DE102021103837A1 - Shrinkage device and method for optimizing the energy output of a shrinkage device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a shrinking device (5) for shrinking a packaging material (23) onto an assembly (22) comprising at least one article and a method for optimizing the energy output of a shrinking device (5), which shrinking device (5) can be used in at least two different production modes (PM) is operable. The shrinking device (5) is designed for transporting combinations of articles (22) on at least two tracks over a transport section (11). The transport section (11) is formed by at least two conveying means (12) arranged parallel to one another, which can be controlled and adjusted and/or cooled independently of one another.

Description

The present invention relates to a shrinking device and a method for optimizing the energy output of a shrinking device according to the features of the independent claims.

The present invention deals with shrinking devices that have optimized energy management or are operated with optimized energy management.

In bottling and packaging plants, it is known that articles or assemblies of articles, in particular bottles, cans, beverage cartons or the like, are wrapped using a shrink film and then transported through a shrink tunnel. The articles wrapped with shrink film are subjected to a shrinking medium or shrinking agent, in particular hot air. The shrink film shrinks and attaches itself to the article or assembly of articles. A cooling area with fans immediately adjacent to the shrink tunnel ensures rapid cooling of the packaging units or bundles produced in this way, giving them their transportable strength.

A shrink tunnel generally includes a revolving endless conveyor, which runs through a housing, at least over a section, which delimits the shrink tunnel. Furthermore, a shrink tunnel usually includes several heating elements and also fans or blowers in order to generate the required hot air and then distribute it in the interior of the shrink tunnel. In order to achieve a particularly even distribution of the hot air, after it has been generated, the hot air is preferably guided partly into so-called shaft walls and partly into a floor chamber which is located directly below the conveying means of the shrink tunnel. Thus, the articles wrapped with shrink film are preferably actively loaded with shrink medium from at least three sides.

The basic structure of a shrink tunnel is explained here only in rough outlines. A specialist from the packaging industry knows the structure of such shrink tunnels well enough so that no further detailed explanations need to be given here.

Such shrink tunnels have a high thermal energy requirement, which means that the operator incurs not inconsiderable costs. In particular, the generation of the shrink medium is the largest energy consumer in a shrink tunnel.

In order to reduce the energy consumption of a shrink tunnel, it can be put into a so-called stand-by mode in certain operating states in which the shrink tunnel is not required for production. One or more consumers of the shrink tunnel are reduced in their performance and thus the energy consumption is reduced compared to the production operation.

Such a shrink tunnel or such a method for operating a shrink tunnel is, for example, from DE 10 2010 011 640 A1 out. A shrink tunnel is described here which, in addition to the conventional production mode, has a further so-called stand-by mode, with the shrink tunnel being operated with a reduced power compared to the production mode by means of this stand-by mode. The change between the conventional production mode and the further stand-by mode takes place in a time and/or signal-controlled manner. When switching to stand-by mode, a number of measures are taken that lead to a reduction in the energy requirement of the shrink tunnel.

One measure would be, for example, that the existing desired temperature can be set to a stand-by temperature that is reduced compared to the desired temperature, with the result that less heating power is required. Another measure would be, for example, reducing the transport speed of the transporter on the shrink tunnel side by the energy discharge. or the heat dissipation. from the tunnel to minimize. Again, it is evident that switching off the cooling of the shrink tunnel-side conveyor and the cooling of the packs that leave the shrink tunnel would also be measures to reduce the energy requirement. Switching off one fan of the heating means per tunnel zone, provided that each tunnel zone is assigned at least two electrically operated fans, results in a reduced energy requirement.

It is also known that the so-called stand-by mode entails a further measure, with the two openings in the entry and exit areas of the shrink tunnel being at least partially closed. In a conventional production mode, the shrink tunnel entrance area and the shrink tunnel exit area are logically open so wide that the packs can enter and exit the shrink tunnel unhindered.

The shrink tunnel entry area and the shrink tunnel exit area are either opened or closed when changing between the respective operating modes, ie between the production mode and the stand-by mode. The change between the two operating modes is also triggered in a time- and/or signal-controlled manner. Such a controller for operating a shrink tunnel and such a shrink tunnel itself are disclosed in the published application, for example DE 10 2010 020 957 A1 out.

The disclosure document DE 10 2013 104 417 A1 describes a method for converting a shrink tunnel into a production mode, which comprises at least opening a shrink tunnel entry area and/or opening a shrink tunnel exit area, and also at least one of the following steps: a) increasing the shrink tunnel interior temperature to a predefined setpoint; b) turning on the conveyor or increasing the speed of the conveyor to a predetermined setpoint; c) Turning on or increasing the chain cooling capacity to a predetermined setpoint; Switching on or increasing the pack cooling capacity to a specified target value, with the opening of the shrink tunnel entry area and/or the opening of the shrink tunnel exit area taking place at the earliest with one of steps a), b), c) and/or d).

The object of the present invention is now to optimize the stated state of the art in such a way that the energy requirement of the shrink tunnel is optimized in different production modes, in particular if transport and processing in a smaller number of Transport lanes takes place, in particular with processing taking place in only one of at least two transport lanes.

The above object is achieved by a shrinking device for shrinking a packaging material onto an assembly comprising at least one article and a method for optimizing the energy output of a shrinking device, which comprise the features in the independent patent claims. Further advantageous configurations are described by the dependent claims.

The products to be applied within the shrinking device by means of shrinking medium or shrinking means are formed, for example, by a plurality of articles which are covered with a packaging material. For this purpose, it is provided that the articles are combined into article groups or article combinations in a grouping device. These are then wrapped with the packaging material in a wrapping device. In particular, a shrink film is wrapped around the assembly of articles in the wrapping device.

The packaging material is preferably formed from a thermoplastic flat shrink material, in particular a shrink film, which contracts when heat is applied and thus rests against the outwardly facing outer lateral surfaces of the articles, resulting in a close bond in the form of a packaging unit, which packaging unit is also referred to below as a shrink pack referred to as.

Alternatively, the shrink material may be a shrink tube or label that is placed around an article and shrunk onto the article within the shrink apparatus. In the case of a shrink label, it may be necessary to fix its position on the article by means of an adhesive dot or similar, at least temporarily before the start of the shrink process. This or a similar adhesive point fixation can also be the case or be carried out with wrapped shrink films.

The articles are preferably containers, in particular beverage containers such as bottles, cans or the like made of glass, plastic, metal etc.

The shrinking device has an interior space with a transport path, whereby articles wrapped with packaging material can be transported through the shrinking device in at least two parallel transport paths.

The upper surfaces of the conveyors, on which articles (possibly including film) or containers are transported, can essentially be understood as the transport section.

The corridors through which the articles (possibly including foil) or containers are transported can be understood as transport lanes.

The shrinking device includes shrinking agent introduction devices which are designed to apply shrinking agent to the articles wrapped with packaging material. These are preferably lateral shrinkage agent introduction devices and/or lower shrinkage agent introduction devices and/or upper shrinkage agent introduction devices. According to one embodiment it is provided that the lateral Shrinking agent introduction devices are designed as shaft walls, each of which has at least one outflow surface for shrinking agent directed toward the respective transport path.

The number of shaft walls can define the number of transport lanes formed. In the case of single-track transport over the transport path, so-called outer shaft walls are preferably provided on both sides of, in particular above, the transport path, each having an outflow surface facing the interior of the shrinking device and a closed side surface facing the housing of the shrinking device.

In the case of a two-lane transport of articles over the transport route, three shaft walls are arranged on or above the transport route. As a result, two transport tracks are formed between the three shaft walls. In particular, the two transport paths in the vicinity of the housing of the shrinking device are each delimited by outer shaft walls.

An inner (or also called central) shaft wall is arranged in the middle or approximately in the middle between the two outer shaft walls, the two essentially vertical side surfaces of which are each designed as outflow surfaces parallel to the transport direction. The inner shaft wall thus feeds shrinking medium or shrinking agent in particular to the two parallel transport paths, with the application of shrinking medium to the two parallel transport paths having or can have approximately the same magnitude.

Alternatively, in the case of two-lane transport, four shaft walls for dispensing shrinking medium can be arranged in the shrinking device, two outer ones, as shown above, and two inner ones, with the two inner ones each having only one outflow surface from which shrinking medium emerges during production .

A lower shrinking agent introduction device is designed, for example, in the form of a floor chamber, which is located below the transport path and is designed to direct shrinking agent with an upward flow component through the conveying means onto the underside of the articles wrapped with packaging material.

It is provided that the transport path is formed by at least two conveyor means arranged parallel to one another, on which the articles wrapped with packaging material are conveyed in one transport direction. The at least two conveying means arranged parallel next to one another can preferably be controlled and adjusted and/or cooled independently of one another.

Independently controllable should include, for example, independent driving. This can be done, for example, by n+1 separate drives, e.g. electric motors, each of which is assigned to a different conveyor. Or at least two conveying means are driven with a single drive, a gear being provided with which different speeds of the conveying means can be achieved (at the same point in time). An independent control can thus also only include a temporary driving at different speeds, in which case a speed can also be 0 m/s.

In the case of two drives, it may be the case that both drives can be synchronized with one another for a production mode in which the same packs are to be conveyed at the same speed on both conveyors.

In order to avoid overheating of the conveyor, which would lead to damage to the articles covered with packaging material, for example if the packaging material sticks, one or more cooling devices can be provided which cool the conveyor, particularly in the area of the return via the lower strand. For this purpose, cooling devices assigned to the lower strand are provided, which, for example, inflate air onto the conveying means in the area of the lower strand.

In addition, a pack cooling system, which is arranged downstream of the shrinking device and blows air onto the packs from above and/or below, can contribute to the cooling of the conveying means.

According to one embodiment, the conveying speed of the at least two conveying means can be controlled and set differently. It can be provided, for example, that in certain production modes of the shrinking device, not all of the conveying means are always driven.

In other words, it may be the case that in certain production modes fewer conveyors are driven at production speed than there are conveyors in the shrinking device. The conveyor means not driven at production speed can either be driven more slowly or not at all in these production modes.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the cooling of the conveying means can be set and/or adjusted individually in each case. This preferably takes place via a control device which is assigned to the shrinking device or which forms part of the shrinking device.

The method for optimizing the energy output of a shrinking device, which is also described in connection with the present invention, provides that the shrinking device can be operated in at least two different production modes. As already described above, the shrinking device comprises at least n+1 conveying means for item combinations wrapped with packaging material, where n≧1. In particular, parallel transport of n+1 item combinations is thus possible within the shrinking device. However, the shrinking device can or should also be able to be used for transport in a smaller number of transport lanes, in which case the energy requirement can be reduced in an advantageous manner.

In a first production mode, articles wrapped with packaging material are transported in n or in n-x transport tracks, where x<n. In particular, item assemblies are transported in at least one transport lane. In a second production mode, on the other hand, transport takes place in all n+1 transport lanes, i.e. in at least two transport lanes.

In the second production mode, all n+1 conveyors are each driven at a production speed and/or cooled at a production output. According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying speed of the n+1 conveying means is identical.

Alternative embodiments can provide that the production speeds of the n+1 conveying means in the second production mode can also be selected and set differently depending on the embodiment of the shrinking device and the desired production conditions.

This can be particularly advantageous if different products are transported and/or processed on the different conveyors, e.g. a simultaneous production of bundles with a different number of articles, e.g. bundles with y articles are conveyed on one conveyor and on the other Bundle with z items, where y < z.

In this case, the upstream and downstream handling modules of the packaging system can be equipped accordingly for multi-lane operation. For example, such a packaging system could also provide two film conveyor systems and possibly also a divided film wrapping module.

For example, a corresponding number of wrapping modules arranged next to one another or one behind the other in the transport direction can be provided, with items or item assemblies with packaging material being prepared in a first wrapping module for transport via a first conveyor of the shrinking device, while in a second wrapping module items or item assemblies with packaging material for the Transport are prepared via a second funding of the shrink device.

In contrast, in the first production mode, n conveyors or a smaller number of conveyors are each driven at a production speed and/or cooled with the same intensity (“production output”) as in the second production mode, while the at least one other conveyor is not driven or is driven at a reduced speed. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided in the first production mode that this at least one further conveying means is not cooled or is cooled with reduced intensity as in the second production mode.

According to one embodiment, provision can therefore be made in the first production mode for the n+1 conveying means of the shrinking device to be operated at different conveying speeds in each case. In particular, it can be provided that the at least one conveyor, via which no articles covered with packaging material are transported in the first production mode, is moved at least at a low speed (or not at all) and/or with a low cooling capacity (less than "production capacity" or 0 Wj is cooled.

A slow driving and a little cooling can in particular prevent a strong local overheating of the conveyor. If sufficient heat is given off without additional cooling, the cooling of one conveyor can be switched off while it is still slowly being driven.

One embodiment of the shrinking device provides that each conveyor is assigned its own drive, so that the conveying speed of each conveyor can be adjusted individually. Thus, in particular, the setting of different conveying speeds of the several conveying means of the shrinking device is possible in a simple manner.

An alternative embodiment, on the other hand, provides for a coupling (e.g. via a coupling) of at least two conveying means via a common drive. Thus, the at least one second coupled conveyor can always only be driven together with the at least one first conveyor; in particular, the at least two conveyors are each driven at the same conveying speed when coupled to the common drive. Alternatively, it is conceivable that appropriate setting devices are also provided for setting different conveying speeds, for example in the form of transmission gears or the like.

An embodiment is described in more detail below using the example of a shrinking device with two conveyors, i.e. a shrinking device with n=1 and n+1=2. A coupling element, for example, is provided for coupling the two funding means to the drive and is arranged between the two funding means. In the first production mode, this is decoupled, so that in the first production mode only a first conveyor is in operative connection with the drive and is driven by it. The second funding, however, is decoupled and is therefore not driven.

In the second production mode, the second conveyor is operatively connected via the coupling element to the first conveyor and thus to the drive, so that both conveyors are driven by the drive at the same conveying speed.

To cool the conveying means, it can be provided that each of the conveying means of the shrinking device is assigned its own cooling device, so that the cooling of each conveying means can be set individually. In particular, this allows the cooling of each conveyor to be switched on or off separately, or the amount of coolant can be set separately in each case.

Alternatively, it can be provided that at least one cooling device is assigned to the transport section or the transport paths, the at least one cooling device being designed to generate a coolant flow for cooling at least two adjacent conveying means. In order to be able to charge the conveying means differently in this case as well, at least one adjustment device is assigned to the cooling device, which is designed to direct the flow of coolant in a targeted manner to at least one conveying means of the at least two conveying means and/or the amount of the respective individual To regulate funds supplied coolant flow.

Depending on the setting of the at least one setting device, the amount of coolant supplied to the respective conveying means is regulated. The respective setting devices can preferably be controlled and set independently of one another. The at least one setting device can be formed, for example, by a slider, by throttle flaps, valves or the like. In particular, the cooling air flow can be divided by the valves; alternatively, extendable shielding elements can be used and/or, if necessary, the performance of a fan can be adjusted.

For example, it can be provided that in the first production mode the conveyor, over which no articles are transported, is not or only slightly cooled, while all of the coolant or at least a major portion of the coolant is directed to the first conveyor. In order to continue to save energy, in this first production mode it can also be provided that the power of the cooling device itself is reduced, for example by reducing the speed of the motor driving the cooling device.

A further embodiment or a further production mode can provide that at least one centrally arranged shaft wall of the shrinking device is designed and arranged to be displaceable transversely to the transport direction or that the at least one centrally arranged shaft wall is designed to be removable from the shrinking device. This makes it possible to expand the product range of the shrinking device. In particular, this can be used to process wider products. For example, at least two conveyors arranged next to one another are used, which are operated at the same conveying speed, in order to transport wider products through the shrinking device, with the wider products being arranged in regions on each of the at least two conveyors arranged next to one another.

Provision can furthermore be made for the at least two conveying means to be designed and/or arranged to be displaceable transversely to the transport direction. In this case, the at least one inner shaft wall is preferably designed to be displaceable within the shrinking device, can be removed from the shrinking device or, for example, can be pivoted out of the transport path.

A possible embodiment is based on a trained for the two-lane transport shrinking device with two outer and one inner shaft wall described. However, the technical features described here can also easily be transferred to shrinking devices with three or more transport tracks, ie to shrinking devices with two or more inner shaft walls.

• In einem ersten Verfahrensschritt kann die mittige Schachtwand entweder aus der Schrumpfvorrichtung entnommen werden, oder die mittige Schachtwand wird seitlich aus der Transportstrecke heraus verschoben oder die mittige Schachtwand wird durch nach oben Schwenken aus der Transportstrecke herausgeführt.

A shrinking device normally intended for two-lane transport with two conveying means forming the transport path arranged parallel to the transport direction can, according to one embodiment, be converted in the following way for the central one-lane transport of articles wrapped with packaging material:

• In a first process step, the central shaft wall can either be removed from the shrinking device, or the central shaft wall is shifted laterally out of the transport path, or the central shaft wall is guided out of the transport path by pivoting upwards.

The two conveyors are each designed to be movable transversely to the direction of transport. The conveying means are preferably designed to be displaceable transversely to the direction of transport, for example by being arranged on a frame via carriage guides or the like. In a second method step, one of the two conveyors is moved, for example, to a lateral waiting position.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that one of the conveying means can be arranged at different heights and in particular can be arranged in a waiting position below the transport path.

The other conveying means is preferably moved laterally in such a way that it is in a substantially central position between the two outer shaft walls or between an outer shaft wall and the laterally displaced inner shaft wall.

If the two conveying means are driven by a common drive in the manner described above, then the conveying means arranged in the waiting position is decoupled from the drive, in particular before it is brought into the same.

The shrinking device also has an entry opening for the article combinations wrapped with packaging material into the interior and an exit opening. Since heat escapes from the shrinking device via this inlet opening and the outlet opening, these can be closed by closure elements in a standby mode, for example.

A further option for improving the energy efficiency of the shrinking device can be achieved by equipping the inlet opening and/or the outlet opening with divided closure elements. In particular, it is provided here that the number of partial closure elements corresponds to the number of funding means and/or that a respective width of the partial closure elements corresponds to a respective width of a respectively assigned funding means.

Particularly preferably, in the first production mode, in which fewer transport tracks are used than are available within the shrinking device, the inlet opening and/or the outlet opening is/are partially closed by partial closure elements. Reducing the size of the opening also reduces the heat dissipation from the shrink device. In particular, the respective inlet opening and/or outlet opening is closed with a partial closure element, which partial closure element is assigned to a conveyor, which conveyor is not used in the respective production mode for the transport of article combinations wrapped with packaging material.

In other words, the shrinking device can include interlocks (e.g. in the form of doors, gates or shutters) which (at least at the entrance and exit) can be operated independently of one another. For example, with n+1 conveyors, n+1 locks can be arranged at the entrance and n+1 locks at the outlet of the shrinking device, with each lock being able to close the area above a conveyor (up to a ceiling of the shrinking device). If no articles are conveyed by means of a conveyor in a production mode, the locks assigned to it at the entrance and exit can be locked. A lock forms a kind of partial closure element.

Locks or partial closure elements can, for example, be moved horizontally inwards from the side or vertically downwards from the top.

The changeover between the different production modes and the stand-by mode can take place automatically via a control device assigned to the shrinking device. The control device can also be designed as part of a packaging system, wherein the Shrinkage device also forms part of the packaging system.

Provision can be made here for the control device to contain different programs for various product settings and/or production modes, so that the user can select the appropriate program in each case.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that an external memory is assigned to the control device, in particular a cloud memory, which the control device can access by means of internet-based remote access.

If the packaging system is put into operation or a product changeover takes place, at least one packaging condition and/or one production mode is specified for the control device by a user or an MES/LMS. A large number of packaging programs which are linked to different packaging conditions is/are stored in the control device and/or in the external memory.

On the basis of the at least one specified packaging condition or the packaging condition already stored in the control device, the control device checks whether the respective packaging condition is linked to packaging programs in its own memory or in the external memory. For example, it can be provided that a user provides information on the dimensioning of the respective shrink pack to be produced by means of the packaging system as the first packaging condition.

For example, the external memory contains a number of recipes for settings, which are also continuously supplemented, since the users upload their own new recipes to the external memory. In the event of a product changeover, the controller can access the external memory and download and use an already existing recipe for the relevant product or a closest preset. If necessary, this recipe must be optimized for each packaging system and each product, especially if the shrinkage result with the settings according to the recipe is not yet sufficient and the user therefore still makes manual changes to the system.

For example, it can be provided that the quality of the packaging units emerging from the shrinking device is monitored by sensors. If the quality does not meet the desired requirements, further optimizations are made to the settings, which are then sent to the external memory.

From the settings actually used, the difference to the suggested recipe is recorded and analyzed using artificial intelligence, for example, and saved for future suggestions. The suggestions for the recipe are optimized with regard to energy and/or quality—in particular, it can be provided that the user can select which parameters are particularly important to him.

Due to the linking of packaging conditions with packaging programs in the external memory, it is only necessary for individual packaging conditions to be specified and/or recorded, after which one or more packaging programs that are possible for a packaging process and take the packaging conditions into account can then be called up from the external memory. The packaging system can therefore be put into operation or converted within a shorter period of time compared to systems known from the prior art. By retrieving packaging programs from the external memory, the respective packaging process can be carried out with a low susceptibility to errors.

Another advantage of the external memory, which can be accessed independently by several users in particular, is that the programs are always improved by the use of several users. The more users access the same external memory and save their optimized settings again, the more parameters can be recorded and/or optimized.

1. A) Schrumpffoliendicke, Folienzuschnittslänge, Folienbreite, sonstige Eigenschaften des Verpackungsmaterials;
2. B) Abmessungen der Artikel, beispielsweise Flaschenabmessungen; Material und sonstige Eigenschaften der Artikel;
3. C) Abmessungen der mit Verpackungsmaterial umhüllten Artikelzusammenstellungen oder Artikelgruppen; dies ist insbesondere von der Menge der in der Zusammenstellung zusammengefassten Artikel abhängig;
4. D) Fördergeschwindigkeit der Artikelzusammenstellungen durch die Schrumpfvorrichtung;
5. E) Abstand der Schachtwände zu den mit Verpackungsmaterial umhüllten Artikelzusammenstellungen, Ausbildung der Schachtwände, insbesondere Ausbildung der Ausströmflächen der Schachtwände;
6. F) Heizleistung der Schrumpfvorrichtung, Temperatur an verschiedenen Stellen innerhalb der Schrumpfvorrichtung, Abmessungen Schrumpfvorrichtung;
7. G) Ionisation der Schrumpffolie;
8. H) Messergebnisse von sensorischen Kontrolleinrichtungen;
9. I) Energieverbrauch der Schrumpfvorrichtung etc.

Parameters recorded in the recipes include, for example:

1. A) Shrink film thickness, film cut length, film width, other properties of the packaging material;
2. B) dimensions of the articles, e.g. bottle dimensions; Material and other properties of the items;
3. C) Dimensions of assemblies of articles or groups of articles wrapped in packaging material; this depends in particular on the number of articles combined in the composition;
4. D) Conveyance speed of the assemblies of articles through the shrinking device;
5. E) Distance of the chute walls to the article combinations covered with packaging material, design of the chute walls, in particular design of the outflow surfaces of the chute walls;
6. F) Heat output of the shrinking device, temperature at various points within the shrinking device, dimensions of the shrinking device;
7. G) ionization of the shrink film;
8. H) measurement results from sensory control devices;
9. I) Energy consumption of the shrinking device etc.

Furthermore, it can be provided that, for example during a standby mode - for example as part of a product changeover of the entire packaging system - it is determined which conveyors are operated after the standby and accordingly at least one cooling device is used to cool the conveyor(s) used in the subsequent production mode activated.

In the manner described above, it is possible in certain operating modes or production modes to drive only the number of conveyors that are required in each case. This ensures that less energy is discharged from the shrinking device.

All the measures described above serve to optimize the energy balance of the shrinking device; in particular, the energy discharge from the shrinking device should be minimized, adapted to the respective production mode.

The following example again refers to a shrinking device with two conveyors, two outer shaft walls and one inner shaft wall. However, the principle can also be transferred to shrinking devices with a higher number of conveying means and inner shaft walls.

It can also be provided that in a production mode in which no articles/containers are conveyed via at least one conveyor, a heating output (i.e. the power required to heat the shrink medium) of the shrink device is reduced compared to a production mode in which at least more articles can be promoted via a grant. In particular, it can be provided that in a production mode in which no articles/containers are conveyed via at least one conveying means, no shrinking agent is fed into the area above this conveying means either. In other words, it can be provided that the shrinking agent is fed only to the transport tracks that are used for production. This can be controlled, for example, by covering outlet openings in the shaft walls or by regulating the supply of shrinking agent to the individual shaft walls (e.g. via distributor flaps).

Furthermore, it can be provided that the supply of shrinking agent can be adjusted and changed by modifying the shaft walls, for example by using appropriately designed cover strips according to the disclosure of the patent EP 2 653 394 B1 or by a method such as that in the application with reference number DE 10 2019 106 530.5 is described, the content of which is hereby incorporated into the disclosure of this application.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the device according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and/or connections and/or effects are mentioned at one point in the description or also in the definition of claims for the device according to the invention, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and/or connections and/or effects are mentioned at one point in the description or also in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsvariante einer Verpackungsanlage zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten.
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Schrumpfvorrichtung von oben.
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Schrumpfvorrichtung von oben.
• 4 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Schrumpfvorrichtung mit zwei Fördermitteln in einer Schnittansicht in Transportrichtung.
• 5 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Schrumpfvorrichtung mit zwei Fördermitteln in einer Schnittansicht in Transportrichtung.
• 6 bis 8 zeigen unterschiedliche Produktionsmodi der zweiten Ausführungsform der Schrumpfvorrichtung gemäß 5.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the attached figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are shown in simplified form and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment variant of a packaging system for the production of packaging units.
• 2 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a shrinking device from above.
• 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a shrinking device from above.
• 4 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a shrinking device with two conveying means in a sectional view in the direction of transport.
• 5 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a shrinking device with two conveying means in a sectional view in the direction of transport.
• 6 until 8th show different production modes of the second embodiment of the shrinking device according to FIG 5 .

Identical reference symbols are used for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments only represent examples of how the packaging system according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent any final limitation.

the 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment variant of a device or packaging system 1 for producing packaging units 25. The packaging system 1 comprises a grouping device 2 in which articles 20, for example bottles 21 or cans or the like, are combined into article groups 22. The groups of articles 22 are conveyed on horizontal conveyor devices 3 in the transport direction TR to a wrapping module 4 in which the groups of articles 22 are wrapped with a packaging material 23 . This is preferably a thermoplastic packaging material 23 in the form of a shrink film 24.

A shrink film 26 unrolled from an endless film supply 7 is made available in the wrapping module 4 for packaging the grouped articles 20 and fed via a film separating station 8 to the article groups 22 and these are wrapped accordingly.

The groups of articles 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 in this way pass through a shrinking device 5, during which they are subjected to shrinking means which causes the packaging material 23 to shrink around the articles 20 of the group of articles 22, with the packaging unit 25 or the shrink pack 26 being formed.

The shrinking device 5 has an interior space 10 with a transport section 11 for the at least two-lane transport of article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 in the transport direction TR. In 1 the two-lane transport cannot be represented due to the lateral view. The transport section 11 is formed here by at least two conveying means 12 arranged parallel next to one another. In other words, the conveyors 12 are coplanar.

Furthermore, the shrinking device 50 has shrinking agent introduction devices 13 which are designed to apply shrinking agent to the article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 . On the one hand, lateral shrinking agent insertion devices (in 1 not shown, identified in the following figures with reference numeral 14) provided, in particular lateral shaft walls, which have an outflow surface for shrinking agents directed towards the respective transport path.

Furthermore, a lower shrinking agent introduction device 18 in the form of a floor chamber 19 or the like is preferably provided, which is located below the transport path 11 and is designed to apply shrinking agent with an upward flow component through the conveyor 12 onto the underside of the packaging material 23 wrapped Article groups 22 to direct.

In order to avoid overheating of the conveying means 12, which would lead to damage to the article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23, for example if the shrink film 24 sticks, one or more cooling devices 30 can be provided, which cool the conveying means 12, in particular in the area of the return via the lower run cooling down.

The at least two conveying means 12 forming the transport path 11 can be set differently, in particular independently of one another; in particular, their conveying speed can be controlled and set differently. Provision can also be made, for example, for not all conveying means 12 to be driven in certain production modes of the shrinking device 5 . It can also be provided that the cooling of the at least two conveying means 12 can be adjusted and/or adjusted individually.

Provision can furthermore be made for the shrink packs 26 to be subjected to air after leaving the interior 10 of the shrink device 5 by cooling devices 9, for example fans, in order to cool them down and thereby stabilize them before further processing. These also cool the conveyor. In particular, for the cooling of n+1 funds 12 also n+1 cooling devices next to each other (i.e. or the 1 offset into the plane of the drawing) in order to be able to carry out an individual cooling of the conveying means and (not) conveyed containers 25 .

The finished packaging units 25 are fed via a transport section 6 to further packaging and/or processing stations, not shown here, for example a palletizing device or the like.

the 2 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a shrinking device 5, 5a from above and the 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a shrinking device 5, 5b from above.

The shrinking device 5a according to 2 is designed for two-lane transport, in particular the transport path 11 is formed by two parallel conveyors 12, in particular two parallel conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2.

Also shown are the lateral shrinkage agent introduction devices 14, which are formed in particular by chute walls 15, with an inner chute wall 16 being assigned to both conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2, which inner chute wall 16 has outflow surfaces 31 for shrinkage agents on both sides, in order to place them laterally on the group of articles 22 covered with packaging material 23 and transported in the transport direction TR via the conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2. Furthermore, each conveyor belt 12-1, 12-2 is assigned an outer shaft wall 17, which outer shaft wall 17 has only one outflow surface 31, which extends in particular in the direction of the article groups 22 has, while the other side surface of the outer shaft wall 17 is designed as a closed side surface 32.

It is also shown that each conveyor 12 is assigned a respective cooling device 30 . Both the conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2 and the cooling devices 30-1, 30-2 can be controlled separately via a control device 35 and adjusted individually and independently of one another.

In particular, it can be provided that the conveyor belts 12-1-12-2 are operated at different conveying speeds. Or it can be provided that in a specific production mode only one of the conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2 is driven, for example if only one transport track is used to shrink packaging material 23 onto article groups 22 that are fed in a single track.

Provision can also be made for the conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2 to be cooled to different degrees in different production modes. If only one lane is transported through the shrinking device 5, 5a in a production mode, energy can be saved by cooling the respective conveying means 12-1 or 12-2 of the unused transport lane to a lesser extent or not at all.

The shrinking device 5b according to 3 is designed for three-lane transport, in particular the transport path 11 is formed by three parallel conveyors 12, in particular three parallel conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2, 12-3. Two inner shaft walls 16 are associated with the middle conveyor belt 12-2.

the 4 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a shrinking device 5 with two conveyors 12 in a sectional view in the transport direction TR. On the upper run 40 of the conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2, the article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 are transported through the shrinking device 5 in the transport direction. In particular, a second production mode PM2 is shown here, in which a corresponding transport of article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 takes place on each conveyor 12 .

Each conveyor belt 12-1, 12-2 is assigned its own drive 45, 45-1, 45-2. The two drives 45-1, 45-2 are driven via the control device 35 of the shrinking device 5 in order to be able to set the conveying speeds of the two conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2 individually and independently of one another.

Each conveyor belt 12 - 1 , 12 - 2 is assigned a cooling device 30 in the area of the returning lower run 41 , which cooling device can also be set and regulated individually and independently of one another via the control device 35 .

The shrinking agent is supplied to the shaft walls 15 via an upper distribution channel 48. It can preferably be provided that the amount of shrinking agent flowing out via the outflow surface 31 into the interior 10 of the shrinking device 5 can be adjusted. Provision can furthermore be made for the centrally arranged inner shaft wall 16 to be designed and arranged to be displaceable transversely to the transport direction TR, or for the inner shaft wall 16 to be designed to be removable from the shrinking device 5 .

In an exemplary embodiment that is not shown, a plurality of distributors, for example in the form of flaps or valves, can be arranged in a distribution channel, which distributors can control the supply of shrinking agent to individual shaft walls 15 . By closing a distributor, for example, the supply of shrinking agent to an outer shaft wall can be blocked. If the outer duct wall is then moved to the position of the adjacent inner duct wall (and the inner duct wall is removed) or if the adjacent outflow surface of the adjacent inner duct wall is sealed or in the case of inner duct walls with only one outflow surface the supply to the adjacent duct wall is blocked by one or the distributor, the supply of shrinking agent to a transport track can be completely prevented.

the 5 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a shrinking device 5 with two conveyors 12 in a sectional view in the transport direction TR and 6 until 8th show different production modes PM of the second embodiment of the shrinking device 5 according to FIG 5 .

In this case, a common drive 45 is provided for the two conveyors 12, which in particular is always operatively connected to the first conveyor belt 12-1, i.e. in every production mode PM. The second conveyor belt 12 - 2 can likewise be connected to the drive 45 via a coupling element 46 .

in the in 5 illustrated first production mode PM1, the drive 45 is only connected to the first conveyor belt 12-1, so that only the first conveyor belt 12-1 is driven at a conveying speed. In contrast, in a second production mode, PM2 according to 6 both conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2 are operatively connected to the drive 45 via the coupling element 46 and are driven at the same conveying speed in this second production mode PM2.

A control flap or adjustment flap 47 is also provided at the top right, which could preferably be closed in the first production mode PM1, in which case the right-hand outflow surface 31 of the inner shaft wall 14 could also be closed with a screen in order to be able to further reduce the heating output. Alternatively, two inner shaft walls with only one outflow surface 31 could each be arranged between all transport tracks or conveyors 12, the respective supply of shrinking agent being independently or separately controllable (at least per transport track). (Not shown)

In the in the 5 until 8th illustrated embodiment, a single cooling device 30 is also provided for both conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2. An adjusting device 37 is provided in order to regulate the intensity of the cooling of the two conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2 differently in different production modes PM. This includes, for example, a slider 38, but can also be formed by throttle flaps, valves, shielding elements or the like. Depending on the setting of the setting device 37, the supply of coolant to the respective conveyors 12-1, 12-2 is regulated. For example, provision can be made for the second conveyor belt 12-2 not to be cooled or only slightly cooled in the first production mode PM1, while all of the coolant or at least a major portion of the coolant is routed to the first conveyor belt 12-1. In order to continue to save energy, provision can also be made in the first production mode PM1 for the power of the cooling device 30 itself to be reduced.

the 7 and 8th show other options for using the shrinking device 5 for only one-track transport of groups of articles 22 wrapped with packaging material 23. In both cases, the groups of articles 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 are transported essentially centrally through the shrinking device 5.

For this purpose, it is provided, for example, that the conveying means 12 are designed and arranged to be movable transversely to the transport direction TR, in particular that the conveying means 12 are designed to be displaceable transversely to the transport direction TR.

The second conveyor belt 12 - 2 is preferably decoupled from the drive 45 and removed from the shrinking device 5 or moved into a lateral waiting position within the shrinking device 5 . The first conveyor belt 12 - 1 is positioned centrally or essentially centrally within the shrinking device 5 .

Furthermore, in production mode PM3 according to 7 move the inner shaft wall 16 laterally, in particular approaching one of the two outer shaft walls 17 . In addition, the supply of shrinking agent from the distribution channel 48 into the outer shaft wall 15 that is not required is blocked via an adjustment flap 47 . If necessary, the amount of shrinking agent generated and supplied via the distribution channel 48 can be reduced in this context.

In the fourth production mode PM4 according to 8th on the other hand, it is shown that the inner shaft wall 16 can be removed from the shrinking device 5 .

The shrinking device 5 described here and the method for optimizing the energy output of a shrinking device 5 accordingly provides that the shrinking device 5 can be operated in at least two different production modes PM. The shrinking device 5 comprises at least n+1 conveyors 12, where n ≥ 1, i.e. the shrinking device 5 comprises at least two conveyors 12.

In a first production mode PM1, article groups wrapped with packaging material 23 are transported in n lanes or n-x transport lanes, where x<n, while in a second production mode PM2, article groups wrapped with packaging material 23 are transported in all n+1 conveyor lanes.

In the case of a shrinking device 5 with two conveyors 12, only one conveyor 12 is used as a transport path in the first production mode PM1, the other conveyor 12 is preferably not operated or is operated at a lower speed. In addition, in the first production mode PM1 it can be provided that the conveying means 12 that is not used as a transport path is not charged or charged with a lower cooling capacity. In the second production mode PM2, both conveyors 12 are each driven and/or cooled at a production speed.

The conveying speed of the conveying means 12 in the second production mode 12 can optionally be the same or different depending on the embodiment of the shrinking device 5 . This can be particularly advantageous if different products are transported and processed on the different conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2. In this case, the upstream and downstream packaging modules must be equipped accordingly for multi-lane operation.

For example, two wrapping modules arranged next to one another or one behind the other can be provided, with groups of articles with packaging material being prepared for transport via the first conveyor belt 12-2 in a first wrapping module, while groups of articles with packaging material for transport via the second conveyor belt 12-2 to get prepared.

Thus, the two conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2 in accordance with the embodiment 4 be operated both in the first production mode PM1 and in the second production mode PM2, if required, with different conveying speeds. In particular, it can be provided that the second conveyor belt 12-2, over which no article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 are transported in the first production mode PM1, is also moved at least at a slow conveying speed and/or is cooled with a low cooling capacity. In this way, in particular, severe local overheating of the second conveyor belt 12-2 can be prevented.

In the embodiment of 5 until 8th the two conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2, on the other hand, each have the same conveying speed due to the operative connection via the coupling element 46 in the second production mode PM2.

In the first production mode PM1, at least the one conveyor or the n conveyors, via which the transport of the packaging material 23 wrapped article groups 22 takes place, are each driven at a desired production speed and/or cooled with the same intensity as in the second production mode PM2. In contrast, the at least one further conveyor 12, in particular the second conveyor belt 12-2, via which no transport of article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 takes place in the first production mode PM1, is not (cf 5 , 7 , 8th ) or driven at a reduced speed. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that in the first production mode PM1 the second conveyor belt 12-2 is not cooled or is cooled with reduced intensity as in the second production mode PM2.

In the manner described above, it is possible, in certain operating modes or production modes PM, to drive only the conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2 that are required in each case. This ensures that less energy is discharged from the shrinking device.

Furthermore, in 1 shown that the shrinking device 5 comprises an entry opening 50 for the article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23 into the interior 10 and an exit opening 51 . Provision can be made in particular for the inlet opening 50 and/or the outlet opening 51 to be assigned closure elements 52, 53, with the number of closure elements 52, 53 corresponding to the number of conveying means 12 and/or with a respective width of the closure elements 52, 53 corresponds to a respective width of a respective associated funding means 12.

The changeover between the different production modes can take place automatically via the control device 35 (example in 4 shown). If necessary, provision can be made for the control device 35 to be assigned an external memory, in particular a cloud memory, to which the control device 35 can access via internet-based remote access.

If the packaging installation 1 is put into operation or if the product is changed over, a user specifies at least one packaging condition for the control device 35 . A large number of packaging programs are stored in the control device 35 and/or in the external memory, which packaging programs are linked to packaging conditions.

On the basis of the at least one packaging condition specified by the user or the packaging condition already stored in the control device 35, the control device 35 checks whether the respective packaging condition is linked to packaging programs in its own or in the external memory. For example, it can be provided that a user specifies information on the dimensioning of the respective shrink pack 26 to be produced by means of the packaging system 1 as the first packaging condition.

For example, the external memory contains a plurality of recipes for settings that are also continuously supplemented, since the users upload their own new recipes to the external memory. In the event of a product changeover, the controller 35 can access the external memory and download and use an already existing recipe for the relevant product or a closest preset. This recipe may have to be optimized for each packaging system 1 and each product, especially if the shrinkage result with the settings according to the recipe is not yet sufficient and the user therefore still makes manual changes to the system.

For example, the quality of the packaging units 25 emerging from the shrinking device is monitored by sensors. If this does not meet the desired requirements, further optimizations are made to the settings, which are then transferred to the external memory.

From the settings actually used, the difference to the suggested recipe is recorded and analyzed using artificial intelligence and saved for future suggestions. The suggestions for the recipe are optimized with regard to energy and/or quality—in particular, it can be provided that the user can select which parameters are particularly important to him.

Due to the linking of packaging conditions with packaging programs in the external memory, it is only necessary for individual packaging conditions to be specified and/or recorded, after which one or more packaging programs that are possible for a packaging process and take the packaging conditions into account can then be called up from the external memory. The packaging system 1 can therefore be put into operation within a shorter time in comparison to systems known from the prior art. By retrieving packaging programs from the external memory, the respective packaging process can be carried out with a low susceptibility to errors.

• J) Dicke, Zuschnittslänge, Breite, sonstige Eigenschaften des Verpackungsmaterials 23;
• K) Abmessungen der Artikel 20, beispielsweise Flaschenabmessungen; Material und sonstige Eigenschaften der Artikel 20;
• L) Abmessungen der mit Verpackungsmaterial 23 umhüllten Artikelzusammenstellungen oder Artikelgruppen 22;
• M) Fördergeschwindigkeit durch die Schrumpfvorrichtung 5;
• N) Abstand der Schachtwände 15 zu den mit Verpackungsmaterial 23 umhüllten Artikelzusammenstellungen oder Artikelgruppen 22, Ausbildung der Schachtwände 15, insbesondere der Ausströmflächen 31;
• O) Heizleistung der Schrumpfvorrichtung 5, Temperatur an verschiedenen Stellen innerhalb der Schrumpfvorrichtung 5, Abmessungen Schrumpfvorrichtung 5;
• P) Ionisation;
• Q) Messergebnisse von sensorischen Kontrolleinrichtungen;
• R) Energieverbrauch der Schrumpfvorrichtung 5.

Parameters recorded in the recipes include, for example:

• J) thickness, blank length, width, other properties of the packaging material 23;
• K) Dimensions of Article 20, such as bottle dimensions; Material and other characteristics of Article 20;
• L) dimensions of the assemblies or groups of articles 22 wrapped with packaging material 23;
• M) conveying speed through the shrinking device 5;
• N) distance of the chute walls 15 to the article assemblies or article groups 22 wrapped with packaging material 23, design of the chute walls 15, in particular the outflow surfaces 31;
• O) Heat output of the shrinking device 5, temperature at various points within the shrinking device 5, dimensions of the shrinking device 5;
• P) ionization;
• Q) measurement results from sensory control devices;
• R) Energy consumption of the shrinking device 5.

Furthermore, it can be provided that, for example during a standby mode - for example as part of a product changeover of the entire packaging system 1 - it is determined which conveyor belts 12-1, 12-2 are operated after the standby and the at least one cooling device 30 is used accordingly for cooling the belt activated.

The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and figures, including their different views or respective individual features, can be used independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless the features are incompatible. For example, the in 4 Drives 45 shown can be used in combination with the cooling devices 30 or shaft walls 14 of the other figures.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally used in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the representations in the figures and their description are to be of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite capable of extracting enough information from the schematic and abstract drawings to make it easier for him to understand the invention, without having to lose sight of the proportions of the items and/or parts of the device that are drawn and may not be exactly to scale or other drawn elements would be impaired in any way in his understanding. The figures enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive idea formulated more generally and/or more abstractly in the claims and in the general part of the description on the basis of the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention.

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

Reference List

1

packaging plant

2

grouping device

3

horizontal conveyor

4

impact module

5, 5a, 5b

shrink device

6

transport section

7

Endless film stock

8th

film cutting station

9

cooling device

10

inner space

11

transport route

12

funding

12-1, 12-2, 12-3

conveyor belt

13

Shrinking agent feeding device

14

lateral shrinking agent introduction device

15

shaft wall

16

inner shaft wall

17

outer shaft wall

18

lower shrinkage agent feeding device

19

attic chamber

20

article

21

bottles

22

item group

23

packing material

24

shrink wrap

25

Packaging Unit

26

shrink pack

30, 30-1, 30-2, 30-3

cooling devices

31

outflow area

32

closed side surface

35

control device

37

adjustment device

38

slider

40

upper run

41

return run

45, 45-1, 45-2

drive

46

dome element

47

adjustment flap

48

distribution channel

50

entry opening

51

exit port

52

closure element

53

closure element

p.m

production mode

PM1

Production mode 1

PM2

production mode 2

PM3

production mode 3

PM4

production mode 4

TR

transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102010011640 A1 [0008]
• DE 102010020957 A1 [0011]
• DE 102013104417 A1 [0012]
• EP 2653394 B1 [0083]
• DE 102019106530 [0083]

Claims (11)

Shrinking device (5) for shrinking a packaging material (23) onto an assembly (22) comprising at least one article, - wherein the shrinking device (5) comprises an interior (10) with a transport section (11) for the at least two-lane transport of item combinations (22) wrapped with packaging material (23), wherein the item combinations (22) wrapped with packaging material (23) are in a transport direction (TR) are promoted, - wherein the shrinking device (5) comprises shrinking agent introduction devices (13) which are designed to apply shrinking agent to the packaging material (23) wrapped article combinations (22), - wherein the transport section (11) is formed by at least two conveyors (12) arranged parallel next to one another, which can be controlled and adjusted and/or cooled independently of one another. Shrinkage device (5) after claim 1 , wherein each conveying means (12) is assigned its own drive (45) or wherein the conveying means (12) is assigned a common drive (45), wherein between each conveying means (12) and the drive (45) there is a coupling element (46) is arranged, via which coupling element (46) the conveying means (12) can be brought into operative connection with the drive (45). Shrinkage device (5) after claim 1 or 2 , wherein each conveyor (12) is assigned a shrinking agent introduction device (13) on both sides. Shrinkage device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport path (11) is assigned at least one cooling device (30), wherein the at least one cooling device (30) is designed to generate a coolant flow for cooling the at least two conveyors (12). . Shrinkage device (5) after claim 4 , wherein the at least one cooling device (30) is assigned adjusting devices (37) which are designed to direct the coolant flow in a targeted manner to at least one conveyor (12) of the at least two conveyors (12) and/or to regulate the amounts of coolant; wherein the adjusting devices (37) can be controlled and adjusted independently of one another, or wherein each conveying means (12) is assigned a cooling device (30), wherein the at least two cooling devices (30) can be controlled and adjusted independently of one another. Shrinkage device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shrinkage device (5) comprises an entry opening (50) for the packaging material (23) wrapped article combinations (22) in the interior (10) and an exit opening (52), wherein the entry opening (50) and/or the outlet opening (52) are each assigned closure elements (51,53), with the number of closure elements (51,53) corresponding to the number of conveying means (12) and/or with a respective width of the closure elements (51 , 53) corresponds to a respective width of a respective associated conveyor (12). Shrinkage device (5) according to one of claims 3 until 6 , wherein the shrinking agent introduction devices (13) are formed by shaft walls (15) which have an outflow surface (31) for shrinking agent directed towards the respective transport path, the amount of shrinking agent flowing out via the outflow surface (31) being adjustable and/or wherein at least one centrally arranged shaft wall (15) is designed and arranged to be displaceable transversely to the transport direction (TR) or at least one centrally arranged shaft wall (15) is designed to be removable from the shrinking device (5). Shrinkage device (5) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , wherein the at least two conveying means (12) are designed and arranged to be displaceable transversely to the transport direction (TR). Method for optimizing the energy output of a shrinking device (5), which shrinking device (5) can be operated in at least two different production modes (PM), the shrinking device (5) having at least n+1 conveying means (12) for article assemblies ( 22) where n ≥ 1; wherein in a first production mode (PM1) a transport of article assemblies (22) wrapped with packaging material (23) takes place in n transport lanes or nx transport lanes, where x<n; wherein in a second production mode (PM2), assemblies covered with packaging material (23) comprising at least one article are transported in n+1 transport lanes, and wherein in the second production mode (PM2) all n+1 conveyors (12) each in one Production speed are driven and / or cooled, wherein in the first production mode (PM1) n funding (12) or nx funding (12) respectively are driven at a production speed and/or cooled with the same intensity as in the second production mode (PM2), wherein in the first production mode (12) the further conveyor (12) is not driven or is driven at a reduced speed and/or wherein in the first production mode ( PM1) the further conveyor (12) is not cooled or is cooled with reduced intensity as in the second production mode. procedure after claim 9 , wherein each conveyor (12) of the shrinking device (5) can be cooled individually. procedure after claim 9 or 10 , wherein an inlet opening (50) and an outlet opening (52) of the shrinking device (5) depending on the number of active conveyors (12) can be partially closed or opened.

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