect to a drive of the converter 13 and their supply of thermal energy via the exhaust gas flow. Due to the constant operating point of the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 Be compared to a dynamic control pollutants in the exhaust gas flow of the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 kept low.

An output voltage generated by the electric generator 15 is delivered, is thus due to the constant operating point of the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 formed over the course of time at least substantially constant.

In possible embodiments, the converter 13 or the generator 15 be one or more inverters downstream. Because the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' In the present case, these inverters are used to supply electrical power to the auxiliary heaters 5 and 5 ' unnecessary. The public network described in more detail below 16 and the converter 13 or the generator 15 However, one or more such inverters may be interposed. In order to temper the gaseous shrinkage medium, include the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' in each case several heating wires and / or heating register 42 respectively. 42 ' (see. 5 ). Not necessarily have all additional heaters as electric booster heaters 5 and 5 ' be educated. It is also conceivable for further embodiments that supplemental heaters find use, for example, have a gas burner.

It can be seen in 2 also a control cabinet 22 in which an electrical distribution system and possibly one or more fuses are arranged to the by the generator 15 generated electrical power when needed at least proportionately to the electric booster heaters 5 respectively. 5 ' to be able to continue. The through the converter 13 or the generator 15 generated electrical power is presently designed such that the need for electrical energy of additional heaters 5 and 5 ' completely through the over the converter 13 or the generator 15 generated electrical power is covered. Obtaining electrical energy from the public network 16 to meet the needs of electric booster heaters 5 and 5 ' To be able to cover, is therefore not necessary in the present case.

As previously mentioned, the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 driven at constant operating point. The amount of thermal energy generated by the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 is provided in the form of an exhaust gas volume flow, is therefore formed over the time course at least substantially constant. To the material on the respective article 10 shrinking, the temperature of the gaseous shrinking medium must be when the article 10 are in a certain range or have a certain target temperature. In particular, due to the entry and exit of articles 10 in and out of the shrink tunnel 2 is the temperature level in the shrink tunnel 2 not consistently formed over the course of time. Also, the gaseous shrinkage medium loses thermal energy upon exposure of the material to be shrunk because the material to be shrunk has a lower temperature level than the gaseous shrinkage medium and is heated by the gaseous shrinkage medium.

As the amount of thermal energy, which by the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 Over the course of time provided in the form of an exhaust gas flow rate is at least largely constant, the additional heaters must 5 and 5 ' to control the temperature of the gaseous shrinking medium to target temperature dynamically. For example, several sensors S1 and S2 can be used for this purpose, as they are 5 are described in detail.

It is conceivable for the embodiment 2 in that over a certain period of time the over the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 supplied thermal energy sufficient to temper the gaseous shrinking medium for the particular temperature range can. Another temperature control via the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' This is not necessary over the certain period of time, so that the over the converter 13 or the generator 15 completely produced electrical power in a public network 16 can be fed. Alternatively or additionally, an intermediate storage of the electrical power with the aid of one or more accumulators 17 conceivable for the electrical power. A decision on this can be made with the aid of a control device 34 and with the aid of a on the control device 34 deposited distribution logic done.

The distribution logic can be from an injection into the public pipeline network 16 and an intermediate storage via one or more accumulators 17 taking into account the respective remuneration for supply to the public network 16 choose. It is also conceivable that the converter 13 or the generator 15 is associated with other electrical components, wherein a possible transfer of electrical power to the respective other electrical components of the intelligent distribution logic of the control unit 34 is taken into account. The further electrical components can be used, for example, as a flow-generating device 7 respectively. 7 ' be educated. It is also conceivable that the converter 13 or the generator 15 with its generated electrical power further electrical components of a stretch blow and / or filling station for the container 11 provided.

Due to the embodiment according to 2 with supply of electrical power to the public supply network 16 and / or caching via one or more accumulators 17 and / or passing on additional electrical components, the method can be optimized from an economical point of view or can be an operation of the device 1 Optimized under economic aspects.

Provided the electrical power, which over the converter 13 or the generator 15 is not generated completely to operate the additional heaters 5 respectively. 5 ' sufficient, if necessary, electrical energy from the public network 16 be obtained. In practice, however, it has been found that devices for economic implementation are preferred 1 Can be used in which by the generator 15 generated electrical power for complete operation of the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' sufficient and if necessary on the need of additional heaters 5 and 5 ' goes. Provided by the converter 13 or the generator 15 generated electrical power greater than the respective needs of additional heaters 5 and 5 ' is, there is still the possibility of surplus in the public network 16 under remuneration, via one or more accumulators 17 store and / or other electrical components.

In 2 is each of the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' or each of the temperature zones T1 and T2 of the shrink tunnel to be described in more detail below 2 an actuator 9 respectively. 9 ' assigned, via which the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' for supplying thermal energy to the shrinking medium selectively with the internal combustion engine 30 can be contacted. The actuators 9 and 9 ' are each designed as a valve. Thus, the passing of the by the internal combustion engine 30 ejected exhaust gas volume flow as thermal energy to the first auxiliary heater 5 and the second auxiliary heater 5 ' over the actuators 9 and 9 ' optionally allowed or inhibited. The actuators 9 and 9 ' are in 2 designed such that the amount of by the internal combustion engine 30 or the gas turbine 31 thermal energy to be supplied for the temperature control of the gaseous shrinking medium with connection to the respective auxiliary heater 5 and 5 ' over the actuators 9 and 9 ' can be specified. For example, it may be because of the actuators 9 and 9 ' a greater amount of gas turbine through the 31 ejected exhaust gas volume flow of the first auxiliary heater 5 for controlling the temperature of the gaseous shrinking medium is available, while a smaller amount of the through the gas turbine 31 ejected exhaust gas volume flow of the second auxiliary heater 5 ' is provided for controlling the temperature of the gaseous shrinking medium available.

With each of the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' is a flow generator 7 respectively. 7 ' in conjunction, which forms, maintains and / or amplifies a volume flow from the gaseous energy source. It can be provided in various embodiments, that of the flow generators 7 respectively. 7 ' to the respective operation required electrical power completely through the converter 13 or by the electric generator 15 is made available. Also, the flow generation devices 7 respectively. 7 ' to meet their demand for electrical power with one or more accumulators 17 and / or a public pipe network 16 keep in touch. A decision on the particular source of supply can be made for the flow generation device 7 and 7 ' via the control device shown schematically 34 respectively.

2 also shows an example of the possible construction of a gas turbine 31 as for the device according to the invention 1 and can be used to implement the method according to the invention. The gas turbine 31 includes a compressor 4 one with the generator 15 coupled wave 6 , a turbine 8th as well as a combustion chamber 19 , numeral 36 also refers to a heat exchanger connected to the gas turbine 31 is brought into operative connection and over which combustion air of the gas turbine 31 can be pre-tempered. The heat exchanger 36 For thermal conditioning of the combustion air thermal energy from the exhaust gas flow of the gas turbine 31 fed.

3 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , Analogous to the embodiment 2 owns the device 1 in 3 an internal combustion engine 30 as a gas turbine 31 is formed, two additional heaters 5 and 5 ' , Flow generating devices 7 , and 7 ' , one as a generator 15 trained converter 13 as well as actuators 9 and 9 ' ,

Continue a shrink tunnel 2 , within which on articles 10 to shrinking material is acted upon by a gaseous shrinking medium.

In 3 is additionally a transmission 33 provided over which the shaft 6 the gas turbine 31 to the converter 13 or to the electric generator 15 is coupled.

In addition to the exemplary embodiment 2 owns the device 1 according to 3 a return line 38 , by means of which an exhaust gas volume flow provided for controlling the temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium, the gas turbine 31 proportionately branched off and for preheating combustion air VL of the gas turbine 31 is being used. The combustion air VL is in 3 symbolically indicated by arrow. A preheating of the combustion air VL by the exhaust gas volume flow takes place by merging in a mixing region, which is schematically illustrated by reference numeral MB. Next is heated gaseous medium through the supply lines 40 . 40 ' and 40 '' passed to the mixing area MB. The feed line 40 is in operative connection with a suction device, which taps gaseous medium in the region of a container inlet BE. The feed line 40 ' is in operative connection with a further suction device, which taps gaseous medium in the region of a container outlet BA. The third supply line 40 '' stands with a device 52 for cooling the horizontal conveyor 14 in connection, as detailed in 5 is shown and described.

A continuation of the heated combustion air VL is, as previously to 2 already shown, via a compressor 4 the gas turbine 31 intended. By means of further arrow representation and by reference to ZB is a schematic feed for fuel, in this case for fuel gas, characterized.

4 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 ,

As in the embodiments of the 2 and 3 are in 4 an internal combustion engine 30 , two additional heaters 5 and 5 ' , Flow generating devices 7 , and 7 ' , as a generator 15 trained converter 13 as well as actuators 9 and 9 ' intended. Analogous to the embodiment 3 owns the device 1 according to 4 three supply lines 40 . 40 ' and 40 '' by means of which heated gaseous medium for combustion air preheating in the direction of a mixing region MB is transported. Also is a transmission 33 provided, via which a drive shaft 6 to a converter 13 or an electric generator 15 is coupled.

By reference to VL, a supply of combustion air to the mixing area MB is indicated by means of an arrow. For example, refers to the supply of fuel, in this case fuel gas.

The internal combustion engine 30 is contrary to the embodiments of the 2 and 3 in 4 as a gas engine 32 educated. Even with training of the internal combustion engine 30 as a gas engine 32 can generate thermal energy in the form of a gas engine 32 ejected exhaust gas flow rate can be used for controlling the temperature of the gaseous shrinking medium. If a gas engine 32 for the device according to the invention 1 or for implementing the method according to the invention is used, the gas engine 32 be set to a predetermined operating point or to a predetermined speed, so that the output voltage of the converter 13 or of the generator 15 is kept at least approximately constant over the course of time. Comparing to the dynamic control of the gas engine 32 High pollutants can be in the exhaust gas flow of the gas engine 32 Avoid at constant operating point. In the physical line connection 18 , Which is designed to pass on the exhaust gas volume flow with subsequent admission of the material to be shrunk, one or more pollutant filters can be arranged.

For the formation of the gas engine 32 For example, embodiments are suitable in which the gas engine 32 is designed as a rotary piston engine. Also conceivable are embodiments with the formation of the gas engine 32 as a Wankel engine.

5 shows in detail an embodiment of a shrink tunnel 2 in longitudinal section, as it is as part of various embodiments of the device according to the invention 1 Can be used. In particular shows 5 thermal energy loss, which can be used for other uses such as combustion air and / or fuel pre-heating.

Thus, in the area of the container inlet BE and in the region of the container outlet BA schematic convection losses are shown, which are tapped and the combustion air preheating the in 4 shown mixing range MB are supplied.

As in 5 to further recognize the articles 10 or the containers 11 on a horizontal conveyor 14 getting up through the shrink tunnel 2 transported. The articles 10 or the containers 11 pass through the container inlet BE in the shrink tunnel 2 to and from the tank exit BA from the shrink tunnel 2 out. The horizontal conveyor 14 is formed as a circulating conveyor belt, passes through the container inlet BE and the container outlet BA and extends through the shrink tunnel 2 ,

To provide thermal energy to the gaseous shrinkage medium have the electric booster heaters 5 and 5 ' one heating register each 42 respectively. 42 ' , Next is through the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' , as indicated by arrow, gaseous medium from the shrink tunnel 2 taken and over the heating register 42 tempered. The additional heaters 5 and 5 ' each with an associated flow generating device 7 and 7 ' in conjunction and are together with the flow generating device 7 and 7 ' each designed as a recirculation system.

5 further shows a device 52 for cooling the horizontal conveyor 14 , About the device 52 and those in the 3 and 4 shown supply line 42 '' Thermal energy is the horizontal conveyor 14 continued to the mixing area MB.

The first of the two additional heaters 5 is in 5 a first temperature zone T1 associated with the first target temperature of the gaseous shrinking medium, during the second additional heating 5 ' a second temperature zone T2 is associated with the second setpoint temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium. The first temperature zone T1 extends over a first region of the shrink tunnel 2 along the horizontal conveyor 14 , the second temperature zone T2 extends over a wider area of the shrink tunnel 2 along the horizontal conveyor 14 ,

For each of the temperature zones T1 and T2, a separate sensor system S1 or S2 is provided, with which the respective actual temperature of the gaseous Shrinking medium in the respective temperature zone T1 or T2 is detected. The respective detected actual temperature is then sent to the control device 34 transmitted, which, taking into account the respective detected actual temperature and provided for the gaseous shrinkage medium in the temperature zones T1 and T2 target temperatures, the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' regulates. In 5 the target temperature for the temperature zones T1 and T2 is formed differently, so that the gaseous shrinkage medium of the temperature zone T1 relative to the gaseous shrinkage medium of the temperature zone T2 has a greater or lesser thermal energy. Alternatively or additionally, sensors can also be used which show the thermal energy of the engine 30 Capture emitted exhaust gas flow, taking into account the detected actual values and the respective target temperature of the gaseous shrink medium in the temperature zones T1 and T2, the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' be managed.

6 shows a frontal view of a shrink tunnel 2 as for various embodiments of the device according to the invention 1 Can be used. In 6 is very good the material aufzuschrumpfende for the respective article 10 or container 11 to recognize that as a thermoplastic film 12 is trained. Next the container entrance BE, which has already been described in the previous figures.

In addition, the application of the material to be shrunk with the gaseous shrinkage medium is indicated by means of an arrow. The articles 10 or the containers 11 be in 6 double row through the shrink tunnel 2 guided. Each row is moved between two parallel shaft walls, which shaft walls each have nozzles that the gaseous shrinkage medium against the respective article 10 or container 11 to lead.

7 shows the schematic view of the shrink tunnel 2 out 5 with reference to the supply of an exhaust gas volume flow as the thermal energy of the internal combustion engine 30 ,

The shrink tunnel 2 out 7 analogous to the shrink tunnel 2 according to 5 constructed and has two additional heaters 5 and 5 ' for the two temperature zones T1 and T2. Each of the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' includes a heating register 42 respectively. 42 ' , Likewise, a control device 34 available. The shrink tunnel 2 has a container inlet BE and a container outlet BA.

By means of arrows P1 and P1 'is a first possibility of the supply of thermal energy in the form of an exhaust gas flow rate through the internal combustion engine 30 to the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' or to the respective temperature zones T1 and T2 of the shrink tunnel 2 clarified. The exhaust gas volume flow is in this case the pressure side of the two additional heaters 5 and 5 ' continued. The amount of thermal energy, which on the exhaust gas flow rate the respective additional heaters 5 and 5 ' can be provided, as already mentioned above, in the 2 to 4 illustrated actuators 9 and 9 ' be specified.

By means of arrows P2 and P2 'is a second possibility of the supply of thermal energy in the form of an exhaust gas flow through the internal combustion engine 30 to the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' or to the respective temperature zones T1 and T2 of the shrink tunnel 2 clarified. The exhaust gas volume flow is in this case the suction side of the two additional heaters 5 and 5 ' continued. Because the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' together with the respective flow generating devices 7 and 7 ' are designed as recirculation systems, they can be designed in the form of an exhaust gas flow volume thermal energy from the shrink tunnel 2 record and over their heating register 42 and 42 ' supply additional thermal energy. Subsequently, the admission of the respective material to be shrunk over the gaseous shrinkage medium can take place.

For the sake of understanding, it should also be mentioned that no physical separation of the two temperature zones T1 and T2 is provided, so that thermal energy can be exchanged between the two temperature zones T1 and T2. To a defined target temperature for the respective temperature zones T1 and T2 by supplying thermal energy to the gaseous shrinkage medium via the additional heaters 5 and 5 ' to achieve a regulation with sensors S1 and S2, as in 5 described, done. Of course, those in the 5 and 7 illustrated first temperature zone T1 and second temperature zone T2 merely by way of example, so that in practice more than two temperature zones with respective additional heating and possibly sensors can be used.

8th shows a schematic view of an additional heater 5 respectively. 5 ' as in various embodiments of the device according to the invention 1 Can be used.

The additional heating 5 respectively. 5 ' has an electric heater 42 and is together with the flow generating device 7 respectively. 7 ' designed as a recirculation system. The arrow depicts the direction of flow when thermal energy is supplied to the gaseous shrinkage medium. Next are distribution systems 45 and 45 ' for the gaseous shrinkage medium, which distribution systems 45 respectively. 45 ' the gaseous shrinkage medium, for example, to several as part of shaft walls (see. 6 ) continue trained nozzles.

For the sake of completeness it should be mentioned that in the case of several additional heaters 5 respectively. 5 ' not all of the additional heaters for various embodiments of the present invention 5 respectively. 5 ' via electrical heating registers 42 must have. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which one or more of the additional heaters 5 respectively. 5 ' instead of an electric heater 42 have a gas burner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 contraption

2

 shrink tunnel

3

 shrinker

4

 compressor

5

 additional heating

6

 wave

7

 Flow generating device

8th

 turbine

9

 actuator

10

 items

11

 container

12

 Thermoplastic film

13

 converter

14

 Horizontal conveyor

15

 generator

16

 Public pipeline network

18

 Physically wired connection

19

 combustion chamber

22

 switch cabinet

30

 Internal combustion engine

31

 gas turbine

32

 gas engine

33

 transmission

34

 control device

36

 heat exchangers

38

 Return line

40

 feed

42

 heater

45

 distribution system

50

 heater

52

 Device for cooling the horizontal conveyor

BA

 container output

BE

 containers input

MB

 mixing area

S1

 sensor

S2

 sensor

T1

 First temperature zone

T2

 Second temperature zone

VL

 combustion air

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19920057 A1 [0003]
• DE 1020070302645 [0004]

Claims (16)

Method of shrinking materials on articles ( 10 ) and / or a compilation of articles ( 10 ) by means of gaseous shrinkage medium within a defined space ( 2 ), wherein thermal energy of the gaseous shrinking medium by waste heat of at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ) and / or heating energy of at least one electrically operated auxiliary heater ( 5 . 5 ' ) and the at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ) at least one transducer ( 13 ) for converting mechanical shaft power into electrical power for the at least partial operation of the at least one additional electric heater ( 5 . 5 ' ) drives. Method according to Claim 1, in which the at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ) thermal energy in the form of an exhaust gas volume flow for subsequent temperature control via the at least one additional heating ( 5 . 5 ' ). Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein by an exhaust gas flow rate of the at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ) thermal energy for combustion air (VL) of the at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ) provided. Method according to Claim 1, in which a temperature level of the gaseous shrinkage medium is determined by means of one or more temperature sensors (S1, S2) and, depending on the detected temperature level, the at least one additional electric heater ( 5 . 5 ' ) is controlled at least approximately in real time. Method according to claim 4, wherein at least two additional heaters ( 5 . 5 ' ), wherein a first of the at least two additional heaters ( 5 ) is assigned a first temperature zone (T1) with the first setpoint temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium and a second of the at least two additional heaters ( 5 ' ) is assigned a second temperature zone (T2) with the second setpoint temperature of the gaseous shrinkage medium, wherein the first setpoint temperature and the second setpoint temperature are formed differently and a regulation of the first and the second of the at least two additional heaters ( 5 . 5 ' ) taking into account the respective target temperature and the respective detected actual values. Method according to Claim 5, in which the first temperature zone (T1) and the second temperature zone (T1, T2) each have at least one actuator ( 9 . 9 ' ), via which actuators ( 9 . 9 ' ) the respective temperature zone (T1, T2) for the supply of thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium with the at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ) is selectively contacted. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein the defined space ( 2 ) an input (BE) and an output (BA) for the articles ( 10 ) and / or the compilation of articles ( 10 ), wherein thermal energy in the region of the input (BE) and / or in the region of the output (BA) tapped and for combustion air (VL) of the at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ) provided. Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 7, in which the articles ( 10 ) and / or the compilation of articles ( 10 ) during shrinkage of materials on a horizontal conveyor ( 14 ) rising through the defined space ( 2 ), wherein thermal energy from the horizontal conveyor ( 14 ) and for combustion air (VL) of at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ) provided. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one electrically operated additional heating ( 5 . 5 ' ) with a flow generator ( 7 . 7 ' ), which forms a volume flow from the gaseous shrinkage medium, maintains and / or amplified. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein by the at least one transducer ( 13 ) generated at least proportionally in a public network ( 16 ) and / or other processes is provided. Contraption ( 1 ) for shrinking materials onto articles ( 10 ) and / or a compilation of articles ( 10 ) by means of a gaseous shrinking medium and within a defined space ( 2 ) comprising at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ) connected to at least one transducer ( 13 ) is coupled for converting mechanical shaft power into electrical power and designed to provide thermal energy for the gaseous shrinkage medium and at least one additional electric heater ( 5 . 5 ' ) connected to the converter ( 13 ) is connected to the electrical power supply. Device according to Claim 11, in which the internal combustion engine ( 30 ) as a gas turbine ( 31 ) and / or as a gas engine ( 32 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein one or more of the supplementary heaters ( 5 . 5 ' ) a temperature sensor (S1, S2) for detecting a Is associated with the actual temperature of the gaseous shrinking medium and wherein the device is a control device ( 34 ), over which depending on the detected actual temperature, the respective additional heating ( 5 . 5 ' ) is at least approximately adjustable in real time. Device according to one or more of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one electrically operated additional heating ( 5 . 5 ' ) a flow generator ( 7 . 7 ' ) is associated with the formation, maintenance and / or amplification of a volume flow formed from the gaseous energy carrier. Device according to one or more of Claims 11 to 14, in which the transducer ( 13 ) with a public network ( 16 ) and / or associated with other electrical components. Device according to one or more of claims 11 to 15, comprising a return system ( 38 ) for an exhaust gas volume flow of the at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ), which feedback system ( 38 ) with a supply for combustion air (VL) of the at least one internal combustion engine ( 30 ).

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