Container treatment plant with improved personal protection

The container treatment system uses sensor and processing devices to dynamically manage protective housings, ensuring safety by activating protective measures only during high-risk situations, thereby reducing injuries and enhancing operational efficiency.

DE202023105407U1Active Publication Date: 2025-01-30KRONES AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE202023105407
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-09-18
Publication Date
2025-01-30
Estimated Expiration
2033-09-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional machine protection systems in container treatment devices are often inactive during non-operating times, such as during conversions or changes, posing a risk of injury due to the need for manual intervention and the inability to prevent unauthorized access.

Method used

A container treatment system equipped with a sensor device and processing device that dynamically adjusts the protective housing's operation based on detected intrusions, allowing for automatic activation of safety measures during high-risk situations, such as format changes or maintenance, using optical and/or laser-based sensors to define a protective area and control device operations.

Benefits of technology

Enhances safety by automatically activating protective measures only when needed, reducing the risk of injuries during conversions or maintenance, enabling simultaneous operation of robots and operators without endangerment, and improving overall line efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

container treatment plant (10) comprising: a container treatment device (12) with a treatment area (14) for treating containers and a protective enclosure (16) that at least partially encloses the treatment area (14); a sensor device (30), preferably optical and / or selectively switchable, configured to detect intrusion into a predetermined, preferably selectively switchable, protective area (32) in the vicinity of the container treatment device (12); and a processing device (38) configured to adapt the operation of the container treatment device (12) and / or the container treatment plant (10) depending on a signal output from the sensor device (30).
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Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a container treatment plant with a container treatment device which has a protective enclosure. Technical background

[0002] In a container treatment plant, a container treatment device can be equipped with physical machine guards (protective enclosures). These guards are designed to prevent people from being injured by moving parts of the container treatment device during production, for example, by crushing or burns. The guards can also prevent unwanted parts or media from escaping the container treatment device, which could also injure people.

[0003] DE 20 2018 101 090 U1 discloses a labeling machine comprising a carousel and a labeling unit that can be interchangeably arranged on the periphery of the carousel. The labeling unit comprises a stationary base, a functional part that is slidable relative to the base in the direction of the carousel, and a unit guard that, when the labeling unit is coupled, protects the label transfer area from user interference. The unit guard has at least one protective element fixed to the base and a protective element that is slidable relative to this protective element in the direction of the carousel.

[0004] DE 10 2017 215 467 A1 discloses a container treatment plant comprising a machine area which is at least partially enclosed by a protective covering, and a unit which cooperates with the machine area through an opening in the protective covering.

[0005] A disadvantage of conventional safety guards is that machine guards often cannot remain active outside of operating hours, for example, during changeovers or tool changes, because external intervention is required or certain materials need to pass through the guard. This necessitates opening a door or protective plate of the guard. This poses a risk of injury, especially in semi- or fully automated changeover operations where no person should ideally be present, as the possibility of someone reaching inside cannot be ruled out. Even with very slow movements of the container handling device, a residual risk of injury cannot be eliminated.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved technique for protecting people from injuries at a container handling device. Summary of the invention

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container treatment system. The container treatment system comprises a container treatment device (e.g., a container labeling device) with a (e.g., internal) treatment area for treating containers and a (e.g., external) protective enclosure that at least partially encloses the treatment area. The container treatment system comprises a sensor device, preferably optical and / or selectively switchable, configured to detect intrusion (e.g., of an object, such as a person) into a predetermined, preferably selectively switchable, protective area in the vicinity of the container treatment device. The container treatment system comprises a processing device configured to, depending on a signal output (e.g.,(with regard to detecting intrusion into the protected area) the sensor device to adapt the operation of the container treatment device and / or the container treatment plant.

[0009] The protective zone can be advantageously activated in certain situations, serving, for example, as a supplement to, in addition to, or instead of the protective enclosure. For instance, during an automatic changeover of the container handling device involving an automatic format change, where the physical protective enclosure is open and the container handling device must rotate, the (large) protective zone can be activated to at least reduce the risk to operating personnel. The device can also advantageously enable the parallelization of automatically performed tasks by, for example, robots, and allow multiple tasks to be carried out simultaneously by the operator and the automation system without compromising operator safety, as the operator is only permitted to work outside the protective zone. This can result in faster changeover times and increased overall line efficiency.

[0010] In one embodiment, the protective enclosure has an openable section, preferably a door, window, flap, or airlock, to provide access to the treatment area from outside the enclosure. Optionally, the sensor device can be configured so that the protected area is defined as adjacent to the openable section. This advantageously reduces the potential hazard to personnel in the container treatment system emanating from the open section.

[0011] Preferably, the sensor device can be configured such that the protection area is defined in such a way that it at least partially encloses the container treatment device and / or the openable section.

[0012] In another embodiment, the processing device is configured to activate the sensor device and / or the protective zone (e.g., to activate the sensor device and / or to activate processing of the sensor device's signal output) when or before the openable section is opened, preferably automatically. Advantageously, this allows the protective zone to be activated only when there is actually a potential hazard to persons in the system.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the container treatment system also includes an automatic changeover unit designed for the automatic exchange, maintenance, or conversion of parts (e.g., setup and / or format and / or assembly) within the treatment area of ​​the container treatment device. Preferably, the changeover unit can be arranged outside the protective enclosure and configured to exchange, maintain, or convert the parts within the treatment area of ​​the container treatment device through the openable section. Advantageously, the integrated protective area can thus, for example, prevent the risk to persons from the changeover unit and the container treatment device during conversion, etc.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processing device is configured to activate the sensor device and / or the protective zone (e.g., to activate the sensor device or to initiate processing of the sensor device's signal output) when or before the automatic changeover unit is activated for changing, maintaining, or retooling parts within the treatment area of ​​the container handling device (e.g., manually or automatically). Advantageously, the protective zone can thus reliably reduce or prevent any risk to personnel from the automatic changeover unit.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the container treatment system also features a user interface (e.g., a freestanding touchscreen column) located outside the designated safety zone, through which the sensor device and / or the safety zone can be activated. Preferably, the user interface can be a system user interface or a user interface of another container treatment device (e.g., a filling device, a sealing device, or a container manufacturing device) of the container treatment system. This advantageously ensures that the safety zone can only be activated from outside the safety zone. Therefore, there is no risk of a person already within the safety zone, and thus in the danger zone, activating the safety zone, since—depending on the design of the sensor device—intrusion into the safety zone from the outside would no longer be detectable.

[0016] In one embodiment, the tank treatment system also features an additional user interface located within the defined protection zone, through which the sensor device and / or the protection zone cannot be activated. Preferably, this additional user interface is a user interface of the tank treatment system itself. This advantageously further improves the protection concept for preventing the activation of the protection zone from within the protection zone.

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

[0018] In one embodiment, the sensor device is configured to generate at least one signal curtain (e.g., vertically or horizontally oriented), preferably a light or laser curtain; and / or at least one signal barrier, preferably a light or laser barrier; and / or at least one signal grid (e.g., vertically or horizontally oriented), preferably a light grid or laser grid, for detecting intrusion. Advantageously, the signal curtain, the signal barrier, and the signal grid can serve as outer boundaries of the protected area, so that intrusion into the protected area can be detected particularly reliably and quickly.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the sensor device is configured to generate multiple signal curtains, multiple signal barriers, or multiple signal grids such that the multiple signal curtains, multiple signal barriers, or multiple signal grids are arranged at angles to one another and preferably abut or intersect. Advantageously, this allows for at least partial enclosure of the container treatment device by the protective zone.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sensor device comprises an emitter, preferably a laser emitter, configured to emit a signal curtain, preferably a laser curtain, preferably circular or fan-shaped (e.g., vertically or horizontally oriented). The sensor device further comprises a receiver, preferably a laser receiver, configured to detect when a signal beam, preferably a laser beam, of the signal curtain is reflected back from an object. Advantageously, this allows the signal curtain to be positioned freely in space as desired, since there are no restrictions due to the receiver's arrangement.

[0021] Preferably, the receiver can be located directly next to the emitter.

[0022] It is also possible for the sensor device to have a further emitter, preferably a laser emitter, wherein the further emitter is configured to output a further signal curtain, preferably a laser curtain, preferably circular or fan-shaped (e.g., vertically or horizontally oriented). The sensor device can further have a further receiver, preferably a laser receiver, wherein the further receiver is configured to detect when a signal beam, preferably a laser beam, of the further signal curtain is reflected back from an object.

[0023] Preferably, the signal curtain and the other signal curtain can be aligned at an angle to each other and, for example, be adjacent to each other or intersect.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the processing device is configured to adjust its operation based on the signal output such that an automatic changeover, parts replacement, or maintenance operation of the container handling device is stopped and / or a warning signal is issued when the sensor device's signal output indicates intrusion into the predefined protective zone, preferably with an openable section of the protective enclosure being open during the automatic changeover, parts replacement, or maintenance operation. Advantageously, the activated protective zone can thus prevent the endangerment of persons during the changeover, parts replacement, or maintenance operation.

[0025] In one embodiment, the processing device is configured so that the sensor device, the protective area, and / or processing of the sensor device's signal output are deactivated when the container treatment device is operating in a (e.g., normal) operating mode in which the protective enclosure and / or an openable section of the protective enclosure is (e.g., completely) closed (unopened). Advantageously, this allows a person to be near the container treatment device during normal operation to monitor the treatment, as the protective enclosure can safely protect them.

[0026] In another configuration, the sensor device is configured to detect intrusion and / or presence (e.g., of an object, such as a person) within a predefined secure access corridor in the designated protection area. Alternatively, the sensor device is configured to not register intrusion and / or presence within a predefined secure access corridor in the designated protection area as an intrusion into the designated protection area. Advantageously, this allows a corridor within the protection area to be left uncovered, granting the operator access to necessary points near the container handling device, for example, to monitor automatic changeovers. Camera or scanner protection concepts are particularly well-suited for this purpose.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the container treatment system also includes at least one additional container treatment device, which is arranged next to the container treatment device and, for example, connected to the container treatment device for transporting containers. The sensor device can preferably be configured such that the protection zone is defined by the at least one additional container treatment device. Advantageously, other machines in the system can also be used as the physical outer boundaries of the protection zone, thus saving on sensor technology, for example.

[0028] Preferably, the container treatment system can be configured for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking and / or packaging containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid food products or products of the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.

[0029] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, tubes, etc.

[0030] Preferably, the term "processing device" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data storage) that, depending on its design, can perform control tasks, regulation tasks, and / or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used here, it can also appropriately encompass or refer to "regulation" or "feedback control" and / or "processing."

[0031] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another in any way. Brief description of the characters

[0032] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a schematically represented container treatment plant according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 2. A top view of the container treatment plant of Fig. 1.

[0033] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0034] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a container treatment plant 10.

[0035] The container treatment system 10 comprises a container treatment device 12, a sensor device 30, and a processing device 38. Optionally, the container treatment system 10 may also include, for example, a changeover machine 20, at least one further container treatment device 22, 24, 26, 28, and / or at least one user interface 40, 42.

[0036] The container treatment device 12 is designed for treating containers. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the container treatment device 12 is designed as a labeling device.

[0037] The labeling device can label containers. For example, the labeling device can have at least one labeling unit. This at least one labeling unit can be interchangeably attached to and detached from a periphery of the labeling device, e.g., via a quick-release coupling mechanism, preferably without tools. The at least one labeling unit can be designed for applying labels, e.g., self-adhesive labels, cold glue labels, or roll labels.

[0038] It is possible that the container handling device 12 is designed for a different type of container treatment. For example, the container handling device 12 may be configured to temper, manufacture, clean, coat, test, fill, seal, pasteurize, print, label, laser mark, or package the containers. The container handling device 12 may, for example, be a preform heating oven, a container manufacturing device (e.g., a container blow molding machine), a coating device, a depalletizing device, a rinsing device (e.g., with rinse nozzles), a sterilization device (e.g., with sterilization nozzles), a filling device (e.g., with filling valves), a sealing device (e.g., with sealing heads), a marking device (e.g., with laser markers), a printing device (e.g., with laser markers), or a pressure device.with printheads), a pasteurizing device, an adhesive packaging manufacturing device (e.g. with adhesive application nozzles), a packaging device (e.g. with packaging heads or film wrappers) and / or a palletizing device (e.g. with palletizing heads, sliding plates or the like).

[0039] The container handling device 12 can be rotatable by means of a drive. Preferably, the container handling device 12 can be designed as a rotary container handling device with a carousel rotatable by means of the drive. Containers can be held and treated, e.g., labeled, at intervals from one another on a circumference of the carousel in handling stations. Alternatively, the container handling device 12 can be designed, for example, as a linear container handling device, e.g., with only one handling station or with several handling stations arranged in a row next to and / or one behind the other.

[0040] The container handling device 12 can be connected to at least one further container handling device 22, 24, 26, 28 by means of a container conveying system. The container conveying system can, for example, comprise at least one transport star wheel and / or at least one linear conveyor.

[0041] The container treatment device 12 has a treatment area 14 and a mechanical protective enclosure 16.

[0042] In treatment area 14, the containers are treated depending on the design of the container treatment device 12, e.g. labeled, etc.

[0043] The protective enclosure 16 partially, substantially completely, or completely encloses the treatment area 14. The treatment area 14 can be located within the protective enclosure 16.

[0044] The protective enclosure 16 can, for example, have walls, windows, etc., to enclose the treatment area 14. The protective enclosure 16 can, for example, essentially have a cylindrical outer wall or essentially a cylindrical segmented outer wall and optionally a roof.

[0045] Preferably, the protective enclosure 16 can have an openable section 18. When the section 18 is open, it can provide access from outside the protective enclosure 16 to the treatment area 14. The section 18 can be, for example, a door, a window, a hatch, or an airlock.

[0046] The protective enclosure 16 can be connected to an optional protective enclosure of at least one further container treatment device 22, 24, 26, 28. For example, the protective enclosure 16 can transition into a protective enclosure of the container treatment device 24 and / or 26.

[0047] The automatic changeover unit 20 is designed for the automatic changing, maintenance, or conversion of parts in the treatment area 14 of the container handling device 12. The parts are preferably tooling components, such as container holders, container turntables, grippers, centering bells, etc., or any other parts, e.g., spare parts. During conversion, for example, tooling components of the container handling device 12 can be exchanged to adapt the container handling device 12 to a different container format.

[0048] Preferably, the changing machine 20 has a handling device for performing work in the treatment area 14. Preferably, the handling device can have at least one tool, such as a gripper, for performing the work.

[0049] The handling device can be, for example, a stationary or mobile robot (e.g., a swap robot) or any other type of handling device. Preferably, the handling device can have at least one pivotable and / or movable arm.

[0050] It is possible that the changeover machine 20 has a magazine. Parts, such as spare parts or conversion components, can be stored in the magazine. Preferably, the handling device of the changeover machine 20 can move the parts from the magazine to the processing area 14.

[0051] Preferably, the changing unit 20 is arranged outside the protective enclosure 16. The changing unit 20 can change, service, or reconfigure the parts in the treatment area 14 through the open section 18. For example, the handling device, e.g., its at least one arm and / or its at least one tool, can change, service, or reconfigure the parts in the treatment area 14 through the open section 18.

[0052] The automatic changeover unit 20 can preferably be operated in an automatic changeover, parts exchange, or maintenance mode of the container handling device 12. In this automatic changeover, parts exchange, or maintenance mode, section 18 can be open. Preferably, no containers are processed in the treatment area 14 during the changeover, parts exchange, or maintenance mode. That is, the container handling device 12 is not in normal / production operation.

[0053] As already mentioned, the container handling system 18 can have at least one further container handling device 22, 24, 26, 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the further container handling device 22 is, for example, a preform heating furnace. The container handling device 24 can be a container manufacturing 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.

[0054] The at least one further container handling device 22, 24, 26, 28 can be, for example, a rotary or a linear container handling device.

[0055] The at least one further container handling device 22, 24, 26, 28 can be arranged next to the container handling device 12.

[0056] The sensor device 30 is configured to detect an intrusion into a predefined protection zone 32 in the vicinity of the container handling device 12. For example, a person might enter the predefined protection zone 32 and thus intrude upon it. A signal output from the sensor device 30 to the processing device 38 can indicate that an intrusion into the predefined protection zone 32 has been detected by the sensor device 30.

[0057] The protection zone 32 can be defined by the arrangement and orientation of the sensor device 30. The protection zone 32 can, for example, be defined such that it adjoins the openable section 18 and / or the protective enclosure 16. Furthermore, the protection zone 32 can, for example, be defined such that it is limited by at least one other container handling device 24, 26, 28.

[0058] The sensor device 30 is preferably an optical sensor device. Preferably, the sensor device 30 can, for example, comprise at least one camera and / or at least one scanner device, preferably a laser scanner.

[0059] The at least one camera can, for example, record the protected area 32. Image recognition algorithms can then be applied to the camera's recording. Using these algorithms, the intrusion of an object, such as a person, into protected area 32 can then be detected.

[0060] The at least one laser scanner device can, for example, generate at least one laser curtain. The at least one laser curtain is preferably vertically oriented. The at least one laser curtain can externally delimit the protection area 32.

[0061] For example, the laser scanner device can include a laser emitter and a laser receiver. The laser emitter can be configured to emit a laser curtain, preferably circular or fan-shaped. The laser receiver can be configured to detect when a signal beam from the laser curtain is reflected back from an object. The laser receiver can preferably be located directly next to the laser emitter.

[0062] It is possible that the described scanner principle can be applied using a technique other than laser technology to generally emit a signal curtain, preferably circular or fan-shaped, by means of an emitter and to detect it by means of a receiver when a signal beam of the signal curtain is reflected back from an object. Here, too, the receiver can preferably be arranged directly next to the emitter.

[0063] A scanning area of ​​the scanner device, preferably a laser scanner device, can, for example, have a radius that lies in a range between 1,000 mm and 15,000 mm, preferably between 2,500 mm and 10,000 mm.

[0064] In general, the sensor device 30 can preferably be configured to generate at least one signal curtain 38 for detecting intrusion into the protected area 32. The signal curtain 38 can, for example, be a light curtain or a laser curtain. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device 30 can, for example, be configured to generate at least one signal barrier, preferably a light or laser barrier, and / or at least one signal grid, preferably a light grid or laser grid, for detecting intrusion into the protected area 32.

[0065] The at least one signal curtain 38, the at least one signal barrier and / or the at least one signal grid can externally delimit the protection zone 32. Intrusion into the protection zone 32 can be detected, for example, if the at least one signal curtain 38, the at least one signal barrier and / or the at least one signal grid is disturbed or interrupted by an object.

[0066] Preferably, several signal curtains, several signal barriers and / or several signal grids are generated using multiple devices. These are preferably arranged at angles to each other and abut or intersect, as shown by way of example in the figures.

[0067] For example, the sensor device 30 can be arranged at a height in a range between 2,000 mm and 10,000 mm.

[0068] As exemplified in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, at least one safe access corridor 36 can be arranged in the protected area 32. The at least one safe access corridor 36 can be designed in such a way that a person is permitted to remain in this safe access corridor 36, for example, to monitor the operation of the coin changer 20, without posing a risk of injury to the person.

[0069] The sensor device 30 can be configured to detect intrusion and / or presence in the at least one predefined secure access corridor 36 within the predefined protection zone 32. For example, a signal output from the sensor device 30 to the processing device 38 can indicate that intrusion and / or presence in the at least one predefined secure access corridor 36 has been detected by the sensor device 30.

[0070] The processing device 38 is configured to adapt the operation of the container treatment device 12 and / or the container treatment plant 10, depending on a signal output from the sensor device 30 regarding the detection of intrusion into the protected area.

[0071] For example, the processing device 38 can adjust the operation of the container treatment system 10 based on the signal output such that an automatic changeover, parts exchange, or maintenance operation using the changeover machine 20 is stopped when the signal output of the sensor device 30 indicates intrusion into the predefined protection zone 32. During the stop, the changeover machine 20 and / or the container treatment system 12 can be stopped. For example, a carousel of the container treatment system 12 that rotates slowly or intermittently compared to normal operation during the changeover, parts exchange, or maintenance operation can be stopped.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, for example a visual or acoustic warning signal can be issued.

[0073] If, however, the signal output from the sensor device 30 only indicates a detection of intrusion and / or presence in the secure access corridor 36 and not in the remaining protected area 32, the processing device 38 can, for example, refrain from adjusting the operation, e.g. by stopping the automatic changeover, replacement or maintenance operation.

[0074] Alternatively, the sensor device 30 can, for example, be configured not to detect an intrusion into and / or presence in a predefined secure access corridor 36 within the predefined protection zone 32 as an intrusion into the predefined protection zone 32. Accordingly, the sensor device 30 will not output a signal indicating the detection of an intrusion into the protection zone 32. Consequently, the operation will not be adjusted by the processing device 38.

[0075] Preferably, the sensor device 30 is only switched on situationally.

[0076] For example, the processing device 38 can be configured to deactivate the sensor device 30, the protective area 32, and / or the processing of the signal output of the sensor device 30 when the container treatment device 12 is operated in an operating mode in which the openable section 18 of the protective enclosure 16 is closed (unopened). This operating mode can, for example, be the normal operating mode of the container treatment device 12.

[0077] Preferably, the processing device 38 can be configured to activate the sensor device 30 and / or the protective area 32 when or before the automatic changeover unit 20 is activated for automatically changing, maintaining, or retooling the parts in the treatment area 14 of the container treatment device 12. For example, manual or automatic activation of the retooling, parts-changing, or maintenance operation can trigger the processing device 38 to activate the sensor device 30.

[0078] Switching on the sensor device 30 can, for example, involve activating the sensor device 30. Alternatively or additionally, switching on the sensor device 30 can also involve activating the processing of the signal output of the sensor device 30 by means of the processing device 38.

[0079] The user interface 40 is preferably located outside the predefined protection zone 32. Preferably, the sensor device 30 and / or the protection zone 32 can be activated via user input at the user interface 40, e.g., directly and / or by activating a conversion, parts 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 other container handling devices 22, 24, 26, or 28.

[0080] In contrast, the additional user interface 42 can be located within the predefined protection zone 32. The sensor device 32 and / or the protection zone 32 preferably cannot be activated via this additional user interface 42, either directly or indirectly. For example, the additional user interface 42 could be a user interface of the container handling device 12, which would otherwise be used to monitor and adjust the normal operation of the container handling device 12.

[0081] The at least one user interface 40, 42 can, for example, include a display, preferably touch-sensitive, a speaker, a signal light, a microphone, buttons and / or switches, etc.

[0082] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the container treatment device, the treatment area, the protective enclosure, the sensor device, and / or the processing device of independent claim 1.All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way as to disclose all values ​​falling within the respective range individually, e.g. also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. List of reference symbols 10 container treatment plant 12 Container treatment device 14 Treatment area 16 Protective enclosure 18 openable section 20 Change Machine 22 additional container treatment devices 24 additional container treatment devices 26 additional container treatment devices 28 additional container treatment devices 30 Sensor device 32 Protection area 34 Signal curtain 36 Access corridor 38 Processing device 40 User interface 42 more user interfaces QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2018 101 090 U1

[0003] DE 10 2017 215 467 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Container treatment plant (10) comprising: a container treatment device (12) with a treatment area (14) for treating containers and a protective housing (16) which at least partially encloses the treatment area (14); a preferably optical and / or selectively switchable sensor device (30) configured to detect an intrusion into a predetermined, preferably selectively switchable, protection area (32) in an environment of the container treatment device (12); and a processing device (38) configured to adapt an operation of the container treatment device (12) and / or the container treatment system (10) depending on a signal output of the sensor device (30). [2] Container treatment plant (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the protective housing (16) has an openable section (18), preferably a door, a window, a flap or a lock, for making the treatment area (14) accessible from outside the protective housing (16); and optionally the sensor device (30) is configured such that the protection area (32) is predetermined such that it adjoins the openable section (18). [3] Container treatment plant (10) according to claim 2, wherein: the processing device (38) is configured to switch on the sensor device (30) and / or the protection area (32) when or before the openable section (18) is opened, preferably automatically. [4] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a change machine (20) designed for automatically changing, servicing or converting parts in the treatment area (14) of the container treatment device (12), wherein the automatic changer (20) is arranged outside the protective housing (16) and is designed to change, maintain or convert the parts in the treatment area (14) of the container treatment device (12) through the openable section (18). [5] Container treatment plant (10) according to claim 4, wherein: the processing device (38) is configured to switch on the sensor device (30) and / or the protection area (32) when or before the automatic changer (20) is activated for automatically changing, servicing or converting the parts in the treatment area (14) of the container treatment device (12). [6] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a user interface (40) which is arranged outside the predetermined protection area (32) and via which the sensor device (30) and / or the protection area (32) can be switched on, wherein the user interface (40) is preferably a system user interface or a user interface of a further container treatment device (22, 24, 26, 28) of the container treatment system (10). [7] Container treatment plant (10) according to claim 6, further comprising: a further user interface (42) which is arranged within the predetermined protection area (32) and via which the sensor device (30) and / or the protection area (32) cannot be switched on, wherein preferably the further user interface (42) is a user interface of the container treatment device (12). [8] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the sensor device (30) has at least one camera and / or at least one signal scanner, preferably a laser scanner. [9] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the sensor device (30) is configured to generate at least one signal curtain (34), preferably a light or laser curtain; and / or at least one signal barrier, preferably a light or laser barrier; and / or at least one signal grid, preferably a light grid or laser grid, for detecting the intrusion. [10] Container treatment plant (10) according to claim 9, wherein: the sensor device (30) is configured to generate a plurality of signal curtains (38), 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 are adjacent to one another or intersect one another. [11] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (30) comprises: an emitter, preferably a laser emitter, wherein the emitter is configured to output a preferably circular or fan-shaped signal curtain (38), preferably 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 (38) is reflected back from an object. [12] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the processing device (38) is configured to adapt the operation depending on the signal output such that an automatic conversion, parts change or maintenance operation of the container treatment device (12) is stopped when the signal output of the sensor device (30) indicates intrusion into the predetermined protection area (32), wherein an openable section (18) of the protective housing (16) is preferably open in the automatic conversion, parts change or maintenance operation. [13] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the processing device (38) is configured such that the sensor device (30), the protective area (32) and / or processing of the signal output of the sensor device (30) is deactivated when the container treatment device (12) is operated in an operating mode in which the protective housing (16) and / or an openable section (18) of the protective housing (16) is closed. [14] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the sensor device (30) is configured to detect intrusion and / or presence in a predetermined secure access corridor (36) in the predetermined protection area (32); or the sensor device (30) is configured not to detect an intrusion and / or stay in a predetermined secure access corridor (36) in the predetermined protection area (32) as an intrusion into the predetermined protection area (32). [15] Container treatment plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one further container treatment device (22, 24, 26, 28) arranged next to the container treatment device (12), wherein the sensor device (30) is configured such that the protection area (32) is predetermined such that the at least one further container treatment device (22, 24, 26, 28) delimits the protection area (32).

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