WO2020070416A1

WO2020070416A1 - Method and device for managing a module of a container production line

Info

Publication number: WO2020070416A1
Application number: PCT/FR2019/052291
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pierre DECHAMPS
Original assignee: Sidel Participations
Priority date: 2018-10-05
Filing date: 2019-09-26
Publication date: 2020-04-09
Also published as: FR3086935A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a method and device for managing a module (1) of a container (2) production line, in which at least one movable element is stationary inside an enclosure (7) of a module (1), at least one door (8) providing access into the enclosure (7) is closed, the door (8) is locked by pressing on control means, characterised by the fact that the movable element is moved by prolonged pressing on the control means. The invention also concerns a device for managing a module (1) for producing containers (2).

Description

Method and device for module management of a container production line

The present invention enters the field of module management of a production line.

The invention will find a preferred, but in no way limiting, application within a line for the production of containers, such as flasks or bottles, or else cans called "cans".

In known manner, the management of a production line is carried out centrally at a centralized control station located at a fixed location. Such a station allows an operator to remotely control the actuation of the various modules of said production line. In particular, a command consists in actuating the motorization causing the displacement of several mobile elements of the same module.

In this context, a problem resides during an intervention at the level of a module, inside its enclosure, in the event of maintenance, for repair or during its installation, requiring a first operator at the controls of the substation. central control, while a second operator intervenes directly at said module within an access area provided for this purpose. The first and second operators exchange instructions in order to operate the intervention as well as possible, in particular to perfectly adjust the various mobile elements of said module. It is easy to understand that the inconvenience and precariousness of such a situation.

This is why it was imagined to be able to operate a control of a module directly by a single operator. To do this, after configuring a specific mode of operation of the installation at the centralized control station, the operator goes to the access area of a module to be controlled.

Such an access zone includes a restriction of access to the interior of the enclosure of the corresponding module. This restriction is generally in the form of one or more doors, which must be closed and are locked during operation during production. These doors can be opened when stationary, after unlocking, the opening being carried out manually by the operator. It should be noted that the locking can be carried out automatically, as soon as one of the modules is switched on.

Further on, there are means for controlling the unlocking of the doors. Such a control means is in the form of a button integral with the front of a door and on which the operator must press by simple pressure, to request the unlocking of the door before being able to open it manually. Once pressed, such a button sends a command to the centralized control station, which verifies several parameters, in particular the operating mode and that the machine is indeed at a standstill, before commanding the unlocking of said door.

In addition, such a button can also be pressed by the operator after closing the doors, in order to have verified that no person is no longer present in the enclosure of the module at the corresponding access area. This check allows the doors to be locked again and the machine to switch to another operating mode, such as production operation.

In this context, in order to control a module, the operator must configure an operating mode at the centralized control station, in which the doors can be unlocked and can be opened. The operator then comes to request the unlocking of the doors, then opens them and physically connects to a connector present inside the enclosure of the module, in order to control the movements of one or more of the mobile elements of said module.

Already, due to the proximity of an operator with moving parts, there is a significant risk to his safety. In addition, in this operating mode, it is only possible to drive the mobile elements at a slow speed which, for safety reasons, is set at a maximum of 10% of the normal operating speed of a module. (ie its mode of operation in production), in order to avoid risks for the operator who intervenes inside the enclosure of the module, with the doors open, without however being able to fully ensure its safety.

Such a reduced speed drive can be operated by an automated control called "JOG" (from the English term consecrated). In order to activate this JOG command, it is necessary to select this operating mode from the centralized control station. Then, it is also necessary to verify that an operator is located within a single access area to a module. To do this, the JOG command can include a handle called "dead man" which forces the operator to manually maintain its actuation and which disconnects if it is released or if the operator tenses up. It is then the handle which is connected to said connector located inside the enclosure of the module.

An alternative solution consists in deporting the connector outside the module, allowing the operator to close the doors, which are then locked when he then activates the movements of the mobile elements of the module, this in complete safety. Once the elements have been moved to the desired position, the operator stops the machine. The doors are unlocked by pressing the control button and the operator can open them again to intervene on some of the elements positioned appropriately.

A first drawback lies in the operating mode, to be selected at the centralized control station, requiring an operator to go there physically, then to return to the module on which the operator wishes to intervene, resulting in a significant loss of time during these round trips. In fact, depending on the location of the production line, the operator's movements lose one to two minutes with each intervention.

The object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing module management of a production line which does away with any member transported by the operator and to connect to the module to be checked. To do this, the invention uses control means for unlocking the access doors to the enclosure of the module, namely the control button.

In addition, the invention provides for otherwise using the control means, in particular by modifying the command transmitted as a function of the time of pressing the button. Thus, by pressing briefly, the operator can always control the unlocking of the doors or confirm the verification of non presence inside the enclosure in view of their locking. In addition, only if the doors are closed, by pressing for an extended period of time, the doors are automatically locked and a command is transmitted activating the low-speed drive of the mobile elements of the module in question.

To do this, the invention relates to a module management method for a production line, in which, in addition:

- at least one mobile element is at a standstill inside an enclosure of a module,

- at least one access door inside the enclosure is closed,

- said door is locked by pressing control means.

Such a management method is characterized by the fact that said movable element is actuated in displacement by pressing for a long time on said control means.

Additionally, but not limitatively, it is possible to press said control means for a prolonged period of time according to a predefined duration.

The predefined duration can be at least three seconds, preferably five or six seconds.

The actuation can be stopped while moving by releasing said control means.

The actuation can be stopped by pressing on said control means.

When stopped, said door can be unlocked by pressing on said control means.

Said door can be unlocked by pressing said control means for less than three seconds.

The invention also relates to a management device comprising a module provided with:

- an enclosure comprising at least one access door,

- at least one mobile element,

said device comprising:

- means for actuating the displacement of each movable element,

- Control means for locking and / or unlocking each door, in the form of at least one button.

Such a management device is characterized by the fact that it comprises means for controlling said actuation means, said control means being located on an exterior covering of said door.

In addition, but not limited to, said locking control means may include said control means.

Said control means can comprise at least one touch or push button.

Said management device may include means for measuring the duration of support on said control and actuation means in displacement of the movable element as a function of said duration of support.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows of nonlimiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended FIG. 1 schematically showing a simplified view of an exemplary implementation of management of a blowing module for a production line containers, showing different actions depending on the duration of support by an operator on the control means.

The present invention relates to the management of module 1 of a container production line 2.

Such containers 2 can be flasks or bottles, or cans called "cans".

An example of a module 1 for manufacturing such containers 2 by blowing is shown in FIG. 1, showing several successive stations, in particular a means of heating preforms 3, of the oven type, leading to a blowing or stretching module. blowing said heated preforms 3, in order to obtain said containers 2 within molds 4. The preforms 3 are conveyed by a conveyor 5 through the furnace and the molds 4 are notably mounted on a carousel 6, said conveyor 5 and said carousel 6 each constituting a movable element of said module 1. A movable element can also be a wheel for transferring the preforms to or from the furnace, as well as receptacles at the blowing outlet.

Essentially for security and access restriction reasons, the module 1 is provided with an enclosure 7, comprising at least one access door 8. Figure 1 shows a module 1 including one enclosure 7 is provided with three access doors 8. In the closed position of all the doors 8, the enclosure 7 is therefore closed and it cannot be entered.

In order to authorize the operation of said module 1, it is necessary to comply with certain operating and safety instructions, in particular each door 8 must be closed and locked.

First of all, for opening as for closing, each door 8 can be equipped with a lock provided with a handle, ensuring gripping by an operator 10 with a view to its opening. Such a handle can be provided for rotating retracting a bolt, intended to cooperate with a keeper present on the covering, or the frame of said door 8.

In addition, such a lock, in the closed position, ensures the locking of the door 8 and prevents access to 1 inside the module 1 through this same door 8.

Preferably, the locking of each door 8 can be provided electro-magnetic, namely that the actuation in locking of the components of the lock can be carried out by electro-magnetic locking and / or by movement in locking of the components of said lock to through an electrical control signal. The same goes for unlocking each door 8.

In addition, the invention provides for being able to lock and / or unlock each door 8 of a module 1 independently of each other.

To do this, the invention provides a device for managing said module 1.

The management device comprises means for actuating the displacement of each movable element, namely at least the conveyor 5 and / or the carousel 6. In fact, said actuation means can ensure joint movement or not, synchronously or not, of the mobile elements of the module 1. Generally, the actuation means make it possible to move the mobile element situated at the level of the access door 8, visibly in a direct line by the operator 10. In sum, the button 9 makes it possible to move a mobile element in the immediate vicinity of the operator 10, in his field of vision, in particular through a transparent wall of the enclosure 7 or of the door 8.

The management device also comprises control means for locking and / or unlocking each door 8. These control means can be in the form of at least one button 9.

Such a button 9 can be of the tactile type or comprises a push-button.

Advantageously, the management device comprises means for controlling said actuation means, said control means being located on an outer covering of said door 8. In other words, the invention provides for extracting the means making it possible to control setting displacement of the mobile elements of module 1 and positioning them outside its enclosure 7. In addition, these means are placed on the covering, namely the external chassis of the machine. By way of example, the button 9 can be positioned on the frame or the opening of the door 8, or even on one of its walls by insert. Preferably, the button 9 is located next to the handle of the door 8. The button 9 is located approximately at a height accessible by the hand of a man. Consequently, an operator 10 is located outside the module 1 if he wishes to actuate the movement of the mobile elements, considerably improving his security.

According to the preferred embodiment, said locking control means comprise said control means. In sum, the means controlling the locking and / or unlocking of each door 8, make it possible to control the actuation in movement of the mobile element or elements present opposite said door 8. Preferably, the same button 9 acts locking / unlocking control means and means for controlling the movement of the mobile element or elements.

According to another embodiment, the control means can comprise two adjacent buttons 9, at a distance which makes it possible to press simultaneously with the fingers of the same hand or with the two hands of the same operator 10. The buttons 9 allow one to interact with the locking / unlocking and the other with the control of the actuation of the movable element.

Consequently, the operator 10 must obtain the locking of said door 8 of the station, which must therefore be closed, if he wishes to actuate the corresponding mobile elements.

To this end, the invention provides a corresponding management method, preferably for the implementation of said management device.

When at least one mobile element of module 1 is stopped inside the enclosure 7 of said module 1, at least a door 8 for access to the interior of the enclosure 7 is closed. Preferably, all the doors 8 are closed.

Once closed, said door 8 is then locked. Preferably, the locking of the door 8 can induce the locking of all the doors 8 of the module 1. The locking is effected by pressing on said control means, namely the button 9 .

Advantageously, the movable element is actuated in displacement by pressing for a long time on said control means, namely on said button 9.

In short, by briefly pressing the button 9 of the control means, one engages the locking or unlocking of the door lock 8, while if one presses longer, once the locking of the door 8 is effective, then the the moving element begins to move.

The duration of one long press on the control means takes place according to a predefined duration. This duration can be defined initially during installation, as being at least two or three seconds, or even more. It can be adjusted later, to be increased to a desired time period which will be recorded and taken into account later when pressed.

Preferably, the predefined duration is at least three seconds, preferably five or six seconds

For unlocking the door 8, the invention provides to remain pressed on the control means, namely the button 9 mounted on the covering of the door 8, less than three seconds, namely below the predefined duration. This duration equal to or less than three seconds is therefore brief, within the meaning of the invention.

With a view to locking, the press may also be brief, namely less than or equal to three seconds, but also longer, by remaining pressed on the button 9 for more than three seconds.

Preferably, while remaining pressed on the control means, namely button 9, for at least a prolonged period three seconds, at least the time of the predefined duration, the movement actuation of the movable element is then checked. This displacement is therefore carried out if the operator 10 keeps pressing the button 9 for more than three seconds.

According to a particular embodiment, the pressing of the control means, namely the button 9, takes place for five or six seconds. Thus, an operator 10 cannot deliberately make a mistake between initiating the locking for a duration of less than three seconds and launching the actuation of the mobile element while remaining pressed for a much greater duration, up to twice six seconds, even more time.

Therefore, the invention provides for measuring the duration of support on the control means, namely the button 9. The management device therefore comprises means for measuring the duration of support on said control means and moving actuation of the mobile element as a function of said duration of support.

According to a first embodiment, the invention provides for stopping the actuation by pressing on said control means. In short, the operator 10 presses the button 9 for a long time, at least more than three seconds, and the movable element begins to move. He then releases the button 9 and the mobile element continues to move. The operator 10 must then press the button 9 again to stop the mobile element. This new press can be done briefly, less than three seconds, or even for a long time.

According to another alternative embodiment, the invention provides for stopping the actuation in movement of the mobile element by releasing said control means. In short, as long as the operator 10 maintains its support, the mobile element moves. It is only when it releases the button 9 that the movable element stops. This operating mode provides additional safety, of the dead hand type, in the event that the operator 10 is no longer able to press again. on button 9 to stop the movement of one movable element.

It will be noted that the displacement induced by the prolonged pressing by an operator 10 on the control means, preferably on the control means, namely the button 9, allows the moving element to move slowly. In short, this function allows the operator 10 to move the mobile element at a reduced speed, less than or equal to the nominal operating speed in production. Preferably, this displacement speed is less than or equal to ten percent (10%) of the nominal operating speed in production. As an example, a nominal cadence speed can be about thirty-six revolutions per minute. This slow speed allows the operator 10 to precisely and visually adjust the displacements of a movable element, in particular with a view to a maintenance intervention, at the time of installation of the machine, or even an adjustment between two different productions. .for the carousel and the slow speed corresponds approximately therefore to less or up to three revolutions per minute.

In this context, by pressing and holding until the moving element is moved, the operator 10 can also keep pressing the button 9 of the control means, in order to accelerate the speed of movement up to 'to reach the maximum value for slow speed, namely 10% of nominal speed.

The operator 10 can also press and hold the button 9 for at least three seconds to move the mobile element, then release the button 9. The mobile element will automatically accelerate until it reaches the maximum value of this slow speed, namely up to 10% of the nominal speed. At any time, the operator 10 can then press the button 9 again, to stop the acceleration and maintain the speed at the value when this is pressed again. The operator 10 can then briefly press the button 9 again to stop the moving element, or well in a prolonged way to increase the speed again and accelerate the movement of one movable element.

Other possibilities of control can be envisaged from the different durations of support and the number of successive presses by the operator 10, influencing the setting in displacement, namely the actuation and the speed, of the element. mobile.

The invention therefore allows an operator 10 to control the movement of a mobile element of a module 1 of a container production line 2, from outside the enclosure 7, in complete safety. The invention makes it possible to ensure that the door 8 facing the mobile element is locked, at the moment when the operator 10 engages the actuation of the mobile element, limiting any risk of accident.

Claims

1. A module management method (1) of a container production line (2), in which, in addition:

- at least one movable element is at a standstill inside an enclosure (7) of a module (1),

- at least one door (8) for access to the interior of the enclosure (7) is closed,

- said door (8) is locked by pressing control means,

characterized by the fact that:

- moving said moving element is actuated by pressing and holding on said control means.

2. Management method according to claim 1, characterized in that one presses for a prolonged period on said control means according to a predefined duration.

3. Management method according to claim 2, characterized in that the predefined duration is at least three seconds, preferably five or six seconds.

4. Management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one stops actuation in displacement by releasing said control means.

5. Management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one stops the actuation by pressing on said control means.

6. Management method according to one of claim 4 or 5, characterized in that when stopped, said door (8) is unlocked by pressing on said control means.

7. Management method according to claim 6, characterized in that said door is unlocked (8) by pressing less than three seconds on said control means.

8. Module management device (1) of a container production line (2), comprising a module (1) provided with: - an enclosure (7) comprising at least one access door (8),

- at least one mobile element,

said device comprising:

- means for actuating the displacement of each movable element,

control means for locking and / or unlocking each door (8), in the form of at least one button (9),

characterized by the fact that it includes:

- means for controlling said actuation means, said control means being located on an outer covering of said door (8).

9. Management device according to claim 8, characterized in that said locking control means comprise said control means.

10. Management device according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that said control means comprise at least one button (9) touch or push.

11. Management device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises means for measuring the duration of support on said control and actuating means in displacement of the movable element according to said duration of support.