Container handling system with improved personal protection

Abstract

The invention provides a container treatment system (10), comprising: a container treatment device (12) having a treatment region (14) for treating containers and a protective housing (16) at least partially surrounding the treatment region (14); a sensor device (30), preferably an optical and / or selectively switchable sensor device (30), configured to detect an intrusion of a predefined, preferably selectively switchable protection area (32) in the environment of the container treatment device (12); and a processing device (38) configured to adjust the operation of the container processing device (12) and / or the container processing system (10) as a function of the signal output of the sensor device (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a container treatment system having a container treatment device with a protective housing. Background Art

[0002] In a container handling system, the container handling device can be equipped with a physical machine guard (protective housing). The machine guard is intended to protect people from injuries, for example due to crushing or burns, caused by moving parts directly at the container handling device during the production process. The machine guard can also prevent parts or media from escaping from the container handling device in an undesirable manner, which could also injure people.

[0003] DE 20 2018 101 090 U1 discloses a labeling machine comprising a carousel and a labeling unit which can be replaceably arranged at the periphery of the carousel. The labeling unit comprises: a fixed base; a functional component which can be moved relative to the base in the direction of the carousel; and a unit protector which protects a label conveying area from user intervention when the labeling unit is in a coupled state. The unit protector comprises at least one protective element which is fixedly attached to the base and a protective element which can be moved relative to the protective element in the direction of the carousel.

[0004] DE 10 2017 215 467 A1 discloses a container handling system comprising a machine area which is at least partially surrounded by a protective cover and a unit which cooperates with the machine area via an opening in the protective cover.

[0005] A disadvantage of conventional protection technology may be that the machine guard cannot usually remain active outside of operating hours (e.g. during reassembly or changeover processes) because external intervention is necessary or certain materials have to "pass through" the machine guard. Thus, for example, a door or a protective panel of the machine guard must be opened. This creates a risk of injury, especially in semi-automatic or fully automatic changeover modes, where the presence of a person is not actually necessary, since it cannot be ruled out that a person could reach in. Even if the container handling device moves very slowly, a residual risk of injury cannot be ruled out.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create an improved technique for protecting personnel from injury in container handling devices. Summary of the invention

[0007] This object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims and in the description.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container processing system. The container processing system has a container processing device (e.g., a container labeling device) having a (e.g., inner) processing area for processing containers and a (e.g., outer) protective housing at least partially surrounding the processing area. The container processing system has a sensor device, preferably an optical and / or selectively switchable sensor device, which is configured to detect an intrusion (e.g., by an object such as a person) into a predefined, preferably selectively switchable protective area in the environment of the container processing device. The container processing system has a processing device, which is configured to adjust the operation of the container processing device and / or the container processing system depending on the signal output of the sensor device (e.g., regarding the detection of an intrusion into the protective area).

[0009] Advantageously, the protective field can be switched on or activated in certain situations and then, for example, supplement, add to or replace the protective housing. For example, in the case of automatic reassembly of the container handling device with automatic format change components, in which the physical protective housing is opened and the container handling device must be rotated, the (large) protective field can be activated in order to at least reduce the risk to the operator. Advantageously, the device can also make it possible, for example, for tasks to be automatically performed by robots to be performed in parallel and for example for multiple tasks to be performed simultaneously by an operator and an automatic system without endangering the safety of the operator, since the operator can only move outside the protective field. This can advantageously achieve faster reassembly times and higher overall line efficiency.

[0010] In one embodiment, the protective housing has an openable portion, preferably a door, window, shutter or lock, for enabling access to the processing area from outside the protective housing. Optionally, the sensor device can be configured such that the protection area is predefined such that it is adjacent to the openable portion. This can be particularly advantageous in reducing potential risks to personnel in the container processing system due to the opened portion.

[0011] Preferably, the sensor device can be configured such that the protective region is predefined such that it at least partially surrounds the container handling device and / or the openable part.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the processing device is configured to switch on, preferably automatically, the sensor device and / or the protective zone (e.g., to activate the sensor device and / or to activate processing of a signal output of the sensor device) when or before the openable portion is opened. Advantageously, in this way, the protective zone can only be switched on if there is a real potential danger to personnel in the system.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the container handling system further comprises an automatic changer, which is designed to automatically replace, maintain or reassemble components (e.g., installation components and / or specification components and / or assembly components) in the handling area of ​​the container handling device. Preferably, the automatic changer can be arranged outside the protective housing and can be designed to replace, maintain or exchange these components in the handling area of ​​the container handling device through the openable part. Thus, the switched protection area can advantageously prevent any danger to personnel caused by the automatic changer and the container handling device, for example during reassembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processing device is configured to switch on the sensor device and / or the protective field (e.g., to activate the sensor device or to activate the processing of the signal output of the sensor device) (e.g., manually or automatically) when or before the automatic changer is activated to automatically change, repair or exchange the component in the processing area of ​​the container processing device. Advantageously, the protective field can thus particularly reliably reduce or prevent any risks to personnel caused by the automatic changer.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the container handling system further comprises a user interface (e.g. a self-supporting touch column) which is arranged outside the predefined protection zone and via which the sensor device and / or the protection zone can be switched on. Preferably, the user interface can be a system user interface or a user interface of another container handling device of the container handling system (e.g. a filling device, a closing device or a container manufacturing device). This can advantageously ensure that the protection zone can only be switched on from outside the protection zone. Advantageously, there is therefore no risk that a person who is already in the protection zone and therefore in the danger zone will activate the protection zone, since here any intrusion into the protection zone from the outside will no longer be detected according to the design of the sensor device.

[0016] In a variant embodiment, the container treatment system further comprises an additional user interface, which is arranged in the predefined protection zone and via which the sensor device and / or the protection zone cannot be switched on, wherein the additional user interface is preferably a user interface of the container treatment device. This can advantageously further improve the protection design for preventing switching on of the protection zone from within the protection zone.

[0017] In a further variant embodiment, the sensor device has at least one camera and / or at least one signal scanner, the at least one signal scanner preferably being a laser scanner.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sensor device is configured to generate at least one (e.g. vertically aligned or horizontally aligned) signal curtain, preferably a light curtain or a laser curtain; and / or at least one signal barrier, preferably a light barrier or a laser barrier; and / or at least one (e.g. vertically aligned or horizontally aligned) signal grid, preferably a light grid or a laser grid, the at least one signal curtain, the at least one signal barrier and the at least one signal grid being used to detect intrusion. The signal curtain, the signal barrier and the signal grid can advantageously be used as the outer boundary of the protection area, so that intrusion into the protection area can be detected particularly reliably and quickly.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the sensor device is configured to generate a plurality of signal curtains, a plurality of signal barriers or a plurality of signal grids, such that the plurality of signal curtains, the plurality of signal barriers or the plurality of signal grids are arranged at an angle to one another and preferably adjoin one another or intersect one another. This advantageously enables the container handling device to be at least partially surrounded by the protective zone.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sensor device comprises an emitter, preferably a laser emitter, wherein the emitter is configured to output a signal curtain, preferably a laser curtain, which is preferably a circular or fan-shaped (e.g., vertically aligned or horizontally aligned). The sensor device also comprises a receiver, preferably a laser receiver, wherein the receiver is configured to detect when a signal beam of the signal curtain is reflected back from an object, the signal beam is preferably a laser beam. In this way, a technique can be advantageously used in which the signal curtain can be positioned freely in space as required, because there are no restrictions due to the arrangement of the receiver.

[0021] Preferably, the receiver can be arranged directly next to the transmitter.

[0022] The sensor device may also have an additional transmitter, preferably a laser transmitter, wherein the additional transmitter is configured to output an additional, preferably circular or fan-shaped (e.g. vertically aligned or horizontally aligned) signal curtain, preferably a laser curtain. The sensor device may also include an additional receiver, preferably a laser receiver, wherein the additional receiver is configured to detect when a signal beam of the additional signal curtain is reflected back from an object, preferably a laser beam.

[0023] Preferably, the signaling curtain and the additional signaling curtain can be oriented at an angle to one another and can, for example, adjoin or intersect one another.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the processing device is configured to adjust the operation according to the signal output, so that when the signal output of the sensor device indicates an intrusion into the predefined protection zone, the automatic reassembly, component replacement or maintenance operation of the container processing device is stopped and / or a warning signal is issued, wherein preferably, during the automatic reassembly, component replacement or maintenance operation, the openable part of the protective housing is opened. Thus, the switched protection zone can advantageously prevent danger to personnel during the reassembly, component replacement or maintenance operation.

[0025] In a variant embodiment, the processing device is configured such that the sensor device, the protection zone and / or the processing of the signal output of the sensor device are deactivated when the container processing device is operated in a (e.g. normal) operating mode, in which the protective housing and / or the openable part of the protective housing are (e.g. completely) closed (not opened). Advantageously, therefore, during normal operation, personnel can be allowed to stay near the container processing device to monitor container processing, because here, the protective housing can safely protect these personnel.

[0026] In a further variant embodiment, the sensor device is configured to detect an intrusion and / or presence (e.g. of an object such as a person) in a predefined secure access passage in the predefined protection area, or the sensor device is configured not to detect an intrusion and / or presence in a predefined secure access passage in the predefined protection area as an intrusion into the predefined protection area. Advantageously, a passage can thus be left in the protection area so that an operator can be granted access in a specific way to necessary points in the vicinity of the container handling device, e.g. to monitor automatic reassembly. For example, camera or scanner safety designs are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the container handling system further comprises at least one additional container handling device, which is arranged next to the container handling device and, for example, is connected to the container handling device for conveying containers. Preferably, the sensor device can be configured to predefine the protection zone such that the at least one additional container handling device delimits the protection zone. Advantageously, this means that other machines in the system can also serve as the physical outer boundary of the protection zone, so that, for example, sensors can be omitted.

[0028] Preferably, the container handling system can be designed for temperature controlling, producing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking and / or packaging containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid foods or products from the pharmaceutical industry or the healthcare industry.

[0029] For example, the container may be realized as a bottle, a jar, a cartridge, a carton, a vial, a tube, or the like.

[0030] Preferably, the term "processing device" may refer to an electronic system (for example, it is designed as a drive circuit or has a microprocessor and a data memory), which can perform control tasks and / or regulation tasks and / or processing tasks according to the design. Although the term "control" is used herein, this may also include or be understood as "regulation" or "feedback control" and / or "processing".

[0031] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other as desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further details and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a container processing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a container handling system.

[0035] The embodiments shown in the drawings correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical components have the same reference numerals, and reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or drawings for their explanation in order to avoid repetitions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A container handling system 10 is shown.

[0037] The container treatment system 10 has a container treatment device 12, a sensor device 30 and a treatment device 38. Optionally, the container treatment system 10 can also have an automatic changer 20, at least one further container treatment device 22, 24, 26, 28 and / or at least one user interface 40, 42, for example.

[0038] The container processing device 12 is designed to process containers. In the preferred embodiment shown, the container processing device 12 is designed as a labeling device.

[0039] The labeling device can label the container. For example, the labeling device can include at least one labeling unit. The at least one labeling unit can be replaceably coupled to and detached from the periphery of the labeling device, for example via a preferably tool-free quick coupling mechanism. The at least one labeling unit can be designed to apply labels, for example, self-adhesive labels, cold glue labels or roll-wrap labels.

[0040] The container handling device 12 can be designed for different types of container handling. For example, the container handling device 12 can be designed to temperature control, manufacture, clean, coat, test, fill, close, pasteurize, print, mark, laser mark, or package these containers. For example, the container handling device 12 can be a preforming heating oven, a container manufacturing device (e.g., a container blow molding machine), a coating device, a depalletizer, a flushing device (e.g., with a flushing nozzle), a sterilizing device (e.g., with a sterilizing nozzle), a filling device (e.g., with a filling valve), a closing device (e.g., with a closing head), a marking device (e.g., with a laser marker), a printing device (e.g., with a printing head), a pasteurization device, an adhesive container production device (e.g., with an adhesive application nozzle), a packaging device (e.g., with a packaging head or a film packaging machine) and / or a palletizing stacking device (e.g., with a palletizing stacking head, a sliding plate, etc.).

[0041] The container handling device 12 can be rotated by a drive device. Preferably, the container handling device 12 can be designed as a rotary container handling device with a disc conveyor, which can be rotated by the drive device. The containers can be kept at a certain distance from each other on the circumference of the disc conveyor in the processing station and processed (processed), for example, labeled. Alternatively, the container handling device 12 can be designed, for example, as a linear container handling device, for example, with only one processing station or with a plurality of processing stations arranged adjacent to each other and / or one after another in series.

[0042] The container handling device 12 can be connected via a container conveyor system to at least one additional container handling device 22, 24, 26, 28. The container conveyor system can have, for example, at least one transport star and / or at least one linear conveyor.

[0043] The container treatment device 12 comprises a treatment area 14 and a mechanical protection housing 16 .

[0044] In the processing area 14 , the containers are processed according to the design of the container processing device 12 , for example, they are labeled or the like.

[0045] The protective housing 16 partially, substantially completely or completely surrounds the treatment area 14. The treatment area 14 can be arranged in the protective housing 16 in a protective manner.

[0046] For example, the protective housing 16 may have walls, windows, etc. to surround the processing area 14. For example, the protective housing 16 may have a substantially cylindrical sleeve-shaped or substantially cylindrical sleeve segment-shaped outer wall, and optionally a top plate.

[0047] Preferably, the protective housing 16 may have an openable portion 18. When the portion 18 is opened, the portion may provide access from the outside of the protective housing 16 to the processing area 14. The portion 18 may be, for example, a door, a window, a shutter, or a lock.

[0048] The protective housing 16 can be connected to the optional protective housing of at least one further container handling device 22, 24, 26, 28. For example, the protective housing 16 can be incorporated into the protective housing of the container handling device 24 and / or 26.

[0049] The automatic changer 20 is designed for the automatic replacement, maintenance or reconfiguration of components in the processing region 14 of the container processing device 12. The component is preferably a mounting component, such as a container holder, a container carousel, a gripper, a centering bell or the like or any other component, for example a spare part. For example, during reconfiguration, the mounting components of the container processing device 12 can be replaced in order to adapt the container processing device 12 to a different container format.

[0050] Preferably, the automatic changer 20 has an operating device for performing work in the treatment area 14. Preferably, the operating device can have at least one tool for performing work, such as a gripper.

[0051] The handling device may be, for example, a stationary robot or a mobile robot (eg a replacement robot) or any other type of handling device.Preferably, the handling device may have at least one pivotable and / or displaceable arm.

[0052] The automatic changer 20 may have a magazine. Components such as spare parts or installation components may be accommodated in the magazine. Preferably, the operating device of the automatic changer 20 can move these components from the magazine to the processing area 14.

[0053] Preferably, the automatic changer 20 is arranged outside the protective housing 16. The automatic changer 20 can replace, repair or reassemble the components in the processing area 14 through the opened portion 18. For example, the operating device (for example, at least one arm thereof and / or at least one tool thereof) can replace, repair or reassemble the components in the processing area 14 through the opened portion 18.

[0054] The automatic changer 20 can preferably be operated in an automatic reassembly, parts replacement or maintenance operation (or operating mode) of the container processing device 12. In this automatic reassembly, parts replacement or maintenance operation, the portion 18 can be in an open state. During the reassembly, parts replacement or maintenance operation, preferably no containers are processed in the processing area 14. That is, the container processing device 12 is not in normal operation / production operation.

[0055] As already mentioned, the container handling system 18 can have at least one further container handling device 22, 24, 26, 28. In the embodiment shown, the additional container handling device 22 is, for example, a preforming heating furnace. The container handling device 24 can be a container production device (e.g., a container blow molding device). The container handling device 26 can be a filling device for filling containers. The container handling device 28 can be a closing device for closing containers.

[0056] The at least one further container handling device 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 can be, for example, a rotary container handling device or a linear container handling device.

[0057] At least one further container treatment device 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 may be arranged next to the container treatment device 12 .

[0058] The sensor device 30 is configured to detect an intrusion into a predefined protection zone 32 in the environment of the container processing device 12. For example, a person may walk into the designated protection zone 32 and thereby intrude therein. The output of a signal from the sensor device 30 to the processing device 38 may indicate that the sensor device 30 has detected an intrusion into the predefined protection zone 32.

[0059] The protection area 32 can be predefined by the arrangement and orientation of the sensor device 30. For example, the protection area 32 can be predefined so that it is close to the openable part 18 and / or the protective housing 16. For example, the protection area 32 can also be predefined so that it is bounded by at least one further container handling device 24, 26, 28.

[0060] The sensor device 30 is preferably an optical sensor device. Preferably, the sensor device 30 can have, for example, at least one camera and / or at least one scanner device, which is preferably a laser scanner.

[0061] The at least one camera can, for example, record the protected area 32. For example, an image recognition algorithm can be applied to the camera recording. The image recognition algorithm can then be used to detect intrusions of objects (such as people) into the protected area 32.

[0062] The at least one laser scanner device can, for example, generate at least one laser curtain. Preferably, the at least one laser curtain is vertically aligned. The at least one laser curtain can delimit the protection zone 32 from the outside.

[0063] For example, the laser scanner device may include a laser transmitter and a laser receiver. The laser transmitter may be configured to transmit a laser curtain (preferably circular or fan-shaped). The laser receiver may be configured to detect when a signal beam from the laser curtain is reflected back from an object. The laser receiver may preferably be arranged directly next to the laser transmitter.

[0064] The described scanner design can be used with technologies other than laser technology, so that a preferably circular or fan-shaped signal curtain is usually output by a transmitter and the signal beam of the signal curtain is detected by a receiver when it is reflected back from an object. Here, the receiver can also be preferably arranged directly next to the transmitter.

[0065] The radius of the scanning range of the scanner device, preferably a laser scanner device, may be, for example, in the range between 1000 mm and 15,000 mm, preferably between 2500 mm and 10,000 mm.

[0066] In general, the sensor device 30 can be preferably configured to generate at least one signal curtain 34 for detecting an intrusion into the protection area 32. The signal curtain 34 can be, for example, a light curtain or a laser curtain. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device 30 can be configured to generate at least one signal barrier (preferably a light barrier or a laser barrier) and / or at least one signal grid (preferably a light grid or a laser grid) for detecting an intrusion into the protection area 32.

[0067] At least one signal curtain 34, at least one signal barrier and / or at least one signal grid can externally delimit the protection area 32. For example, an intrusion into the protection area 32 can be detected when at least one signal curtain 34, at least one signal barrier and / or at least one signal grid is disturbed or interrupted by an object.

[0068] Preferably, a plurality of devices are used to generate a plurality of signal curtains, a plurality of signal barriers and / or a plurality of signal grids. They are preferably arranged at an angle to each other and adjoin each other or intersect each other, as shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

[0069] For example, the sensor device 30 may be arranged at a height within a range between 2000 mm and 10,000 mm.

[0070] As in Figure 2 As shown by way of example in FIG. 1 , at least one safety access passage 36 can be arranged in the protection area 32. The at least one safety access passage 36 can be predefined in such a way that a person is allowed to be present in the safety access passage 36, for example to monitor the operation of the automatic changer 20, without the risk of personal injury.

[0071] The sensor device 30 may accordingly be configured to detect an intrusion and / or presence in at least one predefined secure access passage 36 in the predefined protected area 32. For example, a signal output from the sensor device 30 to the processing device 38 may indicate that the sensor device 30 has detected an intrusion and / or presence in at least one predefined secure access passage 36.

[0072] The processing device 38 is configured to adjust the operation of the container processing device 12 and / or the container processing system 10 based on the signal output from the sensor device 30 related to the detection of the intrusion into the protection area.

[0073] For example, the processing device 38 can adjust the operation of the container processing system 10 according to the signal output, so that when the signal output of the sensor device 30 indicates an intrusion into the predefined protection zone 32, the automatic reassembly, part replacement or maintenance operation by the automatic changer 20 is stopped. For example, when stopped, the automatic changer 20 and / or the container processing device 12 can be stopped. For example, during the reassembly, part replacement or maintenance operation, the carousel of the container processing device 12 that rotates slowly or stepwise can be stopped compared to normal operation.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, for example, an optical warning signal or an acoustic warning signal may be emitted.

[0075] However, if the signal output from the sensor device 30 indicates that intrusion and / or presence is detected only in the safe access passage 36 and not in the rest of the protected area 32, the processing device 38 can, for example, adjust operations other than that (e.g., by stopping automatic reassembly, replacement or maintenance operations).

[0076] Alternatively, the sensor device 30 may be configured, for example, not to detect an intrusion and / or presence in a predefined secure access passage 36 in a predefined protection area 32 as an intrusion into the predefined protection area 32 at all. Therefore, the sensor device 30 will not output a signal indicating that an intrusion into the predefined protection area 32 is detected at all. Likewise, then, no adjustment of the operation is made by the processing device 38.

[0077] Preferably, the sensor device 30 is switched on only as required.

[0078] For example, the processing device 38 can be configured such that the sensor device 30, the protective zone 32 and / or the processing of the signal output of the sensor device 30 are deactivated when the container processing device 12 is operated in an operating mode in which the openable portion 18 of the protective housing 16 is closed (not opened). This operating mode can be, for example, a normal operating mode of the container processing device 12.

[0079] Preferably, the processing device 38 can be configured to switch on the sensor device 30 and / or the protective area 32 when or before the automatic changer 20 is activated to automatically replace, repair or reassemble a component in the processing area 14 of the container processing device 12. For example, manual or automatic activation of a reassembly, component replacement or maintenance operation can trigger the processing device 38 to switch on the sensor device 30.

[0080] Switching on the sensor device 30 may include, for example, activation of the sensor device 30. Alternatively or additionally, processing of the signal output of the sensor device 30 may be activated by the processing device 38 when switched on.

[0081] The user interface 40 is preferably arranged outside the predefined protection zone 32. Preferably, the sensor device 30 and / or the protection zone 32 can be switched on via a user input in the user interface 40, for example directly and / or by activating a reassembly, component replacement or maintenance operation of the container handling device 12. The user interface 40 can preferably be a system user interface or a user interface of one of the additional container handling devices 22, 24, 26 or 28.

[0082] On the other hand, an additional user interface 42 can be arranged within the predefined protection zone 32. Preferably, the sensor device 32 and / or the protection zone 32 cannot be activated directly or indirectly via the further user interface 42. For example, the additional user interface 42 can be a user interface of the container treatment device 12, by means of which the normal operation of the container treatment device 12 can be monitored and adjusted in another way.

[0083] The at least one user interface 40 , 42 may have, for example, a preferably touch-sensitive display, a loudspeaker, a signal light, a microphone, buttons and / or switches or the like.

[0084] The invention is not limited to the preferred exemplary embodiments described above. On the contrary, there are numerous variants and modifications which likewise utilize the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, regardless of the claims to which they refer. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. Furthermore, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the container handling device, the handling area, the protective housing, the sensor device and / or the handling device of independent claim 1. All ranges specified herein are to be understood as being disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, for example also as respective preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range.

[0085] Reference numerals list

[0086] 10 Container handling system

[0087] 12 Container handling device

[0088] 14 Processing Area

[0089] 16 Protective housing

[0090] 18 Openable parts

[0091] 20 Automatic changer

[0092] 22 Additional container handling device

[0093] 24 Additional container handling device

[0094] 26 Additional container handling device

[0095] 28 Additional container handling device

[0096] 30 Sensor device

[0097] 32 Protected Areas

[0098] 34 Signal Curtain

[0099] 36 Enter the passage

[0100] 38 Processing device

[0101] 40 User Interface

[0102] 42 Additional User Interface

Claims

1. A container processing system (10), comprising: A container treatment device (12) having a treatment area (14) for treating containers and a protective housing (16) at least partially surrounding the treatment area (14); a sensor device (30), preferably an optical and / or selectively switchable sensor device (30), which is configured to detect an intrusion into a predefined, preferably selectively switchable protection zone (32) in the environment of the container treatment device (12); and A processing device (38) is configured to adjust the operation of the container processing device (12) and / or the container processing system (10) based on the signal output of the sensor device (30).

2. The container processing system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The protective housing (16) has an openable portion (18), preferably a door, a window, a shutter or a lock, for allowing the treatment area (14) to be accessible from outside the protective housing (16); and optionally The sensor device (30) is configured such that the protection area (32) is predefined such that the protection area abuts the openable portion (18).

3. The container processing system (10) according to claim 2, wherein: The processing device (38) is configured to switch on, preferably automatically, the sensor device (30) and / or the protective area (32) when or before the openable portion (18) is opened.

4. The container processing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an automatic changer (20) designed to automatically replace, repair or reassemble components in the processing area (14) of the container processing device (12), The automatic changer (20) is arranged outside the protective housing (16) and is designed to replace, maintain or reassemble the components in the processing area (14) of the container processing device (12) through the openable part (18).

5. The container processing system (10) according to claim 4, wherein: The processing device (38) is configured to switch on the sensor device (30) and / or the protective zone (32) when or before the automatic changer (20) is activated to automatically replace, repair or reassemble the component in the processing area (14) of the container processing device (12).

6. The container processing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a user interface (40) which is arranged outside the predefined protection area (32) and via which the sensor device (30) and / or the protection area (32) can be switched on, The user interface (40) is preferably a system user interface or a user interface of an additional container processing device (22, 24, 26, 28) of the container processing system (10).

7. The container processing system (10) according to claim 6, further comprising: an additional user interface (42) which is arranged within the predefined protection zone (32) and via which the sensor device (30) and / or the protection zone (32) cannot be accessed, Preferably, the additional user interface (42) is a user interface of the container processing device (12).

8. The container treatment system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sensor device (30) has at least one camera and / or at least one signal scanner, which is preferably a laser scanner.

9. The container treatment system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sensor device (30) is configured to generate at least one signal curtain (34), the at least one signal curtain is preferably a light curtain or a laser curtain; and / or at least one signal barrier, the at least one signal barrier is preferably a light barrier or a laser barrier; and / or at least one signal grid, the at least one signal grid is preferably a light grid or a laser grid, the at least one signal curtain, the at least one signal barrier and the at least one signal grid being used to detect intrusion.

10. The container processing system (10) according to claim 9, wherein: The sensor device (30) is configured to generate a plurality of signal curtains (34), a plurality of signal barriers or a plurality of signal grids, such that the plurality of signal curtains, the plurality of signal barriers or the plurality of signal grids are arranged at an angle to each other and abut each other or intersect each other.

11. The container processing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (30) comprises: an emitter, preferably a laser emitter, configured to output a signal curtain (34) which is preferably circular or fan-shaped, the signal curtain preferably being a laser curtain; and A receiver, preferably a laser receiver, wherein the receiver is configured to detect when a signal beam, preferably a laser beam, of the signal curtain (34) is reflected from an object.

12. The container treatment system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing device (38) is configured to adjust the operation according to the signal output, so that when the signal output of the sensor device (30) indicates an intrusion into the predefined protection area (32), an automatic reassembly, component replacement or maintenance operation of the container processing device (12) is stopped, The openable portion (18) of the protective housing (16) is preferably opened during the automated reassembly, component replacement or maintenance operation.

13. The container treatment system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing device (38) is configured such that the sensor device (30), the protective area (32) and / or the processing of the signal output of the sensor device (30) are deactivated when the container processing device (12) is operated in an operating mode in which the protective housing (16) and / or the openable part (18) of the protective housing (16) are closed.

14. The container processing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sensor device (30) is configured to detect intrusion and / or presence in a predefined secure access passage (36) in the predefined protection area (32); or The sensor device (30) is configured not to detect an intrusion and / or presence in a predefined secure access passage (36) in the predefined protection area (32) as an intrusion into the predefined protection area (32).

15. The container processing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one further container handling device (22, 24, 26, 28), which is arranged next to the container handling device (12), The sensor device (30) is configured such that the protection zone (32) is predefined such that the at least one further container handling device (22, 24, 26, 28) delimits the protection zone (32).

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