Protective device for machine and container processing machine for processing containers

Abstract

The utility model relates to a protection device for a machine and a container processing machine for processing containers. The machine is, for example, a container handling machine. The protection device comprises a protection element which is movable in the vertical direction and a pneumatic unit which is connected to the protection element, the pneumatic unit comprising a pneumatic element to which pressure can be applied, the pneumatic element being designed to substantially compensate for the gravity of the protection element during the movement of the protection element in the vertical direction. By utilizing the technical scheme of the invention, the operator can be protected at any time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a protective device for a machine (e.g., a container handling machine), and a container handling machine for handling containers. Background Technology

[0002] Protective devices for machines are known from the prior art. These devices are typically used to isolate areas of a machine to prevent operator intervention. In this way, for example, moving components of the machine can be protected from operator intervention, which could pose a serious risk of injury if an operator intervenes. This improves operational safety.

[0003] Such protective devices are known, for example, from WO 2010 / 099822 A1. Here, at least one protective element is moved along a predetermined path via a suitable guide connected to the base frame of the container handling machine. Additional auxiliary tools are also provided to facilitate the movement of the protective element.

[0004] However, depending on the size (and especially the weight) of the protective element to be moved, it can be difficult for an operator to move the element, for example, between a closed position (also known as a protected position) and an open position, in which a moving component of the machine, for example, can be accessed from the outside by the operator. Therefore, this often presents an unintended risk of injury or negatively impacts the operability of the protective device.

[0005] Purpose

[0006] In view of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a protective device for machines, particularly container handling machines, which can be activated by the operator as independently as possible from their physical condition, while ensuring operational safety. Utility Model Content

[0007] The solution of this invention to achieve the above-mentioned objectives is a protective device for a machine (e.g., a container handling machine) according to one aspect of this invention, and a container handling machine for handling containers according to another aspect of this invention. Advantageous improvements of this invention are included in other embodiments.

[0008] The present invention provides a protective device for a machine, such as a container handling machine, comprising a vertically movable protective element and a pneumatic unit connected to the protective element, wherein the pneumatic unit includes a pneumatic element capable of being pressurized, the pneumatic element being designed to substantially compensate for the weight of the protective element during its vertical movement.

[0009] In this sense, the pneumatic component capable of being pressurized is connected to the protective component in such a way that the pressure present in the pneumatic component balances or compensates for the gravity acting on the protective component. That is, the pressure in the pneumatic component, for example, acts against the gravity of the protective component when the component is not moving, keeping the protective component in its position. If the protective component is moved in the direction of gravity (i.e., downwards), the pressure in the pneumatic component increases, and this pressure is reduced to balance gravity, thus avoiding the generation of pressure that exceeds gravity compensation and acts against the movement of the protective component. If the protective component is moved upwards (in the opposite direction of gravity), the pressure in the pneumatic component decreases, and the pressure in the pneumatic component is increased to compensate for gravity.

[0010] "Substantially" compensating for the weight of the protective element should be understood as: always applying a pressure to the pneumatic element such that, preferably, such a pressure exists within the pneumatic element, that this pressure precisely balances or compensates for the weight of the protective element. However, the expression "substantially compensates for weight" can also include: weight, particularly during the movement of the protective element, is compensated by at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%. This also includes overcompensation of up to 5%, 10%, or 15% of the weight.

[0011] Precise compensation for the weight of the protective element during vertical movement enables the simplest operator action, but this can be associated with a greater investment in control technology because the pressure present in the pneumatic components must be set very precisely, acting in response to the weight of the protective element during movement. Allowing for a deviation from complete compensation for the weight of the protective element during movement, while requiring the operator to apply a certain force to move the protective element in the direction of gravity or in the opposite direction, reduces the investment in control technology, thus lowering the complexity of the protective device.

[0012] This protective device ensures the operator's safety at all times. Furthermore, it simplifies the movement of protective components, particularly by decoupling them from the operator's physical condition, making operation much easier.

[0013] It can be configured such that the pneumatic unit includes a compressed air supply device, wherein the compressed air supply device is designed to apply gas pressure to the pneumatic components, the gas pressure substantially compensating for the gravity of the protective components as they move upward. The gas can be air, but does not necessarily have to be air.

[0014] This can be configured such that the compressed air supply device includes an intake valve, via which the pressure present in the pneumatic component is increased as the protective element moves upward, thereby substantially compensating for the weight of the protective element.

[0015] Therefore, the gravity of the protective element can be reliably compensated throughout the entire process of the protective element moving in the direction opposite to gravity (moving upward).

[0016] In one embodiment, the pneumatic unit includes an exhaust valve through which overpressure present in the pneumatic element during the descent of the protective element can be released, thereby substantially compensating for the weight of the protective element during descent and / or preventing the generation of a force that counteracts the downward movement due to the pressure present in the pneumatic element.

[0017] Because the pressure in the pneumatic component that counteracts the gravity of the protective element increases during downward movement, this exhaust valve ensures that even when the protective element moves downward, the operator does not need to apply or only needs to apply a very small additional force in the direction opposite to gravity, since the gravity of the protective element is essentially compensated throughout the downward movement of the protective element, without generating a force that counteracts the downward movement.

[0018] It can be configured such that the intake valve and / or exhaust valve are pressure regulating valves or include pressure regulating valves. This allows for accurate balancing of gravity throughout the entire movement process.

[0019] The pneumatic unit may include a shut-off valve in the air inlet pipe of the pneumatic element, wherein the shut-off valve may be designed to keep the pressure in the pneumatic element constant when a pressure drop occurs in the air inlet pipe.

[0020] This implementation ensures that the pneumatic components will not fail to compensate for the weight of the protective element due to accidents, such as malfunctions. If the pneumatic components fail to compensate due to accidents, a malfunction during the movement of the protective element could lead to operator injury. This improves operational safety.

[0021] It can be configured such that the pneumatic element is connected to the protective element at a connection point, and wherein the connection point is arranged in a region extending horizontally along the protective element by a distance L, wherein the region is arranged between 0.25L and 0.75L or between 0.4L and 0.6L.

[0022] This region, between 0.25L and 0.75L or between 0.4L and 0.6L, is specifically arranged such that it extends horizontally when viewed from the left or right boundary of the protective element. This results in the pneumatic element being positioned substantially in the middle relative to the protective element. This reduces any torque that can act on the protective element and / or the pneumatic element, making more reliable compensation for the weight of the protective element possible.

[0023] In one embodiment, the protective element includes a locking element that can lock the protective element in a protected position. The protected position is the location where the protective element prevents operator access to the moving components of the machine.

[0024] This locking element ensures that the protective element will not accidentally move out of its protected position, thereby further improving operational safety.

[0025] The protective device may include fixed elements, and the protective elements may be arranged movable relative to the fixed elements.

[0026] Fixed elements can be, for example, part of a protective device that prevents operators from reaching into areas isolated by the protective device, thus keeping the area always closed off by the device. This further enhances operational safety.

[0027] The protection device may include at least one protection element, preferably at least two protection elements, and each protection element may be connected to an independent pneumatic element.

[0028] This implementation method ensures that multiple protective elements can move independently of each other, and requires less force from the operator.

[0029] According to this invention, a container handling machine for processing containers is also provided. The container handling machine includes at least one movable component and a protective device according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the protective device is arranged such that, when the protective element is in the protected position, the movable component is arranged within an area at least partially limited by the protective device. According to this invention, the container is, for example, a bottle.

[0030] In particular, when the protective element is in the protected position, it can prevent or avoid operator access to the restricted area by means of the protective element acting as a physical barrier that prevents the operator from accessing the restricted area from outside the protective device.

[0031] This reduces the risk of operator injury while ensuring ease of operation.

[0032] The container handling machine may be configured such that it includes a handling device comprising at least one movable component, wherein, at a protected position of a protective element, the handling device extends at least partially through the protective element.

[0033] The processing device can be specifically understood as a device capable of processing containers. The processing device can be understood, for example, but not limited to, a labeling device that affixes labels to containers passing through it. This implementation reduces the risk of accidental operator intervention with moving components, while simultaneously keeping the footprint of the protective device small, because portions of the processing device, such as those excluding moving components, can protrude from the protective device.

[0034] The movable components can be configured to include a turntable, a star-shaped rotating part, a transfer cylinder, or a tray shaft. These components typically move at high speeds during operation, thus posing a significant risk of injury to the operator should accidental intervention occur. This implementation reliably reduces the risk of injury.

[0035] The protective device can be securely attached to the frame of the container handling machine.

[0036] The frame can be, for example, a fixed part of a container handling machine. By connecting the protective device to the frame, the protective device is stabilized, which enhances its protective effect. Brief description of the attached figures

[0037] Figure 1 A container handling machine according to one embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 The protective element together with the pneumatic unit is shown according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 A container handling machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to the present invention, the type of container handling machine is not limited; the container handling machine can be an assembly machine, such as a labeling machine or direct printing machine for assembling / decorating containers, or may include such machines, or may be designed to, for example, manufacture preforms into containers (e.g., blow molding or injection molding machines). It is also conceivable that the container handling machine 100 may be designed as an inspection device or other machine that can interact with containers in some form.

[0040] Furthermore, this invention is not limited to applications in the framework of container handling machines, but can also be applied in general, for example, to industrial machines.

[0041] According to this invention, a protective device 101 is provided, which can be specifically configured to at least partially protect the movable components of the container handling machine 100 from operator intervention. For this purpose, the protective device 101 can, for example, completely surround the movable components, or include all movable components of the container handling machine under protection.

[0042] As a mobile component, this can be understood as, for example, the processing turntable 102 of the container handling machine 100. The processing turntable may, for example, include a series of container handling stations and / or container accommodating sections (not shown) along its periphery, where containers can be accommodated and optionally processed. The processing turntable 102 may, for example, be rotatably supported about a rotation axis R. Alternatively or additionally, mobile components may also be provided as part of the processing device 103 (e.g., a labeling device). This mobile component may, for example, be a tray shaft for picking up labels from a storage section. This mobile component may also be arranged within a protective device 101 or in an area at least partially restricted by the protective device. Alternatively or additionally, these mobile components may also include one or more star-shaped rotating parts or similar devices. According to this invention, these components are not limited thereto; any component that is mobile in some way and whose movement could particularly pose a risk of injury to the operator is within the scope of this invention.

[0043] According to this invention, the protective device 101 includes at least one protective element 111 arranged to move in a vertical direction. The protective element 111 may be made of, for example, Plexiglas glass or include Plexiglas glass, thereby protecting against operator intervention, specifically by acting as a physical barrier.

[0044] According to this invention, the protective element 111 is connected to a pneumatic unit 112. According to this invention, the pneumatic unit allows the protective element 111 to substantially compensate for the weight of the protective element during movement, either in the direction opposite to gravity or in the direction of gravity (i.e., at least in the vertical direction). For this purpose, the pneumatic unit 112 includes a pneumatic element connected to the protective element and capable of being pressurized, as still referring to... Figure 2 As stated above.

[0045] In one embodiment, the protective device 101 may further include a plurality (at least two) of vertically movable protective elements, making it feasible, for example, to access one or more movable components of the container handling machine from multiple locations. In one embodiment, each of these movable protective elements is configured to be connected to a pneumatic unit assigned to that protective element such that the pressurized pneumatic unit can substantially compensate for the weight of the protective element as it moves vertically. The pneumatic units are preferably independent of each other, so that each protective element can move independently of the positions of the other protective elements.

[0046] The vertical movement of the protective element is preferably between a protected position (which corresponds to the position where the protective element can perform its intended protective function) and an open or released position (in which the protective element allows the operator to intervene in the movable component).

[0047] By utilizing pneumatic units, or particularly pneumatic components, to compensate for the weight of the protective element during its movement, the operator can move the protective element to the protected and / or open position independently of their physical condition, thereby simplifying operation or interaction with container handling machinery. Simultaneously, reliable protection for the operator can be ensured through the protective device.

[0048] In the embodiment shown here, the protective device 101 includes, in addition to at least one movable protective element 111, a fixed element 105, wherein the protective device 101, in the embodiment shown here, at least substantially completely surrounds the processing turntable 102. The fixed element 105 can be securely connected, for example, via a suitable connecting element 151 (e.g., a strut) to a fixed part of the container handling machine (e.g., the legs or frame 104 of the processing turntable). Alternatively or additionally, it can also be connected above the turntable to the fixed part of the container handling machine, or at a side frame or support of the container handling machine. In this way, on the one hand, it is ensured that the protective device will not accidentally fall over, which could cause damage to the container handling machine. On the other hand, it ensures that the fixed element 105 and the protective element 111 are always kept as far apart as possible from the movable components of the container handling machine.

[0049] The movable protective element 111 can be configured to be connected to the fixed element 105 such that the protective element 111 can move relative to the fixed element, but is connected to the fixed element, for example, via a guide element. In this way, the range of movement of the protective element 111 can be limited, for example, in the horizontal direction, ensuring that even if the movable protective element 111 is moved by the operator, it will not cause damage to the container handling machine. The connecting element can be, for example, a pair of corresponding rails or sliding elements, so that the protective element 111 can be moved, for example, along the guide rails of the fixed element 105.

[0050] Figure 2 One embodiment of the movable protective element 210 is shown, which corresponds to Figure 1 The movable protective element 111 is included. This movable protective element 210 is designed to be combined with... Figure 1 Each of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination.

[0051] Figure 2The movable protective element 210 shown can be implemented as a substantially continuous Plex glass plate 211 or similar continuous element, which extends through a surface, particularly in the horizontal (L-direction) and vertical directions. This surface can be regular, but not necessarily regular; it can be, for example, a rectangular or cylindrical side section. Optionally, the protective element may also include one or more openings or notches 212, which can be shaped, for example, such that when the protective element 210 is in the protected position, the movable component of the container handling machine is completely protected from operator intervention. When the protective element moves from the protected position to the open position, the operator can also access the movable component, for example, through the opening 212. The opening 212 can be shaped to conform to the shape of a component of the container handling machine that extends at least partially through the protective device (e.g., a handling device, such as a labeling device). This reduces the risk of accidental operator intervention in the area isolated by the protective device.

[0052] In one embodiment, the protective element 210 may further include a locking element 230, which can lock the protective element in a protected position. The locking element 230 may include, for example, a hook or similar locking mechanism that can engage with a corresponding element of the protective device and / or container handling machine when the protective element is in the protected position. It can be configured such that the protective element 210 cannot be moved out of the protected position without releasing the locking element.

[0053] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the pneumatic unit 220 includes a pneumatic element 221, which is designed as a pneumatic cylinder capable of being pressurized. For this purpose, one side of the pneumatic cylinder 221 can be connected to a compressed air supply device 223, for example, via a compressed air line (inlet pipe) 225, so that compressed air can be applied to the pneumatic cylinder from one side.

[0054] Optionally, the compressed air supply device 223 may include an intake valve, via which the pressure present in the pneumatic element 221 is increased as the protective element 210 moves upward, thereby substantially compensating for the gravity of the protective element 210.

[0055] Furthermore, the pneumatic unit may optionally include an exhaust valve 226, through which overpressure present in the pneumatic components, particularly the pneumatic cylinder, can be released. The pneumatic cylinder, particularly the movable component of the pneumatic cylinder (e.g., cylinder rod), is connected to the movable protective element 210 at connection point 222, thereby allowing the movable portion of the pneumatic unit to move together with the movable protective element. Connection point 222 is preferably arranged such that it is positioned approximately at the center (horizontally) of the movable protective element. In this way, the force exerted by the protective element on the pneumatic unit is preferably balanced in the horizontal direction, resulting in no or only low torque acting on connection point 222 and / or the movable component of the pneumatic element. Preferably, from Figure 2 Viewed from the left or right boundary of the protective element 210, the connection point 222 can be arranged in a region between 0.25L and 0.75L. Particularly preferably, viewed from one of these boundaries, the region extends between 0.4L and 0.6L, where L is the horizontal extension of the protective element. In the vertical direction, the pneumatic unit can be connected to the protective element in any manner. Specifically, the pneumatic unit can also be arranged entirely above or below the movable protective element 210 and connected to the protective element at connection point 222 only via a suitable connecting element (e.g., an extension of the cylinder rod).

[0056] According to the present invention, the pneumatic unit 221 (e.g., a pneumatic cylinder) can be pressurized via the compressed air supply device 223 such that when the movable protective element 210 moves upward (i.e., in the direction opposite to gravity) and / or when the movable protective element 210 moves downward, the pressure acting in the pneumatic unit has a counteracting effect on the gravity of the protective element, in particular substantially compensating for the gravity.

[0057] When moving upward, this includes: preferably applying compressed air (or other pressurized gas) to the pneumatic unit 221 via a compressed air supply device, thereby keeping the pressure within the pneumatic unit constant and compensating for the weight of the protective element. The compressed air supply can be achieved, for example, via an intake valve. Conversely, if the protective element is moved downward, causing at least a portion of the pneumatic unit to move together against the pressure present therein, the pressure is reduced, for example, by releasing gas or air from the exhaust valve 226, so that the pressure preferably substantially compensates for the weight of the movable protective element during its movement.

[0058] If the pneumatic unit 221 is designed as a single-acting pneumatic cylinder, it can be configured to omit the separate intake valve and / or separate exhaust valve 226.

[0059] The intake valve and / or exhaust valve 226 may be specifically implemented as a pressure regulating valve in one embodiment. With this pressure regulating valve, the pressure present in the pneumatic cylinder when the movable protective element 210 moves downward can be adjusted particularly reliably, so that the gravity of the movable protective element 210 can be compensated as completely as possible even during violent movements.

[0060] It can be configured such that the compressed air supply device 223 (e.g., the intake valve) and the exhaust valve 226 can be controlled by an operator. Therefore, for example, a button can be provided for operator operation, wherein the intake valve is open and the exhaust valve 226 is closed by default, resulting in high pressure at the pneumatic component 221, and wherein when the button is pressed (and held), the intake valve is closed and the exhaust valve 226 is opened, resulting in low pressure at the pneumatic component 221.

[0061] Similarly, the control unit 180 (e.g., a computer, having associated memory and program instructions stored in that memory for control) can be configured to... Figure 1 (One or more functions of the container handling machine) Control the compressed air supply device 223 in such a way as possible, based on the pressure present in the pneumatic cylinder 221, to keep it in contact. The control unit 180 can also control the exhaust valve 226, so that by controlling these two components, the gravity of the protective element 210 can be compensated as much as possible by the pressure present in the pneumatic element. Here it can be configured, for example, to have one or more pressure sensors arranged in the intake pipe 225 and / or the pneumatic unit, which can measure the present pressure, and based on the measured pressure, the control unit can then either control the compressed air supply device or control the exhaust valve to increase or decrease the pressure in the pneumatic unit.

[0062] This can be configured to control the compressed air supply or exhaust valve based on the direction of movement of the protective element. If the protective element is moved upward (i.e., in the opposite direction to gravity), the pressure within the pneumatic unit must be increased, thus allowing the control unit to control only the compressed air supply when the protective element moves upward. If the protective element is moved downward (i.e., in the direction of gravity), the control unit 180 can be configured to control the pressure reduction only, for example, via the exhaust valve. This avoids overshoot or undesirable dynamic effects caused by simultaneously controlling both the exhaust valve and the compressed air supply.

[0063] In one embodiment, a shut-off valve 224 may be arranged in the intake pipe 225, which is designed to maintain a constant pressure in the pneumatic component when a pressure drop occurs in the intake pipe 225. For this purpose, when a sudden pressure drop occurs upstream of the shut-off valve 224 in the intake pipe or compressed air supply, the shut-off valve 224 can, for example, prevent compressed air from flowing from the pneumatic component 221 toward the intake pipe 225. In this way, it is ensured that when the protective element 210 is in a given position, the weight of the protective element 210 is substantially compensated at least at that position when a pressure drop occurs in the intake pipe. Although subsequent downward or upward movement of the protective element can only be achieved by a significantly increased force applied by the operator, or may not be possible at all (if movement in the opposite direction of the applied pressure is still possible in any case), the risk of injury to the operator due to the protective device being suddenly subjected to full gravity is reduced or avoided.

Claims

1. A protective device for a machine, the protective device comprising at least one vertically movable protective element and a pneumatic unit connected to the protective element, characterized in that, The pneumatic unit includes a pneumatic element that can be pressurized, the pneumatic element being designed to substantially compensate for the weight of the protective element as it moves in a vertical direction.

2. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the pneumatic unit includes a compressed air supply device, wherein the compressed air supply device is designed to apply gas pressure to the pneumatic element, the gas pressure substantially compensating for the gravity of the protection element as the protection element moves upward.

3. The protection device according to claim 2, wherein the compressed air supply device includes an intake valve, via which the pressure present in the pneumatic element is increased such that the weight of the protection element is substantially compensated when the protection element moves upward.

4. The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pneumatic unit includes an exhaust valve, via which overpressure present in the pneumatic element can be released when the protective element descends, thereby substantially compensating for the gravity of the protective element when the protective element descends.

5. The protection device according to claim 4, wherein the exhaust valve is a pressure regulating valve or includes a pressure regulating valve.

6. The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pneumatic unit includes a shut-off valve in the air inlet pipe of the pneumatic element, wherein the shut-off valve is designed to keep the pressure in the pneumatic element constant when a pressure drop occurs in the air inlet pipe.

7. The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pneumatic element is connected to the protective element at a connection point, and wherein the connection point is arranged in a region extending horizontally L along the protective element, wherein the region is arranged between 0.25L and 0.75L or between 0.4L and 0.6L.

8. The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protective element includes a locking element, which enables the protective element to be locked in a protected position.

9. The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protective device comprises a fixed element, and wherein the protective element is movably arranged relative to the fixed element.

10. The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protective device comprises at least two protective elements, and wherein an independent pneumatic unit is connected to each protective element.

11. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the machine is a container handling machine.

12. A container handling machine for processing containers, the container handling machine comprising at least one movable component, characterized in that, The container handling machine further includes a protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the protective device is arranged such that when the protective element is in the protected position, the movable component is arranged within an area at least partially limited by the protective device.

13. The container handling machine of claim 12, wherein the container handling machine includes a handling device, the handling device including at least one movable component, and wherein the handling device extends at least partially through the protective device when the protective element is in the protected position.

14. The container handling machine according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the movable component includes a turntable, a star-shaped rotating part, a transfer cylinder, or a tray shaft.

15. The container handling machine according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the protective device is securely connected to the frame of the container handling machine.

16. The container handling machine of claim 12, wherein the container is a bottle.

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