Reject collection facility for a container production plant and container production plant

Abstract

The invention relates to a reject collection device for a container production plant having a receiving space (2) for a collecting container (1), wherein the receiving space (2) has a feed opening (3) for reject containers, which can be closed by a barrier (5), and a removal opening (4) for the collecting container (1). According to the invention, a first safety function is provided which checks the arrangement of the collecting container (1) in the receiving space (2). Furthermore, a second safety function is provided which checks the closed position of the barrier (5) with respect to the feed opening (3).

Description

The invention relates to a waste collection device for a container production system having a receiving space for a collection container, wherein the receiving space has a feed opening for waste containers that can be closed by a barrier and a removal opening for the collection container. The invention also relates to a container production system for plastic bottles with the waste collection device.The present invention relates in particular to a container production plant in the beverage industry, in which containers, in particular in the form of plastic bottles, are shaped and / or modified and / or filled at a high throughput in order to ultimately provide filled beverages. The container production system can comprise, for example, a supply of preforms, a blowing machine, a coating machine, a labeling machine, a filling machine and a closing machine. The various machines can be present individually or preferably in combination with one another, it also being possible for the successive machines to be blocked. This means that the provided machines transfer the containers directly and to each other with carousels, starwheels, chains or the like, wherein a continuous stream is conveyed at a predetermined throughput. However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. In principle, it is also possible to provide storage sections, buffers or the like.In the production process, it is expedient to remove defective containers, which are also referred to below as waste containers, quickly from the production process in order to avoid, inter alia, unnecessary waste, unnecessary work and possibly also soiling or damage to the container production system. If, for example, a plastic bottle that is not dimensionally stable results during a blowing process, a label may not be applied subsequently. If there is an increased risk of bursting in the case of a faulty plastic bottle, considerable soiling can also result, for example, in the filling process.Against this background, various configurations of waste collection devices are known from practice in container production systems for plastic bottles.In a waste collection device known from practice, waste containers are discharged via a waste path and then discharged into an open box. The reject path can be closable, for example, with a simple flap in order to enable the box to be changed. The reject path can then be made so narrow and long that persons are not at risk during operation of the container production system even in the case of improper operation. In particular, it must be ensured that persons cannot intervene with their limbs in the movable parts of the running container production system during production operation. Corresponding safety specifications are given, for example, in DIN EN ISO 13857:2020-04 "Safety of Machines--Safety Distances from the reaching of hazardous areas with the upper and lower limbs".In practice, a waste collection device of the generic type for a container production system is also known, which is designed as a type of trolley. The trolley can be moved directly to a machine of the container production plant at a suitable position in order to receive waste containers. Even if the rolling carriage is movable, it remains in its intended location during production operation. The trolley forms a receiving space for a collecting container in the form of a plastic crate, wherein the receiving space has a feed opening for the waste containers that can be closed by a barrier.The collecting container can be removed at a lateral removal opening in order to then dispose of the waste containers at regular intervals. When emptying the collection container or when replacing it with an empty collection container, a user can close the supply opening with the barrier so that no waste containers then fall into the receiving space. Usually, a reservoir is then provided above the barrier for temporarily storing a certain number of waste containers. As soon as an empty collecting container is again arranged in the receiving space, a user can open the barrier again.The collecting container and the design of the trolley are designed such that even with a remote collecting container, openings formed cannot be penetrated by a user to such an extent that limbs can reach a hazardous area of the container production system.The object of the present invention is to make a waste collection device more efficient and user-friendly. Furthermore, a container production system for plastic bottles is to be specified, which has at least one such waste collection device.The subject matter of the invention and the solution of the object are a waste collection device according to patent claim 1 and a container production system according to patent claim 15.Proceeding from a waste collection device of the generic type, it is provided according to the invention that a first safety function is provided which checks the arrangement of the collection container in the receiving space and that a second safety function is provided which checks the closed position of the barrier with respect to the feed opening.Within the scope of the invention, the first safety function and the second safety function are provided in particular to ensure the required machine safety with respect to the operators even in the case of improper operation. Within the scope of the invention, it is therefore not necessary to ensure machine safety solely by the geometry and in particular the size of openings and the length of feed paths. Rather, the first safety function and the second safety function can be used in such a way that the risk of injuries and adverse effects is avoided or at least reduced even in the case of improper handling.Based on the basic principle according to the invention, various design embodiments with specific advantages are conceivable.In principle, for example, a mechanical and / or magnetic implementation of the first safety function and the second safety function is considered, without the necessity of electrical sensors, an electrical control or generally the processing of electrical signals.For example, it is conceivable that the barrier mechanically and / or magnetically latches with respect to the supply opening in the closed position, wherein the collecting container can also be locked in the receiving space in its inserted position. In particular, it is conceivable that only by transferring the barrier into the closed position is the collecting container mechanically and / or magnetically released, while the barrier engages in the closed position. The collecting container can then be emptied or exchanged for an empty collecting container. It is then possible, for example, for the barrier to be released again magnetically only by inserting the collecting container into the receiving space and / or by a suitable mechanical actuation if the collecting container is locked again with the receiving space during or immediately before it reaches its receiving position.Within the scope of such a mechanical and / or magnetic actuation illustrated by way of example, a high degree of safety is provided in a particularly simple manner. By a suitable configuration of the first safety function and the second safety function, it can be ruled out that the collecting container is simultaneously removed and the supply opening is open, i.e. the barrier layer is not in the closed position.In principle, it is also possible to mechanically couple the movement of the collecting container during the insertion and removal from the receiving space on the one hand and the positioning of the barrier in front of the feed opening. For example, an embodiment is conceivable in which the barrier is transferred directly into the closed position when the collecting container is removed from the receiving space, wherein the barrier then releases the feed opening again by the insertion of the collecting container. In this case, suitable measures must then ensure that the barrier can be moved incorrectly by hand only by the insertion movement of the collecting container and not by an operator.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that for providing the first safety function and / or the second safety function. The safety function can be used to process electronic signals. For example, in addition to the mechanical and / or magnetic actuation described above, status information can be generated by the processing of electronic signals in order to display it to a user with suitable means and / or to transfer it to a central machine control.Within the scope of the invention, the first safety function and / or the second safety function can have at least one element selected from the group consisting of a position switch, a light barrier and a sensor. The position switch can be, for example, an end position switch which monitors, for example, the closed position of the barrier or the complete arrangement of the collecting container in the receiving space. Corresponding signals can be determined in a similar manner with light barriers and sensors, in particular position or distance sensors.As an alternative to the above-described mechanical and / or magnetic actuation and configuration of the first safety function and of the second safety function, it is also possible for a purely electronic monitoring to take place in particular with the aforementioned elements without the collecting container or the barrier being mechanically lockable.For example, clear instructions can be provided to a user in a user manual, a graphical HMI (Human Machine Interface) or the like, after which the collecting container can only be removed when the barrier is in the closed position. This predefined procedure can then be monitored using the first safety function and the second safety function.If the closed barrier is then opened when the collection container is removed or the collection container is removed from the receiving space when the barrier is opened, an emergency off signal can be triggered with the first safety function and / or the second safety function, which stops the container production system. Depending on the configuration of a machine control, the emergency stop signal can also be processed as a door fault signal or corresponding to a door fault signal, whereupon, for example, the container production system is transferred as quickly as possible into a safe state. The requirements for the safety of machines can then also be complied with, wherein an emergency stop takes place only in the event of incorrect operation of the system. It is of course disadvantageous that the described incorrect operation directly leads to a stop of the container production system, wherein the production operation is interrupted. It should also be noted that the renewed startup of the container production plant can be associated with a very great outlay.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, electronic data are processed when implementing the first safety function and the second safety function, wherein the barrier in the closed position and / or the collecting container is or are mechanically lockable within the receiving space. A mechanical lock can be effected, for example, by an actuator and / or can be electronically unlocked, for which purpose suitable embodiments are known from practice to the person skilled in the art.The first safety function and the second safety function can then be implemented in such a way that a specific procedure is predefined for a user, whereby the accidental triggering of an emergency stop function can be reliably prevented.Consequently, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a barrier locking element is provided for locking the barrier in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, a container locking element can also be provided for locking the collecting container in an inserted position.Within the scope of the invention, the barrier can be designed as a type of flap or panel which blocks the feed opening in the closed position.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the barrier can be transferred from the closed position with respect to the feed opening into an operating position, wherein the barrier closes the removal opening for the collecting container in the operating position.The barrier can be designed to be flexible in such a way, for example, that it can be transferred from the closed position via an arc into the operating position in the manner of a roller shutter. The barrier then has a dual function, wherein the collecting container is covered by the barrier in the operating position. The barrier can then retain dirt in the operating position, wherein an accidental removal of the collection container is also avoided.In addition, in the embodiment described, the barrier is very easy to operate by hand, wherein the handling is also particularly intuitive for a user. In order to get to the collecting container at all, the barrier must then be actuated starting from the operating position and in particular pushed up, wherein a transfer into the closed position then takes place directly. The closed position then corresponds in particular to an upper end position of the barrier, wherein the first safety function and second safety function according to the invention are intuitively supported by the configuration of the barrier.Regardless of the specific configuration of the first safety function and the second safety function as well as the barrier, it is provided according to a preferred configuration of the invention that, when the supply opening is closed by the barrier, a reservoir for the intermediate storage of waste containers is also formed above the barrier.This reservoir is expediently dimensioned so large that, in a conventional production operation, an expected number of waste containers can be accommodated while a full collecting container is emptied or exchanged for an empty collecting container.In this case, monitoring of the reservoir can optionally also be carried out in order to emit a suitable signal in the case of an excessively high fill level of the reservoir, wherein multistage monitoring or generation of signals can also be carried out. For example, it is conceivable to emit a visual and / or acoustic warning message first when the reservoir fills when the barrier is closed. Before a back-up of waste containers then influences the production process and, if appropriate, can also damage machines of the container production system, an emergency stop signal can also be triggered if appropriate.The invention likewise relates to the waste collection device, which is provided only for receiving the collection container, and to the waste collection device with the collection container arranged therein as a component.Preferred aspects of the invention, which may optionally be independently protectable, also relate against this background to the configuration of the collecting container itself and the specific arrangement of the collecting container in the receiving space.Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the collecting container is arranged as a component of the waste collection device in the receiving space and is held in the receiving space at a container edge, in particular an upper container edge. The receiving space can have rails for holding the container edge, for example, wherein a particularly precise positioning of the collecting container in the receiving space is then possible by the lateral rails and the container edge guided thereon.In this context, it is provided in particular that the collecting container is supported suspended above the container rim, so that then unevenness, a varying height or the like with respect to a hall floor play no role. For such a suspended arrangement, only a sufficient minimum height has to be provided.Starting from this concept, various configurations of the collecting container are conceivable. The collecting container can be designed, for example, as a type of box which is supported outside the receiving space, for example, directly with its bottom. In order to lift the collecting container to a certain extent when it is introduced into the receiving space, rails can be provided with an inlet slope. A corresponding concept is also possible if the collecting container has rollers which are then raised from a floor by the raising during the insertion into the receiving space.The collecting container can be designed, for example, as a plastic box, although other designs are also possible. For example, a grid basket is also suitable as a collecting container.However, especially when guiding the collecting container with rails over a container edge, the invention is not limited only to rigid embodiments of the collecting container.For example, the container edge can also be formed by a type of frame, into which a flexible net or a flexible bag is then suspended. It is then also possible to leave the reject containers subsequently first in such a net or bag in order to supply them for further utilization, recycling or disposal. For replacement, an empty net or bag can then be constricted into the frame.Within the scope of the invention, the required safety of machines is provided by the first safety function and the second safety function. Against this background, it is also possible to use a collecting container having a comparatively large fill volume, which then has to be emptied accordingly at relatively long time intervals.In particular, it can be provided that the receiving space for the collecting container is so large that it can also be entered by a user, even if such a procedure is generally not provided. Entering the correspondingly large receiving space is possible in particular when the collecting container is removed. However, it is ensured within the scope of the invention that the supply opening is closed by the barrier, so that even during ongoing operation of the container production system a user cannot reach with his limbs to hazardous areas within the container production system.Against this background, it is according to a preferred embodiment of the invention that the collecting container has a fill volume between 120 1 (liter) and 800 l, in particular between 200 l and 500 l.It has already been pointed out above that the first safety function and / or the second safety function can fundamentally have sensors for electronic data processing.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the collection container has an identification means, in particular a contactless identification means, and that the first safety function has a reading unit for the identification means. The identification means can be readable, for example, optically, magnetically or electromagnetically. The identification means can be embodied, for example, as an RFID, barcode, QR code or the like.The identification means can ensure that the collection container is actually provided for arrangement in the receiving space, wherein the position monitoring itself can also take place by positioning the identification means and the associated reading unit. With a suitable arrangement, it can thus be ensured that the collection container is arranged correctly in the receiving space when the reading unit recognizes the identification means. It is also advantageous, especially against this background, if the collecting container is held in the receiving space at the container edge, because the position is then fixed comparatively accurately. An RFID chip as a possible identification means can be arranged, for example, in the container rim.According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the receiving space has a fill height measuring device for the collecting container. The fill height measuring device can be provided, for example, by a distance sensor which is arranged above the collecting container. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a rigid collecting container with openings in an upper region, so that the exceeding of a predetermined fill level at the openings can then be monitored in a particularly simple manner by a light barrier or the like in the transverse direction.Preferably, at least one status display and / or an operating element is arranged on a housing of the waste collection device, wherein corresponding devices can also be combined with one another by a touch display, an illuminated button or the like.As also described further below, activation and deactivation of the safety function can also be effected taking into account manual inputs and confirmations, which can guide a user or ensure a proper sequence.However, status data and inputs may also be exchanged additionally or alternatively with an HMI, a central machine control, cordless communication devices or the like.The invention also relates to a container production system for plastic bottles, in particular disposable plastic bottles, having the waste collection device described above. The container production system preferably comprises at least one machine selected from the group consisting of blow molding machine, coating machine, labeling machine, filling machine and closing machine.For example, it can be provided that the waste collection device connects downstream to the blow molding machine. In principle, it is also possible for an entire container production system to have a plurality of the waste collection devices described, which are each assigned to other machines.The waste collection device is usually provided for containers which have not yet been filled and which accordingly have a comparatively low weight. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to use the waste collection device in a corresponding design for filled containers, even if these are frequently discharged elsewhere in practice if necessary.In principle, the waste collection device can also be used in beverage production for preforms, even if lower fill volumes of the collection container can be sufficient there due to the smaller size of the preforms compared to molded containers in the form of bottles.The invention is explained below with reference to exemplary figures.The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a waste collection device in a view from the front, FIGS. 2 to 4 show the waste collection device in a longitudinal section along the line A-A of FIG. 1 in various configurations.FIG. 1 shows a waste collection device for a container production plant in a view from the front, wherein FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section along the line A-A of FIG. 1.It can be seen from a comparative view of FIGS. 1 and 2 that a collecting container 1 is arranged in a receiving space 2.The receiving space 2 has on its upper side a feed opening 3 for waste containers, not shown, which were identified as defective during production in a container production system and are accordingly removed from the production process. The container production system is provided for plastic bottles, in particular disposable plastic bottles.The waste containers are collected and collected in the collection container 1 in order to be subsequently disposed of or preferably recycled.It can already be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 that a removal opening 4 for the collecting container 1 is provided, which is closed by a barrier 5 in the form of a movable roller shutter.The receiving space 2 is formed in a housing 6, which has, by way of example, a light pushbutton 7 on its front side as a combined display and operating element.It can be seen in particular from FIG. 1 that a base 8 of the collecting container 1 is arranged above a level defined by feet 9 of the housing 6.It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the collection container 1 has lateral openings 12 below its upper edge, wherein the fill level of the received waste containers can be established through the openings 12 with a light barrier. As soon as the waste containers in the collection container 1 reach the height of the openings 12, an instruction can be transmitted to an operator, for example via an HMI, to empty the collection container 1 or to replace it with an empty collection container 1.For this purpose, an operator according to FIG. 3 can transfer the barrier 5 in the form of a roller shutter upwards and via an arc into a horizontal arrangement. Only when the barrier 5 is pushed completely upward and then releases the feed opening 3 for the waste containers in a closed position can the collecting container 1 be removed.Within the scope of the invention, a first safety function is provided which checks the arrangement of its collecting container 1 in the receiving space 2, wherein a second safety function checks the closed position of the barrier 5 with respect to the supply opening 3.With reference to FIG. 3, it is possible for the barrier 5 to be automatically locked by a barrier locking element, not shown, when the barrier 5 reaches the closed position shown. Furthermore, it is also possible that the reaching of the closed position is initially indicated only by flashing with the light pushbutton 7, wherein the confirmation of the user and the actuation of the barrier locking element are then effected by pressing the light pushbutton, which can then change to a continuous light, for example (see below in connection with FIG. 4 ).A certain degree of securing of the collecting container 1 can also be achieved in that it can only be removed when the barrier 5 has reached the closed position in front of the feed opening 3. This safety function can be achieved by the kinematics of the barrier 5 in the manner of a roller shutter.Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to provide a container arresting element for arresting the collecting container in the inserted position, wherein then by means of a suitable control and in particular the actuation of the light pushbutton 7 or an automatic arresting of the barrier 5, removal of the collecting container is preferably possible only when the locking of the barrier 5 is ensured.When the barrier 5 is blocked as described, the collecting container 1 can be removed according to FIG. 4.FIGS. 3 and 4 show a front inlet slope of the rails 11 which accommodate the upper container edge 10. When the collecting container 1 is pulled out, its base 8 is placed on the base, wherein a comparatively large collecting container 1 with a fill volume of, for example, 120 l to 800 l can also be moved comparatively easily in the case of waste containers in the form of empty plastic bottles.Subsequently, the emptied collecting container 1 or a ready empty collecting container 1 can then be inserted again into the receiving space 2, wherein the arrangement of the collecting container 1 in the receiving space 2 is then checked with the first safety function. For example, an RFID chip can be provided on the upper container rim 10, which also enables a clear identification of the collecting container 1.In the end position of the collection container 1 in the receiving space 2, the RFID chip can then be detected by a corresponding reading unit, whereby the proper position is also ensured.For example, the proper arrangement of the collection container 1 can also be displayed to an operator by the light pushbutton according to FIG. 3 beginning to blink again, wherein the barrier 5 is then unlocked and can be closed again by renewed actuation of the light pushbutton. After a corresponding acknowledgment, it can then be provided that the light pushbutton 7 is extinguished.The operator is stopped from immediately closing the barrier after the collection container 1 has been reset and the acknowledgment at the light pushbutton 7. If the barrier remains in the closed position before the feed opening 3 over a longer period of time of, for example, five minutes, a message "Close removal opening" can be generated, for example, via an HMI.Additionally or alternatively, the first safety function and the second safety function as well as further information can also be displayed on an HMI.List of reference numbers:1 Collecting container 2 Receiving space 3 Feed opening 4 Removal opening 5 Barrier 6 Housing 7 Light pushbutton 8 Base 9 Feet 10 Container edge 11 Rails 12 OpeningsReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Cited Non-Patent LiteratureDIN EN ISO 13857:2020-04

[0005]

Claims

Waste collection device for a container production plant having a receiving space (2) for a collection container (1), wherein the receiving space (2) has a feed opening (3) for waste containers which can be closed by a barrier (5) and a removal opening (4) for the collection container (1), characterized in that a first safety function is provided which checks the arrangement of the collection container (1) in the receiving space (2) and in that a second safety function is provided which checks the closed position of the barrier (5) with respect to the feed opening (3).Waste collection device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first safety function and / or the second safety function has at least one element selected from the group consisting of a position switch, light barrier and sensor.Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a barrier locking element is provided for locking the barrier (5) in the closed position.Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a container locking element is provided for locking the collection container (1) in an inserted position.Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the barrier (5) can be transferred from the closed position with respect to the feed opening (3) into an operating position, wherein the barrier (5) closes the removal opening (4) for the collection container (1) in the operating position.Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the feed opening (3) is closed by the barrier (5), a reservoir for intermediate storage of waste containers is formed above the barrier (5).Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection container (1) is arranged as a component of the waste collection device in the receiving space (2) and is held in the receiving space (2) at a container edge, in particular an upper container edge (10).Waste collection device according to claim 7, characterised in that the receiving space (2) has rails (11) for holding the container edge (10).Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection container (1) has a fill volume of between 120 litres and 800 litres.Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection container (1) is designed as a plastic box.Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection container (1) has an identification means and in that the first safety function has a reading unit for the identification means.Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (2) has a fill height measuring device for the collection container (1).Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one status indicator is arranged on a housing (6).Waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first safety function and the second safety function are connected to a common machine control.Container production system for plastic bottles with a waste collection device according to one of the preceding claims.Container production system according to claim 15, having a blow molding machine, wherein the waste collection device connects downstream to the blow molding machine and is in particular formed as an integral component of the container treatment system / container production system.

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