EP3546382B1 - Steam diffusing bar and shrink tunnel - Google Patents

Steam diffusing bar and shrink tunnel Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3546382B1
EP3546382B1 EP19165910.1A EP19165910A EP3546382B1 EP 3546382 B1 EP3546382 B1 EP 3546382B1 EP 19165910 A EP19165910 A EP 19165910A EP 3546382 B1 EP3546382 B1 EP 3546382B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
steam
bar
openings
shrink tunnel
steam bar
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EP19165910.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3546382A1 (en
Inventor
Mario Voigt
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Krones AG
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Krones AG
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B53/00—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging
    • B65B53/02—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat
    • B65B53/06—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat supplied by gases, e.g. hot-air jets
    • B65B53/063—Tunnels

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a steam bar for use in a shrink tunnel and a shrink tunnel with such a steam bar.
  • shrink tunnel in which shrink labels and other shrink packaging and the like can be shrunk.
  • a shrink label or a shrink packaging or the like is typically attached to an object onto which it is to be shrunk by steam (in the following the term "object to be steamed" is also used for the object including the shrink label or shrink packaging).
  • object to be steamed is also used for the object including the shrink label or shrink packaging.
  • the use of a tunnel is advantageous because heat can at least partially remain in the tunnel and the label (or similar) to be shrunk shrinks as evenly as possible and at the same time reduces the energy required.
  • Steam bars are devices used to feed steam into a shrink tunnel. They are typically hollow on the inside and suitable for absorbing steam and then releasing it through openings.
  • US 2014/0053515 A1 discloses a device for heat shrinking a film enveloping an object having a housing which has a heat treatment chamber for receiving steam, a transport device for carrying and moving the object through the heat treatment chamber, at least one steam supply device for supplying steam to the heat treatment chamber and at least one steam outlet device, which comprises one or more outlets for steam.
  • the outlet device is connected to the steam supply device and in the heat treatment chamber along the Arranged transport device, wherein the one or more outlets are directed to the moving object.
  • EP 2 565 123 A1 discloses a device for the further processing of products which are wrapped with a film, the device having a first and second transport device, a shrink tunnel for heating the film and a pressing device with means for pressing the heated film against the product (s).
  • the shrink tunnel comprises a nozzle plate for supplying heated air to the side next to and above the transport devices through the shrink tunnel.
  • the side nozzle plate comprises a simple row of nozzle openings and the upper nozzle plate comprises at least two rows of nozzle openings.
  • US 2017/0129634 A1 discloses a device for heat shrinking shrink labels having a heating treatment chamber surrounding a conveyance path of a body covered with a label, and a steam supply device which heat shrinks the shrink label in the heating treatment chamber by supplying superheated steam to the heating treatment chamber.
  • the device further comprises a hot air generating device that generates hot air and a hot air blower device that evaporates water by blowing the hot air to the body covered with the label on which the water droplets are deposited due to the passage through the heating treatment chamber to which the hot air is supplied become.
  • JP 2001-171620 discloses a device for heating a label comprising a heating chamber surrounding a conveyor belt and steam blowing means in the heating chamber. Each steam outlet is formed over substantially the entire length of the heating chamber, and a regulating plate for regulating the opening area and opening position of the steam outlet is on screwed to each of the steam outlets. The opening area and the opening position of the steam outlet can be freely regulated by changing the installation position of the regulating plate.
  • US 8,235,712 B1 discloses an apparatus for accurate and controlled shrinkage of a heat shrinkable material, the apparatus generating at least an elevated temperature in a heated processing zone.
  • the heat energy that is available in the processing zone comes from a first heat source, for example pressurized steam.
  • WO 2014/009529 A1 discloses an apparatus for heat shrinking sleeves of heat shrinkable material drawn onto containers.
  • the system includes steam heating means disposed in an enclosure and a conveyor to move the containers through the enclosure.
  • the steam heating means form a unit which is mounted in a detachable manner on a base of the enclosure.
  • a uniform distribution of the speed of the steam that occurs over the entire length of the steam bar is advantageous, however, since it has a positive effect on shrinkage processes and makes it easier to set the parameters to be set.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an improved steam bar which, in particular, for example at low manufacturing costs, has a uniform velocity profile of the emerging steam.
  • the invention comprises a steam bar according to protection claim 1 and a shrink tunnel according to protection claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.
  • steam bars typically have a bar shape, i.e. an expansion in a first direction that is considerably greater than the expansion in the other two directions perpendicular to it (e.g. at least three times as much large, at least five times as large or at least eight times as large).
  • bar length denotes the expansion in the first direction (with greater expansion). It typically extends, in particular in the case of approximately cylindrical or rectangular steam bars, along the respective cylinder or rectangular axis. Steam bars can in particular be tubular.
  • ends of the steam bar are typically closed in a steam bar, with each end optionally being able to include an outlet for condensate, i.e. one compared to the closure or compared to the openings to the outlet of steam typically a small hole (e.g. 50% smaller cross-sectional area of the condensate drain than the smallest opening to the outlet of steam) or some other passage for condensate (which are not referred to or considered as openings in the following).
  • the ends are connected by side surfaces (hereinafter also: sides) of the steam bar. Openings for exhausting steam typically run along one (or more) side surfaces of the steam bar.
  • a steam bar for use in a shrink tunnel comprises a supply device for supplying steam into the steam bar as well as openings for the outlet of steam, with openings for the outlet of steam with different opening cross-sections being used in the various areas of the steam bar, the closer to the supply device lying openings have a larger cross section than the openings that are further away from the feed device.
  • the opening cross-section is a cross-section of the openings, whereby the opening cross-section can be measured perpendicular to the intended steam exit direction, i.e. perpendicular to the direction in which steam would exit if it were present with constant pressure within the steam bar and no turbulence occurs in the steam bar.
  • the opening cross section can be, for example Be the cross-section of the hole opening or punching in the drilling or punching direction.
  • Each of the openings can be formed so that its opening cross section along the entire Length of the opening is constant, for example with a bore along the entire length of the bore / with a punch along the entire length of the punch.
  • openings with different opening cross-sections can make it possible to keep the velocity profile of the steam occurring approximately constant over the length of the steam bar, so that steam emerges from each opening in approximately the same direction and at the same speed.
  • openings with exactly two different opening cross-sections or openings with more than two different opening cross-sections for example three, four, five or more different opening cross-sections, can be used in a bar.
  • the area of the cross section is also different for each different opening cross section.
  • the supply device for supplying steam can be arranged perpendicular to the direction (that is, perpendicular to the length of the bar) of the steam bar.
  • the supply device can be arranged or arranged such that steam is supplied from above when the steam bar is operated with steam (operated state).
  • the feed device can be arranged perpendicular to the beam length of the steam bar and perpendicular to the intended steam outlet direction.
  • the intended steam outlet direction can be arranged or arranged horizontally and the feed device can be arranged vertically.
  • the openings can be arranged perpendicular to the pipe axis along a line and the feed device perpendicular to the pipe axis and perpendicular to the intended steam outlet direction (the intended steam outlet direction e.g. for bores corresponding to the direction of the bore).
  • a steam bar can have a drain (eg designed as a hole or passage) for condensate at one or each end.
  • the steam bar can be designed such that when the steam bar is operated with steam (operated state), at least one drain for condensate is arranged at the lowest point of the interior of the steam bar.
  • a drain for condensate can be present in one or both ends, for example, which is formed on the lower area of the steam bar in the operated state, in particular for example at the lower edge of the end .
  • a steam bar which is designed for this is arranged at an angle can, in particular, at the end that is designed to be arranged lower than the other end, have a drain for condensate at - in the operated state - the lower area of the end, for example at the lower edge. If both ends can be used as the lower end, both lower areas of the ends can optionally include a drain for condensate.
  • the supply device for supplying steam can be arranged centrally between the two ends of the steam bar and perpendicular to the steam bar. In alternative embodiments, it can be arranged closer to one end than to the other end (in relation to the direction of the steam bar, i.e. along the length of the bar) and perpendicular to the steam bar.
  • the supply device for supplying steam can in particular be in the first third, for example in the first quarter or in the first fifth of the length of the steam bar.
  • the steam distribution is typically more uniform, being most even at the ends of the steam beam, for example if the supply device is arranged in the center along the length of the beam.
  • the overall result can be a more uniform velocity profile of the emerging steam compared to the entire length of the steam bar.
  • all openings that are at a distance from the feed device less than or equal to a first distance A1 can have a larger opening cross section than all openings that are at a greater distance (than the first distance A1) from the feed device.
  • the openings can be arranged in a line (row) along the length of the bar (on the side of the bar), and can in particular be arranged at the same distances from one another (i.e. equidistant, e.g. so that the respective centers of gravity of the cross-sections or centers of the cross-sections have the same distance from each other).
  • a steam bar can be designed to be attached to one side of the shrink tunnel.
  • Openings for the outlet of steam are typically only arranged on one side of the steam bar.
  • openings for the outlet of steam can be formed so that steam can escape in different directions.
  • openings can be arranged on two opposing lines along the length of the steam bar.
  • Such a steam bar can be designed, for example, to be mounted in such a way that objects to be steamed are guided along the right and left of the steam bar.
  • the openings can in particular be bores.
  • Bores have the advantage that they are inexpensive to manufacture and can typically be made quickly and easily in various sizes.
  • an opening can also be cut in the steam bar in some other way.
  • the openings in the steam bar are typically designed with a uniform cross section through the wall of the steam bar.
  • the wall thickness of an exemplary steam bar at the ends and / or sides can be between 1 mm and 8 mm, for example between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm be.
  • the tube thickness and / or the thickness of the cover can be between 1 mm and 8 mm, e.g. between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.
  • a steam bar according to the invention can in particular comprise a square tube with openings for the outlet of steam, which are optionally arranged on (precisely) one side.
  • a square tube is typically closed at both ends (optionally in one or a drain for condensate can be provided at both ends) so that the steam is enclosed within the square tube and only exits through the openings for the outlet of steam.
  • a supply device for supplying steam is attached to the square tube (typically from above and centrally with respect to the length of the beam).
  • the corresponding fastening is typically designed in such a way that no steam escapes through it.
  • the feed device can be screwed on, for example via a corrugated hose, and / or welded on.
  • the internal dimensions of the square tube can be between 30 and 40 mm (along one side), for example between 34 mm and 38 mm.
  • the steam bar can encompass, for example, a round tube, the inner dimensions of which can also be between 30 and 40 mm in diameter.
  • a steam bar can have between 10 and 30 openings (along one side) to let out steam. If the steam bar has openings for steam exhaust along two (or more) sides, it can have between 10 and 30 openings for steam exhaust on each side.
  • the larger openings can have an opening cross section of between 10 mm 2 and 19 mm 2 and the smaller openings an opening cross section of between 4 mm 2 and 10 mm 2 .
  • the larger bores can have a diameter between 3.5 and 4.5 mm and the smaller bores a diameter of between 2.5 and 3.5 mm.
  • the steam bar itself can have a bar length of between 150 and 900 mm, e.g. between 300 and 450 mm.
  • the individual openings for the outlet of steam from the steam bar can each have a spacing between 15 and 25 mm, for example.
  • they can each have the same distance from the next opening, that is to say they can be arranged equidistantly.
  • a uniform distance is advantageous, since a uniform vaporization of the label or packaging to be shrunk can then take place.
  • the steam bar can in particular be designed so that a steam temperature between 95 ° and 110 ° C can be used and / or that steam mixed with hot air can be used, which can accordingly have temperatures of more than 110 ° C, the outlet temperature of the hot air mixed steam can be 400 ° - 600 °.
  • all components of the steam bar must be designed in such a way that they withstand the corresponding hot moisture and the resulting pressure conditions, i.e. in particular do not corrode, are not damaged in any other way by pressure, heat and moisture and have no wearing parts that are subject to such temperatures, pressures and moisture To suffer.
  • the invention further comprises a shrink tunnel which comprises a steam bar described above.
  • the steam bar can in particular be arranged such that it is or can be arranged parallel to the direction of movement of the containers to be steamed in the shrink tunnel.
  • the steam bar can be arranged at an angle in the shrink tunnel or can be arranged at an angle.
  • the steam bar can optionally be designed so that it can be arranged in the shrink tunnel parallel to the direction of movement of the containers to be steamed and, alternatively, at an angle.
  • the shrink tunnel can be designed so that wet steam can be used at temperatures between 95 and 110 ° C, or steam mixed with hot air, which can then also have temperatures of more than 110 ° C.
  • a shrink tunnel as described above can in particular comprise two steam bars lying opposite one another (wherein each steam bar can be designed as a steam bar described above). In this way, objects to be steamed are steamed evenly from both sides.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically an exemplary steam bar.
  • the steam bar 1 comprises a supply device for steam 1 a, which can be arranged, for example, in the middle along the (bar) L length I.
  • the steam bar can be designed and / or arranged in such a way that the supply device for steam 1a hits the steam bar from above and optionally perpendicularly in the operationally ready or operated state.
  • optionally available drains for condensate 20 which can be arranged, for example, as openings in (in the operated state) areas arranged below at the ends E of the steam bar.
  • a steam bar can also comprise only one drain for condensate (for example at one end) or more than two drains for condensate, for example additionally or alternatively on areas of the sides arranged at the bottom (in the operated state).
  • the steam bar has a length I and, in this example, is designed as a square tube that is closed at both ends (only the end E visible in perspective is shown in the drawing).
  • the steam bar comprises one or more side surfaces, in the example shown, four side surfaces, of which the side surfaces S1 and S2 are visible (the other two sides are not due to the perspective).
  • the steam bar can be designed differently, e.g. as a round tube.
  • the side surfaces can be designed as a jacket surface.
  • openings O1 to O10 for the outlet of steam are drawn in by way of example (here corresponding openings with the same distance from the supply device for steam (here in the middle of the bar length) are given the same designation).
  • the openings extend from the center of the beam length I along the beam length I on a line (in the direction of both ends).
  • the openings may be distributed differently, e.g. starting from the steam supply device, not extending the same length along the side.
  • the openings are typically arranged equidistantly, that is to say in such a way that the center of gravity of an opening cross-section is in each case the same distance from the center of gravity of the opening cross-section of the opening directly adjacent.
  • the numbering of the openings takes place in the figure, by way of example, beginning with the openings which are arranged closest to the feed device 1a and increases with the distance from the feed device 1a.
  • the openings O1 to O10 now have at least two different opening cross-sections, in particular they can, for example, have exactly two different opening cross-sections.
  • three or more different opening cross-sections in particular three or more different opening cross-sections with different sized cross-sectional areas can be used. This can be particularly advantageous if a sufficiently uniform distribution of the speed of the emerging steam cannot be achieved with only two different opening cross-sections.
  • the supply device for steam 1a is arranged perpendicular to length I of the steam bar and perpendicular to the intended steam outlet direction.
  • the openings closer to the feeder time may have a larger cross section than the openings farther away from the feed inlet 1a. If the openings are designed as (round) bores, for example dO1 to O4 can have a diameter D1, while openings O5 to O10 can have a second diameter D2, where D2 ⁇ D1.
  • Such an arrangement of the opening can lead to a uniform velocity distribution of the steam that occurs, since larger openings are provided in areas of great turbulence in the steam bar, in particular near the feed device 1a, so that sufficient steam can escape there too.
  • openings with a smaller cross section can be arranged close to the feed device than further away from the feed device.
  • An exemplary steam bar can, for example, have 20 openings (along one side, e.g. along a line parallel to the length I of the steam bar), which for example can be designed as bores.
  • 20 openings O1 to O6 can have a diameter of 4.3 mm and bores O7 to O10 a diameter of 3.2 mm.
  • more or less than 20 openings can be arranged along a side.
  • the openings can, as shown, be arranged symmetrically to the center of the length of the beam, but this need not be.
  • a steam bar can in particular also have an odd number of openings.
  • the internal dimensions of such a square tube can each be between 30 and 40 mm (along the sides), for example 36 mm ⁇ 36 mm.
  • the length I of the steam bar can be between 380 and 450 mm (in other embodiments it can also be greater, the length of the steam bar typically depends on the area of application and the parameters required for it).
  • the steam bar can have a length of 415 mm.
  • the wall thickness of a pipe used for the steam bar (which at the same time determines the length of the bores for bores, for example, as these pass through the entire wall thickness) can be between 1.5 and 2.5 mm, for example about 2 mm.
  • the distances between the adjacent openings are arranged equidistantly.
  • a possible distance is, for example, between 15 and 25 mm, e.g. 20 mm between the respective centers of gravity of the opening cross-sections (centers for holes).
  • the openings can not be arranged equidistantly.
  • a steam bar can for example be arranged in a steam tunnel on a (side) wall (not shown).
  • the steam bar can be arranged to be movable, wherein it can optionally be movable from the outside. This can be advantageous if the steam bar is to be moved (e.g. to adapt the shrink tunnel to different container sizes or products), since then there is no need to wait for the shrink tunnel to cool down. Objects to be steamed can be guided along the steam bar in the shrink tunnel.
  • the distance from the steam bar to the objects to be steamed in a shrink tunnel can be set small, for example the distance from the steam bar 1 between 10 mm and 60 mm, for example between 10 mm and 30 mm, whereby typically the conveyance of the objects to be steamed is like this takes place that they (and in particular the parts of the objects to be treated with steam, for example shrink labels) are arranged at the level of the openings for the outlet of steam and can thus be steamed evenly.
  • the steam bar 1 can also be arranged or can be arranged in other arrangements than horizontal (not shown) in the shrink tunnel, for example at an angle, so that its Length I encloses an angle with the horizontal, which is typically less than or equal to 45 °.
  • Such an arrangement can be particularly advantageous if objects are to be steamed, in which e.g. shrink labels extend vertically over a certain height.
  • steam is typically fed into the steam bar 1 via the feed line 1 a and introduced into the shrink tunnel through openings O.
  • the steam ideally emerges from the respective openings O with the same speed and direction (e.g. with a horizontal orientation of length I horizontally).
  • An object to be steamed can then be guided past at the level of the openings O (preferably with the label or packaging to be shrunk at the level of the openings O).
  • the steam which then bounces off the opposite wall of the shrink tunnel, creates currents and turbulences.
  • the steam that is no longer required can be discharged upwards, for example, by suction. In other embodiments, the steam that is no longer required can be discharged in a different manner.
  • FIGS. 2a to 2c are exemplary and schematically shown cross-sections through various exemplary half steam bars and the resulting velocity distribution of steam.
  • the middle of an exemplary steam bar is on the left edge of the picture.
  • Figure 2a shows a steam bar with nozzles (state of the art), from which it can be seen that by using nozzles it can generate a relatively uniform speed and height profile of the steam that occurs.
  • nozzles state of the art
  • the use of nozzles, as stated above, is expensive and complex and the invention is based on the object to obtain a comparable spray pattern (picture of the speed distribution of the exiting steam) in a simpler way.
  • Figure 2b shows a non-claimed steam bar with the same opening cross-sections (length 415 mm, dimensions of an exemplary square tube inside 36 mm ⁇ 36 mm, 20 openings (10 shown, since only half the steam bar is shown)).
  • the openings are designed as bores, have a diameter of 8 mm and are arranged equidistantly from one another, here at a distance of 20 mm from a center point of a bore to the next bore.
  • the resulting image of the speed distribution of the emerging steam is uneven, in particular the steam in the middle is transported out of the steam bar at a lower speed than at the two ends.
  • FIG. 2c now shows a corresponding cross section for a steam bar according to the invention.
  • a steam bar with different opening cross-sections is used.
  • the openings located close to the steam supply device 1a are larger than the openings closer to the ends of the steam bar (for example between 3.5 and 5 mm in diameter of the bores at the openings closer to the center of the Steam bar and between 2 and 3.5 mm in diameter at the openings at the ends of the steam bar).
  • the openings located close to the steam supply device 1a are larger than the openings closer to the ends of the steam bar (for example between 3.5 and 5 mm in diameter of the bores at the openings closer to the center of the Steam bar and between 2 and 3.5 mm in diameter at the openings at the ends of the steam bar).
  • Figure 3a the velocity vectors for opening 1
  • Figure 3b the velocity vectors for opening 6
  • Figure 3c the velocity vectors for opening 7
  • Figure 3d the velocity vectors for opening 10.
  • opening O1 In the vicinity of opening O1, which is arranged close to the feed device for steam, there is a strong flow vortex in the steam bar, which among other things also leads to the fact that steam emerging from opening O1 is slightly deflected upwards in its course.
  • the openings which are closer to the feed device, in particular O1 are therefore typically designed with a larger opening cross-section than the openings closer to the end of the steam bar (in particular 010).
  • Exactly two different sizes of opening cross-sections or more can be used here.

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Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Dampfbalken zur Verwendung in einem Schrumpftunnel und einen Schrumpftunnel mit einem solchen Dampfbalken.The invention relates to a steam bar for use in a shrink tunnel and a shrink tunnel with such a steam bar.

Es ist bekannt, einen Schrumpftunnel zu verwenden, in dem Schrumpfetiketten und andere Schrumpfverpackungen und Ähnliches geschrumpft werden können. Ein solches Schrumpfetikett oder eine Schrumpfverpackung oder ähnliches ist typischerweise auf einem Gegenstand angebracht, auf den sie durch Dampf angeschrumpft werden soll (im Folgenden wird für den Gegenstand samt Schrumpfetikett oder Schrumpfverpackung auch der Begriff "zu bedampfender Gegenstand" verwendet). Die Verwendung eines Tunnels ist vorteilhaft, da Wärme mindestens teilweise im Tunnel verbleiben kann und das zu schrumpfende Etikett (oder Ähnliches) möglichst gleichmäßig schrumpft und gleichzeitig die benötigte Energie reduziert.It is known to use a shrink tunnel in which shrink labels and other shrink packaging and the like can be shrunk. Such a shrink label or a shrink packaging or the like is typically attached to an object onto which it is to be shrunk by steam (in the following the term "object to be steamed" is also used for the object including the shrink label or shrink packaging). The use of a tunnel is advantageous because heat can at least partially remain in the tunnel and the label (or similar) to be shrunk shrinks as evenly as possible and at the same time reduces the energy required.

Eine Schrumpfung mit Dampf bietet gegenüber Heißluft den Vorteil, dass der Schrumpfvorgang, aufgrund der einfacheren Steuerung, gleichmäßiger erfolgt.Shrinking with steam has the advantage over hot air that the shrinking process is more even due to the simpler control.

Dampfbalken sind Vorrichtungen zum Zuführen von Dampf in einem Schrumpftunnel. Sie sind typischerweise innen hohl und zur Aufnahme von Dampf geeignet und geben diesen dann durch Öffnungen wieder ab.Steam bars are devices used to feed steam into a shrink tunnel. They are typically hollow on the inside and suitable for absorbing steam and then releasing it through openings.

Im Stand der Technik werden solche Dampfbalken typischerweise mit Einschraubdüsen oder düsenartigen Fortsätzen gefertigt, die einen Gegendruck aufbauen, so dass Dampf möglichst gleichmäßig entlang des gesamten Balkens austritt. Es ist auch bekannt, Dampfbalken mit Schlitzen zu verwenden. Insbesondere bei Schlitzen kann sich aber, aufgrund des fehlenden Gegendruckaufbaus, ein ungleichmäßiges Geschwindigkeitsprofil des austretenden Dampfes bilden.In the prior art, such steam bars are typically manufactured with screw-in nozzles or nozzle-like extensions that build up a counterpressure so that steam emerges as evenly as possible along the entire bar. It is also known to use steam bars with slots. In the case of slots in particular, however, due to the lack of counter-pressure build-up, an uneven velocity profile of the emerging steam can form.

US 2014/0053515 A1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Warmschrumpfen einer einen Gegenstand umhüllenden Folie mit einem Gehäuse, das eine Wärmebehandlungskammer zu Aufnahme von Dampf aufweist, einer Transporteinrichtung zum Tragen und Bewegen des Gegenstands durch die Wärmebehandlungskammer, zumindest einer Dampfzuführeinrichtung zum Liefern von Dampf an die Wärmebhandlungskammer und zumindest einer Dampfauslasseinrichtung, die ein oder mehrere Auslässe für Dampf umfasst. Die Auslasseinrichtung ist mit der Dampfzuführeinrichtung verbunden und in der Wärmebehandlungskammer längs der Transporteinrichtung angeordnet, wobei der eine oder die mehreren Auslässe zu dem sich bewegenden Gegenstand gerichtet sind. US 2014/0053515 A1 discloses a device for heat shrinking a film enveloping an object having a housing which has a heat treatment chamber for receiving steam, a transport device for carrying and moving the object through the heat treatment chamber, at least one steam supply device for supplying steam to the heat treatment chamber and at least one steam outlet device, which comprises one or more outlets for steam. The outlet device is connected to the steam supply device and in the heat treatment chamber along the Arranged transport device, wherein the one or more outlets are directed to the moving object.

EP 2 565 123 A1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zur Weiterverarbeitung von Produkten, die mit einer Folie umhüllt sind, wobei die Vorrichtung eine erste und zweite Transportvorrichtung, einen Schrumpftunnel zum Erhitzen der Folie und eine Andrückvorrichtung mit Mitteln zum Andrücken der erhitzen Folie an das/die Produkt(e). Der Schrumpftunnel umfasst seitlich neben und oberhalb der Transportvorrichtungen durch den Schrumpftunnel jeweils ein Düsenblech zur Zuführung erhitzter Luft. Das seitliche Düsenblech umfasst eine einfache Reihe von Düsenöffnungen und das obere Düsenblech umfasst mindestens zwei Reihen von Düsenöffnungen. EP 2 565 123 A1 discloses a device for the further processing of products which are wrapped with a film, the device having a first and second transport device, a shrink tunnel for heating the film and a pressing device with means for pressing the heated film against the product (s). The shrink tunnel comprises a nozzle plate for supplying heated air to the side next to and above the transport devices through the shrink tunnel. The side nozzle plate comprises a simple row of nozzle openings and the upper nozzle plate comprises at least two rows of nozzle openings.

US 2017/0129634 A1 offenbart eine Einrichtung zum Wärmeschrumpfen von Schrumpfetiketten mit einer Erwärmungsbehandlungskammer, die einen Beförderungsweg eines mit einem Etikett bedeckten Körper umgibt, und mit einer Dampfzuführvorrichtung, die das Schrumpfetikett in der Erwärmungsbehandlungskammer wärmeschrumpft, indem der Erwärmungsbehandlungskammer Heißdampf zugeführt wird. Weiter umfasst die Einrichtung eine Heißlufterzeugungsvorrichtung, die Heißluft erzeugt, und eine Heißluftgebläsevorrichtung, die Wasser verdampft, indem die Heißluft zu dem mit dem Etikett bedeckten Körper geblasen wird, auf dem die Wassertropfen aufgrund des Durchlaufs durch die Erwärmungsbehandlungskammer, der die Heißluft zugeführt wird, abgelegt werden. US 2017/0129634 A1 discloses a device for heat shrinking shrink labels having a heating treatment chamber surrounding a conveyance path of a body covered with a label, and a steam supply device which heat shrinks the shrink label in the heating treatment chamber by supplying superheated steam to the heating treatment chamber. The device further comprises a hot air generating device that generates hot air and a hot air blower device that evaporates water by blowing the hot air to the body covered with the label on which the water droplets are deposited due to the passage through the heating treatment chamber to which the hot air is supplied become.

JP 2001-171620 offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Erhitzen eines Etiketts, die eine Heizkammer, die ein Transportband umgibt, und Dampfblasmittel in der Heizkammer umfasst Jeder Dampfausgang ist im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Länge der Heizkammer ausgebildet, und eine Regulierungsplatte zum Regulieren des Öffnungsbereichs und der Öffnungsposition des Dampfauslasses ist an jedem der Dampfauslässe angeschraubt. Der Öffnungsbereich und die Öffnungsposition des Dampfauslasses kann beliebig reguliert werden durch Ändern der Einbaulage der Regulierungsplatte. JP 2001-171620 discloses a device for heating a label comprising a heating chamber surrounding a conveyor belt and steam blowing means in the heating chamber. Each steam outlet is formed over substantially the entire length of the heating chamber, and a regulating plate for regulating the opening area and opening position of the steam outlet is on screwed to each of the steam outlets. The opening area and the opening position of the steam outlet can be freely regulated by changing the installation position of the regulating plate.

US 8,235,712 B1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung für eine genaue und kontrollierte Schrumpfung eines wärmeschrumpffähigen Materials, wobei die Vorrichtung zumindest eine erhöhte Temperatur in einer erwärmten Bearbeitungszone erzeugt. Die Wärmeenergie, die in der Bearbeitungszone zur Verfügung steht, stammt von einer ersten Wärmequelle, beispielsweise unter Druck stehender Dampf. US 8,235,712 B1 discloses an apparatus for accurate and controlled shrinkage of a heat shrinkable material, the apparatus generating at least an elevated temperature in a heated processing zone. The heat energy that is available in the processing zone comes from a first heat source, for example pressurized steam.

WO 2014/009529 A1 offenbart eine Anlage zum Wärmeschrumpfen von Hüllen aus wärmeschrumpfbarem Material, die auf Behälter aufgezogen sind. Die Anlage umfasst Dampfheizmittel, die in einer Einfassung angeordnet sind, und einen Förderer, um die Behälter durch die Einfassung zu bewegen. Die Dampfheizmittel bilden eine Einheit, die mit einer abnehmbaren Weise auf einer Basis der Einfassung befestigt ist. WO 2014/009529 A1 discloses an apparatus for heat shrinking sleeves of heat shrinkable material drawn onto containers. The system includes steam heating means disposed in an enclosure and a conveyor to move the containers through the enclosure. The steam heating means form a unit which is mounted in a detachable manner on a base of the enclosure.

Dampfbalken nach dem Stand der Technik haben den Nachteil, dass sie durch zusätzliche Einrichtungen wie Düsen oder düsenartige Fortsätze teuer zu fertigen sein können und/oder ein ungleichmäßiges Geschwindigkeitsprofil des auftretenden Dampfes über die Balkenlänge entsteht.Steam bars according to the prior art have the disadvantage that they can be expensive to manufacture due to additional devices such as nozzles or nozzle-like extensions and / or a non-uniform velocity profile of the steam occurring over the length of the bar arises.

Eine gleichmäßige Verteilung der Geschwindigkeit des auftretenden Dampfes über der gesamten Länge des Dampfbalkens ist jedoch vorteilhaft, da sie sich positiv auf Schrumpfprozesse auswirkt und eine Einstellung der einzustellenden Parameter erleichtert.A uniform distribution of the speed of the steam that occurs over the entire length of the steam bar is advantageous, however, since it has a positive effect on shrinkage processes and makes it easier to set the parameters to be set.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen verbesserten Dampfbalken anzugeben, der insbesondere z.B. bei niedrigen Fertigungskosten ein gleichmäßiges Geschwindigkeitsprofil des austretenden Dampfes aufweist. Die Erfindung umfasst einen Dampfbalken nach Schutzanspruch 1 und einen Schrumpftunnel nach Schutzanspruch 13. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen sind in den abhängigen Schutzansprüchen beschrieben.The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an improved steam bar which, in particular, for example at low manufacturing costs, has a uniform velocity profile of the emerging steam. The invention comprises a steam bar according to protection claim 1 and a shrink tunnel according to protection claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

Wenn man die Zuführeinrichtung für Dampf, z.B. ein entsprechendes Rohr oder Ähnliches, nicht berücksichtigt, haben Dampfbalken typischerweise eine Balkenform, d.h. eine Ausdehnung in einer ersten Richtung, die erheblich größer ist als die Ausdehnung in die anderen beiden Richtungen senkrecht dazu (z.B. mindestens dreimal so groß, mindestens fünfmal so groß oder mindestens achtmal so groß). "Balkenlänge" bezeichnet im Folgenden die Ausdehnung in der ersten Richtung (mit größerer Ausdehnung). Sie erstreckt sich typischerweise insbesondere bei etwa zylinderförmigen oder rechteckigen Dampfbalken entlang der jeweiligen Zylinder- oder Rechtecksachse. Dampfbalken können insbesondere rohrförmig sein. Die Bereiche, die mit den Enden der Balkenlänge abschließen (im Folgenden: Enden des Dampfbalkens) sind bei einem Dampfbalken typischerweise verschlossen, wobei optional jedes Ende einen Ablauf für Kondensat umfassen kann, also ein im Vergleich zum Verschluss oder im Vergleich zu den Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf typischerweise kleines Loch (z.B. 50% kleinere Querschnittsfläche des Ablaufs des Kondensats als die kleinste Öffnung zum Auslass von Dampf) oder einen sonstigen Durchlass für Kondensat (die im Folgenden nicht als Öffnungen bezeichnet oder betrachtet werden). Die Enden sind durch Seitenflächen (im Folgenden auch: Seiten) des Dampfbalkens verbunden. Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf verlaufen typischerweise entlang einer (oder mehrerer) Seitenfläche des Dampfbalkens.If the supply device for steam, e.g. a corresponding pipe or the like, is not taken into account, steam bars typically have a bar shape, i.e. an expansion in a first direction that is considerably greater than the expansion in the other two directions perpendicular to it (e.g. at least three times as much large, at least five times as large or at least eight times as large). In the following, “bar length” denotes the expansion in the first direction (with greater expansion). It typically extends, in particular in the case of approximately cylindrical or rectangular steam bars, along the respective cylinder or rectangular axis. Steam bars can in particular be tubular. The areas that terminate with the ends of the bar length (hereinafter: ends of the steam bar) are typically closed in a steam bar, with each end optionally being able to include an outlet for condensate, i.e. one compared to the closure or compared to the openings to the outlet of steam typically a small hole (e.g. 50% smaller cross-sectional area of the condensate drain than the smallest opening to the outlet of steam) or some other passage for condensate (which are not referred to or considered as openings in the following). The ends are connected by side surfaces (hereinafter also: sides) of the steam bar. Openings for exhausting steam typically run along one (or more) side surfaces of the steam bar.

Erfindungsgemäß umfasst ein Dampfbalken zur Verwendung in einem Schrumpftunnel eine Zuführeinrichtung zum Zuführen von Dampf in den Dampfbalken sowie Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf, wobei in den verschiedenen Bereichen des Dampfbalkens Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf mit verschiedenen Öffnungsquerschnitten zum Einsatz kommen, wobei die näher an der Zuführeinrichtung liegenden Öffnungen einen größeren Querschnitt aufweisen als die Öffnungen, die weiter entfernt von der Zuführeinrichtung sind.According to the invention, a steam bar for use in a shrink tunnel comprises a supply device for supplying steam into the steam bar as well as openings for the outlet of steam, with openings for the outlet of steam with different opening cross-sections being used in the various areas of the steam bar, the closer to the supply device lying openings have a larger cross section than the openings that are further away from the feed device.

Als Öffnungsquerschnitt wird hierbei ein Querschnitt der Öffnungen bezeichnet, wobei der Öffnungsquerschnitt senkrecht zur intendierten Dampfaustrittsrichtung gemessen werden kann, d.h. senkrecht zur Richtung, in die Dampf austreten würde, wenn er mit konstantem Druck innerhalb des Dampfbalkens vorhanden wäre und keine Verwirbelungen im Dampfbalken auftreten. Bei einer Bohrung oder Stanzung kann der Öffnungsquerschnitt beispielsweise der Querschnitt der Bohrungsöffnung oder Stanzung in Bohr- oder Stanzrichtung sein. Jede der Öffnungen kann so ausgebildet sein, dass ihr Öffnungsquerschnitt entlang der gesamten Länge der Öffnung konstant ist, z.B. bei einer Bohrung entlang der gesamten Länge der Bohrung/bei einer Stanzung entlang der gesamten Länge der Stanzung.The opening cross-section is a cross-section of the openings, whereby the opening cross-section can be measured perpendicular to the intended steam exit direction, i.e. perpendicular to the direction in which steam would exit if it were present with constant pressure within the steam bar and no turbulence occurs in the steam bar. In the case of a hole or punching, the opening cross section can be, for example Be the cross-section of the hole opening or punching in the drilling or punching direction. Each of the openings can be formed so that its opening cross section along the entire Length of the opening is constant, for example with a bore along the entire length of the bore / with a punch along the entire length of the punch.

Die Verwendung von Öffnungen mit verschiedenen Öffnungsquerschnitten kann ermöglichen, das Geschwindigkeitsprofil des auftretenden Dampfes über die Länge des Dampfbalkens annähernd konstant zu halten, so dass aus jeder Öffnung Dampf ungefähr in die gleiche Richtung und mit gleicher Geschwindigkeit austritt.The use of openings with different opening cross-sections can make it possible to keep the velocity profile of the steam occurring approximately constant over the length of the steam bar, so that steam emerges from each opening in approximately the same direction and at the same speed.

Erfindungsgemäß können in einem Balken Öffnungen mit genau zwei verschiedenen Öffnungsquerschnitten oder Öffnungen mit mehr als zwei verschiedenen Öffnungsquerschnitten, beispielsweise drei, vier, fünf oder mehr verschiedenen Öffnungsquerschnitten zum Einsatz kommen. Typischerweise ist bei jedem verschiedenen Öffnungsquerschnitt auch die Fläche des Querschnitts verschieden.According to the invention, openings with exactly two different opening cross-sections or openings with more than two different opening cross-sections, for example three, four, five or more different opening cross-sections, can be used in a bar. Typically, the area of the cross section is also different for each different opening cross section.

Erfindungsgemäß kann die Zuführeinrichtung zum Zuführen von Dampf senkrecht zur Verlaufsrichtung (also senkrecht zur Balkenlänge) des Dampfbalkens angeordnet sein. Die Zuführeinrichtung kann so angeordnet sein oder angeordnet werden, dass Dampf, wenn der Dampfbalken mit Dampf betrieben wird (betriebener Zustand), von oben zugeführt wird. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass sich gegebenenfalls bildendes Kondensat in den Dampfbalken abläuft, statt sich in der Zuführeinrichtung abzusetzen. Beispielsweise kann die Zuführeinrichtung senkrecht zur Balkenlänge des Dampfbalkens und senkrecht zur intendierten Dampfaustrittsrichtung angeordnet sein. Insbesondere kann z.B. bei waagrechter Anordnung des Dampfbalkens (also Balkenlänge entlang der Horizontalen), im betriebenen Zustand die intendierte Dampfaustrittsrichtung horizontal und die Zuführeinrichtung vertikal anordenbar oder angeordnet sein. Bei einem rohrförmigen Dampfbalken können insbesondere die Öffnungen senkrecht zur Rohrachse entlang einer Linie angeordnet sein und die Zuführeinrichtung senkrecht zur Rohrachse und senkrecht zur intendierten Dampfaustrittsrichtung (wobei die intendierte Dampfaustrittsrichtung z.B. bei Bohrungen der Richtung der Bohrung entspricht).According to the invention, the supply device for supplying steam can be arranged perpendicular to the direction (that is, perpendicular to the length of the bar) of the steam bar. The supply device can be arranged or arranged such that steam is supplied from above when the steam bar is operated with steam (operated state). This has the advantage that any condensate that may form drains into the steam bar instead of settling in the feed device. For example, the feed device can be arranged perpendicular to the beam length of the steam bar and perpendicular to the intended steam outlet direction. In particular, if the steam bar is arranged horizontally (i.e. the length of the bar along the horizontal), in the operated state, the intended steam outlet direction can be arranged or arranged horizontally and the feed device can be arranged vertically. In the case of a tubular steam bar, in particular, the openings can be arranged perpendicular to the pipe axis along a line and the feed device perpendicular to the pipe axis and perpendicular to the intended steam outlet direction (the intended steam outlet direction e.g. for bores corresponding to the direction of the bore).

Ein Dampfbalken kann an einem oder jedem Ende einen (z.B. als Loch oder Durchlass ausgebildeten) Ablauf für Kondensat haben. Der Dampfbalken kann so ausgebildet sein, dass, wenn der Dampfbalken mit Dampf betrieben wird (betriebener Zustand), mindestens ein Ablauf für Kondensat am tiefsten Punkt des Inneren des Dampfbalkens angeordnet ist. Bei einem Dampfbalken, der dazu ausgebildet ist, horizontal angebracht zu werden, kann z.B. in einem oder beiden Enden ein Ablauf für Kondensat vorhanden sein, der jeweils am - im betriebenen Zustand - unteren Bereich des Dampfbalkens ausgebildet ist, insbesondere beispielsweise am unteren Rand des Endes. Ein Dampfbalken, der dazu ausgebildet ist, schräg angeordnet zu werden, kann insbesondere am Ende, das dazu ausgebildet ist, tiefer als das andere Ende angeordnet zu werden, einen Ablauf für Kondensat am - im betriebenen Zustand - unteren Bereich des Endes haben, z.B. am unteren Rand. Wenn beide Enden als unteres Ende eingesetzt werden können, können optional beide unteren Bereiche der Enden einen Ablauf für Kondensat umfassen.A steam bar can have a drain (eg designed as a hole or passage) for condensate at one or each end. The steam bar can be designed such that when the steam bar is operated with steam (operated state), at least one drain for condensate is arranged at the lowest point of the interior of the steam bar. In the case of a steam bar that is designed to be mounted horizontally, a drain for condensate can be present in one or both ends, for example, which is formed on the lower area of the steam bar in the operated state, in particular for example at the lower edge of the end . A steam bar which is designed for this is arranged at an angle can, in particular, at the end that is designed to be arranged lower than the other end, have a drain for condensate at - in the operated state - the lower area of the end, for example at the lower edge. If both ends can be used as the lower end, both lower areas of the ends can optionally include a drain for condensate.

Die Zuführeinrichtung zum Zuführen von Dampf kann mittig zwischen den beiden Enden des Dampfbalkens und senkrecht zum Dampfbalken angeordnet sein. In alternativen Ausführungsformen kann sie näher an einem Ende als an einem anderen Ende (in Bezug auf Verlaufsrichtung des Dampfbalkens, d.h. entlang der Balkenlänge) und senkrecht zum Dampfbalken angeordnet sein. Die Zuführeinrichtung zum Zuführen von Dampf kann insbesondere im ersten Drittel, z.B. im ersten Viertel oder im ersten Fünftel der Balkenlänge des Dampfbalkens liegen.The supply device for supplying steam can be arranged centrally between the two ends of the steam bar and perpendicular to the steam bar. In alternative embodiments, it can be arranged closer to one end than to the other end (in relation to the direction of the steam bar, i.e. along the length of the bar) and perpendicular to the steam bar. The supply device for supplying steam can in particular be in the first third, for example in the first quarter or in the first fifth of the length of the steam bar.

Dies kann vorteilhaft sein, da sich typischerweise im Bereich der Zuführeinrichtung, wo die Zuführung des Dampfes erfolgt, im Dampfbalken erhebliche Verwirbelungen bilden. Weiter entfernt von der Zuführeinrichtung hingegen ist die Dampfverteilung typischerweise gleichmäßiger, wobei sie z.B. bei mittiger Anordnung der Zuführeinrichtung entlang der Balkenlänge an den Enden des Dampfbalkens am gleichmäßigsten ist. Bei Verwendung von größeren Öffnungen in der Nähe der vielen Verwirbelungen gegenüber kleineren Öffnungen auf der Seite mit weniger Verwirbelungen innerhalb des Dampfbalkens kann es insgesamt zu einem gleichmäßigeren Geschwindigkeitsprofil des austretenden Dampfes gegenüber der gesamten Länge des Dampfbalkens kommen.This can be advantageous because, typically, in the area of the feed device where the steam is fed in, considerable turbulence is formed in the steam bar. On the other hand, further away from the supply device, the steam distribution is typically more uniform, being most even at the ends of the steam beam, for example if the supply device is arranged in the center along the length of the beam. When using larger openings in the vicinity of the many turbulences compared to smaller openings on the side with less turbulence within the steam bar, the overall result can be a more uniform velocity profile of the emerging steam compared to the entire length of the steam bar.

Optional können alle Öffnungen, die einen Abstand von der Zuführeinrichtung kleiner oder gleich einem ersten Abstand A1 haben, einen größeren Öffnungsquerschnitt haben als alle Öffnungen, die einen größeren Abstand (als dem ersten Abstand A1) von der Zuführeinrichtung haben.Optionally, all openings that are at a distance from the feed device less than or equal to a first distance A1 can have a larger opening cross section than all openings that are at a greater distance (than the first distance A1) from the feed device.

Die Öffnungen können entlang der Balkenlänge (an der Seite des Balkens) in einer Linie (Reihe) angeordnet sein, und können dabei insbesondere in gleichen Abständen zueinander angeordnet sein (also äquidistant, z.B. so, dass die jeweiligen Schwerpunkte der Querschnitte oder Mittelpunkte der Querschnitte den gleichen Abstand voneinander haben). Ein Dampfbalken kann dazu ausgebildet sein, an einer Seite des Schrumpftunnels befestigt zu werden.The openings can be arranged in a line (row) along the length of the bar (on the side of the bar), and can in particular be arranged at the same distances from one another (i.e. equidistant, e.g. so that the respective centers of gravity of the cross-sections or centers of the cross-sections have the same distance from each other). A steam bar can be designed to be attached to one side of the shrink tunnel.

Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf sind typischerweise nur auf einer Seite des Dampfbalkens angeordnet.Openings for the outlet of steam are typically only arranged on one side of the steam bar.

In anderen Ausführungsformen können Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf so ausgebildet sein, dass Dampf in verschiedene Richtungen entweichen kann. Beispielsweise können Öffnungen auf zwei einander gegenüberliegenden Linien entlang der Länge des Dampfbalkens angeordnet sein. Ein solcher Dampfbalken kann beispielsweise dazu ausgebildet sein, so montiert zu werden, dass zu bedampfende Gegenstände rechts und links des Dampfbalkens entlanggeführt werden.In other embodiments, openings for the outlet of steam can be formed so that steam can escape in different directions. For example, openings can be arranged on two opposing lines along the length of the steam bar. Such a steam bar can be designed, for example, to be mounted in such a way that objects to be steamed are guided along the right and left of the steam bar.

Eine Anordnung der Öffnungen in einer Linie (Reihe) entlang der Seite eines Balkens (parallel zur Balkenlänge) hat sich als vorteilhaft erwiesen. Bei Anordnung von Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf in mehreren horizontalen Ebenen (betrachtet bei Anordnung des Balkens bzw. der Balkenlänge in einer horizontalen Ebene) weist der aus übereinanderliegenden Öffnungen austretende Dampf insbesondere im Bereich der Zuführeinrichtung stark verschiedene Geschwindigkeiten auf. Dies kann insbesondere an den Verwirbelungen im Dampfbalken liegen.An arrangement of the openings in a line (row) along the side of a beam (parallel to the length of the beam) has proven advantageous. When openings for the outlet of steam are arranged in several horizontal planes (considered when the bar or the bar length is arranged in a horizontal plane), the steam emerging from openings lying one above the other has very different speeds, especially in the area of the feed device. This can be due in particular to the turbulence in the steam bar.

Erfindungsgemäß können die Öffnungen insbesondere Bohrungen sein. Bohrungen haben den Vorteil, dass sie günstig zu fertigen sind und typischerweise schnell und unkompliziert in verschiedenen Größen hergestellt werden können.According to the invention, the openings can in particular be bores. Bores have the advantage that they are inexpensive to manufacture and can typically be made quickly and easily in various sizes.

In anderen Ausführungsformen kann, statt einer (runden) Bohrung, auch in sonstiger Weise eine Öffnung in den Dampfbalken geschnitten werden. Typischerweise sind die Öffnungen im Dampfbalken durch die Wand des Dampfbalkens mit einem gleichmäßigen Querschnitt ausgeführt.In other embodiments, instead of a (round) hole, an opening can also be cut in the steam bar in some other way. The openings in the steam bar are typically designed with a uniform cross section through the wall of the steam bar.

Die Wanddicke eines beispielhaften Dampfbalkens an den Enden und/oder Seiten, also die Dicke der Wände oder Begrenzungen, die das Innere des Dampfbalkens von dem Außenraum trennt, kann zwischen 1 mm und 8 mm, z.B. zwischen 1,5 mm und 2,5 mm betragen. Bei einem rohrförmigen Dampfbalken, bei dem das Rohr an den Enden durch Deckel verschlossen ist, können jeweils z.B. die Rohrdicke und/oder die Dicke der Deckel zwischen 1 mm und 8 mm, z.B. zwischen 1,5 mm und 2,5 mm betragen.The wall thickness of an exemplary steam bar at the ends and / or sides, that is to say the thickness of the walls or boundaries separating the interior of the steam bar from the exterior, can be between 1 mm and 8 mm, for example between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm be. In the case of a tubular steam bar in which the tube is closed at the ends by covers, the tube thickness and / or the thickness of the cover can be between 1 mm and 8 mm, e.g. between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

Ein erfindungsgemäßer Dampfbalken kann insbesondere ein Quadratrohr mit Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf umfassen, die optional an (genau) einer Seite angeordnet sind. Ein solches Quadratrohr ist typischerweise an beiden Enden verschlossen (wobei optional in einem oder beiden Enden ein Ablauf für Kondensat vorgesehen sein kann), so dass der Dampf innerhalb des Quadratrohrs eingeschlossen ist und nur durch die Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf austritt. Typischerweise ist eine Zuführeinrichtung zum Zuführen von Dampf an dem Quadratrohr (typischerweise von oben und mittig bezüglich der Balkenlänge) befestigt. Die entsprechende Befestigung ist typischerweise so ausgebildet, dass durch sie kein Dampf austritt. Beispielsweise kann die Zuführeinrichtung, z.B. über einen Wellenschlauch, angeschraubt sein, und/oder angeschweißt sein.A steam bar according to the invention can in particular comprise a square tube with openings for the outlet of steam, which are optionally arranged on (precisely) one side. Such a square tube is typically closed at both ends (optionally in one or a drain for condensate can be provided at both ends) so that the steam is enclosed within the square tube and only exits through the openings for the outlet of steam. Typically, a supply device for supplying steam is attached to the square tube (typically from above and centrally with respect to the length of the beam). The corresponding fastening is typically designed in such a way that no steam escapes through it. For example, the feed device can be screwed on, for example via a corrugated hose, and / or welded on.

Bei einem solchen Quadratrohr können die Innenmaße des Quadratrohrs beispielhaft zwischen 30 und 40 mm (entlang einer Seite) liegen, beispielsweise zwischen 34 mm und 38 mm betragen.In such a square tube, the internal dimensions of the square tube can be between 30 and 40 mm (along one side), for example between 34 mm and 38 mm.

In anderen Ausführungsformen kann statt eines Quadratrohrs beispielsweise ein rundes Rohr vom Dampfbalken umfasst sein, dessen Innenmaße ebenfalls bei einem Durchmesser zwischen 30 und 40 mm liegen können.In other embodiments, instead of a square tube, the steam bar can encompass, for example, a round tube, the inner dimensions of which can also be between 30 and 40 mm in diameter.

Ein Dampfbalken kann (entlang einer Seite) beispielsweise zwischen 10 und 30 Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf haben. Wenn der Dampfbalken entlang zwei (oder mehr) Seiten Öffnungen zum Auslass vom Dampf hat, kann er pro Seite jeweils zwischen 10 und 30 Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf haben.For example, a steam bar can have between 10 and 30 openings (along one side) to let out steam. If the steam bar has openings for steam exhaust along two (or more) sides, it can have between 10 and 30 openings for steam exhaust on each side.

In einem erfindungsgemäßen Dampfbalken können z.B. die größeren Öffnungen einen Öffnungsquerschnitt von zwischen 10 mm2 und 19 mm2 haben und die kleineren Öffnungen einen Öffnungsquerschnitt von zwischen 4 mm2 und 10 mm2.In a steam bar according to the invention, for example, the larger openings can have an opening cross section of between 10 mm 2 and 19 mm 2 and the smaller openings an opening cross section of between 4 mm 2 and 10 mm 2 .

Bei einem Dampfbalken, in dem die Öffnungen Bohrungen sind, können insbesondere die größeren Bohrungen einen Durchmesser zwischen 3,5 und 4,5 mm haben und die kleineren Bohrungen einen Durchmesser von zwischen 2,5 und 3,5 mm.In the case of a steam bar in which the openings are bores, in particular the larger bores can have a diameter between 3.5 and 4.5 mm and the smaller bores a diameter of between 2.5 and 3.5 mm.

Der Dampfbalken selber kann eine Balkenlänge von zwischen 150 und 900 mm haben, z.B. von zwischen 300 und 450 mm.The steam bar itself can have a bar length of between 150 and 900 mm, e.g. between 300 and 450 mm.

Die einzelnen Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf des Dampfbalkens können voneinander jeweils beispielsweise einen Abstand zwischen 15 und 25 mm haben. Sie können insbesondere jeweils einen gleichen Abstand von der nächsten Öffnung aufweisen, also äquidistant angeordnet sein. Ein gleichmäßiger Abstand ist vorteilhaft, da dann eine gleichmäßige Bedampfung des zu schrumpfenden Etiketts oder Verpackung erfolgen kann.The individual openings for the outlet of steam from the steam bar can each have a spacing between 15 and 25 mm, for example. In particular, they can each have the same distance from the next opening, that is to say they can be arranged equidistantly. A uniform distance is advantageous, since a uniform vaporization of the label or packaging to be shrunk can then take place.

Der Dampfbalken kann insbesondere dazu ausgebildet sein, dass eine Dampftemperaturzwischen 95° und 110 °C eingesetzt werden kann und/oder dass mit Heißluft vermischter Dampf eingesetzt werden kann, der entsprechend Temperaturen von mehr als 110 °C haben kann, wobei die Austrittstemperatur des mit Heißluft vermischten Dampfes 400°- 600° betragen kann. Insbesondere müssen alle Bauteile des Dampfbalkens so ausgebildet sein, dass sie die entsprechende heiße Feuchtigkeit und resultierenden Druckverhältnisse aushalten, also insbesondere nicht korrodieren, durch Druck, Hitze und Feuchtigkeit auch anderweitig nicht beschädigt werden und keine Verschleißteile aufweisen, die bei solchen Temperaturen, Drücken und Feuchtigkeit leiden.The steam bar can in particular be designed so that a steam temperature between 95 ° and 110 ° C can be used and / or that steam mixed with hot air can be used, which can accordingly have temperatures of more than 110 ° C, the outlet temperature of the hot air mixed steam can be 400 ° - 600 °. In particular, all components of the steam bar must be designed in such a way that they withstand the corresponding hot moisture and the resulting pressure conditions, i.e. in particular do not corrode, are not damaged in any other way by pressure, heat and moisture and have no wearing parts that are subject to such temperatures, pressures and moisture To suffer.

Die Erfindung umfasst des Weiteren einen Schrumpftunnel, der einen zuvor beschriebenen Dampfbalken umfasst. In oder an einem Tunnel gemäß der Erfindung kann der Dampfbalken insbesondere so angeordnet sein, dass er parallel zur Bewegungsrichtung von zu bedampfenden Behältern im Schrumpftunnel angeordnet ist oder angeordnet werden kann. In anderen Ausführungsformen kann der Dampfbalken im Schrumpftunnel schräg angeordnet oder schräg anordenbar sein. Der Dampfbalken kann optional so ausgebildet sein, dass er im Schrumpftunnel parallel zur Bewegungsrichtung von zu bedampfenden Behältern und alternativ schräg angeordnet werden kann.The invention further comprises a shrink tunnel which comprises a steam bar described above. In or on a tunnel according to the invention, the steam bar can in particular be arranged such that it is or can be arranged parallel to the direction of movement of the containers to be steamed in the shrink tunnel. In other embodiments, the steam bar can be arranged at an angle in the shrink tunnel or can be arranged at an angle. The steam bar can optionally be designed so that it can be arranged in the shrink tunnel parallel to the direction of movement of the containers to be steamed and, alternatively, at an angle.

Der Schrumpftunnel kann so ausgebildet sein, dass Nassdampf bei Temperaturen zwischen 95 und 110 °C eingesetzt werden kann oder mit Heißluft vermischter Dampf, der dann auch Temperaturen von mehr als 110 °C haben kann.The shrink tunnel can be designed so that wet steam can be used at temperatures between 95 and 110 ° C, or steam mixed with hot air, which can then also have temperatures of more than 110 ° C.

Ein Schrumpftunnel, wie er zuvor beschrieben wurde, kann insbesondere zwei einander gegenüberliegende Dampfbalken umfassen (wobei jeder Dampfbalken als ein zuvor beschriebener Dampfbalken ausgebildet sein kann). Somit zu bedampfende Gegenstände von beiden Seiten gleichmäßig bedampft werden.A shrink tunnel as described above can in particular comprise two steam bars lying opposite one another (wherein each steam bar can be designed as a steam bar described above). In this way, objects to be steamed are steamed evenly from both sides.

Weitere Details der Erfindung werden anhand der folgenden Figuren beschrieben. Hierbei zeigt

  • Figur 1 schematisch einen beispielhaften Dampfbalken;
  • Figur 2a einen Querschnitt durch einen Teil eines Dampfbalkens aus dem Stand der Technik;
  • Figur 2b einen Querschnitt durch einen Dampfbalken;
  • Figur 2c einen Querschnitt durch einen erfindungsgemäßen Dampfbalken;
  • Figuren 3a - 3d Querschnitte durch verschiedene Öffnungen eines beispielhaften Dampfbalkens.
Further details of the invention are described with reference to the following figures. Here shows
  • Figure 1 schematically an exemplary steam bar;
  • Figure 2a a cross section through part of a steam bar from the prior art;
  • Figure 2b a cross section through a steam bar;
  • Figure 2c a cross section through a steam bar according to the invention;
  • Figures 3a - 3d Cross-sections through various openings of an exemplary steam bar.

Figur 1 zeigt schematisch einen beispielhaften Dampfbalken. Der Dampfbalken 1 umfasst eine Zuführeinrichtung für Dampf 1a, die beispielsweise in der Mitte entlang der (Balken)Llänge I angeordnet sein kann. Wie gezeigt, kann der Dampfbalken so ausgebildet und/oder anordenbar sein, dass die Zuführeinrichtung für Dampf 1a im betriebsbereiten oder betriebenen Zustand von oben und optional senkrecht auf den Dampfbalken trifft. Eingezeichnet sind ebenfalls optional vorhandende Abläufe für Kondensat 20, die beispielsweise als Öffnungen an (im betriebenen Zustand) unten angeordneten Bereichen an den Enden E des Dampfbalkens angeordnet sein können. Optional kann ein Dampfbalken auch nur einen Ablauf für Kondensat (z.B. an einem Ende) oder mehr als zwei Abläufe für Kondensat, z.B. zusätzlich oder alternativ an (im betriebenen Zustand) unten angeordeten Bereichen der Seiten - umfassen. Figure 1 shows schematically an exemplary steam bar. The steam bar 1 comprises a supply device for steam 1 a, which can be arranged, for example, in the middle along the (bar) L length I. As shown, the steam bar can be designed and / or arranged in such a way that the supply device for steam 1a hits the steam bar from above and optionally perpendicularly in the operationally ready or operated state. Also shown are optionally available drains for condensate 20, which can be arranged, for example, as openings in (in the operated state) areas arranged below at the ends E of the steam bar. Optionally, a steam bar can also comprise only one drain for condensate (for example at one end) or more than two drains for condensate, for example additionally or alternatively on areas of the sides arranged at the bottom (in the operated state).

Der Dampfbalken hat eine Länge I und ist in diesem Beispiel beispielhaft als Quadratrohr ausgebildet, dass an den beiden Enden (hierbei ist das in der Zeichnung nur das perspektivisch sichtbare Ende E eingezeichnet) geschlossen ist. Der Dampfbalken umfasst eine oder mehrere Seitenflächen, in dem gezeigten Beispiel beispielhaft vier Seitenflächen von denen die Seitenflächen S1 und S2 sichtbar sind (die anderen zwei Seiten aufgrund der Perspektive nicht). In anderen Ausführungsformen kann der Dampfbalken anders ausgebildet sein, z.B. als Rundrohr. In solchen Ausführungsformen können die Seitenflächen als eine Mantelfläche ausgebildet sein. In den Seitenflächen sind beispielhaft Öffnungen O1 bis O10 zum Auslass von Dampf eingezeichnet (hierbei werden entsprechende Öffnungen mit gleicher Entfernung von Zuführeinrichtung für Dampf (hier in der Mitte der Balkenlänge) gleich bezeichnet). Die Öffnungen erstrecken sich in diesem Beispiel ausgehend von der Mitte der Balkenlänge I entlang der Balkenlänge I auf einer Linie (in Richtung beider Enden). In anderen Ausführungsformen können die Öffnungen anders verteilt sein, z.B. ausgehend von der Zuführeinrichtung für Dampf sich nicht in gleicher Länge entlang der Seite erstrecken.The steam bar has a length I and, in this example, is designed as a square tube that is closed at both ends (only the end E visible in perspective is shown in the drawing). The steam bar comprises one or more side surfaces, in the example shown, four side surfaces, of which the side surfaces S1 and S2 are visible (the other two sides are not due to the perspective). In other embodiments, the steam bar can be designed differently, e.g. as a round tube. In such embodiments, the side surfaces can be designed as a jacket surface. In the side surfaces, openings O1 to O10 for the outlet of steam are drawn in by way of example (here corresponding openings with the same distance from the supply device for steam (here in the middle of the bar length) are given the same designation). In this example, the openings extend from the center of the beam length I along the beam length I on a line (in the direction of both ends). In other embodiments, the openings may be distributed differently, e.g. starting from the steam supply device, not extending the same length along the side.

Typischerweise sind die Öffnungen äquidistant angeordnet, also so, dass der Schwerpunkt eines Öffnungsquerschnitts vom Schwerpunkt des Öffnungsquerschnitts der direkt danebenliegenden Öffnung jeweils gleich weit entfernt ist. Die Nummerierung der Öffnungen erfolgt in der Figur beispielhaft beginnend von den Öffnungen, die am nächsten an der Zuführeinrichtung 1a angeordnet sind und steigt mit der Entfernung von der Zuführeinrichtung 1a.The openings are typically arranged equidistantly, that is to say in such a way that the center of gravity of an opening cross-section is in each case the same distance from the center of gravity of the opening cross-section of the opening directly adjacent. The numbering of the openings takes place in the figure, by way of example, beginning with the openings which are arranged closest to the feed device 1a and increases with the distance from the feed device 1a.

Erfindungsgemäß haben nun die Öffnungen O1 bis O10 mindestens zwei verschiedene Öffnungsquerschnitte, insbesondere können sie beispielsweise genau zwei verschiedene Öffnungsquerschnitte haben. In anderen Ausführungsformen können drei oder mehr verschiedene Öffnungsquerschnitte (insbesondere drei oder mehr verschiedene Öffnungsquerschnitte mit verschieden großen Querschnittsflächen) zum Einsatz kommen. Dies kann insbesondere vorteilhaft sein, wenn eine hinreichend gleichmäßige Geschwindigkeitsverteilung austretenden Dampfes mit nur zwei verschiedenen Öffnungsquerschnitten nicht erreicht werden kann.According to the invention, the openings O1 to O10 now have at least two different opening cross-sections, in particular they can, for example, have exactly two different opening cross-sections. In other embodiments, three or more different opening cross-sections (in particular three or more different opening cross-sections with different sized cross-sectional areas) can be used. This can be particularly advantageous if a sufficiently uniform distribution of the speed of the emerging steam cannot be achieved with only two different opening cross-sections.

Bei dem beispielhaft gezeigten Dampfbalken ist die Zuführeinrichtung für Dampf 1a senkrecht zur Länge I des Dampfbalkens angeordnet und senkrecht zur intendierten Dampfaustrittsrichtung. Die näher an der Zuführeinrichtungszeit liegenden Öffnungen können einen größeren Querschnitt aufweisen als die Öffnungen, die weiter entfernt von der Zuführeinführung 1a sind. Wenn die Öffnungen als (runde) Bohrungen ausgeführt sind, können beispielsweise dO1 bis O4 einen Durchmesser D1 haben, während Öffnungen O5 bis O10 einen zweiten Durchmesser D2 haben können, wobei D2<D1 ist.In the steam bar shown as an example, the supply device for steam 1a is arranged perpendicular to length I of the steam bar and perpendicular to the intended steam outlet direction. The openings closer to the feeder time may have a larger cross section than the openings farther away from the feed inlet 1a. If the openings are designed as (round) bores, for example dO1 to O4 can have a diameter D1, while openings O5 to O10 can have a second diameter D2, where D2 <D1.

Eine derartige Anordnung der Öffnung kann zu einer gleichmäßigen Geschwindigkeitsverteilung des auftretenden Dampfes führen, da in Bereichen großer Verwirbelung im Dampfbalken, insbesondere nahe der Zuführeinrichtung 1a, größere Öffnung vorgesehen sind, so dass auch dort hinreichend viel Dampf austreten kann.Such an arrangement of the opening can lead to a uniform velocity distribution of the steam that occurs, since larger openings are provided in areas of great turbulence in the steam bar, in particular near the feed device 1a, so that sufficient steam can escape there too.

In anderen Ausführungsformen (hier nicht gezeigt), z.B. wenn die Zuführeinrichtung für Dampf 1a gegenüber den Öffnungen angeordnet ist, können nahe der Zuführeinrichtung Öffnungen mit kleinerem Querschnitt angeordnet sein, als weiter von der Zuführeinrichtung entfernt.In other embodiments (not shown here), for example if the feed device for steam 1a is arranged opposite the openings, openings with a smaller cross section can be arranged close to the feed device than further away from the feed device.

Ein beispielhafter Dampfbalken kann zum Beispiel 20 Öffnungen (entlang einer Seite, z.B. entlang einer Linie parallel zur Länge I des Dampfbalkens) haben, die beispielhaft als Bohrungen ausgebildet sein können. Beispielsweise können bei 20 Bohrungen O1 bis O6 einen Durchmesser von 4,3 mm haben und Bohrungen O7 bis O10 einen Durchmesser von 3,2 mm. In anderen Ausführungsformen können mehr oder weniger als 20 Öffnungen entlang einer Seite angeordnet sein. Die Öffnungen können, wie gezeigt, symmetrisch zur Mitte der Balkenlänge angeordnet sein, müssen dies aber nicht sein. Ein Dampfbalken kann insbesondere auch eine ungerade Anzahl von Öffnungen haben.An exemplary steam bar can, for example, have 20 openings (along one side, e.g. along a line parallel to the length I of the steam bar), which for example can be designed as bores. For example, with 20 bores O1 to O6 can have a diameter of 4.3 mm and bores O7 to O10 a diameter of 3.2 mm. In other embodiments, more or less than 20 openings can be arranged along a side. The openings can, as shown, be arranged symmetrically to the center of the length of the beam, but this need not be. A steam bar can in particular also have an odd number of openings.

Beispielhaft kann zum Beispiel das Innenmaß eines solchen Quadratrohrs jeweils zwischen 30 und 40 mm (entlang der Seiten) betragen, beispielsweise 36 mm × 36 mm.For example, the internal dimensions of such a square tube can each be between 30 and 40 mm (along the sides), for example 36 mm × 36 mm.

Wie beschrieben kann die Länge I des Dampfbalkens zwischen 380 und 450 mm liegen (in anderen Ausführungsformen kann sie auch größer sein, die Länge des Dampfbalkens hängt typischerweise von dem Anwendungsbereich und den dafür notwendigen Parametern ab). Beispielsweise kann der Dampfbalken eine Länge von 415 mm haben.As described, the length I of the steam bar can be between 380 and 450 mm (in other embodiments it can also be greater, the length of the steam bar typically depends on the area of application and the parameters required for it). For example, the steam bar can have a length of 415 mm.

Die Wandstärke eines verwendeten Rohrs für den Dampfbalken (das gleichzeitig bei Bohrungen, zum Beispie! auch die Länge der Bohrungen bestimmt, da diese durch die gesamte Wandstärke hindurchgehen) kann beispielsweise zwischen 1,5 und 2,5 mm betragen, beispielsweise etwa 2 mm.The wall thickness of a pipe used for the steam bar (which at the same time determines the length of the bores for bores, for example, as these pass through the entire wall thickness) can be between 1.5 and 2.5 mm, for example about 2 mm.

Typischerweise sind die Abstände zwischen den jeweils nebeneinanderliegenden Öffnungen, d.h. deren Schwerpunkte der Öffnungsquerschnitte äquidistant angeordnet. Eine mögliche Entfernung beträgt beispielsweise zwischen 15 und 25 mm, z.B. 20 mm zwischen den jeweiligen Schwerpunkten der Öffnungsquerschnitte (Mittelpunkten bei Bohrungen). In anderen Ausführungsformen können die Öffnungen nicht äquidistant angeordnet sein.Typically, the distances between the adjacent openings, i.e. their centers of gravity of the opening cross-sections, are arranged equidistantly. A possible distance is, for example, between 15 and 25 mm, e.g. 20 mm between the respective centers of gravity of the opening cross-sections (centers for holes). In other embodiments, the openings can not be arranged equidistantly.

Ein Dampfbalken kann beispielhaft in einem Dampftunnel an einer (Seiten)Wand angeordnet sein (nicht gezeigt). Der Dampfbalken kann bewegbar angeordnet sein, wobei er optional von außen bewegbar sein kann. Dies kann vorteilhaft sein, wenn der Dampfbalken bewegt werden soll (z.B. um den Schrumpftunnel auf verschiedene Behältergrößen oder Produkte anzupassen), da dann nicht eine Abkühlung des Schrumpftunnels abgewartet werden muss. In dem Schrumpftunnel können zu bedampfende Gegenstände am Dampfbalken entlanggeführt werden. Typischerweise kann der Abstand von Dampfbalken zu den zu bedampfenden Gegenständen in einem Schrumpftunnel klein eingestellt werden, beispielsweise der Abstand vom Dampfbalken 1 zwischen 10 mm und 60 mm betragen, beispielsweise zwischen 10 mm und 30 mm betragen, wobei typischerweise die Beförderung der zu bedampfenden Gegenständen so erfolgt, dass sie (und insbesondere die mit Dampf zu behandelnden Teile der Gegenstände, z.B. Schrumpfetiketten) auf der Höhe der Öffnungen zum Auslass von Dampf angeordnet sind und somit gleichmäßig bedampft werden können.A steam bar can for example be arranged in a steam tunnel on a (side) wall (not shown). The steam bar can be arranged to be movable, wherein it can optionally be movable from the outside. This can be advantageous if the steam bar is to be moved (e.g. to adapt the shrink tunnel to different container sizes or products), since then there is no need to wait for the shrink tunnel to cool down. Objects to be steamed can be guided along the steam bar in the shrink tunnel. Typically, the distance from the steam bar to the objects to be steamed in a shrink tunnel can be set small, for example the distance from the steam bar 1 between 10 mm and 60 mm, for example between 10 mm and 30 mm, whereby typically the conveyance of the objects to be steamed is like this takes place that they (and in particular the parts of the objects to be treated with steam, for example shrink labels) are arranged at the level of the openings for the outlet of steam and can thus be steamed evenly.

Dies kann entweder durch das Einstellen der Höhe der Transporteinrichtungen für zu bedampfende Gegenstände im Schrumpftunnel und/oder durch eine Verstellbarkeit des Dampfbalkens 1 in seiner Höhe erfolgen.This can be done either by adjusting the height of the transport devices for objects to be steamed in the shrink tunnel and / or by adjusting the height of the steam bar 1.

Optional kann der Dampfbalken 1 auch in anderen Anordnungen als waagrecht (nicht gezeigt) im Schrumpftunnel angeordnet oder anordenbar sein, beispielsweise schräg, so dass seine Länge I einen Winkel mit der Horizontalen einschließt, der typischerweise kleiner oder gleich 45° ist.Optionally, the steam bar 1 can also be arranged or can be arranged in other arrangements than horizontal (not shown) in the shrink tunnel, for example at an angle, so that its Length I encloses an angle with the horizontal, which is typically less than or equal to 45 °.

Eine solche Anordnung kann insbesondere vorteilhaft sein, wenn Gegenstände bedampft werden sollen, bei denen z.B. Schrumpfetiketten sich vertikal über eine gewisse Höhe ausdehnen.Such an arrangement can be particularly advantageous if objects are to be steamed, in which e.g. shrink labels extend vertically over a certain height.

In einem Dampftunnel wird typischerweise Dampf über die Zuführung 1a in den Dampfbalken 1 geführt und durch Öffnungen O in den Schrumpftunnel eingeleitet. Hier tritt der Dampf idealerweise mit gleicher Geschwindigkeit und Richtung (z.B. bei horizontaler Ausrichtung der Länge I horizontal) aus den jeweiligen Öffnungen O aus.In a steam tunnel, steam is typically fed into the steam bar 1 via the feed line 1 a and introduced into the shrink tunnel through openings O. Here the steam ideally emerges from the respective openings O with the same speed and direction (e.g. with a horizontal orientation of length I horizontally).

Ein zu bedampfender Gegenstand kann dann entsprechend auf der Höhe der Öffnungen O (vorzugsweise mit dem zu schrumpfenden Etikett oder Verpackung auf Höhe der Öffnungen O) vorbeigeführt werden. Durch den Dampf, der dann an der gegenüberliegenden Wand des Schrumpftunnels abprallt, bilden sich Strömungen und Verwirbelungen. Eine Abführung des nicht mehr benötigten Dampfes kann beispielhaft durch Absaugung nach oben erfolgen. In anderen Ausführungsformen kann eine Abführung des nicht mehr benötigten Dampfes in anderer Weise erfolgen.An object to be steamed can then be guided past at the level of the openings O (preferably with the label or packaging to be shrunk at the level of the openings O). The steam, which then bounces off the opposite wall of the shrink tunnel, creates currents and turbulences. The steam that is no longer required can be discharged upwards, for example, by suction. In other embodiments, the steam that is no longer required can be discharged in a different manner.

Je gleichmäßiger das Geschwindigkeitsprofil und die Richtung des Dampfes, der aus den Öffnungen O herauskommt, ist, desto gleichmäßiger und besser kann der Schrumpfprozess stattfindenden. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass aufgrund der Verwirbelungen im Dampfbalken bei gleichgroßen Öffnungen der Dampfaustritt aus dem Dampfbalken mit verschiedenen Geschwindigkeiten und Höhenprofilen erfolgt. Dies kann z.B. dazu führen, dass in einigen Bereichen die Geschwindigkeit so hoch ist, dass der Dampf förmlich an den zu bedampfenden Gegenständen abprallt und nicht, wie gewünscht, diese erhitzt und dadurch eine Schrumpfwirkung erzeugt.The more uniform the velocity profile and the direction of the steam coming out of the openings O, the more uniformly and better the shrinking process can take place. It has been shown that due to the turbulence in the steam bar with openings of the same size, the steam emerges from the steam bar at different speeds and height profiles. This can lead, for example, to the fact that in some areas the speed is so high that the steam literally bounces off the objects to be steamed and not, as desired, heats them and thus creates a shrinking effect.

In den Figuren 2a bis 2c sind beispielhaft und schematisch Querschnitte durch verschiedene beispielhafte halbe Dampfbalken und daraus resultierende Geschwindigkeitsverteilung von Dampf gezeigt. Hierbei liegt jeweils die Mitte eines beispielhaften Dampfbalkens am linken Bildrand.In the Figures 2a to 2c are exemplary and schematically shown cross-sections through various exemplary half steam bars and the resulting velocity distribution of steam. The middle of an exemplary steam bar is on the left edge of the picture.

Figur 2a zeigt einen Dampfbalken mit Düsen (Stand der Technik), an dem man erkennen kann, dass er durch die Verwendung von Düsen ein relativ gleichmäßiges Geschwindigkeits- und Höhenprofil des auftretenden Dampfes erzeugen kann. Allerdings ist die Verwendung von Düsen, wie oben ausgeführt, teuer und aufwendig und der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zu Grunde, ein vergleichbares Spritzbild (Bild der Geschwindigkeitsverteilung des austretenden Dampfes) in einfacherer Weise zu erhalten. Figure 2a shows a steam bar with nozzles (state of the art), from which it can be seen that by using nozzles it can generate a relatively uniform speed and height profile of the steam that occurs. However, the use of nozzles, as stated above, is expensive and complex and the invention is based on the object to obtain a comparable spray pattern (picture of the speed distribution of the exiting steam) in a simpler way.

Figur 2b zeigt einen nicht beanspruchten Dampfbalken mit gleichen Öffnungsquerschnitten (Länge 415 mm, Abmessungen eines beispielhaften Quadratrohres innen 36 mm × 36 mm, 20 Öffnungen (10 gezeigt, da nur halber Dampfbalken dargestellt ist)). Die Öffnungen sind als Bohrungen ausgebildet, haben 8 mm Durchmesser und sind in äquidistantem Abstand voneinander angeordnet, hier mit einem Abstand von 20 mm von einem Mittelpunkt einer Bohrung zur jeweils nächsten Bohrung. Figure 2b shows a non-claimed steam bar with the same opening cross-sections (length 415 mm, dimensions of an exemplary square tube inside 36 mm × 36 mm, 20 openings (10 shown, since only half the steam bar is shown)). The openings are designed as bores, have a diameter of 8 mm and are arranged equidistantly from one another, here at a distance of 20 mm from a center point of a bore to the next bore.

Das resultierende Bild der Geschwindigkeitsverteilung des austretenden Dampfes ist ungleichmäßig, insbesondere wird der Dampf in der Mitte mit einer kleineren Geschwindigkeit aus dem Dampfbalken befördert als an den zwei Enden.The resulting image of the speed distribution of the emerging steam is uneven, in particular the steam in the middle is transported out of the steam bar at a lower speed than at the two ends.

Figur 2c zeigt nun einen entsprechenden Querschnitt für einen erfindungsgemäßen Dampfbalken. Erfindungsgemäß wird ein Dampfbalken mit verschiedenen Öffnungsquerschnitten verwendet. In dem in Figur 2c gezeigten Beispiel sind die Öffnungen, die nahe bei der Zuführeinrichtung für Dampf 1a angeordnet sind, größer als die Öffnungen, die näher an den Enden des Dampfbalkens liegen (beispielsweise zwischen 3,5 und 5 mm Durchmesser der Bohrungen bei den Öffnungen näher an der Mitte des Dampfbalkens und zwischen 2 und 3,5 mm Durchmesser bei den Öffnungen an den Enden des Dampfbalkens). Dadurch tritt Dampf mit etwa gleicher Geschwindigkeit aus, wie beispielhaft in Figur 2c erkennbar. Figure 2c now shows a corresponding cross section for a steam bar according to the invention. According to the invention, a steam bar with different opening cross-sections is used. In the in Figure 2c In the example shown, the openings located close to the steam supply device 1a are larger than the openings closer to the ends of the steam bar (for example between 3.5 and 5 mm in diameter of the bores at the openings closer to the center of the Steam bar and between 2 and 3.5 mm in diameter at the openings at the ends of the steam bar). As a result, steam escapes at roughly the same speed, as exemplified in Figure 2c recognizable.

Für einen Dampfbalken wie beispielhaft in Figur 1 gezeigt, zeigen die Figuren 3a bis 3d die (simulierten) Geschwindigkeitsvektoren des austretenden Dampfes für verschiedene Öffnungen, die beispielhaft als Bohrungen ausgebildet sein können.For a steam bar as exemplified in Figure 1 shown show the Figures 3a to 3d the (simulated) velocity vectors of the exiting steam for various openings, which can be designed as bores, for example.

Hierbei zeigt Figur 3a die Geschwindigkeitsvektoren für Öffnung 1, Figur 3b die Geschwindigkeitsvektoren für Öffnung 6, Figur 3c die Geschwindigkeitsvektoren für Öffnung 7 und Figur 3d die Geschwindigkeitsvektoren für Öffnung 10.Here shows Figure 3a the velocity vectors for opening 1, Figure 3b the velocity vectors for opening 6, Figure 3c the velocity vectors for opening 7 and Figure 3d the velocity vectors for opening 10.

In der Nähe von Öffnung O1, die nahe an der Zuführungseinrichtung für Dampf angeordnet ist, ergibt sich ein starker Strömungswirbel im Dampfbalken, der unter anderem auch dazu führt, dass aus Öffnung O1 austretender Dampf in seinem Verlauf leicht nach oben abgelenkt wird.In the vicinity of opening O1, which is arranged close to the feed device for steam, there is a strong flow vortex in the steam bar, which among other things also leads to the fact that steam emerging from opening O1 is slightly deflected upwards in its course.

Bei Öffnung O6 ist im Dampfbalken 1 keine so starke Strömung mehr erkennbar, so dass Dampf ziemlich gerade aus der Öffnung O6 befördert wird. Gleiches gilt für Öffnung O7, aus der Dampf noch ein bisschen gerader austritt.At opening O6, the flow in steam bar 1 is no longer so strong that steam is conveyed fairly straight out of opening O6. The same applies to opening O7, from which steam emerges a little straighter.

Die regelmäßigste Verteilung findet sich dementsprechend bei der Öffnung, die am weitesten entfernt von der Zuführeinrichtung 1a ist, die im gezeigten Beispiel auch am nähesten am Ende des Dampfbalkens liegt (hier beispielhaft bei Öffnung O10), wo der Dampf innerhalb des Dampfbalkens kaum Strömung aufweist. Folglich tritt der Dampf aus O10 vom Dampfbalken 1 sehr gleichmäßig und sehr genau in horizontaler Richtung aus.The most regular distribution is accordingly found at the opening that is furthest away from the feed device 1a, which in the example shown is also closest to the end of the steam bar (here for example at opening O10), where the steam hardly has any flow within the steam bar. As a result, the steam from O10 exits the steam bar 1 very evenly and very precisely in the horizontal direction.

In einem erfindungsgemäßen Dampfbalken 1 sind daher die Öffnungen, die näher an der Zuführeinrichtung liegen, insbesondere O1, typischerweise mit einem größeren Öffnungsquerschnitt ausgebildet als die Öffnungen näher am Ende des Dampfbalkens (insbesondere 010). Hierbei können genau zwei verschiedene Größen von Öffnungsquerschnitten zum Einsatz kommen oder mehr. Typischerweise wählt man so viele verschieden Öffnungsquerschnitte wie notwendig, um ein gleichmäßiges Geschwindigkeitsprofil zu erreichen, aber so wenige wie möglich.In a steam bar 1 according to the invention, the openings which are closer to the feed device, in particular O1, are therefore typically designed with a larger opening cross-section than the openings closer to the end of the steam bar (in particular 010). Exactly two different sizes of opening cross-sections or more can be used here. Typically, you choose as many different opening cross-sections as necessary in order to achieve a uniform speed profile, but as few as possible.

Claims (16)

  1. Steam bar (1) for use in a shrink tunnel (2), comprising a supply device (1a) for supplying steam and openings (O1-O10) for discharging steam,
    characterised in that
    openings (O1-O10) with different opening cross-sections for discharging steam are used in different areas of the steam bar (1), wherein the openings arranged nearer to the supply device (1a) have a bigger cross-section than the openings arranged further away from the supply device (1a).
  2. Steam bar according to claim 1, wherein the supply device (1a) for supplying steam is arranged such that in the operating state steam can be supplied from above.
  3. Steam bar according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all openings that are at a distance from the supply device less than or equal to a first distance, have a larger opening cross-section than all openings that are at a larger distance from the supply device.
  4. Steam bar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings (O1-O10) are bores.
  5. Steam bar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam bar (1) comprises a square tube with openings for discharging steam.
  6. Steam bar (1) according to claim 5, wherein the inner dimensions of the square tube are between 30 and 40 mm.
  7. Steam bar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam bar (1) comprises between 10 and 30 openings (O1-O10).
  8. Steam bar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the larger openings have an opening cross-section of between 10 mm2 and 19 mm2 and the smaller openings have an opening cross-section of between 4 mm2 and 10 mm2.
  9. Steam bar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings are bores, and the larger bores have a diameter between 3.5 and 4.5 mm and the smaller bores have a diameter of between 2.5 and 3.5 mm.
  10. Steam bar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam bar has a length (I) of between 380 and 450 mm.
  11. Steam bar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings (O1-O10) are spaced from one another by between 15 mm and 25 mm.
  12. Steam bar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam bar (1) is designed such that wet steam can be used at temperatures between 95° and 110 °C and / or that steam mixed with hot air can be used.
  13. Shrink tunnel (2) comprising a steam beam (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
  14. Shrink tunnel (2) according to claim 13, wherein the steam bar is arranged in an inclined manner in the shrink tunnel (2) or can be arranged in an inclined manner in the shrink tunnel (2).
  15. Shrink tunnel (2) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the shrink tunnel (2) is designed such that wet steam can be used at temperatures between 95° and 110° and / or steam mixed with hot air.
  16. Shrink tunnel (2) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the shrink tunnel (2) comprises two opposing steam bars (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12.
EP19165910.1A 2018-03-29 2019-03-28 Steam diffusing bar and shrink tunnel Active EP3546382B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE202018101776.4U DE202018101776U1 (en) 2018-03-29 2018-03-29 Steam beam and shrink tunnel

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3546382A1 EP3546382A1 (en) 2019-10-02
EP3546382B1 true EP3546382B1 (en) 2021-02-17

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EP19165910.1A Active EP3546382B1 (en) 2018-03-29 2019-03-28 Steam diffusing bar and shrink tunnel

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EP (1) EP3546382B1 (en)
CN (1) CN210391757U (en)
DE (1) DE202018101776U1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112537020B (en) * 2020-11-20 2023-07-28 安徽东方旭电气设备有限公司 Thermoplastic machine for electrical equipment

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19920057A1 (en) * 1999-05-03 2000-11-09 Kallfass Gmbh Method and device for packaging objects in shrink film
JP4530457B2 (en) * 1999-12-22 2010-08-25 株式会社フジシールインターナショナル Label heating device
US6689180B1 (en) * 2002-11-14 2004-02-10 Benison & Co., Ltd. Hot air flow control device of heat-shrinking film packaging machine
US8235712B1 (en) * 2006-07-10 2012-08-07 Graham Louis Lewis High temperature heat-shrink steam tunnel
WO2008021243A2 (en) * 2006-08-15 2008-02-21 Lincoln Foodservice Products Llc Multiple air dam device
DE102009044465A1 (en) * 2009-11-09 2011-05-12 Krones Ag shrink tunnel
NL2006753C2 (en) * 2011-05-10 2012-11-13 Fuji Seal Europe Bv Apparatus for heat shrinking a film wrapping an object and method for operating the apparatus.
EP2565123B1 (en) * 2011-09-02 2016-10-12 Dalli-Werke GmbH & Co. KG. Device for processing products encased in film
DE102011054463B4 (en) * 2011-10-13 2014-04-10 Berning Maschinenfabrik Gmbh Method for shrinking a sleeve by means of superheated steam
FR2993247B1 (en) * 2012-07-12 2014-07-04 Sleever Int THERMORETRACTION INSTALLATION COMPRISING MEANS OF HEAT DIFFUSION FORMING A UNITARY ASSEMBLY.
DE102013101782A1 (en) * 2013-02-22 2014-08-28 Khs Gmbh Shrink tunnel plant and an associated method for shrinking a shrink film on packing formations
TWI655136B (en) * 2014-06-27 2019-04-01 日商養樂多本社股份有限公司 Shrinking label heat shrinking device

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CN210391757U (en) 2020-04-24
DE202018101776U1 (en) 2019-07-31
EP3546382A1 (en) 2019-10-02

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