EP1977294A2

EP1977294A2 - Method and device for operating a machine

Info

Publication number: EP1977294A2
Application number: EP07702831A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang STÖRIG; Elmar Sella
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-01-18
Filing date: 2007-01-17
Publication date: 2008-10-08
Also published as: WO2007082728A2; US20080307754A1; US7941238B2; WO2007082728A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a machine (1), which consumes a material (4) during operation that can be predefined in material units (9) and which can be operated in at least one first operating mode, in which the material (4) is consumed. Said machine is characterised in that a material unit (9) comprises an identification (5) at least containing identification data, said identification data being read and a check being made as to whether the identification data can be assigned to a predefinable release quantity. The machine (1) is operated in a first operating mode, if the identification data can be assigned to the release quantity. The method and device according to the invention advantageously permit machines (1) to be controlled that consume a material (4) in the form of a material unit (9) during operation. The material is consumed in accordance with the identification data that is stored by the identification unit (5). The quality of the operation of the machine (1) can be guaranteed by the prevention of a defective operation caused by the use of an incorrect material (4). Another application for the invention is to guarantee that machines (1) of this type, such as stretch wrap machines, can only be operated using the materials, e.g. stretch film, of a specific supplier (4).

Description

Method and device for operating a machine

The present invention is a method and an apparatus for operating a machine, and a corresponding packaging machine and a corresponding consumable unit. In particular, the present invention is concerned with machines that consume a consumable in operation, which can be specified in consumable units. A particular field of application of this invention is the use in so-called stretch machines, with which packaging units to be packaged can be wrapped with a film.

A so-called stretch machine is understood to mean a machine by means of which preferably a multiplicity of packaging goods can be wrapped with a film, optionally under a stretching of the film. The most common example is the Pallettenwickelstretchen, in which a pallet stacked, for example, with cartons is wrapped by a stretchable film. The composite of pallet and cartons formed in this way is relatively easy and safe to transport without the possibility of falling cardboard boxes. The wrapping can be done either by manual wrap stretchers or semi or fully automatic wrap stretch machines. In the stretch machine so-called stretch film is used, which can be stretched.

Not only in such stretch machines but also in other machines that consume consumables during operation, such as the film in the case of the stretch machine, it is often necessary to secure these machines, especially to ensure quality and to ensure a defined result is operated with a certain type or quality of consumables. For example, there are a variety of different films that can be used with a stretch machine, depending on the application However, to ensure optimum results of the stretch process, only certain types of films are used.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for operating a consumable consumable machine, in which a result of the operation of a specifiable quality can be achieved, which is not disturbed by a faulty use of a wrong consumable. This object is achieved by a method and a device for operating a machine having the features of the independent claims.

The respective dependent claims are directed to advantageous developments.

The method according to the invention for operating a machine which consumes consumable material during operation, which can be predetermined in consumable units, wherein the machine can be operated in at least one first operating mode in which the consumable material is consumed, is characterized in that a consumable unit has a consumable unit Identification unit comprising at least identification data, wherein the identification data are read out and it is checked whether the identification data can be assigned to a predefinable release quantity. The machine is operated in a first operating mode if the identification data can be assigned to the release quantity.

The method according to the invention advantageously allows the machine to be released only if the consumable material satisfies certain properties. Under the release of the machine is understood in particular the intended operation of the machine. In the case of a stretch machine as a machine, this is to be understood as a stretch process, for example for wrapping a loaded pallet with film. Checking whether the identification data can be assigned to a predefinable release quantity, is understood in particular that the identification data with one or more predetermined or predetermined, the release quantity forming, data sets are compared and in the case of a match the machine is placed in the first operating mode. Another possibility is that the identification data represent a code that can be decrypted with a particular method. An assignment to a release quantity is then understood, for example, to be a decryption of the code and its verification.

Thus, for example, in the case of a stretch machine, it can be ensured that only certain types of film are allowed for certain stretch processes, for example complex geometries of the packaged goods to be wrapped. Other possibilities of a machine that consumes a consumable in operation, are machines, by means of which packaging goods in shrink film or applications in the food industry, such as coffee machines or the like.

Thus, a method for operating a packaging machine for packaging at least one packaged product is particularly preferred, wherein the packaging machine can be operated in at least one first operating mode in which the packaged product is packaged, wherein the packaging can comprise at least one of the following operations: a ) moving the packaged goods into a package and b) surrounding the packaged goods with a packaging material, wherein at least one of the following materials comprises an identification unit with identification data:

A) the packaging and

B) the packaging material. In this case, the identification data are read out and it is checked whether the identification data can be assigned to a release quantity, whereby the packaging operating in a first operating mode when the identification data can be assigned to the release amount.

Under packaging material is here in particular film, particularly preferably stretch film understood. Furthermore, under a packaging material in a particularly advantageous manner, a plastic and / or metal strip can be understood by means of which, for example, a pallet load is secured by strapping. Furthermore, the term packaging material according to the invention also includes, for example, pallets on which goods are stacked. A packaging is to be understood in particular as cardboard packaging or the like. That is, in such a method according to the invention, the identification unit can be on, on or in a film or alternatively or cumulatively in the corresponding pallet or the cardboard.

The identification data may generally include an identification of the product as such, for example as a serial number, a manufacturer identification and / or quality information.

In addition to the advantages described so far, the method and the device according to the invention can also advantageously be used to realize a business idea in which a customer is provided with a stretch machine, a strapping machine or another consumable material-consuming machine and the costs This lending process is not about a rental fee for the machine, but rather on the cost of consumables, such as the stretch films are recorded. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that a lender initially provides a stretch machine to a customer free of charge and binds the latter by contract to purchase the stretch films to be used only from him. By means of the method and the device according to the invention can be ensured that the customer can operate the borrowed machine only with consumables of the hirer. In this Trap occurs when, when checking whether the identification data can be assigned to the release quantity, a negative result comes out, for example, a blockage of the machine or this is not set in motion.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the machine is a packaging machine and the consumable packaging material.

In this context, it is particularly preferred for the machine to be a stretch machine by means of which packaging goods can be wrapped with film, whereby the goods to be packaged can be fixed to one another and optionally with other elements, such as a pallet, for example. so as to simplify in particular the shipping, transport or storage of these packaged goods in an advantageous manner and safer. Under the consumable material is then understood in particular foil such as stretch film.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the machine is placed in a second operating mode in which an operation of the machine is not possible if the identification data can not be assigned to the release amount.

For example, it can be ensured that only consumables of a certain quality are used in order to ensure the quality of the result of the operation of the machine.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, if the identification data can not be assigned to the release quantity, the machine is put into the first operating mode and a non-release registration is carried out. Thus, for example, it is possible that if the identification data can not be assigned to the release quantity, that is, if no release can be granted, the machine is, for example, restrictedly ready for operation and / or a warning can be given to the user. Furthermore, it is possible that the Nichtfreigaberegistration in addition to a warning to the user, a storage of data regarding the entry into the first operating mode despite non-release, an increase of a counter for counting the operations in the first operating mode despite non-release and / or a message of the occurrence in include the first mode of operation despite non-release.

The message of entry into the first operating mode despite non-release can mean a message to the user and / or, for example, to the manufacturer and / or distributor and / or lender of the machine. Preferably, an electronic counter can be realized, which counts how often the machine was put into operation despite non-release or how many consumable units were consumed without release. The message of entering the first operating mode despite non-release may include, in addition to an optical and / or audible warning to the user, for example, a connection to a third party by means of telecommunication facilities. These can be done, for example, by sending an SMS to the seller, operator and / or lender of the machine or via an e-mail to this.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the identification unit comprises a readable data memory. At least the identification data can be stored in the data memory. Particularly preferred in this context is that the identification unit comprises at least one of the following units: a) an optically readable data memory; b) an electromagnetically readable data memory and c) a mechanically readable data memory. 007/000377

An optically readable data memory is to be understood here in particular as marking on, in and / or on the consumable material. In the case of a stretch film, which is wound onto a sleeve, this may be, for example, at least one so-called bar code on the sleeve and / or on the film or even a plurality of bar codes on the film itself. In the latter case, the stretch machine would only be operated if, during operation, a barcode inserted on or into the film can be read out at regular intervals.

An electromagnetically readable data memory is understood in particular to be a so-called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) and / or a transponder. In addition to a data memory, such components include, in particular, an antenna with which data can be written into or read from the data memory and transferred to corresponding readers. This communication takes place regularly via electromagnetic radiation in the RF range (radio frequency range), for example at frequencies of about 125 kHz (kilohertz). In this case, both active and passive transponders or RFIDs can be formed, which therefore take their energy from a separate power source such as a battery or are supplied via the RF radiation with the energy required for operation.

Furthermore, it can also be a mechanically readable data memory. Such is understood in particular to mean a special design of the packaging units. For example, the sleeve of a stretch film roll may be configured to be engaged with a corresponding gripper as a readout unit to enable operation of the machine.

Preference is given here electromagnetically readable data memory, in particular RFIDs and / or transponders, since they have the advantage that they can be read without contact and without the necessary optical access. That's the way it is For example, in an advantageous manner possible to introduce the transponder inside the sleeve, on which a stretch film roll is wound, and then read this through the film. In this way, incorrect operation and undesired startup of the machine can be avoided in a particularly advantageous manner.

Particularly preferred is a process control in which the readout of the identification data takes place without contact. In this case, in particular, the optical readout of barcodes or an electromagnetic readout of RFIDs or transponders are preferred.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the identification data comprise at least one of the following information: a) data relating to the transferor of the consumable unit; b) data concerning existing license agreements between the seller and the acquirer; c) data concerning the consumer of the consumable unit; d) data for individualization of the respective consumables unit; and e) data regarding the quality of the consumable unit.

In particular, the identification data comprise an identification of the seller of the consumable unit. This makes it possible in particular to put the machine only in operation when the consumable unit comes from a particular manufacturer or vendor. Furthermore, the identification data may include data from which it is possible to read whether the acquirer has concluded a license agreement with the transferor. Thus, the machine according to the inventive method can only be put into operation if such a license agreement exists. The same applies to data relating to the purchaser of the consumables unit. Furthermore, the identification data can also comprise for individualizing the consumable unit, for example, a serial and / or piece number. The identification data may include the data regarding the quality of the consumable unit. For example, in the case of a stretch film, the thickness of the stretch film, for example 15 microns (microns), 20 microns or 25 microns and possibly also the optical properties of this film may be included in the identification data. Thus, it can be ensured that, for example, if the user indicates that the goods to be packaged are sensitive to light, only an opaque or reflective film is used. Or it is for example possible in relatively difficult to pack packaging goods, the z. B. have a variety of corners and edges, back and / or projections to specify a certain film quality, so as to prevent uncontrolled tearing of the film or the build-up of unwanted material stresses.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus for operating a machine is proposed, which consumes consumables during operation, which can be predetermined in consumable units. The device comprises means for reading identification data from an identification unit which can be mounted on or in a consumable unit. According to the invention, control means are provided which are connected to the means for reading identification data and which check whether the identification data can be assigned to a predefinable release quantity. The machine is set by the device in a first operating mode, when the identification data can be assigned to a predetermined release amount.

The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. The control means may be included in particular within the scope of a machine control, in particular, this may also be present in the form of a computer-executable program product. Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the device in which the means for reading identification data emit and / or absorb electromagnetic radiation.

By this is meant in particular a bar code reader which emits electromagnetic radiation in the visible wavelength range and detects the reflected electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, this is understood to mean a device in which a transponder or RFID reads out. This takes place by irradiation of an electromagnetic radiation in the RF range, by which either an energy transfer to a transponder at the consumable unit and simultaneous activation with readout of the transponder or a pure readout of the transponder in the case of an active transponder is achieved. This transponder then transmits the identification data to the means for reading identification data. These are then transmitted to the control means and evaluated there. During the evaluation it is checked whether the identification data can be assigned to a predefinable release quantity. The release quantity here means a set of data records for which all release of the machine can take place. If the data record of the identification unit is present in the release quantity or if information can be obtained from the identification data by means of, for example, a mathematical operation, by means of which a desired release can be made and thus an assignment of the identification data to the release quantity can take place, the machine is moved to the first Operating mode offset.

Also advantageous is an embodiment in which the means for reading identification data interact mechanically with the identification unit. This can be achieved in particular by a special embodiment of the consumable units, which cooperate with appropriate means on the machine or the corresponding device and thus cause a release. This may for example be a recess in the consumable unit, with which a corresponding gripping arm can cooperate. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the means for reading identification data operate without contact.

This is the case in particular when reading out identification data from identification units such as transponders or RFIDs. These also have the advantage that an RFID does not have to be in optical contact with the means for reading identification data. Thus, an RFID may also be formed in inaccessible places, for example in the interior of the consumable unit, so as to complicate a manipulation.

Furthermore, a packaging machine is proposed, which is operated by the method according to the invention, or which comprises a device according to the invention. Preferred here is a packaging machine, which is a machine for wrapping packaging goods in film. Such machines are referred to as stretch machines, for example.

Furthermore, a consumable unit is proposed which comprises at least one identification unit and which can be used in accordance with the method according to the invention and / or with a device according to the invention and / or with a packaging machine according to the invention.

Such a consumable unit comprises, for example, film, in particular stretch film, which is threaded onto a corresponding sleeve body or the like.

According to a preferred embodiment of the film, this comprises a sleeve as a winding core, on which the film is wound. This winding core and / or the film comprises a transponder as an identification unit. Alternatively or additionally, the film may comprise an identification unit, for example periodically mounted, based on an optical recognition. Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner, a sleeve of the stretch film may comprise a transponder as the first identification unit and, in addition, the film itself may have a bar code at regular intervals, for example.

The details and advantages disclosed for the method according to the invention can also be applied to the device according to the invention, the consumable unit according to the invention, the packaging machine according to the invention and the film according to the invention, and in each case reversed.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Show it:

Fig. 1: a pallet winding-stretch machine;

2 shows a consumable unit according to the invention;

3 shows a horizontal winding stretch machine; and

4 shows a frame strapping machine.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a stretch machine 1, namely a pallet winding-stretch machine. This packaged goods 2 are on a pallet 3. These packaged goods 2 are wrapped by the stretch machine 1 with a film 4 in which the pallet 3 is rotated by a rotation means 8, while a film roll 9 is moved on a stand 10 up and down , When wrapping the pallet 3 and the packaged goods 2, the film 4 is stretched. The stretch machine 1 is operated by the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the film has an identification unit 5, which is only schematically interpreted. The identification unit 5 comprises in particular a so-called RFID or a transponder, which is formed on, on or in a sleeve, not shown, on which the film 4 is wound. The stretch machine 1 according to the invention comprises means 6 for reading identification data. If the identification unit 5 is a transponder, appropriate reading devices can be formed as means 6 for reading identification data, which can communicate with the identification unit 5 via electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the RF range (radio frequency range). Alternatively or additionally, the pallet 3 can also have an identification unit 5, which can likewise preferably be read out without contact by corresponding means 6 for reading identification data.

According to the inventive method, the stretch machine 1 is set in a first operating mode or operated in this, in which a wrapping of the packaged goods 2 and / or the pallet 3 takes place when the read from the identification unit 5 identification data can be assigned to a predetermined release amount. For example, this can take place in such a way that the amount of release of the stretch machine 1 is predetermined as a set with one or a plurality of data records, upon the read-out of which the stretch machine 1 is put into operation. In particular, a plurality of data records can be stored here or the identification data in the identification unit 5 can be coded by means of a specific mathematical method. Thus, for example, function values can be stored as identification data in the identification unit 5, which generate a release code when inserted into a specific mathematical function or not and thus permit an assignment of the identification data to the release quantity. The checking of the identification data and the assignment to a release quantity are carried out by control means 12, which are part of a machine control here. If the identification data can not be assigned to a release quantity, there are various possibilities. For example, it is then possible to shut down the stretch machine 1 until a film 4 is used, which contains an identification unit with corresponding identification data. If a film 4 without identification unit 5 is used, this leads to the fact that the identification data can not be designated as being assignable to a release quantity and even then a start-up of the stretch machine 1 is not possible.

Alternatively, it is possible to still put the stretch machine into operation while at the same time conducting a non-release registration. This non-release registration may include, for example, information to the user of the stretch machine 1 that a non-contractual packaging material is used. Another possibility is to inform the lender and / or owner of the installation that the machine is being operated with film that does not conform to the contract. This can be done for example by conventional communication channels, for example by sending a text message or an e-mail when the stretch machine 1 has appropriate communication facilities. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to use a counter which counts the number of films which are not in conformity with the contract. This counter can then be read by the lender or owner as part of a maintenance process. All this allows the lender at a later date to take sanctions against the user of the device, if necessary.

FIG. 2 shows a consumable unit according to the invention, namely a film roll 9 made of a film 4 wound on a sleeve 7. The sleeve 7 comprises an RFID as identification unit 5 in its interior. Alternatively or additionally, the film itself may contain other identification units, in particular at periodic intervals corresponding barcodes. FIG. 3 shows a further example of a stretch machine 1 operated according to the invention. This is a so-called horizontal winder. In this at least one packaged product 2, usually a relatively bulky packaged goods 2 such as a carpet or large-sized building boards with a film 4 wrapped. The film 4 is here wound onto a sleeve 7 and thus forms a film roll 9, which comprises an identification unit 5. The stretch machine 1 comprises means 6 for reading identification data included on the identification unit 5. This reading is carried out without contact, for example by electromagnetic radiation when using an RFID as identification unit 5. In this stretch machine 1, the rotation means 8 move the film roll 9 around the packaged product 2, this can be moved by appropriate feed means 11.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a strapping machine 13 operated according to the invention. This is a so-called frame strapping machine 13, in which at least one packaged product 2 is strapped with a band 14, usually a plastic and / or metal band. The tape 14 is stored on a roll of tape 15 comprising an identification unit 5. The strapping machine 13 comprises means 6 for reading identification data included on the identification unit 5. The reading is carried out without contact, for example by electromagnetic radiation when using at least one RFID as an identification unit 5. In a frame strapping machine 13, the band 14 is guided by a formed in the frame 16 and in the drive unit 19 band guide channel 17, so that first from the frame 16th limited space 18 is surrounded by band 14. In this case, the guide of the belt 14 through the tape guide channel 17, for example, by in the drive unit 19 formed (not shown) drive wheels, which force the belt 14 drive. Now, if the tape guide channel 17 is charged with the tape 14, it can be done by contracting the tape 14, a strapping of the packaging material 2 in the space 18. For this purpose, the band guide channel 17 is advantageously provided on the inside with spring-operated closures which, when pulled together, hen the band 14 open and release the band 14. After the band 14 rests against the packaged product 2 and / or after a predetermined tension is applied to the band 14, the band 14 is connected to itself, for example welded and / or glued, and then separated so that the packaged item 2 is closed Volume 14 remains strapped.

According to the invention, the strapping machine 13 is set in the first operating mode if the identification unit stored on the identification unit 5 can be assigned to a release quantity. In particular, the process management is such that the operation of the strapping machine 13 is possible only with appropriately identified straps 14 or belt rollers 15. The identification unit 5 may alternatively or additionally also be formed directly on the belt 14, in particular at periodic intervals. In addition to a frame strapping machine, all other conventional strapping machines can be advantageously operated according to the invention.

The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention advantageously permit the control of machines which, during operation, consume a consumable material which is present as a consumable unit, it being possible for the consumption to take place as a function of identification data stored on the identification unit 5. In particular, a quality in the operation of the machine can be ensured in the incorrect operation can be prevented by using a wrong consumable. Another field of application of this invention is the possibility of ensuring, with such machines as, for example, stretch machines, that they can only be operated with consumables such as, for example, stretch film from a specific supplier. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 stretch machine

2 packaged goods

3 pallet

4 foil

5 identification unit

6 means for reading identification data

7 sleeve

8 rotating agents

9 film roll

10 tripod

11 feed means

12 control means

13 strapping machine

14 band

15 roll of tape

16 frames

17 band guide channel

18 room

19 drive unit

Claims

claims

1. A method for operating a machine (1), which consumes a consumable material (4) during operation, which is predeterminable in consumable units (9), wherein the machine in at least a first operating mode in which the consumable material (4) is consumed , can be operated, characterized in that a consumable unit (9) comprises an identification unit (5) with at least identification data, wherein the identification data are read out and it is checked whether the identification data can be assigned to a predefinable release quantity, wherein the machine (1 ) is operated in a first operating mode when the identification data can be assigned to the release amount.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the machine (1) is a packaging machine and the consumable material (4) is packaging material.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the machine (1) is set in a second operating mode in which an operation is not possible if the identification data can not be assigned to the release amount.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein when the identification data can not be assigned to the release amount, the machine (1) is placed in the first operating mode and a non-release registration is performed.

The method of claim 5, wherein the non-release registration comprises at least one of the following operations: a) storage of data relating to entry into the first

Operating mode despite non-release; b) an increase of a counter for counting the operation in the first operating mode despite non-release and c) a message of entering the first operating mode despite non-release.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification unit (5) comprises a readable data memory.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the identification unit comprises at least one of the following units: a) an optically readable data memory; b) an electromagnetically readable data memory and c) a mechanically readable data memory.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the readout of the identification data takes place without contact.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the identification unit comprises at least one transponder.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification data comprise at least one of the following information: a) data relating to the transferor of the consumable unit; (b) data concerning existing license agreements between the seller and the acquirer; c) data concerning the consumer of the consumable unit; d) data for individualization of the respective consumable unit; and e) data regarding the quality of the consumable unit.

11. A device for operating a machine (1), which consumes a consumable material (4) during operation, which can be predetermined in consumable units (9), comprising means (6) for reading identification data from one of, on or in a consumable unit (9 ) attachable identification unit (5), characterized in that control means (12) are formed, which are connected to the means (6) for reading identification data and which check whether the identification data can be assigned to a predeterminable release quantity and which the machine (1) put in a first operating mode in which the consumable (4) is consumed, if the identification data can be assigned to a predetermined release amount.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the means (6) for reading identification data emit and / or record electromagnetic radiation.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the means (6) for reading identification data mechanically interact with the identification unit (5).

14. Device according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the means (6) for reading identification data operate without contact.

15. Packaging machine (1), operated by a method according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or comprising a device according to one of

Claims 11 to 14.

16. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 15, which is a machine for wrapping packaging goods (2) in film (4).

17. Packaging machine (13) according to claim 15, which is a strapping machine for strapping packaged goods (2) with band (14).

18. Consumables unit (9, 14) comprising at least one identification unit for use according to the method according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or with a device according to one of claims 11 to 14 and / or with a packaging machine according to one of claims 15 to 17 ,

19 film (9) or tape (14) as a consumable unit according to claim 18.

20. Consumables unit (9, 14) according to claim 19, comprising a sleeve (7) as a winding core, which comprises a transponder as identification unit (5).

21. consumable unit (9, 14) according to claim 19 or 20, comprising a transponder as an identification unit (5).

A consumable unit (9, 14) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the film or belt (14) comprises a periodically mounted optical recognition based identification unit (5).