DE102017215452A1 - Treatment machine and procedure for containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Treatment machine (1) for containers (2), with a conveyor (3) with container receptacles (4) for transporting the containers (2) along a transport path (T), at least one container treatment station (5, 5, 5, 5, 5), in particular a direct printing station, at least one control unit (6) for controlling the transporter (3) and the at least one container treatment station (5, 5, 5, 5, 5), and with a first sensor unit (7 ') for checking the shape and / or position of the containers (2) accommodated in the container receptacles (4), wherein the first sensor unit (7 ') precedes the at least one container treatment station (5, 5, 5, 5, 5) on the transport path (T) is, and wherein the first sensor unit (7 ') is adapted to deliver first alarm signals to the control unit for a defective container (2), characterized in that the first sensor unit (7') is adapted to at least two different Übersc To detect detection levels of a first radial cross-section (Q1) of the container (2) and dependent on at least two different first alarm signals, and that the control unit (6) is adapted to perform different action profiles, depending on the at least two different first alarm signals, wherein in at least one of the different action profiles by means of at least one of the container receptacles (4) and / or by means of the at least one container treatment station (5, 5, 5, 5, 5) a working distance for the defective container (2) is increased.

Description

The invention relates to a treatment machine and a treatment method for containers with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and 15, respectively.

Typically, such processing machines include a conveyor having container receptacles for transporting the containers along a transport path, with at least one container treatment station disposed thereon for handling the containers. The at least one container treatment station can be, for example, at least one direct printing station, from which the containers are printed with a direct print. It is also conceivable that the at least one container treatment station is at least one labeling unit from which the containers are provided with a label. With the direct printing or the label usually the bottled in the container product is advertised and / or marked.

In such treatment machines, it is necessary for the highest possible quality that the container treatment station in the treatment has the smallest possible working distance to the containers. For example, the pressure interval of the direct printing station must be as low as possible, so that the ink drops emitted by it run through the shortest possible trajectory. Otherwise, they would be increasingly blown by the airstream, so that the direct pressure would be blurred.

A disadvantage is that the containers due to production have deviations in shape or that the container in the container receptacles are not accurately recorded and deviates in the sequence of the working distance of a desired value. In the case of particularly large deviations, it may happen in rare cases that the containers would collide with the at least one container treatment station and the station would thereby be damaged.

To detect a mispositioning of a container, suggests the EP 2 209 733 B1 a device having a movable contact element that has a door with an opening defining a passageway for the container.

The disadvantage here is that this leads to increased machine downtime, in which all containers that are in the carousel at the time of a stop, must be manually removed and disposed of or the carousel must be automatically emptied. In addition, the treatment machine must be restarted after the stop to get to the desired machine performance.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a treatment machine and a treatment method for containers in which the machine downtimes caused by form and / or position deviations of the containers are reduced.

To solve this problem, the invention provides the treatment machine for containers with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are mentioned in the subclaims.

By virtue of the fact that the first sensor unit is designed to detect at least two different excess levels of the first radial cross section of the containers and to generate at least two different first alarm signals, a shape and / or positional deviation is detected step by step at a container location, so that at a low level Exceeding stage which generates one of the two first alarm signals and at a higher crossing level the other of the two first alarm signals and is output to the control unit.

Since, moreover, the control unit is designed to perform different action profiles depending on the at least two different first alarm signals, a different reaction to the low overshoot stage can take place than to the higher overshoot stage. Because the working distance for the faulty container is increased in at least one of the different action profiles by means of at least one of the container receptacles and / or by means of the at least one container treatment station, it can nevertheless be transported through the treatment machine without collision. Consequently, the treatment machine does not have to be stopped in this case. For example, only at the higher level of overshoot may it be necessary to actually stop the treatment machine, whereas at the low level of overshoot it is possible, by suitable rotation of the defective container, to increase the working distance and thus transport it throughout the treatment machine without it comes to a collision with the at least one container treatment station.

The treatment machine may be arranged in a beverage processing plant. The processing machine may be arranged downstream of a filling plant for filling a product into the containers and / or a capper for closing the containers with closures. The treatment machine can also do the filling process be upstream and / or be directly downstream of a container manufacturing process. Detached, it can also be a treatment machine, which is not assigned to any system, but works in the so-called stand-alone mode.

The containers may be intended to contain drinks, toiletries, pastes, chemical, biological and / or pharmaceutical products. In general, the containers may be provided for any flowable or fillable media. It is also conceivable that the containers are provided for a non-flowable contents, such as capsules, tablets, pastes and / or plaster. The containers may be made of plastic, glass and / or metal, but also hybrid containers with material mixtures are conceivable. The containers may be bottles, cans, beverage containers and / or tubes.

The defective container may be one of the containers which has a shape deviation and / or a positional deviation in its container receptacle.

The feed dog may comprise a carousel and, arranged along it, the container receptacles. As a result, the containers can be transported in a predetermined pattern and rotated relative to the at least one container treatment station during treatment, in particular during printing or labeling. The container receptacles may each comprise a turntable and a centering bell, with which a container is received. Likewise, it may be a so-called neck-handling, in which the container receptacles are designed as brackets to receive the container only from the container mouth ago. Preferably, the carousel may be rotatable about a vertical axis by means of a drive. By "vertical" here can be meant the direction that points to the center of the earth or runs in the direction of gravity.

The treatment machine can be a direct printing machine for printing the containers with a direct print. Accordingly, the at least one container handling station may include at least one direct printing station for printing the containers with the direct print. It is conceivable that a plurality of direct printing stations are provided, which are each provided for printing ink of a particular color. For example, a first direct printing station can be provided with a group of direct print heads only for printing the color white and a second direct printing station with another group of direct print heads only for printing the color cyan, and then further direct printing stations with other groups of direct print heads for printing the colors magenta , Yellow, black and / or special colors.

The at least one direct print head can operate with a digital or ink jet printing process in which the printing ink is delivered to the containers by means of a plurality of printing nozzles. "Ink-jet printing process" here may mean that in chambers of a printing nozzle, a sudden increase in pressure via piezoelectric or thermocouples is generated such that a small amount of printing ink is pressed through the pressure nozzle and discharged as a pressure drop to the container. The at least one direct print head may each have a number of print nozzles in a range of 100 to 10,000, in particular in a range of 500 to 5000 nozzles. The pressure nozzles can be arranged in one or more nozzle rows (for example 1 to 4), which are arranged in particular parallel to a container longitudinal axis.

However, it is also conceivable that the at least one container treatment station comprises at least one labeling unit in order to provide the containers with a label.

The at least one container treatment station may be arranged stationary. By this it can be meant that the at least one container treatment station are stationary or stationary relative to a machine base or a stand surface for the treatment machine. In particular, the container receptacles of the conveyor can move in operation relative to the machine base and / or the base.

The control unit may be a machine control comprising a CPU, an input unit, an output unit, a memory, a network connection and / or input / output interfaces. In particular, the transporter and the at least one container treatment station can be connected via connecting lines to the control unit, preferably with the input / output interfaces. The connecting lines can be electrical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic.

The first sensor unit for checking the shape and / or position may be a tactile sensor with which the containers can be scanned via a direct mechanical contact. The first sensor unit may comprise at least one sensing element and at least one associated switching element to detect the first radial cross-section of the container. Preferably, the first sensor unit may comprise two sensing elements and two associated switching elements to detect the two different levels of overshoot of the first radial cross section of the containers. For example, the at least one feeler element can be movably suspended so that it dodges on contact with one of the vessels and thereby actuates the associated switching element. The at least one associated switching element may be, for example, a proximity sensor, a switch, a light barrier or the like. In particular, the at least one associated switching element can generate the at least two different first alarm signals, for example by closing or opening a switch.

By "at least two different levels of overshoot of a first radial cross-section of the containers" may here at least be meant a low overshoot stage and a high overshoot stage of the first radial cross-section. By "low excess level" may be meant here that the first radial cross section and / or the second radial cross section of the container has a shape deviation up to a threshold value, for example up to 10 mm. By "high excess level" it can be meant here that the first radial cross section and / or the second radial cross section of the container has a higher shape deviation than the threshold value, for example of more than 10 mm. It is conceivable for the at least two different first alarm signals to comprise a first alarm signal with a low overshoot stage and a first alarm signal with a high overshoot stage.

The control unit can be connected to the first sensor unit via the input / output interface in order to receive the at least two different first alarm signals. By "different action profiles" may here be meant different movement profiles for the conveyor, the container receptacles and / or the at least one container treatment station. For example, in at least one of the different action profiles, the container receptacle of the defective container can be rotated into a suitable position, so that a collision with the at least one container treatment station is avoided.

It is conceivable that the at least one container treatment station comprises a controllable movement unit with which a treatment element is adjustable, for example a direct print head. It can then be controlled so that the distance to the transport path is increased.

With the other action profile, the feed dog can be stopped, so that the affected container can be removed from its container receptacle.

By "working distance for the faulty container" may here be meant the distance between the faulty container and the at least one container treatment station. In particular, a distance of a surface area of the defective container closest to the at least one container treatment station may be meant. The container treatment station may be configured to treat the defective container with the increased working distance. However, it is also conceivable that the container treatment station is designed to not treat the defective container at the increased working distance and / or suspend the treatment for the defective container. The working distance can be increased by rotating the container receptacle of the defective container, by moving the container treatment station and / or by moving the treatment element, in particular at least one direct print head. If a plurality of container treatment stations are present, this may also mean one working distance per container treatment station.

The treatment machine can comprise a second sensor unit for checking the shape and / or position of the containers received in the container receptacles, wherein the second sensor unit is arranged downstream of the transport path of the first sensor unit and upstream of the at least one container treatment station, wherein the second sensor unit is designed to generate second alarm signals to the control unit. This makes it possible to detect a front side of the containers with the first sensor unit, then to rotate the containers with the container receivers by preferably 180 ° and then to detect a rear side of the containers with the second sensor unit.

The second sensor unit may be configured to detect at least two different levels of overshoot of a second radial cross section of the containers and to generate at least two different second alarm signals depending therefrom, and wherein the control unit may be configured, depending on a combination of the at least two different first alarm signals the at least two different second alarm signals to perform the different action profiles. As a result, the second radial cross section at the rear of the container can also be detected with two different levels of overshoot and, depending on this, the different action profiles can be carried out. Consequently, here too, the treatment machine does not have to be stopped at every level of overshoot. Consequently, therefore, the reaction of the at least one container receptacle and / or the at least one container treatment station can be tuned even finer to different deviations of the container.

By "at least two different levels of overshoot of a second radial cross section of the containers" may be meant here at least one low overshoot stage and one high overshoot stage of the second radial cross section. By "low excess level" may be meant here that the second radial cross-section of the container has a shape deviation up to a threshold, for example up to 10 mm. By "high excess level" it can be meant here that the first radial cross section of the container has a higher shape deviation than the threshold value, for example of more than 10 mm. It is conceivable for the at least two different second alarm signals to comprise a second alarm signal with a low overshoot stage and a second alarm signal with a high overshoot stage.

The second sensor unit for checking the shape and / or position may be a pulsed sensor, with which the containers can be scanned directly via a mechanical contact. The second sensor unit may comprise at least one sensing element and at least one associated switching element to detect the second radial cross-section of the container. Preferably, the second sensor unit may comprise two sensing elements and two associated switching elements to detect the two different levels of overshoot of the second radial cross section of the containers. For example, the at least one feeler element may be movably suspended so that it will deflect on contact with one of the vessels and thereby actuate the associated switching element. The at least one switching element may be, for example, a proximity sensor, a switch, a light barrier or the like. In particular, the at least one associated switching element can generate the at least two different second alarm signals, for example by closing or opening the switch.

The control unit can be connected to the second sensor unit via the input / output interface in order to receive the at least two different second alarm signals.

In particular, in one of the action profiles, the control unit may be designed to treat the detected container as intended with the treatment machine, to rotate only the container receptacle of the defective container in at least one further of the action profiles or to adjust only the at least one container treatment station for the defective container, and at least one more of the action profiles to rotate the container receptacle of the defective container and to adjust the at least one container handling station for the defective container. As a result, if no overshoot level is detected for a container, it can be handled normally or, if an excess level is detected for the erroneous container, the working distance can be increased stepwise so that the container passes through the processing machine without collision.

In other words, the control unit may be configured to perform a total of at least five different action profiles, depending on the combination of the at least two different first alarm signals with the at least two different second alarm signals.

For example, it is conceivable that if there is no first alarm signal and no second alarm signal, a first action profile is triggered, in which the corresponding container is treated as provided by the treatment machine.

If a first alarm signal or a second alarm signal is generated which means a low overshoot level only on the front or only on the back of the faulty container, a second action profile may be triggered in which the defective container is rotated with the side to the at least one container treatment station becomes, where no exceeding step was detected. As a result, the working distance on this page is increased. Alternatively, for the faulty container, the at least one container treatment station or a treatment component contained therein may be automatically moved to increase the working distance for the side at which the low excess level has been detected, for example by moving a direct print head. As a result, the faulty container can be guided through the treatment machine without collisions and, for example, subsequently be discharged from the container flow.

If a first alarm signal and a second alarm signal are generated which indicate a low overshoot level on the front and rear of the faulty container, a third action profile may be triggered whereby the at least one container treatment station or treatment component contained therein is automatically moved, that the distance to the transport path and thus the working distance is increased. As a result, the faulty container can be guided through the treatment machine without collisions and, for example, subsequently be discharged from the container flow.

If a first alarm signal or a second alarm signal is generated, which means a low excess level only on the front or only on the back of the defective container and if a first alarm signal or a second alarm signal is generated, which means a high excess level on the corresponding opposite front and back, respectively a fourth action profile are triggered, in which the faulty container is rotated with the side to at least one container treatment station, in which the low excess level was detected. In addition, the at least one container treatment station or a treatment component contained therein can be automatically moved so that the distance to the transport path and thus the working distance is increased. As a result, the faulty container can be guided through the treatment machine without collisions and, for example, subsequently be discharged from the container flow.

If a first alarm signal and a second alarm signal are generated, which mean high levels of overshoot on the front and rear of the faulty container, a fifth action profile may be triggered, immediately stopping the treating machine.

Consequently, it is therefore necessary in the combination of the at least two different first alarm signals with the at least two different second alarm signals only in the fifth action profile to actually stop the treatment machine. In the second to fourth action profile, the defective container can be passed through the treatment machine without collision without stopping it.

The container receptacles may be rotatable, wherein the control unit is adapted to control the container receptacles such that they are rotated when passing through the transport path between the first and the second sensor unit, so that with the first sensor unit, a front of the container and the second sensor unit opposite rear side of the container can be detected. Thereby, the first and the second sensor unit can be arranged on the same side of the transport path to detect the first radial cross section and the second radial cross section of the container.

The first and / or second sensor unit may each be formed with two mold sheets which are each formed pivotable from an interrogation position to an overflow position to tactually detect the at least two levels of overshoot the first and / or second radial cross section via a container contact. The shaped sheets can be exchanged particularly easily and quickly in order to adapt the first and / or second sensor unit to a different type of container. In other words, the first and / or second sensor unit may each comprise the previously described, two feeler elements with the two mold sheets and the two associated switching elements. For example, the two sensing elements may each be pivotable about an axis, preferably about the same axis, to actuate the two associated switching elements in the container contact via a pivoting movement.

The two shaped sheets can each be held via a releasable locking element, in particular via a magnet in the interrogation position, wherein the releasable locking element dissolves in the container contact. As a result, the two shaped sheets can be held in a precisely defined position at the interrogation position, so that the at least two different excess levels are detected particularly accurately.

The first and / or second sensor units may each comprise at least one reset actuator for returning at least one of the two pivotable shaped sheets from the overflow position to the interrogation position. As a result, at least one of the two pivotable shaped metal sheets can be automatically swiveled back after being exceeded, ie without user intervention.

The first of the two hinged mold sheets may detect a lower level of overshoot of the radial cross section of the containers than the second of the two hinged mold sheets. Preferably, the first of the two form sheets may be designed to be longer for the transport path than the second of the two form sheets to detect the at least two different levels of overshoot.

The restoring actuator can be configured to pivot the first of the two pivotable shaped sheets back from the overflow position into the interrogation position with a movable runner element, wherein the restoring actuator is fixedly connected to the second of the two pivotable shaping sheets via a connecting element. This makes it possible, if both a first container and an immediately following second container have a deviation with a low excess level, that upon reset additionally the second of the two pivotable shaped sheets for the high excess level is triggered. As a result, user intervention can be forced, for example, in the event of systematic incorrect positioning of several successive containers.

The two shaped sheets can be pivotable about a common axis. As a result, the first and / or the second sensor unit are particularly simple.

The two shaped sheets can be moved transversely or obliquely to the transport path via a common first traverse unit relative to the containers in order to adapt the first and / or second sensor unit to different types of containers. This makes the adjustment particularly quick and easy. It is conceivable, for example, that the first moving part comprises a linear motor, which can be controlled by the control unit via control lines. As a result, the two shaped sheets can be adjusted automatically.

The first and / or second sensor unit may each be formed with a shaped sheet and a transducer, wherein the shaped sheet is pivotally formed from a query position to two different overshoot positions, and wherein the transducer for detecting the two different overshoot positions is formed to the at least two Exceeding levels of the first and / or second radial cross-section tactile to detect via a container contact. As a result, the two different overshoot positions can only be detected with a single forming sheet. For example, in the case of a faulty container with a low excess level, the shaped plate is pushed away only a portion up to the first excess position and, in the case of a defective container with a high excess level, more than just the portion up to the second excess position. Through the transducer, the various positions can be detected with a sensor, for example with an analog transmitter or an initiator.

The at least one treatment station and / or a treatment element contained therein, in particular a direct print head, can be designed to be movable transversely or obliquely to the transport path with a controllable second displacement unit in order to move the treatment element away from the transport path in at least one of the different action profiles. As a result, a particularly sensitive treatment element, for example the direct print head, can be slightly withdrawn from the transport path in the event of a deviation in shape with a low excess step in order to transport the affected container through the treatment machine without collision. As a result, the handling machine does not need to be stopped extra, thereby reducing machine downtime. It is conceivable that the second moving part comprises a linear motor, a stepping motor and / or a servomotor.

In addition, the invention provides the solution for the task, the treatment method for container according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are mentioned in the subclaims.

Due to the fact that the first sensor unit detects at least two different excess levels of the first radial cross section of the containers and generates at least two different first alarm signals, a shape and / or positional deviation is detected step by step at a container location, such that one of the first two is detected at a low excess level Alarm signals and at a higher crossing level the other of the two first alarm signals generated and output to the control unit.

Since, moreover, the control unit performs different action profiles as a function of the at least two different first alarm signals, a different reaction to the low excess level can take place than to the higher threshold level. Because the working distance for the faulty container is increased in at least one of the different action profiles by means of at least one of the container receptacles and / or by means of the at least one container treatment station, it can nevertheless be transported through the treatment machine without collision. Consequently, the treatment machine does not have to be stopped in this case. For example, only at the higher level of overshoot may it be necessary to actually stop the treatment machine, whereas at the low level of overshoot it is possible, by suitable rotation of the defective container, to increase the working distance and thus transport it throughout the treatment machine without it comes to a collision with the at least one container treatment station.

The treatment process can be carried out with the previously described treatment machine for containers, in particular according to one of claims 1-14. The treatment method may comprise the features described above with respect to the treatment machine individually or in any desired combinations.

The containers may first be rotated between the first sensor unit and the at least one container treatment station with the container receptacles and then tested with a second sensor unit for shape and / or position testing, wherein the second sensor unit summarizes at least two different exceeding levels of a second radial cross section of the container and dependent thereon generates at least two different second alarm signals.

In particular, the control unit may perform the different action profiles depending on a combination of the at least two different first alarm signals with the at least two different second alarm signals. As a result, the containers are grasped both from the front side and from the opposite rear side and, depending on this, the action profiles are carried out, so that it is particularly unlikely that the containers will collide with the at least one container treatment station. In addition, the action profiles can be fine-tuned depending on the combination, so that only in case of higher transgressions, the treatment process actually has to be stopped.

• 1 eine Übersichtsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform einer Behandlungsmaschine für Behälter in einer Draufsicht;
• 2A - 2C eine Detaildarstellung der ersten und zweiten Sensoreinheit aus der 1 als Drauf-, Vorder- und Rückansicht; und
• 3 ein Flussdiagramm eines beispielhaft in der Steuerungseinheit ablaufenden Verfahrens zur Auswahl der verschiedenen Aktionsprofile.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. Showing:

• 1 an overview of an embodiment of a treatment machine according to the invention for containers in a plan view;
• 2A - 2C a detailed representation of the first and second sensor unit of the 1 as a top, front and back view; and
• 3 a flowchart of an example running in the control unit method for selecting the various action profiles.

In the 1 is an overview of an embodiment of a treatment machine according to the invention 1 for containers 2 shown in a plan view. The treatment machine 1 Here is an example of a direct printing machine for printing on the container 2 designed with a direct print. Here are at the transport path T of the carrier 3 the container treatment stations 5 _W . 5 _C . 5 _m . 5 _y . _5K arranged stationary, which are each designed as a direct printing station with at least one direct print head, which operates on the ink jet principle. It is also conceivable, however, that the treatment machine 1 is designed as a labeling machine with stationary on the transport path labeling units.

You can see that the containers 2 For example, coming from a filler and a capper, with the feed star 10 to the transporter 3 pass and there in the container receptacles 4 be recorded. So they are taken by the carrier 3 along the transport path T to the container treatment stations arranged thereon 5 _W . 5 _C . 5 _m . 5 _y . _5K transported and printed with different colors, here, for example, according to the indices with white, cyan, magenta, yellow and black. This results in the containers 2 a multicolored direct print. Below is the on the containers 2 applied direct pressure with the curing station 8th cured and thus permanently stabilized, for example by means of UV light. The finished printed containers 2 are then attached to the drain star 11 passed and forwarded to subsequent processing machines, for example to a packaging machine. Further, a control unit 6 to see with the the transporter 3 and the container treatment stations 5 _W . 5 _C . 5 _m . 5 _y . _5K is controlled via control lines, not shown here.

The transporter 3 is exemplified as a carousel, which rotates along the transport path T about the vertical axis A, but also conceivable is a linear transporter. The at the transporter 3 arranged container receptacles 4 each comprise a turntable and a centering bell, so that the container 2 in the treatment to the respective container treatment station 5 _W . 5 _C . 5 _m . 5 _y . _5K can be rotated about their longitudinal axes. As a result, a flat direct pressure can be generated.

Furthermore, it can be seen that along the transport path T before the first container treatment station 5 _W first, the first sensor unit 7 ' and then the second sensor unit 7 " are arranged for the shape and position of the test in the container receptacles 4 recorded container 2 are formed.

You can see the container 2 ' in the container receptacle 4 ' who is currently at the first sensor unit 7 ' is located to check the front for form and position deviations. The first sensor unit 7 ' detects just a first radial cross-section of the container 2 ' in two different levels of overshoot. Depending on this, two different first alarm signals are generated and sent to the control unit 6 issued. Further, the container 2 ' in the container receptacle 4 ' to see that already between the first and the second sensor unit 7 ' . 7 " rotated 180 ° to check the front opposite the back for shape and position deviations out. The second sensor unit 7 " detects just a second radial cross-section of the container 2 ' in two different levels of overshoot. Depending on this, two different second alarm signals are generated and sent to the control unit 6 issued.

The control unit is designed, depending on a combination of the two different first alarm signals with the two different second alarm signals, five different action profiles for the transporter 3 and the container treatment stations 5 _W . 5 _C . 5 _m . 5 _y . _5K This will be explained below on the basis of 3 explained.

The exact structure of the first and second sensor unit 7 ' . 7 " will be described below on the basis of 2A - 2C explained in more detail. In the 2A - 2C is a detailed representation of the first sensor unit 7 ' and the second sensor unit 7 " from the 1 to be seen as a top, front and back view.

In the 2A is a plan view of the first sensor unit 7 ' and the second sensor unit 7 " shown. In addition, also the transport railway T and the aforementioned container receptacles 4 ' and 4 ' with the containers 2 ' . 2 ' which are being tested for shape and position deviations.

The first sensor unit 7 ' and the second sensor unit 7 " are the same structure, and differ only by their arrangement along the transport path T , Therefore, the two sensor units 7 ' . 7 " together described below:

You can see it in the 2 B - 2C that the two sensor units 7 ' . 7 " one main body each 70 of bent sheet metal, on which two feeler elements 71 . 72 with the two shaped sheets 71.1 . 72.1 and the two support elements 71.2 and 72.2 about a common axis S are rotatably mounted. These are the two support elements 71.2 and 72.2 rotatably mounted on a hinge, wherein at its ends to the transport path T towards the shaped sheets 71.1 . 72.1 fastened with fasteners. The fasteners may be screws, for example. This allows the two shaped sheets 71.1 . 72.1 be replaced quickly when changing to another container type.

Furthermore, in the 2A particularly good to realize that the first shaped sheet 71.1 to the transport track T extends further than the second mold sheets 72.1 , Now has the first radial cross section Q1 of the container 2 ' a deviation below a threshold of, for example, 10 mm, so this is only the first molded sheets 71.1 in that direction V from the query position P _A pushed away to an overshoot position, leaving the shaped sheet 71.1 around the axis S is pivoted. Consequently, therefore, from the first sensor unit 7 ' a low crossing step of the first radial cross section Q1 of the container 2 detected. Would now the first radial cross section Q1 of the container 2 ' have a deviation beyond the threshold, so would then from the second shaped sheets 72.1 in that direction V from the query position P _A are pushed away to an overshoot position, so that the shaped sheet 72.1 around the axis S is pivoted. This is done by the first sensor unit 7 ' a high level of overshoot of the first radial cross section Q1 of the container 2 detected.

Furthermore, in the 2A - 2C to see that the position of the feeler elements 71 . 72 with the switching elements 71.6 and 72.6 is detected, which is at the base body 70 arranged and designed as proximity sensors. They capture the with respect to the axis S to the mold sheets 71.1 respectively. 72.1 opposite, rearward portions of the support elements 71.2 respectively. 72.2 ., which when pushing away in the direction V ' from the switching elements 71.6 and 72.6 move away. Consequently, so can with the switching elements 71.6 and 72.6 in each case a different first alarm signal are generated, depending on which of the two shaped sheets 71.1 . 72.1 from the container 2 ' is pushed away. The different first alarm signals correspond to the different crossing levels of the first radial cross section Q1 of the container 2 ,

In addition, are the releasable locking elements 71.5 respectively. 72.5 (here magnets) and the on the support elements 71.2 respectively. 72.2 arranged adjusting screws 71.4 and 72.4 to see. This will form the sheets 71.1 and 72.1 at the in the 2A displayed query position P _A held with a defined force, so that they are not triggered unintentionally. In addition, the adjusting screws 71.4 and 72.4 adjusted so that they are not directly attached to the magnet 71.5 . 72.5 abut and so the support elements 71.2 . 72.2 loosen particularly easily when the container is in contact.

Furthermore, the adjustable stops 71.3 and 72.3 to see where the support elements 71.2 respectively. 72.2 in the query position P _A attacks. As a result, on the one hand, the interrogation position P _{A is} precisely defined and on the other hand, the magnetic force by the releasable locking element 71.5 . 72.5 limited. Otherwise, the container would have to 2 ' with a very high force against the mold sheets 71.1 . 72.1 act to push it away, which is not wanted.

In addition, in the 2A - 2C the reset actuator 73 to see, with the first swivel shaped sheet metal 71.1 again from the overflow position to the query position P _A is pivoted back. The reset actuator 73 is controlled via the illustrated pneumatic lines and presses the first form sheets 71.1 after pushing away through the container 2 ' back to the query position P _A ,

It can also be seen that the return actuator 73 over the connecting element 74 with the second pivotable shaped sheets 72.1 is firmly connected. In other words, the reset actuator 73 over the connecting element 74 on the first carrier element 71.2 attached. Now push the container 2 ' in case of deviations below the threshold value, the first pivotable shaped sheet metal 71.1 in that direction V away, then it will be back with the Rückstellaktuator 73 reset. Now meets an immediately following container (not shown here) with a deviation below the threshold also on the first mold sheet 71.1 on, so is the runner element 71.1 , the reset actuator 73 and the connecting element 74 the force on the second carrier element 72.2 transmit, so that now the alarm signal for the high level of overshoot is automatically triggered. Consequently, therefore, there are the first and second sensor unit 7 ' . 7 " in the case of two immediately consecutive containers 2 with low overshoot levels, an alarm signal for a high overshoot level and thereby prevents systematic deviation in the container stream can not be detected.

In addition, in the 2A - 2C to see that the two shaped sheets 71.1 . 71.2 about a common first trajectory 75 opposite the containers 2 in that direction U across the transport line T are movable to the first and second sensor unit 7 ' . 7 " adapt to different container types. This allows the spacing of the shaped sheets 71.1 and 72.1 opposite the container 2 ' . 2 ' be set exactly, so that the two overshoot stages of the first radial cross section Q1 the container can only be detected from the desired deviation.

Furthermore, in the 2A to see that the second sensor unit 7 " along the transport path T after the first sensor unit 7 ' is arranged. The containers 2 be between the first sensor unit 7 ' and the second sensor unit 7 " preferably rotated by 180 ° about its longitudinal axis D and then with the second sensor unit 4 ' checked for form and position deviations. This allows the front with the first sensor unit 7 ' and the opposite rear side with the second sensor unit 7 " being checked.

Furthermore, the second sensor unit 7 " designed to have two different levels of overshoot of the second radial cross section Q2 the container 2 to capture and dependent on 2 different second alarm signals to generate. For this purpose, the second sensor unit 7 " the probe elements described above 71 . 72 with the two shaped sheets 71.1 . 72.1 and the carrier elements 71.2 . 72.2 on, which is rotatably mounted about the axis S. The position of the probe element 71 . 72 is, as described above, also with the two switching elements 71.6 . 72.6 recorded and generated from the two different second alarm signals, depending on whether the first sheet metal 71.1 or the second shaped sheet 72.1 when the second radial cross section is exceeded Q2 from the container 2 ' is triggered.

In the 3 Fig. 10 is a flowchart of an example in the control unit 6 of the 1 expiring procedure 100 to select the different action profiles P1 - P5 shown. The procedure 100 represents part of the treatment process by the treatment machine 1 represents.

With the procedure 100 be in the control unit 6 based on a combination of the first alarm signals A1 from the first sensor unit 7 ' with the second alarm signals A2 from the second sensor unit 7 " decided which of the action profiles P1 - P5 is carried out.

First, in step 101 the first and second alarm signals A1 . A2 by means of an input / output interface of the control unit 6 detected.

In step 102 is then queried, whether the first alarm signals A1 not present (0) or an alarm signal A1 with low exceedance level S1 or an alarm signal A1 with high excess level S2 is present.

In the following steps 103.1 - 103.3 is queried if the second alarm signals A2 not present (0) or an alarm signal A1 with low exceedance level S1 or an alarm signal A1 with high excess level S2 is present.

Depending on the in the 3 illustrated combinations of the first alarm signals A1 with the second alarm signals A2 becomes one of the action profiles P1 - P5 selected as follows:

If neither a first alarm signal A1 a second alarm signal A2 is the first action profile P1 is carried out, in which the container 2 as provided by the treatment machine 1 is treated.

If a first alarm signal A1 or a second alarm signal A2 with a low level of overshoot S1 only on the front or only on the back of a faulty container 2 is generated, becomes a second action profile P2 performed in which the faulty container 2 by means of the associated container receptacle 4 with the side to the container treatment station 5 _W . 5 _C . 5 _m . 5 _y . _5K is turned on, in which no exceeding step (0) was detected. Then the faulty container 2 with a larger working distance so through the treatment machine 1 without danger of collision.

If a first alarm signal A1 and a second alarm signal A2 with a low level of overshoot S1 on the front and on the back of a faulty container 2 be generated, becomes a third action profile P3 performed at which the container treatment stations 5 _W . 5 _C . 5 _m . 5 _y . _5K automatically adjusted so that the distance to the transport track T and thus the working distance is increased. This may cause the faulty container 2 without collisions by the treatment machine 1 be guided.

If a first alarm signal A1 or a second alarm signal A2 with a low level of overshoot S1 only on the front or only on the back of a faulty container 2 is generated and in addition a first alarm signal A1 or a second alarm signal A2 with a high level of overshoot S2 can be generated for the opposite side, a fourth action profile P4 be carried out, in which the faulty container 2 with the side to the tank treatment stations 5 _W . 5 _C . 5 _m . 5 _y . _5K is rotated at the low overshoot stage S1 was recorded. In addition, the container treatment stations 5 _W . 5 _C . 5 _m . 5 _y . _5K be automatically adjusted so that the distance to the transport path T is increased. This can affect the affected container 2 with a larger working distance without collision by the treatment machine 1 be guided.

It is conceivable that in the action profiles P2 - P4 the affected container 2 after passing through the treatment machine 1 is automatically discharged from the container flow with a switch.

If a first alarm signal A1 and a second alarm signal A2 with a high level of overshoot S2 generated on the front and on the back, becomes a fifth action profile P5 performed at which the treatment machine 1 immediately stopped and an operator removes the affected container.

Consequently, it is therefore in the combination of the two different first alarm signals A1 with the two different second alarm signals A2 only at the fifth action profile P5 necessary, the treatment machine 1 actually stop. In the first to fourth action profile P1 - P4 can the container 2 without collision by the treatment machine 1 be performed.

With the in the 1 - 2C illustrated treatment machine 1 or with the selection process 100 the action profiles P1 - P5 after 3 So machine downtime is significantly reduced.

It is understood that in the embodiments described above mentioned features are not limited to this combination but also individual or in any other combinations are 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 2209733 B1 [0005]

Claims (16)

Treatment machine (1) for containers (2), comprising - a conveyor (3) with container receptacles (4) for transporting the containers (2) along a transport path (T), - at least one container treatment station (5 _W ) arranged on the transport path (T) , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ), in particular a direct printing station, - at least one control unit (6) for controlling the conveyor (3) and the at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ), and - with a first sensor unit (7 ') for form and / or position testing of the containers (2) accommodated in the container receptacles (4), wherein the first sensor unit (7') of the at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ) upstream of the transport path (T), and wherein the first sensor unit (7 ') is adapted to deliver first alarm signals for a defective container (2) to the control unit, characterized in that the first sensor unit (7 ') is connected thereto is configured to detect at least two different levels of overshoot a first radial cross-section (Q1) of the container (2) and dependent to generate at least two different first alarm signals, and that the control unit (6) is adapted to, depending on the at least two different first alarm signals to perform different action profiles, wherein at least one of the different action profiles by means of at least one of the container receptacles (4) and / or by means of at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ) a working distance for the faulty container (2) is enlarged. Treatment machine (1) after Claim 1 wherein the treatment machine (1) comprises a second sensor unit (7 ") for checking the shape and / or position of the containers (2) received in the container receptacles (4), wherein the second sensor unit (7") on the transport path (T) of downstream of the first sensor unit (7 ') and arranged upstream of the at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ), the second sensor unit (7 ") being designed to send second alarm signals to the control unit (6 ). Treatment machine (1) after Claim 2 wherein the second sensor unit (7 ") is adapted to detect at least two different overshoot stages of a second radial cross section (Q2) of the containers (2) and to generate at least two different second alarm signals depending therefrom, and wherein the control unit (6) is adapted thereto is to perform the different action profiles depending on a combination of the at least two different first alarm signals with the at least two different second alarm signals. Treatment machine after Claim 2 or 3 wherein the control unit (6) is designed to treat the detected container (2) as intended with the treatment machine (1) in one of the action profiles, in at least one other of the action profiles only the container receptacle (4) of the defective container (2). to rotate or to adjust only the at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ) for the defective container (2), and in at least one other of the action profiles the container receptacle (4) of the defective container ( 2) and to adjust the at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ) for the defective container (2). Treatment machine (1) according to one of Claims 2 - 4 in which the container receptacles (4) are designed to be rotatable, and wherein the control unit (6) is designed to control the container receptacles (4) in such a way that they pass between the first and the second sensor unit (7 ') when passing through the transport path (T). 7 ") are rotated, so that with the first sensor unit (7 ') a front side of the container (2) and with the second sensor unit (7") a opposite rear side of the container (2) are detected. Treatment machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second sensor unit (7 ', 7 ") are each formed with two shaped sheets (71.1, 72.1), each from a query position (P _A ) to an overflow position are designed to be pivotable in order to tactually detect the at least two exceeding steps of the first and / or second radial cross-section (Q1, Q2) via a container contact. Treatment machine (1) after Claim 6 , wherein the two shaped sheets (71.1, 72.1) each via a releasable locking element (71.5, 72.5), in particular via a magnet in the interrogation position (P _A ) are held, and wherein the releasable locking element (71.5, 72.5) dissolves in the container contact , Treatment machine (1) after Claim 6 or 7 wherein the first and / or second sensor unit (7 ', 7 ") each comprise at least one Rückstellaktuator (73) for pivoting at least one of the two pivotable mold sheets (71.1) from the overflow position to the interrogation position (P _A ) back. Treatment machine (1) according to one of Claims 6 - 8th , wherein the first of the two pivotable shaped sheets (71.1) has a lower exceeding step of the radial cross section (Q1, Q2) of the Container detected as the second of the two hinged shaped sheets (72.1). Treatment machine (1) after Claim 8 and 9 wherein the reset actuator (73) is adapted to pivot back with a movable runner element (73.1), the first of the two pivotable shaped sheets (71.1) from the overflow position to the interrogation position (P _A ), and wherein the return actuator (73) via a Connecting element (74) with the second of the two pivotable shaped sheets (72.1) is firmly connected. Treatment machine (1) according to one of Claims 6 - 10 , wherein the two form sheets (71.1, 71.2) are pivotable about a common axis (S). Treatment machine (1) according to one of Claims 6 - 11 in which the two shaped sheets (71.1, 71.2) can be moved transversely or obliquely to the transport path (T) relative to the containers (2) via a common first moving unit (75) in order to move the first and / or second sensor unit (7 ', 7 ") adapt to different container types. Treatment machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second sensor unit (7 ', 7 ") are each formed with a forming plate and a transducer, wherein the shaped sheet from a query position (P _A ) to two different overshoot positions out is designed to be pivotable, and wherein the transducer for detecting the two different overshoot positions is formed to tactually detect the at least two exceeding steps of the first and / or second radial cross-section (Q1, Q2) via a container contact. Treatment machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ) and / or a treatment element, in particular a direct print head, with a controllable second traversing transversely or obliquely to Transport path (T) is designed to be movable to drive away the treatment element in at least one of the different action profiles of the transport path (T). Method for treating containers (2), wherein the containers (2) are conveyed by a conveyor with (3) container receptacles (4) along a transport path (T) to at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ), in particular a direct printing station to be transported, wherein a control unit (6) controls the feed dog (3) and the at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ), wherein in the container receptacles (4 ) container (2) before the at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ) with a first sensor unit (7 ') for shape and / or position testing are checked, and wherein the first sensor unit (7 ') emits first alarm signals for a faulty container (2) to the control unit (6), characterized in that the first sensor unit detects at least two different excess levels of a first radial cross section (Q1) of the containers (2) and Dependent on at least two different first alarm signals generated, and that the control unit (6) depending on the at least two different alarm signals performs different action profiles, wherein at least one of the different action profiles by least one of the container receptacles (4) and / or by means of at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ) a working distance for the defective container (2) is increased. Treatment method according to Claim 15 in that the containers (2) between the first sensor unit (7 ') and the at least one container treatment station (5 _W , 5 _C , 5 _M , 5 _Y , 5 _K ) are first rotated with the container receptacles (4) and then with a second sensor unit (7 ") are checked for form and / or position testing, wherein the second sensor unit (7") detects at least two different exceeding levels of a second radial cross section (Q2) of the container (2) and generates at least two different second alarm signals.

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