Device and method for applying packaging film to groups of articles

A device (1) for applying packaging film to groups of articles (12), comprising:

• at least one horizontal conveyor (5) that transports groups of articles (12), wherein the at least one horizontal conveyor (5) comprises a first transport apparatus (7) and a second transport apparatus (9), wherein the second transport apparatus (9) follows the first transport apparatus (7) in a transport direction (TD), and wherein a gap (25) is formed between the first transport apparatus (7) and the second transport apparatus (9),
• a feed apparatus (15) adapted to introduce pieces of cut packaging film (14) through the gap (25) and into a transport path of the groups of articles (12) such that the group of articles (12) moves onto a portion (16) of a piece of cut packaging film (14) and a remaining free portion (17) of each piece of cut packaging film (14) remains free from the group of articles (12), and
• a plurality of wrapping rods (30) which are moved in a rotary fashion so that the plurality of wrapping rods (30) take up and guide the remaining free portion (17) of each piece of cut packaging film (14) around the group of articles (12),
• a flow generating apparatus (40), having at least one first nozzle (41) and at least one second nozzle (42), adapted to generate at least one air flow, wherein the remaining free portion (17) of the piece of cut packaging film (14) is blown toward the group of articles (12) each time, and wherein each of the at least one first nozzle (41) and the at least one second nozzle (42) deliver at least one air flow, such that:
• each of the at least one air flow is directed with its main flow direction toward an end region (19) of the second transport apparatus (9) arranged in a region of the gap (25),
• the at least one air flow delivered by the at least one first nozzle (41) impinges on a first broad side surface of the remaining free portion (17) of the piece of cut packaging film (14) which has already been taken up by a wrapping rod (30), and
• the at least one air flow delivered by the at least one second nozzle (42) impinges on a second broad side surface of the remaining free portion (17) of the piece of cut packaging film (14) which has already been taken up by a wrapping rod (30), which second broad side surface is opposite the first broad side surface.