DE102017114024A1 - PACKAGING MODULE AND METHOD FOR WRAPPING ARTICLE GROUPS WITH PACKAGING AND / OR HEATING OF SHRINKABLE FOIL - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging module (1) and a method for wrapping article groups (2) with packaging and / or heat shrinkable film (10). The article groups (2) are transported in the direction of a packaging station and wrapped in the transport direction (TR) by means of a film wrapping device (100) with a film section (7) of defined length. The film wrapping device (100) comprises at least one impact bar (18), which is guided by at least one traction means (14) and extends transversely to the transport direction (TR), on which the film section (7) is clamped and / or guided during the wrapping and wrapping process is. Within the film wrapping device (100), at least one first guide device (20) for limiting a movement space is formed for the film section guided and / or held by the wrapping rod, which extends above a transport plane (TE) for the article groups (2) in the transport direction (TR) at least partially extends through the film wrapping device (100). In an exit region of the film wrapping device (100), at least one second guide device (22) for limiting a movement space for the film section (7) guided and / or held by the impact bar (18) and / or for limiting a movement space for the impact bar (18). formed in the direction of impact, already on an upper side of the article group (7) or the top of the article group (2) covering film section (7), wherein the at least one second guide (22) at least two in the transport direction (TR) with or spacing one behind the other and / or with or without lateral offset to each other arranged guide elements (23).

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging module for wrapping with and / or under heating shrinkable film to be wrapped article groups with the features of independent claim 1. In addition, the invention relates to a method for wrapping article groups with packaging and / or under heat shrinkable film with the Features of the independent method claim.

For packaging of packages or groups of items is shrinkable film that is beaten around the articles and shrunk under heat, whereby a certain mechanical stability and protection against media and environmental influences can be created. The processing normally takes place in a so-called packaging module, in which the article group to be packaged is enveloped by means of a film wrapping device with the shrinkable film. Subsequently, the film-wrapped article group is fed to a shrinking station, which provides the required heating of the shrink film, so that it fits tightly around the articles, whereby a finished container is formed. The article groups to be wrapped are usually transported lying on a horizontal conveyor or standing in the direction of the shrinking station and wrapped in the transport direction by means of the film wrapping device with a film blank in a defined length. A film transport and feeding device provides for the promotion of the cut to length film blanks for film wrapping device.

The document US 3 791 100 A describes a method and apparatus for wrapping objects. In this case, a conveyor system used in the device is adapted to the movement of at least one impact bar of a film wrapping device to arrange a defined length of a film end in a position at one end of an intermediate conveyor of the conveyor system. The object to be wrapped is positioned on the film end and the impact bar is guided along a defined movement profile, wherein the object is wrapped with the foil held by the impact bar. The other end of the film is placed under the article so that the two ends of the film overlap. This overlap is closed and the overwrap material is shrunk onto the article by applying heat to form a solid package.

The document EP 2 452 883 B1 describes a packaging module for containers or groups of articles to be wrapped with film, wherein the article groups are enveloped within a film wrapping device with a film section of a defined length. The film wrapping device has a guide slot for the impact bar with a plurality of guide sections, which can be adjusted in pairs in the same direction in its vertical and / or horizontal position and / or about a pivot point in its angular position.

The publication WO 2014 202308 A1 relates to a device for the production of containers, wherein the containers are divided into a plurality of single-lane container streams from a wide container flow by means of gas division. The device also comprises a compartment and / or compressor unit for dividing and compressing a predetermined number of containers in order to compact them and to form container groups or sub-containers formed from them and subsequently combine these in each case into a container. The device has at least one film feed device and at least one film wrapping module, wherein at least the film feed device has a linear transporter which has gripping means arranged on movement elements in order to thereby grasp film or film blanks.

A particular problem is that the foil blanks can slip when wrapping the article groups. Therefore, and / or by accidentally trapping air between the film blank and the article group, it may happen that the length of the film blank is not sufficient to wrap around the article group with sufficient length and close in an overlapping manner. This can lead to the formation of defective shrink packaging or corresponding defective packaging.

The object of the invention is to ensure a correct arrangement of the film blank to the respective article group.

The above object is achieved by a packaging module and a method for wrapping article groups with packaging and / or under heat shrinkable film, the features in the claims 1 and 11 include. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a packaging module for packaging and / or under heating shrinkable film to be wrapped article groups. The o.ä in a grouping module. Articles assembled into a group are transported in the direction of a packaging station and wrapped in the transport direction by means of a film wrapping device with a film section of defined length. The film wrapping device comprises at least one, by at least one traction means extending transversely to the transport direction Wrapping rod. Optionally or preferably on both sides of the transport device for the article groups each traction means for the impact bar are arranged so that the impact bar is guided on both sides. Also conceivable, however, are other drive options for the turn-in rods, for example, rod drives, crank mechanisms, electric linear motors or other variants of drives.

A preferably provided in a defined length film section is guided during the wrapping and wrapping process of the felling rod and / or clamped. So that the film section bears against the articles of the article group as far as possible without air cushions, at least one first guide device for limiting a movement space for the film section guided and / or held by the impact bar is formed above a transport plane for the article groups. The guide extends at least partially in the transport direction through the film wrapping device. Furthermore, in an exit region of the film wrapping device, in particular in a region immediately before the film section is no longer held and / or guided by the impact bar or in a region in which the film section is no longer held and / or guided by the impact bar, at least provided a second guide. This second guide device also serves to limit a movement space for the foil section guided and / or held by the tucking bar and / or for a foil section following the tuck-in bar in the direction of impact already located on an upper side of the article group or covering the upper side of the article group. In particular, the second guide device serves to limit the range of movement of a region of the film section which abuts against the side of the article group leading in the transport direction. In this case, it is provided that the at least one second guide device comprises at least two guide elements arranged one behind the other in the transport direction with or without a spacing and / or with or without a lateral offset from one another.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least two guide elements of the second guide are arranged hanging above the transport plane for the article groups. It can be provided that the at least two guide elements are formed and / or arranged such that they end at different heights above the transport plane for the article groups, for example by the at least two guide elements have different lengths and / or arranged at different heights within the film wrapping device are.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one second guide device is arranged in alignment with a first guide device. In particular, first and second guide means can be arranged in alignment parallel to the transport direction of the article groups. In this case, for example, at least one of the guide elements of the second guide device can be formed by an extension of the first guide device.

Preferably, the at least one first guide and / or the at least one second guide is / are formed by a belt, a belt-like material or a band. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention so-called hold-down straps are used as the first and second guide. While the foil blank is being wound around the article group with the impact bar, the at least one first hold-down belt extending parallel to the transport direction through the foil wrapping device presses the foil blank from above onto the wrapping bar and / or against the articles of the product group. As a result, the foil blank is additionally guided from above. If the end portion of the film blank at the end of the winding process is no longer held by the impact bar and thus falls on the leading in the transport direction of the article group page and applies to the article, some air is often trapped between the film blank and the articles of the article group. In addition, the foil blank in this area is no longer guided by the impact bar. For this reason, preferably at least two second hold-down straps are arranged in a stepped manner in the outlet region of the film wrapping device. Preferably, a plurality of webbings are clamped on each other with different lengths, so that the respective free ends hang down. Due to the different lengths, the straps end at different heights above the transport plane for the article groups and there is a grading or stepped arrangement of the second hold-down straps. The second hold-down straps can in this case be arranged directly successively in the transport direction, but it may also be advantageous if the longer hold-down belt is arranged in the transport direction with a certain distance in front of the shorter hold-down belt.

The different lengths of second hold-down straps, which can develop a whip-like effect, clap one after another against the film section and leading in the direction of transport article of the article group. As a result, the air is blown out of the container and the film blank is wrapped cleanly around the article group.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the at least two hold-down straps are arranged side by side or one behind the other with lateral offset from one another. This may be particularly advantageous for some articles depending on their outer contour.

According to one embodiment, the first guide device or the first hold-down belt is centrally suspended between an entry region of the film wrapping device and the exit region of the film wrapping device and arranged parallel to the transport direction above the transport plane for the article groups.

In order to enable a rapid adaptation of the film wrapping device during a product change, the at least one first guide device and / or the at least one second guide device is / are designed to be adjustable transversely to the transport direction. In particular, the first and / or second guide device can be arranged and / or fastened to frame elements of the film wrapping device via quickly adjustable, exchangeable and / or removable fastening devices with a suitable adjustment and / or change mechanism. For example, known quick-release systems can be used for this purpose. As a result, in the case of a product change, the removal of guide devices or the arrangement of additional guide devices within the film wrapping device are quick and easy. For example, in the case of a change from a single-lane feed of article groups to a two-lane article feed, a separate first and second guide device is now necessary for each feed path. If, however, a conversion from a two-lane to a single-lane inlet, then it may be useful to maintain the two first guide devices and the two second guide means, but to arrange such that both act on the one foil blank of the single-lane film passing device article group.

For a person skilled in the art, this can be applied analogously and with the same effect to a multi-lane transport.

As a rule, the first and / or second guide device act passively on the impact bar and / or the foil blank. According to a further embodiment, the at least one second guide device can be assigned a drive for actively driving the at least two guide elements. For example, an actively driven vibrator can be used, which causes a regular deflection of the guide elements of the second guide transversely to the longitudinal direction of a hanging portion of the guide elements of the second guide. Such a vibration generator can, in particular, have a rotating excitation means, for example a rotating eccentric element or the like, for example in the form of a non-circular eccentric disc rotating on a shaft or the like. The guide elements are arranged hanging on the eccentric disc. Due to the rotating movement of the eccentric disk, a vertical up and down movement of the guide elements is produced, as a result of which the effect of the guide elements on the film blank can be additionally reinforced.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one first and second guide element can be adjusted in height relative to the transport plane for the articles. In particular, a coupling to a guide slot of the turn-in rods makes sense, so that at the same time an adjustment of the guide elements takes place during a product change, which makes an adjustment of the movement of the turning bars, without additional steps are necessary.

The invention further relates to a method for wrapping article groups with packaging and / or under heat shrinkable film, wherein the article groups are transported in the direction of a packaging station and wrapped in the transport direction by means of a film wrapping device with a film section of defined length. The film section is clamped and / or guided during the wrapping and wrapping process. An area of the film section arranged above the article group is limited in its movement space by a first guide device extending above a transport plane for the article groups in the transport direction through the film wrapping device. Furthermore, an area of the film section is delimited from above and / or counter to the transport direction by at least one second guide in its movement space, wherein the at least one second guide at least two in the transport direction with or behind one another and / or distance comprises guide elements arranged with or without lateral offset from one another.

It should be mentioned at this point that all aspects and variants that have been explained in connection with the packaging module according to the invention, equally include or may be part of aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if at some point in the description or in the claim definitions for the packaging module according to the invention of certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects, so this is equally true for the inventive method. The same applies in the reverse manner, so that all aspects and variants which have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention can equally relate to or be part of the packaging module according to the invention. Therefore, if at some point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention of certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects is mentioned, this applies equally to the packaging module according to the invention.

• 1 zeigt eine erste schematische Darstellung eines Verpackungsmoduls.
• 2 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Folieneinschlagvorrichtung.
• 3 zeigt eine erste seitliche Darstellung einer Folieneinschlagvorrichtung.
• 4 zeigt eine zweite seitliche Darstellung einiger Komponenten einer Folieneinschlagvorrichtung.
• 5 zeigt eine Detailansicht.
• 6 zeigt eine Ansicht einer Folieneinschlagvorrichtung von vorn.
• 7 zeigt eine Ansicht einer Folieneinschlagvorrichtung von hinten.

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

• 1 shows a first schematic representation of a packaging module.
• 2 shows a perspective view of a film wrapping device.
• 3 shows a first side view of a film wrapping device.
• 4 shows a second side view of some components of a film wrapping device.
• 5 shows a detailed view.
• 6 shows a view of a film wrapping device from the front.
• 7 shows a view of a film wrapping device from behind.

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

The 1 shows a first schematic representation of a packaging module according to the invention 1 with a film wrapping device 100 , The 2 to 7 show different views or individual components of such a film wrapping device 100 , The packaging module 1 serves the packaging and wrapping of article groups 2 with a packaging film or with a heat shrinkable film 10 or with a heat shrinkable film blank 7 , An article group to be packed 2 each includes a plurality of through the film 10 or the foil blank 7 to a container 4 articles to be summarized 3 that the packaging module 1 lying or standing in transport direction TR via a horizontal conveyor 5 For example, an endless conveyor 6 be supplied. At the articles 3 they may preferably be beverage containers, for example bottles or cans.

In the packaging module 1 becomes that of a film roll 8th unrolled foil 10 via a foil store 9 , For example, a so-called dancer, as continuous film web to a deflection 11 with a foil cutting device integrated therein 12 and from there to one of the film cutter 12 downstream film transport and feeding device 13 for the promotion of cut-to-size foil blanks 7 to the film wrapping device 100 guided. The foil section or foil blank 7 will be at a transfer point 40 located just below a transport plane TE the horizontal conveyor 5 located, to the funding 17 the film wrapping device 100 pass, with the incoming article group 2 in the entry region of the film wrapping device 100 at least partially on an end portion of the film blank 7 is arranged.

The cut to length and in foil blanks 7 divided foil 10 will be at the delivery point 40 from below through a gap (not shown) between the feeding horizontal conveyor 5 and the funding 17 the film wrapping device 100 supplied obliquely upwards and within the film wrapping module 100 during the continuous transport of the article groups to be handled 2 beaten by these. The film wrapping module 100 has circumferential turning bars 18 on, the side of endless circulating traction means 14 are guided, for example, in each case in a guide slot 15 guided chains 16 (see 2 ).

The foil cut 7 becomes during the wrapping and wrapping process by a Einschlagstab 18 clamped and / or guided and around the article group 2 wrapped around. The wrapped article group 2 , which now also as a container 4 is referred to, is then in the transport direction TR other processing devices, such as a shrink tunnel (not shown) supplied. Preferably, with the foil blank 7 wrapped article groups 2 in a packaging module 1 downstream shrink tunnel at least as far as warmed up, that the film 7 by a shrinking process around the wrapped article 3 stressed.

The film wrapping device 100 has at least one first guide element 20 on, with which the respective, already partly around the article group 2 wrapped foil blank 7 in the direction of the article 3 is pressed. It should if possible between the articles 3 and the foil blank 7 be pushed out air. The guiding element 20 is for example by a so-called first hold-down belt 21 formed, which together with the traction means 14 according to the dimensions of the article group to be edited 2 preferably height adjustable. The first hold-down belt 21 is above the transport level TE for the article groups 2 arranged and preferably extends through the film wrapping device 100 through parallel to the transport direction TR , During the film cutting 7 by means of the impact bar 18 around the article group 2 is wound, pushes the first hold-down belt 21 the foil blank 7 on the impact bar 18 and / or on the articles 2 and leads the foil blank 7 thus additionally and prevents the foil blank 7 on lifting or flapping or puffing. When the rear portion of the film blank 7 at the end of the winding process of the impact bar 18 falls down and around the article group 2 often puts some air between the film blank 7 and article group 2 including. In addition, the film blank 7 in this area no longer by the impact bar 18 and / or the first hold-down belt 21 held and / or managed.

In this outlet area 19 the film wrapping device 100 For this reason, at least one second guide element 22 provided that in particular above the transport plane TE is arranged hanging. The second guiding element 22 is by at least two in the transport direction with or behind each other and / or with or without lateral offset to each other arranged second hold-down straps 23 educated. Preferably, at least two hold-down straps 23a . 23b different length in the transport direction TR arranged directly adjacent to each other (cf. 2 ). In particular, the longer hold-down belt 23b in the transport direction TR behind the shorter hold-down belt 23a arranged. Due to the different lengths, the hold-down straps end 23a . 23b each at different heights above the transport plane TE and there is a gradation. The hold-down straps 23a . 23b clap one after the other to the article group 2 no longer wrapping by the impact bar 18 guided film section 7 , In this way, air is removed from the container 4 beaten and the foil section 7 gets clean around the article group 2 wound.

The at least one second guide element 22 can, as for example in the 4 and 5 is shown, at least partially by an extension of the first guide element 21 be formed. The first guiding element 21 is for example between two transversely to the transport direction TR above the transport level TE arranged frame elements 25 . 26 attached. In particular, the frame elements 25 . 26 above the guide 15 of the pulling means 14 formed or arranged, wherein the first frame element 25 in the inlet region of the film wrapping device 100 and thus in the transport direction TR before in the outlet region of the film wrapping device 100 arranged second frame element 26 is arranged ( 2 ). The first hold-down belt 21 is preferably suspended between the two frame members 25 . 26 arranged.

As in particular in 2 clearly visible, is at least an upper portion of the guide slot 15 and the two frame elements 25 . 26 Part of an upper base frame 24 , in particular height-adjustable relative to the transport plane TE is formed, for example, perpendicular to the transport plane TE on the side of the conveyor 17 arranged telescopic holding elements 30 , For a product-specific adaptation of the guide slot 15 , in particular in height, the first and second guide elements are thus automatically adjusted.

In particular, one of the two second hold-down straps 23a or 23b an extension of the first hold-down belt 21 represent. The hold-down belt 21 is about a fastener 32 on the second, rear frame element 26 in the outlet area of the film wrapping device 100 fixed, in particular such that a free end region now as a second guide element 22 largely hanging vertically down. In addition, on the fastener 32 at least one further down-hanging second hold-down belt 23 attached.

According to another embodiment, not shown here, the at least two second guide elements 23 also in the transport direction TR be arranged at least slightly spaced one behind the other. Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least two second guide element 23 are arranged with lateral offset to each other. In this case, an arrangement next to each other or partially overlapping side would be conceivable.

In the 2 illustrated embodiment of a film wrapping device 100 with two first and two second guide elements 20 . 22 is for example for the two-lane transport of article groups 2 suitable. However, it can also be extremely broad article groups 2 with a suitable foil blank 7 are summarized, wherein in each case both first and second guide element 20 . 22 on the wide article group 2 and the respective foil blank 7 Act.

Furthermore, it can be provided that during a product change further first and second guide element 20 . 22 at the film wrapping device 100 can be arranged and fixed in a suitable position, in particular via an easy-to-use shutter mechanism, for example via suitable clamping means or the like. In addition, it can be provided that the first and / or second guide element 20 . 22 transverse to the transport direction TR adjustable, so that an optimal adjustment to the respective products to be processed is possible.

The embodiments, examples and variations of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments as long as the features are not inconsistent. The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims. It is possible to apply some of the components or features of one of the examples in combination with features or components of another example.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

packaging module

2

Product group

3

items

4

container

5

Horizontal conveyor

6

endless conveyor

7

Foil blank, foil section

8th

film roll

9

film storage

10

foil

11

redirection

12

Foil cutter

13

Film transport and feeding device

14

traction means

15

guide link

16

Chain

17

funding

18

wrapping rod

19

discharge area

20

first guiding element

21

first hold-down belt

22

second guide element

23

second hold-down belt

23a

second hold-down belt

23b

second hold-down belt

24

base frame

25

frame element

26

frame element

30

retaining element

32

fastener

40

Transfer point

100

Film wrapping device

TE

transport plane

TR

transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• US 3791100 A [0003]
• EP 2452883 B1 [0004]
• WO 2014202308 A1 [0005]

Claims (11)

Packaging module (1) for packaging and / or under heating shrinkable film (10) to be wrapped article groups (2) transported in the direction of a packaging station and in the transport direction (TR) by means of a film wrapping device (100) with a film section (7) defined Length be enveloped, wherein the film wrapping device (100) at least one transverse to the transport direction (TR) extending striker (18) on which the film portion (7) during the wrapping and wrapping operation is guided and / or clamped, at least a first guide device (20) for limiting a movement space for the film section guided and / or held by the impact bar above a transport plane (TE) for the article groups (2) in the transport direction (TR) at least partially through the film wrapping device (100), and wherein an exit area of the film wrapping device (100) at least s a second guide device (22) for limiting a movement space for the slide rod (18) guided and / or held foil portion (7) and / or for limiting a movement space for the the striking rod (18) in the direction of impact, already at an upper side of the The at least one second guide (22) at least two in the transport direction (TR) with or without spacing behind each other and / or with or without lateral offset comprises guide elements (23) arranged to each other. Packaging module (1) according to Claim 1 in which the at least two guide elements (23) are arranged suspended above the transport plane (TE) for the article groups (2). Packaging module (1) according to Claim 2 in which the at least two guide elements (23) are designed and / or arranged such that they end at different heights above the transport plane (TE) for the article groups (2). Packaging module (1) according to Claim 3 in which the at least two guide elements (23) have different lengths. Packaging module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one second guide device (22) is arranged in alignment with a first guide device (20), and / or at least one of the at least two guide elements (23) of the second guide device (22). an extension of the first guide (20). Packaging module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first guide device (20) and / or the at least one second guide device (22) is / are each formed by a belt, a belt-like material or a band. Packaging module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first guide device (20) is arranged between an entry region of the film wrapping device (100) and the exit region of the film wrapping device (100) so as to hang centrally above the transport plane (TE) for the article groups (2) , Packaging module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first guide device (20) and / or the at least one second guide device (22) transversely to the transport direction (TR) are adjustable, in particular a position of the at least one first guide (20) and / or the at least one second guide (22) is adjustable transversely to the transport direction (TR) by means of an adjusting and / or changing mechanism. Packaging module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second guide (22) is associated with a drive for actively driving the at least two guide elements (23). Packaging module (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 in which at least the second guide device (22) is associated with a vibration generator for initiating a regular deflection transversely to the longitudinal direction of a hanging section of the second guide device (22), in particular wherein the vibration generator comprises a rotating excitation means. Method for wrapping article groups (2) with packaging and / or under heat shrinkable film (10), wherein the article groups (2) transported in the direction of a packaging station and in the transport direction (TR) by means of a film wrapping device (100) with a film section (7 The film section (7) is guided and / or clamped during the wrapping and wrapping process, wherein a region of the film section (7) arranged above the article group (2) is defined by a transport plane above (TE) the article groups (2) in the transport direction (TR) through the film wrapping device (100) extending first guide (20) is limited in its movement space, and wherein a portion of the film section (7) on a leading in the transport direction (TR) side of the article group (2 ) from above and / or opposite to the transport direction at least one second guide (22) is limited in its movement space, wherein the at least one second guide (22) at least two in the transport direction (TR) with or behind one another and / or with or without lateral offset to each other arranged guide elements (23).

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