DE202018101615U1 - Device for applying shrink sleeves to containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for attaching shrink sleeves (3) to container (2), with
a conveyor (4) for transporting the containers (2),
- One on the conveyor (4) arranged labeling unit (5) for separating a label tube (6) in the shrink sleeves (3) and for attaching the singulated shrink sleeves (3) on the container (2), and
- with a pre-shrinking device (7) arranged at the conveyor (4) downstream of the labeling unit (5) with at least one heating element (71a, 71b), around the shrink sleeves (3) on the containers (2) for transfer to a downstream one Shrinking device to fix at a desired position (P), characterized in that the Vorschrumpfeinrichtung (7) comprises at least one motor-adjustable linear unit (72) by a distance (A _1, A ₂ ) of the at least one heating element (71 a, 71 b) opposite to the containers (2) to set a plurality of distance positions.

Description

The invention relates to a device for applying shrink sleeves to containers having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Usually, with such devices shrink sleeves are applied to containers as labels to mark their content and / or to advertise. For this purpose, the containers are transported by a conveyor to a labeling unit arranged thereon, on which the shrink sleeves are shot onto the containers. Since some types of shrink sleeves do not cover the container down to the container bottom, they first pass through a pre-shrink device with at least one heating element to fix it to a desired position on the container. Subsequently, the containers are conveyed to a heating tunnel to shrink the prefixed shrink sleeves to a final state.

For example, is from the EP 2 801 535 A2 a device for applying shrink sleeves to containers with a switchable heater known to heat the shrink sleeves in front of the heating tunnel by means of a hot air nozzle to a pre-shrink temperature.

In the known devices has proved to be disadvantageous that it may occasionally happen that the shrink sleeves burn partially or not obtain sufficient fixation on the container.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for applying shrink sleeves to containers, which ensures a more reliable pre-shrinkage, without the shrink sleeves burning in the process.

To solve the problem, the invention provides a device for applying shrink sleeves to containers having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are mentioned in the subclaims.

Extensive research has shown that the shrink sleeves linger too long at a low container throughput at the prescrubber and thus more easily overheat. On the other hand, the shrink sleeves can not be preheated sufficiently long at a high container throughput, so that they are then sometimes not sufficiently fixed to individual containers.

Due to the fact that in the device according to the invention the pre-shrinking device comprises the at least one motor-adjustable linear unit in order to set the distance of the at least one heating element from the containers to a plurality of distance positions, it is possible to steplessly change the heat effect on the shrinking sleeves. Consequently, therefore, the distance can be increased at a low container throughput or reduced at a high container throughput, so that the effective heat input to the shrink sleeves during pre-shrinking allows reliable fixation.

The device can be arranged in a beverage processing plant. The device may be upstream or downstream of a bottling plant for dispensing a product into the containers. In particular, the device may be upstream or downstream of a bottling plant for plastic bottles. The containers may be intended to contain drinks, toiletries, pastes, chemical, biological and / or pharmaceutical products. The containers may be bottles, preferably made of plastic or glass.

The transporter can preferably be designed as a linear transporter. It is also conceivable that the feed dog is designed as a carousel. The linear transporter may include a conveyor to transport the containers upright thereon. Preferably, the linear transporter can be adapted to transport the containers after the apparatus for attaching the shrink sleeves to other treatment stations, for example to a packaging machine.

The labeling can be designed to unfold the label tube, to singulate in the shrink sleeves and / or shoot the occasional shrink sleeves on the container. The label tube can be formed with perforations that limit the individual shrink sleeves. This makes it easier to separate the shrink sleeves in the labeling unit by tearing them off.

The pre-shrinking device can be designed to shrink the shrink sleeves so that they adhere to the containers in the desired position. In particular, the pre-shrinking device can be designed to shrink the shrink sleeves only partially and / or locally. In other words, the pre-shrinker may not be configured to shrink the shrink sleeves to their final shape on the containers. For this purpose, the prescrubbing device may comprise hot air nozzles, which are arranged such that only one or more subregions of the shrink sleeves are heated with a stream of hot air in such a way that they shrink. In particular, the pre-shrinking device may be configured to heat one or more portions of the shrink sleeves to a pre-shrink temperature, for example in a temperature range of 60 ° C-120 ° C, preferably 70 ° C-110 ° C. The exit temperature of the hot air stream from the hot air nozzles may be in a range of 400 ° C - 800 ° C.

A shrinking device may preferably be arranged downstream of the pre-shrinking device in order to shrink the shrinking sleeves to their final shape. The feed dog and / or another feed dog can be designed to transport the containers from the pre-shrinking device to the shrinking device. In particular, the shrinking device may be formed as a heating tunnel. As a result, the shrink sleeves can be shrunk particularly evenly into their final shape.

A positioning device may be arranged between the labeling unit and the pre-shrinking device in order to position the shrinking sleeves in the desired position during transport to the containers. The positioning device may include two transport belts for acting on opposite sides of the conveyor on the shrink sleeves for positioning. At the end of the positioning device, the pre-shrinking device can be arranged to fix the shrink sleeves after positioning at the desired position.

"Motorically adjustable linear unit" can mean here that the linear unit comprises an electric drive. The drive may be, for example, a servo or stepper motor. As a result, the distance positions are almost infinitely or continuously adjustable. In other words, the at least one motor-adjustable linear unit can be designed to adjust the distance of the at least one heating element from the containers in at least three, preferably at least ten, more preferably at least 100 stages. By "distance" may here be meant a distance transverse to a transport direction of the conveyor. Preferably, the distance between a container longitudinal axis or a container surface and a hot air nozzle of the at least one heating element may be meant. By "in at least three stages, preferably in at least ten, further preferably to be adjusted in at least 100 stages" may here be meant that the motor-adjustable linear unit is formed to the respective distance position movable and lockable. For example, the motor-adjustable linear unit by detent positions of a stepper motor or by a control of a servo motor due to an encoder signal to the respective distance position can be designed to be movable and lockable. It is also conceivable that the motor-adjustable linear unit comprises a mechanical locking mechanism in order to lock it manually or automatically at the respective distance position, for example a clamping mechanism.

In particular, the motor-adjustable linear unit may comprise one or more guide rails and a carriage arranged thereon in order to move the at least one heating element along the guide rail to the drive.

The device may comprise a control unit for controlling the feed dog, the labeling unit and / or the pre-shrinking device. The control unit can be designed in particular as a digital machine control. Preferably, the control unit may be configured to control the at least one motor-adjustable linear unit to adjust the distance positions.

The at least one motor-adjustable linear unit can be designed by means of a controllable drive to set the distance positions automatically. Thereby, the distance can be adjusted automatically by means of the control unit, for example due to a variety setting of the container.

The at least one motor-adjustable linear unit can be arranged such that the at least one heating element is movable transversely or obliquely to a transport direction of the conveyor. As a result, the shrink sleeves are particularly easy pre-shrunk during transport.

The at least one motor-adjustable linear unit may comprise one or more linear motors. In other words, the controllable drive can be designed as a linear motor. Consequently, therefore, the motor-adjustable linear unit can be implemented with known drive elements, which are controlled by means of the control unit.

The at least one motor-adjustable linear unit can comprise a double-slide linear motor with which two heating elements can be moved independently of one another transversely or obliquely to a transport direction of the conveyor. As a result, the motor-adjustable linear unit for the two heating elements can be constructed with even less effort. By "double slide design" may be meant here that the linear motor comprises a continuous linear guide, along which two separately adjustable carriages are arranged. In particular, the two heating elements may each be separate with another of the two be connected adjustable slide. Preferably, the continuous linear guide can be formed with the long stator and the adjustable slide with permanent magnets to generate driving forces for adjusting the two adjustable slide. The continuous linear guide may comprise a guide rail for guiding the two adjustable carriages.

The at least one motor-adjustable linear unit may comprise a linear guide and a spindle drive. As a result, the motor-adjustable linear unit is self-locking, so that it can be de-energized when reaching the desired distance.

The pre-shrinking device may comprise at least two of the heating elements, which are arranged opposite each other on the conveyor. As a result, the containers need not be rotated on the pre-shrinking device in order to achieve a uniform fixation. In other words, the at least one heating element can be two heating elements, in particular exactly two heating elements. It is conceivable that the pre-shrinking device comprises at least four of the heating elements, which are arranged in pairs opposite each other on the conveyor.

The prescrubbing device may comprise at least one in particular infinitely adjustable height adjustment unit in order to adjust a position of the at least one heating element along a container longitudinal axis. As a result, the heating elements can also be adapted in height to the shape of the containers and / or the shrink sleeves. Consequently, the shrink sleeves can be shrunk even safer. For example, the at least one adjustable height adjustment unit can be arranged on the at least one motor-adjustable linear unit in order to enable both a distance and a height adjustment of the at least one heating element.

The at least one heating element may be designed as a hot air blower and / or comprise one or more hot air nozzles to lead to the environment heated air to the shrink sleeves.

• 1 ein erfindungsgemäßes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung zum Anbringen von Schrumpf-Sleeves auf Behältern in einer seitlichen Ansicht quer zur Transportrichtung des Transporteurs; und
• 2 die Vorschrumpfeinrichtung der Vorrichtung aus der 1 als Detailansicht längst zur Transportrichtung des Transporteurs.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. Showing:

• 1 an inventive embodiment of an apparatus for applying shrink sleeves on containers in a lateral view transverse to the transport direction of the conveyor; and
• 2 the pre-shrink device of the device from the 1 as a detail view long ago to the transport direction of the transporter.

In the 1 is an inventive embodiment of the device 1 for attaching shrink sleeves 3 on the containers 2 in a lateral view transversely to the transport direction T of the carrier 4 shown.

It can be seen that the transporter 4 is designed as a linear conveyor with a conveyor belt to the container 2 for the labeling unit arranged thereon 5 , the positioning device 8th and to the pre-shrinking device 7 to transport. Not shown here downstream (ie in the transport direction T after) the pre-shrinking device 7 a shrinking device, in particular a heating tunnel be arranged to shrink the shrink sleeves in their final form.

The labeling units 5 is above the transporter 4 arranged the shrink sleeves 3 from above onto the containers 2 to shoot or to evert. It includes a stock of the label tube not shown here in detail 6 For example, one or more coils, an intermediate buffer and / or a plurality of pulleys 52 - 54 to the label tube 6 to the singling unit 51 to promote. The singling unit 51 is designed to handle the label tube 6 unfold it and put it in the shrink sleeves 3 to separate. For example, the label tube 6 Not shown here perforations include the shrink sleeves 3 limit and that of the singling unit 51 can be separated by pulling apart. Preferably, the singulation unit 51 Roller pairs include those with which the shrink sleeves 3 down on the containers 2 to be shot.

Next is at the conveyor 4 following the labeling unit 5 the positioning device 8th arranged. It includes two transport belts 81 Opposite to the transporter 4 are arranged so that they are the shrink sleeves 3 grip and during transportation to the desired position P down. These are the two transport belts 81 with several roles 81 - 85 guided so that they initially run obliquely downward and then parallel to the transport direction T. In the 1 For clarity, only one side of the positioning device 8th with only one of the transport belts 81 to see.

Downstream of the labeling unit 5 and the positioning device 8th is further only schematically the Vorschrumpfeinrichtung 7 to see with the the shrink sleeves 3 on the containers 2 for a transfer to the downstream shrinking device (not shown here) are fixed to the desired position.

In the 2 is the pre-shrinking device 7 from the 1 as a detail view long ago to the transport direction T of the transporter 4 shown.

It can be seen that the container 2 straight on the conveyor 4 is transported in the transport direction T while the Vorschrumpfeinrichtung 7 goes through to the shrink sleeves 3 at the target position P to fix.

The pre-shrinking device 7 includes the two heating elements 71a . 71b transverse to the direction of transport T and opposite each other on the conveyor 7 are arranged. The two heating elements 71a . 71b are here, for example, designed as a hot air blower with hot air nozzles to a hot air flow against a portion of the shrink sleeves 3 to blow and thereby partially shrinking them. As a result, the shrink sleeves 3 fixed at the desired position P, so that they can be reliably transported to a downstream shrinking device (not shown here).

You can also see that the heating elements 71a . 71b to the container 2 the distances A _1, A ₂ have to allow a certain distribution of the hot air flow. However, it is necessary to keep the distances A _1, A ₂ depending on container types and the conveying capacity of the carrier 4 change to burn the shrink sleeves 3 or to avoid insufficient fixation.

This includes the pre-shrinking device 7 the motor-adjustable linear unit 72 to the distances A _1, A ₂ the two heating elements 71a . 71b opposite the containers 2 to set to several distance positions. The motor-adjustable linear unit 72 is formed in the embodiment as a linear motor in double slide design. In the double slide version is the motor-adjustable linear unit 72 continuously from one side to the opposite side of the conveyor 4 with a guide rail 72d and a longstator 72a formed, on which the two carriages 72b . 72c are arranged movable. You can by a suitable control of the coil elements in the long stator 72a in the directions D ₁ . D ₂ be moved steplessly. The control of the motor-adjustable linear unit 72 takes place here, for example, electronically via a control unit, not shown. Due to the double slide version, the motorized adjustable linear unit 72 particularly simple and compact and the distances A _1, A ₂ can still be adjusted continuously. At the respective position are the carriages 72b . 72c controlled by encoder signals and the control unit so that the positions are held. This is along the long stator 72a an encoder arranged. It is also conceivable that a locking mechanism is provided to the carriage 72b . 72c to lock, for example, by clamping at the approached position.

It is also conceivable, however, that the prescrubber 72 completely separate, motor-adjustable linear units comprises the distances A _1, A ₂ to adjust, for example, each comprising a linear guide and a spindle drive.

In addition, it can be seen that on the sled 72b . 72b one adjustable height adjustment unit each 73a . 73b is arranged to the position H ₁ . H ₂ the two heating elements 71a . 71b to adjust along the container longitudinal axis L. For example, the height adjustment units 73a . 73b designed as columns with adjustable clamping elements to the positions H ₁ . H ₂ to adjust manually. It is also conceivable that the height adjustment units 73a . 73b each comprise a linear drive to the position H ₁ . H ₂ automatically adjusted by means of the control unit, for example due to a variety setting of the container. It is understood, however, that the embodiment according to the invention of the pre-shrinking device 7 even without the two height adjustment units 73a . 73b is possible.

Because of that in the device 1 the pre-shrinking device 7 the motor-adjustable linear unit 72 includes to the distances A _1, A ₂ the two heating elements 71a . 71b opposite the containers 2 It is possible to adjust the heat effect on the shrink sleeves on several distance positions 3 to change. Consequently, therefore, the distances A _1, A ₂ be increased at a low container throughput or reduced at a high container throughput, so that the effective heat input to the shrink sleeves 3 allows a reliable fixation during pre-shrinking. In addition, through the height adjustment units 73a 73b the positions H ₁ . H ₂ the heating elements 71a . 71b be adapted more closely to the shape of the respective container type. Consequently, a reliable pre-shrinkage of the shrink sleeves 3 guaranteed.

It is understood that in the embodiment described above mentioned features are not limited to this combination of features, but also individual or in any combination possible.

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

• EP 2801535 A2 [0003]

Claims (9)

Device (1) for attaching shrink sleeves (3) to containers (2), comprising - a conveyor (4) for transporting the containers (2), - a labeling unit (5) arranged on the conveyor (4) for separating a Label tube (6) in the shrink sleeves (3) and for attaching the singulated shrink sleeves (3) on the container (2), and - with a on the conveyor (4) downstream of the Etikettieraggregats (5) arranged pre-shrink device (7 ) with at least one heating element (71a, 71b) for fixing the shrink sleeves (3) to the containers (2) for transfer to a downstream shrinking device at a desired position (P), characterized in that the pre-shrinking device ( 7) comprises at least one motor-adjustable linear unit (72) to set a distance (A _1, A ₂ ) of the at least one heating element (71a, 71b) relative to the containers (2) to a plurality of distance positions. Device (1) according to Claim 1 wherein the at least one motor-adjustable linear unit (72) is designed by means of a controllable drive to adjust the distance positions automatically. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 or 2 , wherein the at least one motor-adjustable linear unit (72) is arranged such that the at least one heating element (71a, 71b) transversely or obliquely to a transport direction (T) of the conveyor (4) is movable. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one motor-adjustable linear unit (72) comprises one or more linear motors. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one motor-adjustable linear unit (72) comprises a double-slide linear motor, with which two heating elements (71a, 71b) are arranged transversely or obliquely to a transport direction (T) of the transporter (4 ) are movable. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 - 3 wherein the at least one motor-adjustable linear unit (72) comprises a linear guide and a spindle drive. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-shrinking device (7) comprises at least two of the heating elements (71a, 71b), which are arranged opposite each other on the feed dog (7). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-shrinking device (7) comprises at least one in particular infinitely variable height adjustment (73a, 73b) to a position (H ₁ , H ₂ ) of the at least one heating element (71 a, 71 b) along a Adjust the tank longitudinal axis (L). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one heating element (71a, 71b) is designed as a hot air blower and / or one or more hot air nozzles to blow to the environment heated air to the shrink sleeves.

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