WO2017167421A1

WO2017167421A1 - Module system for handling drinks containers and corresponding method for same

Info

Publication number: WO2017167421A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/081725
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes KIRZINGER; Peter Koch; Manuel Kollmuss; Frank Winzinger; Herbert Spindler
Original assignee: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2016-03-30
Filing date: 2016-12-19
Publication date: 2017-10-05
Also published as: CN108290647B; DE102016205255A1; EP3436360B1; ES2858773T3; CN108290647A; SI3436360T1; EP3436360A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) comprising multiple different working modules, each designed for handling drinks containers. The system comprises at least one first working module (3) and at least one second working module (5), wherein the at least one first working module (3) and the at least one second working module (5) each have at least one conveying device for transporting drinks containers, and different working functions for acting on the drinks containers. The system (1) also comprises an installation position (30), in which the at least one first working module (3) or the at least one second working module (5) can be selectively introduced for each operation. The system (1) further comprises an installation device (14), wherein the installation device (14) can be controlled and/or can be actuated for selectively introducing the at least one first working module (3) or the at least one second working module (5) in the installation position (30).

Description

Module System for handling beverage containers and the corresponding procedure for this

The present invention relates to a system with several different working modules, which are each designed to handle beverage containers and a method for preparing a system for a respective defined handling of beverage containers.

For the processing, compilation, grouping and packaging of articles, such as. Beverage containers, there are a variety of packaging types. Currently, for example, as a beverage container most commonly used PET containers have relatively low wall thicknesses and are not completely stable in shape even when filled. For this reason, and in view of the better logistical handling, a wide variety of packages are used for grouped individual containers. Thus, the containers can be placed in a grouped arrangement, for example. On a cardboard sheet whose edges are folded upwards. Also cardboard sheets can be used, whose size corresponds to the base of the container arrangement, so that no edges are to be folded upwards. Optionally, these bundle assemblies can then be wrapped in foil and shrunk by a heating process to obtain a stable bundle of containers that can be easily transported and stacked. Another type of container is referred to as "shrink-only", because in this case the assembled containers are wrapped with foil without additional aids and these are shrunk on.The dimensional stability of this container variant is ensured exclusively by the shrink film

Conveyors are usually each optimized for a particular type, size and / or contour of conveyed goods. In addition, different conveyors are required for different types of packaging and packaging. One

In some circumstances, changing the product may mean that certain conveyors can no longer be used because, for example, they are not suitable for transporting individual articles or containers. Disturbances in the transport of the articles can also occur if the packaging machines are set to a different product variant. Such conveying problems can occur in particular when changing between packaged goods such as, for example, pack units and loose goods such as individual beverage containers or the like. Such upright transported articles such as beverage containers may be used on conveyors used for the transport of Container units are prepared, tilt easily and / or fall down as the

Transport modules may not be able to provide sufficiently flat documents that enable stable transport of articles with a very small footprint.

Next working distances are known with folding fingers, which fold fingers wrap cardboard and this case an outer packaging for several items or

Train beverage containers. If such a cardboard box or outer packaging for articles is not provided, the working distance must be converted, which is done manually in practice to date and is associated with high expenditure of time.

An object of the invention is for this reason, a

To make generic system or a generic method available, which can be prepared in a simple manner for a certain handling of articles or converted.

The above object is achieved by a system and a method comprising the features in claims 1 and 1 3. Further advantageous

Embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a system with several different working modules, which are each designed to handle beverage containers. The

Beverage containers may be formed for example by bottles or PET bottles, cans or other beverage containers. The system comprises at least one first working module and at least one second working module, wherein the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module each comprise at least one conveying device for transporting beverage containers and have different working functions for acting on beverage containers. The at least one first working module and the at least one second working module can each have a frame within which work tools are arranged for acting on beverage containers. A geometry or dimensioning of the frame can be designed such that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module

Working module can be recorded in a fitting fit or with little play in a mounting position of the system.

It is also conceivable that a trained for beverage containers

Transport width of the conveyor of the at least one second working module against a trained for beverage containers transport width of Conveyor of the at least one first working module is formed enlarged. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the at least one first working module comprises a plurality of format parts which are matched to respective beverage containers to be packed in their relative spacing and which are preferably designed as guide components. The at least one second working module may comprise further format parts adapted to respective further beverage containers to be packaged in their relative spacing from one another and preferably designed as guide components. The relative spacing of the guide components or format parts of the at least one first working module relative to one another and the relative spacing of the guide components or format parts of the at least one second working module relative to one another can be designed differently. In particular, the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module can each be designed as modules of a packaging machine for beverage containers.

In the installation position, which is formed as part of the system, for selectively operating the at least one first working module or the at least one second working module can be selectively introduced. In the installation position, if appropriate, the at least one first working module or the at least one second working module can optionally be accommodated interchangeably and against each other.

It is also conceivable that at least one first working module and the at least one second working module are moved at the same time during a change. For this purpose, the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module

Working module mechanically coupled to each other, so that a movement of the at least one first working module results in a movement of the at least one second working module. Also, centers of gravity of the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module may have a distance from each other, which is at least half of an extension of one of the two modules in a horizontal direction transverse to the transport direction.

The system can therefore be designed as a working route for beverage containers, wherein the installation position is positioned in a certain area of the working route. The respective selectively introduced into the installation position at least a first or at least a second working module can form a specific section of the working route. In preferred embodiments it can be provided that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module are designed such that with a removal of the respective in the installed position inserted at least a first working module or at least a second working module from the installation position a portion of the working distance is completely removed. The respective inserted into the installation position at least a first working module or at least a second working module can therefore form a complete section of the working stretch, with a removal of the at least one first working module or the at least one second working module from the installation position creates a gap in the working distance or wherein at a removal of the at least one first working module or the at least one second working module from the installation position no mechanical components are arranged in a certain area of the working distance.

Furthermore, the system comprises an installation device which can be actuated and / or actuated for the selective introduction of the at least one first working module or the at least one second working module into the installation position. Embodiments in which the installation device can also be actuated and / or actuated for removing a respective at least one first working module or at least one second working module inserted into the installation position have proven successful. As already mentioned above, it is conceivable that the installation device for the installation position can exchange the at least one first working module for the at least one second working module and the at least one second working module for the at least one first working module.

Furthermore, it may be that the system comprises a control unit, wherein the installation device via the control unit a) for selectively and independently introducing the at least one first

Working module or at least one second working module in the

Installation position is controlled and / or wherein b) the installation device via the control unit for independent

Removing a used in the installed position at least one first working module or at least one second working module can be controlled and / or operated. It is conceivable here that the control unit has at least one input means, which is designed for example as a touch screen, wherein the

Control unit via the at least one input means defaults to the respective inserted in the installation position at least a first working module and / or at least a second working module can be provided. In particular, an assignment can be stored on the control unit. It is conceivable that the control unit specifications can be provided with regard to packaging beverage containers to be packaged, the control unit can selectively select the at least one first working module or the at least one second working module taking into account these specifications and with the aid of the assignment. Then the

Control unit, if necessary, control the installation device for introducing the selected at least one first working module or at least one second working module into the installation position. The exchange or the selective introduction of the working modules can with a

Selection of a new recipe to be connected to a central touchscreen of a bottling plant. For example, if an operator selects a particular product from a list, the input of both the replacement or selective insertion of the modules and other format change processes may be triggered automatically. Other processes include, for example, a blow molding change in a blow molding machine.

It may further be that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module each have at least one mechanical

Possess coupling agent. In addition, at least one mechanical counter coupling means may be formed in the region of the installation position, wherein between the respective mechanical coupling means and the respective mechanical

Counter coupling means a connection for holding the respective inserted in the installed position at least one first or at least one second working module can be produced. Have proven useful in practice embodiments in which the respective mechanical coupling means and the mechanical counter coupling means are formed as a bayonet closure. It is conceivable here that the bayonet closure can be actuated via the installation device. Thus, in various

Embodiments, the connection between the mechanical coupling means and the mechanical counter coupling means via the installation device to be produced. In addition, it is conceivable that the bayonet lock can be manually operated.

It may also be that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module each have at least one electrical

Have coupling means and that at least one electrical counter coupling means is formed in the region of the installation position. The installation device can for Establishing an electrical connection between the respective at least one electrical coupling means and the at least one electrical

Counter coupling means may be formed in the installation position with selective introduction of the respective at least one first working module or at least one second working module.

Also, embodiments have proven, in which in the field of

Installation position at least one preferably designed as a centering means is arranged, which means can independently align the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module in each insertion into the mounting position. The at least one preferably designed as a centering means may, for example, have at least one cone, by means of which the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module are independently aligned with respective introduction into the installation position.

It may also be that the installation device driverless

Transport system or FTS comprises, which a) for selectively and independently introducing the at least one first

Working module or at least one second working module in the

Installation position is controlled and / or which b) for the independent removal of the respective inserted into the mounting position at least one first working module or at least a second

Work module is controlled.

For example, the system may include a storage for the

comprise at least a first working module and the at least one second working module. The driverless transport system may be designed to selectively accept a respective at least one first working module or at least one second working module to be introduced from the storage or storage into the installation position. Further, the driverless transport system for conveying a respective received from the storage or storage at least one first working module or at least one second working module to be formed to the installation position. For example, the bearing can be at least two feet in a horizontal

Direction away from the installation position. The term "driverless transport system" is to be understood broadly within the scope of the conceivable embodiment described, for example, the at least one first working module and / or the at least one second working module itself may be designed as a driverless transport system or as part of a driverless transport system.

It is furthermore conceivable for the installation device to comprise at least one rail extending at least in sections over the installation position, on which the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module

Working module in particular hanging, are attached. In this case, it may be that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module for respective introduction into the installation position and / or removal from the installation position can each be moved along the at least one rail. In particular, at least two rails oriented parallel to one another can be provided, to which the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module are fastened in particular in a suspended manner. The at least one rail or the at least two rails oriented parallel to one another can interact as a linear guide both with the at least one first working module and with the at least one second working module. An orientation of a longitudinal axis of the at least one rail may extend perpendicular to a transport direction for beverage containers that can be predetermined by the conveying devices of the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module.

The work modules can each have one or more rollers by means of which they can be moved or moved on the already mentioned at least one rail. The at least two mutually parallel rails or possibly a single rail can at certain positions valleys or

Have recesses in their respective tread, which serve to center the modules along the rail path. It is conceivable that the rollers and thus the respective working module are held on the respective rail when driving over a valley due to their mass. In addition, it may be that the at least one first working module a

Transport unit for beverage containers and a plurality of circumferentially guided folding means for providing the beverage containers with a packaging has and that the at least one second working module a horizontal conveyor for

Beverage containers owns. In particular, the at least one first working module Have at least one and preferably two mutually parallel chains, by means of which several or a plurality of folding means are guided circumferentially.

It may also be that the installation device at least one

preferably comprises horizontally oriented pivot axis, to which the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module are mechanically coupled. The at least one pivot axis may be positioned such that selectively the at least one first working module or the at least one second working module

Working module can be brought via a respective defined rotational movement of the pivot axis in the installed position. For preferred embodiments, a rigid coupling between the at least one pivot axis and the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module

intended. It is also conceivable that the pivot axis and the at least one first working module and / or the at least one second working module an eccentric is interposed. In addition, embodiments are conceivable in which in the installed position

Actuator is positioned, which preferably via a coupling selectively for operation with the respective at least one first introduced into the mounting position

Working module or can be brought into connection with the at least one second introduced into the installation position working module. It may also be that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module each have their own actuator, via which the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module can be operated in the installed position.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a

Systems for a respective defined handling of beverage containers. Features which have already been described above for various embodiments of the system can also be used for conceivable embodiments of the method and are therefore not mentioned redundantly. Next can follow

described features which relate to various embodiments of the method to be provided in the previously described system. The method comprises the following steps:

- Selecting a working module of several working modules, which several working modules each have at least one conveyor for transporting Own beverage containers and differ in terms of their work functions for acting on beverage containers,

Insertion of the selected working module in an installation position in which the respective working module is put into operation, wherein

- An installation device is controlled and / or operated, which

Installation device from the control and / or operation as a result of the respective selected working module in the installed position brings.

The term "exposure" can be interpreted broadly and possibly also as "transport".

Furthermore, it may be that the installation device is actuated and / or actuated prior to introduction of the respective selected working module into the installation position, as a result of which the installation device is already inserted in the installation position before the respective selected working module is inserted into the installation position

Removing installed working module from the installation position removes.

In practice, moreover, embodiments have proved successful, in which a) the installation device is controlled by a control unit for independent use

Introduction of the respective selected working module is driven in the installation position and / or in which b) the installation device via a control unit for independent

Removing the already in the installed position working module is driven from the installation position.

The installation device may have at least one actuator. The

Installation device may then possibly bring the respective selected working module in the installation position with the aid of the actuator and / or remove the respective already in the installed position working module with the aid of the actuator from the installation position.

It may also be that the respective introduced into the installation position

Working module is preferably fixed by means of a bayonet lock in the installed position. The bayonet lock can be used to set the respective introduced working module, for example, via the installation device or possibly manually operated.

It is also conceivable that an electrical coupling means formed as part of the respective working module is brought into contact via the installation device with an electrical counter-coupling means. The electric

Coupling means and the electrical Gegenkoppelungsmittels can be positioned in this case so that the electrical coupling means and the electrical

Countercoupling when inserting or from an insertion movement of the respective selected working module resulting be associated with each other. In addition, it may be that the selected work module via a driverless

Transport system or FTS is introduced into the installation position and / or that a working module already in the installed position via a driverless

Transport system is removed from the installation position. The respective selected working module or the respective working module already in the installed position can itself be embodied as part of a driverless transport system.

Furthermore, it may be that the plurality of working modules are suspended from at least one rail formed as part of the installation device, whereupon the selected working module is subsequently moved along the rail and, as a result, is introduced into the installation position. "Suspending" can also be understood to mean standing on the at least one rail The at least one rail can thus be arranged vertically below the plurality of working modules, with the plurality of working modules standing up on the at least one rail and / or guided positively via the at least one rail become.

In addition, it is conceivable that the plurality of working modules are coupled to a common pivot axis formed as part of the installation device, wherein the pivot axis is rotated by a defined angle, as a result of which the respective selected working module is brought into the installed position.

In particular, it may be that resulting from this rotational movement already located in the installed position working module from the installation position

is removed. The pivot axis may be oriented parallel to a transport direction, which the conveying means of the plurality possibly to the pivot axis

train coupled work modules. The plurality of optionally coupled to the pivot axis working modules can therefore temporally superimposed by means of a rotary motion the pivot axis are offset. Here, for example, exactly two

Working module can be coupled to a common pivot axis. In further embodiments, more than two or exactly three or exactly four working modules may be mechanically coupled to the common pivot axis. It is also conceivable that the respective selected working module via at least one preferably designed as a centering means for introduction into the

Installation position is independently aligned. The at least one preferably designed as a centering means may, as previously mentioned, have at least one cone, which aligns the respective inserted into the installed position selected working module during insertion.

It is also conceivable that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module each have their own drive, wherein the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module with the aid of their own drive can transport beverage containers. The respective own drive can do this with a respective

Horizontal conveyor of the respective working module are in communication.

It may also be that a drive is arranged stationarily in the region of the installation position, wherein the at least one first working module or the at least one second working module are automatically coupled to the drive during their respective introduction into the installation position.

Furthermore, it may be that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module each have an identification mark which enables a control device to recognize which working module is in the installed position. The identification tag can be designed, for example, as an RFID transponder on which information about the respective working module is stored. It may also be that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module each comprise an Ethernet interface via which information about the respective working module can be forwarded to the previously mentioned stationarily arranged drive in the region of the installation position.

It may also be that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module have a common drive and constantly run along the conveying elements of both modules. Furthermore, it may be that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module each have one or a common module for wirelessly receiving data (for example via Bluetooth). The data can be used within the module or modules to control drives.

Furthermore, it may be that the at least one first working module and the at least one second working module have a common connection for the electrical power transmission from the basic machine to their respective drives. The contact point to the base machine can be formed for example by a sliding contact or a flexible cable. Below are

Embodiments explain the invention and its advantages with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of the system according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows the embodiment of a system of Figure 1 illustrating further aspects; FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention;

FIGS. 4 schematically illustrate a third embodiment of the invention

system according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows individual steps as they may be provided in a conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention

inventive system.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numerals in the individual figures are shown, which are required for the description of the respective figure are. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples, such as

Invention can be configured and do not represent a final limitation.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention. To compilations to beverage containers or individual

Stably store and transport beverage containers in practice, various different packaging for beverage containers are known. Thus, it may be that compilations are arranged on beverage containers standing on a cardboard sheet, the edges are optionally folded upwards to form through the cardboard sheet a lateral boundary for the beverage containers and to keep the beverage containers on the cardboard sheet. It is also conceivable that the cardboard sheet as well as the respective upstanding on the cardboard sheet

Arrangement of beverage containers with thermoplastic below

Packaging material are provided, which is shrunk to increase the stability of the respective composition of beverage containers.

Next, packages are known in which a cardboard is missing and in which the beverage containers are held together solely by means of thermoplastic packaging material. So that the system 1 can apply the respective packaging to certain beverage containers, the system 1 must be converted or prepared. In the embodiments of the system 1 according to the invention described below, such a conversion can be carried out in a particularly simple manner.

The system 1 has several different working modules or at

Embodiment of Figure 1, a first working module 3 and a second working module 5. The first working module 3 and the second working module 5 are in terms of their

Work functions designed differently. Thus, the first working module 3 has a patent application in the figures for reasons of clarity not shown transport unit for beverage containers and a variety circumferentially guided folding. About the folding means, the first working module 3 straighten tabs formed of cardboard and provided for beverage containers packaging. On the other hand, the second working module 5 has a likewise not shown

Horizontal conveyor to beverage containers along a formed between an inlet 2 and a film wrapping module 7 due to their spacing Transport route to transport. Folding fingers are not provided for the second working module 5.

About the film wrapping module 7 of the system 1 is thermoplastic

Packaging material applied to beverage containers or respective compilations to beverage containers. The film wrapping module 7 is in a

Flow direction of the beverage containers arranged as part of the system 1 downstream shrink tunnel 9, by means of which shrink tunnels 9 can be shrunk onto beverage containers or respective compositions of beverage containers applied thermoplastic packaging material. The shrink tunnel 9 may be formed as part of the system 1

Subsequent to Palettiereinrichtung to the beverage containers or the

Put together sets of beverage containers along with their respective shrink-wrapped thermoplastic packaging material on a pallet. Also, the inlet 2 in the flow direction of the beverage containers a

Filling device for beverage containers and / or a labeling device upstream. Such a filling device and / or labeling and / or

Palletizing device can also be provided in the further embodiments described below. It is also conceivable that the inlet 2 has at least one folding means, if necessary to align individual tabs of a cardboard box before subsequently aligned or folded over the first working module 3 more tabs.

Further, an installation position 30 can be seen, in which for each operation selectively the at least one first working module 3 or the at least one second working module 5 can be introduced. The installation position 30 is arranged directly between the inlet 2 and the film wrapping module 7. For example

Assemblies are formed on beverage containers, which is associated with a respective cardboard as packaging, the previously described first working module 3 can be used with folding means for folding or erecting tabs of the cardboard in the installation position 30. Should compilations

Beverage containers without cardboard or solely by means of thermoplastic

Packaging material are held together, the second working module 5, which comprises a horizontal conveyor, are inserted into the installation position 30 in order to be able to transfer the compositions of beverage containers from the inlet 2 to the film wrapping module 7. The first working module 3 and the second working module 7 thus have different working functions, wherein selectively the first working module 3 or the second working module 5 are inserted into the installation position 30 as a function of a specific process for beverage containers provided for the system 1.

Although only one mounting position 30 is provided in the embodiment of Figure 1, however, can be provided in conceivable other embodiments of a system 1, a plurality of mounting positions 30, for which individual working modules can be exchanged. Also, a plurality of systems 1 may be provided, which are designed for packaging or for handling beverage containers, wherein individual working modules or first and second working modules 3 and 5 are exchanged between the systems 1.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the system 1 also comprises a

Installation device 14, which is in communication with a control unit S. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the installation device 14 comprises two rails 15 oriented parallel to one another, to which the first working module 3 and the second working module 5 are suspended.

The control unit S has an input unit which is designed, for example, as a touchscreen. About the input unit can to the

Control unit S defaults for the respective to be inserted into the installation position 30 working module 3 or 5 are specified. The control unit S can under

Considering the specifications, the installation device 14 is activated, which subsequently introduces the respective first working module 3 or second working module 5 provided for the installation position 30 selectively into the installation position 30. The respective

Working module 3 or 5 is this moved over a formed as part of the installation device 14 actuator along the rails 15 and passes by means of

Movement into the installation position 30.

Both the first working module 3 and the second working module 5 have not shown electrical coupling means. In the installation position 30 electrical counter coupling means are also provided. The selective movement of the first working module 3 or the second working module 5 in the installation position 30 takes place here via the installation device 14 such that the respective electrical

Coupling means and the electrical counter coupling means are associated with each other when the respective working module 3 or 5 reaches the installation position 30. The installation device 14 can thus by a movement of the respective Working module 3 and 5 along the rails 15 independently cause an electrical connection between an electrical coupling means formed as part of the respective working module 3 and 5 and an electrical counter coupling means arranged in the installation position 30 or in the region of the installation position 30. In order for the respective working module 3 or 5 to reach the installation position 30 with exact orientation, embodiments have proved successful in which, in the region of the installation position 30, a centering or at least one means for aligning the respective one

Working module 3 or 5 when inserted into the installation position 30 are located.

In the installation position 30, a mechanical counter coupling means is also provided. The first working module 3 and the second working module 5 each have a mechanical coupling means. The respective coupling agent and the

Counter coupling means can together form a bayonet closure. By actuating the bayonet closure, the respective first working module 3 or second working module 5 introduced into the installation position 30 can be fixed in the installed position 30.

Figure 2 shows the embodiment of a system 1 of Figure 1 below

Clarification of other aspects. The operating principle of the system 1 becomes clear in a comparison of FIG. 1 with FIG. In Figure 1, the second working module 5 is in the installed position 30 and is fixed in the installed position 30 by means of the bayonet closure. After releasing the bayonet closure, the second working module 5 can be removed from the installation position 30 and the first working module 3 moved into the installation position 30. For this purpose, by means of

Installation device 14, the first working module 3 and the second working module 5, as indicated by arrow view, actuators moved along the rails 15. The

Movement of the first working module 3 and the movement of the second working module 5 are thus temporally superimposed. The second working module 5 leaves the installation position 30 completely, whereas the first working module 3 according to FIG. 2 reaches the installation position 30. The electrical connection between the electrical coupling means of the first working module 3 and the provided in the installed position 30 electrical negative feedback means is here, as previously described, prepared.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention. According to previous description to

Embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 also has the system 1 of Figure 3 an inlet 2, a film wrapping module 7 and a shrink tunnel 9. The in Figure 3 with illustrated first working module 3 and the second shown in Figure 3 with

Working module 5 are formed according to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

The system 1 from FIG. 3 has an installation device 14, which is designed as a driverless transport system 40. The driverless transport system 40 can remove a respective first working module 3 or second working module 5 introduced into the installation position 30 from the installation position 30. Following this time, the driverless transport system 40 can selectively introduce the first working module 3 or the second working module 5 into the installation position 30. The installation position 30 is indicated in Figure 3 by phantom lines. After removal of the first working module 3 and the second working module 5 from the installation position 30, the driverless transport system 40 can carry the respective removed working module 3 or 5 in the direction of a warehouse or storage and settle there.

The installation device 14 or the driverless transport system 40 is also in the embodiment of Figure 3 with the control unit S in combination. The control unit S can be made specifications for the respective to be inserted into the installation position 30 working module 3 or 5, whereupon the

Installation device 14 and the driverless transport system 40 the respective

Working module 3 or 5 introduces into the installation position 30 and / or removes an already introduced in the installed position 30 working module 3 or 5 from the installation position 30.

In this case, it may be that a working module 3 or 5 already introduced into the installation position 30 has or needs to be serviced. The

Installation device 14 or the driverless transport system 40 can then remove the respective working module 3 or 5 from the installation position 30 and insert it into the installation position 30 again after maintenance or after repair. As previously mentioned, the working modules 3 and 5 for the installation position 30 by means of the installation device 14 and by means of the driverless transport system 40th

be exchanged for each other. FIGS. 4 schematically illustrate a third embodiment of the invention

Inventive system 1 or individual components of a third embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention. According to previous description to

Embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 also has the system 1 of Figure 4 a Inlet 2, a film wrapping module 7 and a shrink tunnel 9. The illustrated in Figure 4 with first working module 3 and the second shown in Figure 4

Working module 5 are formed according to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

The installation device 14 in the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 4 comprises a pivot axis 6. The first working module 3 and the second working module 5 are coupled to the pivot axis 6. FIGS. 4B and 4C show two conceivable possibilities of a relative orientation of the first working module 3 with respect to the second

Working module 5 when coupled to the pivot axis. 6

The pivot axis 6 can be moved in rotation via a formed as part of the installation device 14 and not shown in Figure 4A actuator. In this case, the actuator is controlled via the control unit S, which specifications can be made for a respective working module 3 or 5 to be introduced into the installation position 30, as already described above.

By means of a rotating movement of the pivot axis 6 by a defined angle of rotation is then selectively a selected working module 3 or 5 in the

Inserted installation position 30, at the same time an already in the installed position 30 befindliches working module 3 or 5 leaves the installation position 30. The coupling of only two working modules 3 and 5 to the pivot axis 6 is in

Embodiment of Figure 4 by way of example only, so that in conceivable further embodiments, more than two working modules 3 and 5 to the

Pivot axis 6 can be coupled. It is also conceivable that the first working module 3 and the second working module 5 via an eccentric with the pivot axis 6 in

Are connected and thus be offset via a rotational movement of the pivot axis 6 relative to the pivot axis 6 and thereby reach the installation position 30 and thereby removed from the installation position 30.

FIG. 5 shows individual steps as they may be provided in a conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention. Thus, as part of a first step, a work module is selected from a plurality of work modules, which have several work modules each have at least one conveyor for transporting beverage containers and differ in terms of their work functions for acting on beverage containers. Subsequently, a

Installation device 14 (see Figures 1 to 4) driven, which

Installation device from the drive resulting in the respective selected Working module independently in a mounting position 30 introduces. After the respective selected working module is introduced into the installation position 30, the respective selected working module is put into operation in the installation position 30.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention

Inventive system 1. Furthermore, the first working module 3 and the second working module 5 can be seen in FIG. Compared to the previous embodiments, an additional working module 99 is also provided in FIG. 6, which is not introduced into the installation position 30 in FIG.

The additional working module 99 can be designed, for example, as a winder, which winder can wrap stretched packages with a stretchable film. Shrink wrap can be applied to such stretch packs at a later date, which is shrunk onto the stretch pack in a shrink tunnel. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the stretch package with the stretchable film are driven through a shrink tunnel, which is not in operation. The additional working module 99 can also be designed as a switch, which has the conveyor 98 shown in phantom lines. About this and railing 96 can this container or beverage containers are directed to a transport path 97 and thereby do not enter the shrink tunnel 9 or bypass the shrink tunnel 9.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 system

2 inlet

3 First working module

5 Second working module

6 pivot axis

7 Film wrapping module 9 Shrink tunnel

14 Installation device

15 rail

30 installation position

40 Driverless transport system

96 railings

97 Transport path

98 conveyor

99 Additional work module

S control unit

Claims

claims

1 . System (1) with several different working modules, each for

Handling beverage containers are formed, comprising the system (1)

At least one first working module (3) and at least one second working module (5), wherein the at least one first working module (3) and the at least one second working module (5) each have at least one conveying device for

Transporting beverage containers as well as different ones

Have work functions for acting on beverage containers and

An installation position (30), in which for each operation selectively the at least one first working module (3) or the at least one second

Working module (5) can be introduced, characterized in that

- The system (1) comprises an installation device (14), wherein the

Installation device (14) for selectively introducing the at least one first working module (3) or the at least one second working module (5) in the installation position (30) is controllable and / or can be actuated.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the installation device (14) for removing a respective inserted into the installation position (30) at least one first working module (3) or at least one second working module (5) is controllable and / or can be actuated.

3. System according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a control unit (S), wherein the installation device (14) via the control unit (S) a) for selectively and independently introducing the at least one first

Working module (3) or the at least one second working module (5) in the installation position (30) is controllable and / or b) the installation means (14) via the control unit (S) for the independent removal of a inserted into the mounting position (30) at least a first working module (3) or at least one second working module (5) is controllable and / or can be actuated. System according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one first working module (3) and the at least one second working module (3)

Working module (5) each have at least one mechanical coupling means and wherein in the region of the installation position (30) at least one mechanical counter coupling means is formed, wherein between the respective

mechanical coupling agent and the respective mechanical

Gegenkoppelungsmittel a connection for holding the respective in the

Installation position used at least a first or at least a second working module (3, 5) can be produced.

The system of claim 4, wherein the respective mechanical coupling means and the mechanical counter coupling means are formed as a bayonet closure.

System according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one first working module (3) and the at least one second working module (3)

Working module (5) each have at least one electrical coupling means and in which in the installation position (30) at least one electrical

Counter coupling means is formed, wherein the installation means (14) for establishing an electrical connection between the respective at least one electrical coupling means and the at least one electrical

Counter coupling means upon introduction of the respective at least one first working module (3) or at least one second working module (5) into the

Installation position (30) is formed.

System according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the region of the installation position (30) at least one preferably designed as centering means is arranged, which means the at least one first working module (3) and the at least one second working module (5) respective introduction into the

Installation position (30) can independently align.

System according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, in which the

Installation device (14) comprises a driverless transport system (40), which a) for selectively and independently introducing the at least one first

Working module (3) or the at least one second working module (5) in the installation position (30) can be controlled and / or which b) for the independent removal of the respective in the installed position (30) used at least one first working module (3) or at least one second working module (5) is controllable.

9. System according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the

Installation device (14) at least one at least partially over the installation position (30) extending rail (15) to which the at least one first working module (3) and the at least one second working module (5) are mounted together hanging and along which the at least a first working module (3) and the at least one second working module (5) for respective introduction into the installation position (30) and / or removal from the installation position (30) can each be moved.

10. System according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein the

at least one first working module (3) a transport unit for beverage containers and a plurality of circumferentially guided folding means for aligning a for

Beverage containers provided and preferably designed as a cardboard packaging and in which the at least one second working module (5) has a horizontal conveyor for beverage containers.

1 1. System according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, in which the

Installation device (14) at least one preferably horizontally oriented pivot axis (6) to which the at least one first working module (3) and the at least one second working module (5) are mechanically coupled, wherein the at least one pivot axis (6) is positioned such in that the at least one first working module (3) or the at least one second working module (5) is selectively moved into the respective position via a respective defined rotary movement of the pivot axis (6)

Installation position (30) can be brought.

12. System according to one or more of claims 1 to 1 1, wherein in the

Positioning an actuator is positioned, which preferably via a clutch selectively for operation with the respective at least one first in the installed position (30) introduced working module (3) or with the at least one second in the installation position (30) introduced working module (5) in combination can be set.

13. A method for preparing a system (1) for a respective defined handling of beverage containers, the method comprising the following steps: Selecting a working module from a plurality of working modules, each of which has at least one conveying device for transporting beverage containers and having different working functions for acting on beverage containers,

Introducing the selected working module into an installed position (30), in which the respective working module is put into operation, characterized in that

- An installation device (14) is controlled and / or operated, which

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the installation device (14) before

Introduction of the respective selected working module in the installation position (30) is controlled and / or operated, resulting in the installation device (14) before introducing the respective selected working module in the mounting position (30) already in the installation position (30) befindliches working module of the

Installation position (30) takes.

15. The method of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein a) the installation device (14) via a control unit (S) for independently introducing the respective selected working module in the installation position (30) is driven and / or in which b) the installation device ( 14) is controlled via a control unit (S) for the independent removal of the work module already in the installed position (30) from the installation position (30).

16. The method according to one or more of claims 13 to 15, wherein the respective in the installed position (30) introduced working module is preferably fixed by means of a bayonet lock in the installed position (30).

17. The method according to one or more of claims 13 to 16, wherein formed as part of the respective working module electrical coupling means via the installation means (14) is brought into connection with an electrical counter coupling means.

18. The method according to one or more of claims 13 to 17, wherein the selected working module via a driverless transport system (40) in the

Installation position (30) is introduced and / or in which an already in the installed position (30) befindliches working module via a driverless transport system (40) from the installation position (30) is removed.

19. The method according to one or more of claims 13 to 18, wherein the plurality of working modules on at least one as part of the

Installation device (14) trained rail (15) are hung, whereupon temporally following the selected working module along the rail (15) is moved and resulting in the installation position (30) is introduced.

20. The method according to one or more of claims 13 to 19, wherein the plurality of working modules are coupled to a formed as part of the installation device (14) common pivot axis (6), wherein the

Pivoting axis (6) is rotated by a defined angle, as a result of which the respective selected working module is brought into the installation position (30).

21. Method according to one or more of Claims 13 to 20, in which the respective selected working module has at least one preferably as

Centering trained means when introduced into the mounting position (30) is self-aligned.