WO2018001646A1 - Container handling machine for processing packaging materials - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container handling machine for processing packaging materials (2), in particular in the form of bottles or similar containers, comprising a transport device (3), by means of which the packaging materials (2) are movable along a transport section (TS), past at least one handling module (9, 9', 9"), which is interchangeably provided at at least one working position (10), wherein the respective interchangeable handling module (9, 9', 9") can be coupled, fixed in the working position (10), to a machine frame (11) via at least one centering and docking unit (12), wherein the transport device (3) is delimited, at least in sections, along the transport section (TS) by a machine guard (20) comprising at least a plurality of wall elements (21) which forms at least one machine guard opening (22), having a specified width (VB), between at least two wall elements (21), through which the at least one interchangeable handling module (9, 9', 9"), in the working position (10), fixed in position by the centering and docking unit (12), protrudes at least one module section (9.1) into a chamber (20.1) delimited by the machine guard (20), characterized in that the at least one centering and docking unit (12) has an adjustable holding device (30) for receiving the at least two wall elements (21), via which the width (B) of the machine guard opening (22) is adjustable.

Description

 Container treatment machine for processing packaging

The invention relates to a container treatment machine for processing of packaging materials, in particular in the form of bottles, cans or the like containers or packages of blanks made of flat material, according to the

Preamble of claim 1.

For reasons of health and safety, in container handling machines, a machine shroud, i. a machine protection essential to the

Transport device at least partially encloses along the transport route and thus defines a protected space in which the

Transport device is arranged. For this purpose, the machine protection comprises, for example, a plurality of wall elements which are located between two adjacent ones

Wall elements form a machine protection opening. The wall elements are made for example of a transparent plastic material.

By a modular design, as it comes increasingly in modern container treatment machines to bear, it is possible using a

Basic unit, which has the circulating transport device to perform a variety of treatment methods on containers, for example bottles, by using appropriate treatment modules or aggregates. These treatment modules, which are designed for the respective treatment and, for example, labeling and / or printing modules, camera modules, alignment modules for aligning the containers, etc., are the respective

Treatment method according to provided in different number and / or shape and / or position and / or proportions on the base unit, preferably by releasably docking to a machine frame of the base unit. Already when docking the treatment modules at the

 Tank handling machine has a leak-proof alignment

To achieve treatment modules, it is customary to arrange the treatment modules via docking and centering on the container treatment machine or on the machine frame mechanically releasable. For each of the different treatment modules, a suitable opening between the wall elements in the machine protection, hereinafter referred to as

Machining opening designated, required so that the relevant module with its directly interacting with the containers during the treatment module section extends from the outside into the protected space of the machine protection. Usually in this case the machine protection opening to the

Treatment module adapted to the maximum width or for the

Treatment module designed with the maximum width. If subsequently smaller, ie in particular narrower, treatment modules are provided at this working position on the transport device of the container treatment machine, then the machine protection opening designed for the maximum width must be reduced to the width dimension of the narrower treatment module by additional wall or lining pieces. For this purpose, additional linings are often provided. Moreover, when converting the container treatment machine to another treatment module, it is necessary to install and remove the machine protection from the transport device and the treatment module itself.

The invention has the object of disclosing a container treatment machine for processing of packaging, especially in the form of bottles or similar containers, with which the aforementioned disadvantages are avoided and in particular provides a flexible as possible to the different standard sizes of the treatment modules adaptable machine protection opening. To solve this problem, a connection element according to the patent claim 1 is formed. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous

Embodiment variants of the invention.

An essential feature of the container treatment machine for processing packaging, in particular in the form of bottles or similar containers, consists in that the at least one centering and docking unit has an adjustable holding device for receiving the at least two wall elements, via which the width of the machine protection opening is adjustable , This makes it particularly advantageous for all standard sizes of treatment modules

standardized, ie uniformly usable centering and docking unit provided, which according to the invention comprises an adjustable holding device on which the at least two wall elements are arranged, which are the

Train machine protection opening. This allows a particularly simple and flexible width adjustment of the machine protection opening, which is connected to the

Different standard sizes of treatment modules is customizable.

Particularly advantageously, by means of the holding device, the width of the

Machine protection opening to be adapted to a respective width dimension of the corresponding coupled in the working position treatment module.

Preferably, the holding device may comprise at least one adjustable telescopic unit, by means of which the width of the machine protection opening is adjustable.

Further advantageously, the holding device in the region of free ends of

Telescope unit each having a substantially vertically to the telescope unit oriented, rod-like holding means, on each of which a wall element is receivable.

It may again be preferred that the telescope unit comprises a first and a second adjustable telescopic unit, wherein on the first adjustable telescopic unit, a first rod-like holding means and the second adjustable telescopic unit, a second rod-like holding means is added. According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the first telescope unit can be adjustable in dependence on the second telescope unit.

Preferably, the first and / or second telescopic unit can also be designed as a telescopic rail adjustable in its length.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first and / or second rod-like holding means may be formed as a bar profile with at least one profile recess extending along the longitudinal extent of the bar profile. Once again advantageously, at least the two wall elements accommodated by means of the first and second holding means can each have an engagement section which engages precisely in the respective profile recess of the corresponding holding means.

Further preferably, the holding device can be mechanically fastened to the treatment module via a locking device in a locking position. Also advantageously, the locking device can at least one

 Have safety switch, over which the locking position can be monitored.

Finally, the wall elements forming the machine protection can be connected to one another in an articulated manner at least in sections along the transport path via articulation points.

"Packaging" are in the context of the invention in particular cans, bottles, but also tubes, Pourches, each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, but also other packaging, which are suitable for filling liquid or viscous products.

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 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, in principle, the subject 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: Fig. 1 in a simplified schematic representation and in plan view a

Behalterbehandlungsmaschine circulating design in the form of a labeling machine;

FIG. 2 shows a partial representation of the container treatment machine according to FIG. 1 together with a treatment module docked to the machine or to the machine frame; FIG. Fig. 3 in a simplified perspective view of an exemplary

 Embodiment of a centering and docking unit according to the invention with adjustable holding device and arranged wall elements, Fig. 4 in a detailed view of a locking device for the

 rod-like holding means of the adjustable holding device.

The container treatment machine generally designated 1 in the figures serves to treat packaging means 2 in the form of, for example, bottles or similar containers and comprises a transport device 3 with which the containers 2 are conveyed along at least one of at least one transport path TS

Working position 10 replaceable provided treatment module 9 are moved past. In particular, the transport device 3 can be designed in the manner known to the person skilled in the art as a rotor which can be driven peripherally around a vertical machine axis MA in the direction of the arrow A, at the circumference of which at regular angular intervals around the machine axis MA a multiplicity of container receiving positions 4 are formed. More in detail is the

Container processing machine 1 of rotating design trained and has u.a. At a with several feet 15 (in Figure 2 only one foot 15 shown by way of example) on a substrate or floor 13 upstanding machine frame or

Machine frame 1 1, on which the rotating rotor 3 is arranged rotatably about the machine axis MA. At the container receiving positions 4 which are supplied with an outer conveyor 5 container 2 via a container inlet 6 each individually and upright, ie with its container axis in the vertical direction oriented, handed over. From the container receiving positions 4, the treated containers 2 are removed at a container outlet 7 for forwarding to an external conveyor 8. The standing on the container receiving positions 4 container 2 are moved with the rotating rotor 3 at least one treatment module 9, which, depending on the specific training of

 Container treatment machine 1 may be a treatment module 9 of different design and / or size, for example, a labeling module with labeling in training the container treatment machine 1 as a labeling machine for

Labeling the container, or as a printing station or printing module in training the container treatment machine 1 as a printing press for printing the container 2, etc. To use the container treatment machine 1 for different treatments with different treatment modules 9, for example for labeling containers 2 different shape and / or size with different in their type and / or size labels or for printing the container 2 with different, for example, adapted to the nature and / or size of the respective print image different printheads, etc., are several

Treatment modules 9 are provided, of which during operation of the

Container treatment machine 1 each one of the at least one

Working position 10 to the container treatment machine 1 or at the

Machine frame 1 1 is docked, while the remaining treatment modules 9 are in a waiting position.

Especially when labeling, printing but also in other types of treatment, it is necessary that the respectively docked to the container treatment machine 1 treatment module 9 very accurate position with respect to the

Treatment machine 1 is aligned. To dock the respective

To facilitate treatment module 9 and this also an alignment of the

To achieve treatment module 9 with respect to the container treatment machine 1 and the machine frame 1 1, it is common and known, the respective replaceable treatment module 9 via a in Figure 2 only schematically indicated centering and docking unit 12 in the working position 10 fixed in position on the machine frame 1 1 of the container treatment machine 1 mechanically couple or align. This ensures that the

Treatment module 9 assumes the required target position after docking with the greatest possible accuracy.

For reasons of accident protection, the rotor 3 is at least on the angular range of its rotational movement along the transport path TS between the container inlet formed by the transport star 6 and the container outlet formed by the transport star 7 of a machine panel or a

 Machine protection 20 surrounded or limited. The machine guard 20 extends along the partially circular transport path TS to the vertical

Machine axis MA and includes, for example, a plurality of polygonal successively arranged wall elements 21, so that the rotor 3 is at least partially along the transport path TS of the plurality of wall elements 21 comprehensive machine protection 20 is limited. The individual wall elements 21 can face with their machine axis MA

Surface sides respectively parallel to the machine axis MA of the rotor 3, i. be aligned in vertical planes.

The machine protection 20 limits or encloses a protected space 20.1, which can be provided in a number of standard sizes or types or adapted to the diameter of the rotor, depending on the diameter of the respective container treatment machine 1 or its rotor 3. More in detail, the individual wall elements 21 can each be articulated to each other via hinge points 23, so that an adaptation when setting up the machine guard 20 to the diameter of the rotor 3 can be carried out. The machine guard 20 can be extended by an almost arbitrary number of wall elements 21, which can then be articulated by means of respectively additional hinge points 23 to the already existing wall elements 21, that is, connected.

In the area of the exchangeable treatment module 9, the machine guard 20 has at least one machine protection opening 22, through which the machine in the

Working position 10 docked treatment module 9 with his with the containers. 2 co-operating part extends from the outside of the machine guard 20 in the protected space 20.1 or passed through the machine protection opening 22. In particular, the machine protection opening 22 between two adjacent wall elements 21 forms with a predetermined width VB, through which the at least one interchangeable treatment module 9 in the position fixed with the centering and docking 12 supported working position 10 with at least one module section in 9.1 in the machine protection 20 limited space 20.1 extends. In other words, that is the

Machine protection opening 22 is formed as a kind of gap with the predetermined width VB between two wall elements 21, which, however, is closed again by the treatment module 9 is received in this gap, while the remaining, so no machine protection opening 22 forming wall elements 21 immediately after each other, ie without Gap, are arranged. According to the invention, the at least one centering and docking unit 12 has an adjustable holding device 30, schematically indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, for receiving the at least two wall elements 21, between which the at least one machine protection opening 22 is formed with a predetermined width VB and through which at least one exchangeable treatment module 9 with at least one module section 9.1 extends into the space 20.1 delimited by the machine guard 20. Furthermore, the invention provided on the centering and docking unit 12 adjustable holding device 30 for setting, in particular variable change, the width B of the machine guard opening 22 is formed.

Due to the modular design of the container treatment machine 1, different treatment modules 9, 9 ', 9 "can be coupled to the working position 10 by means of the centering and docking unit 12, depending on the design and intended use. For example, the treatment modules 9, 9', 9" can be used as labeling and / or pressure modules, camera modules, alignment modules for aligning the container, etc. may be formed. These different treatment modules 9, 9 ', 9 "can be coupled to the respective treatment process in different numbers and / or shape and / or position and / or size ratios by means of the centering and docking unit 12 on the machine frame 1 1. In particular For example, the different treatment modules 9, 9 ', 9 "can have different width dimensions BA1, BA2 and BA3, which define the predetermined width VB of the machine protection opening 22 or determine the predetermined width V. The centering and docking unit 12 according to the invention is by means of the adjustable holding device 30 adapted to the width B of

 Machine protection opening 22 to the width dimensions BA1, BA2, BA3 of

Treatment module 9, 9 ', 9 ", ie to the predetermined width VB, adapt.

For example, a plurality of machine protection openings 22 can be formed on the area bounded by the machine guard 20 along the transport path TS, through which a replaceable treatment module 9, 9 ', 9 "in the working position 10 fixed in position with the centering and docking unit 12 with at least one module section 9.1 extends into a space 20.1 bounded by the machine guard 20. Each centering and docking unit 12 can have an adjustable holding device 30 for receiving the at least two wall elements 21

between which the respective machine protection opening 22 is formed with a respective predetermined width VB and through which the correspondingly replaceable treatment module 9 extends with at least one module section 9.1 in the space 20.1 delimited by the machine guard 20. Further, each provided on the corresponding centering and docking unit 12 adjustable holding device 30 for setting, in particular variable

Change, the width B of the machine guard opening 22 is formed. It can therefore several interchangeable treatment modules 9, 9 ', 9 "different

Width dimensions BA1, BA2 and BA3 be provided on the container treatment machine 1. Between two adjacent ones

 Maschinenschutzoffnungen 22, the machine guard 20 of several preferably articulated by joints 23 interconnected

Wall elements 21 may be formed. The centering and docking unit 12 in this case has at least one mounting plate 12.1 and at least two centering and coupling elements 12.2. Consequently, the centering and docking unit 12 with the mounting plate 12.1 at the bottom of one of the machine frame 1 1 for exactly aligned in relation to the rotor 3 and the local standing surfaces arranging the treatment modules 9, 9 ', 9 " formed machine table 14 provided, in particular fixed but releasably arranged, for example screwed. In particular, so that the centering and docking unit 12 fixed in position on the mounting plate 12.1 attached to the machine frame 1 1.

The at least two centering and coupling elements 12.2 are for example provided on the centering and docking unit 12 mutually offset in the circumferential direction of the rotor 3. On these machine-side centering and coupling elements 12.2 of the centering and docking unit 12 is the respective interchangeable

Treatment module 9, 9 ', 9 "docked with module-side, not shown and to the machine-side centering and coupling elements 12.2 precisely formed centering and coupling elements example, the centering and coupling elements 12.2 of the centering and docking unit 12 may be formed spherical head.

Furthermore, the centering and docking unit 12 has the adjustable holding device 30 for receiving or arranging the at least two wall elements 21, via which the width B of the machine protection opening 22 is adjustable. For this purpose, the adjustable holding device 30 comprises at least one adjustable telescopic unit 31, by means of which the width B of the machine protection opening 22 is adjustable, wherein at their respective free ends FE1, FE2 each a substantially vertical to the telescope unit 31 aligned, rod-like holding means 32.1, 32.2 is provided on each of which a wall element 21 is arranged or received. In this case, the at least one telescope unit 31 extends substantially parallel to the ground or base 13 and thus in a perpendicular to the machine axis MA.

Particularly preferably, the telescope unit 31 comprises a first and a second adjustable in the horizontal length telescope unit 31 .1, 31 .2, wherein the first adjustable telescope unit 31 .1 a first rod-like holding means 32.1 and the second adjustable telescopic unit 31 .2 a second rod-like holding means 32.2 is assigned. In particular, the first rod-like holding means 31 .1 in the region of the first free end FE1 on the first adjustable telescopic unit 31 .1 fixedly but detachably arranged, for example screwed, while the second bar-like holding means 31 .2 in the region of the second free end FE2 on the second adjustable telescope unit 31 .2 fixedly but detachably arranged,

screwed, for example, is. In particular, the first and / or second

Telescopic unit 31 .1, 31 .2 as adjustable in length telescopic rail

formed, which is indicated by double arrows C. It may be provided that the first telescope unit 31 .1 in dependence, ie in mechanical positive coupling, to the second telescope unit 31 .2 is adjustable.

In particular, the respective rod-like holding means 32.1, 32.2 is aligned parallel to the machine axis MA aligned with the first and second telescopic unit 31 .1, 31 .2. By way of example, the rod-like holding means 32.1, 32.2 can be designed as rod profiles which are substantially square in cross-section and have at least one bar along the longitudinal extension of the bar profile

Profile recess 33 for receiving the at least two wall elements 21 may be formed. In this case, the wall element 21 can then, for example in the region of its free vertical end face, have an engagement section 21 .1 formed in an accurately fitting manner to the profile recess 33, by means of which a mechanical connection between the wall element 21 and the holding means 32.1, 32.2 can be produced. In particular, the vertically extending engagement portion 21 .1 of the wall element 21 can be inserted into the profile recess 33 of the holding means 32.1, 32.2 for this purpose. The length of the holding means 32.1, 32.2 is preferably adapted to the vertical extent of the wall elements 21 in the region of the engagement section 21 .1. In particular, the width B of the holding device 30 via a horizontal

Displacement, ie change in the horizontal length, the first and / or second telescopic unit 31 .1, 31 .2 adjustable formed by this means the provided on the respective telescopic unit 31 .1, 31 .2 holding means 32.1, 32.2 toward each other and away from each other , So be moved horizontally, so that between the holding means 32.1, 32.2 a machine guard opening 22 different width B can be adjusted.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the holding device 30, in particular the first and / or second rod-like holding means 32.1, 32.2, via a Locking device 34 can be fastened mechanically to the treatment module 9, 9 ', 9 ", for example, the locking device 34 can for this purpose have a pawl lever 35 which can be freely pivoted about an axis and which can be locked in one

Locking position in engagement with a locking element 36, for example a locking pin is, by the Kinkelhebel 35, the locking element 36, for example, engages behind in the locking position. In the in Figure 4

illustrated variant, the latch lever 35 is assigned to a profile bar 9.2 a treatment module 9, 9 ', 9 ", wherein this in the

Locking position in engagement with a locking means 32.1, 32.2 associated locking element 36 is engaged. However, it is also envisaged that the latch lever 35 is assigned to the holding means 32.1, 32.2 and the locking element 36 is assigned to the treatment module 9, 9 ', 9 ", for example its profile bar 9.2 may be provided for this purpose that the safety switch 37 has a switching contact, which is actuated in particular in the locking position of the pawl lever 35.

The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

I container treatment machine 2 packing means

 3 transport device

 4 container treatment position

5 transporter

 6 container inlet

7 container outlet

 8 transporter

 9, 9 ', 9 "treatment module

 9.1 module section

 9.2 profile bar

10 working position

 I I machine frame

 12 centering and docking unit

12.1 Mounting plate

 12.2 Centering and coupling element 13 Substrate

 14 machine table

 15 feet

machine protection

 protected space

 wall element

 engaging portion

 Machine guarding opening

joints

holder

 telescopic unit

first telescope unit second telescope unit 32.1 first means of keeping

 32.2 second agent

 33 profile recess

 34 locking device

 35 latch lever

 36 Vernagelungselennent

 37 safety switches

B width

 BA1, BA2, BA3 Width dimension of treatment module

FE1, FE2 free end

 TS transport route

 MA machine axis

 VB predetermined width

Claims

claims 1 . Container treatment machine for processing packaging (2), in particular in the form of bottles or similar containers, comprising a transport device (3) with the packaging means (2) along a transport path (TS) at least one at at least one working position (10) replaceable provided treatment module (9, 9 ', 9 ") are movable past, wherein the respective exchangeable treatment module (9, 9', 9") via at least one centering and docking unit (12) in the working position (10) fixed in position on a Machine frame (1 1) can be coupled, wherein the transport device (3) at least in sections along the transport path (TS) by a at least several wall elements (21) comprehensive machine protection (20) is limited, at least one Maschinenschutzoffnung between at least two wall elements (21) ( 22) having a predetermined width (VB) is formed, through which the at least one exchangeable treatment module (9, 9 ', 9 ") in the centering and Docking unit (12) fixed position working position (10) with at least one Module section (9.1) extends into a space (20.1) delimited by the machine guard (20), characterized in that the at least one centering and docking unit (12) has an adjustable holding device (30) for receiving the at least two wall elements (21), about which the width (B) of Machine protection opening (22) is adjustable. 2. Container treatment machine according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of the holding device (30) the width (B) of the machine protection opening (22) to a respective width dimension (BA1, BA2, BA3) of the accordingly in the working position (10) coupled to the treatment module (9 , 9 ', 9 ") is customizable. 3. Container treatment machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that the holding device (30) at least one adjustable Telescope unit (31), by means of which the width (B) of the Maschinenschutzoffnung (22) is adjustable. 4. Container treatment machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the holding device (30) in the region of free ends (FE1, FE2) of the telescope unit (31) each having a substantially vertical to the telescope unit (31) oriented, rod-like holding means (32.1, 32.2) , on each of which a wall element (21) can be received. 5. Container treatment machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized characterized in that the telescope unit (31) has a first and a second adjustable telescope unit (31 .1, 31 .2), wherein on the first adjustable telescopic unit (31 .1) a first rod-like holding means (32.1) and on the second adjustable telescope unit (31 .2) a second rod-like holding means (32.2) was added is. 6. Container treatment machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the first telescopic unit (31 .1) in dependence on the second telescope unit (31 .2) is adjustable. 7. Container treatment machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized characterized in that the first and / or second telescopic unit (31 .1, 31 .2) are designed as a telescopic rail adjustable in length. 8. Container treatment machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first and / or second bar-like holding means (32.1, 32.2) are designed as a bar profile with at least one profile recess (33) running along the longitudinal extent of the bar profile. 9. Container treatment machine according to claim 8, characterized in that at least the two by means of the first and second holding means (32.1, 32.2) received wall elements (21) each have an engagement portion (21 .1), the exact fit in the respective profile recess (33) of the corresponding holding means (32.1, 32.2) engages. 10. Container treatment machine according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the holding device (30) via a Verrieglungseinrichtung (34) in a locking position mechanically to the treatment module (9, 9 ', 9 ") is attached. 1 1. Container treatment machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the locking device (34) has at least one safety switch (37) via which the locking position can be monitored. 12. Container treatment machine according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the machine protection (20) forming wall elements (21) at least in sections along the transport path (TS) each about Joint points (23) are hinged together.