EP3631590A1

EP3631590A1 - Method for monitoring a process

Info

Publication number: EP3631590A1
Application number: EP18726102.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexandra Theopold; Wilfried Ehmer
Original assignee: KHS GmbH
Current assignee: KHS GmbH
Priority date: 2017-05-22
Filing date: 2018-05-15
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Also published as: US20200189898A1; DE102017111066A1; WO2018215245A1; CN110678818A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a process or a process step on a machine (1) having a transport element (2) with a plurality of treatment stations (3), wherein the treatment stations (3) each comprise at least one functional element which is used to act on the workpiece directly or indirectly, wherein the treatment stations (3) and/or the at least one functional element thereof is/are each used to convey a workpiece to be treated on a transport path (TS) between an inlet (E) and an outlet (A) during treatment, or the workpiece at a treatment station (3) is changed and/or produced or is acted on at least on one section of this transport path (TS) . The method is distinguished by the fact that the treatment stations (3) each at least partially have at least one sensor (4) for recording an oscillation frequency and/or an acoustic signal, which sensor is used to capture a pattern produced by the treatment or production process at the particular treatment station (3) and while transporting the workpiece at this treatment station (3), and by the fact that the measurement signal provided by the sensor (4) or a signal derived therefrom is evaluated and is compared with a reference signal.

Description

Method for monitoring a process

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a process on a machine and to a machine having such process monitoring.

Devices, for example for container treatment, are known in different designs. In particular, rotary machines are known which have a rotating transport element (hereinafter also referred to as a rotor) on which a plurality of treatment stations are provided, each with at least one associated functional element, in order to act directly or indirectly on the workpiece or container. At these treatment stations, the treatment of a workpiece or even the production of the workpiece can be done per se, during the rotation of the transport element, so that the workpiece is transported simultaneously along a transport path.

The treatment stations and functional elements provided there preferably each have an identical or substantially identical structure and the processes carried out at the treatment stations are identical or substantially identical. Due to the staggered feeding or removal of the workpieces, the processes or process steps at the respective treatment stations are delayed in time or are in different stages of the same process or process step, so that, for example, a second treatment station following a first treatment station performs the same process as the first one Treatment station executes, but delayed in time to this. As a rule, the same process or process step of each treatment station takes place at the same location of the device, such as in a defined angular range of a rotating device.

The problem here is that especially at a high throughput of treated or manufactured workpieces process monitoring at the respective treatment stations is difficult. Frequently, a process monitoring takes place only after the fact, for example on an inspection unit following the machine in the direction of transport. Proceeding from this, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for monitoring a process, by means of which a simple and effective process monitoring is already enabled during the process run. The object is achieved by a method according to the features of independent claim 1. A corresponding machine is the subject of the independent patent claim 17.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for monitoring a process or process step on a machine having a transport element with a plurality of treatment stations. The transport element can be, for example, a revolving driven rotor on which the processing stations are provided on the circumference. Alternatively, the transport element can be formed by a self-contained, rail-like transport path, on which independently movable transport elements are provided. The treatment stations each comprise at least one functional element, by means of which the workpiece is acted upon directly or indirectly, wherein by means of the treatment stations and / or their at least one functional element in each case a workpiece to be treated is conveyed during treatment on a transport path between an inlet and an outlet or the workpiece is changed at a treatment station at least on a portion of this transport path and / or manufactured or acted on this workpiece. The treatment stations each have at least one sensor for receiving a vibration frequency and / or an acoustic signal, by means of which a pattern generated by the treatment or production process at the respective treatment station and during the transport of the workpiece at this treatment station is detected. In this case, a pattern is to be understood below a pattern of a vibration and / or an acoustic signal or its physically measurable amplitude or strength and / or frequency / course over a preferably limited period of time.

The measurement signal provided by the sensor, measurement signal profile or a signal derived therefrom is subsequently evaluated and compared with a reference signal or reference signal range. In the following, a reference signal range should always be understood as the reference signal. The monitoring of the process preferably does not relate to the transfer process of a holding and centering unit that can be releasably fixed to the treatment station, by means of which a container is held and that of a container Rotor is passed to a subsequent further rotor. On the contrary, the process monitoring relates, for example, to mechanical switching and setting processes as well as process steps that are started after the workpiece has been introduced into the treatment station, ie after the inlet, and finished before the workpiece is removed from the treatment station of the transport element. The generated patterns are thereby at least partially caused by one or more functional elements that are not removed from the treatment station or introduced into it during the process to be monitored. In this case, it is expressly encompassed by the invention that the process monitoring can extend over a plurality of transport elements (eg rotors) of the machine, but the process monitoring takes place in each case for process steps that take place between the inlet and the outlet of the respective transport element.

The main advantage of the method is that errors or abnormalities are recognized early in the process and thus high repair costs and machine downtime can be counteracted. Rather, proactive, predictive machine maintenance or repair can be initiated even if the process is still within tolerable process boundaries. It is also possible that an adjustment of process parameters takes place based on the measurement signals detected by the sensors, i. the process is controlled or modified depending on the measurement signals, so that, for example, the waste of treated containers can be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the pattern is detected in a time range in which the workpiece is moved at least a quarter, preferably at least half of the transport distance between the inlet and the outlet. In this way, an optimized process monitoring of the treatment process carried out on the machine can be carried out, since a multiplicity of process steps, which are carried out during the run of the workpiece from the inlet to the outlet, can be detected by the sensors.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the pattern is produced at one or more functional elements provided at the treatment station and not removed from the treatment station during the entire process. In other words, the functional elements that are the cause of the development of the acoustic or mechanical Vibrations are an integral part of the treatment station, ie they are not removed from it during the entire process. Thus, acoustic or mechanical vibrations of functional elements of the respective treatment stations can be picked up by the sensors and used for process monitoring. Such functional elements may, for example, be components of the treatment stations which act directly or indirectly on the workpieces or cause them to act, such as, for example, a milling head, a drill, a valve flap, a valve body, a drive unit, a holding tulip or closure tulip for a container, a closing tool, for example for a bottle cap or screw cap, sealed jaws and much more.

According to one embodiment, the pattern is formed at least by a change in position of a functional element or a part thereof. For example, this can be a raising or lowering of a functional element, for example a valve body or a closing tool. As a result, the change in position of a functional element can be detected via the process monitoring.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the pattern comprises an oscillation frequency and / or an acoustic signal that arises due to the achievement of an at least temporary end position of the functional element or of a part thereof. For example, when raising or lowering the functional element, it can be moved to a stop and the process monitoring can be used to detect the process that the functional element is brought into contact with this stop. According to one exemplary embodiment, the pattern comprises a vibration frequency and / or an acoustic signal which arises during the spatial positional change of the functional element or of a part thereof. The change in position can be caused in particular by a translatory or a rotational movement of a functional element or a part thereof.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the process carried out on the transport element, in particular a single transport element (filling, sealing, labeling, etc.) comprises a plurality of sub-processes, wherein the patterns generated in these sub-processes are determined by a single sensor or by a group provided at the respective treatment station several sensors are detected. The sensors can be positioned at the treatment station or be distributed to different positions in the treatment station, that at different functional elements of the treatment station resulting vibrations can be detected in an improved manner. According to one embodiment, identical process steps or identical sub-processes in certain areas of the transport path between the inlet and the outlet are performed at different treatment stations or be performed at different treatment stations between the inlet and the outlet with time offset to each other identical process steps or the same sub-processes. In other words, the different sub-processes are at least partially performed at different rotational positions of a rotationally driven about a rotational axis transport element. The rotational positions of the transport element are in particular at rotational positions in the region between the inlet and the outlet on this transport element. Ideally, the same sub-processes of the treatment stations at the same location and / or location of the machine completed, ie in the arrangement of the treatment station on a rotor, the respective same sub-processes always in the same angular range of the rotor and at constant transport speed in the same time window after acquisition a workpiece made at the respective treatment station.

According to one embodiment, the measurement signals are recorded simultaneously at two or more treatment stations. In other words, a temporally overlapping process monitoring takes place at the treatment stations, with treatment stations or their functional elements being substantially identical in construction.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the reference signal is determined in advance based on a plurality of measuring signals recorded at different treatment stations, with a priority of time offset, which are also ideally of identical construction. For example, a reference signal is calculated from measurement signals of different treatment stations, for example by temporal and / or value-based averaging. This averaging can be done using weighting factors so that the measurement signals can be weighted relative to each other. Thus, when determining the reference signal, it can advantageously be utilized that the similar processes carried out at the plurality of treatment stations generally lead to identical or very similar measurement signals at the sensors. This fact may be for the determination of the Reference signal or the evaluation of abnormalities having measurement signals can be used.

Preferably, in the aforementioned reference or averaging, the treatment stations are no longer observed, whose measured values already have a drift, approximations or exceedances from the at least one reference value or value range. This type of evaluation has the advantage that under variable production conditions, such as, for example, temperature changes, etc., the changes in the characteristic features are continuously taken into account and thus a process monitoring which is more independent of production conditions is made possible.

According to one embodiment, the reference signal is adjusted intermittently or continuously. In particular, the adaptation of the reference signal takes place in that measuring signals of several treatment stations are respectively determined at different times and used to calculate the reference signal. As a result, a "normal" temporal change of the measurement signals under different boundary conditions, for example caused by load or temperature changes, different workpieces or workpiece fillings, can be included in the calculation of the reference signal and thus lead to an adaptation of the reference signal to this change in the boundary conditions.

According to one embodiment, a set of reference signals is stored, wherein the set of reference signals comprises a plurality of reference signals dependent on a process parameter. Thus, the reference signal can be adapted by detecting a process parameter, for example by a sensor (temperature sensor, pressure sensor, etc.) receiving this process parameter, and selecting from the set of reference signals one or more reference signals which correlate with the determined process parameter. According to one exemplary embodiment, the reference signal is generated in-situ, in particular by averaging the measurement signals or signals derived therefrom, wherein the measurement signals or the signals derived therefrom are detected at at least two different treatment stations by the sensors assigned to these treatment stations, in particular the measurement signals or the derived signals delayed by at least two different treatment stations detects the sensors associated with these treatment stations. This allows an adaptive adaptation of the reference signal taking into account measurement signals of different treatment stations. According to one exemplary embodiment, the measurement signal or the signal that is evaluated for errors is assigned to an angular segment, preferably a treatment station of the transport element and / or a workpiece. As a result, the workpiece can subsequently be checked, for example by an inspection unit, in order to determine whether this workpiece has errors indicating abnormalities and thus the process error detection was correct or not.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a sub-process at a treatment station is inferred based on the measurement signal or based on the signal evaluated with regard to errors. For example, the measurement waveform, the frequency spectrum or the time profile of the measurement signal can be analyzed and it can be deduced based on which sub-process was erroneous or conspicuous. Alternatively or additionally, the rotational position of the transport element or the local position of a treatment station can also be evaluated in order to detect at which angular position of the rotor or position of the treatment station the measurement signal indicative of errors or abnormalities has been obtained.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the evaluation is carried out based on measurement signals provided by a plurality of sensors of a treatment station or signals derived therefrom. Due to the distributed arrangement of a plurality of sensors at a treatment station (for example arranged on different functional elements), the recognition of which sub-process has exhibited the error or conspicuity can be decisively improved.

According to one embodiment, information obtained during the evaluation of the measurement signals or signals derived therefrom is compared with information from an inspection unit which subsequently checks the workpieces. By the inspection unit can thus be checked whether a workpiece that was detected by the evaluation as "faulty" or "conspicuous", even in the inspection performed by the inspection unit recognizable errors or abnormalities shows. According to an exemplary embodiment, comparison information obtained by comparing information obtained during the evaluation of the measurement signals or signals derived therefrom with information from the inspection unit, and based on this comparison information, the reference signal is adapted. Thus, for example, in the event that the comparative information suggests that the evaluation of the measurement signals of the sensors provided at the processing stations has detected an error or abnormality, but the inspection unit was unable to detect any errors or conspicuousness, the reference signal is in the direction of a higher one Tolerance threshold can be adjusted. Of course, the same also applies in the reverse manner, ie the evaluation of the measurement signals of the sensors provided at the processing stations has detected no error or conspicuousness, but the inspection unit was able to detect an error or a conspicuousness, so that the reference signal is adjusted in the direction of a lower tolerance threshold should be. According to one embodiment, based on the evaluation of one or more measurement signals or a signal derived therefrom, process parameters for the transport element and / or a treatment station are adapted and / or maintenance and service tasks are derived. For example, in the event that a sensor at a processing station of a capper receives a measurement signal which indicates a slip of the closure unit with respect to the closure element, the drive torque of the drive unit can be lowered. It is understood that a multiplicity of adaptation possibilities exist here depending on the detected measurement signal.

According to one embodiment, the measurement signal is compared with a reference signal. The reference signal forms, for example, a good reference, i. represents a reference signal which is to be obtained in the case of a fault-free or without any abnormal process or process step. The reference signal can be, for example, an amplitude and / or an amplitude characteristic or even a frequency and / or a frequency range of the measurement signal or a signal derived therefrom and recorded and stored after commissioning or regularly at the start of production of the machine. By comparing a technically simple detection of errors or abnormalities is possible.

According to one embodiment, a tolerance range is defined, which forms a desired range for the measurement signal. In the event that the measurement signal this target range leaves, an untypical process or process step can be deduced. The tolerance range can in particular specify an amplitude range, frequency range, a temporal amplitude progression range of the measurement signal or a signal derived therefrom.

The reference signal and the tolerance range are ideally formed from a correlation with one or more parameters of the device or components of the device. Such correlating parameters are, for example, the nominal incremental value, i. the angular position of the skin drive of the machine, time or time window in which a measuring signal, such as, for example, a frequency or sound of the type or strength, is expected, a dependence of the measuring signal on the angular velocity of the rotor, etc.

The correlation could take place in the time domain and the amplitude and phase difference between the transfer signals can be determined, whereby as a correlation method, for example, the cross-correlation can be used.

According to one embodiment, the measurement signal is compared in the time domain with a reference signal. As a result, the time profile of the measurement signal can be compared with the desired state (shown by the reference signal). In particular, longer lasting acoustic signals or a plurality of temporally consecutive acoustic signals (e.g., multiple beats, chattering, etc.) can be effectively detected.

According to one embodiment, the measurement signal is transformed into the frequency domain and the measurement signal is compared in the frequency domain with a reference signal. In the frequency domain in particular periodically recurring acoustic signals can be better detected.

In addition, it is also possible to simultaneously record the measurement signal or a signal derived therefrom in the time and frequency domain for monitoring the transfer process. Thus, both the time behavior and the frequency response can be included in the assessment of the transfer process.

According to one embodiment, the measurement signal is filtered before the comparison with the reference signal. In particular, the filter may be a digital filter (eg FIR filter). This makes it possible that interfering frequency ranges or certain background noise or disturbing fundamental vibrations are filtered out and thus do not flow into the measurement signal analysis. According to one embodiment, the signal profile and / or the signal amplitude of the measurement signal or of a signal derived therefrom are evaluated. Also, the spectral position of the measurement signal or a signal derived therefrom, ie its frequency can be evaluated. This can also draw conclusions about the causes of abnormality or irregularity.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a machine having a transport element with a plurality of treatment stations, wherein the treatment stations each comprise at least one associated functional element to act directly or indirectly on the workpiece, wherein by means of the treatment stations and / or their at least one functional element in each case one to be treated workpiece during the treatment on a transport path between an inlet and an outlet is conveyed and / or the workpiece changed at least on a portion of this transport route and / or manufactured or can be acted upon this .. The treatment stations have at least partially each at least one sensor for receiving a vibration frequency and / or an acoustic signal, by means of a by the treatment or manufacturing process at the respective treatment station and during the transport of the workpiece at this Behandlungsstati on generated pattern is detected. Furthermore, an evaluation unit is provided which is designed to evaluate the measurement signal provided by the sensor or a signal derived therefrom and to compare it with a reference signal.

As a result, errors or abnormalities in the process to be monitored can be detected at an early stage, thereby effectively avoiding damage to the machine or early maintenance of the machine being initiated. Adaptation of process parameters is also conceivable.

According to one embodiment, the sensor is provided co-moved on the rotor and arranged at the respective treatment station. As a result, a process which is carried out at the respective processing station can advantageously be detected by the sensor. According to one exemplary embodiment, the sensor is formed by a non-contact sensor for sound and / or vibration measurement, which is aligned with a functional element, in particular by a directional microphone or a laser vibrometer. Such a directional microphone has a directivity, ie is designed to receive acoustic signals preferably from a specific spatial direction or a specific spatial direction range, whereas the reception is attenuated or attenuated from other spatial directions. According to one embodiment, a treatment station has two or more sensors associated with different areas of the treatment station. Thereby, a spatially distributed detection of a vibration frequency and / or an acoustic signal can be achieved. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor (for example an acoustic sensor) is provided on a board arranged within the treatment station. As a result, a simple and cost-effective implementation of the sensor in the treatment station can be achieved. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sensor is provided on a supporting component of the treatment station. As a result, the structure-borne noise can be detected within the treatment station.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a filter is provided for filtering out interfering fundamental vibrations and / or disturbing background noises. As a result, disturbing influences in the measurement of the acoustic signals can be substantially minimized.

According to one embodiment, the sensor is formed by a structure-borne sound sensor or a microphone. By means of a microphone, in particular a directional microphone, for example, sound waves propagating in the air can be detected. On the other hand, structure-borne noise sensors enable the measurement of sound waves that propagate in solids, for example components of the treatment station or of the transport element.

According to one embodiment, the machine is designed such that the reference signal is determined in advance based on a plurality of measurement signals determined at different treatment stations. For example, from measurement signals different treatment stations calculated a reference signal, for example by a time averaging. This time averaging can be done using weighting factors so that the measurement signals can be weighted relative to each other. Thus, when determining the reference signal, it can advantageously be utilized that the similar processes carried out at the plurality of treatment stations generally lead to identical or very similar measurement signals at the sensors. This fact can be used for the determination of the reference signal or the evaluation of abnormal measurement signals.

According to one embodiment, the machine is designed such that the reference signal is adjusted intermittently or continuously. As a result, a temporal variation of the measurement signals, for example caused by temperature or pressure changes, can be included in the calculation of the reference signal and thus lead to an adaptation of the reference signal to this change.

According to one embodiment, a memory unit is provided for storing a set of reference signals, wherein the set of reference signals comprises a plurality of reference signals dependent on a process parameter. As a result, for example, a reference signal can be read from this set of reference signals and used for the comparison depending on process parameters (rotational speed of the rotor, product pressure, product temperature, bottle format, etc.).

According to one embodiment, the machine comprises an inspection unit and the machine is designed such that information obtained during the evaluation of the measurement signals or signals derived therefrom is compared with information of an inspection unit subsequently inspecting the workpieces. By the inspection unit can be checked, for example, whether a workpiece that was detected by the evaluation as "faulty" or "conspicuous", even in the inspection performed by the inspection unit recognizable errors or abnormalities shows. Thus, the process monitoring effected by means of the sensors at the processing station can be checked by information from the subsequent inspection unit.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the machine is designed in such a way that by comparison of signals derived during the evaluation of the measurement signals or signals derived therefrom. nale obtained information with information of the inspection unit comparison information is obtained and that based on the comparison information, an adjustment of the reference signal is carried out. This allows a correction of the process monitoring based on information of the inspection unit.

According to one embodiment, the machine is a container treatment machine, in particular a filling machine, labeling machine or a capper of containers.

"Workpiece" in the sense of the invention is understood to mean any units that are treated at treatment stations of a machine (ie one or more work processes are performed on the units) or can be produced (for example in a casting, pressing or other manufacturing process). The term "container treatment machine" in the sense of the invention means any type of circulating type by means of which a container treatment can take place, for example printing, labeling, filling, closing machines etc.

"Defective" in the sense of the invention is understood to mean that a machine component or a workpiece exhibits irregularities or irregularities that lie outside a tolerable range.

Under "container" in the context of the invention, any container understood, especially bottles, cans, cups, etc.

Under transport element in the context of the present invention, a rotatably driven about a rotation axis transport element in the form of a rotor understood or a self-contained, rail-like transport path on which transport elements are movable, in particular independently of each other are movable, where the treatment stations are formed ,

The expression "essentially" or "approximately" in the sense of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function. Further developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features, alone or in any combination, are the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

1 shows by way of example and roughly schematically a machine of rotating design with a plurality of treatment stations in a top-side representation;

FIG. 2 shows, by way of example, the measurement signal provided by a sensor in the frequency domain with a main spectral component within a specified tolerance range; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, the measurement signal provided by a sensor in the frequency domain with an amplitude of the main spectral component outside a defined tolerance range; FIG.

FIG. 4 shows by way of example the measurement signal provided by a sensor in the frequency domain with a frequency f of the main spectral component outside a specified tolerance range; FIG.

5 shows by way of example and schematically a functional representation of the monitoring of a process based on a measurement signal and a reference signal in the frequency domain; 6 shows, by way of example and schematically, a functional representation of the monitoring of a process based on a measurement signal and a reference signal in the time domain;

7 exemplarily and schematically a functional representation of the monitoring of a process on a circumferentially driven transport element; 8 shows, by way of example and roughly schematically, the sub-processes performed on a filling machine in a plan view; 9 shows, by way of example and schematically, three treatment stations of a filling machine for illustrating different partial processes of a filling process;

10 shows by way of example and schematically a plurality of treatment stations of a filling machine for the representation of different partial processes of a filling process, which are carried out during the rotational movement of the rotor; and

Fig. 1 1 by way of example and schematically a plurality of treatment stations of a container closer to illustrate different sub-processes of a closing process, which are performed during the rotational movement of the rotor.

The invention will be described below in connection with a container treatment machine. It is understood that this embodiment is only an example of an application of the method according to the invention or an example of a machine type. However, the invention can be generally applied to any machine for processing workpieces or to methods for monitoring a process for treating or manufacturing workpieces.

In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 generally denotes a machine for container treatment. The container treatment machine may be, for example, a machine for filling the containers with a flowable medium, a capper for applying closures to a container opening, a labeler for applying a label, a container printing machine for applying a printed image to the container wall, etc. The machine 1 comprises a rotor 2, which is rotationally driven around a vertical machine axis. The drive can be continuous or intermittent (ie clocked). On the rotor 2, treatment stations 3 are provided on the outer peripheral side, on which the treatment of the containers takes place. The treatment stations 3 are preferably provided at uniform angular intervals distributed circumferentially on the rotor 2 hen. The containers are the machine 1, for example, upright fed through an inlet star 1 .1 at an inlet E and positioned at a treatment station 3. As a result of the rotation of the rotor 2, the container arranged on the treatment station 3 is transported further in the transport direction TR of a transport path TS. During this onward transport, the treatment process is completed. The treatment process can be, for example, a filling process, a labeling process, a sealing process of the container, etc. This treatment process may include, for example, a plurality of sub-processes or treatment process steps, for example, during the filling process filling steps with different volume flow of the medium.

By means of the rotation of the rotor 2, the container is transported to the outlet A and removed there, for example, by an outlet star 1 .2. At the treatment stations 1 sensors 4 are provided, by means of which acoustic signals or in a body propagating vibrations, hereinafter generally referred to as vibrations, are detected. The sensors may be, for example, microphones, in particular directional microphones or else structure-borne noise sensors. The structure-borne noise sensors can be provided in particular for measuring vibrations in the treatment station 3 or its components or functional units.

The sensors 4 can be provided with the rotor 2 moved. In particular, in each case one sensor 4 or a group of sensors 4 can be integrated into a treatment station 3 in order to be able to detect vibrations occurring during the process. The sensor 4 can be provided for example in the vicinity of the component or the functional unit of the treatment station 3, at which the vibrations to be detected arise. In particular, the sensor 4 can be provided and designed to permit monitoring of a process that takes place during the rotation of the rotor 2 and the associated further transport of the container. This process can be started only after the transfer of the container to the treatment station 3, so that the transfer of the container to the treatment station 3 is excluded from the process monitoring. Alternatively, it is possible for the process monitoring to be based on picking up the container by a gripping or clamping device of the treatment station 3 and the time period after Container transfer, ie refers to the process subsequent to the container receiving process for container treatment.

The sensor 4 can be embodied in particular for recording measurement signals in the time domain. In particular, the sensor 4 can provide a time-varying electrical output signal, which is dependent on the vibrations detected by the sensor 4. The output signals provided by the sensors 4 can be analyzed either directly or after a further signal processing in an evaluation unit 6 in order to determine whether the process to be monitored is running within predetermined tolerance values or if the detected signals show abnormalities due to an error or wear point out and thus a proactive maintenance or repair is necessary or process parameters need to be changed, for example traversing a functional unit. The evaluation unit 6 can be provided as a central evaluation unit, i. All sensors 4 are coupled to the evaluation unit 6 via the data line shown in dashed lines (only one example shown) and this centrally takes over the analysis and evaluation of the signals provided by the sensors 4. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the evaluation of several evaluation modules is carried out and groups of sensors 4 are formed, each group of sensors 4 is coupled to a specific evaluation module. In such an embodiment, a higher-level evaluation unit can additionally be provided, at which all evaluation information provided by the evaluation modules is combined and evaluated for the entire machine. In particular, the arrangement of evaluation modules and a higher-level evaluation unit can form a master-slave structure for evaluating the signals.

FIGS. 2 to 4 show by way of example a plurality of signal spectra (signal amplitude over the frequency) which are obtained, for example, by a transformation of the time-dependent signal provided by a sensor 4 into the frequency range. The transformation can take place, for example, by means of a fast Fourier transformation (FFT).

FIGS. 2 to 4 show by way of example at a frequency f a dominant spectral component (peak, bold line) which results, for example, from a process step which occurs periodically and with discrete timing (eg closing movement of the valve, supply final element etc.). In this case, the frequency f can be dependent on the rotational speed of the rotor 2, for example. The secondary spectral components located laterally next to the dominant spectral component represent interfering spectral components which result from other operations on the container treatment machine 1 producing acoustic signals.

By way of example, a tolerance window TF is shown by the dashed lines, by which a frequency range and an amplitude range for the dominant spectral component is defined. In the event that the frequency and amplitude of the dominant spectral component is within the tolerance window TF (see Fig. 2), the process step is recognized as "error-free", i.e., "non-conspicuous". it is generated by the evaluation unit 6 is not indicative of a disturbance information or proposed the change of a process parameter (reducing valve lift, changing the closing speed of the valve, etc.). In the event that the amplitude of the spectral component resulting from the transfer of the holding and centering unit 2 falls below or exceeds the amplitude range specified by the tolerance window (see Fig. 3) and / or the frequency of this spectral component lies outside the frequency range defined by the tolerance window (see Fig. 4), this is recognized as "faulty" or as "with conspicuousness" and thus generates a pointing to a fault information or proposed the change of a process parameter. It is also conceivable that a plurality of tolerance windows are used, for example a first tolerance window in the range of a frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of the rotor and a second tolerance window in the range of a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the periodically recurring process step to be detected.

The evaluation unit 6 can be designed to specify or localize the reason for the error or the conspicuousness. In particular, the evaluation unit 6 can recognize at which treatment station 3 the error or conspicuousness has been shown. In addition, the evaluation unit 6 can be configured to detect which sub-process or process step of the process performed at the treatment station 3 has caused the error or conspicuousness. This can be done for example by analyzing the measurement signal of the sensor 4, for example, such that the frequency or the frequency spectrum and / or the time course of the measurement signal are evaluated and thus inferred to a particular sub-process or process step. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the time span between see the handover of the container to the treatment station and the occurrence of the vibration to be evaluated in order to infer from the conspicuous or the error having sub-process or process step can. Alternatively, the angle of rotation by which the treatment station 3 has been moved by the rotor 2 since the transfer of the container to this treatment station 3 (other reference times are also possible) can be detected. From this angle of rotation can also be inferred on the conspicuous or the error having sub-process or process step. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible for the measurement signals of a plurality of sensors 4 of the treatment station 3, which are arranged at different positions within the treatment station 3, to be evaluated for the determination of the partial process or the process step caused by the defect or conspicuousness. Due to the different positions of the sensors 4 and the formation of vibrations at different positions in the respective treatment station 3, a localization of the place of origin of the vibrations can be made.

The evaluation unit 6 can also be designed to associate the detected conspicuousness or the defect with a container which has been treated at the respective treatment station 3, at which the conspicuousness manifests itself. Thus, an abnormality detected at a treatment station 3 can lead to a conspicuousness at a container treated at this treatment station 3, for example an insufficient filling level, a faulty labeling or a faulty closure. This conspicuousness of the container can, as shown in FIG. 1, be detected in an inspection unit 5 following the outlet A in the transport direction TR. Advantageously, the container information determined in the inspection unit 5 is compared with the evaluation information provided by the evaluation unit 6. In particular, containers that have been detected by the evaluation unit 6 as defective or have a conspicuous feature can be examined by the inspection unit 5, specifically to determine whether the inspection unit 5 on the container also has an error or an abnormality recognizes. For example, the fill level in the container, the labeling, the closure, etc., can be checked on the inspection unit 5. As a result, the result of the evaluation unit 6 can be verified or corrected by the inspection unit 5. In the event that the inspection unit 5, in contrast to the evaluation unit 6, does not detect a fault or any conspicuousness, it may be possible for a decision unit 6 to decide in the evaluation unit 6. be adjusted reference signal used. In general, therefore, a dynamic adaptation of the decision criteria used for the decision with respect to a fault or a conspicuousness in the evaluation unit 6 can be based on the information determined by the inspection unit 5.

At the treatment stations 3 of the machine 1, preferably the same or essentially the same treatment process or manufacturing process is performed. Therefore, at the treatment stations 3, provided that no errors or abnormalities occur in the process carried out there, the sensors 4 of the respective treatment stations 3 deliver identical or very similar measurement signals. In order to detect errors or abnormalities, the evaluation unit 6 can compare the measurement signals associated with the respective treatment stations 3 and detect errors or abnormalities in that the measurement signals of a treatment station 3 show a significant deviation from the measurement signals determined at the other treatment stations 3. In general, therefore, the detection of a fault or a conspicuousness can take place by comparison of the measurement signals obtained at the respective treatment stations 3 with one another.

Preferably, a reference signal used for the evaluation is derived by averaging the measurement signals provided by the sensors 4 of the treatment stations 3. This reference signal can for example be determined in advance and stored in a memory unit, so that in the subsequent operation of the machine 1, a comparison of the current measurement signals can be done with the reference signal. The reference signal is preferably adjusted continuously or intermittently during the machine run, for example after certain time intervals, so that the reference signal can be dynamically adapted to current events. For example, the vibrations detected by the sensors 4 at the treatment stations 3 may have a dependence on process parameters. For example, the vibrations may have a temperature dependence or may vary with a variable process variable (e.g., volume flow of the contents). Due to the dynamic adaptation of the reference signal, this reference signal can be adapted to the current process conditions.

In addition, it is possible for the reference signal to be adapted dynamically based on a measured value of a sensor detecting a process parameter. Thus, For example, a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature, Füllguttemperatur etc. or a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the medium or generally a sensor for detecting a process parameter may be provided. Based on the information of the sensor detecting the process parameter, the reference signal can be adjusted. For example, a table of reference signals may also be stored, which contains a plurality of reference signals or reference signal values that depend on the process parameter. The selection of the reference signal or reference signal value to be used can be effected as a function of the determined process parameter.

5 shows schematically and by way of example a possibility of evaluating a signal received or derived from a sensor 5 in the frequency domain. In the process, a comparator 10 is supplied with the measurement signal 1 1 obtained by the sensor 4 in the frequency domain and a reference signal 12 likewise in the frequency domain. The reference signal 12 can be, for example, a frequency spectrum of an acoustic signal that arises during the process run at the treatment station 3. This reference signal can be determined and stored, for example, during startup of the container treatment machine 1. The measuring signal 11 and / or the reference signal 12 may be unfiltered signals or may be filtered by means of a suitable filter (eg bandpass filter). Subsequently, the measuring signal 1 1 is compared with the reference signal 12 by the comparator 10. The comparator 10 may in particular be designed such that deviations between the measuring signal 1 1 and the reference signal 12 are determined. In the case of a sufficient correspondence between measuring signal 1 1 and reference signal 12, an error-free process run or a process run without irregularities is detected. Otherwise, an error message can be generated. The comparator 10 may be part of a central evaluation unit or may be provided decentrally in the region of the respective sensors. Thus, for example, in the respective treatment station 3 in addition to the sensor 4, an evaluation module (including the comparator 10) may be provided in which, for example, the reference signal is stored or has access to a memory unit in which the reference signal is stored. In this evaluation module, for example, the comparison of the measurement signal with the reference signal can be performed. This evaluation module can then communicate with a higher-level evaluation unit 6. 6 shows schematically and by way of example a possibility of evaluating a signal provided or derived from a sensor 4 in the time domain. As input signals, a measurement signal 11 and a reference signal 12 in the time domain are provided. The reference signal 12 may be, for example, a measured time characteristic of an acoustic signal that arises during the process run at the treatment station 3. This reference signal 12 can be determined and stored, for example, during startup of the container treatment machine 1. Subsequently, the measurement signal 1 1 provided by a sensor 4 and the reference signal 12 are filtered by means of a filter 13, in particular a bandpass filter. As a result, disturbing fundamental oscillations or background noises, for example, can be filtered out. The filtered measuring signal 1 1 .1 and the filtered reference signal 12. 1 are then fed to the comparator 10. The comparator 10 may in particular be designed such that deviations between the filtered measurement signal 1 1 .1 and the filtered reference signal 12.1 are determined. In the case of a sufficient match between see filtered measurement signal 1 1 .1 and filtered reference signal 12.1 an error-free process run or a process run is detected without abnormalities. Otherwise, an error message can be generated. The comparator 10 may be part of a central evaluation unit or may be provided decentrally in the region of the respective sensors 4. Thus, for example, in the respective treatment station 3 in addition to the sensor 4 and an evaluation module (including the comparator 10) may be provided in which, for example, the reference signal is stored and in which the comparison of the filtered measurement signal 1 1 .1 with the filtered reference signal 12.1 , This evaluation module can then communicate with a higher-level evaluation unit 6. It is also conceivable to analyze the measuring signal 1 1 both in the time domain and in the frequency domain and to subject it to a comparison with a reference signal 12 or a test with respect to a tolerance window.

The sensors used are, for example, microphones, in particular directional microphones or else structure-borne noise sensors. These can be formed in particular shielded from other sound sources.

FIG. 7 shows a further variant of the method in which the reference value in the tolerance field TF correlates with the angular position α of the rotor 2 or the treatment stations 3 arranged thereon. This is for example when feeding a container from the inlet star 1 .1 to the respective treatment station advantageous. It is also clarified in FIG. 7 that the transfer time of the container is known by the angular position, so that it is possible to record the signals only at this time, whereby data volume / times can be saved. The measurement signals at this time or at this location should then all be correlated with each other.

In addition to the signal strength, a signal accumulation in the time tolerance window TF before and after the time T1 is expected, which correlates with an angular position α of the respective treatment station 3, for example, of the rotor 2. In this case, a certain time spread or spread in the tolerance window TF is expected. In the case of FIG. 7 shown here, measured values for transfer operations of the containers were recorded at the transition from the inlet star 1. 1 to the treatment stations 3. The left-hand part of FIG. 7, labeled "not synchronous", shows measuring signals of transfer processes which are caused by an infeed star 1 .1 which is not synchronous with the rotor The right-hand part of FIG. 7, designated "synchronous", displays measuring signals of transfer processes. which are obtained by a running synchronously to the rotor inlet star 1 .1.

The large, impermissible temporal spread of the signals in the left half of the figure indicates that the rotor 2 and the inlet star 1 .1 must be adjusted with respect to the synchronous operation. It can be assumed that the measuring signals scattering above or below the permissible tolerance window TF are only a consequence of the defective synchronous operation and there is no defect at the treatment stations themselves.

8 and 9 show an example of a filling machine or treatment stations of a filling machine and the application of the method according to the invention in such a machine.

In FIG. 8, by way of example, the filling process with its individual subprocesses in the angular ranges of the rotor run on which these subprocesses are performed is sketched.

After the supply of the container through the inlet star 1 .1 in a first angle sector I, the opening of the filling valve is carried out as a first sub-process. This opening can for example be an opening from the closed position of the valve body in an open position in which the filling valve is fully open. Subsequently, in a further sub-process in angle sector II, the container is partially filled with filling material. This filling can be For example, with the maximum possible Füllgutvolumenstrom done by the filling valve (fast filling).

The angle sector II is followed by an angle sector III, in which the filling valve is brought into a partial closing position, i. the valve body is moved from the open position to an intermediate position located between the open position and the closed position. As a result, the volume flow through the filling valve can be throttled and the container can be filled with a smaller volume flow inflow (slow filling), which is accomplished in angle sector IV.

In the angle sector V then the valve body is moved from the partial closed position to the closed position, so that then in the angle sector VI, the filling valve is closed, i. no filling material can flow into the container. Subsequently, the removal of the container takes place through the outlet star 1 .2.

This filling process can be monitored by the evaluation unit 6, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. The left partial view in Figure 9 shows the closed position of the filling valve 7 and thus corresponds to the state of the filling valve 7 immediately after the container inlet and the state of the filling valve 7 in the angle sector VI. The middle partial view of Figure 9 shows the full open position of the filling valve 7 and thus corresponds to the state of the filling valve 7 in the angle sector II. The right part of Figure 9 shows the partial closed position of the filling valve 7 and thus corresponds to the state of the filling valve 7 in the angle sector IV 9, at least one sensor 4 for detecting vibrations in the area of this filling valve 7 is provided on the filling valves 7, which are provided at the respective treatment stations 3. This sensor 4 is coupled with the evaluation unit 6 for the purpose of transmitting information. This evaluation unit 6 can be formed, for example, by the machine control, for example a control computer. By the sensor 4, for example, acoustic signals or vibrations caused by the lifting or pressing the valve body to the valve seat, by the start or termination of the fluid flow through the filling valve, by the method of the valve body or by the passage of the filling material through the filling valve arise, be detected and evaluated. In particular, in the complete open position (middle partial view of FIG. 9) of the filling valve, the intensity of the flow Noise can be determined in order to be able to draw conclusions about the filling material volume flow flowing through the filling valve. In addition, it can be determined in the partial closing position (right partial view of FIG. 9) whether the intensity of the flow noise has changed as expected and no mechanical vibrations or acoustic signals could be detected which indicate that the valve body is in contact with the valve seat.

FIG. 10 shows in several partial views Xa to Xg the partial processes in a filling process in a greater degree of detail. The partial processes shown in the partial views Xa to Xg are traversed in this order during transport of the container from the inlet to the outlet of the rotor 2. The treatment station 3, at which the respective filling element is provided, has a plurality of sensors 4 in the exemplary embodiment shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is a first sensor 4a, which is provided in the region of the filling valve 7, and a second sensor 4b, which is provided in the region of a container fixing element 8. This container fixing element 8 can be formed for example by a neck ring gripper, which can have actively movable gripping elements but also passive gripping elements. By means of these first and second sensors 4a, 4b, vibrations can be detected at different points of the filling element, whereby the accuracy of the evaluation and the recognizability of errors or abnormalities can be decisively increased.

In the following, it will be explained on the basis of the individual partial representation in Xa to Xg which partial processes of the filling process can be detected by the first and second sensors 4a, 4b. In the partial view Xa, the transfer of the container to the Behälterfixierelement 8, so that the resulting vibrations are detected. The filling valve 7 is closed and the container contact element 9 is spaced from the container mouth. For example, wind noise in the area of the container mouth can be detected by the rotation of the rotor 2. As can be seen in the partial view Xb, then the container contact element 9 is brought into contact with the container mouth, wherein the resulting noise is detected by the sensors 4a, 4b. In addition, a biasing of the container can take place here, which also causes detectable vibrations. According to the partial illustration Xc, a pretensioning of the container or a rinsing or a multiple rinsing of the container can furthermore take place, wherein the resulting noise and vibration behavior can be detected. As can be seen in the partial view Xd, followed by the complete opening of the filling valve 7, in which case, for example, the adjusting movement of the valve body, the flow noise of the filling or the return flow of the clamping gas can be detected.

Subsequently, as shown in the partial view Xe, the filling valve is closed (complete closure or only partial closure), wherein in turn the adjusting movement of the valve body and the end or decay of the flow noise or the decay of the flowing back gas can be detected.

According to the partial view Xf, the reloading of the container can subsequently take place, whereby the noise arising during the unloading and possibly subsequent dripping noise can be detected by the sensors 4a, 4b.

According to the partial view Xg, the container contact element 9 is then spaced from the container mouth. In this case, it is possible to determine the noises arising during the process of the container installation element 9 or the container fixing element 8 and when the container is removed from the container fixing element 8. Likewise, according to the method of the container contact element 9 or of the container fixing element 8, a wind noise in the region of the container mouth may possibly be detected by the rotation of the rotor 2.

FIG. 11 shows by way of example a capper or treatment stations 3 of a closer and the application of the method according to the invention to such a machine. The treatment stations 3 of a capper, which are likewise provided on a rotatably drivable rotor, have in a manner known per se a container fixing device 20 by means of which the container to be closed is held or fixed to the treatment station 3. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the container fixing device 20 is formed by a container carrier 20.1, on which the container with its container base rises, and one in the region of the container neck or the container mouth engaging container holder 20.2, for example, a neck ring gripper formed. In addition, a closing mechanism is provided, by means of which a closure element is applied to the container mouth. The closing mechanism may, in particular, have a closing unit 21 which can be driven in rotation about a vertical axis, also referred to as a tulip, by means of which a closure element (eg screw cap) can be screwed onto a thread provided on the container mouth. Alternatively, the closing mechanism can be designed for clamping attachment of a closure element (eg, crown cap).

FIG. 11 shows several partial processes Xla to Xlf of several partial processes of a closing process. The partial processes shown in the partial views Xla to Xlf are traversed, for example, in this order during transport of the container from the inlet to the outlet of the rotor 2. The treatment station 3, on which the respective closing element is provided, has a plurality of sensors 4 in the embodiment shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, these are a first sensor 4a, which is provided in the region of the container carrier 20.1, a second sensor 4b, which is provided in the region of the container holder 20.2, and a third sensor 4c, which is provided in the region of the closing unit 21 or its drive , It is understood that more than said sensors can be distributed to different positions on the processing station 3. By means of these first to third sensors 4a, 4b, 4c, vibrations can be detected at different points of the treatment station 3, whereby the accuracy of the evaluation and the recognizability of errors or abnormalities can be decisively increased. In the following, it will be explained on the basis of the individual partial representation in Xla to Xlf which partial processes of the closing process can be detected by the sensors 4a, 4b and 4c. In the sub-process according to the partial illustration Xla, first the supply of the container to the treatment station or the reception of the closure element in the closure unit 21 takes place. In this case, for example, noises or vibrations caused by the introduction of the container or the feeding of the closure element can be detected by the sensors 4a, 4b and 4c. Likewise, wind noise caused by the rotating treatment station 2, such as wind noise at the open container mouth of the filled container, can be detected. In the partial process shown in partial representation XIb, the closing unit 21 is lowered, as indicated by the arrow, so that the closure element accommodated in the closing unit 21 comes to bear against the container mouth. In this case, for example, noise caused by the lowering of the closing unit 21 may be detected by the sensors 4a, 4b and 4c.

In the partial process according to the partial representation Xlc, the closing unit 21 is set in rotation in order to screw the closure element onto the thread. This screwing can be done in several steps. For example, in a first step, the closure element can be screwed at a higher speed and in a subsequent second step at a lower speed. In the process step shown in the partial view Xlc this is, for example, a screwing with a higher speed (compared to the process step according to partial representation Xld), as indicated by the curved double arrow. As a result, the closure element can be screwed on quickly until the upper, inner closure element surface comes to bear against the container mouth. In this case, for example, noises or vibrations caused by the rotation of the closing unit 21, the drive of this closing unit 21 or the friction of the closure element on the thread can be detected by the sensors 4a, 4b and 4c.

In the sub-process according to the partial representation Xld, a rotation of the closing unit 21 then takes place at reduced speed (in comparison to the process step according to partial illustration Xlc), whereby the closure element is tightened against the container thread. In this case, for example, the rotation of the closing unit 21, the drive of this closing unit 21, the friction of the closure element on the thread or possibly caused by the friction of the closing unit 21 with respect to the closure element noises or vibrations by the sensors 4a, 4b and 4c are detected. Subsequently, the lifting of the closing unit 21, as shown in the partial view Xle. In this case, the noises or vibrations caused by the method of the closure unit 21 can be detected by the sensors 4a, 4b and 4c. After lifting off the closing unit 21, wind noise of the closed container can subsequently be detected, for example, by the further rotation of the rotor 2 or noises due to the detachment of the container from the treatment station 2 (partial view Xlf).

By distributing a plurality of sensors to different positions in the treatment station 2, the noises or vibrations occurring at different locations can be better detected and more accurately assigned to the respective functional elements of the treatment station 2.

Ideally, in this method or the named variants of the method, reference signals and the respectively associated measuring signals from the respective sensor of the treatment stations are all determined at the same location or in the same angular range of the device. Thus, ideally, the reference signals from the patterns of different treatment stations or their functional elements are determined, which are also different, i. staggered periods of time are recorded.

As already stated above and common to all exemplary embodiments, it can be assumed on the basis of the execution of identical or essentially identical process steps at the respective processing stations 3 that processing stations 3 which show no defects or no abnormalities have the same or essentially the same measurement signals supply the respective sensors. As a result, an adjustment of the measuring signals of the different processing stations 3 can take place and errors or abnormalities can be detected by the fact that the measuring signals of a processing station 3 show significant deviations from the measuring signals of the other processing stations 3. In particular, an averaging of the measurement signals of the processing stations 3 can take place and a comparison between this current measurement signal and the mean value of previously obtained measurement signals can be performed to evaluate a current measurement signal. In this case, in particular, the measurement signals can be excluded in this averaging, pointing to errors or abnormalities indicative features.

It is also conceivable that all sensors of a processing station 3 are compared by comparing their measurement signals relative to each other. The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that a variety of changes or modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 machine

1 .1 inlet star

1.2 outlet star

2 rotor

3 treatment station

4 sensor

4a first sensor

4b second sensor

4c third sensor

5 inspection unit

6 evaluation unit

7 filling valve

8 container fixing element

9 container installation element

10 comparators

1 1 measurement signal

12 reference signal

13 filters

20 container fixing device

20.1 container carrier

20.2 Container holder

21 closing unit

A spout

E enema

TF tolerance window

TR transport direction

TS transport route

Claims

claims

1 . Method for monitoring a process or process step on a machine (1) with a transport element (2) having a plurality of treatment stations (3), wherein the treatment stations (3) each comprise at least one functional element by means of which the workpiece is directly or indirectly acted upon by means of the treatment stations (3) and / or their at least one functional element a workpiece to be treated is conveyed during treatment on a transport path (TS) between an inlet (E) and an outlet (A) or the workpiece is conveyed to a treatment station ( 3) at least on a portion of this transport path (TS) changed and / or produced or acted on this workpiece, characterized in that at least partially the treatment stations (3) each have at least one sensor (4) for receiving a vibration frequency and / or an acoustic Have signal by means of a by the treatment or Manufacturing process at the respective treatment station (3) and during the transport of the workpiece at this treatment station (3) generated pattern is detected, that of the sensor (4) provided measurement signal or a signal derived therefrom is evaluated and compared with a reference signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pattern at one or more at the treatment station (3) provided and during the entire process from the treatment station (3) not detached functional elements.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pattern is formed at least by a change in position of a functional element or a part thereof.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the pattern comprises a vibration frequency and / or an acoustic signal, the / by the achievement of an at least temporary end position of the functional element or a part thereof.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pattern comprises a vibration frequency and / or an acoustic signal, which arises in the spatial position change of the functional element or a part thereof.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process comprises a plurality of sub-processes, wherein the patterns generated in these sub-processes by a single sensor (4) or by a at the respective treatment station (3) provided group of a plurality of sensors (4 ).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that at different treatment stations in each case the same process steps or the same sub-processes in certain areas of the transport path between the inlet and the outlet are completed and / or that at different treatment stations between the inlet and the outlet with a time delay to each other same process steps or identical sub-processes are performed.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that measurement signals are recorded at two or more treatment stations (3) at the same time.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference signal is determined in advance based on several at different treatment stations (3) detected measurement signals.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the reference signal is determined offset in time at different treatment stations (3) detected measurement signals.

1 1. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference signal is determined intermittently or continuously and / or adjusted.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a set of reference signals is stored, wherein the set of reference signals comprises a plurality of reference parameters dependent on a process parameter.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference signal is generated in situ, in particular by averaging the measurement signals or signals derived therefrom, wherein the measurement signals or the signals derived therefrom at at least two different treatment stations (3) by the These treatment stations (3) associated sensors (4) are detected.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement signal or the evaluated with respect to error abnormalities signal an angular segment, preferably a treatment station (3) of the rotor

(2) and / or a workpiece is assigned.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that based on the measurement signal or based on the evaluated with respect to errors indicative abnormalities signal is drawn back to a sub-process at a treatment station (3).

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation based on a plurality of sensors (4) of a treatment station

(3) provided measuring signals or signals derived therefrom.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the context of the evaluation of the measurement signals or signals derived therefrom information is compared with information from an inspection unit (5) which subsequently checks the workpieces.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that comparison information is obtained by comparing information obtained during the evaluation of the measurement signals or signals derived therefrom with information from the inspection unit (5) and that an adaptation of the reference signal takes place based on the comparison information.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that based on the evaluation of one or more measuring signals or a signal derived therefrom process parameters for the transport element (2) and / or a treatment station (3) are adapted and / or maintenance and maintenance tasks are derived.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that reference signals and the reference signals to be compared with these reference signals from the respective sensor (4) of the treatment stations (3) are determined in the same transport route section.

21. Machine having a transport element (2) with a plurality of treatment stations (3), the treatment stations (3) each comprising at least one associated functional element to act directly or indirectly on the workpiece, wherein by means of the treatment stations and / or their at least one functional element respectively a workpiece to be treated during treatment on a transport path (TS) between an inlet (E) and an outlet (A) is conveyed and / or the workpiece at least on a portion of this transport path (TS) changed and / or produced or acted on this can be, characterized in that at least partially the treatment stations (3) each have at least one sensor (4) for receiving a vibration frequency and / or an acoustic signal by means of a by the treatment or manufacturing process at the respective treatment station (3 ) and during transport of the workpiece to this Treatment station (3) generated pattern is detected and that an evaluation unit (5) is provided, which is adapted to evaluate the signal provided by the sensor (4) or a signal derived therefrom and to compare with a reference signal.

22. Machine according to claim 21, characterized in that the sensor (4) moved on the rotor (2) and arranged at the respective treatment station (3) is arranged.

23. Machine according to claim 21 or 2, characterized in that the sensor (4) by at least one aligned on a functional element non-contact Sensor for sound and / or vibration measurement is formed, in particular a directional microphone or a laser vibrometer is.

24. Machine according to one of claims 21 to, characterized in that a treatment station (3) has two or more sensors (4), which are assigned to different areas of the treatment station (3).

25. Machine according to one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that a digital or a physical filter for filtering out disturbing fundamental vibrations and / or disturbing background noise is provided.

26. Machine according to one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the sensor (4) is formed by a structure-born sound sensor or a microphone.

27. Machine according to one of claims 21 to 26, characterized by their design such that the reference signal is determined in advance based on several at different treatment stations (3) detected measurement signals.

28. Machine according to one of claims 21 to 27, characterized by their design such that the reference signal is adjusted intermittently or continuously.

29. Machine according to one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that a memory unit is provided for storing a set of reference signals, wherein the set of reference signals comprises a plurality of process parameters dependent reference signals.

30. Machine according to one of claims 21 to 29, characterized in that the machine comprises an inspection unit (5) and that the machine is designed such that in the context of the evaluation of the measurement signals or signals derived therefrom information with information of the workpieces below testing inspection unit (5) are compared.

31 machine according to claim 30, characterized by their formation such that by comparing in the context of the evaluation of the measuring signals or off thereof Guided signals received information with information of the inspection unit (5) Comparative information can be obtained and that based on the comparison information, an adjustment of the reference signal is carried out. 32. Machine according to one of claims 21 to 31, characterized by its design as a container treatment machine, in particular as a filling machine, labeller or capper of containers.