WO2018157996A1 - Device for forming bundles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for forming bundles comprising multiple packaging units by shrink-wrapping with a sheetlike material, comprising a first transport device (3) which extends in the region of a shrink-wrapping unit (2), a second transport device (4) which follows the first transport device (3) in a transport direction (TR), and an intermediate transporter (5) arranged between the first and second transport devices (3, 4), characterized in that a maintenance mechanism (6) is provided by means of which the intermediate transporter (5) can be moved from a working position into a maintenance position and from the maintenance position back into the working position.

Description

 Device for forming containers

The invention relates to an apparatus for forming containers comprising a plurality of packaging units by shrinking a sheet material and a method for exchanging at least one conveyor belt for an intermediate conveyor of such a device.

When packaging individual packaging units (for example, cans, bottles, etc.), these are often combined to form a container. In order to increase the stability of such a container, it is known to loosely wrap these containers initially with a pre-stretched film (shrink film), and then apply this film in a so-called shrink tunnel with hot air or hot combustion gases, so that the pre-stretched film contracts, whereby the containers of the container are pressed against each other and thus the container is stabilized as a whole.

The shrinking of the film takes place in a shrinking device, which has a shrinking unit, which is preferably designed as a shrink tunnel. The bundles wrapped in foil are transported on conveyors / conveyor belts up to the shrink tunnel and also transported away from the shrink tunnel again. In the shrink tunnel, for example, the container is charged with a hot gas in order to cause the shrinkage of the film. Due to the high temperature loads within the shrink tunnel, the packages within the shrink tunnel are often moved by means of a metal belt conveyor (i.e., a metal member transport member). This Metallgliedergurt example runs over two deflections and thus forms an endless loop.

It is essential that these metal straps have a relatively large Mindestumlenkradius compared to ribbon-like transport elements. This large Mindestumlenkradius is of considerable disadvantage, since there are no special measures at the junctions between the Metallgliedergurt and the leading or subsequent transporters large transitions, which interfere with a uniform transport.

Such a transition is of great disadvantage, in particular after the shrink tunnel, since the packages are still warm and thus (too) flexible immediately after leaving the shrink tunnel. The still warm container can thus move even with slight shocks against each other, whereby the formation of a dimensionally stable container prevents, but is at least disturbed.

As a solution, intermediate transporters in the form of so-called tunnel discharge belts are known. These intermediate transporters are occupied by one or more conveyor belts, which have a very small minimum deflection radius. As a rule, these conveyor belts consist of a plastic material. The intermediate feed dog is arranged between two transport means with a large minimum deflection radius, whereby the large gap in the transport surface is replaced by two small gaps, which leads to a more uniform transport of the containers and thus also to less rejects.

Since existing from a plastic material conveyor belts of the tunnel outlet conveyor are subject to permanent wear, they must be replaced regularly. In devices according to the prior art, this is time-consuming and therefore expensive due to the overall construction of such systems.

Proceeding from this, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for forming containers comprising several packaging units by shrinking a flat material, which is improved in terms of maintainability.

The object is achieved by a device according to the features of independent claim 1. A method for exchanging at least one Conveyor belt on an intermediate conveyor, which is provided in a device for forming containers comprising several packaging units by shrinking a flat material, is the subject of the independent patent claim 15.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for forming containers comprising a plurality of packaging units by shrinking a sheet material. The device comprises a first transport device running in the region of a shrinking unit, a second transporting device following the first transporting device in the transporting direction and an intermediate transporting device arranged between the first and second transporting device. The device is characterized in that a maintenance mechanism is provided, by means of which the intermediate feed dog can be moved from a working position into a maintenance position and out of the maintenance position back into the working position.

The essential advantage of the device is that the maintenance mechanics makes possible a facilitated, time-saving and thus more cost-effective maintenance of the intermediate transporter, in particular a facilitated and time-saving replacement of the at least one conveyor belt of the intermediate transporter, since the intermediate transporter can be moved by the maintenance mechanism, for example by a single person performing the maintenance / repair. According to one embodiment, the maintenance mechanism is designed for lifting and / or lowering the intermediate transporter. This allows the intermediate conveyor, for example, in a maintenance position above the

Transport level are raised to make the maintenance of the same. According to one embodiment, the maintenance mechanism is for lateral

Moving out of the intermediate transporter in a direction transverse to

Transport direction formed. This allows the intermediate conveyor from the between the first and second transport unit formed gap are moved out into the maintenance position and repaired there.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the maintenance mechanism for pivoting the intermediate transporter about an axis is formed parallel or substantially parallel to the transport direction. For example, the maintenance mechanism may be configured to move the intermediate conveyor from a horizontal position to an inclined or vertical position to perform the repair. It is understood that combinations of above-described movements are possible, for example, a combined sliding pivoting movement or a combined stroke-pivoting movement.

According to one embodiment, the maintenance mechanism forms an integral part of the device. In other words, the maintenance mechanism is not an external component that is introduced into the device for maintenance purposes, but the maintenance mechanism is integrated into the device. For example, this may be arranged on a machine frame to move the intermediate conveyor carried by this machine frame.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the maintenance mechanism has at least two cables which are arranged at a distance from one another. These cables can, for example, at the free ends hook, snap hook or similar. to be connected to corresponding Einhänggestellen on the intermediate conveyor. As a result, the intermediate feed dog can be moved in a technically simple manner.

According to one embodiment, a first cable is provided above a first end of the intermediate conveyor and a second cable above a second end of the intermediate conveyor. This allows the

Intermediate feed dog each freiendseitig connected to the cables and moved. According to one embodiment, the cables are arranged on a common shaft and can be changed over this in their length, in particular by rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis. As a result, the cables can be wound on the shaft or unwound from this to move the intermediate conveyor.

According to one embodiment, the maintenance mechanism is manually operable. As a result, a technically simple and cost-effective maintenance mechanism can be achieved.

For example, a deflection gear for actuating the maintenance mechanism is provided. On the one hand, this deflection gear can be designed to achieve a force-saving actuation of the maintenance mechanism by means of a suitable reduction gear. On the other hand, the reversing gear actuation of the

Allow maintenance mechanics at a location which is spaced from the cable having the cables.

According to a further embodiment, the maintenance mechanism is driven by a motor. As a result, a simplification of the maintenance work can be achieved.

According to a further embodiment, a securing device for preventing the undesired operation of the maintenance mechanism and / or for securing the Zwischentransporteurs provided in the maintenance position. The security device may be a mechanical and / or automated (e.g.

electrical or electronic) safety device. This allows a high reliability of the maintenance mechanism can be achieved.

According to a further embodiment, the intermediate feed dog has a T-shaped or substantially T-shaped cross-sectional shape or a downwardly tapering cross-sectional shape. As a result, the intermediate feed dog adapts in an improved manner to the gap formed between two deflection units of the first and second transport means and thus enables as free as possible a runout of the containers from the shrink tunnel. According to a further embodiment, the length of the intermediate transporter running in the transport direction is smaller than the length of the first and / or second transporter running in the transport direction. This ensures that the intermediate feed has a small size and thus is easy to handle especially for maintenance purposes.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for exchanging at least one conveyor belt on an intermediate conveyor for a device for forming containers comprising several packaging units by shrinking a flat material, wherein the device comprises a first transport device extending in the region of a shrinking unit, one onto the first transport device in the transport direction, the following second transport means comprises and the intermediate feed dog is arranged between the first and second transport means. The method has the following steps:

 - Moving the Zwischentransporteurs from a working position to a maintenance position by means of a maintenance mechanism of the device;

 - changing or repairing the at least one conveyor belt;

 - Moving back of the intermediate transporter from the maintenance position to the working position by means of the maintenance mechanism.

"Packages" in the sense of the invention are understood to mean any summaries of products with the purpose of joint handling, in particular logistic handling.

For the purposes of the invention, "sheet-like material" means any material that shrinks due to exposure to the medium, in particular exposure to heat, and thus can result in holding several packaging units together in one container , Cardboard packaging etc. The expression "essentially" or "approximately" in the sense of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function. Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1 by way of example and schematically a shrinking device with a first and second transport means and arranged therebetween

 Intermediate conveyor in a perspective view; 2 shows by way of example and schematically the shrinking device according to FIG. 1 in a lateral view;

Fig. 3 by way of example and schematically a first embodiment of a

 Mobility of the intermediate transporter of the invention

 Shrinking device;

4 shows an example and schematically a second embodiment of a

 Mobility of the intermediate transporter of the invention

 Shrinking device; exemplary and schematically a third embodiment of a

 Mobility of the intermediate transporter of the invention

Shrinking device; Fig. 6 by way of example and schematically a maintenance mechanism for

 Raising / lowering the intermediate transporter in a perspective view;

Fig. 7 by way of example and schematically the maintenance mechanism for

 Raising / lowering the intermediate transporter in a perspective sectional view in the region of the shaft; 8 shows by way of example and schematically the maintenance mechanism for

 Raising / lowering of the intermediate transporter in a perspective sectional view in the region of the deflection shaft.

1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes, by way of example and schematically, an apparatus for forming containers by shrinking a sheet material (hereinafter referred to as "shrinking apparatus".) A container may, for example, comprise a plurality of containers which are enveloped by a shrink film and through this shrink film are fixed relative to each other positionally.

The shrinking device 1 comprises a shrinking unit 2, which may be designed in particular as a shrink tunnel. In this shrinking unit 2, a packaging unit group formed from a plurality of packaging units, which is wrapped with a sheet material, in particular a shrink film, be subjected to heat, so that contracted by the heat, the sheet material and thereby the packaging units are pressed against each other and thus the container is stabilized overall. The application of heat can take place, for example, by applying hot air or a hot combustion gas.

In the region of the shrinking unit 2, a first transporting device 3, by means of which the packaging unit group to be subjected to heat is transported in a transporting direction TR through the shrinking unit 2, runs. During this Transporting the packaging unit group by the shrinking unit 2, the heat is applied. The transport device 3 may, for example, have an endlessly circulating conveying element, which, when deflected several times, forms a conveyor belt-like conveyor.

Due to the resulting in the shrinking unit 2 high temperatures, which may be in the range of 70 ° C to 100 ° C, in particular in the range of 85 ° C to 95 ° C, the transport device 3 preferably has at least one conveying element comprising a temperature resistant belt 3.1 on. The belt buckle 3.1 may in particular be a metal belt strap. The belt buckle 3.1 is deflected at a deflection unit 3.2, to form a loop.

For discharging the containers transported by the shrinking unit 2, a second transporting device 4 is provided which follows the first transporting device 3 in the transporting direction TR. This second transport device 4 may also have an endlessly circulating conveying element 4.1, which, when deflected several times, forms a conveyor belt-like conveyor.

Due to the use of a folding belt 3.1 in the transport device 3, the deflection unit 3.2 has a relatively large deflection radius. Because of this relatively large deflection radius, relatively large transitions would result between the first transport device 3 and the following second transport device 4, which would disturb a uniform transport of the containers. In particular, such a large transition after leaving the shrinking unit 2 is disadvantageous because the container is still warm immediately after leaving the shrinking unit 2 and thus the container is still deformable. In other words, the container after leaving the shrinking unit 2 is still flexible, so that the packaging units located in the container can still move against each other. As a result, the formation of a dimensionally stable container is prevented or significantly disturbed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to prevent a large transition between the first transporting device 3 and the second transporting device 4, an intermediate conveyer 5 is provided. This intermediate conveyor 5 is provided in the transition region between the transport device 3 and the second transport device 4 and formed in cross-section such that the resulting by the relatively large deflection unit 3.2 transition is largely completed. Between the intermediate feed dog 5 and the adjacent first and second transport means 3, 4 only a small slot-shaped gap is formed in each case. However, these slot-shaped gaps are negligible for the transport flow of the container, so that an undisturbed and the shape of the container not influencing container transport is ensured.

The intermediate feed dog 5 has, for example, a conveying length FL that is smaller than the conveying lengths of the first and second transporting devices 3, 4. In particular, the conveying length FL of the intermediate conveying track 5 is smaller than the width b of the first and second transporting devices 3, 4 or Intermediate conveyor 5. The intermediate conveyor 5 may have a cross-sectional shape adapted to the shape of the gap L existing between the first and second conveyor means 3, 4. In particular, the intermediate feed dog 5 on the upper side can form a transport plane which almost completely fills the gap existing in the transport plane and thus ensures as vibration-free a movement of the bundles as possible. The cross-sectional shape of the intermediate transporter 5 may in particular be selected such that it tapers downwards. For example, the intermediate feed dog 5 may be T-shaped or substantially T-shaped in cross-section. Furthermore, for example, the cross-section in the middle region by deflection rollers may be smaller than in an upper or lower and upper region of the cross section of the intermediate conveyor 5. The intermediate conveyor 5 may be at least one belt-like conveying element (hereinafter also referred to as conveyor belt 5.1) or more spaced apart, parallel mutually extending conveyor elements in the form of conveyor belts or Have conveyor belts. This conveyor / conveyor belts are subject to increased wear and must be changed regularly.

For personnel and time-saving replacement of the at least one conveyor belt, the shrinking device 1 has a maintenance mechanism 10, by means of which the intermediate feed dog 5 can be moved from a working position shown in Figures 1 and 2 to a maintenance position, in this maintenance position, the exchange or the Repair the at least one conveyor belt 5.1 to make.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show different possibilities as to how a maintenance mechanism 10 can move the intermediate feed dog 5 from a working position shown in the figures to a maintenance position. According to FIG. 3, the maintenance mechanism 10 can be designed to move the intermediate transporter 5 from the working position into a maintenance position. This shift may in particular be a lateral displacement, in which the intermediate conveyor 5 is displaced transversely, in particular perpendicular to the transport direction TR, in one direction. In this case, the intermediate feed dog 5 is moved out of the gap L formed between the first and second transport means 3, 4, so that this intermediate feed dog 5 is accessible for maintenance. For lateral displacement, the maintenance mechanism 10 may in particular comprise guide means. This guide means may be provided in particular on a machine frame of the shrinking device 1. For maintenance of the intermediate transporter 5 this can be connected to the maintenance mechanism 10 in order to then move it to the maintenance position can. Alternatively, it is possible that the intermediate feed dog 5 is permanently connected to the maintenance mechanism 10. This maintenance mechanism 10 can be designed, for example, to hold the intermediate feed dog 5 at least partially even in the working position.

Alternatively, the maintenance mechanism 10, as shown in Fig. 4, be designed for pivoting the Zwischentransporteurs 5. For example, the maintenance mechanism 10 can provide a pivot axis SA to which the Intermediate feed dog 5 is pivotable. The pivot axis SA can in particular run parallel or substantially parallel to the transport direction TR. The maintenance mechanism 10 may in particular be designed such that the intermediate feed dog 5 from a horizontal position (ie, the axes of the pulleys of Zwischentransporteurs 5 are horizontal or substantially horizontal) in an upright position, in particular a position in which the axes of the pulleys of Zwischentransporteurs 5 are vertically or substantially vertically aligned, is pivoted, so that the maintenance can be made. For this purpose, the maintenance mechanism 10 can in turn be provided on the machine frame of the shrinking device 1 or connected thereto. For maintenance of the intermediate transporter 5 this can be connected to the pivoting maintenance mechanism 10 or permanently, ie connected in the working position with this. 5 shows schematically an embodiment of the maintenance mechanism 10, in which the intermediate feed dog 5 is lifted by the maintenance mechanism 10. Alternatively, the maintenance mechanism can also be designed to lower the intermediate transporter. As a result, the intermediate feed dog 5 is raised or lowered from a plane in which the first and second transport means 3, 4 extend, in order to make it accessible for maintenance.

A maintenance mechanism 10 designed for raising / lowering will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. The maintenance mechanism 10 uses a cable mechanism for raising or lowering the intermediate transporter 5. For this purpose, the maintenance mechanism 10 at least two cables 1 1, 1 1 ', which are spaced from each other. The cables 1 1, 1 1 'can be provided in particular above the free ends 5 a, 5 b of the intermediate transporter 5, in order to be able to lift these in each case on the free end side. For actuating the cables 1 1, 1 1 ', a shaft 14 is provided which is rotatably supported on the machine frame of the shrinking device 1 is held. The shaft 14 is provided in particular on a frame part above the transport devices 3, 4 or the shrinking unit 2. On the shaft 14 are formed like a coil Aufwickeleinheiten 14.1, 14.2 provided on the rotation of the shaft 14, the rope of the cables 1 1, 1 1 'is wound up. In order to achieve an exact winding of the cables on the winding units 14.1, 14.2, cable guides 15 may be provided.

The maintenance mechanism 10 also has a deflection gear 12, which is in operative connection with the shaft 14. By means of the deflection gear 12, it is possible to put the shaft 14 at a position located below the axis of the shaft 14 in rotational movement. For example, the reversing gear 12 may have a vertically extending deflection shaft 12.1, which extends from the shaft 14 down to an actuating shaft 12.2. The deflection shaft 12.1 is, for example, with a gear transmission 12.3 with the shaft 14 in operative connection. In addition, for example, a further gear transmission 12.4 is provided by means of which the deflection shaft 12.1 is in operative connection with the actuating shaft 12.2. As a result, by means of actuation, in particular rotation of the actuating shaft 12.2, the shaft 14 can be set in rotary motion via the deflecting shaft 12.1 and thereby the cable reins 1, 11 'are wound up and unwound.

The maintenance mechanism 10 preferably has a securing device 13. By means of this securing device 13, it is in particular possible to secure the maintenance mechanism 10 in a specific position, for example in the maintenance position. In other words, the securing device 13 prevents the intermediate feed dog 5 from being moved unintentionally or undesirably by the maintenance mechanism 10.

Depending on the design of the maintenance mechanism 10 or depending on how the intermediate feed dog 5 is moved (turning, pivoting, raising, lowering or combinations thereof, etc.), the securing device 13 can be embodied differently. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing device 13 cooperates with the reversing gear 12 in order to achieve the securing effect. In more detail, the securing device 13 is formed in the illustrated embodiment bolt-like and has, for example, a safety pin 13.1 with a provided at the free end handling section 13.2. Of the Locking pin 13.1 is biased spring loaded in an inserted position, ie it is automatically held by a spring in a locking position. In the embodiment shown, the securing device 13 cooperates with the deflection shaft 12.1. At this deflection shaft 12.1, for example, a recess is provided, into which the securing bolt 13.1 can engage, so that the movement of the deflection shaft 12.1 and thus the entire maintenance mechanism 10 is blocked. In the event that the maintenance mechanism 10 is to be moved, the securing device 13 can be deactivated by pulling the locking pin 13.1 against the spring force. As a result, the securing bolt 13.1 is brought out of engagement with the recess so that the deflecting shaft 12.1 and thus the reversing gear 12 can be moved. It is understood that the previously described embodiment of the securing device 13 is merely an example and a plurality of mechanical or automated securing devices for use in a maintenance mechanism 10 is conceivable.

The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that a variety of changes or modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

The claims are made a part of the description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 shrinking device

2 shrinking unit

3 first transport device

3.1 Drawstring

 3.2 deflection unit

 4 second transport device

4.1 conveying element

5 intermediate conveyor

5a, 5b free end

 5.1 conveyor belt

10 Maintenance Mechanics

1 1, 1 1 'cable

 12 deflection gear

 12.1 deflection shaft

 12.2 Operating shaft

 12.3 gear transmission

 12.4 gear transmission

 13 safety device

13.1 Safety bolts

 13.2 handling section

14 wave

 14.1, 14.2 Winding units

 15 cable guide b width

 FL conveyor length

I length of the cable

L gap

 SA pivot axis

 TR transport direction

Claims

claims 1 . Device for forming a plurality of packaging units  Containers by shrinking a sheet material comprising a first transport device (3) extending in the region of a shrinking unit (2), a second transport device (4) following the first transport device (3) in the direction of transport (TR) and one between the first and second transport devices ( 3, 4) arranged with at least one conveyor belt (5.1), wherein a maintenance mechanism (10) is provided, by means of which the intermediate feed dog (5) from a working position to a maintenance position and from the maintenance position back into the  Working position is movable, wherein the maintenance position for replacement or repair of the at least one conveyor belt (5.1) of the  Zwischentransporteurs (5) is provided. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the  Maintenance mechanism (10) for raising and / or lowering the  Zwischentransporteurs is formed. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the  Maintenance mechanism (10) for laterally moving out of  Zwischentransporteurs is formed in a direction transverse to the transport direction (TR). 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the maintenance mechanism (10) for pivoting the Zwischentransporteurs (5) about an axis (SA) is formed parallel or substantially parallel to the transport direction (TR). 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the maintenance mechanism (10) forms an integral part of the device (1). 6. Vornchtung according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maintenance mechanism (10) at least two cables (1 1, 1 1 '), which are spaced from each other. 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that a first cable (1 1) above a first end of the Zwischentransporteurs (5) and a second cable (1 1 ') above a second end of the Zwischentransporteurs (5) is provided. 8. Device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the cables (1 1, 1 1 ') are arranged on a common shaft (12) and about this in their length (I) to be changed. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized  characterized in that the maintenance mechanism (10) is manually operable. 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized  characterized in that a deflection gear (12) for actuating the  Maintenance mechanism (10) is provided. 1 1. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the maintenance mechanism (10) is driven by a motor. 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized  in that a safety device (13) is provided for preventing the undesired actuation of the maintenance mechanism (10) and / or for securing the intermediate transporter (5) in the maintenance position. 13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized  in that the intermediate feed dog (5) has a T-shaped or substantially T-shaped cross-sectional shape or a downwardly tapering cross-sectional shape. 14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the in the transport direction (TR) extending length of the Zwischentransporteurs (5) is smaller than in the transport direction (TR) extending length of the first and / or second conveyor (3, 4). 15. A method of replacing or repairing at least one  Conveyor belt (5.1) on an intermediate conveyor (5) of a device (1) for Forming containers comprising a plurality of packaging units by shrinking a flat material, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a first transport device (3) extending in the region of a shrinking unit (2), a second transport device following the first transport device (3) in the transporting direction (TR) ( 4) and the intermediate conveyor (5) is arranged between the first and second transport means (3, 4) and has at least one conveyor belt (5.1), the method comprising the steps of: - moving the intermediate conveyor (5) from a working position into one Maintenance position by means of a maintenance mechanism (10) of the device (1 );  Replacement or repair of the at least one conveyor belt (5.1); - Moving back of the intermediate transporter (5) from the maintenance position to the working position by means of the maintenance mechanism (10).