Method for operating a plant for processing containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a device for treating containers, preferably in a beverage filling system, comprising: at least one measuring device having a plurality of sensors configured to detect a measured value with respect to a respective measured variable; a control and evaluation unit and a digital communication system via which the control and evaluation unit communicates with the measuring instrument, said communication system being configured to periodically transmit data in such a way that one data packet is transmitted per communication cycle; wherein the method comprises: transmitting measured values detected by a sensor and provided by a measuring device to the control and evaluation unit via the communication system, preferably exactly one measured value associated with a measured variable being transmitted as a data packet per communication cycle; and wherein the measuring instrument packs the measurement values of the different measurement variables into a data sequence period, which extends over a plurality of communication periods of the communication system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a device for treating containers, preferably in a beverage bottling plant, and to a device for treating containers. Background Art

[0002] In the beverage filling industry, which includes plants and processes for filling beverages, manufacturing containers, closing containers, labeling containers, etc., increasingly complex controls are used, which automatically or partially automatically perform settings for the industrial plant. For this purpose, sensor data and other process data are recorded during the operation of the plant and processed in real time, if necessary, in order to open-loop and / or closed-loop control the plant.

[0003] Various data from sensors, measuring instruments and actuators are provided via interfaces of evaluation units, where mainly digital interfaces and fieldbus systems are used. As the amount of data or measured values ​​increases, the bus systems reach the limits of their performance.

[0004] In order to use the available bandwidth of the bus system as optimally as possible in the technical context of a facility for bottling beverages, a prioritized transmission of data can be performed depending on the current process, as described in DE 10 2019 114 488 A1. An evaluation unit determines which data are required in the current process step, requests these data from sensors or measuring instruments, and then transmits these data cyclically via the bus system. The transmission rate of the available data is in this case adapted to the process and the data requirements associated therewith.

[0005] However, process-dependent adaptation of the data transmission rate can place a burden on the evaluation unit and also occupy cyclic data frames on the bus system, which in turn reduces the maximum amount of data sent. Furthermore, it is necessary to monitor the process in this respect and to request a corresponding change in the transmission rate of the measured data that is exactly desired, depending on the active process phase. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve the operation of an installation for treating containers, preferably in a beverage bottling plant.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method and a device having the features of the invention. Advantageous developments emerge from the following description of the invention and from the description of preferred exemplary embodiments.

[0008] The method according to the invention is designed for operating an apparatus for processing containers, also referred to herein as a "container processing facility". A container processing facility can include one or more container processing stations, so that corresponding processing steps can be carried out on the containers. The container processing facility can include, for example, one or more of the following container processing stations: an apparatus for producing containers; an apparatus for filling containers with filling products; an apparatus for closing containers with a respective container closure; an apparatus for labeling containers; an apparatus for quality inspection of containers; a buffer for temporary buffering of containers and for compensating for possible different processing speeds / transport speeds between plant components; a packaging plant for packaging filled containers.

[0009] Particularly preferably, the container treatment facility is used in a beverage filling facility or as a beverage filling facility, so that at least one of the container treatment stations is a filling device, which is configured to introduce a filling product into the container. In particular, beverages such as water (still or carbonated), soft drinks, fruit juices, beer, wine, dairy products, mixed drinks, etc. come into consideration as filling products.

[0010] The container handling installation has at least one measuring device with a plurality of sensors, which are configured to detect measured values ​​for each corresponding measured variable. A "measured variable" is a physical variable (volume flow, pressure, temperature, etc.) to be detected or detected by the sensor, while a "measured value" is the corresponding value or quantitative specification of the associated measured variable. The measuring device provides the measured values ​​ascertained by the sensor, wherein calculations, conversions, etc. can be performed by the measuring device if necessary for processing the raw data.

[0011] The container treatment plant also has a control and evaluation unit which is configured in particular for open-loop control and / or closed-loop control and for monitoring the treatment process.

[0012] The container treatment facility also has a digital communication system, via which the control and evaluation unit communicates with the measuring device. The communication system is configured to transmit data cyclically by transmitting a data packet in each communication cycle. In this respect, the communication system operates cyclically.

[0013] The communication between the control and evaluation unit and the components to be read and controlled (measuring instruments, sensors, actuators, etc.) of the container processing facility can be carried out wired or wirelessly. Communication does not necessarily include a two-way information exchange. One-way data and / or signal flows belong to the term "communication" in this article. The control and evaluation unit does not necessarily have to be formed by a central computing device or an electronic control device, but includes discrete and / or multi-level systems, control networks, cloud systems, etc. The control and evaluation unit can also be an integral component of a superior facility control device or communicate with the facility control device.

[0014] According to the method according to the invention, measured values ​​detected by sensors and provided by a measuring device are transmitted via a communication system to a control and evaluation unit, wherein in this case preferably exactly one measured value belonging to the measured variable is transmitted as a data packet per communication cycle (= clock pulse), and wherein the measuring device packages the measured values ​​of different measured variables into data sequence cycles, which extend over multiple communication cycles of the communication system.

[0015] In other words, the measuring instrument and the communication system implement a multiplexing method in which the measured values ​​of different measured variables, that is, the measured values ​​provided by different sensors, are combined and transmitted together. This is possible because the data generation by the measuring instrument is usually triggered by its own periodic events that are reproducible in time. Therefore, it is predictable or calculable when and at what data rate new data can be provided by the measuring instrument, wherein the updating of the measured values ​​usually lasts longer than one clock pulse in the communication system. From this, the number of communication cycles that are not meaningfully used can be derived, which can then be used for the transmission of other data. It is therefore possible to determine a meaningful periodic sequence for transmitting measured values ​​and thus multiplex the data.

[0016] The control and evaluation unit can carry out open-loop and / or closed-loop control of the process taking into account the measured values ​​received in this way.

[0017] The method according to the invention makes it possible to transmit different measured values ​​from one or more measuring devices via a digital communication system via an interface with limited width (number of bytes) on a channel to a control and evaluation unit without significant losses in transmission rate and quality of the primarily used measured data.

[0018] Furthermore, process-dependent switching of the data transmission rate for individual data packets is no longer necessary. This reduces the communication burden from the control and evaluation unit to the measuring instruments and possible actuators as well as the control and evaluation device itself.

[0019] It should be noted that actuators which are able to detect physical variables, for example those relating to their own state (valve opening, force, pressure, etc.) and forward them to a control and evaluation unit are included in this document under the term “measuring device”.

[0020] The bandwidth of the communication system is used more efficiently overall, so that the control and evaluation unit can make decisions about the container handling process on the basis of newer / better data. The handling process can be carried out more reliably and with higher quality.

[0021] Preferably, the data sequence periodically contains the measured values ​​of at least one measured variable several times. In this way, the measured values ​​of the process-dependent and time-critical measured variables can be transmitted more frequently, whereby the control and evaluation unit always has current measured values ​​of these critical measured variables and can therefore make more precise decisions about the container handling process.

[0022] Preferably, the data sequence cycle defines a sequence of measured variables that is fixedly determined by the measuring device or the control and evaluation unit, thereby achieving a simple and constant multiplexing of the measured data in terms of transmission. The form and / or the sequence of the data packets in the communication cycle can be specified in the measuring device. However, preferably, at least the sequence of the data packets in the data sequence cycle is determined by the control and evaluation unit, so that this can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0023] Alternatively, the transmission sequence of the data packets can be realized by assigning priorities to the data packets or measured variables. In this case, the measuring instrument or the control and evaluation unit assigns priorities to the measured variables, which priorities at least partially define the data sequence period, wherein measured values ​​or data packets with a higher priority are transmitted more frequently than measured values ​​of measured variables with a lower priority. In this way, measured values ​​of process-dependent and time-critical measured variables can be transmitted more frequently in a targeted and adjustable manner, whereby the control and evaluation unit always provides current measured values ​​of these critical measured variables and can therefore make more precise decisions about the container handling process.

[0024] Preferably, the corresponding data packet or the corresponding measured value is always transmitted to the control and evaluation unit via the communication system in the next possible communication cycle when the measuring instrument generates a new or updated measured value of the highest priority measured variable. Thus, delayed reception of important measured values ​​by the control and evaluation unit can be excluded or at least reduced, for example in comparison with a process-related adjustment of the transmission rate, which does not necessarily take into account the generation time of the measured value by the measuring instrument.

[0025] Preferably, the container handling facility comprises an apparatus for filling containers with filling products, also referred to herein as a "filling apparatus". The filling apparatus comprises at least one filling mechanism and at least one measuring instrument, the filling mechanism being configured to introduce the filling product into the corresponding container. In the case of a filling apparatus, the effective transmission of measured values ​​is particularly useful for monitoring and open-loop and / or closed-loop control of the filling process as real-time as possible.

[0026] Preferably, the filling device has a plurality of filling means which, in the case of a circular rotor configuration, are arranged on the outer circumference of a filling carousel. The filling carousel rotates about an axis of rotation, wherein the containers are filled with filling product during rotation along a circular path.

[0027] Preferably, the sensor of the measuring device detects the volume flow and / or flow rate of the filling product through the filling mechanism and / or the temperature of the filling product and / or the density of the filling product and / or the pressure of the filling product and / or the pressure inside the container, respectively. The measured variables mentioned here are suitable for reliable monitoring and open-loop and / or closed-loop control of the filling process.

[0028] The definition of the data sequence period can be appropriately selected depending on the process, the requirements for the execution of the process, etc. The data sequence period can, for example, extend over three communication periods and pack three measured values ​​of three measured variables, in particular density, volume flow or flow velocity and temperature. According to this embodiment, an equal transmission of the measured values ​​of the corresponding measured variables is performed. Alternatively, the data sequence period can, for example, extend over six communication periods, wherein approximately six measured values ​​of three measured variables, preferably density, volume flow or flow velocity and temperature, are packed, wherein, for example, the measured value of the process-critical and time-critical measured variable, namely the volume flow or flow velocity, is transmitted in every other communication period.

[0029] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a device for processing containers, preferably in a beverage filling facility, wherein the device includes: at least one measuring instrument with multiple sensors, which are configured to detect the measured value of each corresponding measured variable; a control and evaluation unit and a digital communication system, via which the control and evaluation device communicates with the measuring instrument, wherein the communication system is configured to transmit data periodically in such a way that one data packet is transmitted per communication cycle; wherein the measuring instrument is configured to provide the measured values ​​detected by the sensor so that the measured values ​​belonging to the measured variables, preferably exactly one measured value, are transmitted from the communication system as one data packet per communication cycle; and wherein the measuring instrument is configured to pack the measured values ​​of different measured variables into a data sequence cycle, which extends over multiple communication cycles of the communication system.

[0030] The technical effects, advantages and embodiments described above with respect to the method are similarly applicable to the container processing facility.

[0031] For the reasons stated above, the measuring device is therefore preferably configured to pack the measured values ​​of different measured variables into a data sequence period, so that a data sequence period contains the measured values ​​of at least one measured variable several times.

[0032] For the reasons stated above, the measuring device or the control and evaluation unit can define the data sequence period to a fixedly determined sequence of measured variables.

[0033] Preferably, for the reasons stated above, the measuring instrument or the control and evaluation unit is configured to assign priorities to the measured variables, which priorities at least partially define the data sequence period, wherein, in this case, the measuring instrument and the communication system are configured to transmit measured values ​​of measured variables with a higher priority more frequently than measured values ​​of measured variables with a lower priority.

[0034] Preferably, the container treatment facility has a filling device. The filling device comprises at least one filling mechanism and at least one measuring device, wherein the filling mechanism is configured to introduce a filling product into a corresponding container.

[0035] The sensor of the measuring device is preferably configured to respectively detect the volume flow and / or flow rate of the filling product through the filling mechanism and / or the temperature of the filling product and / or the density of the filling product and / or the pressure of the filling product and / or the internal container pressure as (multiple) measured variables.

[0036] Other advantages and features of the present invention become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described herein can be implemented individually or in combination with one or more of the above features, as long as these features do not contradict each other. The following description of preferred embodiments is carried out with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The following description of the drawings will explain in detail other preferred embodiments of the present invention. The drawings show:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a container treatment facility according to one embodiment, the container treatment facility comprising an apparatus for filling containers with a filling product and a control and evaluation unit;

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing an apparatus for filling a container with a filling product according to one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a cyclical transmission of data to a control and evaluation unit via a communication system with redundant data transmission;

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the periodic transmission of data to a control and evaluation unit in a packed, periodic sequence of data packets according to one embodiment;

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a cyclic transmission of data to a control and evaluation unit in packed, cyclic data packets according to a further exemplary embodiment;

[0043] Figure 6A schematic diagram showing a periodic transmission of data to a control and evaluation unit in a prioritized, packed, periodic sequence of data packets according to a further embodiment;

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic diagram shows a cyclical transmission of data to a control and evaluation unit in a prioritized, packed, cyclical sequence of data packets according to a further exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical, similar or identically functioning elements are provided with identical reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are partially omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

[0046] Figure 1 Shown for processing container ( Figure 1 1 (not shown in the figure), which comprises a plurality of container treatment stations. The device 1, also called a "container treatment facility", is designed in the present exemplary embodiment as a beverage filling facility, wherein in this case at least one of the container treatment stations is a device 20 for filling containers with a filling product, in particular a beverage.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the container processing facility 1 includes the following container processing stations: an apparatus 10 for manufacturing containers, also referred to herein as "container manufacturing equipment"; an apparatus 20 for filling containers with filling products, also referred to herein as "filling equipment"; an apparatus 30 for closing containers with respective container closures such as metal bottle caps or rotary closures, also referred to herein as "closing equipment"; an apparatus 40 for labeling containers, also referred to herein as "labeler"; a buffer 50 for temporarily buffering filled and labeled containers and for compensating for any different processing speeds / transport speeds between facility components; a packaging device 60 for packaging containers; a robot 70 for establishing orientation; and a forklift 80, which assembles the packaged containers onto a loading carrier.

[0048] Accordingly, the beverage filling facility 1 comprises one or more container handling stations which operate continuously, for example, from manufacturing the containers via filling them, closing them, labeling them, to packaging them. For this purpose, the containers or their preforms, also called "preforms", are transported along a conveying path before blow molding or stretch blow molding. The transport is carried out by means of Figure 1 For the sake of overview, the transport stars, conveyor belts, etc. are shown schematically in part. Figure 1 The parisons, containers, container closures and the holding devices / clamps provided therefor are not shown. Transport devices such as transport stars or transport belts etc. can only be used for transport or be equipped with treatment mechanisms corresponding to the treatment stations.

[0049] exist Figure 1 The container handling stations of the beverage filling facility 1 shown in the figure are merely exemplary. Therefore, the container handling facility 1 can be equipped with additional or alternative container handling stations, such as cleaning devices, inspection devices for quality assurance, such as for checking whether foreign particles have entered the filled containers, etc. Likewise, if the containers are already delivered in the final, ready-to-fill form, a plurality of stations, such as the container manufacturing device 10, the buffer 50, the packaging device 60 and / or others, can be omitted.

[0050] The container manufacturing plant 10 has a device 11 for preparing and preheating a preform made of plastic, preferably PET. The preform prepared in this way is transferred to a blow molding device 12, in which the heated preform is expanded by blow molding or stretch blow molding into a container to be filled. The container manufacturing plant 10 can include a device for cleaning, sterilizing and / or coating the containers, which is not shown in detail.

[0051] The containers thus produced are transferred to a filling device 20. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the filling device 20 is based on a circular rotor configuration. For this purpose, the filling device comprises a filler turntable 21, on the outer circumference of which a plurality of filling mechanisms (in Figure 1 ), the filling element is configured to introduce the filling product into the container. The filling device 20 can include a mixer 20a, which is configured to prepare a filling product consisting of multiple components, for example by mixing syrup into a drinking water flow.

[0052] After filling, the container is transferred to a closing device 30, which can also be constructed in the form of a circular rotor. For this purpose, the closing device 30 comprises a closing device turntable 31, on the outer circumference of which a plurality of closing mechanisms (in Figure 1 ), which is configured to close the filled containers by means of a respective container closure.

[0053] The filled containers can be transferred from the filling device 20 to the closing device 30 directly from the filler carousel 21 to the closing device 31 or by means of one or more transport stars. Alternatively, the filling device 20 and the closing device 30 can be integrated into a filler / closer, wherein the filling and closing processes are carried out at different processing angles of the same processing carousel.

[0054] The container treatment plant 1 communicates with the control and evaluation unit 100 via a communication system 110 .

[0055] The communication between the control and evaluation unit 100 and the components to be read and operated (measuring instruments, sensors, actuators, etc.) can be carried out wired or wirelessly. Communication does not necessarily include a two-way information exchange. Unidirectional data flow and / or signal flow belong to the term "communication" in this article. The control and evaluation unit 100 does not necessarily have to be formed by a central computing device or electronic control device, but includes discrete and / or multi-level systems, control networks, cloud systems, etc. The control and evaluation unit 100 can also be an integral component of a superior facility control device or communicate with it.

[0056] Figure 2 An exemplary apparatus 20 for filling a container 200 with a filling product is schematically shown.

[0057] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the filling device 20 comprises a plurality of filling mechanisms 22, each of which has a filling valve 23, via which a filling product is introduced into the container 200. Beverages, such as water (still or carbonated), soft drinks, fruit juices, beer, wine, milk products, mixed drinks, etc., are preferably considered as filling products.

[0058] The filling valve 23 is particularly preferably designed as a proportional valve or comprises a proportional valve. Alternatively, the filling valve 23a can be designed as a check valve, which opens / closes the valve opening 2 as required. The filling valve 23 is configured as a proportional valve in order to change the volume flow of the filling product, thereby adjusting the amount of filling product introduced into the container 100 per unit time. The goal is to ensure efficient, accurate and product-protecting filling along a defined filling curve, which is generally a time-dependent function of the filling speed or volume flow.

[0059] The filling device 20 preferably has a plurality of filling mechanisms 22 which are arranged on a filler carousel 21 (see Figure 1 ). The filler turntable 21 rotates around the axis of rotation, wherein the containers 200 are filled by filling products during the rotation along a circular trajectory. For example, more than 20 or 50 filling mechanisms 22 can be arranged on the circumference of the filler turntable 21, so that the flow delivered to the circular rotor filler can be effectively filled into the container 200 to be filled.

[0060] The filling mechanism 22 has a measuring instrument 25, for example, each equipped with three sensors 25a, 25b, 25c. According to one embodiment, the sensor 25a is configured to detect the volume flow and / or flow rate of the filling product through the filling element 22, the sensor 25b is configured as a temperature sensor, and the sensor 25c is configured as a pressure sensor.

[0061] Each measuring instrument 25 is connected to the control and evaluation unit 100 via the communication system 110. The control and evaluation unit 100 also communicates with the filling valve 23 via the communication system 110, so that the control and evaluation device 100 transmits control commands for setting the state or the degree of opening of the filling valve 23 via the communication system 100. In this case, the filling valve 23 is adjusted as a function of the process parameters so that the filling product to be filled can flow into the respective container 200 in the desired manner, for example with minimal foam formation and in the shortest time.

[0062] The communication system 110 is configured for cyclic transmission of digital data. The communication system 110 has a limited bandwidth and is designed as a bus system, in particular a fieldbus.

[0063] In order to measure a physical variable, such as a volume flow, temperature and / or pressure, by means of sensors 25a, 25b, 25c, the measuring device 25 requires time to analyze and process the data obtained from the measuring path or sensors 25a, 25b, 25c. This time interval can be a multiple of the cycle time of the digital communication system 110. Therefore, when the data from the measuring device 25 are transmitted periodically via the communication system 110, it can happen that the same data or values ​​of the measured variables are transmitted successively over a plurality of cycles. However, since the information concerned is already present in the control and evaluation unit 100 after the first transmission cycle, the further transmission of the same information is redundant.

[0064] Cyclic data transmission with redundant data transmission is schematically shown in Figure 3 , wherein bus cycles or, in general, communication cycles are denoted by n, n+1, n+2, etc. A communication cycle predetermines a clock pulse with which a data packet is transmitted. Since the data generation cycle extends over a plurality of bus cycles for the reasons mentioned above, the information or measured values ​​xxx and yyy are transmitted redundantly over a plurality of bus cycles, in this example over three bus cycles in each case.

[0065] The data generation by the measuring device 25 is usually triggered by a periodic event that is reproducible in time. It is therefore usually possible to predict or calculate when and at what data rate new data can be provided by the measuring device 25. From this, the number of bus cycles that are not meaningfully used can be derived and can then be used for the transmission of other data. It is therefore possible to determine a meaningful periodic sequence for the transmission of data (measured values) and to multiplex the data according to a fixed or variable / adjustable definition.

[0066] Figure 4An exemplary sequence of data packets in the communication system 110, i.e. in a bus frame, is shown. According to this exemplary embodiment, the density, flow rate and temperature recorded by the sensors 25c, 25b, 25a are transmitted successively to the control and evaluation unit 100 via the communication system 110 as data packets A, B, C per bus cycle n, n+1, n+2, respectively. After three bus cycles have passed, according to this exemplary embodiment, new measured values ​​are applied as desired, so that the triple value consisting of density, flow rate and temperature is again transmitted to the control and evaluation unit 100 as data packets D, E, F (the measured values ​​may have changed) starting from bus cycle n+3 via the communication system 110, etc. In the present exemplary embodiment, the data sequence period DZ therefore comprises three bus cycles, wherein the density, flow rate and temperature are each transmitted as one data packet per bus cycle.

[0067] If the bandwidth is too low due to the number of channels, i.e. the amount of data transmitted in parallel, or due to the amount of data that can be transmitted per channel, it is possible to multiplex the data by means of a predefinable periodic sequence of data packets or measured values. One or more measuring devices 25 successively send different measured values ​​as data packets in a fixedly defined sequence. This is correspondingly adjustable or expandable for a plurality of parallel channels.

[0068] Depending on the process, time-critical data can be transmitted multiple times within the data sequence period DZ if necessary. Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the data sequence period DZ includes six bus cycles, wherein the data rate is transmitted in every other communication cycle.

[0069] The form and / or sequence of the data packets in a cycle, ie the definition of the data sequence cycle DZ, can be permanently programmed in the measuring device 25. Preferably, however, at least the sequence of the data packets is determined by the control and evaluation unit 100 so that it can be adjusted as required.

[0070] The distribution of packets can be done by setting a fixed sequence, such as in Figure 4 and Figure 5 Alternatively, the sequence of the data packets can be determined by assigning priorities to the data packets or measured values, as in Figure 6 In this case, higher priority data packets are transmitted more frequently than lower priority data packets.

[0071] Another possibility for prioritizing the data to be transmitted is that, instead of determining a fixed sequence of data packets for each channel for the individual transmission channels, a channel is assigned to each data packet to be transmitted and a priority is assigned accordingly. The measuring instrument 25 then decides which measured value is to be transmitted as a data packet and when, depending on the priority. This ensures that, for example, when a measured value of a measured variable with the highest priority is newly generated by the measuring instrument 25 on the corresponding channel, the measured value is always provided to the control and evaluation unit 100 via the communication system 110 in the next communication cycle. The cycle time of the data generation in the measuring instrument 25 and the cycle time of the communication system 110 are thus decoupled from each other in a certain way. This can significantly reduce the effort for time synchronization.

[0072] Figure 7 An example of a prioritized data transmission based on the data generation of the data packet with the highest priority is shown, wherein in this case, by way of example, priorities 1 and 2 are each provided with an associated measured value / data packet and priority 3 is provided with two measured values / data packets. As soon as the data generation of the sensor 25a, 25b, 25c with the highest priority is completed, these new / current data are transmitted immediately.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to monitor the prioritized data packets according to their generation cycle or changes in the corresponding measured data and to transmit the data only in the event of a change. If there is no change, no data transmission is required, whereby the next lower priority is awarded according to the right of way. This achieves that the data packets are prioritized but are nevertheless always sent to the control and evaluation unit 100 as quickly as possible. As a result, the control and evaluation unit 100 receives as much current data as possible despite the multiplexing, which generally improves the real-time capability of the system.

[0074] In this variant as well, the channel assignment and / or the priority of the sequence of data packets to be transmitted can be permanently written into the measuring device 25 , but this can preferably be freely determined by the control and evaluation unit 100 via the communication system 110 .

[0075] By means of the above-described packaging of the measured data, it is possible to transmit different data from one or more measuring devices 25 to the control and evaluation unit 100 via a digital communication system 110 via an interface with limited channel width (number of bytes) without significant losses in the transmission rate and quality of the data used. In contrast, in the conventional CAN protocol, for example, only one identical data packet is always transmitted cyclically on a PDO data point / channel, whereby the interface is limited.

[0076] Furthermore, a process-dependent switching of the data transmission rate of the individual data packets is no longer necessary. This reduces the communication burden from the control and evaluation unit 100 to the measuring device 25 and to possible actuators, in particular the valve 23, and the control and evaluation device 100 itself.

[0077] The described concept for packaging the measured data also allows data to be transmitted immediately via the communication system 110 whenever the corresponding data are newly generated by the measuring device 25. Thus, delayed reception of important data by the control and evaluation unit 100 can be eliminated or at least reduced, for example, compared to a process-related adjustment of the transmission rate which does not necessarily take into account the time of generation of the data by the measuring device 25.

[0078] As far as applicable, all individual features described in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0079] Reference numerals list

[0080] 1 Equipment for handling containers

[0081] 10 Equipment for manufacturing containers

[0082] 11 Equipment for preparing and preheating the parison

[0083] 12 Blow molding device

[0084] 20 Equipment for filling containers with filling products

[0085] 20a Mixer

[0086] 21 Filler turntable

[0087] 22 Filling mechanism

[0088] 23 Filling valve

[0089] 25 Measuring instrument

[0090] 25a Sensor

[0091] 25b Sensor

[0092] 25c Sensor

[0093] 30 Equipment for closing containers

[0094] 31 Closer turntable

[0095] 40 Equipment for labeling containers

[0096] 50 Buffer

[0097] 60 Packaging equipment

[0098] 70 Robot

[0099] 80 Forklift

[0100] 100 Control and evaluation units

[0101] 110 Communication System

[0102] 200 Containers

[0103] DZ Data sequence period

Claims

1. A method for operating a device (1) for treating containers (200), preferably in a beverage bottling plant, wherein: The device (1) comprises: at least one measuring device (25) having a plurality of sensors (25a, 25b, 25c) which are configured to detect measured values ​​for each corresponding measured variable; A control and evaluation unit (100) and a digital communication system (110); via the communication system, the control and evaluation unit (100) communicates with the measuring device (25), wherein the communication system (110) is configured to transmit data cyclically, in that one data packet is transmitted per communication cycle; in The method comprises: transmitting the measured values ​​detected by the sensors (25a, 25b, 25c) and provided by the measuring device (25) to the control and evaluation unit (100) via the communication system (110), wherein in this case the measured values ​​belonging to the measured variable, preferably exactly one measured value, are transmitted as one data packet per communication cycle; and in The measuring device (25) packages the measured values ​​of different measured variables into a data sequence period (DZ), which extends over a plurality of communication periods of the communication system (110).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The data sequence period (DZ) contains measured values ​​of at least one measured variable a plurality of times.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The data sequence period (DZ) defines a sequence of measured variables that is fixedly determined by the measuring device (25) or the control and evaluation unit (100).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The measuring device (25) or the control and evaluation unit (100) assigns priorities to measured variables, which priorities at least partially define the data sequence period (DZ), wherein measured values ​​of measured variables with higher priority are transmitted more frequently than measured values ​​of measured variables with lower priority.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that When an updated measured value of the highest-priority measured variable is generated by the measuring device (25), a corresponding data packet is always transmitted to the control and evaluation unit (100) via the communication system (110) in the next possible communication cycle.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) for processing containers (200) comprises a device (20) for filling the containers (200) with a filling product, preferably a beverage, wherein the device (20) for filling the containers (200) has at least one filling mechanism (22) and at least one measuring device (25), wherein the filling mechanism is configured to introduce the filling product into the corresponding container (200).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The sensors (25a, 25b, 25c) of the measuring instrument (25) respectively detect the volume flow and / or flow rate of the filling product through the filling mechanism (22) and / or the temperature of the filling product and / or the density of the filling product and / or the pressure of the filling product and / or the internal pressure of the container.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The data sequence period (DZ) extends over three communication periods and packages three measured values ​​of three measured variables, preferably density, volume flow or flow velocity and temperature.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The data sequence period (DZ) extends over six communication periods and packages six measured values ​​of three measured variables, preferably density, volume flow or flow velocity and temperature, wherein preferably the measured value of the measured variable volume flow or flow velocity is transmitted in every other communication period.

10. A device (1) for treating containers (200), preferably in a beverage bottling plant, wherein: The device has: at least one measuring device (25) having a plurality of sensors (25a, 25b, 25c) which are configured to detect measured values ​​for each corresponding measured variable; A control and evaluation unit (100) and a digital communication system (110), via which the control and evaluation unit (100) communicates with the measuring device (25), wherein the communication system (110) is configured to transmit data cyclically, in that one data packet is transmitted per communication cycle; The measuring device (25) is configured to provide the measured values ​​detected by the sensors (25a, 25b, 25c) so that the measured values ​​belonging to the measured variable, preferably exactly one measured value, are transmitted by the communication system (110) as one data packet per communication cycle; and The measuring device (25) is configured to pack the measured values ​​of different measured variables into a data sequence period (DZ), which extends over a plurality of communication periods of the communication system (110).

11. The device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The measuring device (25) is configured to pack the measured values ​​of different measured variables in a data sequence period (DZ), so that the data sequence period contains the measured values ​​of at least one measured variable multiple times.

12. The device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The measuring device (25) or the control and evaluation unit (100) defines the data sequence period (DZ) as a fixedly determined sequence of measured variables.

13. The device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The measuring device (25) or the control and evaluation unit (100) is configured to assign priorities to the measured variables, the priorities at least partially defining the data sequence period (DZ), wherein the measuring device (25) and the communication system (110) are configured to transmit measured values ​​of higher-priority measured variables more frequently than measured values ​​of lower-priority measured variables.

14. The device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that The device (1) for processing containers (200) comprises a device (20) for filling the containers (200) with a filling product, preferably a beverage, wherein the device (20) for filling the containers (200) has at least one filling mechanism (22) and at least one measuring instrument (25), wherein the filling mechanism is configured to introduce the filling product into the corresponding container (200), wherein the sensor (25a, 25b, 25c) of the measuring instrument (25) is preferably configured to correspondingly detect the volume flow rate and / or flow velocity of the filling product passing through the filling member (22) and / or the temperature of the filling product and / or the density of the filling product and / or the pressure of the filling product and / or the internal pressure of the container.

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