EP3458367A1

EP3458367A1 - Labeling machine, printing machine, inspection machine, and method for starting up a bus system in such a machine

Info

Publication number: EP3458367A1
Application number: EP17742662.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Eggl; Joerg Triebel
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2016-12-13
Filing date: 2017-07-04
Publication date: 2019-03-27
Also published as: DE102016124266A1; WO2018108331A1; CN109843731B; CN109843731A; US20190352035A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a labeling machine (30; 80), a printing machine (30), an inspection machine (80), and a method for starting up such a machine (30; 80). The machine (10; 80) comprises at least two container receptacles, each of which has a rotary plate (331) with a rotary plate direct drive device (332), and a bus unit (330) for connecting the at least one container receptacle to a bus (7) of a bus system (5) in order to communicate with at least one component (70) of an additional container handling machine (20, 30, 40) or an additional component (35; 85) of the labeling machine (30) and/or printing machine (30) and/or inspection machine (80). The bus unit (330) has a bus input (330A) and a bus output (330B) which are configured such that the bus unit (330) is connected into the bus system (5) serially relative to an additional bus unit (330) of the bus system (5) in order to start up the bus system (5), and the bus unit (330) is configured to activate the bus output (330B) when starting up the bus system (5) after the bus unit (330) has received an identification number, which uniquely identifies the bus unit (330) during a communication in the bus system (1), via the bus input (330A).

Description

LABELING MACHINE, PRINTING MACHINE, INSPECTION MACHINE AND METHOD FOR STARTING A BUS SYSTEM IN SUCH A

MACHINE

description

The present invention relates to a labeling machine, a printing machine, an inspection machine and a method for commissioning a bus system in such a machine, which is designed for treating containers, such as labeling and / or filling of various products in containers, etc., and which is designed for communication between components of the machine or with other machines of a container treatment plant via a bus system. Container treatment plants are used for treating containers, such as bottles, cans, etc., in order to prepare the containers for receiving a product, such as a beverage, a detergent, a cosmetic product, a piece goods, such as a cloth, rods, etc., and / or packaged in packaging units. In this case, at least one container treatment machine can be used, such as a filling machine, an equipment or labeling machine, a packaging machine, etc. In a filling machine, the containers are filled with the product. In an equipment or labeling machine, the containers are provided with a print and / or provided with a label. A labeling machine is known, for example, from EP 1 596 488 A2 or DE 20 2015 100 659 U1. In a packaging machine, the containers are sealed in containers or in boxes or Boxes packed. If the container treatment installation has a plurality of container treatment machines, the containers are transported between the container treatment machines with suitable transport means as further container treatment machines.

Often it is required that the container treatment plant for the treatment of different containers must be designed to provide, for example, different sized containers with different equipment, such as labels or imprints, or to fill with changing products or to fill in different sizes of packaging. For this purpose, depending on the application, various components of the container treatment plant or its container treatment machines to replace. In addition, replacement may also be required in the case of a defect in the container treatment plant or for testing purposes. Similarly, an extension or modernization of the container treatment plant may be required by new components.

In all these cases, it must be taken into account that the various components of the individual container treatment machines generally have to work together so that a large production yield can be achieved with the container treatment system in the shortest possible time with the least possible waste. Therefore, the container treatment machines or their components are interconnected with a communication network, in particular a bus system. In the bus system, all communication subscribers have a unique identification number, which is also called ID, in order to be able to clearly determine which communication in the bus system is intended for the individual communication subscribers.

If a component of the individual container treatment machines is exchanged for another component, one of the communication participants of the bus system is thus also replaced by a new communication subscriber. This currently entails a complex reconfiguration of the bus system, since the communication participants their unique identification number in the bus system must first be reassigned. For example, if the replaced component is a drive, the identification number can be manually assigned by means of a node selector or semi-automatically by preselecting an identification number on the bus and then manually rotating the drive. The drive recognizing the movement reserves the preselected identification number for itself. In this way, all drives of the container treatment plant are to be set one after the other. Such an approach, in addition to the time required to be applied immediately, also poses a great risk of error for specially instructed personnel. Because of this, depending on the case, regardless of the size of the individual container treatment machines, a specially trained technician must be requested, who is not always easily available and also expensive. This can cause expensive plant downtime and be extended.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a labeling machine, a printing machine, an inspection machine and a method for starting up a bus system of such a machine, with which the aforementioned problems can be solved. In particular, a labeling machine, a printing machine, an inspection machine and a method are to be provided, which allow a reconfiguration of the communication network of the container treatment system with little effort quickly and easily and beyond error-free.

This object is achieved by a labeling machine according to claim 1. The labeling machine has at least one labeling unit for attaching at least one label to a container, at least two container receptacles, each having a turntable with a Drechtellerdirektantriebseinrichtung, and a bus unit for connecting the at least two container receptacles with a bus of a bus system for communication with at least one component of another Container handling machine or with another component of the container handling machine, wherein the bus unit has a bus input and a bus output, which are configured such that the bus unit is connected to start up the bus system in series with another bus unit of the bus system in the bus system, and wherein the bus unit is configured to activate the bus output when booting the bus system, after the bus unit has received an identification number via the bus input, which module inputs the bus unit during communication in the bus system clearly marked.

The above object is also achieved by a printing machine according to claim 2. The printing machine has at least one printing unit for attaching at least one printing on a container, at least two container receptacles each having a turntable with a Drechtellerdirektantriebseinrichtung, and a bus unit for connecting the at least two container receptacles with a bus of a bus system for communication with at least one component of another Container handling machine or with another component of the printing machine, wherein the bus unit has a bus input and a bus output, which are configured such that the bus unit is connected to start up the bus system in series with another bus unit of the bus system in the bus system, and wherein the bus unit is configured to actively switch the bus output at startup of the bus system, after the bus unit has received an identification number via the bus input, which uniquely identifies the bus unit during communication in the bus system. The aforementioned object is also achieved by an inspection machine according to claim 3. The inspection machine has at least one inspection unit for inspecting a container, at least two container receptacles, each having a turntable with a turntable direct drive means, and a bus unit for connecting the at least two container receptacles to a bus of a bus system for communication with at least one component of another container treatment machine or with a another component of the inspection machine, wherein the bus unit has a bus input and a bus output, which are configured such that the bus unit is connected to the bus system to start up the bus system in series with another bus unit of the bus system, and wherein the bus unit is configured at the startup of the bus Bus system to switch the bus output active after the bus unit has received an identification number via the bus input, which uniquely identifies the bus unit in a communication in the bus system. The machines described above are advantageously designed such that after each reconfiguration of the bus system, the communication between the individual components of the respective machine (s) can be resumed without labor input of personnel or even specially trained personnel. Here, the bus system is also designed such that the assignment of the identification numbers for bus units of components of the respective described machine (s) can be done without errors, the subscriber stations and communication participants of the bus system. As a result, a conversion of the respective machine (s) without much loss of time due to the bus system is possible. This is of great advantage, in particular at locations of use of the machine, to which trained service personnel are not naturally available, but may have to travel from afar. As a result, the described configuration of the machines helps to make the changeover time or maintenance of the respective machine (s) as simple and fast as possible. This also contributes to minimizing standstills and production losses due to the configuration of the respective machine (s).

Advantageous further embodiments of the machines are specified in the dependent claims.

The component may possibly be a control device whose bus unit is configured as a bus master when the bus system is started up, and each bus unit of a further component of the bus system is configured as a bus slave when the bus system is booted, which control unit is subordinate to the bus master.

Preferably, the bus system is configured such that the bus master is connected to one of the bus slaves with which all further bus slaves in a row are to be connected in succession. Here, the bus system is designed such that the bus input of a bus slave is connected to a bus output of another bus slave.

According to the embodiment, when the bus system is booted up, the bus master is configured to send an identification number to each bus unit of the bus system after the bus unit appears by activating the bus output of the immediately preceding bus unit in the bus system.

In one embodiment variant, the at least one bus unit has a transmitting / receiving device and a communication control device, the transmitting / receiving device and / or the communication control device being configured to receive the messages received by the transmitting / receiving device at the bus input from the bus when the bus system is started up send the bus output to the next bus unit in the bus system. In this case, it is possible for the bus unit after completion of the startup of the bus system to be configured to start a communication in the bus system in accordance with a communication protocol for a serial or parallel transmission of messages.

It is conceivable that the bus system is designed to send and receive messages according to the Ethernet protocol or a fieldbus protocol between the bus units after completion of the startup. Additionally or alternatively it is conceivable that at least one component is a drive device or a sensor or a valve or a control unit of the machine.

The container treatment machine may be coupled to a filling machine having as at least one component a drive device for actuating a filling valve, with which the container can be filled with a product, and / or a drive device for driving a carousel for transporting the container to or away from one Has filling valve. At least one of the above-described machines may be part of a container treatment plant, which also has a bus system to which the at least one machine for communication via a bus is connected to a further container handling machine and / or at least two components of the at least one machine are connected and / or is connected to a control device of the container treatment plant.

This object is also achieved by a method for starting a labeling and / or printing machine and / or inspection machine according to claim 12. The machine has at least two container receptacles each having a turntable and a turntable direct drive means. The method comprises the steps of: connecting a bus unit of the at least two container receptacles to a bus of a bus system for communication with at least one component of another container treatment machine or with another component of the labeling machine and / or printing machine and / or inspection machine, wherein the bus unit has a bus input and a Bus output, which are configured such that the bus unit is connected to start up the bus system in series with another bus unit of the bus system in the bus system, and startup of the bus system, wherein the bus output of the bus unit is activated after the bus unit via the bus input an identification number received, which uniquely identifies the bus unit in a communication in the bus system.

The method achieves the same advantages as previously described with respect to the machines. Further possible implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to exemplary embodiments. In this case, the expert will also Add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and to exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a highly simplified plan view of a container treatment plant according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a bus system for a container treatment system of FIG. 1; FIG.

3 is a partial side view of a labeling machine for a container treatment plant according to a second embodiment;

4 is a partial side view of a printing machine for a container treatment plant according to a third embodiment; and

5 is a partial side view of an inspection machine for a container treatment plant according to a fourth embodiment.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals, unless stated otherwise. Fig. 1 shows a container treatment plant 1 for the treatment of containers 2, which can be bottles, cans, boxes, etc., which can be provided with a very schematically illustrated label 3 and / or any printing 4 as a label. For this purpose, the container treatment plant 1, as an example, a first to fourth container treatment machine 10, 20, 30, 40, which are coupled together. However, the container treatment plant 1 may also have only one or two or three of the container treatment machines 10, 20, 30, 40. There may also be more container treatment machines 10, 20, 30, 40. As a result, any number of container handling machines 10, 20, 30, 40 are possible. In Fig. 1, not all containers 2 are shown or provided with a reference numeral for the sake of simplicity. The container 2 may for example be a container having a maximum capacity of about 0.33 liters or 0.5 liters or 1, 5 liters, etc. Of course, other capacities are conceivable. Here, the shape of the container 2 can be chosen freely. In addition, the material of the container 2 can be freely selected, such as glass, plastic, aluminum, etc.

In the inlet of the first container treatment machine 10, a transport device 50 is provided, which, under the control of a control device 55 and with the aid of the drive by a drive device 56 of the first container treatment machine 10, feeds containers 2 in a row or as a container stream. The transport direction TR of the container 2 is indicated in Figure 1 by arrows and also results from the series of containers 2 along the container treatment machines 10, 20, 30, 40. Between the third and fourth container treatment machine 30, 40, the container 2 with a transport device 60 is transported under the control of a control device 65 by means of the drive by a drive device 66. The container treatment machines 10, 20, 30, 40 and the transport devices 50, 60 are each in the example in Fig. 1 designed as a multi-function star or carousel or include at least one multifunction star or a carousel, or which is driven by the associated drive means 56, 66 ,

In the example of Fig. 1, the container treatment machines 10, 20, 30, 40 and the transport means 50, 60 form a block which is very compact. The fourth container treatment machine 40 can also be arranged in the vicinity of or also adjacent to the block of the container treatment machines 10, 20, 30 and the transport devices 50, 60, although this is not shown in Fig. 1. However, the container treatment plant 1 and the container treatment machines 10, 20, 30, 40 are not limited thereto and may be lined up in a separate embodiment. In the example of FIG. 1, the first container treatment machine 10 is a filling machine controlled by a controller 15. Here, the container 2 are moved by driving a drive means 16 to filling valves, not shown, with which from at least one filling tank 17 at least one product is filled into the container 2 supplied by the transport device 50. The filling valves are actuated by means of drive devices 18, 19. The product may be, for example, a food, especially a beverage, etc., or a cleaning agent or Cosmetic product or a powder or general cargo, in particular beads, etc., or any other product that can be filled in container 2. At the filling tank 17, a sensor for measuring the level of the product in the filling tank 17 may be provided. For the sake of simplicity, such a sensor and also other possible sensors, for example for detecting the position of the filling valve and / or the container 2 on the filling valve, etc. are not shown here.

In the example of FIG. 1, the second container treatment machine 20 is a closer, downstream of the filling machine or first container treatment machine 10. In the capper as a second container treatment machine 20, the containers 2 are provided under the control of a control device 25 with the aid of, for example, at least one screw drive device 26, 27 with a closure cap and thereby closed. For simplicity, other components of the second container treatment machine 20 are not shown and described.

In the example of FIG. 1, the third container treatment machine 30 is an equipment machine which provides the containers 2 filled by the filling machine or first container treatment machine 10 and then containers 2 closed with the second machine 20 with, for example, the label 3 and / or a label Any printing 4. For this purpose, the equipment machine in the example of Fig. 1 has a drive means 34 which drives a carousel under the control of a control device 35 for transporting the container 2 past four different modules, which are in particular Ausstattungsmodule 36, 37, 38, 39 , For example, the equipment module 36 is a labeling and / or printing unit, the equipment module 37 is a labeling unit and the equipment modules 38, 39 are designed as printing units. As a result, the label 3 may be a prefabricated label. However, the label 3 can also be printed at least partially only by means of a labeling and / or printing unit, which is illustrated by the printing 4. Alternatively, the labeling and / or printing unit can also print at least partially directly on the label 3 or the container 2. In particular, with the labeling and / or printing unit or the printing units with a printer, such as an inkjet or laser printer, an additional marking on the container 2 can be printed to ensure a traceability of the container 2 or products.

Alternatively, the equipment modules 35 to 38, however, each be configured the same, so that all containers 2 with the same type of markings, in particular Labels 3, be provided. In the case shown in FIG. 1, the containers 2 can be provided in particular with different types of labels, such as abdomen and / or breast label and / or wrap-around label of the roll or sheet and / or self-adhesive label and / or cold glue and / or hot glue label , There are any combinations of equipment modules 35 to 38 and thus varieties of labels, especially types of labels, conceivable and feasible.

For simplicity, other components of the third container treatment machine 30, such as in particular print heads, sensors, drive means for label rolls, etc. are not shown and described.

After the third container treatment machine 30, the equipment machine in the previously selected example, the containers 2 are fed by means of the transport means 60 to the fourth container treatment machine 40, as already mentioned above.

The fourth container treatment machine 40 is, for example, a packaging machine in which the containers 2 are packaged together under control of a controller 45 into predetermined types and / or package sizes, for example, as a container with two containers 2 or four containers 2, with or without a carrying handle, etc. or in a box or cardboard, etc. For producing, for example, containers or for the cartons, a shrinking station may be provided.

The container treatment plant 1 is controlled by a control device 70. For the individual machines 10, 20, 30, 40 and the transport devices 50, 60, the aforementioned control devices 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65 or even more or less, ie any number of control devices may be present, the control device 70th are subordinate in terms of control.

2 shows in a greatly simplified manner a bus system 5 which is used in the container treatment plant 1 for communication of the previously described components of the container treatment plant 1, such as the control devices 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 70, the drive devices 16, 18, 19, 26, 27, etc., the individual modules 36, 37, etc., can be used with each other. For simplicity of illustration, however, only one connection of the control devices 15, 25, 35, 70 and N is illustrated in FIG. 2, even if in fact all other components of the machines 10, 20, 30, 40 and / or the transport devices 50, 60 may also be part of the bus system 5. According to FIG. 2, the control devices 15, 25, 35, 70 and a component N are connected to one another via a bus 7. Here, N stands for any number and combination of the control devices 45, 55, 65 and / or the drive devices 16, 18, 19, 26, 27, etc. and / or the individual modules 36 to 39, etc. and / or others not shown in greater detail Components of the container treatment plant 1 and / or their individual machines 10, 20, 30, 40 and transport devices 50, 60.

The control devices 15, 25, 35, 70 and the component N are subscriber stations of the bus 7. The subscriber stations can exchange messages 8, 9 in the form of signals via the bus 7. The messages 8, 9 can be addressed to at least one of the subscriber stations of the bus 7.

The control device 70 has a general control unit 71, which is designed for the control tasks of the container treatment system 1, as described above as a simplified example. In addition, the control device 70 has a bus unit 72, which has a communication control device 721 and a transceiver 722. The transceiver 722 is connected to the bus 7 via a bus interface component 722A, which implements a bus input and a bus output (not shown).

The control device 15 has a general control unit 1 1, which is designed for the control tasks of the first container treatment machine 10 or its treatment functions, as described above as an example. In addition, the control device 15 has a bus unit 12, which has a communication control device 121 and a transceiver 122. The transceiver 122 has a bus input 122A and a bus output 122B connected to the bus 7, respectively. The bus input 122A is connected to the bus interface component 722A and thus to the controller 70 via the bus 7. The control device 25 has a general control unit 21, which is designed for the control tasks of the second container treatment machine 20, as described above as an example. In addition, the control device 25 has a bus unit 22, which has a communication control device 221 and a transceiver 222. The transceiver 222 has a bus input 222A and a bus output 222B, which are connected to the bus 7, respectively. The bus input 222A is connected via the bus 7 to the bus output 122B and thus to the control device 15. The control device 35 has a general control unit 31, which is designed for the control tasks of the third container treatment machine 30, as described above, for example. In addition, the control device 35 has a bus unit 32, which has a communication control device 321 and a transceiver 322. The transceiver 322 has a bus input 322A and a bus output 322B, which are connected to the bus 7, respectively. The bus input 322A is connected via the bus 7 to the bus output 222B and thus to the control device 25.

The Nth component of the container treatment plant 1 has a functional unit N1 configured to perform the function of the Nth component, as described above, for example. In addition, the Nth component has a bus unit N2 having a communication controller N21 and a transmitter / receiver N22. The transceiver N22 has a bus input N22A and a bus output 322B, which are connected to the bus 7, respectively. The bus input N22A is connected via the bus 7 to the bus output 222B and thus in FIG. 1 as an example to the control device 35.

The communication controller 121 may generate messages 8, 9 according to any communication protocol and forward them to the transceiver 122 for transmission onto the bus 7 or process messages 8, 9 received by the transceiver 122. In particular, the communication protocol may be a real-time communication protocol, such as the Ethernet protocol, any fieldbus protocol, etc. The communication controllers 221, 321, N21 and transceivers 222, 322, N22 are preferably implemented in the same manner as the devices 121, 122. However, it is possible that at least one of the bus units 12, 22, 32, 72, N2 has additional functions which the other bus units do not have, as long as the bus units 12, 22, 32, 72, N2 communicate with each other via the bus 7 are designed. The messages 8 contain an identification number or ID, which is unique for the individual bus units 12, 22, 32, N2. Messages 8 are sent especially at boot up of the bus system 5, as described below. The messages 9 are messages that can be sent after the booting of the bus system 5 via the bus 7 between the individual bus units 12, 22, 32, N2 during operation of the bus system 5. In addition, the bus input 122A and the bus output 122B of the controller 15 are configured such that the bus unit 12 is serially connected to the bus unit 22 in the bus system 5 for booting up the bus system 5. In addition, the bus unit 22 is connected in series with the bus unit 32 into the bus system 5 in order to start up the bus system 5. In addition, the bus unit 32 is connected in series with the bus unit N2 in the bus system 5 for booting up the bus system 5. Thus, all control devices 15, 25, 35, 70, N can be connected in series via the bus 7 in the bus system 5.

If now the bus system 5 is booted up for commissioning or reconfiguration of the bus system 5 or after switching on the container system 1, all bus units 12, 22, 32, N2 deactivate their bus output. This setting can be set via a preselection to the respective bus unit 12, 22, 32, N2.

Due to the inactive bus outputs, the control device 70 only sees the bus unit 12 as the only other bus subscriber or subscriber station in the bus system 5. The bus unit 12 is at startup of the bus system 5 a bus slave, which is subordinated to the bus master in terms of control.

The control device 70 therefore creates a message 8 in which an identification number or ID for the bus unit 12 and thus the control device 15 is contained in the bus system 5. The identification number is provided and allocated to the bus unit 12 and uniquely identifies the bus unit 12 for communication in the bus system 5. The identification number may be the first free address on the bus 7.

If the transceiver 122 has received the message 8 and forwarded it to the communication control device 121, the identification number contained in the message 8 is stored in the bus unit 12, for example in a memory of the communication control device 121. As a result, the communication control device 121 may use the identification number for further communication in the bus system 5. As a further consequence of this, the bus unit 12 switches its bus output 122 active. Thus, the bus unit 22 is connected to the bus 7, so that the controller 70 now sees the bus unit 22 as another bus slave. Thus, the bus input 222A of the bus unit 22 is connected as a bus slave to the bus output 122B of the bus unit 12 as another bus slave. The control device 70 therefore creates a new message 8, in which an identification number or ID for the bus unit 22 and thus the control device 25 is contained in the bus system 5. The message 8 is sent by the control device 70 via the bus 7 to the bus unit 12 and forwarded by the latter to the bus unit 22. The transceiver 122 does not forward the new message 8 to the communication controller 121 because the new message 8 is not provided with the identification number of the bus unit 12.

The bus unit 22 receives the new message 8 with the provided for the bus unit 22 identification number. Subsequently, the bus unit 22 proceeds in the same manner as described above with respect to the bus unit 12. Thus, the identification numbers or addresses for the bus units 12, 22, 32, N2 are automatically assigned in the order of physical construction of the bus 7. As a result, a method for starting or starting up a bus system 5 of the previously described container treatment machine 1 is carried out. As a result, commissioning or start-up of the previously described container treatment machine 1 can also take place. The switching of the bus outputs 122B. 222B, 322B, N22B from active to inactive or from inactive to active may be performed by means of a switch which may be hardware-based and / or at least partially software-implemented.

If all bus units 12, 22, 32, N2 have received a message 8 with the respective intended identification number, a communication in the bus system 5 according to a communication protocol for a serial or parallel transmission of messages or messages 9 can be started. The messages 9 may include detection result (s), feedback (s), command (s), etc. In each case, the bus units 12, 22, 32, 72, N2 process only messages 9 which are assigned to the identification number allocated for the bus units 12, 22, 32, N2. The bus units 12, 22, 32, 72, N2 in each case pass on the messages 9 to the next bus unit.

3 shows a side view of a labeling machine as a third container treatment machine 30 for a container treatment plant according to a second embodiment. The container treatment machine 30 can be set up as a single machine or can again at least via the bus 7 in the or a part of the container treatment machine 1 according to the preceding embodiment, as described above.

According to FIG. 3, the labeling machine or third container treatment machine 30 has a rotatable transport carousel 33, the non-rotatably arranged control device 35 and the equipment module 37 designed as a labeling unit. The transport carousel 33 serves to receive turntables 331 each having an associated rotary plate direct drive device 332 and an associated centering bell 333. The turntable 331 together with the respectively associated centering bell 333 container receptacles 331, 333, which are arranged outside the circumference of the transport carousel 33 and rotate with the transport carousel 33. For the sake of clarity, only one container receptacle 331, 333 with a direct drive device 332 is shown here. At the periphery of the transport carousel 33, however, are a plurality of such arrangements 331, 332, 333 at regular angular intervals. To protect the turntable direct drive means 332 against contamination is a shaft seal system, in which at least one sealing ring 331 B to a motor shaft 331 A of the turntable direct drive means 332 is applied.

The direct drive device 332 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the bus 7 via a bus input 330A via a bus input 330A and a bus output 330B. Preferably, however, each of the direct drive devices 332 is connected to the bus 7 one at a time or serially via a bus input 330A and a bus output 330B. For simplicity, the communication control device and transmitting / receiving device of the bus unit 330 are not shown here. To set up the bus 7, the messages 8 are sent as previously described with respect to the first embodiment.

Each turntable 331 can be individually driven by a direct drive device 332 in one revolution about its turntable axis D. The transport carousel 33 is rotatable about its carousel axis B by means of the drive device 34. The drive device 34 is controlled via the control device 35, as already described with respect to the first embodiment. For this purpose, the drive device 34 may also be connected to the control device 35 via the bus 7. In addition, a control device 3320 is provided for controlling the direct drive device (s) 332, which is connected to the direct drive device (s) 332 via a bus interface component 3321 via a bus 7A. In the example of FIG. 3, an absolute angle encoder or rotation angle sensor 334 is arranged above the transport carousel 33. The signal of the absolute angle encoder or rotation angle sensor 334 indicates a transportation carousel position and is forwarded via a communication line 6 directly to the control device 3320 for the direct drive device (s) 332 and read there. In addition, a slip ring 335 is disposed above the transport carousel 33 on the carousel axis B. Slip ring transformer 335 is connected to bus 7A via an input 335 and an output 335B. With the signal of the rotational angle sensor 334, it can be determined which turntable 331 is currently positioned on the labeling unit or the equipment module 37. As described below, the controller 3320 may use the detection value of the rotation angle sensor 334 to drive the direct drive devices 332.

In operation, in each case one of the containers 2 is clamped between a turntable 331 and the associated centering bell 333 and guided past the carousel axis B on the equipment module 37 by the rotation of the transport carousel 33. During labeling, the containers 2 are rotated about the turntable axis D by means of the direct drive device 332, so that the label 3 is attached as evenly as possible to the container circumference. When passing by the labeling unit or equipment module 37, the container receptacles are pivoted synchronously with the application of the label 3, so that the labels 3 are attached as uniformly as possible to the circumference of the container 2. Here, each of the turntables 331 is individually rotatable with a turntable direct drive means 332. As a result, each turntable 331 can be controlled individually by the machine control or control device 35 for the labeling process and is thus particularly flexible adaptable to different label and container types. However, a rotation for the transfer of the label 3 is only optional, it may also be that the container 2 are rotated during transport between each labeling units 37 and stand even for labeling again.

The bus 7A according to FIG. 3 is constructed as at least one separate bus to the bus 7A. The control devices 35, 3320 can in turn be connected to the other control devices of the container treatment system 1 of the first exemplary embodiment via the bus system 5 which is the same for both buses 7, 7A, for example Powerlink, etc., as shown in FIG. Otherwise, the buses 7, 7A and the bus system 5 formed therewith are executed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

4 shows a side view of a printing machine as a third container treatment machine 30 for a container treatment plant according to a third embodiment. The printing press can be set up as a single machine. Alternatively, the printing machine may be incorporated via the bus 7 into or part of the container treatment machine 1 according to the previous embodiment, as described above.

Referring to FIG. 4, the printing press and third container treatment machine 30 are constructed as much as possible in the same manner as described above with respect to the second embodiment. However, instead of the equipment module 37 of Fig. 3, designed as a printing unit equipment module 38 is present.

In operation, therefore, one of the containers 2 is clamped between the turntable 331 and the associated centering bell 333 and guided by the rotation of the transport carousel 33 about the carousel axis B on the equipment module 38 designed as a printing unit. During printing, the containers 2 are rotated about the turntable axis D by means of the direct drive device 332, so that the printing 4 is applied as uniformly as possible to the container circumference. In this case, the control of the container receptacles and the turntable direct drive means 332 as described above with respect to the second embodiment takes place. Otherwise, the buses 7, 7A and the bus system 5 formed therewith are implemented in the same way as described in the preceding embodiments.

5 shows a side view of an inspection machine 80 for a container treatment plant according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. The inspection machine 80 can be set up as a single machine. Alternatively, the inspection machine 80 may be integrated via the bus 7 into or part of the container treatment machine 1 according to the previous embodiment, as described above. For example, the inspection machine 80 is downstream of the container treatment machine 30. Additionally or alternatively, however, an inspection machine 80 may be arranged in the inlet of the container treatment machine 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the inspection machine 80 is constructed as much as possible in the same manner as described above with respect to the second embodiment. However, instead of the equipment module 37 of FIG. 3, an inspection unit 81 is present, which can be configured in particular as a camera. In addition, instead of the control device 35, a non-rotatably arranged control device 85 is provided which can control a drive device 84 for driving the transport carousel 33.

In operation, one of the containers 2 is clamped here between the turntable 331 and the associated centering bell 333 and guided past the carousel axis B on the inspection unit 81 by the rotation of the transport carousel 33. When inspecting with the inspection unit 81, the containers 2 are rotated about the turntable axis D by means of the direct drive device 332, so that the containers 2 can be examined for errors as uniformly as possible from all sides. Here, the control of the container receptacles and the turntable direct drive means 332 as described above with respect to the second embodiment by the control device 3320.

Otherwise, the buses 7, 7A and the bus system 5 formed therewith are implemented in the same way as described in the preceding embodiments.

All of the embodiments of the container treatment system 1 described above and of the method for treating containers 2, of the bus system 5 and of the method described here for starting up or starting up the bus system 5 can be used individually or in all possible combinations. In particular, the features of the embodiments described above can be combined as desired or omitted. In addition, the following modifications are conceivable, in particular.

The parts shown in the figures are shown schematically and may differ in the exact embodiment of the shapes shown in the figures, as long as their functions described above are guaranteed.

At least one of the container handling machines 10, 20, 30, 40 may be an inspection machine for inspecting the containers 2 for faults. At least one of the container treatment machines 10, 20, 30, 40 may be a cleaning machine for cleaning the at least one container 2. It goes without saying that all other container treatment machines are also used as container treatment machine (s) 10, 20, 30 possible, which are designed for the treatment of containers 2. The container treatment system 1 can be any number, combination and design of container treatment machines 10, 20, 30, 40, and / or other container treatment machines, as described above, optionally before and / or arranged therebetween and / or transport devices 50, 60 in any number, combination and execution.

As an alternative to the physical bus topology shown in FIG. 2, the bus units 12, 22, 32, 72, N2 can be connected to each other in a star-shaped manner. In this case, the bus input 122A and the bus output 122B of the single bus unit 12 are configured such that the bus unit 12 is connected in series to the bus unit 22 in the bus system 5 at least to power up the bus system 122B. The same applies mutatis mutandis to the bus units 22, 32, 72, N2, so that even in the case of the star topology a serial connection of all bus units 12, 22, 32, 72, N2 is present.

The bus units 12, 22, 32, 72, N2 for all components of the container treatment system 1 can be divided into different buses 7, which are connected to one another, for example, via the control devices 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 70. This may be advantageous when a bus 7 is unfavorable for all components of the container treatment system 1 due to a deterioration of the signal quality and therefore the reduction of the possible data transmission rate.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 container treatment plant

2 containers

3 label

4 printing

5 bus system

6 communication line

7, 7A bus

8, 9 message

10 first container treatment machine, filling machine 1 1, 21, 31, 71, N1 control unit

12, 22, 32, 72, N2, 330 bus unit 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 70, 85, 3320 control device (component)

16, 18, 19 Drive device (component)

17 filling tank (component)

0 second container treatment machine, capper 6, 27, 34, 56, 66, 84 drive device (component)

30 third container treatment machine,

Equipment machine, labeling machine and / or

press

33 transport carousel

36 to 39 module, equipment module (component)

40 fourth container treatment machine,

packaging machine

50 first transport device

60 second transport device

80 inspection machine

81 inspection unit

121, 221, 321, 721, N21 communication control means

122, 222, 322, 722, N22 transceiver

122A, 222A, 322A, 332A, N22A bus input

122B, 222B, 322B, 332B, N22B bus output

331 turntable

331 A motor shaft

331 B sealing ring (s)

332 Turntable direct drive device (component)

333 centering bell

334 absolute angle encoder or rotation angle sensor

335 Rotary distributor or slip ring transmission

335A bus input

335B bus output

722A, 3321 bus interface component

B carousel axis

D turntable axis

TR transport direction

Claims

claims

1 . Labeling machine (30), with

at least one labeling unit (37) for attaching at least one label

(3) to a container (2),

at least two container receptacles each having a turntable (331) with a turntable direct drive means (332), and

a bus unit (330) for connecting the at least two container receptacles to a bus (7) of a bus system (5) for communication with at least one component (70) of a further container treatment machine (20, 30, 40) or with a further component (35) Labeling machine (30),

wherein the bus unit (330) has a bus input (330A) and a bus output (330B) configured such that the bus unit (330) for powering up the bus system (5) in series with another bus unit (351; 5) is connected in the bus system (5), and

wherein the bus unit (330) is configured to power up the bus output (330B) upon power up of the bus system (5) after the bus unit (330) has received, via the bus input (330A), an identification number which the bus unit (330) at a Communication in the bus system (5) clearly designated.

2nd printing machine (30), with

at least one printing unit (38) for attaching at least one printing (4) to a container (2),

at least two container receptacles, each having a turntable (331) with a

Turntable direct drive means (332), and

a bus unit (330) for connecting the at least two container receptacles to a bus (7) of a bus system (5) for communication with at least one component (70) of a further container treatment machine (20, 30, 40) or with a further component (35) Printing machine (30),

wherein the bus unit (330) is configured to power up the bus output (330B) upon power up of the bus system (5) after the bus unit (330) passes through the bus unit (330) Bus input (330A) has received an identification number, which uniquely identifies the bus unit (330) in a communication in the bus system (5).

3. Inspection machine (80), with

at least one inspection unit (81) for inspecting a container (2), at least two container receptacles, each having a turntable (331) with a turntable direct drive means (332), and

a bus unit (330) for connecting the at least two container receptacles to a bus (7) of a bus system (5) for communication with at least one component (70) of a further container treatment machine (20, 30, 40) or with a further component (85) Inspection machine (80),

The machine (30; 80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the component (70) is a controller whose bus unit (32; 72) is configured as a bus master at power-up of the bus system (5) and each bus unit (12, 22, 32, N2) of a further component of the bus system (7) is configured as a bus slave when starting up the bus system (5), which is subordinate to the bus master in terms of control.

5. Machine (30; 80) according to one of claims 1 to 4,

wherein the bus system (5) is designed such that the bus master is connected to one of the bus slaves with which all further bus slaves in a row are to be connected in succession, and / or

wherein the bus system (5) is configured such that the bus input (330A) of a bus slave is connected to a bus output (330B) of a further bus slave.

6. The machine (30; 80) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bus master is configured at start-up of the bus system (5), each bus unit (12, 22, 32, N2;

330) of the bus system (5) to send an identification number after the bus unit (12, 22, 32, N2, 330) appears by activating the bus output (122B; 330B) of the immediately preceding bus unit (12; 330) in the bus system (5).

A machine (30; 80) according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

wherein the at least one bus unit (12; 330) comprises a transmitting / receiving device

(122) and a communication control device (121), and

wherein the transmitting / receiving device (122) and / or the communication control device (121) are configured, when the bus system (5) starts up, from the bus (7) received by the transceiver (122) at the bus input (122A; 330A) Send messages (8) at the bus output (122B; 330B) to the next bus unit (22) in the bus system (5).

The machine (30; 80) according to claim 7, wherein the bus unit (12, 22, 32, N2; 330) is configured after completion of booting of the bus system (5), communication in the bus system (5) according to a communication protocol for a serial or parallel transmission of messages (9) to start.

9. Machine (30; 80) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the bus system (5) is configured to send and receive messages according to the Ethernet protocol or a fieldbus protocol between the bus units after completion of booting, and / or

wherein at least one component (18, 19, 34, 332) is a drive means or sensor (334) or a valve or controller of the machine (30; 80). 10. Machine (30; 80; 20) according to one of the preceding claims,

the machine (30; 80) being coupled to a filling machine having as component (15 to 19) drive means (18, 19) for actuating a filling valve with which the container (2) can be filled with a product, and / or drive means (16) for driving a carousel to transport the containers (2) to or away from a filling valve.

1 1. Container treatment plant (1), with

at least one machine (30; 80) according to one of the preceding claims, and

a bus system (5), with which the at least one machine (30, 10) for

Communication via a bus (5) with another container treatment machine (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80) is connected and / or at least two components (15 to 19) of at least one machine (30; 80) are connected and / or connected to a control device (70) of the container treatment plant (1).

12. A method for starting a labeling machine (30) and / or printing press (30) and / or inspection machine (80) having at least two container receptacles, each having a turntable (331) with a Drechtellerdirektantriebseinrichtung (332), the method Steps has

Connecting a bus unit (330) of the at least two container receptacles to a bus (7) of a bus system (5) for communication with at least one component (70) of a further container treatment machine (20, 30, 40) or with a further component (35; 85) the labeling machine (30) and / or printing press (30) and / or inspection machine, wherein the bus unit (330) has a bus input (330A) and a bus output (330B) configured such that the bus unit (330) for powering up the Bus system (5) is serially connected to a further bus unit (330) of the bus system (5) in the bus system (5), and

Startup of the bus system (5), wherein the bus output (330B) of the bus unit (330) is activated after the bus unit (330) has received via the bus input (330A) an identification number which the bus unit (330) at a communication in the bus system (5) clearly indicated.