EP2767478B1 - Shrinking device with walls built from a plurality of modules - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a shrinking device according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

When packaging articles, in particular beverage containers, bottles, etc., into containers, the articles are assembled in the desired manner and covered with a shrink film. The shrink wrap is shrunk around the articles by supplying shrinkage, such as hot air, in a shrink tunnel. From the prior art Luftbeaufschlagungen means of nozzle pipes, nozzle channels and shaft walls are known.

Often, the packages, depending on their size, in the shrink tunnel processed in several parallel paths. In order to be able to supply all containers with warm air from all sides, means must also be provided for introducing the warm air, which inject the shrinking means between the articles guided in parallel. For example, shrink tunnels with at least one so-called middle shaft wall are used for the multi-lane processing. The shaft walls are lateral spraying devices in the form of hollow bodies. The inner shaft wall has shrinkage agent outlet openings on both side wall surfaces arranged parallel to the transport direction, so that hot air flows into the interior of the shrinking tunnel on both sides and thus provides for the lateral loading of the articles with hot shrinkage means. The known shaft walls are walls with an internal cavity into which the hot air is blown. For this purpose, the shaft walls each have at least one, preferably in the upper region arranged air inlet opening, through which the hot air is blown from above into the shaft wall and then flows through the shrink agent outlet openings in the interior of the shrink tunnel.

Thus, in the prior art, lateral spraying devices in the form of hollow bodies are known. These shaft walls extend along the direction of travel through the shrink tunnel and ensure the lateral loading of the article with hot shrink medium. These shaft walls are usually designed as welded or riveted constructions in which the exit surfaces with different hole patterns are equipped. In general, the shaft walls are always made of one part and thus defined defined. The system can only be reconfigured with considerable effort to different product groups. Even with design changes, retrofitting or complaints-related changes, the time and design-related effort is high.

The document US 3717939 describes a shrinking device in which the distribution of the shrinkage gas via a system of lines and a so-called register takes place.

US 3826017 discloses a heating system, in particular a shrinking device with separate shrinkage modules, which are separated from each other by outlet channels. The supply of shrinking agent into the modules takes place from below.

US 3727324 describes a shrink tunnel in which shrinkage material is transported through an arrangement comprising a plurality of shrinkage arches.

US 3397465 discloses a shrinking device which is divided into three regions. Shrinkage agent is introduced within a start and an end region, while hot air can exit the furnace in a central region.

The publication US 2008/0045136 A1 describes an air channel with a column plate having a plurality of openings. A plurality of conductive structures within the air channel cause directional leakage of the air from the openings so that the air exit is substantially uniform over the entire channel length.

The object of the invention is simply to optimally adapt the spraying of packaged goods when passing through a shrinking device in the transport direction to the respective packaged goods.

The above object is achieved by an apparatus comprising the features in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a shrinking device for shrinking packaging means around an article or a collection of articles. In particular, such a shrinking device is used, so-called containers manufacture. In this case, shrink film is shrunk by a collection of a plurality of bottles to summarize this as a packaging or sales unit. The shrinking device comprises at least one transport path for the articles or article assemblies. The wrapped with packaging means article or article compositions are transported on the transport route in a transport direction by the shrinking device.

On both sides along the transport path so-called shaft walls are arranged, each having at least one the interior of the shrinking device facing outflow surface for shrinking agent. In particular, hot air is used as the shrinking means, in particular room air heated by means of a blower or another suitable fluid. The outflow surfaces each comprise a plurality of shrinkage agent outlet openings. Above each shaft wall at least one shrinkage distribution device is arranged. This is preferably a distribution channel to which a blower for generating hot air or another suitable shrinkage agent generator is assigned. The distribution channel has approximately the length of the shaft wall and comprises on its side facing the shaft wall an outflow channel which extends over the entire length of the distribution channel and thus over the entire length of the shaft wall. The shrinkage agent is passed through the Schrumpfmittelverteilvorrichtung in the interior of the shaft walls and from there via shrinkage means outlet openings of the Ausströmflächen in the interior of the shrinking device and the coated with the packaging material articles are acted upon by the shrinking agent.

The shaft walls are modular in each case. In particular, the shaft walls are each composed of at least two in the transport direction in series sequentially arranged Schachtkammer- modules, wherein the at least one Schrumpfmittelverteilvorrichtung is assigned to each shaft wall at least two manhole modules. That The at least one shrinkage distribution device supplies at least two Schachtkammer- modules with shrinking agent.

The Schachtkammer- modules each comprise two side surfaces which are arranged at least substantially parallel to the transport direction. At least one of the side surfaces is at least partially formed as an outflow surface. In the case of so-called outer shaft walls, for example in the case of a shrinking device with single-web product processing, the side surfaces each facing the interior of the shrinking device are designed as outflow surfaces. In so-called inner Shaft walls, for example in the case of a middle shaft wall of a shrinking device with two-lane product processing, both side surfaces each face a part of the interior of the shrinking device. Accordingly, both side surfaces are at least partially formed as Ausström- side surfaces. Further, the chute chamber modules each include a top surface, a bottom surface, front and rear cross-sectional side surfaces. The cross-sectional side surfaces are arranged at least substantially orthogonal to the transport direction. The upper side surfaces each have, at least partially, a connection opening, via which the shrinkage medium produced by the shrink-agent distribution device is introduced into the at least two Schachtkammer modules of the shaft wall.

Furthermore, the shaft walls comprise a support structure. The length of the support structure largely corresponds to the length of the respective shaft wall, i. The support structure extends in the transport direction at least substantially along the entire shaft wall. At least two, in the transport direction successive Schachtkammer- modules for shrinking means are formed on the support structure. The support structure is designed in particular as a comb-shaped frame construction.

A first lower frame element forms the so-called comb back. The length of the lower frame member preferably corresponds largely to the length of the support structure and thus approximately the length of the shaft wall. On the lower frame member fastening elements are arranged at regular intervals largely orthogonal to the transport plane of the article. Between or on these fasteners the Schachtkammer- modules are formed. The term fastener is used below to describe a trained as a fastener cross member of the support structure.

Alternatively, the support structure comprises at least one upper frame element and a plurality of substantially orthogonal to the upper frame member and substantially orthogonal to the transport path arranged fasteners. The upper frame element is arranged on a distribution device for shrinkage means and at least partially permeable to the shrinkage means. The upper frame member is constructed so that the shrinkage medium flow through the upper frame member largely unhindered into the interior of the shaft chamber modules of the shaft wall can. This upper frame member may for example consist of at least two longitudinal struts, which are interconnected and connected by connecting cross struts.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual Schachtkammer- modules are each formed by the frame and fasteners of the support structure and by side surfaces, wherein the side surfaces are each closed side surfaces or Ausströmflächen which are arranged and fixed to the frame and fasteners. In particular, these are closed side panels or Ausströmbleche with shrink agent outlet openings, which are mounted on the frame and fasteners of the support structure. Preferably, these side plates or Ausströmbleche riveted to the frame and fasteners of the support structure or screwed with these.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening elements are designed as separating elements. The term separating element is used below in particular for a transverse element of the carrier construction designed as a separating element. Due to the separating elements, the at least two, in the transport direction successively mounted Schachtkammer- modules, laterally sealed shredded or airtight separated from each other. In particular, the shrinking means from the first Schachtkammer- module in the region of a Cross-sectional area of the shaft chamber module forming fastener does not enter the second Schachtkammer- module and vice versa.

According to one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the width of the lower frame member of the support structure over the length of the support structure is variable. In particular, it can be provided that the width of the lower frame element of the support structure increases continuously at least in regions perpendicular to the transport direction over a length of the support structure. In this case, it is additionally provided that the width of the fastening elements arranged substantially orthogonal to the lower frame element and substantially orthogonal to the transport direction corresponds in each case to the width of the lower frame element in a respective fastening region of the fastening elements on the support structure. In particular, the width of a first fastening element is smaller than the width of a subsequently arranged in the transport direction fastening element. By riveting or otherwise securing side and / or Ausströmblechen thus obtained a shaft wall of several modules whose width and thus also cross-sectional area in the transport direction increases.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the width of the fastening elements along its length between the lower frame member of the support structure and the upper frame member of the support structure or the Schruchtmittelverteilvorrichtung variable. In particular, the fastening elements may have a first width in the fastening region on the lower frame element and may have a second width in a fastening region on the upper frame element or on the shrink-medium distribution device, the second width preferably being greater than the first width. By riveting or otherwise securing side and / or Ausströmblechen thus obtained a shaft wall of several Schachtkammer- modules wherein at least a portion of the shaft chamber modules have formed a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the transport direction, the width between the lower frame member and the Schrumpfmittelverteilvorrichtung increases. The shaft wall formed thereby has a so-called wedge-shaped cross-section orthogonal to the transport direction. This results in a lower region of the shaft wall, in particular in the region directly above the transport path for the article, an advantageous outflow direction of the shrinking agent. This flows in particular not downwards directed, but in approximately parallel to the transport plane and thus supports the upward shrinking movement of the lower film tab of the packaging means.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the fastening elements have a cross section perpendicular to the transport direction, wherein the upper side of the cross section adjoins the upper frame element of the support structure or to the mounting portion of Schrumpfmittelverteilvorrichtung and wherein the underside of the cross section adjacent to the lower frame member, wherein at least one of the substantially are arranged perpendicular to the transport path arranged sides of the fastening elements convex or concave. By riveting or otherwise securing correspondingly curved side and / or Ausströmblechen thus obtained a shaft wall of a plurality of shaft chamber modules wherein at least a portion of the Schachtkammer- modules comprises concave or convex running outflow surfaces.

The described variations of the fastening elements make it possible to flexibly adapt the cross section of the shaft wall to the product to be processed in the shrinking device. Furthermore, it can be provided that the outflow surfaces in the various manhole modules are at least partially executed differently in order to achieve optimum spraying of the products along the transport route. Preferably, the side surfaces of individual Schachtkammer- modules can be formed only partially as outflow. The shrink wrap is generally wrapped around the articles such that the shrink film projects laterally over the articles and forms a so-called film eye upon shrinking. The packaging unit is transported through the shrinking device such that the regions of the film eyes are arranged substantially parallel to the outflow surfaces of the shaft walls. For example, it may be provided in an initial region of the shrinking device to jet only the upper and lower regions of the packaging unit and, if possible, not to introduce any direct supply of shrinkage agent into the middle region of the film eye. In this case, shaft chamber modules are used which, viewed over their height, have shrink-agent outlet openings only in an upper and a lower area. Furthermore, it may be advantageous if, in an end region of the shrinking device, shrinkage means, in particular in the region of the film eye, is supplied to the shrink wrap. In this case, one uses a transport path concluding manhole chamber module with an increased density of shrinkage agent outlet openings in the central region. Or you use one Schachtkammer- module, which has only in a central region, but not in the upper and in the lower region, shrinkage means outlet openings. The individual configuration of the outflow surfaces relates, for example, to the arrangement of the shrinkage agent outlet openings within the outflow surface, the density of the shrinkage agent outlet openings, the shape of the shrinkage agent outlet openings, etc. The shrinkage agent outlet openings of the outflow surfaces can also have regions of air guiding devices which direct the outflow direction of the shrinking means in certain directions.

A variation of the cross section of the shaft wall is also achieved when using a support structure with a lower frame member whose cross section is equal over its length and with fastening elements which have a constant width, in particular a width corresponding to the width of the lower frame member. In this case, at least partially spacer elements between the exhaust surfaces comprehensive side surfaces and the support structure are provided. Preferably, the spacer elements are arranged on the outflow surfaces and / or side surfaces or are formed by bent edge regions of the outflow surfaces and / or side surfaces.

Due to a construction of the shaft wall as a comb-shaped support structure with a selection of different, respectively mountable outflow or module elements comprising an outflow surface and optionally suitable spacer elements, in particular the flow properties of the shrinking means can be selectively influenced. In particular, the use of spacer elements can be provided when attaching the outflow surfaces, thereby adjusting the width of the resulting Schachtkammer- modules and thus the size of the cross-sectional area of the Schachtkammer- modules. Due to the modular construction, on the one hand, the shaft wall geometry can be easily adapted. On the other hand, simply the Bedüsungsmuster, in particular the amount of shrinking agent or the areas in which the packaged product is acted upon with shrinking means, can be adjusted specifically.

• Figur 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Schrumpfvorrichtung gemäß dem bekannten Stand der Technik.
• Figur 2 zeigt einen modularen Aufbau einer Schachtwand.
• Figur 3 zeigt Bestandteile einer ersten Ausführungsform eines modularen Aufbaus einer Schachtwand mit Trägerkonstruktion.
• Figuren 4 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform einer modular aufgebauten Schachtwand mit einer alternativen Ausführungsform der Trägerkonstruktion.
• Figuren 5 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform eines modularen Aufbaus einer Schachtwand mit Trägerkonstruktion.
• Figuren 6 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform eines modularen Aufbaus einer Schachtwand mit Trägerkonstruktion.
• Figuren 7 zeigen unterschiedliche Beispiele für Ausströmflächen.
• Figuren 8 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform eines modularen Aufbaus einer Schachtwand mit Trägerkonstruktion.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The size ratios of the individual elements do not always correspond to the real size ratios, as some forms simplified and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for ease of illustration.

• FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a shrinking device according to the known prior art.
• FIG. 2 shows a modular construction of a shaft wall.
• FIG. 3 shows components of a first embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall with support structure.
• FIGS. 4 show a further embodiment of a modular shaft wall with an alternative embodiment of the support structure.
• Figures 5 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall with support structure.
• FIGS. 6 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall with support structure.
• FIGS. 7 show different examples of outflow areas.
• FIGS. 8 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall with support structure.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are only examples of how the device according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a shrinking device 1 according to the known prior art. Articles, in particular beverage containers, bottles 12, cans or the like are put together in article groups and wrapped in shrink film 14. These arrangements are also referred to as article assemblies or containers 10. The containers 10 are fed in the transport direction TR on a conveyor belt 4 to the shrinking tunnel of the shrinking device 1. In the shrink tunnel heating means (not shown) are arranged, which the container 10 with shrinking agent, For example, apply hot air, whereby the shrink film 14 shrinks around the bottles 12. After the bundles 10 have passed through the shrink tunnel 1, they are cooled by cold blowers 22 arranged above the conveyor belt 4.

FIG. 2 shows a lateral and FIG. 3 shows a further perspective view of the modular structure of a shaft wall 2-1. Shrinkage agent 7 is produced by a shrinkage agent generator 6 and introduced via a distribution channel 8 in the shaft wall 2-1. The shaft wall 2-1 consists of four shaft chambers 32. The shaft chambers 32 are formed successively in the transport direction TR by means of a support structure 25. The support structure 25 is a comb-shaped frame construction and comprises a parallel to the transport direction TR arranged lower frame member 26. The length L _{25 of} the support structure 25 corresponds to the length L _{26 of} the lower frame member 26 and at least substantially the length L of the shaft wall 2-1, ie the support structure 25 extends in the transport direction TR along the entire shaft wall 2-1.

Orthogonal to the lower frame member 26 and orthogonal to the transport direction TR transverse elements 27 are arranged on the lower frame member 26 at regular intervals. At these transverse elements 27, the shaft chamber Ausströmbleche 33 are arranged as outflow surfaces 3 with shrink agent outlet openings 3 *, whereby the individual shaft chamber modules 32 are formed.

1. 1) Die Unterseitenfläche 41 eines Schachtkammer- Moduls 32 wird durch einen Teilbereich des unteren Rahmenelementes 26 gebildet.
2. 2) Die vordere und hintere Querschnittsfläche 42 wird von jeweils einem orthogonalen Querelement 27 gebildet.
3. 3) Mindestens eine Seitenflächen 35 wird durch ein aufmontiertes Ausströmblech 33 oder ein aufmontiertes Modulelemente 34-n (vgl. Figuren 5A, 6A und 7) mit Ausströmfläche 3 gebildet.
4. 4) Die Oberseitenfläche 43 umfasst zumindest teilweise eine Verbindungsöffnung (nicht dargestellt) über die das Schachtkammer- Modul 32 an einer Schrumpfmittelverteilvorrichtung, insbesondere am Verteilkanal 8, angeordnet ist und über die das Schrumpfmittel 7 aus dem Verteilkanal 8 in die Schachtkammer- Module 32 der Schachtwand 2-1 übertritt.

A shaft chamber module 32 accordingly represents a hollow body comprising the following side surfaces:

1. 1) The underside surface 41 of a shaft chamber module 32 is formed by a partial region of the lower frame element 26.
2. 2) The front and rear cross-sectional area 42 is formed by a respective orthogonal transverse element 27.
3. 3) At least one side surface 35 is provided by an attached Ausströmblech 33 or an assembled module elements 34-n (see. Figures 5A . 6A and 7 ) formed with outflow 3.
4. 4) The upper side surface 43 comprises at least partially a connecting opening (not shown) via which the Schachtkammer- module 32 to a Schrumpfmittelverteilvorrichtung, in particular on the distribution channel 8, and on the shrinking means 7 from the distribution channel 8 in the Schachtkammer- modules 32 of the shaft wall 2-1 exceeds.

According to the in the FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment of the shaft wall 2-1, the support structure 25 comprises five transverse elements 27, between which four Schachtkammer- modules 32 are formed. FIG. 3 shows generally the components of a shaft wall 2-1 with support structure 25, which consists in particular of a lower frame member 26 and orthogonal thereto arranged transverse elements 27. The outflow surfaces 3 each consist of sheet metal tiles or Ausströmblechen 33 or similar. with shrink-agent outlet openings 3 * which are fastened to the support structure 25, for example by riveting on the lower frame element 26, the transverse elements 27 and the distribution channel 8. The centrally arranged orthogonal transverse elements 27 form separating elements 30, which define the individual Schachtkammer- modules 32 shrinkable dense each other ,

FIGS. 4 show a further embodiment of a modular shaft wall 2-2 with an alternative embodiment of the support structure 25-2. In this case, the width of the lower frame element 26-2 increases continuously in the transport direction TR. Similarly, the width B _{27-n of} the respective orthogonal transverse elements 27-n in the transport direction TR also increases. In particular, the width of the transverse elements 27-n corresponds to a lower fastening region 28 arranged between the lower frame element and the respective transverse element 27-1 and to an upper fastening region 29, in each case the width of the lower frame element 26-2 in this region. According to the in FIG. 3 illustrated embodiment Ausströmbleche 33 are attached with shrink-agent outlet openings 3 * as outflow surfaces 3 to the support structure 25-2. As a result, a shaft wall 2-2 is formed whose width B or cross-sectional area Q continuously increases in the transport direction TR. This will also be repeated in the FIG. 4B illustrates that shows the Schachtkammer- modules 32-1 to 32-4 a shaft wall 2-2 seen from above.

Figures 5 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall 2-4 with support structure 25th FIG. 5A shows a so-called module element 34-1. This is an outflow surface 3 with Spacer elements 37 for attachment to the support structure 25. The module element 34-1 consists for example of sheet metal or a comparable material and is constructed in particular like a top open and standing on a side box. The underside of the box is designed as an outflow surface 3 with shrinkage agent outlet openings 3 *. The side surfaces 35 of the box-shaped module element 34 - _1, which are largely orthogonal to the side edges of the outflow surface 3, serve as spacers 38. They have a height H ₁ and define the desired distance from the components 26, 27 of the support structure 25 welded to the edges to the outflow surface 3 and shrink-tight together. At the so-called upper edges 36 of the side surfaces 35 are attachment areas 37, via which the module element 34-1 is attached to the support structure 25. In particular, the attachment regions 37 can be formed by a bent, protruding region of the side surfaces 35. The module element 34-1 is in particular airtightly fastened to the lower frame element 26, in each case two orthogonal transverse elements 27 and the distribution channel 8, via the attachment regions 37, in particular by riveting over the attachment regions 37.

wobei B₂₅ gleich der Breite der Rahmenelemente 26, 27 der Trägerkonstruktion 25, d.h. der Breite des unteren Rahmenelements 26 bzw. der Breite der Befestigungselemente 27 orthogonal zur Transportrichtung TR entspricht.The height H _{1 of} the module element 34-1 thus represents a partial width B _P1 of the shaft chamber module (not shown) formed by the support structure 25 and two module elements 34-1 arranged opposite one another. The total width B _G of such a shaft chamber - Module is calculated as follows: $${\mathrm{B}}_{\mathrm{G}}=\mathrm{2}\cdot {\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="B\; p"\; filenames="imgf0007.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B\; </figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{p}}+{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="25"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0002.png,imgf0004.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{25}}.$$

wherein B ₂₅ equal to the width of the frame members 26, 27 of the support structure 25, ie the width of the lower frame member 26 and the width of the fasteners 27 orthogonal to the transport direction TR corresponds.

FIG. 5B shows the arrangement of two module elements 34-1 within a modular shaft wall 2-3 and FIG. 5C shows the Schachtkammer- modules 32-n a shaft wall 2-3 seen from above. In particular, the first two Schachtkammer- modules 32-5 formed by riveting Ausströmblechen so that the shaft wall 2-3 in this area has a width B ₅ , the width of the lower frame member 26 and the width of the transverse elements 27 orthogonal to the transport direction TR corresponds. The Schachtkammer- modules 32-6 are by riveting module elements 34-1 on the frame members 26, 27 of Support structure 25 is formed, so that the shaft wall 2-3 in this area has a width B ₆ , which can be calculated according to the formula shown above.

FIGS. 6 show further representations of a modular construction of a shaft wall 2-4 with support structure 25 according to the present invention. FIG. 6A shows a so-called module element 34-2. FIG. 6B shows the arrangement of a module element 34-2 and a module element 34-1 (see. FIG. 5A ) within a modular shaft wall 2-4 and FIG. 6C shows the Schachtkammer- modules 32-n of a shaft wall 2-4 seen from above. Also, the module element 34-2 is constructed in the form of a box open at the top and standing on a side surface. However, the height H of the side surface 35 *, which forms the standing surface or upper side of the module element 34-2, increases in the transporting direction TR. That is, the first arranged in the transporting direction TR short side 40-1 has a first length and first height H ₁ and thus a first partial width B _P1. The downstream in the transport direction TR short side 40-2 has a second length or second height H ₂ and thus a second partial width B _P2 . Thus is formed to the support structure 25, a shaft chamber module 32-7 through opposite arrangement of two modular elements 34-2, whose cross-section from a first overall width B _G1 = 2 × B _P1 + B ₂₅ continuously to a second overall width B _G2 = 2 × B _P2 + B ₂₅ increased.

The change in the cross section of the shaft wall along its length parallel to the transport direction TR can be advantageously used to optimize the shrinkage process along the transport path. A particular problem is that the energy input into the shrink film decreases along the transport path through the shrink tunnel, since the distance between the discharge surfaces of the shaft wall and shrink film increases during the shrinking process in the transport direction. In addition, the jet speed of the shrinking means decreases with increasing depth of penetration into the space, and the shrinking means loses its temperature until it reaches the shrinkable film when traveling longer distances to reach the shrinking film. The inventive modular construction of the shaft wall by means of a support structure and Ausströmblechen or module elements thus the distance between the Ausströmflächen and the "packaged" along the transport route can be optimized, in particular the outflow can be continuously or gradually tracked. For example, a shaft chamber module arranged first in the transport direction TR may have a first width and a first cross-sectional area transversely to the transport direction TR. The Subordinate second Schachtkammer- module has transverse to the transport direction TR a second width and a second cross-sectional area which is greater than the first width B of the first Schachtkammer- module, etc.

FIGS. 7 show different examples of modular elements 34-1 to 34-12 for attachment to a support structure 25 (not shown, see. FIGS. 3 to 6 ). FIG. 7A shows a simple Ausströmblech 33. FIG. 7B shows a cuboid module element 34-1 according to FIG. 5A and FIG. 7C shows a so-called oblique module element 34-2 according to FIG. 6A , Furthermore, modular elements 34-3 to 34-6 with curved outflow surfaces 3 * are possible, for example with outflow surfaces 3a protruding convexly into the interior of the shrinking device (FIG. FIGS. 7D, 7E ) or with concave outflow surfaces 3b (FIG. FIGS. 7F, 7G ).

Figures 7H to 7L In particular, the outflow surface 3 in an upper outflow partial surface 3c and a lower outflow partial surface 3d, wherein in the module element 34-7, the lower outflow partial surface 3d further into the Interior of the shrinking device protrudes than the upper outflow partial surface 3c. In the module element 34-8 according to FIG. 7I For example, the upper outflow partial surface 3c has a configuration directed obliquely upward and in the direction of the interior of the shrinking device, while the lower outflow partial surface 3d has a configuration directed obliquely downward and in the direction of the interior of the shrinking device. In the module element 34-9 according to Figure 7K both outflow partial surfaces 3c, 3d each have a concave shape. Furthermore, the outflow surface 3 in the transport direction TR can be subdivided into a front outflow partial surface 3e and a rear outflow partial surface 3f, and the outflow surfaces 3e, 3f each have an oblique design. Furthermore, in Figure 7M an embodiment of a module element 34-12 shown, in which the outflow surface 3 is divided into a plurality of outflow surfaces 3 *. Other embodiments not shown here are derivable for the skilled person.

FIGS. 8 show a further embodiment of a modular construction of a shaft wall 2-5 with support structure 25-3, wherein the width of the transverse elements 27a increases along its length L ₂₇ between the lower frame member 26 of the support structure 25-3 and the distribution channel 8. In particular, the transverse elements 27a have a first, lower width Bu in the attachment region 28 on the lower frame element 26 and point in a fastening region 29, which serves for fastening to the distribution channel 8. a second, upper width B _O on. The second, upper width B _O is preferably greater than the first, lower width B _U. On the support structure 25-3 Ausströmbleche 33 are attached, whereby the shaft wall 2-5 is formed. This consists in the present embodiment of four Schachtkammer- modules, wherein the chess chamber modules have a cross-sectional area 42a formed perpendicular to the transport direction TR, the width B between the lower frame member 26 and the distribution channel 8 increases. The shaft wall 2-5 formed thereby has a so-called wedge-shaped cross-section orthogonal to the transport direction TR. This results in a lower region of the shaft wall 2-5, in particular in the region directly above the transport path for the article, an advantageous outflow direction of the shrinking agent.

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

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1,

shrinker

2, 2-n

shaft wall

3

outflow,

3 *

Shrinkage agent outlet openings

4

Transport device / conveyor belt

6

Shrinkage agents producer

7

shrinkage agents

8th

distribution channel

10

Article compilation, container, packaging unit

12

bottle

14

shrink film

20

fan

22

cold air

25, 25 *

support structure

26, 26 *

lower frame element

27, 27-n

orthogonal cross element / fastener

28

lower mounting area

29

upper mounting area

30

separating element

32-n

Well chamber module

33

Ausströmblech

34-n

module element

35

side surface

36

top edge

37

fixing areas

38

spacer

40-n

short side

41

Bottom surface

42

Cross sectional area

43

Top surface

B _G

Total width of the shaft chamber

B _n

Width of the shaft chamber

B _Pn

partial width of the shaft chamber module / shaft chamber

B _27-n

Width of the orthogonal fastener

H

height

L, Ln

length

Q

Cross sectional area

TR

transport direction

Claims (11)

1. A shrinking apparatus (1) for shrinking packaging means (14) around an article (12) or a set of articles (12), wherein the shrinking apparatus (1) comprises at least one transport path (4) for the articles (12) or the sets of articles, on which transport path (4) the articles (12), which are wrapped in packaging means (14), are transported in a transport direction (TR), and wherein the shrinking apparatus (1) comprises at least two shaft walls (2), which are arranged on both sides along the transport path (4), wherein at least one shrinking means distribution apparatus (8) is arranged above each shaft wall (2), and wherein each shaft wall (2) has at least one outflow surface (3) with a plurality of shrinking means outlet openings (3*), the outflow surface (3) in each case facing an interior space of the shrinking apparatus (1), wherein shrinking means (7) is conductible via the shrinking means distribution apparatus (8) into the interior space of the shaft walls (2) and conductible via the outflow surface (3), respectively, onto the articles (12), which are wrapped in packaging means (14), in the interior space of the shrinking apparatus (1), characterised in that the shaft walls (2-n) are each constructed of at least two shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n), which are arranged in transport direction (TR) in a row one after the other and which are separated from one another so as to be laterally impermeable to shrinking means, wherein each shaft chamber module (32, 32-n) comprises two lateral surfaces (35), which are arranged at least largely in parallel to the transport direction (TR), wherein at least one lateral surface (35) is at least partially designed as an outflow surface (33), wherein each shaft chamber module (32, 32-n) furthermore comprises a top side surface, a bottom side surface, and a front and a back cross-sectional side surface, wherein the cross-sectional side surfaces are arranged at least largely orthogonal to the transport direction (TR), wherein the top side surface has a connecting opening to the shrinking means distribution apparatus (8), wherein the shaft wall has a comb-shaped support structure (25), wherein the length of the support structure (25) largely corresponds to the length of the respective shaft wall (2-n), wherein the support structure (25) comprises a frame element (26) in parallel to the transport direction (TR), which frame element (26) is formed as a comb ridge, and cross elements (27), which are arranged orthogonal to the transport direction (TR), wherein the cross elements (27) form the cross-sectional side surfaces of the shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n), and wherein the lateral surfaces of the shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n) are bolted together with the cross elements (27), wherein at least one shrinking means distribution apparatus (8) per shaft wall (2-n) is assigned at least two shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n).
2. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 1 wherein the support structure (25) comprises at least one upper frame element in parallel to the transport direction (TR), which frame element is at least partially permeable for shrinking means (7), and a plurality of cross elements (27), which are arranged largely orthogonal to the upper frame element and largely orthogonal to the transport direction (TR), and/or wherein the support structure (25) comprises at least one lower frame element (26) in parallel to the transport direction (TR) and a plurality of cross elements (27), which are arranged largely orthogonal to the lower frame element (26) and largely orthogonal to the transport direction (TR).
3. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 2 wherein the individual shaft chamber modules (32, 32-n) are each formed by the frame elements and cross elements (26, 27) of the support structure (25) and by lateral surfaces (35), wherein the lateral surfaces (35) are each closed lateral surfaces or outflow surfaces (3), which are arranged and fastened at the frame elements and cross elements (26, 27) of the support structure (25), wherein at least one lateral surface (35) of one shaft chamber module (32, 32-n) is at least partially designed as outflow surface (3).
4. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 3 wherein the side surfaces or outflow surfaces (35, 3) are closed side panels or outflow panels (33) with shrinking means outlet openings (3*), which side panels or outflow panels (33) are screwed together with the frame elements and cross elements (26, 27) of the support structure (25).
5. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in one of the claims 2 to 4 wherein the lower frame element (26) has a width perpendicular to the transport direction (TR), wherein the width of the lower frame element (26) of the support structure (25) continuously increases perpendicular to the transport direction (TR) at least sectionwise over a length (L₂₅) of the support structure (25).
6. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 5 wherein the cross elements (27) have a width perpendicular to the transport direction (TR), wherein the width (B_27-n) of the cross elements (27), which are arranged largely orthogonal to the lower frame element (26) and largely orthogonal to the transport direction (TR), in each case corresponds to the width of the lower frame element (26) in a respective fastening section (28) of the cross elements (27) at the support structure (25).
7. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 6 wherein the width (B_27-1) of a first cross element (27-1) is less than the width (B_27-2) of a second cross element (27-2), which is arranged downstream in transport direction (TR).
8. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in one of the claims 2 to 7 wherein the cross elements (27) have a first width in a fastening section (28) at the lower frame element (26) of the support structure (25), and wherein the cross elements (27) have a second width in a section directly below a fastening section (29) at the shrinking means distribution apparatus (5), in particular wherein the second width is greater than the first width.
9. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in one of the claims 2 to 8 wherein the cross elements (27) have a cross section perpendicular to the transport direction, wherein the top side of the cross section abuts on the fastening section of the shrinking means distribution apparatus (5), and wherein the bottom side of the cross section abuts on the lower frame element (26), wherein at least one of the sides of the cross elements (27), which are arranged largely in perpendicular to the transport path, are formed to be convex or concave.
10. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in one of the claims 3 to 9 wherein distance-holding elements (38) for adjusting a width of the shaft chamber modules transverse to the transport direction (TR) are at least partially arranged between the outflow surfaces (3), which are arranged at the support structure (25), and the support structure (25).
11. The shrinking apparatus (1) as recited in claim 10 wherein the distance-holding elements (38) are arranged at the outflow surfaces (3).

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