EP1476361A1

EP1476361A1 - Method for controlling a packaging machine

Info

Publication number: EP1476361A1
Application number: EP03702508A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Herkel
Original assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
Current assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
Priority date: 2002-02-20
Filing date: 2003-01-23
Publication date: 2004-11-17
Also published as: AU2003205659A1; US20050126127A1; JP2006505455A; WO2003070577A1; CA2475513A1; MXPA04007982A; BR0307789A; DE10207096A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a packaging machine, which comprises a product conveyor for conveying a product and a packaging conveyor for conveying a packaging. Said conveyors run, in sections, parallel and synchronous to one another whereby enabling the product to be introduced into the packaging inside a transfer station. The packaging machine additionally comprises an including conveyor for including an inclusion part to be enclosed with the product, for example, a pamphlet or a measuring scoop. A data memory provided in the form of a shift register contains different state data and control data pertaining to the packaging units consisting of the product, packaging and the inclusion part. The data, at time t0, are displaced in the shift register in a clocked manner. At at least time tp, which is given by an initiator, a monitoring or processing action is initiated on the inclusion part, whereby time tp can be shifted with regard to time t0. The relative position of time tp with regard to time t0 is checked, and time tp is shifted when it is located within a tolerance period of time T formed around time t0.

Description

Method for controlling a packaging machine

The invention relates to a method for controlling a packaging machine which has a product conveyor for a product and a packaging conveyor for a packaging, which in sections run parallel and synchronously with one another, so that the product can be introduced into the packaging in a transfer station, and the one Accessory conveyor for an accessory part to be added to the product, for example a brochure or a measuring spoon, has a data memory in the form of a shift register which contains various status and control data of packaging units consisting of the product, packaging and accessory part, the data relating to at a point in time t ₀ in the shift register, and with at least one point in time specified by an initiator t _p , at which a control or processing action is started on the accessory part, the point in time t _p depending on the point in time t ₀ Product and d / or the packaging and / or the enclosed part is adjustable. When packaging products in a transfer device of a packaging machine, it is customary to synchronize their movements in a first rotating packaging conveyor for the packaging, for example a so-called folding box chain, and a second rotating product conveyor for the products, for example a so-called product chain. that the product can be inserted laterally into the folding box in the direction of movement of the chains. The two chains are adjustable relative to each other for format adjustment.

For certain products, for example medication, it is also necessary to include an additional part in the package, which can be a brochure or package insert or a measuring spoon, for example. The following is an example of a prospectus as an enclosed part. In the packaging machine there is a further rotating accessory conveyor, for example a so-called brochure tong chain, which carries several tong-like holders, each of which can hold a brochure and hold it by clamping. A brochure to be inserted into the packaging is moved with the brochure pliers chain between the product and the folding box and is carried by the product by the lateral insertion movement and inserted into the folding box, the pincer-like holder opening as soon as the product comes into contact with the brochure.

A data record is stored in the packaging machine for each packaging unit, which includes the product, the folding box and the brochure, which contains all the essential status and control data for the packaging unit. Since at the same time a large number of packaging units in be processed in the packaging machine and pass through the packaging machine, it is known to store the data records in a common data memory. The data memory is designed as a shift register, with the data records within the shift register being moved in a clocked manner in accordance with the work cycle of the machine, ie the changing position of the assigned packaging unit in the packaging machine, to the ejection station. The shift register is clocked via a shift clock, which is usually tapped from the drive of the product chain.

In order to make the folded brochure available, several checking and processing steps are usually required. The prospectus must be removed from a stack of prospectuses on which it is in unfolded form and then folded using a so-called prospectus apparatus at a predetermined time (call-up time t _p ). The prospectus must then be handed over to a pliers-like holder of the prospect pliers chain at a predetermined time. In addition to this, at a predetermined point in time within the prospectus apparatus, a check must be carried out to determine the correct type of prospectus by recording and evaluating a code on the prospectus. The times for

The initiation or initiation of the respective action are either specified via rotating mechanical cams which trigger an initiation signal in a specific rotation, or via an electronic simulation of a corresponding cam. However, the initiation signals are only triggered if a prior check of some data in the data record in the shift register shows that the packaging unit has been properly put together, ie that a product and packaging are present. A packaging machine must be able to process products and packaging of different formats as well as different brochure formats. Depending on the product dimensions, the packaging dimensions and the brochure dimensions, the individual assemblies of the transfer station of the packaging machine must be adjusted relative to each other. In the event of a format change, the brochure apparatus and / or the brochure tongs chain is generally adjusted relative to the product chain and / or the folding box chain. This has the result that the points in time that are specified by one or more initiators or cams are also adjusted relative to the shifting time t _{0 of} the shift register, which defines the start of a processing cycle of the packaging machine. As an example, the time of retrieval t _{p of} the prospectus from the stack of prospectuses is to be assumed in the following, but similar problems also occur at other times at which a control or processing action on an accessory part, for example a prospectus, is started.

Due to the adjustment of the call time t _{p of} the prospectus relative to the shift time to of the shift register, a situation can arise in which the two times coincide or are at least so close to one another that they are not recognized by the control as two independent signals and can be processed. In this situation, ^¬ reason there can be incompatible processes in control and impermissible operating states that could cause the packaging machine off and indicates an error. To correct the fault, the mechanical and electronic settings Ver need ^¬ packaging machine and in particular the prospectus apparatus rela- tively be changed to chain of custody until a secure Operating condition is given. Such an adjustment is possible because there is a certain time tolerance when the brochure is handed over to the pliers-like holder of the brochure pliers chain, but the elimination of the malfunction is complex and adversely affects the performance of the packaging machine.

The invention has for its object to provide a method for controlling a packaging machine called structure, in which a malfunction due to coinciding or too close times of the type mentioned is reliably avoided.

This object is achieved according to the invention by checking the relative position of the call time t _p for the prospectus at the shift time t _{0 of} the shift register and by shifting the time t _p if it lies within a tolerance period T formed by the time t ₀ .

After an adjustment of the packaging machine due ei ^¬ nes format change and the associated adjustment of the fetch timing of the prospectus t _p relative to the shift time t ₀ of the shift register is checked by a control, whether the time t _p of the prospectus delivery schedule to the shift time t ₀ of the shift register is coincident or at least so close to it that a conflict can be expected. This is the case if the call-up time t _{p of} the prospectus lies within a predetermined tolerance period or interval T which is around the

Shift time t _{0 of} the shift register is arranged around. If the check shows that the call time t _{p of} the prospectus lies within the tolerance period T, the call time t _{p of} the prospectus is automatically shifted by the control. Such a shift is oh ne Impairment of the operation of the packaging machine is possible, since when the brochure is handed over to the pliers-like holder of the brochure pliers chain, there is a certain time tolerance which is used according to the invention. This reliably prevents the packaging machine from switching off after a format change due to incompatible operating conditions or control processes.

A fast-working packaging machine manages around 450 work cycles per minute, so that the cycle time is around 133.33 ms. The cycle time, the time interval is referred to that _^ control program required for execution. The cycle time can be 5 ms, for example. The tolerance period T around the shift time t ₀ of

Shift registers should therefore include at least ± 3% of the cycle time of the packaging machine, i.e. the time t _{p of} the prospectus should not be with the last 3% of the previous work cycle before the shift time t ₀ or the first 3% of the next work cycle after the shift time t ₀ coincide. A size of + 10% of the cycle time of the packaging machine has proven to be sensible as the upper limit for the tolerance period T. The tolerance period T preferably comprises a size of + 5% of the cycle time of the packaging machine.

If the control determines that the call time t _p lies within the tolerance period T, the call time t _{p is} postponed until it lies outside the tolerance period T. This shift can take place in either direction on the time axis, ie in the direction of an earlier point in time or in the direction of a later point in time. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the controller controls the two displacements gen Δti and Δt _{2 of} the call time t _p , which are necessary to achieve a position outside the tolerance period T, determined in both directions (earlier - later). The retrieval time t _p is then shifted in the direction in which there is a smaller shift to reach a position outside the tolerance time T.

Further details and features of the invention are apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows the times t ₀ and t _p on the time axis t in an uncritical arrangement before a format change,

Figure 2 shows the times t ₀ and t _p on the time axis t in a critical arrangement after a format adjustment and

3 shows the times t ₀ and t _p on the time axis t in an uncritical arrangement after correction.

1 shows a time axis t, on which a shift time t _{o of} the shift register is shown, which at the same time also defines the start of a work cycle of the packaging machine. A polling time t _p for a brochure in egg ^¬ nem brochure apparatus comprises a sufficient time interval to the shift time t _0, so that it is in the packaging machine no critical operating states occurs.

After a format adjustment in which the time sequences of the prospectus apparatus relative to the product chain the position of the call-up time t _{p of} the prospectus has changed relative to the shift time t _{0 of} the shift register. The call time t _{p of} the prospectus is now much closer to the shift time t _{0 of} the shift register than before the format change, as can be seen in FIG. 2. After completion of the format adjustment, a control of the packaging machine checks whether the call-up time t _{p of} the brochure lies within a tolerance period or interval T around the shift time t _{0 of} the shift register, which comprises ± 5% of the cycle time of the packaging machine. As shown in FIG. 2, the call-up time of the prospectus in the exemplary embodiment shown lies within the tolerance period T. The controller then determines a first time shift Δt _lf that is necessary to shift the call-up time t _p to an earlier position so that it immediately before the tolerance period T. Correspondingly, a second time shift Δt _{2 is also} determined, which is necessary in order to shift the call time t _p to a later point in time, so that it lies just outside the tolerance period T. The two time shifts Δti and At ₂ to be together vergli ^¬ Chen and then the Prospekt apparatus is adjusted such that the retrieval time is t _p to the smaller value (absolute value) of the detected time shifts .DELTA.t _x and At ₂ in the direction associated with adjusted. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the following applies: Δt ₂ <Δt _{1 #,} which is why the retrieval time t _p is shifted by a period of time Δt ₂ to a later point in time, as shown in FIG. 3. In this state in which the polling time t _p by its displacement now except ^¬ half of to the shift time t ₀ of the shift register specified tolerance period T, incompatible From ^¬ are spills and operating states in the packaging machine up reliably avoided due to initiation times or signals that are too close to one another.

Claims

claims

1. A method for controlling a packaging machine which has a product conveyor for a product and a packaging conveyor for packaging, which in sections run parallel and synchronously with one another, so that the product can be introduced into the packaging in a transfer station, and which has an enclosed pack. has a conveyor for a package part to be added to the product, for example a brochure or a measuring spoon, with a data memory in the form of a shift register which contains various status and control data of packaging units consisting of the product, packaging and package part, the data at a time t _{0 are carried away} clocked in the shift register, and with at least one time t _p predetermined by an initiator at which a control or processing action is started on the enclosed part, the time t _p relative to the time t ₀ depending on the product and / or the packaging and / or the accessory part is adjustable, characterized in that the relative position of the Time t _{p is} checked at time t ₀ and that time t _{p is} shifted if it lies within a tolerance period T formed around time t ₀ .

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the time t _{p is} shifted until it lies outside the tolerance period T.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tolerance period T comprises a size of ± 3% to + 10% of the cycle time of the packaging machine.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the tolerance period T comprises a size of ± 5% of the cycle time of the packaging machine.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the displacements Δti, Δt ₂ of

Time t _p , which is necessary to reach a position outside the tolerance period T, is determined in both directions (earlier - later) and that the time t _p is shifted by the smaller of the two shifts Δt _if Δt ₂ .