EP2845815A1 - Machine for processing containers and method for monitoring the processing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Described are a treatment machine for containers (4), in particular for printing on the containers, with a transport means for transporting the containers along a transport path and a method for monitoring the processing machine. According to the invention, at least one stationary scanning device (6, 7, 8) is provided for scanning a profile line section (12a) of an envelope (12) which is predetermined by a properly transported container type and / or by properly assembled setup elements (5). Furthermore, the scanning device is set up in such a way that it outputs a control signal (17) when the profile line section is laterally extended in the direction of a treatment unit.

Description

The invention relates to a processing machine for containers, in particular for direct printing of the containers, and a method for monitoring a rotary machine for the treatment, in particular printing, of containers.

In rotary machines for treating containers, for example for labeling the containers and / or for printing the containers, the containers to be treated are moved after being introduced into the rotary machine substantially along a circular path and driven on, for example stationary in the periphery of the rotary machine attached treatment units along , The containers to be treated can be, for example, beverage bottles with a round cross section or non-circular cross-section molding bottles.

Depending on the diameter and / or rotational position of the containers, the treatment units are to be positioned at suitable radial positions along the circumference of the treatment machine. In particular, in the case of units which have a small working distance to the containers to be treated, such as, for example, inkjet printheads or the like, care must be taken that mispositioning of the containers towards the outside can not cause a collision with the stationary units. Error causes are, for example, the introduction of a container with too large a diameter or faulty rotational positions of molding bottles.

Further, on rotary machines adapted to the containers to be treated set-up elements are used, such as holding devices for the container or housing elements or partitions for mutual shielding of the container. A misadjustment, for example in the course of a machine conversion, can then also cause a collision with sensitive stationary treatment units.

There is therefore a need for apparatuses and methods for monitoring rotary machines such that collisions of circulating containers and / or set-up elements with treatment units fixed on the outside of the machines can be reliably avoided.

The stated object is achieved with a treatment machine according to claim 1. Accordingly, this includes a means of transport, in particular a carousel, for continuously and / or intermittently transporting the containers along a transport path and at least one stationary scanning device for monitoring a profile line section of an envelope, by a properly transported on the transport container and / or by a properly is defined on the means of transport mounted setup element. According to the invention, the scanning device is set up to determine whether a container / Rüstelement exceeds a permissible lateral projection on the profile line section, and output when exceeding the allowable supernatant, a control signal. An imminent collision with treatment units can thus be detected and the collision automatically avoided.

The transport path is, for example, a circular path and the permissible lateral projection an allowable radial projection in contrast to the outside. Alternatively, the transport path is a linear path and the permissible lateral projection is defined perpendicular to the transport path in the direction of a treatment unit to be monitored.

The scanning device is fastened in particular outside the circular path or movement path on the treatment machine, for example by means of a docked console or the like.

The treatment machine is for example a treatment machine for labeling and / or printing, in particular direct printing, the container. However, other / further treatment steps on the containers can also be carried out on the treatment machine. The containers are for example bottles, in particular beverage bottles.

The envelope is defined and monitored by the properly transported container and / or properly mounted setup element preferably for a given transport section, for example a machine angle range, of the processing machine. When transported along a circular path, the envelope thus defined can be understood as the surface of an imaginary rotation body, which is created by movement of the outer contour of the container / setting element in the region of the treatment unit to be protected. In the case of a linear path, the envelope defined in this way can be understood as a surface which is produced by linear extrusion of a contour of the container / setup element facing the treatment unit to be protected.

The thus defined envelope can vary, for example, by changing the rotational position not rotationally symmetric container in the predetermined transport section. Relevant then is its subsection in which the defined envelope has the smallest lateral distance to the treatment unit to be protected. In a carousel, this is the machine angle range in which the radial distance of the envelope from the axis of rotation of the carousel is greatest.

The profile line section to be monitored is, for example, at the level of a section of the outer container contour or a container contour facing a treatment unit, in which a certain working distance to the respective treatment unit must be maintained. A container not properly transported on the carousel is for example a container of a container type with a larger circumference and / or diameter than the proper container, as well as a container with impermissibly deviating rotational position, especially if the envelope actually caused by the deviating rotational position in the sense of the above definitions over the defined for properly transported container envelope protrudes in the direction of a to be passed by the containers treatment unit.

Setup elements according to the invention are in particular partitions and / or housing elements, such as partition plates, receiving elements or transport devices or the like. In particular, it should be understood that the set-up elements are mounted specifically for certain types of containers on the carousel. In particular, a setup element not properly mounted on the carousel is a setup element whose actual envelope lies radially or linearly outside the envelope provided for the respective container.

By the permissible lateral projection is meant that an actual envelope is allowed which is at most around the radial protrusion farther outside than is defined for properly rotating container / Rüstelemente. The radial projection may be defined for a vertical region of the profile line section or for a point of the profile line section, ie a specific height level on which a collision is possible.

Collisions of improperly and / or improperly transported / mounted containers / set-up elements can be reliably avoided by outputting a control signal when the permissible protrusion is exceeded, with which suitable measures for collision avoidance can be initiated. For example, the carousel can be stopped by emergency stop. Likewise, endangered treatment units could be moved out of the collision area, for example by means of a stroke or offset away from the transport path, in particular radially outward.

Preferably, the scanning device comprises a laterally in the direction of the transport path, for example, a carousel to the inside, facing driving lever, which is taken triggering the control signal when exceeding the allowable supernatant. By this is to be understood that potentially colliding container / Rüstelemente collide with the driving lever and this move so far that a suitable switching operation is triggered. The driving lever may be formed, for example, as a shift lever with a switching contact. It is also conceivable that the movement of the driving lever is monitored by an associated sensor, for example by means of optical light barrier, switching contact or the like. The driving lever allows easy mechanical monitoring and is equally suitable for scanning containers and partitions and housing elements such as bulkhead plates or the like.

The driver lever preferably comprises a sensor plate with an effective contour pointing in the direction of the transport path, for example in the direction of the carousel, which runs along the profile line section at a distance corresponding to the permissible lateral projection. For example, the sensor plate for monitoring cylindrical envelope sections substantially has a vertical contour. In containers with curved and / or contoured or structured container contours, the sensor plate in the region of the profile line section can also be designed essentially as a negative of the container contour. Likewise, the sensor plate may be adapted to the scanning of bulkhead plates to the effective outer contour.

Preferably, the entrainment lever comprises at its free end a sensor plate with at least one projection formed at a predetermined height and pointing in the direction of the transport path, which corresponds in pairs to a recess formed on the same height on the transport means, in particular in such a way that only in pairs to the sensor plate matching trim elements on the sensor plate collision-free pass. Set-up element and sensor plate then work together in the sense of lock and key.

Between a radially aligned setup element, such as a bulkhead plate, and a sensor plate aligned therewith, a gap is then preferably formed, the course of which is characteristic of a particular setup element, in particular bulkhead plate. Partition plates and sensor plates are then formed, for example, as mutually corresponding plates or the like. Thus, the correct assignment of a bulkhead or the like to a particular container type can be checked in a simple manner. By way of example, the number, size and / or position of the mutually corresponding recesses and projections then varies in a characteristic manner for setup elements assigned to individual specific containers and the respective sensor plates present for monitoring these setup elements. This makes it possible to avoid a faulty installation of set-up elements which do not fit the containers to be treated.

Alternatively, other optical or electronic interrogation devices may be installed on the machine, e.g. By scanning a barcode, it is possible to detect whether it is the set-up elements associated with the currently loaded container type, in the sense of matching key / lock. Conceivable are confusion-proof clothing identifications by means of RFID chips or data matrix codes on the setup elements and driving levers / sensor plates.

Preferably, the sensor plate comprises at least one length-adjustable plate segment for forming the projection. This favors a quick and flexible machine conversion. Preferably, the drive lever remains in a position triggering the control signal after actuation by collision. This is to be understood that the driving lever does not automatically return from a control signal triggering switching position to its original position. In particular, the lever is manually reset by an operator intervention in its Ausgangszustellung. This increases the security, in particular to the effect that it is not continued with a faulty setup and / or a defective container.

The scanning device preferably comprises a distance meter, which is oriented in the direction of the transport path, in particular of the carousel, inwardly for non-contact measurement of the permissible lateral projection, in particular a laser distance meter or an image-forming distance meter. The laser distance meter is, for example, an interferometric distance meter. The image-giving distance meter is, for example, a camera with an associated image evaluation unit. In particular, the containers to be treated can be imaged, for example, by comparison with camera images properly transported on the carousel container. The image-giving distance measurement is particularly suitable for detecting a faulty rotational position of mold containers. Laser distance meter is particularly suitable for flexible measurement of transported past the laser distance meter surfaces / contours. The contactless scanning device is preferably to be set manually after the output of the control signal.

Preferably, the treatment machine is designed such that the control signal triggers an emergency stop of the transport. This can be reliably avoided on the one hand damage to the treatment stations and treatment units. On the other hand, the cause of the fault can be eliminated immediately after the emergency stop. Preferably, the emergency stop then by a manual operator intervention, such as operation of a suitable safety switch and removal of the cause, to start again.

Preferably, the treatment machine according to the invention further comprises at least one stationary, in particular attached to the periphery of the carousel printer having at least one print head whose nominal pressure separation from the containers is greater than the allowable lateral projection. This reliably prevents damage to sensitive printheads.

The stated object is also achieved by a method for monitoring a treatment machine for the treatment, in particular printing, of containers according to claim 10. Accordingly, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) determining an envelope defined by a container properly transported along a particular circular transport path and / or by at least one setup element properly mounted and transported on the treatment machine; b) setting an allowable lateral projection over a profile line section of the envelope to be monitored; and c) monitoring the actual lateral projection over the profile line section and outputting a control signal as soon as the actual lateral projection of a container / setup element is greater than the allowable lateral projection.

The envelope curve is determined, for example, by defining the radially outward contour of a container / setup element via a machine angle range to be monitored for treating the container as a rotation body about the rotation axis of the rotary machine. The permissible lateral projection is then determined as a radial projection over the profile line section to be monitored, for example, based on required working distances between the containers and individual treatment units. In particular, the permissible lateral / radial projection is predetermined in such a way that a collision of containers / set-up elements with stationary treatment units is avoided. The actual lateral / radial projection does not necessarily have to be measured. It is in principle sufficient to set an excess of the permissible supernatant, for example by mechanical actuation of a driving lever. Nevertheless, the envelope actually caused by a container / set-up element can be measured contactlessly as the actual value in the relevant profile line section and compared with the respective permissible setpoint value.

Preferably, step b) is carried out as a function of a working distance between the containers and a treatment unit, in particular for direct printing. In particular, a radial projection is allowed to be smaller than the working distance, for example a pressure separation of inkjet printheads.

Preferably, step c) is carried out after setting a rotational position for the treatment, in particular the printing. This ensures that the containers are scanned in the rotational position in which they are subsequently treated. The rotational position is generally defined with respect to the transport path of the container.

In a favorable embodiment of the method according to the invention, the containers are not rotationally symmetrical, and steps a) to c) are carried out separately for individual rotational positions of the containers used for the treatment. This is understood to mean that the method according to the invention is carried out at least twice, for example, along the machine angle range of a rotary machine available for the individual treatment steps. For example, each container rotation is assigned a separate envelope and checks whether the associated allowable radial projection is exceeded in the associated machine angle range, in particular before reaching the associated treatment unit.

Preferably, it is checked in step c) whether the containers and / or set-up elements collide with a driving lever. The control signal can then be triggered in a simple manner by moving the driving lever into a suitable switching position.

Preferably, the setup elements and catch levers are provided as sets with corresponding effective contours. By this is meant that driver lever and setup elements are provided in the sense of lock and key such that only the mating trim elements and driving lever can be moved past each other without triggering the control signal. For example, a free gap is formed between corresponding setup elements and driving levers, which has a characteristic course for each set, so that incorrect assembly of the rotary machine is avoided with not suitable for the respective containers Rüstelementen.

Preferably, the effective contour of the driving lever is adjusted and adapted to the contour of the setup elements. Preferably, the entrainment levers are then automatically adapted by a central control unit to a container type to be treated, so that not matching the type of container partitions and / or Einhausungselemente collide with the driving lever.

Preferably, the actual projection of the containers in step c) is measured without contact, in particular by means of optical imaging, laser distance measurement, ultrasound, magnetic fields and / or inductively. The scanning according to the invention can then be adapted particularly quickly to changing production conditions.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Behandlungsmaschine;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Abtasteinrichtung; und

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines Rüstelements und einer paarweise dazu passenden Sensorplatte.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a treatment machine according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic plan view of a scanning device according to the invention; and

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a setup element and a pairwise matching sensor plate.

As the Fig. 1 In a preferred embodiment, the treatment machine 1 according to the invention comprises a carousel 2 which continuously rotates about an axis of rotation 2a and has a plurality of circumferentially uniformly distributed clamping units 3 for containers 4 to be treated Fig. 1 For the sake of simplicity, only one of the clamping units 3 with a turntable 3a, a centering holder 3b which can be lowered onto the containers 4 and a mounting bracket 3c is indicated, only two rotary positions represent a turntable 3a with a container 4. The containers 4 are in particular, their mouth region 4a, centered relative to a central axis 3d of the clamping units 3 and are moved along a circular transport path 2b. The basic mode of operation of the clamping units 3 in the supply, rotational position alignment and removal of the container 4 is known per se therefore not further explained.

In principle, the circular transport path 2b could be replaced by a linear transport path of a straight-ahead machine (not shown). For this case, only the directional information used in relation to the circular transport path 2b and the carousel 2 in the sense of radially inward or outward radial direction would be replaced by: respectively directed away from the associated treatment unit perpendicular to the transport path or toward this.

The containers 4 may have rotationally symmetrical cross sections, polygonal cross sections, cross sections with a combination of curved and straight peripheral lines, or similar cross sections. In addition, structured container surfaces, for. B. with raised places possible. Is exemplary in the Fig. 1 a rotationally symmetrical container 4 is shown in the Fig. 2 in contrast, a container 4, in which flat or slightly curved side wall portions 4b are to be printed on the front and back of the container 4. The intermediate, not to be printed side wall portions 4c have a greater distance from the central axis 3d than the side wall portions 4b to be printed.

Between the clamping units 3 are mounted elements 5, such as bulkhead plates, with which the individual containers 4 are shielded from each other in the treatment. These are interchangeable Rüstelemente 5, which are appropriate to the container type on the carousel 2.

Schematically indicated are also stationary scanning devices 6 to 8, which are fastened by means of a bracket 9 at the periphery of the carousel 2 from the outside. The scanning devices 6 to 8 are assigned to a stationary treatment unit following in the direction of transport 2c of the carousel 2, in the example a printer 10 for direct ink jet printing by means of at least one print head 11. However, it would be possible in principle to attach only one of the scanning devices or scanning devices to several and / or separate consoles 9 to distribute.

The scanning devices 6 to 8 are used to check whether nominal envelopes 12, which are generated by properly circulating containers 4 and / or set-up elements 5 with respect to the axis of rotation 2a of the carousel 2, of the individual containers 4 and / or set-up elements 5 actually within a predetermined tolerance can be maintained. In other words, deviations from the nominal envelopes 12 in the radial direction 12b caused by improperly circulating containers 4 and / or set-up elements 5 are to be ascertained outwardly, in particular those deviations which suggest an imminent collision with a treatment unit. To avoid is especially a collision with comparatively sensitive print heads 11. In the Fig. 1 For example, the nominal envelope curve 12 caused by the container 4 in a subsection of its orbit is indicated by dotted lines, as is a profile line section 12 a of the envelope curve 12 which is particularly relevant for assessing a potential collision with the print head 11.

How the particular Fig. 2 For example, two stationary scanning devices 6, 7 with driving levers 6a, 7a and with sensors 6b, 7b for determining the position of the driving levers 6a, 7a are present. There is also a stationary scanning device 8 for non-contact distance measurement available, in the example shown for laser distance measurement by means of a schematically indicated laser beam 8a.

In the Fig. 2 is schematically the course of a properly positioned for the subsequent treatment container 4 predetermined envelope 12 as a dotted circular path indicated, and for comparison, one of a not properly positioned container 4 'actually caused envelope 13 as a circular path with a correspondingly larger radius. In the example, the container 4 'is not aligned in the intended for the subsequent treatment rotational position but is in contrast with his non-printing wall section 4c to the outside and would collide without stopping the carousel 2 with the print head 11. Depending on a nominal pressure separation 14 between the container 4 and the printhead 11, a permissible projection 15 of the envelopes 13 actually caused by the individual containers 4 is defined over the nominal envelope 12 for containers 4 properly transported on the carousel 2. The maximum permissible projection 15 is, in particular, smaller than the nominal pressure separation 14 of the print head 11. That is, only projections 15 of the individual containers 4 are permitted, in which a collision of the container 4 with the print head 11 is reliably avoided. In contrast, causes the incorrectly positioned container 4 'an actual projection 16, so that the driving lever 6a shown on the right is taken from the container 4'.

This applies in the same way to the setup elements 5 designed in the example as partition plates (corresponding envelopes are shown in FIG Fig. 2 not shown). That is, nominal envelopes 12 may also be defined for the bulkhead plates or the like co-rotating setup elements 5, and their actual overhang 16 monitored as compared to an allowable overhang 15. These parameters can be defined / monitored separately for bulkhead plates and similar setup elements 5, but also together with the containers 4.

In the Fig. 2 the scanning devices 6, 7 are shown identical to illustrate the operation. However, it would be advantageous, for example, to form the one driving lever 6a for scanning the bulkhead plates or the like forming elements 5 and the other driving lever 7a for scanning the containers 4, the latter with a single scanning device 6, 7, 8, for example.

The deflection of the driving levers 6a, 7a is determined, for example, with the aid of a switch contact or the like present on the sensors 6b, 7b, so that a control signal 17 is generated by an associated control unit 18 as a function of the detected deflection of the driving lever 6a, 7a. In the example of Fig. 2 is the left driving lever 7a in a preferably radial starting or ready position 19 and the right driving lever 6a in a control signal 17 triggering switching position 20th

The entrainment levers 6a, 7a preferably remain after they have been taken by a container 4 or a Rüstelement 5, in the control signal 17 triggering switching position 20. That is, the driving lever 6a, 7a must then preferably by operator intervention in the initial or standby position 19 are reset.

The non-contact distance measurement by means of the scanning device 8 is particularly suitable for scanning container surfaces. Instead of or in addition to a laser distance measurement, the surface of the container 4 to be processed could also be scanned image-giving. For example, actual camera images taken with the scanning device 8 could be compared with target camera images, and a container offset and / or a faulty rotational position could be deduced from ascertained size differences, image distortion of characteristic container features or the like. The scanning device 8 for non-contact distance measurement could also work by means of ultrasound, magnetic fields and / or inductively.

As the Fig. 1 is schematically illustrated, preferably a particularly relevant profile line section 12a of the nominal envelope 12 is selectively monitored. The profile line section 12a is then preferably a vertical region of the container contour / Rüstelementkontur in which a subsequent treatment step is to be performed. In other words, the monitored profile line section 12a is at a height level in which the containers 4 and / or set-up elements 5 could collide with the print heads 11 or other treatment units.

The entrainment levers 6a, 7a preferably comprise at their free ends sensor plates 6c with an effective contour 21 adapted to the respective envelope to be checked Fig. 3 illustrates that the sensor plates 6c and the bulkhead plates or the like setup elements 5 may be formed as mutually corresponding sets whose effective contours 21, 22 mating projections and recesses, in particular such that only in pairs match sensor plates 6c and 5 without triggering the elements Control signal 17 run past each other. Mutually assigned sensor plates 6c and setup elements 5 then cooperate in the sense of lock and key in order to avoid a misadjustment with setup elements 5, in particular with bulkhead plates that are too large. On the other hand, too small partition plates would be tolerable from the perspective of collision avoidance with the print head 11. Preferably, recesses and sensing fingers or the like projections corresponding to the sensor plates 6c are formed on the partition plates so as not to adversely affect the shielding effect of the partition plates to the outside.

The sensor plates 6c could individually comprise adjustable in their length segments 6d, as shown in the Fig. 3 is indicated by a double arrow in order to adapt the effective contour 21 of the sensor plate 6c to the effective contour 22 of the setup element 5 to be mounted. However, non-adjustable sensor plates 6c could be used as well. These would have to be replaced with a change of the Rüstelemente 5 then suitable.

Between the effective contours 21, 22 aligned and corresponding sensor plates 6c, 7c and setup elements 5, a gap 23 is then formed with a characteristic course whose direction preferably changes at least once. Waves and / or inclined sections of the gap 23 would also be conceivable.

As the Fig. 2 illustrates, the driving lever 6a, 7a and / or sensor plates formed thereon 6c are preferably aligned in their initial or ready position 19 pointing radially inward. The pivoting movement of the driving levers 6a, 7a preferably takes place about a vertical axis of rotation. Alternatively, linearly displaceable drivers would also be conceivable which, for example, can be pushed outward at an angle to the circular orbit.

Preferably, a plurality of treatment units docked on the treatment machine 1, in particular a plurality of printers 10, are assigned separate scanning devices 6, 7 and / or 8. In particular for containers 4 with non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section, a separate collision check according to the invention can be carried out after each alignment in a desired rotational position, for example matching the respective printing position of the print head 11 and the nominal printing distance 14.

For example, it would be conceivable that in eccentric position of the container 4 'in the clamping unit 3, a first control of the envelope 12 initially inconspicuous because of too large a working distance and the container 4' runs on the associated treatment unit collision free. After a rotational position change of the container 4 'by 180 °, however, this could collide because of a then too small working distance with a subsequent treatment unit. This would be avoided by further control of the envelope 12 after this change of rotational position.

Likewise, several peripheral portions of the container 4 could be scanned, for example, in the Fig. 2 shown side wall portions 4b, 4c. The rotational position of the container 4 could thus be queried before the respective treatment unit 11.

To increase the reliability of setup elements 5, such as the bulkhead plates, be equipped with optically readable codes and / or with RFID chips. It would also be conceivable a color-corresponding marking of matching sensor plates 6c and bulkhead plates.

The operation of the treatment machine 1 according to the invention can be monitored, for example, as follows:

The correct assembly with setup elements 5 can be checked, for example, with an optional test run of the treatment machine 1. In this case, for example, each partition plate must only be driven once past the associated scanning device 6, 7, 8 in order to check whether the permissible projection 15 is exceeded. If this is the case, the control signal 17 is triggered according to the invention and the carousel 2 is preferably stopped by emergency stop. This will prevent damage and easily detect and replace a badly mounted bulkhead.

However, it would also be conceivable to set the respectively required working distance of the treatment units to the containers 4 and to introduce containers 4 into the carousel 2 after the assembly of the setup elements 5, by the actual envelopes 13 generated by the containers 4 and / or by the setup elements 5 to monitor together. Also in this case, the carousel 2 would be stopped when the permissible supernatant 15 is exceeded, preferably by emergency stop. It could then be determined whether the emergency stop has been caused by a faulty mounted bulkhead plate or the like or by a faulty positioned container 4.

The scanning devices 6 to 8 could be specifically designed and / or adjusted for the containers 4 or the setup elements 5 and / or activated specifically for checking the containers 4 or the setup elements 5.

If several treatment units are present along the machine angle range of the carousel 2 available for the treatment, then collision checks according to the invention are carried out in particular after each rotational position alignment of non-rotationally symmetrical containers.

The control signal generated according to the invention in the risk of collision can be processed in known manner in control units, safety circuits or the like to stop the carousel 2 in time before a collision of a container 4, a bulkhead or the like mitrotierender components with a stationary treatment unit and / or the treatment unit to return to a position where a collision can be avoided. This would be conceivable, for example, in the case of motorized adjusting mechanisms for the pressure spacing of printing heads.

Claims (16)

Treatment machine for containers (4), in particular for direct printing of the containers, with a means of transport, in particular a carousel (2), for continuous and / or cyclic transport of the containers along a transport path (2b), and with at least one stationary scanning device (6, 7 8) for monitoring a profile line section (12a) of an envelope (12) defined by a container properly transported on the carousel and / or by at least one setup element (5) properly mounted on the transport means,
wherein the scanning device is arranged to determine whether a container / set-up element exceeds a permissible lateral projection (15) over the profile line section, and to output a control signal (17) when the permissible projection is exceeded. Treatment machine according to claim 1, wherein the scanning device (6, 7) comprises a laterally in the direction of the transport path (2b) facing cam lever (6a, 7a), the control signal (17) is taken triggering when exceeding the allowable projection (15). Treatment machine according to claim 2, wherein the entrainment lever (6a) comprises a sensor plate (6c) with an effective contour (21) pointing in the direction of the transport path (2b) and at a distance corresponding to the permissible projection (15) on the profile line section (12). runs along. Treatment machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the driving lever (6a) comprises at its free end a sensor plate (6c) with at least one formed at a predetermined height and in the direction of the transport path (2b) facing projection formed with a formed at the same height Recess of at least one on the means of transport properly mounted setup element (5) corresponds in pairs, in particular such that only in pairs to the sensor plate (6c) matching setup elements (5) on the sensor plate (6c) can move past without collision. A treatment machine according to claim 4, wherein the sensor plate (6c) comprises at least one length-adjustable plate segment (6d) for forming the projection. Treatment machine according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the driving lever (6a) in a control signal (17) triggering position (20) remains. Treatment machine according to claim 1, wherein the scanning device (8) in the direction of the transport path (2b) aligned distance meter for non-contact checking of the permissible lateral projection (15). Treatment machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, which is further configured such that the control signal (17) triggers an emergency stop of the transport means. Treatment machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one stationary, in particular at the periphery of a carousel (2) fixed printer (10) having at least one print head (11) whose nominal pressure separation (14) of the containers (4) is greater as the permissible lateral projection (15). Method for monitoring a treatment machine (1) for the treatment, in particular printing, of containers (4), comprising the steps: a) determining an envelope (12) defined by a container (4) properly transported along a particular circular transport path (2b) and / or by at least one setup element (5) properly mounted and transported on the treatment machine; b) setting an allowable lateral projection (15) over a profile line section (12a) of the envelope to be monitored; c) monitoring the actual lateral projection over the profile line section and outputting a control signal (17) as soon as the actual lateral projection of a container / Rüstelements is greater than the allowable lateral projection. Method according to claim 10, wherein step b) is carried out as a function of a working distance (14) between the containers (4) and a treatment unit (11), in particular for direct printing. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein step c) is carried out after setting a rotational position of the containers (4) intended for the treatment, in particular the printing. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein in step c) it is checked whether the containers (4) and / or set-up elements (5) collide with a driving lever (6a, 7a). Method according to claim 13, wherein the setup elements and entrainment levers (6a, 7a) are provided as sets with corresponding effective contours (21, 22) or with optically and / or electromagnetically readable set designation. The method of claim 13, wherein the effective contour (21) of the driving lever (6c) adjusted and thereby adapted to the contour (22) of the setup elements (5). Method according to at least one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the actual projection of the containers in step c) is measured without contact, in particular by means of optical imaging, laser distance measurement, ultrasound, magnetic fields and / or inductively.

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