Method for monitoring the production of a labelling machine and labelling machine for labelling containers

Abstract

The invention describes a method for monitoring the production of a labelling machine and a labelling machine for labelling containers, having a transport device for continuously providing the containers, at least one labelling device for transferring labels to the containers, and at least one label store for continuously providing the labels. According to this, the filling level of the label store and the machine performance of the transport device and / or the labelling device are continuously calculated and, on the basis of this, at least one residual operating time is calculated which indicates how long the labelling can still be carried out with the filling level under the assumed further progress of the machine performance. The output of the residual operating time simplifies the continuous production planning and makes possible the efficient use of personnel when necessary replenishment of the consumed materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for monitoring the production of a labeling machine and a labeling machine for labeling containers. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, containers such as beverage bottles are industrially labeled using labeling machines. This is achieved by a continuous flow of containers supplied by a transport device, such as a container turntable, and by at least one labeling device affixing labels to the containers. Here, labels are continuously supplied by at least one label storage device, either in a separated stack or as rolls of label tape. For this purpose, the label storage device typically includes a replaceable library for sheet labels or an unwinding device for alternating label tape rolls, optionally also having a roll library for automatically replenishing and replacing label tape rolls.

[0003] The capacity of such tag storage units is limited for practical reasons, such as space constraints or frequent type changes. Therefore, tags must be replenished to the tag storage unit during continuous production, usually by replenishing a complete tag library or tag tape reel. This replacement process, which exceeds the capacity of the tag storage unit, usually requires operator intervention.

[0004] To avoid production interruptions, the need to replenish the tag storage device must be identified promptly. To this end, operators periodically visually inspect the tag storage device and / or, if the level falls below a certain tag reserve, issue a warning message.

[0005] For example, DE 10 2015 119 023 A1 discloses a preventative replenishment of a tag storage device to replace a recently emptied magazine or roll with a corresponding full reserve unit. The available remaining amount of tags is calculated, for example, based on a measurement of the roll diameter, or by counting the number of tags used and subtracting it from the initially supplied number. If the remaining amount falls below a certain threshold, a signal is output indicating that replenishment or replacement is needed.

[0006] However, a persistent disadvantage is that container filling systems typically require monitoring of several processing machines and / or devices with allocated consumable storage for items such as adhesives, labels, plastic films, CO2, or the like. This can lead to situations where several signals / warning messages and the operational steps they trigger overlap in time and / or where the available reaction time in each case is insufficient. This can result in production disruptions and undesirable large demands on personnel.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for relatively improved methods and devices for monitoring labeling machine production. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective is achieved using the method and apparatus described below. Advantageous embodiments are indicated in the following technical solutions.

[0009] The continuous output of predicted remaining run time simplifies continuous production planning and enables efficient use of personnel when necessary to replenish consumable materials.

[0010] A particular advantage is that it allows for the simultaneous monitoring of at least two consumable materials, such as the corresponding label and adhesive reserves, at several labeling units of the labeling machine.

[0011] This can clearly show, for example, which consumable materials need to be replenished first. It can also be estimated when replenishment is needed, and whether several operator interventions for replenishing consumable materials can overlap in time as appropriate.

[0012] Rather than simply monitoring whether the level falls below a predetermined threshold, the above description is made possible by continuously and progressively monitoring the uninterrupted availability of at least one consumable material reserve in the labeling machine. This allows for the determination of the time curves of the fill status of each consumable storage device, and based on this, prediction of when the reserve of a certain consumable that can be mechanically / automatically extracted at the corresponding device in each case will be depleted during production at a certain machine performance.

[0013] The continuous or uninterrupted processes, such as measurement, calculation, and data output, should be understood as those processes that are repeated periodically in the sense of continuous or quasi-continuous monitoring, for example, as opposed to random sampling, and in particular, do not require interruption / slowdown of the production process.

[0014] Preferably, to determine the fill status of the tag storage device, the thickness of the tag stack in the storage container currently used for tag retrieval or the radius / diameter of the tag roll currently used for tag retrieval is continuously measured in a non-contact manner using a distance sensor. Alternatively or supplementarily, other measurement methods may also be used to determine the fill status, such as by weight measurement (scale), imaging control (camera), and / or mechanical scanning (probe arm). Attached Figure Description

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the labeling machine and monitoring system is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 This illustrates a scheme with data flow and data output. Detailed Implementation

[0018] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the labeling machine 100 for labeling containers 1, such as glass bottles, plastic bottles, paper bottles, metal cans, plastic cups or the like, includes: a transport device 2, which is preferably designed as a turntable for continuously supplying containers 1 in the form of an uninterrupted product flow; and at least one labeling device 3, 4, which is arranged / intercepted around the periphery of the transport device 2 for attaching labels 5 to containers 1.

[0019] For this purpose, the transport device 2 includes, in principle, a known rotating receiving part for the containers 1 (shown only schematically) so as to properly position the containers during labeling.

[0020] For example, for ease of understanding, only the first labeling device 3 as a hot adhesive device and the second labeling device 4 as a cold adhesive device are shown at the same labeling machine 100.

[0021] The first labeling device 3 includes, for example, a first label storage device 6 for continuously supplying labels 5 to transfer them onto the container 1, and the second labeling device includes, for example, a second label storage device 7 that functions accordingly.

[0022] Additionally, the first labeling device 3 is provided, for example, with a first adhesive storage device 8 for continuously supplying adhesive 10, which is applied to the labels 5 in the first labeling device 3 to secure these labels to the container 1. The second labeling device 4 is provided, for example, with a corresponding second adhesive storage device 9.

[0023] The first label storage device 6 continuously supplies labels 5, which are connected together, for example, in the form of label rolls 5a to 5e. The labels 5 are then separated in the first labeling device 3 in a manner known in principle.

[0024] The first label storage device 6 may be integrated into the first labeling device 3, for example, having two alternately running label rolls 5a, 5b (shown only for label roll 5a). Alternatively, the first label storage device 6 may be designed as a separate roll changer (a so-called multi-roll system) having automatically replaceable label rolls 5a to 5e held therein, and engaged to the first labeling device 3 in a known manner via a buffer section for unfolding label tape (shown schematically only).

[0025] The first glue storage device 8 includes, for example, a glue tank 8a in which molten glue 10 is contained. For this purpose, the glue tank 8a may include, for example, a separate extraction chamber for the molten glue 10 and a melting and storage chamber (not shown) located upstream.

[0026] The second tag storage device 7 provides tags 5 in the form of a separate tag stack 5f for continuous tag retrieval, the tag stack being located in a replaceable storage container 5g, such as a box or trough.

[0027] The relevant glue 10 is then kept, for example, at room temperature in a glue container 9a, such as a glue bucket, which can be replaced into a second glue storage device 9 for continuous extraction as is known in principle.

[0028] The glue storage devices 8 and 9 are connected to the labeling devices 3 and 4 in a manner known in principle via (not shown) pipelines and pumps.

[0029] The common illustrations of hot glue devices and cold glue devices, as well as different types of label storage devices 6 and 7 and glue storage devices 8 and 9, are used here only to better understand the monitoring of the amount of material consumed in labeling, specifically the monitoring of the amount of label 5 and glue 10.

[0030] For this purpose, the labeling machine 100 includes an electronic monitoring system 11. This electronic monitoring system is used for production monitoring by continuously measuring the current fill states 12, 13 of the first and / or second label storage devices 6, 7 and the current fill states 14, 15 of the first and / or second adhesive storage devices 8, 9. Additionally, the monitoring system 11 is designed to continuously measure and / or evaluate the current machine performance 16 or the transport speeds of the transport device 2, the first labeling device 3, and / or the second labeling device 4. Machine performance 16 can be acquired and transmitted to the monitoring system 11 in a manner known in principle through drive monitoring within the labeling machine 100.

[0031] To this end, the monitoring system 11 includes an electronic evaluation unit 17, which is programmed to calculate and output, based on the collected machine performance 16 and filling status 12, 13, 14, 15, the respective feasible remaining operating times 18, 19, 20, 21 of the first and second labeling devices 3, 4, in terms of their respective maximum remaining production time, for the expected use of labels 5 and adhesive 10.

[0032] The remaining runtime of 18 to 21 hours is device-specific, consumable-specific, and performance-specific, respectively.

[0033] Evaluation unit 17 is integrated into labeling machine 100. However, each evaluation step in the evaluation process may be at least partially transferred out, for example, to a computing unit that is part of cross-machine monitoring system 200 (so-called "watchdog") and is connected to labeling machine 100 in a manner known in principle for data exchange.

[0034] The outputs of remaining running times 18, 19, 20, and 21 should be understood herein as at least one performance-specific predicted value 18a to 18c, 19a to 19c, 20a to 20c, and 21a to 21 for each consumable material (here for label 5 and adhesive 10) displayed on the labeling machine 100 and / or provided by the labeling machine in a suitable data format for external retrieval, for example by means of a smartphone or smartwatch. Each of these at least one performance-specific predicted values ​​is assigned to a hypothetical further process 16a, 16b, and 16c of machine performance 16.

[0035] The first performance-specific predictions 18a, 19a, 20a, and 21a for remaining runtimes of 18 to 21 can be calculated and output, for example, for the maximum machine performance 16, i.e., the first further process 16a. The corresponding second performance-specific predictions 18b, 19b, 20b, and 21b can be calculated and output, for example, for the current machine performance 16 in each case, i.e., the second further process 16b. The corresponding third performance-specific predictions 18c, 19c, 20c, and 21c can be calculated and output for the average machine performance 16, i.e., the third further process 16c. The calculation and output of the third performance-specific predictions are preferably based on a moving average of the measured machine performance 16, for example, taking the average over the last production hour in each case.

[0036] The fill status 12 of the first label storage device 6 can be determined, for example, by a distance sensor 22 operating non-contactly using ultrasound or laser, particularly by measuring a distance to the circumference of the label roll 5a used in each case. Alternatively or supplementarily, the distance sensor 22 can be designed in the form of a camera, such as a 3D camera, or the distance sensor can operate in a sensing manner or by other optical scanning methods. Where appropriate, the number of full label rolls 5b to 5e prepared for automatic replenishment can also be determined. The number can also be determined non-contactly, for example, using ultrasound or also laser detection (not shown).

[0037] Based on the measured current diameter of the label roll 5a used, and assuming the label thickness and the number of labels in each full label roll 5b to 5e are known, the total remaining quantity 23 of labels 5 still available at the first labeling device 3 in each case without operator intervention can be determined and used to calculate the first remaining operating time 18 of the first labeling device 3. The label thickness can be continuously recalculated during production operation and is always known here as the current actual value.

[0038] Correspondingly, the filling state 13 of the second tag storage device 7 can be determined, for example, by a distance sensor 22 that operates in a non-contact manner using ultrasound or laser, particularly by measuring the distance to the tail end of the currently used tag stack 5f.

[0039] Where appropriate, the quantity of a full reserve container of 5g for automatic replenishment can also be determined. The quantity can also be determined non-contactly using ultrasonic waves, sensing, imaging, other optical methods, or even laser detection (not shown).

[0040] Based on the measured current thickness of the label stack 5f used, and assuming the label thickness and the number of labels per full reserve container 5g are known, the total remaining quantity 24 of labels 5 still available at the second labeling device 4 in each case without operator intervention can be determined and used to calculate the first remaining operating time 20 of the second labeling device 4.

[0041] The label thickness used in the calculation of the feasible remaining runtime 18, 20 using label 5 can be predetermined as a type parameter, continuously measured, and / or calculated based on the continuous label consumption.

[0042] The filling state 14 of the first glue storage device 8 can be determined, for example, by a capacitively operating level sensor 25. For this purpose, a load cell and other types of sensors are also conceivable.

[0043] The filling state 15 of the second glue storage device 9 can be determined, for example, by a distance sensor 22 that operates in a non-contact manner using ultrasonic waves, particularly by measuring the distance to the surface of the existing glue 10.

[0044] The distance sensor 22, which operates in a non-contact manner, and the capacitive level sensor 25 are components of the monitoring system 11.

[0045] Based on the current filling states 14, 15 and the corresponding amount of glue, and given a specific amount of glue consumption 26, 27, such as the amount of glue consumed per label 5, the total number of labels 5 that can still be processed with glue 10 in each case without operator intervention can be determined, and used to calculate the second remaining operating time 19 of the first labeling device 3 and the second remaining operating time 21 of the second labeling device 4.

[0046] Specific glue consumption amounts 26 and 27 can be predetermined at the start of production in each case and calculated during continuous production by monitoring the filling status 14 and 15, thereby refreshing and / or averaging. It is also known that specific glue consumption amounts 26 and 27 per unit area can be specified.

[0047] For labeling devices 3 and 4, the corresponding first remaining operating time 18 and 19 (related to the allocated label reserve) and the corresponding second remaining operating time 20 and 21 (related to the allocated adhesive reserve) can be output or displayed, or only the shorter remaining operating time 18 to 21 in each case can be output or displayed. This specification is in principle made in the form of at least one power-specific predicted value 18a to 18c, 19a to 19c, 20a to 20c, 21a to 21c, i.e., the corresponding assumed further processes 16a to 16c for machine performance.

[0048] Figure 2 The process of measuring values ​​of fill status 12 to 15 and machine performance 16 in the monitoring system 11 is illustrated exemplary and schematically, and on this basis, the predicted remaining running time 18 to 21 of the labeling devices 3, 4, the fill status 14, 15 of the glue storage devices 8, 9, the total remaining number of labels 5 in the label storage devices 6, 7, and the corresponding specific glue consumption 26, 27, such as glue consumption per label or per unit area, is shown.

[0049] For this purpose, the evaluation unit 17 is programmed to calculate at least one remaining runtime 18 to 21 in order to indicate how much longer people can continue to apply labels under the current fill status 12 to 15 and under assumed process conditions, such as the average machine performance 16.

[0050] Additionally, the evaluation unit 17 can be programmed to continuously determine the remaining quantity 28 of containers 1 that still need to be labeled. Based on this, the evaluation unit 17 can calculate a reserve forecast and output whether the fill status 12 to 15 is sufficient to label the remaining quantity 28.

[0051] For example, it can display which consumable materials on which labeling device are used up first. In the event of an upcoming type change, it can predict whether the consumable materials, especially label 5, are still sufficient for the type of container to be produced, whether corresponding replenishment is needed, or whether consumable materials for the next or new type are already available.

[0052] Therefore, the remaining quantity 28 of containers 1 that still need to be labeled by type can be continuously updated in a manner known in principle, and reserve quantity predictions can be calculated and output based on this. This preferably indicates whether the filling status 12, 13 of each label storage device 6, 7 is sufficient to label the remaining quantity 28, and, where appropriate, also indicates whether the filling status 14, 15 of each adhesive storage device 8, 9 is sufficient to label the remaining quantity.

[0053] Reserve forecasts can be output, for example, through color-coded displays of corresponding values ​​(e.g., remaining run time 18 to 21) and / or through separate prompts indicated by warning messages and / or action recommendations.

[0054] It is feasible that the above-mentioned output of the measured values ​​and / or calculated predicted values ​​be made, on the one hand, through a location-dependent display 30 at the labeling machine 100, and on the other hand, through data transmission 31, which transmits these values ​​to a cross-machine monitoring system 200 for digital, location-independent monitoring of machine status (status monitoring tool / so-called watchdog), which is provided, for example, in a data cloud or on a relevant server in a manner known in principle.

[0055] In this way, the output of the measured and / or calculated values ​​is in a standardized data format suitable for exchanging data with display devices (e.g., touchscreens) and / or data storage.

[0056] It is feasible to perform the position-related display 30, for example, on the touch screen 32 or other screen assigned to the basic unit of the transport device 2 or the labeling machine 100. It is also feasible to perform the display on the touch screen (not shown) assigned to the entire labeling machine 100 or on the touch screen 33, 34 or other screen assigned to the first and / or second labeling devices 3, 4.

[0057] In particular, it is also possible to display the information on a mobile terminal 35, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, via the cross-machine monitoring system 200. In principle, it may also be feasible to connect the mobile terminal 35 to the labeling machine 100 via a locally restricted wireless connection, thereby enabling location-related display 30 on the mobile terminal.

[0058] As described above, the status and / or prediction data processed by the evaluation unit 17 can be continuously refreshed and thus flexibly transmitted to applications, smartwatches, watchdog systems, or the like, where it can be continuously retrieved by the operator. Similarly, when the level falls below a certain reserve value or similar conditions, warning messages can be transmitted to a smartwatch or smartphone, and these warning messages can be automatically output by the smartwatch or smartphone.

[0059] exist Figure 1 As shown, for example, the first label storage device 6 can hold a large number of label rolls 5a to 5e, which are automatically and selectively replenished as needed for label replenishment. Such a system, for example referred to as a multi-roll system, is typically connected by buffer sections for unfolding the label tape. For type changes, the new type of label 5 can pass through such buffer sections in advance, so that when the type change occurs, the new type of label 5 is already present at the corresponding labeling devices 3, 4.

[0060] The monitoring system 11 can operate as follows, for example:

[0061] When processing hot glue, the filling state 14 (glue level) in the glue tank 8a (or extraction chamber where appropriate) of the glue storage device 8 can be determined by means of a capacitive level sensor 25, and the filling state 12 (label level) in the associated label storage device 6 can be determined by means of an ultrasonic sensor. Thus, the remaining running time 18, 19 for the remaining labels 5 and glue 10 can be calculated under at least one assumed machine performance 16.

[0062] The filling height of the glue 10 can be continuously measured / acquired using a capacitive level sensor 25 in the corresponding glue tank 8a (and, where appropriate, in its extraction chamber). The calculation of the associated remaining run time 19 can be performed based on the glue level thus acquired and preferably based on the average machine performance 16. Predicted data regarding the filling status 14 and remaining run time 19 are displayed, for example, on the touchscreen of the labeling machine 100. Additionally, it is feasible to calculate and display, in a refreshed manner, a specific glue consumption 26 for each label 5 and / or per unit area.

[0063] If the first label storage device 6 is designed as an independent roll changer (multi-roll system) having several label rolls 5a to 5e and a buffer section leading to the labeling device 3, then the filling state 12 preferably includes the currently used label roll 5a, the label rolls 5b to 5e reserved for automatic replenishment when appropriate, and the labels 5 present on the buffer section.

[0064] Here, the relevant remaining running time 18 can also be output in the area of ​​the multi-roll system. However, it is advantageous to display it in the area of ​​the assigned labeling device 3 together with the remaining running time 19 determined therefor the assigned adhesive 10, or in the area of ​​the base machine, i.e., in the area of ​​the transport device 2, preferably together with other remaining running times 20, 21, particularly in this sense all consumable materials and aggregates being used in the labeling machine 100.

[0065] In order to calculate and output the remaining runtime 18 to 21 and / or fill status 12 to 15, the data required for this purpose may be exchanged, for example, via a DMM interface with a cross-machine monitoring system 200, which is used to digitally and location-independently monitor the machine status (status monitoring tool / watchdog).

[0066] The specific glue consumption 26, 27, particularly the glue consumption for each label 5, can likely be calculated using an algorithm in the digital monitoring system 200 (watchdog) after the filling status 14, 15 (glue level) has been transmitted. For this purpose, additional data, such as the area of ​​label 5, the vertical cross-sectional profile of glue storage devices 8, 9, and / or the density of glue 10, can likely be entered here. Figure 1 In the example, the glue container 9a is shown to have a cross-sectional profile that tapers gradually in the lower region, which facilitates complete emptying as much as possible.

[0067] Alternatively or supplementally, the specific glue consumption 26, 27 can also be calculated in the corresponding device control unit, for example in the first and / or second labeling devices 3, 4, in the (upper-level) machine control unit of the labeling machine 100 or in a separate control unit (on-site).

[0068] Here, specific glue consumption 26, 27 can be monitored based on configurable warning and alarm thresholds in the cross-machine monitoring system 200 (watchdog), and transmitted to a suitable mobile terminal 35 and / or to at least one touchscreen 32 to 34 of the labeling machine 100 for display there. Operator tasks and / or action suggestions can also be output accordingly when the thresholds are reached.

[0069] When handling cold glue, the fill status 15 (glue level) in glue container 9a can be acquired, for example, using an ultrasonic sensor, and the fill status 13 (label level) can be acquired, for example, using a laser distance sensor. Here, the remaining running times 20, 21 for labels 5 and glue 10 are again calculated against at least one assumed machine performance 16 for further production. For a specific glue consumption 27, the glue consumption per label 5 and / or per unit area can be calculated in a refreshed manner.

[0070] For example, distance sensor 22 (laser distance sensor) is used to acquire the thickness of the label stack 5f in the current reserve container 5g used for production. For each additional reserve container 5g that can be added to the label storage device 7 for automatic replenishment of labels 5, there is preferably an additional distance sensor 22 (e.g., laser distance sensor) to determine the number of filled spare storage containers 5g and to take it into account when determining the filling status 13 (total level).

[0071] To acquire the fill level 15 (adhesive quantity) and determine a specific adhesive consumption 27, the level in the adhesive container 9a (adhesive bucket) can be measured by a vertically oriented ultrasonic sensor. Based on the cross-sectional profile (shape) of the adhesive container 9a stored in the labeling device 4, the fill level 15, expressed as adhesive quantity, can be calculated from the measured level. A specific adhesive consumption 27, such as the specific adhesive consumption per label 5 and a standardized specific adhesive consumption per unit area, can be calculated based on the number of labels 5 produced and the amount (weight) of adhesive consumed for them.

[0072] The following may be displayed here, for example: current fill status 12, 13 (label level), for example in the form of relative values ​​(%) and / or absolute values ​​(number of pieces); low level warning; error message (in case of level measurement error); current thickness of label stack 5f or current diameter of label roll 5a; measured and / or calculated label thickness; number of full reserve containers 5g (boxes) or label rolls 5b to 5e; remaining number of labels 5 in the currently used reserve container 5g (boxes) or on the currently used label roll 5a; total remaining number of labels 5 23, 24; machine performance 16 as a basis (e.g., average over the last production hour); and / or calculated predicted values ​​18a, 18b, 18c, 20a, 20b, 20c of remaining run times 18, 20 under maximum, current, and average machine performance 16.

[0073] The following may be displayed here, for example: current fill status 14, 15 (adhesive quantity), for example in the form of relative values ​​(%) and / or absolute values ​​(volume and / or weight); current adhesive weight in adhesive container 9a; current adhesive volume in adhesive tank 8a or adhesive container 9a; current level (adhesive height) in adhesive tank 8a or adhesive container 9a; current specific adhesive consumption 26, 27, for example area-specific, time-specific and / or label-specific (each label 5 or each conveying element of labeling device 4); measured average machine performance of the last production hour; and / or calculated predicted values ​​19a, 19b, 19c, 21a, 21b, 21c of remaining running time 19, 21 under maximum, current and average machine performance 16.

[0074] In addition, it is conceivable that an overview display at the central touch screen 32 of the labeling machine 100 contains the most important information about the fill status 12 to 15 and / or the remaining running time 18 to 21, especially for all consumable materials used in the labeling machine 100 and for all labeling devices 3, 4 that operate with these consumable materials.

[0075] In this context, it is particularly advantageous to demonstrate which consumable materials must be replenished by operator intervention.

[0076] The measured values ​​and predicted data can be transmitted to a data cloud, where they can be retrieved and displayed by the mobile terminal 35.

[0077] In particular, when combined with the cross-machine monitoring system 200, it is feasible to freely configure warning messages and / or action instructions for certain fill states 12 to 15, and automatically output these warning messages and / or action instructions when the corresponding thresholds are reached, such as reaching the minimum fill state and / or requesting the addition of tag 5 within a certain time period.

[0078] In particular, when combined with the cross-machine monitoring system 200, it is feasible to pre-configure error messages and / or control actions freely, and automatically output these error messages and / or control actions when the corresponding thresholds or states are reached, such as detecting that glue container 9a is idling and / or that the bottle lock needs to be closed.

[0079] In a corresponding manner, a qualified window can be defined by a set range for a specific amount of glue consumption 26, 27, and a warning message and / or error message can be output and a machine action can be triggered when leaving the qualified window.

[0080] Additionally, the current quality of the glue consumption calculation can be determined and output. If only a few labels 5 are processed, the calculation of specific glue consumption 26, 27 will still be relatively inaccurate, and relevant warning messages and / or relevant machine actions will not be issued when appropriate. The displayed value can be labeled with a hint indicating low quality.

[0081] The calculation and monitoring of specific glue consumption 26 and 27 can be performed in the labeling machine 100 and the cross-machine monitoring system 200 (cloud, watchdog).

[0082] Alternatively, it is feasible to output the following information: whether each consumable material (label 5, glue 10) is sufficient for the remaining planned production, or how much additional consumable material is needed.

[0083] To accurately determine the current volumetric filling state 15 in the glue container 9a in the aforementioned manner, the shape of the glue container 9a is preferably parameterized in the labeling machine 100 or labeling device 4, for example, by the vertical curve of the inner diameter of the corresponding glue container 9a. For this purpose, different glue containers 9a can be defined as type parameters. Thus, glue containers 9a from different manufacturers, along with their associated cross-sectional profiles, can be selected, for example, by the user, and automatically taken into account in the calculation.

[0084] In principle, certain measured levels may also be assigned, based on empirical values ​​determined and stored by type, a type-specific fill status 15 expressed in terms of the corresponding amount of remaining glue, which were previously obtained during trial runs and / or production using the glue container 9a format currently used for production.

[0085] To determine the label thickness used for calculation, evaluation unit 17 may first trace back to a setpoint / manufacturer value or a similar default value. In further production runs, the actual label thickness is preferably calculated from the label consumption and the measured changes in roll diameter or label stack thickness.

[0086] For clarity, the above description of the method and labeling machine 100 is based on two different labeling devices 3 and 4. It should be understood that the number of labeling devices used may differ, and / or the same type of labeling devices 3 and 4 may generally be arranged in the labeling machine 100.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the production of a labeling machine (100), the labeling machine comprising: A transport device (2) for continuously supplying a container (1); at least one labeling device (3, 4) for transferring a label (5) onto the container; at least one label storage device (6, 7) for continuously supplying the label for the transfer; And a monitoring system (11) for monitoring the production of the labeling machine; The monitoring system continuously measures the fill status (12, 13) of the label storage device and continuously measures the machine performance (16) of the transport device (2) and / or the labeling device (3, 4), and calculates and outputs at least one remaining operating time (18, 20) in terms of their respective maximum remaining production time, indicating how much longer labeling can be performed using the fill status under assumed further progress (16a-16c) of the machine performance (16). Specifically, for the maximum machine performance (16), a first performance-specific prediction (18a, 20a) of the remaining running time (18, 20) is calculated and output; and / or for the current machine performance (16) in each case, a second performance-specific prediction (18b, 20b) is calculated and output; and / or for the average machine performance (16) based on the moving average of the measured machine performance (16), a third performance-specific prediction (18c, 20c) is calculated and output.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In addition, the filling status (14, 15) of at least one glue storage device (8, 9) for continuously supplying glue (10) to fix the label (5) to the container (1) is continuously measured, and at least one associated remaining running time (19, 21) is calculated and output, indicating how long labeling can be performed using the filling status (14, 15) of the glue storage device (8, 9) under the assumed further progress (16a-16c) of the machine performance (16).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, People also calculate and output which of the label storage devices (6, 7) and the glue storage devices (8, 9) has the minimum remaining runtime (18-21) and / or must be replenished first.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In addition, the remaining quantity (28) of the container (1) is continuously determined, and on this basis, a reserve prediction is calculated and output, which indicates whether the filling status (12-15) is sufficient to label the remaining quantity (28).

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the remaining amount still needs to be labeled by type.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output of at least the remaining running time (18-21) is performed by a location-dependent display (30) at the labeler (100) and / or by data transmission (31) that transmits the remaining running time to a cross-machine monitoring system (200) for digital, location-independent monitoring of machine status.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the output of at least the remaining running time (18-21) is performed via a location-dependent display (30) at the labeler (100) and / or via data transmission (31) that transmits the remaining running time to a cross-machine monitoring system (200) for digital, location-independent monitoring of machine status, including data transmission and display to a mobile terminal (35).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in order to determine the filling state (12, 13) of the tag storage device (6, 7), the thickness of the tag stack (5f) in the current storage container (5g) for tag retrieval or the radius / diameter of the current tag roll (5a) for tag retrieval is continuously measured in a non-contact manner by means of a distance sensor (22).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the thickness of the tag (5) is calculated based on a decrease in the thickness of the tag stack (5f) or a decrease in the radius of the tag roll (5a) measured during a production cycle and the number of tags (5) processed during this period.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The remaining operating time (18-21) of all the labeling devices (3, 4) operating at the labeling machine (100) is displayed on the central touch screen (32) or other centrally allocated screen assigned to the transport device (2).

11. A labeling machine (100) for labeling containers (1), comprising: Transport device (2) for continuously supplying the container; At least one labeling device (3, 4) for attaching a label (5) to the container; and at least one label storage device (6, 7) for continuously supplying the label for the attachment; A monitoring system (11) for monitoring the production of the labeling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring system is designed to continuously measure the fill status (12, 13) of the label storage device and continuously measure the machine performance (16) of the transport device and / or the labeling device, and is programmed to calculate and output at least one allocated remaining run time (18, 20) in terms of their respective maximum remaining production time, to indicate how much longer labeling can be performed using the fill status (12, 13) under a hypothetical further progress (16a-16c) of the machine performance, wherein the monitoring system is designed to: calculate and output a first performance-specific prediction (18a, 20a) of the remaining run time (18, 20a) for the maximum machine performance (16); and / or calculate and output a second performance-specific prediction (18b, 20a) for the currently existing machine performance (16) in each case. 20b); and / or, based on the moving average of the measured machine performance (16), calculate and output a third performance-specific prediction (18c, 20c) for the average machine performance (16).

12. The labeling machine of claim 11, further comprising at least one glue storage device (8, 9) for continuously supplying glue (10) for attaching the label (5) to the container (1), wherein the monitoring system (11) is further designed to continuously measure the fill status (14, 15) of the glue storage device and is programmed to calculate and output at least one allocated remaining running time (19, 21) on this basis to indicate how much longer labeling can be performed using the fill status (14, 15) under assumed further progress (16a-16c) of the machine performance.

13. The labeling machine according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the monitoring system (11) is further designed to determine the remaining quantity (28) of the container (1) and is programmed to calculate and output a reserve prediction on this basis, the reserve prediction indicating whether the filling state (12-15) is sufficient to label the remaining quantity (28).

14. The labeling machine according to claim 13, wherein the remaining amount (28) still needs to be labeled by type.

15. The labeling machine according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The labeling machine (100) includes at least one touch screen (32-34) for location-dependent display (30) of at least the remaining running time (18-21), and / or the monitoring system (11) is designed for data transmission (31) that transmits at least the remaining running time (18-21) to a cross-machine monitoring system (200) for digital, location-independent monitoring of machine status.

16. The labeling machine according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the labeling device (3, 4) includes at least one distance sensor (22) operating in a non-contact manner by means of ultrasound or laser, for: measuring the thickness of the label stack (5f) in the current storage container (5g) for label extraction; and / or for measuring the radius / diameter of the current label roll (5a) for label extraction.

17. The labeling machine according to claim 16, wherein the labeling device (3, 4) includes at least one distance sensor (22) operating in a non-contact manner by means of ultrasound or laser, for: measuring the thickness of the label stack (5f) in the current reserve container (5g) for label extraction, and for determining the number of full reserve containers (5g) to be placed for automatic replenishment; and / or for measuring the radius / diameter of the label roll (5a) currently used for label extraction.

18. The labeling machine according to claim 16, wherein the labeling device (3, 4) includes at least one distance sensor (22) operating non-contactly by means of ultrasound or laser, for: measuring the thickness of the label stack (5f) in the current reserve container (5g) for label extraction, and for determining the number of full reserve containers (5g) to be placed for automatic replenishment; and / or for measuring the radius / diameter of the label roll (5a) currently for label extraction, and for determining the number of full label rolls (5b-5e) to be placed for automatic replenishment.

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