EP2565123B1 - Device for processing products encased in film - Google Patents

Device for processing products encased in film Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2565123B1
EP2565123B1 EP11007131.3A EP11007131A EP2565123B1 EP 2565123 B1 EP2565123 B1 EP 2565123B1 EP 11007131 A EP11007131 A EP 11007131A EP 2565123 B1 EP2565123 B1 EP 2565123B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shrink tunnel
film
product
transport
transport device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP11007131.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2565123A1 (en
Inventor
Friedrich Schell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dalli Werke GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Dalli Werke GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=44677331&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP2565123(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Dalli Werke GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Dalli Werke GmbH and Co KG
Priority to EP11007131.3A priority Critical patent/EP2565123B1/en
Priority to ES11007131.3T priority patent/ES2609590T3/en
Priority to PL11007131T priority patent/PL2565123T3/en
Publication of EP2565123A1 publication Critical patent/EP2565123A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2565123B1 publication Critical patent/EP2565123B1/en
Revoked legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/24—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for shaping or reshaping completed packages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B53/00—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging
    • B65B53/02—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat
    • B65B53/06—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat supplied by gases, e.g. hot-air jets
    • B65B53/063—Tunnels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B65B51/18—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by endless bands or chains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/02—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages
    • B65B57/06—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages and operating to control, or to stop, the feed of articles or material to be packaged

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for further processing of products which are wrapped with a film, preferably of detergent portions with a water-soluble film.
  • the invention further relates to a shrink tunnel and / or a pressing device for use with a device for further processing of products which are coated with a film, preferably of detergent portions with a water-soluble film.
  • the invention relates to a process for the further processing of products with a film, preferably of detergent portions with a water-soluble film.
  • Moisture-sensitive products should be protected from moisture during storage and / or transport. In this regard, it is known in the art to weld these products in a liquid-tight film.
  • detergents such as dishwashing detergents
  • dishwashing detergents often have an elevated pH, so that direct skin contact should be avoided.
  • the unpacking of a product tablet from a packaging film without contact of the product tablet is very cumbersome, it is known from the prior art to weld such product tablets in a water-soluble film.
  • the known from the prior art product tablets with a film, such as those packaged with a water-soluble film detergent tablets have the disadvantage that the film in the edge region, in particular on welds, often have sharp corners, which in handling the product tablet by a Users are perceived as disturbing.
  • a device for further processing of products which are enveloped in a film, preferably detergent portions with a water-soluble film comprising: a first transport device (2) for feeding the products covered by a film to a shrink tunnel (3), wherein the film is welded or glued and the weld or adhesive edges are cut close to the product; a shrink tunnel (3), wherein the products by means of the first transport device (2) or a second transport device (4) passed through the shrink tunnel (3) and in particular the films are heated; a pressing device (5), wherein the heated products by means of the first transport device (2) or the second transport device (4) or a third transport device (6) are passed through the pressing device (5), and wherein the pressing device (5) means (7 ) to press the heated film to the products.
  • the film can be pressed close to the products and the edges on the welds or adhesive edges of the film can be pressed against the rest of the film, so that a product is obtained with a tight film without sharp corners.
  • the pressing device is arranged at room temperature, so that no further heat is exerted on the products and the film.
  • the transport speed of the first transport device is dependent on the temperature within the shrink tunnel, wherein the first transport device is stopped when falling below a minimum temperature within the shrink tunnel. This ensures that the film was almost always exposed to a similar heat load when exiting the shrink tunnel.
  • the transport speed of the first transport device is reduced, so that the product with the film over a for a longer period of time within the shrink tunnel.
  • the transport speed of the first transport device is increased, so that the dwell time within the shrink tunnel is reduced.
  • the application of heat to the film should make it sufficiently deformable so that it can be pressed against the product.
  • the transport speed of the first transport device is between 30 m / min and 120 m / min.
  • Such a short residence time of the product with the film within the shrink tunnel has the advantage that the product hardly heated and most of the heat is absorbed by the film.
  • the first transport device comprises guide rails to guide the products to be transported during transport on the first transport device.
  • the guide rails are arranged, for example, laterally next to the transport device and prevent falling of products from the transport device.
  • the temperature to be applied in the shrink tunnel depends on the heat resistance of the product and on the film used. A usually suitable range is 80 ° C to 220 ° C, preferably 100 ° C to 200 ° C. In an expedient variant of the invention, the temperature in the shrink tunnel is between 120 ° C and 180 ° C, preferably at about 150 ° C.
  • the shrink tunnel comprises at least one fan for supplying air into the shrink tunnel.
  • the shrink tunnel comprises two blowers, each blower having an output of between 1,000 and 1,500 l / min, for example 1,200 l / min.
  • the fan (s) will cause heated air within the fan Shrink tunnels transported in the direction of the product with the film, wherein the combination of heat and air flow causes a (further) shrinkage of the film around the product.
  • the air supplied to the shrink tunnel is heated by means of a heating device to a temperature between 150 ° C and 300 ° C, preferably 220 ° C and 280 ° C, for example to a temperature of about 250 ° C.
  • the shrink tunnel comprises laterally next to and above the transport device through the shrink tunnel in each case a nozzle plate for supplying the heated air.
  • the nozzle plates laterally next to the transport device in this case comprise a simple row of nozzle openings, wherein the row of nozzle openings is arranged in each case in the transport direction of the transport device.
  • the nozzle plate above the transport device comprises at least two rows of nozzle openings, preferably three, four or five rows of nozzle openings.
  • the nozzle openings of the rows of nozzle openings of the nozzle plate above the transport device are partially offset from each other, preferably such that the nozzle openings of different rows form an arrowhead in the transport direction of the transport device through the shrink tunnel.
  • the arrangement of the nozzle plates for supplying heated air within the shrink tunnel laterally next to and above the transport device and the arrangements of the nozzle openings within the nozzle plates have a significant influence on the air flows of the heated air within the shrink tunnel and thus the heat on the products with the film.
  • the arrangement of the nozzle plates and the nozzle openings of the nozzle plates thus the heat and air flow can be adapted to the products, so that the film as close as possible to the products creates without being damaged and excessive heating of the products is avoided.
  • the nozzle plates are formed interchangeably within the shrink tunnel, so that the nozzle plates depending on the shape and the size of the products can be exchanged.
  • the inventive device, in particular the shrink tunnel, is thus adaptable to different products with a film.
  • the inner walls of the shrink tunnel are at least partially non-stick coated, preferably in the areas in which the transported through the shrink tunnel products can come into contact with the inner walls of the shrink tunnel.
  • the transport device through the shrink tunnel to at least the processing temperature in the tunnel, preferably to at least 180 ° C, 200 ° C or 220 ° C heat resistant, whereby damage to the leading through the shrink tunnel transport device is avoided by the temperatures within the shrink tunnel.
  • the shrink tunnel comprises at least one flap for opening the shrink tunnel, preferably a hinged lid.
  • the flap or the hinged lid By means of the flap or the hinged lid, maintenance / cleaning work on the interior of the shrinking tunnel can be carried out more easily or any accumulation of products within the shrinking tunnel can be resolved.
  • the means for pressing the heated film to the products in the pressing device are arranged laterally next to the transport device leading through the pressing device.
  • the film is pressed on the sides of the products. Since the welding or adhesive edges of the film are usually in the edge region or side region of the products, they are detected by the means for pressing and pressed against the products.
  • the pressing device may further optionally comprise means for pressing the heated foil the products opposite to the transport device, ie above the products include.
  • such means for pressing the heated film to the products above the transport device or the products is not absolutely necessary because the film is blown within the shrink tunnel and comes by gravity to the products to concern.
  • the means for pressing the heated film to the products are arranged to be movable relative to the transport device passing through the pressing device, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the transport device.
  • Such a movable arrangement of the means for pressing relative to the transport device has the advantage that products with different shapes and / or sizes can be provided with a tight-fitting foil without a modification of the pressing device.
  • the means for pressing comprise two circumferential bands of elastic material, preferably foam bands, which press the heated film to the product.
  • the use of elastic material avoids damaging the heated film and products while ensuring that the film is close to the product.
  • the contact pressure acting on the product does not damage the film or the product.
  • the two circumferential bands of elastic material have different rotational speeds, whereby rotation of the products on the transport device is achieved by the pressing device.
  • rotation of the products on the transport device is achieved by the pressing device.
  • the invention further relates to a shrink tunnel for use with a device according to the invention, wherein the products are passed through the shrink tunnel by means of a transport device and in particular the films are heated.
  • the temperature in the shrink tunnel is according to a variant of the invention in the range of 80 ° C to 220 ° C, preferably 100 ° C to 200 ° C and more preferably between 120 ° C and 180 ° C, for example at about 150 ° C.
  • the shrink tunnel comprises at least one fan for supplying air into the shrink tunnel.
  • the shrink tunnel comprises two blowers, each blower having a capacity of 1,000 to 1,500 l / min, for example 1,200 l / min.
  • the supplied air is heated by means of a heating device to a temperature between 150 ° C and 300 ° C, preferably between 220 ° C and 280 ° C, for example to a temperature of about 250 ° C.
  • the shrink tunnel comprises laterally next to and above the transport device through the shrink tunnel in each case a nozzle plate for supplying heated air.
  • the nozzle plates laterally next to the transport device comprise a simple row of nozzle openings, wherein the row of nozzle openings are respectively arranged in the transport direction of the transport device.
  • the nozzle plate above the transport device comprises at least two rows of nozzle openings, preferably three, four or five rows of nozzle openings.
  • the nozzle openings of the rows of nozzle openings are partially offset from each other, preferably such that the nozzle openings of the different rows form an arrowhead in the transport direction of the transport device through the shrink tunnel.
  • the inner walls of the shrink tunnel are at least partially non-stick coated, preferably in the areas in which the transported through the shrink tunnel products can get in contact with the inner walls of the shrink tunnel.
  • the transport device through the shrink tunnel at least up to the processing temperature, preferably above, for example, at least 180 ° C heat resistant to avoid damage to the leading through the shrink tunnel transport device during operation of the shrink tunnel according to the invention.
  • the shrink tunnel comprises at least one flap for opening the shrink tunnel, preferably a hinged lid.
  • the invention further relates to a pressing device for further processing of products coated with a film, preferably of detergent portions in a water-soluble film, wherein the heated products are passed through the pressing device by means of a transport device and wherein the pressing device comprises means for pressing the heated film to the products ,
  • the means for pressing the heated film to the products are arranged laterally next to the conveying device which leads through the pressing device, whereby in particular the film is pressed against the products in the lateral region of the products.
  • the means for pressing relative to the transport device by the pressing device are arranged to be movable, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the transport device. This ensures that products of different sizes can be transported by the pressing device and the film is pressed against the products, in particular without a costly conversion of the pressing would be necessary and without the contact pressure leads to damage to the film or product.
  • the means for pressing comprise two circumferential bands of elastic material, preferably foam, which press the heated film to the product.
  • the circulating belts in particular damage to the film and / or the products are avoided.
  • the two circulating belts have different rotational speeds, so that the product rotates during transport through the pressing device about at least one axis.
  • the invention further relates to a process for the further processing of products which are coated with a film, preferably of detergent portions such as dishwashing tablets with a water-soluble film, comprising the steps of supplying products wrapped with a film to a shrink tunnel, wherein the film is welded or glued is and the welding or adhesive edges are cut close to the product; Heating the product with the film in the shrink tunnel, for example, for 1 to 2 seconds at a temperature of about 150 ° C; Feeding the heated product with the film to a pressing device; Pressing the heated film to the product.
  • a product with a tight-fitting film preferably a detergent portion with a close-lying water-soluble film, can be produced.
  • the transport speed of the supply of products with a film to the shrink tunnel is dependent on the temperature within the shrink tunnel, wherein the transport device falls below a minimum temperature within the shrinking tunnel is stopped and the transport speed increases in proportion to the temperature within the shrinking tunnel.
  • the transport speed of the transport device to and through the shrink tunnel between 30 m / min and 120 m / min.
  • the temperature in the shrink tunnel is between 80 ° C and 220 ° C, preferably 100 ° C to 200 ° C, more preferably 120 ° C and 180 ° C, for example at about 150 ° C.
  • the transported through the shrink tunnel products are blown with foil by means of a blower, conveniently by means of two blowers, each blower having a power of 1,000 to 1,500 l / min, for example, 1,200 l / min.
  • the air supplied to the shrink tunnel is heated by means of a heater to a temperature between 150 ° C and 300 ° C, preferably 220 ° C and 280 ° C, preferably to a temperature of about 250 ° C.
  • the air supplied to the shrink tunnel by means of the blower can be blown into the shrink tunnel, for example, via nozzle plates arranged laterally next to the transport device and above the transport device.
  • the shrinkage of the film to the product is dependent on the temperature within the shrink tunnel and the air supply.
  • the pressing device for pressing the heated film against the products preferably comprises means arranged laterally next to the transport device for pressing the heated film against the product.
  • the means for pressing are expediently arranged to be movable relative to the transport device by the pressing device, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the transport device.
  • the means for pressing the pressing device have two circumferential bands of elastic material, preferably a foam, which press the heated film to the product.
  • the two circulating belts have different rotational speeds, so that during transport the product is rotated by the pressing device and the film is pressed on over the entire peripheral region of the product.
  • the product is a detergent portion or a predosed amount of a cleaning agent in a film.
  • the detergent may be any type of detergent suitable for laundering, dishwashing, cleaning solid surfaces, or removing debris such as limescale or the like. Dishwashing detergents, in particular machine dishwashing detergents, or detergents for washing laundry in a washing machine are particularly preferred.
  • the portion may, for example, be a tablet or else a packaged granule, pellet, powder or else a liquid (so-called pouches or sachets) or it may comprise both a solid part and a liquid, for example in multi-chambered units.
  • a particularly preferred embodiment of the detergent portion is a tablet.
  • the film is particularly preferably a so-called “shrink film", i. a film that shrinks to some extent due to heat.
  • shrink film i. a film that shrinks to some extent due to heat.
  • the film is a water-soluble film which releases the detergent portion after being added to the washing or rinsing water.
  • the product is exemplified as a tablet, but without being limited to this embodiment. Rather, it should be understood that instead of the tablet any other object can be used, in particular any other aforementioned detergent portion.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an inventive device 1 for further processing of product tablets with a film, preferably dishwasher tablets with a water-soluble film.
  • the product tablets to be processed are shrink-wrapped in a foil, the edges being cut close to the product tablet in the area of the weld seam.
  • the device comprises a first transport device 2 for feeding the product tablets with the film to a shrink tunnel 3.
  • the product tablets with the film are carried through the shrink tunnel 3 by means of a second transport device 4.
  • the product tablets are transferred from the first transport device 2 to the second transport device 4.
  • the device 1 according to the invention further comprises a pressing device 5, wherein the pressing device 5 comprises means 7 for pressing the heated foil to the product tablets.
  • the product tablets with the heated film are passed through the pressing device 5 by means of a third transport device 6.
  • the product tablets are transferred with the heated film from the second transport device 4 after the shrink tunnel 3 to the third transport device 6.
  • the transport speed of the first transport device 2 is advantageously dependent on the temperature within the shrink tunnel 3.
  • a minimum temperature which can be predetermined, within the shrink tunnel 3
  • the first transport device 2 is stopped so that no further product tablets are supplied with a film to the shrink tunnel 3 ,
  • the transport speed of the first transport device 2 is suitably between 30 m / min. and 120 m / min.
  • the transport speed of the second transport device 4 and the third transport device 6 are expediently adapted to the transport speed of the first transport device 2.
  • the first transport device 2 further comprises guide rails 8 for guiding the product tablets to be transported on the first transport device 2 during transport.
  • the temperature in the shrink tunnel 3 is between 120 ° C and 180 ° C, preferably about 150 ° C.
  • the shrink tunnel 3 comprises on the one hand at least one fan 9, preferably two fans, for feeding air into the shrink tunnel 3.
  • the fans have, for example, a capacity of 1,200 l / min.
  • the air supplied to the shrink tunnel 3 by the fans 9 is heated by a heater 10 to a temperature between 220 ° C and 280 ° C, preferably to a temperature of about 250 ° C.
  • the shrink tunnel 3 comprises laterally next to and above the transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3 in each case a nozzle plate 11 for supplying heated air.
  • the nozzle plates 11 laterally adjacent to the transport device 4 comprise a simple row of nozzle openings 12, as in FIG. 3 illustrated, wherein the row of nozzle openings 12 is arranged in each case in the transport direction of the transport device 4.
  • the nozzle plate 11 above the transport device 4 comprises at least two rows of nozzle openings 12, preferably three, four or five rows of nozzle openings 12, such as in the FIGS. 2a to 2d shown.
  • the nozzle openings 12 of the rows of nozzle openings 12 of the nozzle plate 11 above the transport device 4 are partially offset from one another, preferably such that the nozzle openings 12 of the different rows form an arrowhead in the transport direction of the transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3, as in FIG FIG. 2a shown.
  • the inner walls of the shrink tunnel 3 are at least partially non-stick coated, preferably in the areas in which the product tablets transported through the shrink tunnel 3 can come into contact with the inner walls of the shrink tunnel 3. As a result, contamination of the inner wall of the shrinking tunnel 3 is avoided by the heated film of the transported product tablets, which significantly reduces the maintenance and cleaning of the shrink tunnel 3.
  • the transport device 4 is heat resistant through the shrink tunnel 3 to at least 180 ° C. This will damage the Transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3 by the heated air within the shrink tunnel 3 avoided.
  • the shrink tunnel 3 preferably comprises at least one flap for opening the shrinking tunnel 3, preferably a hinged lid.
  • the means for pressing 7 of the heated film to the product tablet of the pressing device 5 are arranged laterally next to the transport device 6 by the pressing device 5.
  • the means 7 for pressing are arranged to be movable relative to the transport device 6 by the pressing device 5, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the transport device 6.
  • the means 7 for pressing comprise two circumferential bands of elastic material, preferably foam bands, one on each side of the conveying device 6 guided by the pressing device 5, which press the heated foil against the product tablet.
  • the use of two circumferential foam tapes has the advantage that the film of the product tablet is not damaged when pressed.
  • the two circulating foam tapes have different rotational speeds, whereby the product tablet is set in rotation with the heated foil to be pressed, so that the foil is fully pressed at least in the edge / side region of the product tablet.
  • the film In the lower part of the product tablet, the film is pressed by the weight of the product tablet and in the upper region, the film has already been applied in the shrink tunnel by the supplied heated air to the product tablet, so that in the region of the pressing device 5, the film in particular in the region of the edges or sides the product tablet 5 must be pressed. Furthermore, usually the welds or adhesive surfaces of the film are located in the side area of the product tablet, so that this area is particularly carefully attached to the product tablet must be pressed in order to obtain a close fitting to the product tablet foil.
  • the invention also relates to a shrink tunnel 3 for use with a previously described device 1 for further processing of product tablets with a film, preferably dishwashing detergent tablets with a water-soluble film and a pressing device 5 for use with a device 1 described above for further processing of product tablets with a film, preferably of dishwasher tablets with a water-soluble film.
  • the product tablets are supplied with the film to the shrink tunnel 3 by means of a first transport device 2, wherein the product tablets are welded in the film or the film glued to the edges and the welding or adhesive edges are cut close to the product tablet.
  • the product tablets are heated with the film, in particular the film is heated.
  • the product tablets transported through the shrink tunnel 3 with the film linger within the shrink tunnel 3 for approximately 1 to 3 seconds, with a temperature of approximately 150 ° C. prevailing within the shrink tunnel 3.
  • the product tablets with the heated foil are fed to a pressing device 5 in order to press the heated foil onto the product tablet.
  • FIGS. 2a to 2d show various embodiments of nozzle plates 11 with nozzle openings 12, which can be arranged above the transport device 4 within the shrinking tunnel 3.
  • the embodiment has in accordance with FIG. 2a has been found, according to which the nozzle openings 12 of the rows of nozzle openings 12 are partially offset from each other, preferably such that the nozzle openings 12 of the different rows form an arrowhead in the transport direction of the transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3.
  • FIG. 3 a nozzle plate 11 is shown with nozzle openings 12, which is used laterally next to the transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3.
  • the nozzle plate 11 according to FIG. 3 in this case has a simple row of nozzle openings 12, wherein the row of nozzle openings 12 is arranged in the transport direction of the transport device 4.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkten, die mit einer Folie umhüllt sind, vorzugsweise von Reinigungsmittelportionen mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie. Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin einen Schrumpftunnel und/oder eine Andrückvorrichtung zur Verwendung mit einer Vorrichtung zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkten, die mit einer Folie umhüllt sind, vorzugsweise von Reinigungsmittelportionen mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie. Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkten mit einer Folie, vorzugsweise von Reinigungsmittelportionen mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie. Feuchtigkeitsempfindliche Produkte sind während der Lagerung und/oder des Transports vor Feuchtigkeit zu schützen. Diesbezüglich ist es aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt, diese Produkte in einer flüssigkeitsdichten Folie einzuschweißen.The invention relates to a device for further processing of products which are wrapped with a film, preferably of detergent portions with a water-soluble film. The invention further relates to a shrink tunnel and / or a pressing device for use with a device for further processing of products which are coated with a film, preferably of detergent portions with a water-soluble film. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for the further processing of products with a film, preferably of detergent portions with a water-soluble film. Moisture-sensitive products should be protected from moisture during storage and / or transport. In this regard, it is known in the art to weld these products in a liquid-tight film.

Weiterhin weisen Reinigungsmittel, wie beispielsweise Geschirrspülmittel, häufig einen erhöhten pH-Wert auf, sodass ein direkter Hautkontakt vermieden werden sollte. Da das Auspacken einer Produkttablette aus einer Verpackungsfolie ohne eine Berührung der Produkttablette sehr umständlich ist, ist es aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt, solche Produkttabletten in einer wasserlöslichen Folie einzuschweißen. Die aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Produkttabletten mit einer Folie, wie beispielsweise die mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie verpackten Reinigungsmitteltabletten, weisen den Nachteil auf, dass die Folie im Randbereich, insbesondere an Schweißnähten, häufig scharfkantige Ecken aufweisen, welche bei der Handhabung der Produkttablette durch einen Benutzer als störend empfunden werden.Furthermore, detergents, such as dishwashing detergents, often have an elevated pH, so that direct skin contact should be avoided. Since the unpacking of a product tablet from a packaging film without contact of the product tablet is very cumbersome, it is known from the prior art to weld such product tablets in a water-soluble film. The known from the prior art product tablets with a film, such as those packaged with a water-soluble film detergent tablets, have the disadvantage that the film in the edge region, in particular on welds, often have sharp corners, which in handling the product tablet by a Users are perceived as disturbing.

Es ist daher eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zur Herstellung von Produkten, die mit einer Folie umhüllt sind, bereitzustellen, vorzugsweise von Reinigungsmittelportionen mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie, wobei die Folie möglichst eng an dem Produkt anliegt und keine scharfkantige Ecken aufweist.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for producing products which are coated with a film, preferably of detergent portions with a water-soluble film, the film as close as possible to the product and has no sharp corners ,

Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch eine Vorrichtung zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkten, die mit einer Folie umhüllt sind, vorzugsweise von Reinigungsmittelportionen mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie, umfassend: eine erste Transportvorrichtung (2) zur Zuführung der von einer Folie umhüllten Produkte zu einem Schrumpftunnel (3), wobei die Folie verschweißt oder verklebt ist und die Schweiß- oder Kleberänder eng an dem Produkt abgeschnitten sind; einen Schrumpftunnel (3), wobei die Produkte mittels der ersten Transportvorrichtung (2) oder einer zweiten Transportvorrichtung (4) durch den Schrumpftunnel (3) hindurchgeführt und dabei insbesondere die Folien erhitzt werden; eine Andrückvorrichtung (5), wobei die erhitzten Produkte mittels der ersten Transportvorrichtung (2) oder der zweiten Transportvorrichtung (4) oder einer dritten Transportvorrichtung (6) durch die Andrückvorrichtung (5) hindurchgeführt werden, und wobei die Andrückvorrichtung (5) Mittel (7) umfasst, um die erhitzte Folie an die Produkte anzudrücken.The object is achieved by a device for further processing of products which are enveloped in a film, preferably detergent portions with a water-soluble film, comprising: a first transport device (2) for feeding the products covered by a film to a shrink tunnel (3), wherein the film is welded or glued and the weld or adhesive edges are cut close to the product; a shrink tunnel (3), wherein the products by means of the first transport device (2) or a second transport device (4) passed through the shrink tunnel (3) and in particular the films are heated; a pressing device (5), wherein the heated products by means of the first transport device (2) or the second transport device (4) or a third transport device (6) are passed through the pressing device (5), and wherein the pressing device (5) means (7 ) to press the heated film to the products.

Durch die Kombination von Schrumpftunnel und Andrückvorrichtung kann die Folie eng an die Produkte angedrückt werden und die Kanten an den Schweißnähten oder Kleberändern der Folie können an die übrige Folie angedrückt werden, sodass ein Produkt mit einer enganliegenden Folie ohne scharfkantige Ecken erhalten wird.Through the combination of shrink tunnel and pressing device, the film can be pressed close to the products and the edges on the welds or adhesive edges of the film can be pressed against the rest of the film, so that a product is obtained with a tight film without sharp corners.

Nach einer zweckmäßigen Variante der Erfindung ist die Andrückvorrichtung bei Raumtemperatur angeordnet, sodass keine weitere Hitzeeinwirkung auf die Produkte und die Folie ausgeübt wird.According to an expedient variant of the invention, the pressing device is arranged at room temperature, so that no further heat is exerted on the products and the film.

Nach einer Variante der Erfindung ist die Transportgeschwindigkeit der ersten Transportvorrichtung abhängig von der Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels, wobei die erste Transportvorrichtung bei Unterschreiten einer minimalen Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels angehalten wird. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass die Folie beim Austreten aus dem Schrumpftunnel annähernd immer einen ähnlichen Wärmebeaufschlagung ausgesetzt war. Bei einer niedrigeren Temperatur wird die Transportgeschwindigkeit der ersten Transportvorrichtung verringert, sodass das Produkt mit der Folie über einen längeren Zeitraum innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels verweilt. Bei einer höheren Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels wird die Transportgeschwindigkeit der ersten Transportvorrichtung erhöht, sodass die Verweildauer innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels verringert wird. In jedem Falle sollte die Wärmebeaufschlagung der Folie ausreichen diese so weit verformbar zu machen, dass diese an das Produkt andrückbar wird.According to a variant of the invention, the transport speed of the first transport device is dependent on the temperature within the shrink tunnel, wherein the first transport device is stopped when falling below a minimum temperature within the shrink tunnel. This ensures that the film was almost always exposed to a similar heat load when exiting the shrink tunnel. At a lower temperature, the transport speed of the first transport device is reduced, so that the product with the film over a for a longer period of time within the shrink tunnel. At a higher temperature within the shrink tunnel, the transport speed of the first transport device is increased, so that the dwell time within the shrink tunnel is reduced. In any case, the application of heat to the film should make it sufficiently deformable so that it can be pressed against the product.

Nach einer zweckmäßigen Variante der Erfindung ist die Transportgeschwindigkeit der ersten Transportvorrichtung zwischen 30 m/min und 120 m/min. Bei einer ungefähren Länge des Schrumpftunnels von 1 m ergibt sich daraus eine Verweilzeit des Produktes mit der Folie innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels von 0.5 Sek. bis 2 Sek. Eine derartig kurze Verweildauer des Produkts mit der Folie innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels hat den Vorteil, dass sich das Produkt kaum erwärmt und die meiste Wärme von der Folie aufgenommen wird.According to an expedient variant of the invention, the transport speed of the first transport device is between 30 m / min and 120 m / min. At an approximate length of the shrink tunnel of 1 m, this results in a residence time of the product with the film within the shrink tunnel of 0.5 sec. To 2 sec. Such a short residence time of the product with the film within the shrink tunnel has the advantage that the product hardly heated and most of the heat is absorbed by the film.

Nach einer weiteren Variante der Erfindung umfasst die erste Transportvorrichtung Führungsschienen, um die zu transportierenden Produkte während des Transports auf der ersten Transportvorrichtung zu führen. Die Führungsschienen sind dabei beispielsweise seitlich neben der Transportvorrichtung angeordnet und verhindern ein Herunterfallen von Produkten von der Transportvorrichtung.According to a further variant of the invention, the first transport device comprises guide rails to guide the products to be transported during transport on the first transport device. The guide rails are arranged, for example, laterally next to the transport device and prevent falling of products from the transport device.

Die anzulegende Temperatur im Schrumpftunnel hängt von der Hitzebeständigkeit des Produktes und von der verwendeten Folie ab. Ein üblicherweise geeigneter Bereich liegt bei 80°C bis 220°C, bevorzugt 100°C bis 200°C. In einer zweckmäßigen Variante der Erfindung liegt die Temperatur im Schrumpftunnel zwischen 120°C und 180°C, vorzugsweise bei ungefähr 150°C.The temperature to be applied in the shrink tunnel depends on the heat resistance of the product and on the film used. A usually suitable range is 80 ° C to 220 ° C, preferably 100 ° C to 200 ° C. In an expedient variant of the invention, the temperature in the shrink tunnel is between 120 ° C and 180 ° C, preferably at about 150 ° C.

Vorteilhafterweise umfasst der Schrumpftunnel wenigstens ein Gebläse zur Zuführung von Luft in den Schrumpftunnel. Nach einer besonders zweckmäßigen Variante der Erfindung umfasst der Schrumpftunnel zwei Gebläse, wobei jedes Gebläse eine Leistung von zwischen 1.000 und 1.500 l/min, beispielsweise 1.200 l/min aufweist. Durch das/die Gebläse wird erhitzte Luft innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels in Richtung des Produktes mit der Folie befördert, wobei die Kombination aus Hitze und Luftströmung ein (weiteres) Schrumpfen der Folie um das Produkt bewirkt.Advantageously, the shrink tunnel comprises at least one fan for supplying air into the shrink tunnel. According to a particularly expedient variant of the invention, the shrink tunnel comprises two blowers, each blower having an output of between 1,000 and 1,500 l / min, for example 1,200 l / min. The fan (s) will cause heated air within the fan Shrink tunnels transported in the direction of the product with the film, wherein the combination of heat and air flow causes a (further) shrinkage of the film around the product.

Nach einer zweckmäßigen Variante der Erfindung wird die dem Schrumpftunnel zugeführte Luft mittels einer Heizvorrichtung auf eine Temperatur zwischen 150°C und 300°C, bevorzugt 220°C und 280°C erhitzt, beispielsweise auf eine Temperatur von ungefähr 250°C.According to an expedient variant of the invention, the air supplied to the shrink tunnel is heated by means of a heating device to a temperature between 150 ° C and 300 ° C, preferably 220 ° C and 280 ° C, for example to a temperature of about 250 ° C.

In einer weiteren Variante der Erfindung umfasst der Schrumpftunnel seitlich neben und oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung durch den Schrumpftunnel jeweils ein Düsenblech zur Zuführung der erhitzten Luft. Die Düsenbleche seitlich neben der Transportvorrichtung umfassen dabei eine einfache Reihe von Düsenöffnungen, wobei die Reihe von Düsenöffnungen jeweils in Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung angeordnet ist. Das Düsenblech oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung umfasst wenigstens zwei Reihen von Düsenöffnungen, vorzugsweise drei, vier oder fünf Reihen von Düsenöffnungen. In einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sind die Düsenöffnungen der Reihen von Düsenöffnungen des Düsenblechs oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung teilweise zueinander versetzt, vorzugsweise derart, dass die Düsenöffnungen der unterschiedlichen Reihen eine Pfeilspitze in Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung durch den Schrumpftunnel ausbilden. Die Anordnung der Düsenbleche zur Zuführung erhitzter Luft innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels seitlich neben und oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung sowie die Anordnungen der Düsenöffnungen innerhalb der Düsenbleche haben einen maßgeblichen Einfluss auf die Luftströmungen der erhitzten Luft innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels und somit auch die Hitzeeinwirkung auf die Produkte mit der Folie. Durch die Anordnung der Düsenbleche und der Düsenöffnungen der Düsenbleche kann somit die Hitzeeinwirkung und Luftströmung auf die Produkte angepasst werden, sodass sich die Folie möglichst eng an die Produkte anlegt ohne beschädigt zu werden und eine übermäßige Erhitzung der Produkte vermieden wird.In a further variant of the invention, the shrink tunnel comprises laterally next to and above the transport device through the shrink tunnel in each case a nozzle plate for supplying the heated air. The nozzle plates laterally next to the transport device in this case comprise a simple row of nozzle openings, wherein the row of nozzle openings is arranged in each case in the transport direction of the transport device. The nozzle plate above the transport device comprises at least two rows of nozzle openings, preferably three, four or five rows of nozzle openings. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the nozzle openings of the rows of nozzle openings of the nozzle plate above the transport device are partially offset from each other, preferably such that the nozzle openings of different rows form an arrowhead in the transport direction of the transport device through the shrink tunnel. The arrangement of the nozzle plates for supplying heated air within the shrink tunnel laterally next to and above the transport device and the arrangements of the nozzle openings within the nozzle plates have a significant influence on the air flows of the heated air within the shrink tunnel and thus the heat on the products with the film. The arrangement of the nozzle plates and the nozzle openings of the nozzle plates thus the heat and air flow can be adapted to the products, so that the film as close as possible to the products creates without being damaged and excessive heating of the products is avoided.

Zweckmäßigerweise sind die Düsenbleche innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels austauschbar ausgebildet, sodass die Düsenbleche in Abhängigkeit von der Form und der Größe der Produkte ausgetauscht werden können. Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung, insbesondere der Schrumpftunnel, ist somit an unterschiedliche Produkte mit einer Folie anpassbar.Conveniently, the nozzle plates are formed interchangeably within the shrink tunnel, so that the nozzle plates depending on the shape and the size of the products can be exchanged. The inventive device, in particular the shrink tunnel, is thus adaptable to different products with a film.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Variante der Erfindung sind die Innenwandungen des Schrumpftunnels zumindest teilweise antihaftbeschichtet, vorzugsweise in den Bereichen, in welchen die durch den Schrumpftunnel transportierten Produkte in Kontakt mit den Innenwandungen des Schrumpftunnels gelangen können. Dadurch wird eine Verschmutzung der Innenwandung des Schrumpftunnels vermieden, wodurch sich die Stillstandzeit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zu Reinigungszwecken deutlich verringert. Somit wird eine höhere Produktivität erreicht.In a further advantageous variant of the invention, the inner walls of the shrink tunnel are at least partially non-stick coated, preferably in the areas in which the transported through the shrink tunnel products can come into contact with the inner walls of the shrink tunnel. As a result, contamination of the inner wall of the shrink tunnel is avoided, which significantly reduces the downtime of the device according to the invention for cleaning purposes. Thus, higher productivity is achieved.

Zweckmäßigerweise ist die Transportvorrichtung durch den Schrumpftunnel bis wenigstens zur Bearbeitungstemperatur in dem Tunnel, vorzugsweise bis wenigstens 180°C, 200°C oder 220°C hitzebeständig, wodurch eine Beschädigung der durch den Schrumpftunnel führenden Transportvorrichtung durch die Temperaturen innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels vermieden wird.Conveniently, the transport device through the shrink tunnel to at least the processing temperature in the tunnel, preferably to at least 180 ° C, 200 ° C or 220 ° C heat resistant, whereby damage to the leading through the shrink tunnel transport device is avoided by the temperatures within the shrink tunnel.

In einer weiteren Variante der Erfindung umfasst der Schrumpftunnel wenigstens eine Klappe zum Öffnen des Schrumpftunnels, vorzugsweise einen aufklappbaren Deckel. Mittels der Klappe bzw. des aufklappbaren Deckels können Wartungs-/ Reinigungsarbeiten am Inneren des Schrumpftunnels einfacher durchgeführt werden oder eine eventuelle Anstauung von Produkten innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels aufgelöst werden.In a further variant of the invention, the shrink tunnel comprises at least one flap for opening the shrink tunnel, preferably a hinged lid. By means of the flap or the hinged lid, maintenance / cleaning work on the interior of the shrinking tunnel can be carried out more easily or any accumulation of products within the shrinking tunnel can be resolved.

In einer Variante der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sind die Mittel zum Andrücken der erhitzten Folie an die Produkte in der Andrückvorrichtung seitlich neben der durch die Andrückvorrichtung führenden Transportvorrichtung angeordnet. Somit wird insbesondere die Folie an den Seiten der Produkte angedrückt. Da sich die Schweiß- oder Kleberänder der Folie üblicherweise im Randbereich oder Seitenbereich der Produkte befinden, werden diese durch die Mittel zum Andrücken erfasst und an die Produkte angedrückt. Die Andrückvorrichtung kann weiterhin optional Mittel zum Andrücken der erhitzten Folie an die Produkte gegenüberliegend zu der Transportvorrichtung, also oberhalb der Produkte, umfassen. Derartige Mittel zum Andrücken der erhitzten Folie an die Produkte oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung bzw. der Produkte ist jedoch nicht zwingend erforderlich, da die Folie innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels angeblasen wird und durch die Schwerkraft an die Produkte zum Anliegen kommt.In a variant of the device according to the invention, the means for pressing the heated film to the products in the pressing device are arranged laterally next to the transport device leading through the pressing device. Thus, in particular, the film is pressed on the sides of the products. Since the welding or adhesive edges of the film are usually in the edge region or side region of the products, they are detected by the means for pressing and pressed against the products. The pressing device may further optionally comprise means for pressing the heated foil the products opposite to the transport device, ie above the products include. However, such means for pressing the heated film to the products above the transport device or the products is not absolutely necessary because the film is blown within the shrink tunnel and comes by gravity to the products to concern.

Nach einer bevorzugten Variante der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sind die Mittel zum Andrücken der erhitzten Folie an die Produkte relativ zu der durch die Andrückvorrichtung führendeTransportvorrichtung beweglich angeordnet, insbesondere quer zur Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung. Eine derartige bewegliche Anordnung der Mittel zum Andrücken relativ zu der Transportvorrichtung hat den Vorteil, dass Produkte mit unterschiedlichen Formen und/oder Größen ohne eine Modifikation der Andrückvorrichtung mit einer enganliegenden Folie versehen werden können.According to a preferred variant of the device according to the invention, the means for pressing the heated film to the products are arranged to be movable relative to the transport device passing through the pressing device, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the transport device. Such a movable arrangement of the means for pressing relative to the transport device has the advantage that products with different shapes and / or sizes can be provided with a tight-fitting foil without a modification of the pressing device.

Die Mittel zum Andrücken umfassen zwei umlaufende Bänder aus elastischem Material, bevorzugt Schaumstoffbänder, welche die erhitzte Folie an das Produkt andrücken. Durch die Verwendung von elastischem Material wird eine Beschädigung der erhitzten Folie und der Produkte vermieden und gleichzeitig sichergestellt, dass die Folie eng an das Produkt zum Anliegen kommt.The means for pressing comprise two circumferential bands of elastic material, preferably foam bands, which press the heated film to the product. The use of elastic material avoids damaging the heated film and products while ensuring that the film is close to the product.

Durch die bewegliche Anordnung der Mittel zum Andrücken und Verwendung des elastischen Materials führt der auf das Produkt einwirkende Anpressdruck nicht zur Beschädigung der Folie oder des Produktes.Due to the movable arrangement of the means for pressing and using the elastic material, the contact pressure acting on the product does not damage the film or the product.

In der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung weisen die zwei umlaufenden Bänder aus elastischem Material unterschiedliche Umlaufgeschwindigkeiten auf, wodurch eine Drehung der Produkte auf der Transportvorrichtung durch die Andrückvorrichtung erreicht wird.
Durch das Drehen der Produkte während des Transports durch die Andrückvorrichtung wird erreicht, dass die Mittel zum Andrücken die seitlichen Bereiche der Produkte vollumfänglich erfassen und die Folie wenigstens in diesem Bereich vollumfänglich an die Produkte angedrückt wird.In the device according to the invention, the two circumferential bands of elastic material have different rotational speeds, whereby rotation of the products on the transport device is achieved by the pressing device.
By rotating the products during transport through the pressing device is achieved that the means for pressing the lateral areas of the products fully capture and the film is at least in this area fully pressed against the products.

Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin einen Schrumpftunnel zur Verwendung mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, wobei die Produkte mittels einer Transportvorrichtung durch den Schrumpftunnel hindurchgeführt und dabei insbesondere die Folien erhitzt werden. Die Temperatur im Schrumpftunnel liegt dabei nach einer Variante der Erfindung im Bereich von 80°C bis 220°C, bevorzugt 100°C bis 200°C und besonders bevorzugt zwischen 120°C und 180°C, beispielsweise bei ungefähr 150°C.The invention further relates to a shrink tunnel for use with a device according to the invention, wherein the products are passed through the shrink tunnel by means of a transport device and in particular the films are heated. The temperature in the shrink tunnel is according to a variant of the invention in the range of 80 ° C to 220 ° C, preferably 100 ° C to 200 ° C and more preferably between 120 ° C and 180 ° C, for example at about 150 ° C.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Schrumpftunnels umfasst der Schrumpftunnel wenigstens ein Gebläse, zur Zuführung von Luft in den Schrumpftunnel. Zweckmäßigerweise umfasst der Schrumpftunnel zwei Gebläse, wobei jedes Gebläse eine Leistung von 1.000 bis 1.500 l/min, beispielsweise 1.200 l/min aufweist. Mittels des Gebläses kann das durch den Schrumpftunnel transportierte mit Folie umhüllte Produkt mit erhitzter Luft angeströmt werden, wodurch sich die Folie an das Produkt anlegt.According to an advantageous embodiment of the shrink tunnel according to the invention, the shrink tunnel comprises at least one fan for supplying air into the shrink tunnel. Conveniently, the shrink tunnel comprises two blowers, each blower having a capacity of 1,000 to 1,500 l / min, for example 1,200 l / min. By means of the blower, the film-wrapped product transported through the shrink tunnel can be flown through with heated air, whereby the film is applied to the product.

In einer weiteren Variante des Schrumpftunnels wird die zugeführte Luft mittels einer Heizvorrichtung auf eine Temperatur zwischen 150°C und 300°C, bevorzugt zwischen 220°C und 280°C erhitzt, beispielsweise auf eine Temperatur von ungefähr 250°C.In a further variant of the shrink tunnel, the supplied air is heated by means of a heating device to a temperature between 150 ° C and 300 ° C, preferably between 220 ° C and 280 ° C, for example to a temperature of about 250 ° C.

Nach einer vorteilhaften Variante der Erfindung umfasst der Schrumpftunnel seitlich neben und oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung durch den Schrumpftunnel jeweils ein Düsenblech zur Zuführung erhitzter Luft. Zweckmäßigerweise umfassen die Düsenbleche seitlich neben der Transportvorrichtung eine einfache Reihe von Düsenöffnungen, wobei die Reihe von Düsenöffnungen jeweils in Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung angeordnet sind. Das Düsenblech oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung umfasst wenigstens zwei Reihen von Düsenöffnungen, vorzugsweise drei, vier oder fünf Reihen von Düsenöffnungen. Die Düsenöffnungen der Reihen von Düsenöffnungen sind teilweise zueinander versetzt, vorzugsweise derart, dass die Düsenöffnungen der unterschiedlichen Reihen eine Pfeilspitze in Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung durch den Schrumpftunnel ausbilden.According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the shrink tunnel comprises laterally next to and above the transport device through the shrink tunnel in each case a nozzle plate for supplying heated air. Expediently, the nozzle plates laterally next to the transport device comprise a simple row of nozzle openings, wherein the row of nozzle openings are respectively arranged in the transport direction of the transport device. The nozzle plate above the transport device comprises at least two rows of nozzle openings, preferably three, four or five rows of nozzle openings. The nozzle openings of the rows of nozzle openings are partially offset from each other, preferably such that the nozzle openings of the different rows form an arrowhead in the transport direction of the transport device through the shrink tunnel.

Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Variante der Erfindung sind die Innenwandungen des Schrumpftunnels zumindest teilweise antihaftbeschichtet, vorzugsweise in den Bereichen, in welchen die durch den Schrumpftunnel transportierten Produkte in Kontakt mit den Innenwandungen des Schrumpftunnels gelangen können. Dadurch wird eine Verschmutzung des Schrumpftunnels, beispielsweise durch Anhaftungen von Folienresten vermieden.According to a further advantageous variant of the invention, the inner walls of the shrink tunnel are at least partially non-stick coated, preferably in the areas in which the transported through the shrink tunnel products can get in contact with the inner walls of the shrink tunnel. As a result, contamination of the shrink tunnel, for example, by adhesion of film residues is avoided.

Zweckmäßigerweise ist die Transportvorrichtung durch den Schrumpftunnel wenigstens bis zur Bearbeitungstemperatur, bevorzugt darüber, beispielsweise bis wenigstens 180°C hitzebeständig, um eine Beschädigung der durch den Schrumpftunnel führenden Transportvorrichtung während des Betriebs des erfindungsgemäßen Schrumpftunnels zu vermeiden.Conveniently, the transport device through the shrink tunnel at least up to the processing temperature, preferably above, for example, at least 180 ° C heat resistant to avoid damage to the leading through the shrink tunnel transport device during operation of the shrink tunnel according to the invention.

Zu Wartungs- und/oder Reparaturzwecken umfasst der Schrumpftunnel wenigstens eine Klappe zum Öffnen des Schrumpftunnels, vorzugsweise einen aufklappbaren Deckel.For maintenance and / or repair purposes, the shrink tunnel comprises at least one flap for opening the shrink tunnel, preferably a hinged lid.

Die Erfindung betrifft weiter eine Andrückvorrichtung zur Weiterverarbeitung von mit einer Folie umhüllten Produkten, vorzugsweise von Reinigungsmittelportionen in einer wasserlöslichen Folie, wobei die erhitzten Produkte mittels einer Transportvorrichtung durch die Andrückvorrichtung hindurchgeführt werden und wobei die Andrückvorrichtung Mittel umfasst, um die erhitzte Folie an die Produkte anzudrücken.The invention further relates to a pressing device for further processing of products coated with a film, preferably of detergent portions in a water-soluble film, wherein the heated products are passed through the pressing device by means of a transport device and wherein the pressing device comprises means for pressing the heated film to the products ,

In einer Variante der erfindungsgemäßen Andrückvorrichtung sind die Mittel zum Andrücken der erhitzten Folie an die Produkte seitlich neben der durch die Andrückvorrichtung führenden Transportvorrichtung angeordnet, wodurch insbesondere die Folie im Seitenbereich der Produkte an die Produkte angedrückt wird.In a variant of the pressing device according to the invention, the means for pressing the heated film to the products are arranged laterally next to the conveying device which leads through the pressing device, whereby in particular the film is pressed against the products in the lateral region of the products.

Nach einer besonders vorteilhaften Variante der Erfindung sind die Mittel zum Andrücken relativ zu der Transportvorrichtung durch die Andrückvorrichtung beweglich angeordnet, insbesondere quer zur Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass Produkte mit unterschiedlicher Größe durch die Andrückvorrichtung transportiert werden können und die Folie an die Produkte angedrückt wird, insbesondere ohne dass ein aufwendiger Umbau der Andrückvorrichtung notwendig wäre und ohne dass der Anpressdruck zu einer Beschädigung der Folie oder des Produktes führt.According to a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the means for pressing relative to the transport device by the pressing device are arranged to be movable, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the transport device. This ensures that products of different sizes can be transported by the pressing device and the film is pressed against the products, in particular without a costly conversion of the pressing would be necessary and without the contact pressure leads to damage to the film or product.

In der erfindungsgemäßen Andrückvorrichtung umfassen die Mittel zum Andrücken zwei umlaufende Bänder aus elastischem Material, bevorzugt Schaumstoff, welche die erhitzte Folie an das Produkt andrücken. Durch die umlaufenden Bänder werden insbesondere Beschädigungen der Folie und/oder der Produkte vermieden. Besonders zweckmäßigerweise weisen die zwei umlaufenden Bänder unterschiedliche Umlaufgeschwindigkeiten auf, sodass sich das Produkt während des Transports durch die Andrückvorrichtung um wenigstens eine Achse dreht.In the pressing device according to the invention, the means for pressing comprise two circumferential bands of elastic material, preferably foam, which press the heated film to the product. The circulating belts in particular damage to the film and / or the products are avoided. Particularly expediently, the two circulating belts have different rotational speeds, so that the product rotates during transport through the pressing device about at least one axis.

Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Verfahren zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkten, die mit einer Folie umhüllt sind, vorzugsweise von Reinigungsmittelportionen wie beispielsweise Geschirrspülmitteltabletten mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie, umfassend die Schritte: Zuführen von mit einer Folie umhüllten Produkten zu einem Schrumpftunnel, wobei die Folie verschweißt oder verklebt ist und die Schweiß- oder Klebränder eng an dem Produkt abgeschnitten sind; Erhitzen des Produktes mit der Folie in dem Schrumpftunnel, beispielsweise für 1 bis 2 Sek. bei einer Temperatur von ungefähr 150°C; Zuführen des erhitzten Produktes mit der Folie zu einer Andrückvorrichtung; Andrücken der erhitzten Folie an das Produkt.The invention further relates to a process for the further processing of products which are coated with a film, preferably of detergent portions such as dishwashing tablets with a water-soluble film, comprising the steps of supplying products wrapped with a film to a shrink tunnel, wherein the film is welded or glued is and the welding or adhesive edges are cut close to the product; Heating the product with the film in the shrink tunnel, for example, for 1 to 2 seconds at a temperature of about 150 ° C; Feeding the heated product with the film to a pressing device; Pressing the heated film to the product.

Mittels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens kann ein Produkt mit einer enganliegenden Folie, vorzugsweise eine Reinigungsmittelportion mit einer enganliegenden wasserlöslichen Folie, hergestellt werden.By means of the method according to the invention, a product with a tight-fitting film, preferably a detergent portion with a close-lying water-soluble film, can be produced.

Nach einer Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ist die Transportgeschwindigkeit der Zufuhr von Produkten mit einer Folie zu dem Schrumpftunnel abhängig von der Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels, wobei die Transportvorrichtung bei Unterschreiten einer minimalen Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels angehalten wird und die Transportgeschwindigkeit proportional zur Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels zunimmt.According to a variant of the method according to the invention, the transport speed of the supply of products with a film to the shrink tunnel is dependent on the temperature within the shrink tunnel, wherein the transport device falls below a minimum temperature within the shrinking tunnel is stopped and the transport speed increases in proportion to the temperature within the shrinking tunnel.

Zweckmäßigerweise liegt die Transportgeschwindigkeit der Transportvorrichtung zu und durch den Schrumpftunnel zwischen 30 m/min und 120 m/min.Conveniently, the transport speed of the transport device to and through the shrink tunnel between 30 m / min and 120 m / min.

Erfindungsgemäß liegt die Temperatur im Schrumpftunnel zwischen 80°C und 220°C, bevorzugt 100°C bis 200°C, besonders bevorzugt 120°C und 180°C, beispielsweise bei ungefähr 150°C.According to the invention, the temperature in the shrink tunnel is between 80 ° C and 220 ° C, preferably 100 ° C to 200 ° C, more preferably 120 ° C and 180 ° C, for example at about 150 ° C.

Zweckmäßigerweise werden die durch den Schrumpftunnel transportierten Produkte mit Folie mittels eines Gebläses angeblasen, zweckmäßigerweise mittels zweier Gebläse, wobei jedes Gebläse eine Leistung von 1.000 bis 1.500 l/min, beispielsweise 1.200 l/min aufweist.Conveniently, the transported through the shrink tunnel products are blown with foil by means of a blower, conveniently by means of two blowers, each blower having a power of 1,000 to 1,500 l / min, for example, 1,200 l / min.

Die dem Schrumpftunnel zugeführte Luft wird mittels einer Heizvorrichtung auf eine Temperatur zwischen 150°C und 300°C, bevorzugt 220°C und 280°C erhitzt, vorzugsweise auf eine Temperatur von ungefähr 250°C.The air supplied to the shrink tunnel is heated by means of a heater to a temperature between 150 ° C and 300 ° C, preferably 220 ° C and 280 ° C, preferably to a temperature of about 250 ° C.

Die dem Schrumpftunnel mittels des Gebläses zugeführte Luft kann beispielsweise über seitlich neben der Transportvorrichtung und oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung angeordnete Düsenbleche in den Schrumpftunnel eingeblasen werden.The air supplied to the shrink tunnel by means of the blower can be blown into the shrink tunnel, for example, via nozzle plates arranged laterally next to the transport device and above the transport device.

Die Schrumpfung der Folie an das Produkt ist dabei von der Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels und der Luftzufuhr abhängig.The shrinkage of the film to the product is dependent on the temperature within the shrink tunnel and the air supply.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Variante der Erfindung wird bei Überschreiten einer maximalen Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels unerhitzte Luft in den Schrumpftunnel geblasen, wobei die Transportvorrichtung weiterläuft. Bei Unterschreiten einer minimalen Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels wird die Transportvorrichtung zur Zuführung der Produkte zu dem Schrumpftunnel angehalten, bis die minimale Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels wieder überschritten wird.In a further advantageous variant of the invention, when a maximum temperature within the shrink tunnel is exceeded, unheated air is blown into the shrink tunnel, the transport device continuing to run. Falls below a minimum temperature within the shrink tunnel, the transport device for supplying the products is stopped to the shrink tunnel until the minimum temperature is exceeded again within the shrink tunnel.

Die Andrückvorrichtung zum Andrücken der erhitzten Folie an die Produkte umfasst vorzugsweise seitlich neben der Transportvorrichtung angeordnete Mittel zum Andrücken der erhitzten Folie an das Produkt. Die Mittel zum Andrücken sind zweckmäßigerweise relativ zu der Transportvorrichtung durch die Andrückvorrichtung beweglich angeordnet, insbesondere quer zur Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung. Somit können mittels einer Andrückvorrichtung unterschiedliche Größen von Produkten mit einer Folie beschichtet werden.The pressing device for pressing the heated film against the products preferably comprises means arranged laterally next to the transport device for pressing the heated film against the product. The means for pressing are expediently arranged to be movable relative to the transport device by the pressing device, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the transport device. Thus, by means of a pressing device different sizes of products can be coated with a film.

Die Mittel zum Andrücken der Andrückvorrichtung weisen zwei umlaufende Bänder aus elastischem Material, bevorzugt einem Schaumstoff, auf, welche die erhitzte Folie an das Produkt andrücken. Nach der Erfindung, weisen die zwei umlaufenden Bänder unterschiedliche Umlaufgeschwindigkeiten auf, sodass das Produkt während des Transports durch die Andrückvorrichtung gedreht und die Folie im gesamten umfänglichen Bereich des Produkts angedrückt wird.The means for pressing the pressing device have two circumferential bands of elastic material, preferably a foam, which press the heated film to the product. According to the invention, the two circulating belts have different rotational speeds, so that during transport the product is rotated by the pressing device and the film is pressed on over the entire peripheral region of the product.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung handelt es sich bei dem Produkt um eine Reinigungsmittelportion oder eine vordosierte Menge eines Reinigungsmittels in einer Folie. Das Reinigungsmittel kann jede Art von Reinigungsmittel, das geeignet ist zum Wäschewaschen, Geschirrreinigen, zum Reinigen von festen Oberflächen oder zum Entfernen von Rückständen, wie beispielsweise Kalkablagerungen oder ähnlichem, sein. Besonders bevorzugt sind hierbei Geschirrreiniger, insbesondere Maschinengeschirrreiniger, oder Waschmittel zum Waschen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the product is a detergent portion or a predosed amount of a cleaning agent in a film. The detergent may be any type of detergent suitable for laundering, dishwashing, cleaning solid surfaces, or removing debris such as limescale or the like. Dishwashing detergents, in particular machine dishwashing detergents, or detergents for washing laundry in a washing machine are particularly preferred.

Die Portion kann beispielsweise eine Tablette sein oder auch ein in Folie verpacktes Granulat, Pellet, Pulver oder auch eine Flüssigkeit (sogenannte Pouches oder Sachets) oder sie kann sowohl einen festen Teil wie auch eine Flüssigkeit umfassen, beispielsweise in mehrkammrigen Einheiten. Eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Reinigungsmittelportion ist eine Tablette.The portion may, for example, be a tablet or else a packaged granule, pellet, powder or else a liquid (so-called pouches or sachets) or it may comprise both a solid part and a liquid, for example in multi-chambered units. A particularly preferred embodiment of the detergent portion is a tablet.

Die Folie ist besonders bevorzugt eine sogenannte "Schrumpffolie", d.h. eine Folie, die sich durch eine Wärmebeaufschlagung in gewissem Umfang zusammenzieht. Solche Folien sind auf dem Markt erhältlich und in der Fachwelt bekannt.The film is particularly preferably a so-called "shrink film", i. a film that shrinks to some extent due to heat. Such films are available on the market and known in the art.

Es ist weiterhin bevorzugt, insbesondere bei der Verarbeitung von portionierten Reinigungsmitteln, dass die Folie eine wasserlösliche Folie ist, welche die Reinigungsmittelportion nach Zugabe in das Wasch- oder Spülwasser freisetzt.It is further preferred, in particular in the processing of portioned cleaning agents, that the film is a water-soluble film which releases the detergent portion after being added to the washing or rinsing water.

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand von den in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. In den nachfolgenden Erläuterungen wird das Produkt beispielhaft als Tablette beschrieben, ohne jedoch auf diese Ausführungsform beschränkt zu sein. Vielmehr soll es so verstanden werden, dass anstelle der Tablette jeder andere Gegenstand verwendet werden kann, insbesondere auch jede andere zuvor genannte Reinigungsmittelportion.The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. In the following explanations, the product is exemplified as a tablet, but without being limited to this embodiment. Rather, it should be understood that instead of the tablet any other object can be used, in particular any other aforementioned detergent portion.

Es zeigen:

Figur 1
eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
Figuren 2a bis 2d
obere Düsenbleche zur Verwendung mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Schrumpftunnel,
Figur 3
ein seitliches Düsenblech zur Verwendung mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Schrumpftunnel.
Show it:
FIG. 1
a schematic view of a device according to the invention,
FIGS. 2a to 2d
upper nozzle plates for use with a shrink tunnel according to the invention,
FIG. 3
a side nozzle plate for use with a shrink tunnel according to the invention.

Figur 1 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1 zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkttabletten mit einer Folie, vorzugsweise von Geschirrspülmitteltabletten mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie. Die weiterzuverarbeitenden Produkttabletten sind in einer Folie eingeschweißt, wobei die Ränder im Bereich der Schweißnaht eng zu der Produkttablette abgeschnitten sind. FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an inventive device 1 for further processing of product tablets with a film, preferably dishwasher tablets with a water-soluble film. The product tablets to be processed are shrink-wrapped in a foil, the edges being cut close to the product tablet in the area of the weld seam.

Die Vorrichtung umfasst eine erste Transportvorrichtung 2 zur Zuführung von den Produkttabletten mit der Folie zu einem Schrumpftunnel 3. Die Produkttabletten mit der Folie werden mittels einer zweiten Transportvorrichtung 4 durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 durchgeführt. Dazu werden die Produkttabletten von der ersten Transportvorrichtung 2 an die zweite Transportvorrichtung 4 übergeben.The device comprises a first transport device 2 for feeding the product tablets with the film to a shrink tunnel 3. The product tablets with the film are carried through the shrink tunnel 3 by means of a second transport device 4. For this purpose, the product tablets are transferred from the first transport device 2 to the second transport device 4.

Während des Transport der Produkttabletten mit der Folie durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 wird insbesondere die Folie der Produkttablette erhitzt.During transport of the product tablets with the film through the shrink tunnel 3, in particular the film of the product tablet is heated.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 1 umfasst weiterhin eine Andrückvorrichtung 5, wobei die Andrückvorrichtung 5 Mittel 7 umfasst, um die erhitzte Folie an die Produkttabletten anzudrücken. Die Produkttabletten mit der erhitzten Folie werden mittels einer dritten Transportvorrichtung 6 durch die Andrückvorrichtung 5 hindurchgeführt. Dazu werden die Produkttabletten mit der erhitzten Folie von der zweiten Transportvorrichtung 4 nach dem Schrumpftunnel 3 an die dritte Transportvorrichtung 6 übergeben.The device 1 according to the invention further comprises a pressing device 5, wherein the pressing device 5 comprises means 7 for pressing the heated foil to the product tablets. The product tablets with the heated film are passed through the pressing device 5 by means of a third transport device 6. For this purpose, the product tablets are transferred with the heated film from the second transport device 4 after the shrink tunnel 3 to the third transport device 6.

Die Transportgeschwindigkeit der ersten Transportvorrichtung 2 ist vorteilhafterweise abhängig von der Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3. Bei Unterschreiten einer minimalen Temperatur, welche vorgebbar ist, innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3 wird die erste Transportvorrichtung 2 angehalten, sodass keine weiteren Produkttabletten mit einer Folie dem Schrumpftunnel 3 zugeführt werden.The transport speed of the first transport device 2 is advantageously dependent on the temperature within the shrink tunnel 3. When a minimum temperature, which can be predetermined, within the shrink tunnel 3, the first transport device 2 is stopped so that no further product tablets are supplied with a film to the shrink tunnel 3 ,

Die Transportgeschwindigkeit der ersten Transportvorrichtung 2 liegt zweckmäßigerweise zwischen 30 m/min. und 120 m/min. Die Transportgeschwindigkeit der zweiten Transportvorrichtung 4 und der dritten Transportvorrichtung 6 sind zweckmäßigerweise an die Transportgeschwindigkeit der ersten Transportvorrichtung 2 angepasst.The transport speed of the first transport device 2 is suitably between 30 m / min. and 120 m / min. The transport speed of the second transport device 4 and the third transport device 6 are expediently adapted to the transport speed of the first transport device 2.

Die erste Transportvorrichtung 2 umfasst weiterhin Führungsschienen 8, um die zu transportierenden Produkttabletten während des Transports auf der ersten Transportvorrichtung 2 zu führen.The first transport device 2 further comprises guide rails 8 for guiding the product tablets to be transported on the first transport device 2 during transport.

Die Temperatur in dem Schrumpftunnel 3 liegt zwischen 120°C und 180°C, vorzugsweise bei ungefähr 150°C. Zum Schrumpfen der Folie der Produkttablette in dem Schrumpftunnel 3 umfasst der Schrumpftunnel 3 zum einen wenigstens ein Gebläse 9, vorzugsweise zwei Gebläse, zur Zuführung von Luft in den Schrumpftunnel 3. Die Gebläse haben beispielsweise eine Leistung von 1.200 l/min. Die dem Schrumpftunnel 3 mittels der Gebläse 9 zugeführte Luft wird durch eine Heizvorrichtung 10 auf eine Temperatur zwischen 220°C und 280°C erhitzt, vorzugsweise auf eine Temperatur von ungefähr 250°C. Zur Einleitung der erhitzten Luft in den Schrumpftunnel 3 umfasst der Schrumpftunnel 3 seitlich neben und oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung 4 durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 jeweils ein Düsenblech 11 zur Zuführung erhitzter Luft.The temperature in the shrink tunnel 3 is between 120 ° C and 180 ° C, preferably about 150 ° C. For shrinking the film of the product tablet in the shrink tunnel 3, the shrink tunnel 3 comprises on the one hand at least one fan 9, preferably two fans, for feeding air into the shrink tunnel 3. The fans have, for example, a capacity of 1,200 l / min. The air supplied to the shrink tunnel 3 by the fans 9 is heated by a heater 10 to a temperature between 220 ° C and 280 ° C, preferably to a temperature of about 250 ° C. For the introduction of the heated air into the shrink tunnel 3, the shrink tunnel 3 comprises laterally next to and above the transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3 in each case a nozzle plate 11 for supplying heated air.

Die Düsenbleche 11 seitlich neben der Transportvorrichtung 4 umfassen eine einfache Reihe von Düsenöffnungen 12, wie in Figur 3 dargestellt, wobei die Reihe von Düsenöffnungen 12 jeweils in Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung 4 angeordnet ist. Das Düsenblech 11 oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung 4 umfasst wenigstens zwei Reihen von Düsenöffnungen 12, vorzugsweise drei, vier oder fünf Reihen von Düsenöffnungen 12, wie beispielsweise in den Figuren 2a bis 2d dargestellt. Zweckmäßigerweise sind die Düsenöffnungen 12 der Reihen von Düsenöffnungen 12 des Düsenblechs 11 oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung 4 teilweise zueinander versetzt, vorzugsweise derart, dass die Düsenöffnungen 12 der unterschiedlichen Reihen eine Pfeilspitze in Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung 4 durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 ausbilden, wie in Figur 2a dargestellt. Die Innenwandungen des Schrumpftunnels 3 sind zumindest teilweise antihaftbeschichtet, vorzugsweise in den Bereichen, in welchen die durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 transportierten Produkttabletten in Kontakt mit den Innenwandungen des Schrumpftunnels 3 gelangen können. Dadurch wird eine Verschmutzung der Innenwandung des Schrumpftunnels 3 durch die erhitzte Folie der transportierten Produkttabletten vermieden, wodurch sich die Wartungs- und Reinigungsarbeiten an dem Schrumpftunnel 3 deutlich verringern.The nozzle plates 11 laterally adjacent to the transport device 4 comprise a simple row of nozzle openings 12, as in FIG FIG. 3 illustrated, wherein the row of nozzle openings 12 is arranged in each case in the transport direction of the transport device 4. The nozzle plate 11 above the transport device 4 comprises at least two rows of nozzle openings 12, preferably three, four or five rows of nozzle openings 12, such as in the FIGS. 2a to 2d shown. Expediently, the nozzle openings 12 of the rows of nozzle openings 12 of the nozzle plate 11 above the transport device 4 are partially offset from one another, preferably such that the nozzle openings 12 of the different rows form an arrowhead in the transport direction of the transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3, as in FIG FIG. 2a shown. The inner walls of the shrink tunnel 3 are at least partially non-stick coated, preferably in the areas in which the product tablets transported through the shrink tunnel 3 can come into contact with the inner walls of the shrink tunnel 3. As a result, contamination of the inner wall of the shrinking tunnel 3 is avoided by the heated film of the transported product tablets, which significantly reduces the maintenance and cleaning of the shrink tunnel 3.

Zweckmäßigerweise ist die Transportvorrichtung 4 durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 bis wenigstens 180°C hitzebeständig. Dadurch wird eine Beschädigung der Transportvorrichtung 4 durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 durch die erhitzte Luft innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3 vermieden.Conveniently, the transport device 4 is heat resistant through the shrink tunnel 3 to at least 180 ° C. This will damage the Transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3 by the heated air within the shrink tunnel 3 avoided.

Zur Durchführung von Wartungs- und/oder Reinigungsarbeiten umfasst der Schrumpftunnel 3 vorzugsweise wenigstens eine Klappe zum Öffnen des Schrumpftunnels 3, vorzugsweise einen aufklappbaren Deckel.To carry out maintenance and / or cleaning work, the shrink tunnel 3 preferably comprises at least one flap for opening the shrinking tunnel 3, preferably a hinged lid.

Die Mittel zum Andrücken 7 der erhitzten Folie an die Produkttablette der Andrückvorrichtung 5 sind seitlich neben der Transportvorrichtung 6 durch die Andrückvorrichtung 5 angeordnet. Zweckmäßigerweise sind die Mittel zum Andrücken 7 relativ zu der Transportvorrichtung 6 durch die Andrückvorrichtung 5 beweglich angeordnet, insbesondere quer zur Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung 6. Dadurch können unterschiedliche Formen und Größen von Produkttabletten durch die Andrückvorrichtung 5 verarbeitet werden, ohne dass diese durch bauliche Maßnahmen angepasst werden muss.The means for pressing 7 of the heated film to the product tablet of the pressing device 5 are arranged laterally next to the transport device 6 by the pressing device 5. Expediently, the means 7 for pressing are arranged to be movable relative to the transport device 6 by the pressing device 5, in particular transversely to the transport direction of the transport device 6. As a result, different shapes and sizes of product tablets can be processed by the pressing device 5, without these being adapted by constructional measures got to.

Die Mittel zum Andrücken 7 umfassen zwei umlaufende Bänder aus elastischem Material, bevorzugt Schaumstoffbänder, eins an jeder Seite der durch die Andrückvorrichtung 5 führenden Transportvorrichtung 6, welche die erhitzte Folie an die Produkttablette andrücken. Die Verwendung von zwei umlaufenden Schaumstoffbändern hat den Vorteil, dass die Folie der Produkttablette beim Andrücken nicht beschädigt wird. Die zwei umlaufenden Schaumstoffbänder weisen unterschiedliche Umlaufgeschwindigkeiten auf, wodurch die Produkttablette mit der anzudrückenden erhitzten Folie in eine Rotationsbewegung versetzt wird, sodass die Folie zumindest im Rand-/Seitenbereich der Produkttablette vollumfänglich angedrückt wird. Im unteren Bereich der Produkttablette wird die Folie durch das Gewicht der Produkttablette angedrückt und im oberen Bereich hat sich die Folie bereits im Schrumpftunnel durch die zugeführte erhitzte Luft an die Produkttablette angelegt, sodass im Bereich der Andrückvorrichtung 5 die Folieinsbesondere im Bereich der Ränder bzw. Seiten der Produkttablette 5 angedrückt werden müssen. Weiterhin befinden sich üblicherweise die Schweißnähte oder Klebeflächen der Folie im Seitenbereich der Produkttablette, sodass dieser Bereich besonders sorgfältig an die Produkttablette angedrückt werden muss, um eine eng an die Produkttablette anliegende Folie zu erhalten.The means 7 for pressing comprise two circumferential bands of elastic material, preferably foam bands, one on each side of the conveying device 6 guided by the pressing device 5, which press the heated foil against the product tablet. The use of two circumferential foam tapes has the advantage that the film of the product tablet is not damaged when pressed. The two circulating foam tapes have different rotational speeds, whereby the product tablet is set in rotation with the heated foil to be pressed, so that the foil is fully pressed at least in the edge / side region of the product tablet. In the lower part of the product tablet, the film is pressed by the weight of the product tablet and in the upper region, the film has already been applied in the shrink tunnel by the supplied heated air to the product tablet, so that in the region of the pressing device 5, the film in particular in the region of the edges or sides the product tablet 5 must be pressed. Furthermore, usually the welds or adhesive surfaces of the film are located in the side area of the product tablet, so that this area is particularly carefully attached to the product tablet must be pressed in order to obtain a close fitting to the product tablet foil.

Die Erfindung betrifft ebenfalls einen Schrumpftunnel 3 zur Verwendung mit einer zuvor beschriebenen Vorrichtung 1 zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkttabletten mit einer Folie, vorzugsweise von Geschirrspülmitteltabletten mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie sowie eine Andrückvorrichtung 5 zur Verwendung mit einer vorbeschriebenen Vorrichtung 1 zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkttabletten mit einer Folie, vorzugsweise von Geschirrspülmitteltabletten mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie.The invention also relates to a shrink tunnel 3 for use with a previously described device 1 for further processing of product tablets with a film, preferably dishwashing detergent tablets with a water-soluble film and a pressing device 5 for use with a device 1 described above for further processing of product tablets with a film, preferably of dishwasher tablets with a water-soluble film.

Beim Betrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1 zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkttabletten mit einer Folie, vorzugsweise von Geschirrspülmitteltabletten mit einer wasserlöslichen Folie, werden die Produkttabletten mit der Folie dem Schrumpftunnel 3 mittels einer ersten Transportvorrichtung 2 zugeführt, wobei die Produkttabletten in der Folie eingeschweißt sind oder die Folie an den Rändern verklebt ist und die Schweiß- oder Kleberänder eng an der Produkttablette abgeschnitten sind. In dem Schrumpftunnel 3 werden die Produkttabletten mit der Folie erhitzt, insbesondere wird die Folie erhitzt. Die durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 transportierten Produkttabletten mit der Folie verweilen ungefähr 1 bis 3 Sekunden innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3, wobei innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3 eine Temperatur von ungefähr 150°C vorherrscht. Nachfolgend zu dem Schrumpftunnel 3 werden die Produkttabletten mit der erhitzten Folie einer Andrückvorrichtung 5 zugeführt, um die erhitzte Folie an die Produkttablette anzudrücken.When operating the device 1 according to the invention for further processing of product tablets with a film, preferably dishwashing detergent tablets with a water-soluble film, the product tablets are supplied with the film to the shrink tunnel 3 by means of a first transport device 2, wherein the product tablets are welded in the film or the film glued to the edges and the welding or adhesive edges are cut close to the product tablet. In the shrink tunnel 3, the product tablets are heated with the film, in particular the film is heated. The product tablets transported through the shrink tunnel 3 with the film linger within the shrink tunnel 3 for approximately 1 to 3 seconds, with a temperature of approximately 150 ° C. prevailing within the shrink tunnel 3. Subsequent to the shrink tunnel 3, the product tablets with the heated foil are fed to a pressing device 5 in order to press the heated foil onto the product tablet.

Bei Überschreiten einer maximalen Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3 wird unerhitzte Luft in den Schrumpftunnel 3 geblasen, um die Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3 unter die maximale Temperatur zu senken. Bei Unterschreiten einer minimalen Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3 wird die Transportvorrichtung zur Zuführung der Produkttabletten mit der Folie zu dem Schrumpftunnel 3 so lange angehalten, bis die minimale Temperatur innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3 wieder erreicht oder überschritten wird, sodass keine weiteren Produkttabletten mit Folie dem Schrumpftunnel 3 zugeführt werden. Die dem Schrumpftunnel 3 zugeführte Luft wird mittels eines Gebläses 9 über Düsenbleche 11 in den Schrumpftunnel 3 eingeblasen und dabei zumindest zeitweise durch eine Heizvorrichtung 10 erhitzt.When a maximum temperature within the shrink tunnel 3 is exceeded, unheated air is blown into the shrink tunnel 3 to lower the temperature within the shrink tunnel 3 below the maximum temperature. When the temperature falls below a minimum temperature within the shrink tunnel 3, the transport device for feeding the product tablets with the film to the shrink tunnel 3 is stopped until the minimum temperature within the shrink tunnel 3 is reached or exceeded again, so that no further product tablets with film pass through the shrink tunnel 3 be supplied. The air supplied to the shrink tunnel 3 is blown by means of a blower 9 through nozzle plates 11 in the shrink tunnel 3 and thereby at least temporarily heated by a heater 10.

Die Figuren 2a bis 2d zeigen verschiedene Ausführungsformen von Düsenblechen 11 mit Düsenöffnungen 12, die oberhalb der Transportvorrichtung 4 innerhalb des Schrumpftunnels 3 angeordnet werden können. Als besonders vorteilhaft hat sich dabei die Ausgestaltung gemäß Figur 2a herausgestellt, wonach die Düsenöffnungen 12 der Reihen von Düsenöffnungen 12 teilweise zueinander versetzt sind, vorzugsweise derart, dass die Düsenöffnungen 12 der unterschiedlichen Reihen eine Pfeilspitze in Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung 4 durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 ausbilden.The FIGS. 2a to 2d show various embodiments of nozzle plates 11 with nozzle openings 12, which can be arranged above the transport device 4 within the shrinking tunnel 3. As particularly advantageous, the embodiment has in accordance with FIG. 2a has been found, according to which the nozzle openings 12 of the rows of nozzle openings 12 are partially offset from each other, preferably such that the nozzle openings 12 of the different rows form an arrowhead in the transport direction of the transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3.

In Figur 3 ist ein Düsenblech 11 mit Düsenöffnungen 12 dargestellt, welches seitlich neben der Transportvorrichtung 4 durch den Schrumpftunnel 3 einsetzbar ist. Das Düsenblech 11 gemäß Figur 3 weist dabei eine einfache Reihe von Düsenöffnungen 12 auf, wobei die Reihe von Düsenöffnungen 12 in Transportrichtung der Transportvorrichtung 4 angeordnet ist.In FIG. 3 a nozzle plate 11 is shown with nozzle openings 12, which is used laterally next to the transport device 4 through the shrink tunnel 3. The nozzle plate 11 according to FIG. 3 in this case has a simple row of nozzle openings 12, wherein the row of nozzle openings 12 is arranged in the transport direction of the transport device 4.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Vorrichtungcontraption
22
erste Transportvorrichtungfirst transport device
33
Schrumpftunnelshrink tunnel
44
zweite Transportvorrichtungsecond transport device
55
Andrückvorrichtungpressure device
66
dritte Transportvorrichtungthird transport device
77
Mittel zum AndrückenMeans for pressing
88th
Führungsschienenguide rails
99
Gebläsefan
1010
Heizvorrichtungheater
1111
Düsenblechnozzle plate
1212
Düsenöffnungnozzle opening

Claims (23)

  1. Device (1) for the further processing of products which are wrapped with a film, preferably cleaning-product portions with a water-soluble film, comprising:
    - a first transport device (2) for the supply of at least one product wrapped in a film to a shrink tunnel (3), wherein the film is welded or glued, and the welded or glued edges are trimmed off close to the product;
    - a shrink tunnel (3), wherein the product/the products are guided through the shrink tunnel (3) by means of a first transport device (2) or a second transport device (4), and in particular, in this context, the films is heated;
    - a pressing device (5), wherein the heated product(s) are guided through the pressing device (5) by means of the first transport device (2) or the second transport device (4) or a third transport device (6), and wherein the pressing device (5) comprises means (7) in order to press the heated film onto the product(s),
    characterised in that
    the means for pressing (7) comprise two circulating belts made of elastic material, especially foam belts, which press the heated film onto the products, and the two circulating belts comprise different rates of circulation, so that, during the transport through the pressing device, the product rotates about at least one axis.
  2. Device (1) according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the transport rate of the first transport device is dependent upon the temperature inside the shrink tunnel (3), wherein, in the event of an undercutting of a minimal temperature inside the shrink tunnel (3) the first transport device (2) is stopped.
  3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
    characterised in that
    the transport rate of the first transport device (2) is between 30 m/min and 120 m/min.
  4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
    characterised in that
    the first transport device (2) comprises guide rails (8) in order to guide the products to be transported during the transport on the first transport device (2).
  5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4,
    characterised in that
    the temperature in the shrink tunnel (3) is between 80°C and 220°C, preferably between 100°C and 200°C, by particular preference between 120°C and 180°C, by special preference at approximately 150°C.
  6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5,
    characterised in that
    the shrink tunnel (3) comprises at least one fan (9) for the supply of air into the shrink tunnel (3).
  7. Device (1) according to claim 6,
    characterised in that
    the shrink tunnel (3) comprises two fans (9), wherein each fan (9) comprises an output from 1000 to 1400 l/min, preferably 1200 l/min.
  8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
    characterised in that
    the air supplied to the shrink tunnel (3) is heated by means of a heating device (10) to a temperature, preferably to a temperature in the range from 150°C to 300°C, before it is supplied to the shrink tunnel.
  9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8,
    characterised in that,
    in each case, laterally alongside and above the transport device (2, 4) through the shrink tunnel (3), the shrink tunnel (3) comprises a nozzle plate (11) for the supply of heated air.
  10. Device (1) according to claim 9,
    characterised in that
    the nozzle plates (11) comprise a single row of nozzle apertures (12) laterally alongside the transport device, wherein the row of nozzle apertures (12) is arranged in each case in the transport direction of the transport device (2, 4).
  11. Device (1) according to claim 9 or 10,
    characterised in that,
    above the transport device (2, 4), the nozzle plate (11) comprises at least two rows of nozzle apertures (12), preferably three, four or five rows of nozzle apertures (12).
  12. Device (1) according to claim 11,
    characterised in that
    the nozzle apertures (12) of the rows of nozzle apertures (12) are partially offset relative to one another, preferably in such a manner that the nozzle apertures (12) of the different rows form an arrow tip in the transport direction of the transport device (2, 4) through the shrink tunnel (3).
  13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12,
    characterised in that
    the internal walls of the shrink tunnel (3) are at least partially non-stick coated, preferably in the regions in which the products transported through the shrink tunnel (3) can come into contact with the internal walls of the shrink tunnel (3).
  14. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13,
    characterised in that
    the transport device (2, 4) through the shrink tunnel (3) is heat resistant at least up to the processing temperature.
  15. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14,
    characterised in that
    the shrink tunnel (3) comprises at least one flap for the opening of the shrink tunnel (3), preferably a foldable lid.
  16. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15,
    characterised in that
    the means for pressing (7) of the heated film onto the product tablets of the pressing device (5) are arranged laterally alongside the transport device (2, 4, 6) through the pressing device (5).
  17. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16,
    characterised in that
    the means for pressing (7) are arranged in a movable manner relative to the transport device (2, 4, 6) through the pressing device (5), especially transversely to the transport direction of the transport device (2, 4, 6).
  18. Shrink tunnel (3) for use with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17.
  19. Pressing device (5) for use with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17.
  20. Method for the further processing of products which are wrapped with a film, preferably of cleaning-product portions with a water-soluble film, comprising the following steps:
    - supply of at least one product, which is wrapped in a film, to a shrink tunnel (3), wherein the film is welded or glued, and the welded or glued edges are trimmed off close to the product;
    - heating of the product with the film in the shrink tunnel (3), preferably for 1 to 2 seconds at a temperature of approximately 150°C;
    - supply of the heated product with the film to a pressing device (5);
    - pressing of the heated film onto the product,
    characterised in that
    the means for pressing (7) comprise two circulating belts made of elastic material, especially foam belts, which press the heated film onto the products, and the two circulating belts comprise different rates of circulation, so that, during the transport through the pressing device, the product rotates about at least one axis.
  21. The method according to claim 20,
    characterised in that,
    in the event of an exceeding of a maximal temperature inside the shrink tunnel (3), unheated air is blown into the shrink tunnel (3), and the transport device (2, 4) continues running, and in the event of an undercutting of a minimal temperature, the transport device (2) of the supply to the shrink tunnel (3) is stopped until the minimal temperature inside the shrink tunnel is again reached or exceeded.
  22. Method according to claim 20 or claim 21,
    wherein the method is implemented by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18.
  23. Product wrapped in film, manufactured according to a method according to one of claims 20 to 22.
EP11007131.3A 2011-09-02 2011-09-02 Device for processing products encased in film Revoked EP2565123B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11007131.3A EP2565123B1 (en) 2011-09-02 2011-09-02 Device for processing products encased in film
ES11007131.3T ES2609590T3 (en) 2011-09-02 2011-09-02 Device for further elaborating products wrapped in a sheet
PL11007131T PL2565123T3 (en) 2011-09-02 2011-09-02 Device for processing products encased in film

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11007131.3A EP2565123B1 (en) 2011-09-02 2011-09-02 Device for processing products encased in film

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2565123A1 EP2565123A1 (en) 2013-03-06
EP2565123B1 true EP2565123B1 (en) 2016-10-12

Family

ID=44677331

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11007131.3A Revoked EP2565123B1 (en) 2011-09-02 2011-09-02 Device for processing products encased in film

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2565123B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2609590T3 (en)
PL (1) PL2565123T3 (en)

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CN111117798A (en) * 2020-01-19 2020-05-08 张俊明 Laundry piece processing system, laundry piece processing method and laundry piece

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DE102015105660A1 (en) 2015-04-14 2016-10-20 Bvm Brunner Gmbh & Co. Kg Verpackungsmaschinen transport device
DE102015105882B4 (en) † 2015-04-17 2017-06-08 Delfortgroup Ag Wrapping paper with high short fiber content and smoking article
DE102017215414A1 (en) * 2017-09-04 2019-03-07 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Shaft wall, shrinking device and method for producing a shaft wall for a shrinking device
DE202018101776U1 (en) * 2018-03-29 2019-07-31 Krones Ag Steam beam and shrink tunnel
DE102019106530A1 (en) * 2019-03-14 2020-09-17 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Shrinking device and method for setting and / or adjusting and / or adapting a shrinking device

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GB823972A (en) * 1955-09-28 1959-11-18 Emhart Mfg Co Improvements in or relating to a carton sealing machine
DE1260363B (en) 1960-03-28 1968-02-01 Strunck & Co Maschf H Device for labeling round objects
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CN111117798B (en) * 2020-01-19 2021-05-28 广州市欣婷生物科技有限公司 Laundry piece processing system, laundry piece processing method and laundry piece

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2565123A1 (en) 2013-03-06
PL2565123T3 (en) 2017-06-30
ES2609590T3 (en) 2017-04-21

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