Lubricant supply in a technical system

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for supplying lubricant for a technical system (12) having a plurality of machines (14 – 62). A plurality of lubricant dispensers (70) for connecting to the plurality of machines (14 – 62) each have a lubricant reservoir (72) and a sensing apparatus (74) for sensing a lubricant discharge from the lubricant reservoir (72), for sensing a fill level of the lubricant reservoir (72) of the associated lubricant dispenser (70) and / or for sensing at least one product property of a lubricant. A central control device (80) is configured to receive and to monitor, for each of the plurality of lubricant dispensers (70), the sensed lubricant discharge, the sensed fill level and / or the sensed at least one product property. Advantageously, the central monitoring of the lubricant dispensers (70) can allow process standardization, process stabilization, an efficiency increase and early detection of faults for the entire technical system (12) and even across systems.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Lubricant supply in a technical system

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a device for supplying lubricant to a technical system. The invention further relates to a system comprising a system and a device for supplying lubricant.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] Traditionally, lubricants such as oils, greases, belt lubrication products, etc., for container handling systems, their machines and components, and other technical systems as well as their machines and components are provided in various containers. These can take the form of containers such as cartridges / cans, or central lubricators (e.g. rotary filler distributors). Operators must inject different lubricants into the machines / systems / motors, etc., at different intervals and at different points. Central lubricators can, for example, be those that automatically dispense lubricants to different points in the machine using a so-called rotary key. Such lubricators also need to be replaced at certain intervals.

[0007] In order to be able to refill the machines in a controlled manner by an operator, a lubrication plan can be available in paper form or even a digital lubrication plan, which can give the operator an overview of the system's lubricators, etc.

[0008] Different lubricant containers in combination with a large variety of manual activities (e.g. little lubricant of product A at location X, a lot of lubricant of product B at location Y, etc.) require extensive human intervention, which in turn leads to a high susceptibility to errors.

[0009] DE 102018 110 161 A1 discloses a distributorless lubrication system comprising a lubricant reservoir, a lubricant pump, a lubricant metering control device, and a plurality of lubrication point connection units that deliver a predetermined amount of lubricant to a lubrication point. The lubricant pump is arranged downstream of the outlet of the lubricant reservoir in the lubricant line system such that the lubricant pump can deliver lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the plurality of lubrication point connection units. The lubrication point connection units each comprise a controllable valve and a flow measuring device, which are in data communication with the lubricant metering control device.The controllable valve opens depending on the flow measuring device arranged adjacent to the controllable valve for a period of time during which the quantity of lubricant specified by the lubricant metering control device can flow through the controllable valve.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved technology for lubricating several machines of a technical plant, preferably a container treatment plant.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0013] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for supplying lubricant to a technical system, preferably a container treatment system, having a plurality of machines. The device has a plurality of (e.g., automated) lubricators for connecting to the plurality of machines. The plurality of lubricators each has a (e.g., refillable or replaceable) lubricant reservoir (e.g., lubricant tank, lubricant container, lubricant cartridge, or lubricant container). The plurality of lubricators each has a detection device that is used to detect (e.g., measure) a lubricant discharge from the lubricant reservoir (e.g., detected downstream of the lubricant reservoir) of the respective lubricator, to detect (e.g., measure) a fill level of the lubricant reservoir of the respective lubricator, and / or to detect at least one product property (e.g., viscosity and / or density) of a lubricant (e.g.,from the lubricant reservoir). The device further comprises a central control device configured to receive and monitor the detected lubricant discharge, the detected fill level, and / or the detected at least one product property for each of the plurality of lubricators.

[0014] Central monitoring of lubricators can advantageously enable process standardization, process stabilization, increased efficiency, and early detection of errors for the entire technical system, even across multiple systems. The primary goal is to support the preservation of the value and functionality of machines and systems. Automated monitoring can also reduce costs and error potential. Monitoring can be carried out dynamically and with exceptional precision based on actual measured values.

[0015] In one embodiment, the detection device comprises at least one of: a fill level measuring device for detecting the fill level of the lubricant reservoir of the respective lubricator, a flow measuring device for detecting the lubricant discharge, a density sensor for detecting a density of the lubricant (as a product property of the lubricant), and a viscosity sensor for detecting a viscosity of the lubricant (as a product property of the lubricant).

[0016] For example, the detection device and the lubricant reservoir can form a common assembly / unit that is, for example, replaceable / interchangeable. Alternatively, the detection device can be arranged at least partially separately from the lubricant reservoir of the respective lubricator, e.g., in or on the respective machine. For example, one or more of the sensors of the detection device disclosed herein can be (functionally) part of the lubricator, but arranged in or on the respective machine.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the central control device is a remote control device, preferably operated or operable on an external server and / or cloud-based. This advantageously allows monitoring to be carried out particularly reliably and with sufficient computing power. Furthermore, the monitoring algorithms can be easily updated, e.g., even for multiple technical systems simultaneously, all of which use the central control device.

[0018] In a further embodiment, each of the multiple lubricators is assigned a (lubricator) identifier, preferably a track-and-trace code, for identifying the respective lubricator (or its lubricant). Preferably, the central control device can be configured to receive and monitor the detected lubricant discharge and the detected fill level for each of the multiple lubricators, together with the identifier of the respective lubricator. This advantageously enables reliable monitoring of each individual lubricator and, if necessary, traceability. Optionally, the connection points of the machines for connecting to the lubricators can each be assigned a connection identifier for identifying the respective connection point.The central control unit can preferably be configured to receive and monitor the detected lubricant discharge and the detected fill level for each of the multiple lubricators, along with the identifier of the respective lubricator and the connection identifier. This advantageously enables reliable monitoring of each lubricator and connection point, and if necessary, traceability, which can also prevent, for example, the wrong lubricator from being connected to the respective connection point due to confusion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the lubricant reservoirs can have at least partially different capacities and / or different lubricants. This advantageously allows all possible lubricators in the technical system to be centrally monitored. The different capacities allow for different lubricant requirements, e.g., based on operating hours, to be taken into account.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the multiple lubricators can have at least partially differently shaped connections for connecting to a respective one of the multiple machines. The different connections can advantageously prevent a machine from being connected to a lubricator with the wrong lubricant, for example, using the key-lock principle.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the central control device is further configured to receive, for the plurality of lubricators, the detected lubricant dispensing, the detected fill level and / or the detected at least one product property from a system control device, from a machine control device of the machine connected to the respective lubricator and / or from the respective lubricator.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the central control device is further configured to monitor the lubricant dispensing for each of the multiple lubricators in relation to a dispensing quantity and / or a dispensing time (e.g., dispensing interval, dispensing time, and / or dispensing duration). Advantageously, this allows the functionality of the respective lubricator to be reliably monitored. In one embodiment, the central control device is further configured to send a recommended action to at least one (e.g., acoustic and / or visual) output device (e.g., the device) for each of the multiple lubricators, depending on the monitored lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level, and / or the monitored at least one product property.This advantageously allows appropriate recommendations for action to be made dynamically and specifically, based on concrete measured values ​​from the lubricators, rather than simply using statistical methods.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the at least one output device comprises a mobile device, preferably a tablet computer, a notebook, a smartphone, or a smartwatch. This advantageously allows a system operator to be directly contacted, allowing the recommended action to be perceived and implemented promptly, if desired.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one output device comprises a personal computer (e.g., located in the system). Advantageously, the personal computer can contain, for example, a comprehensive digital lubrication plan (e.g., based on real-time data and / or programmed / predetermined data) for the respective systems, which can then be dynamically supplemented with recommended actions.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one output device has a machine user interface, preferably of the machine connected to the respective lubricator. Advantageously, the recommended action can thus be issued spatially close to the affected lubricator or directly at the affected machine, enabling a rapid operator response.

[0026] In one embodiment, the central control device is further configured to: send a recommendation to continue operating the respective lubricator as the recommended action if the monitored lubricant delivery is within a predetermined (e.g. general or lubricator-specific and / or connection point-specific) delivery tolerance range, send a recommendation to check the respective lubricator as the recommended action if the monitored lubricant delivery is outside of a or the predetermined (e.g.general or lubricator-specific and / or connection point-specific) dispensing tolerance range; and / or to send a recommendation to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir of the respective lubricator and / or to stop the machine connected to the respective lubricator as the recommended action if the monitored lubricant dispensing indicates no lubricant dispensing.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the central control device is further configured to: send a recommendation to continue operating the lubricator as the recommended action if the monitored fill level is within a predetermined (e.g. general or lubricator-specific and / or connection point-specific) fill level tolerance range; and / or send a recommendation to prepare for replacing or refilling the lubricant reservoir of the respective lubricator as the recommended action if the monitored fill level is outside of or outside the predetermined (e.g.general or lubricator-specific and / or connection point-specific) fill level tolerance range; and / or a recommendation to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir of the respective lubricator and / or to stop the machine connected to the respective lubricator as the recommended action if the monitored fill level indicates an empty lubricant reservoir.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the central control device is further configured to: send a recommendation to continue operating the lubricator as the recommended action if the monitored at least one product property (e.g. density and / or viscosity) is within a predetermined (e.g. general or lubricator-specific and / or connection point-specific) product property tolerance range (e.g. density tolerance range and / or viscosity tolerance range); and / or send a recommendation to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir of the respective lubricator and / or to stop the machine connected to the respective lubricator as the recommended action if the monitored at least one product property (e.g. density and / or viscosity) is outside of or outside the predetermined (e.g.general or lubricant dispenser-specific and / or connection point-specific) product property tolerance range (e.g., density tolerance range and / or viscosity tolerance range). In one embodiment, the central control device can further be configured to receive lubricant inventory information from a warehouse management system for each of the multiple lubricant dispensers and to send a reorder recommendation as the recommended action depending on the received lubricant inventory information and the monitored lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level, and / or the monitored at least one product property. Advantageously, this can prevent a machine or system downtime due to a lack of lubricant or because the correct lubricant is not in stock.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the central control device is further configured to send a machine stop command to a machine control device of the machine connected to the respective lubricator for each of the multiple lubricators, depending on the monitored lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level, and / or the monitored at least one product property, preferably when the monitored lubricant dispensing indicates no lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level indicates an empty lubricant reservoir, and / or the monitored at least one product property lies outside a predetermined (e.g., general or lubricator-specific and / or connection point-specific) product property tolerance range. Advantageously, damage to the machine due to missing, faulty, or incorrect lubricant can thus be automatically prevented.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the central control device is further configured to send a machine operating parameter to be set for the plurality of lubricators, depending on the monitored lubricant dispensing and / or the monitored fill level, to a machine control device of the machine connected to the respective lubricator, preferably when the monitored lubricant dispensing lies outside a predetermined (e.g., general or lubricator-specific and / or connection-point-specific) dispensing tolerance range and / or the monitored fill level lies outside a predetermined (e.g., general or lubricator-specific and / or connection-point-specific) fill level tolerance range. Advantageously, this indirectly allows the machine's lubricant requirement to be changed, allowing, for example, adaptation to a low fill level or a disrupted lubricant dispensing.Ultimately, this can automatically prevent damage to the machine due to insufficient or incorrect lubricant, without requiring a shutdown of the machine or system. In a further embodiment, the central control device is further configured to send a lubricator operating parameter (e.g., start command, stop command, dispensing quantity, and / or dispensing interval) to at least one of the plurality of lubricators (e.g., together with an identifier of the lubricator), preferably depending on the monitored lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level, and / or the monitored at least one product property.

[0031] Preferably, the plurality of lubricators may be configured to receive one or more lubricators operating parameters (e.g., start command, stop command, dispensing quantity, and / or dispensing interval) and to adjust operation depending on the received lubricator operating parameters.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the central control device is further configured to detect an anomaly, preferably a rotation anomaly, of (at least) one of the multiple machines based on sensor data of this machine and the detected lubricant discharge, the detected fill level, and / or the detected at least one product property of the lubricant of the lubricator connected to this machine. Advantageously, the detected data relating to the lubricators can thus also be used in other analyses and evaluations.

[0033] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a plant, preferably a container treatment plant, with a plurality of machines, preferably (e.g., container) transport and / or (container) treatment machines. The system further comprises a device for supplying lubricant as disclosed herein. The plurality of machines are each connected to at least one of the plurality of lubricators for receiving lubricant.

[0034] Preferably, the container treatment plant can be designed for producing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, labeling, printing and / or packaging containers for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid foodstuffs.

[0035] Preferably, the plurality of machines can comprise at least one of a rotary machine, a filling machine, a closing machine, a pasteurization machine, a drying machine, a labeling machine, a packing machine, a palletizing machine, a depalletizing machine, an unpacking machine, a crate washing machine, a container cleaning machine, a container manufacturing machine, a coating machine, a rinsing machine, a sterilizing machine, a printing machine, an adhesive packaging machine, and a transport machine. It is also possible for the plurality of machines to comprise, for example, a reject machine for the controlled rejecting of objects, such as containers. The reject machine can, for example, have at least one reject lane.

[0036] Preferably, the plurality of machines may each have at least one lubrication point that is / are connected to at least one of the plurality of lubricators for receiving lubricant.

[0037] For example, the at least one lubrication point can comprise a servo drive, fastening elements of guide sets, a conveyor belt drive, a drive shaft of a dispensing screw, a cardan shaft of a dispensing screw, an oil tank of a lifting cylinder, a ball bearing slewing ring, cardan shafts and pedestal bearings of a height adjustment, a bearing of a vacuum pump, spindles of a height adjustment, an automatic lubrication system of a rotary media distributor, a drive motor of a height adjustment and / or a chain of a height adjustment, e.g. in a machine designed as a rotary machine (e.g. rotary filling machine or rotary closing machine or transfer star).

[0038] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, flasks, etc.

[0039] Preferably, the term "control device" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data memory) which, depending on its design, can perform control tasks and / or regulation tasks and / or processing tasks. Even if the term "control" is used herein, it can also appropriately include or mean "regulation" or "control with feedback" and / or "processing".

[0040] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another as desired.

[0041] Short description of the figure

[0042] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawing. It shows:

[0043] Figure 1 shows a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0044] Figure 1 shows a system 10 with a technical system 12 and a device for supplying lubricant to the system 12.

[0045] The system 12 can comprise several machines 14-62. Machines 14-34 can preferably be designed as treatment machines. Machines 36-62 can be designed as transport machines.

[0046] Preferably, system 12 is a container processing system. Accordingly, machines 14-34 can be designed as container processing machines, and machines 36-62 can be designed as container transport machines.

[0047] The container treatment system can, for example, comprise a filling machine 14, a closing machine 16, a pasteurization machine 18, a drying machine 20, a labeling machine 22, a packing machine 24, a palletizing machine 26, a depalletizing machine 28, an unpacking machine 30, a crate washing machine 32, and / or a container cleaning machine 34. Machines 14-22 can be arranged in a wet section of system 12. Machines 24-34 can be arranged in a dry section of system 12.

[0048] It is possible that the container treatment plant comprises alternative or additional treatment machines, such as a container manufacturing machine (e.g. container blow molding machine), a coating machine, a rinsing machine (e.g. with rinsing nozzles), a sterilization machine (e.g. with sterilization nozzles), a printing machine (e.g. with print heads) and / or an adhesive pack manufacturing machine (e.g. with adhesive application nozzles).

[0049] The transport machines 36-62 can transport objects through the system 12. For example, the transport machines 36-62 can support the objects on the floor and / or hold them on a peripheral surface, e.g., in so-called neck handling. The transport machines 36-62 can connect the treatment machines 14-34 to one another. The transport machines 36-62 can be designed, for example, as star conveyors or linear conveyors, e.g., belt conveyors or plate conveyors. The transport machines 36-62 can be designed differently, at least in part. The transport machines 36-62 can be designed, for example, as container, container bundle, or pallet transport machines. The machines 14-62 can at least in part have a machine control device 66 and / or a machine user interface 68.For reasons of clarity, only the machine 14 with the machine control device 66 and the machine user interface 68 is shown in Figure 1.

[0050] The machine control device 66 can control the operation of the respective machine 14-62. For example, the machine control device 66 can control actuators of the respective machine 14-62 according to predetermined or predeterminable operating parameters.

[0051] In addition to the machine-specific machine control devices 66 of the machines 14-62, the system 12 can preferably also have a system control device 64. The system control device 64 can, for example, communicate with the machine control devices 66, e.g., for sending and / or receiving operating information and / or operating commands.

[0052] The machine user interface 68 can be configured to output information to a user and / or to receive user inputs. Using the machine user interface 68, a user can, for example, specify adjustable operating parameters of the respective machine 14-62. The machine user interface 68 can output information to a user, for example, acoustically and / or visually. For example, the machine user interface 68 can have a touch-sensitive display, a loudspeaker, a microphone, and / or at least one signal light.

[0053] The lubricant supply device has several lubricant dispensers 70 and a central control device 80.

[0054] For example, two, three, four, five, or more lubricators 70 may be included. For clarity, only some of the lubricators 70 in Figure 1 are provided with their own reference numerals. It is understood that, contrary to the illustration in Figure 1, not all machines 14-62 need to be equipped with a lubricator 70.

[0055] The lubricators 70 can be connected to components of the machines 14-62 that are to be lubricated. Preferably, at least one lubricator 70 is arranged directly in or on each machine 14-16. The lubricator 70 can dispense lubricant, e.g., oil or grease or belt lubrication product, to the respective machine 14-62. For example, the lubricators 70 can automatically or independently dispense lubricant to the respective machine 14-62, preferably in a desired quantity, at a desired time, and / or for a desired period of time.

[0056] The lubricators 70 each have a lubricant reservoir 72 and a detection device 74, as shown in Figure 1 as an example for one of the lubricators 70. Preferably, the lubricant reservoir 72 and the detection device 74 can form a common assembly. However, it is also possible for one or more sensors of the detection device 74 to be arranged in or on the respective machine, e.g., spatially separated from the lubricant reservoir 72 at a connection point for the lubricant reservoir 72 or (lubricant-) downstream thereof.

[0057] The lubricant reservoir 72 can contain a preferably liquid or pasty lubricant, e.g., a lubricating grease or a lubricating oil. The lubricant reservoir 72 can be manually refillable (refillable) or manually replaceable (replaceable). For example, the lubricant reservoir 72 can be designed as a lubricant tank, a lubricant container, or a lubricant cartridge. Preferably, the lubricant reservoirs 72 of the plurality of lubricators 70 are not connected to one another. Alternatively, the lubricant reservoirs 72 of the plurality of lubricators 70 could be at least partially connected to one another.

[0058] The lubricant reservoirs 72 can have at least partially different capacities and / or different lubricants. Preferably, a capacity and / or a lubricant of the lubricant reservoir 72 can be adapted to the respective machine 14-62 to be supplied with lubricant. Particularly preferably, a capacity of the lubricant reservoir 70 of a respective lubricator 70 can be adapted to a target consumption of the respective machine 14-62 such that sufficient lubricant can be stored for >2000, >2500, >3000, >4000, >5000, >6000 operating hours of the respective machine 14-62. Preferably, the lubricant reservoirs 72 can be designed such that sufficient lubricant can be stored for lubrication operation of approximately one year.

[0059] The detection device 74 is designed to detect a lubricant discharge from the lubricant reservoir 72 of the respective lubricator 70 and / or to detect a fill level of the lubricant reservoir 72 of the respective lubricator 70. The detection device 74 can output signals indicating the detected fill level and / or the detected lubricant discharge. The detection device 74 can detect the lubricant discharge preferably downstream of the lubricant reservoir 72. The lubricant discharge can preferably be detected with respect to a discharge quantity and / or a discharge time. The detected discharge time can, for example, refer to a discharge interval, a discharge time, and / or a discharge duration.

[0060] For example, the detection device 74 can include a flow meter 76 for detecting the lubricant discharge. The flow meter 76 can be arranged downstream (in terms of lubricant) from the lubricant reservoir 72. Preferably, the flow meter 76 can be arranged in a base of the lubricator 70, e.g., below the lubricant reservoir 72. It is also possible for the lubricant discharge to be detected indirectly by detecting the fill level of the lubricant reservoir 72.

[0061] The detection device 74 can detect the fill level of the lubricant reservoir 72, preferably directly in or on the lubricant reservoir 72. For example, the detection device 74 can have a fill level measuring device 78 for detecting the fill level. The fill level measuring device 78 can be integrated into the lubricant reservoir 72. It is also possible for the fill level to be detected indirectly by detecting the lubricant discharge from the lubricant reservoir 72.

[0062] The detection device 74 may also include at least one sensor for detecting a product property of the lubricant. For example, the detection device 74 may include a density sensor 77 for detecting a density of the lubricant and / or a viscosity sensor 79 for detecting a viscosity of the lubricant. For example, the density and / or viscosity could be detected during the flow measurement.

[0063] The detection device 74 can send the detected fill level, the detected lubricant discharge and / or the at least one detected product property of the lubricant, for example, to the machine control device 66 of the machine 14 - 62 to which the respective lubricant dispenser 70 is connected, to the system control device 64 and / or to a central (external) control device 80 of the system 10.

[0064] Optionally, the lubricators 70 can also receive signals, e.g., from the central control device 80, the system control device 64, and / or the machine control device 66 of the respective machine 14-62, e.g., to adjust the operation of the respective lubricator 70 and / or to request the output of the detected fill level and / or the detected lubricant dispensing quantity. The central control device 80 receives and monitors the detected lubricant dispensing and / or the detected fill level for the plurality of lubricators 70. Monitoring is preferably carried out individually for each lubricator and / or for each connection point.

[0065] Preferably, the central control device 80 is an external or remote control device, which is operated, for example, on an external server (external to the system 12). Preferably, the central control device 80 is cloud-based.

[0066] The central control device 80 can receive the detected lubricant dispensing, the detected fill level, and / or the detected at least one product property for the plurality of lubricators 70, for example, directly from the respective lubricator 70. The lubricators 70 can accordingly be equipped with a communication interface (not shown in Figure 1) via which they can send the detected fill level and / or the detected lubricant dispensing to the central control device 80.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the central control device 80 can receive the detected lubricant dispensing, the detected fill level, and / or the detected at least one product property for the plurality of lubricators 70, for example, from the machine control device 66 of the machine 14-62 to which the respective lubricator 70 is connected. The lubricator 70 or the detection device 74 can accordingly send the detected fill level and / or the detected lubricant dispensing to the machine control device 66 of the respective machine 14-62.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the central control device 80 can receive the detected lubricant dispensing, the detected fill level, and / or the detected at least one product property for the plurality of lubricators 70, for example, from the system control device 64 of the system 12. The lubricator 70 or the respective detection device 74 can accordingly send the detected fill level and / or the detected lubricant dispensing directly or indirectly via the machine control device 66 to the system control device 64.

[0069] The monitoring of the fill level and / or lubricant dispensing for each lubricator 70 is carried out individually by means of the central control device 80. To differentiate the recorded values ​​between the lubricators 70, each of them can, for example, be assigned an identifier for identifying the respective lubricator 70. The central control device 80 can receive the recorded fill levels and / or the recorded lubricant dispensing together with the identifier that identifies the respective lubricator 70 to which the recorded fill level and / or the recorded lubricant dispensing refers.

[0070] The identifier can be added, for example, by the lubricator 70, the machine control device 66 or the system control device 64 as information, e.g., a data field, to the detected fill level and / or the detected lubricant discharge.

[0071] The identifier can preferably be implemented as a so-called track-and-trace code. The identifier can, for example, be alphanumeric. For example, the identifier can be used to distinguish between the multiple lubricators 70 of the system 12. It is also possible for the identifier to enable cross-system, e.g., global, differentiation of lubricators 70.

[0072] Depending on the monitored lubricant delivery, the monitored fill level, and / or the monitored at least one product property of the lubricant of the lubricator 70, the central control device 80 can create and send a recommended action. Optionally, the central control device 80 can receive a recommended action (e.g., in return).

[0073] For example, the central control device 80 can monitor the detected and received lubricant dispensing with respect to a dispensing quantity and / or a dispensing time, e.g., dispensing interval, dispensing time, and / or dispensing duration. The detected lubricant dispensing can allow a conclusion to be drawn about the functionality or functional suitability of the respective lubricator 70.

[0074] With regard to the monitored lubricant dispensing, the central control device 80 can send and optionally receive a recommended action to continue operation of the respective lubricator 70. This can be the case, for example, if the monitored lubricant dispensing is within a predetermined dispensing tolerance range. For example, lubricant flows at regular intervals that correspond to the target intervals and / or in quantities that correspond to the target quantities. The recommended action can thus indicate that continued production is possible.

[0075] The central control unit 80 can also send and optionally receive a recommended action to check the respective lubricator 70. This can be the case, for example, if the monitored lubricant dispensing is outside a predetermined dispensing tolerance range. The functionality of the respective lubricator 70 can be conditional. For example, the respective lubricator 70 can dispense too much lubricant, too little lubricant, lubricant at irregular intervals, lubricant at intervals that are too short, or lubricant at intervals that are too long.

[0076] Preferably, the lubricators 70 can be individually controlled, e.g., by the central control device 80 and / or the respective machine 14-62. For example, an operating parameter of the respective lubricator 70 (e.g., dispensing quantity, dispensing interval, etc.) can be adjusted, e.g., manually or automatically depending on a recommended action.

[0077] The central control device 80 can also send a recommended action to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir 72 of the respective lubricator 70 and / or to stop the machine 14-62 connected to the lubricator 70. This can be the case, for example, if the monitored lubricant dispensing indicates that no lubricant is being dispensed.

[0078] Based on the monitored fill level, the central control device 80 can also create and send a recommendation for action.

[0079] For example, the central control device 80 can send a recommended action to continue operating the respective lubricator 70. This can be the case, for example, if the monitored fill level is within a predetermined fill level tolerance range. For example, the fill level can still be full or at least in the upper third or upper half of the lubricant reservoir 72 of the respective lubricator 70.

[0080] In embodiments in which both the fill level and the lubricant dispensing are monitored, the recommended action for continued operation of the respective lubricator 70 can preferably only be sent if both the monitored fill level is within a predetermined fill level tolerance range and the monitored lubricant dispensing is within a predetermined dispensing tolerance range. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring of at least one product property, if present, can also be taken into account. On the other hand, the central control device 80 can send a recommended action for preparing a replacement or refilling of the lubricant reservoir 72 of the respective lubricator 70 as the recommended action. This can be the case, for example, if the monitored fill level is outside of or within the predetermined fill level tolerance range.For example, the fill level may be in a lower half or a lower third of the lubricant reservoir of the respective lubricator 70.

[0081] It is also possible, in turn, for the central control device 80 to send a recommended action to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir 72 of the respective lubricator 70 and / or to stop the machine 14-62 connected to the lubricator 70. This can be the case, for example, if the monitored fill level indicates an empty lubricant reservoir 72 or if the level falls below a minimum fill level that can be specified, for example, in one or two stages.

[0082] For example, the central control device 80 can send a recommended action to continue operating the lubricator 70 if the monitored at least one product property lies within a predetermined product property tolerance range. This can be the case, for example, if the monitored density lies within a predetermined density tolerance range and / or if the monitored viscosity lies within a predetermined viscosity tolerance range.

[0083] On the other hand, the central control device 80 can send a recommended action to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir of the respective lubricator 70 and / or to stop the machine 14 - 62 connected to the respective lubricator if the monitored at least one product property, e.g., density and / or viscosity, lies outside of a predetermined product property tolerance range.

[0084] It is also possible for the central control device 80 to receive lubricant inventory information regarding the lubricants of the lubricators 70 from a warehouse management system of the system 12. The lubricant inventory information can originate, for example, from inventory analyses. Depending on the received lubricant inventory information and the monitored lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level, and / or the monitored at least one product property, the central control device 80 can, for example, send a reorder recommendation (e.g., with a link to an e-shop, etc.) as the recommended action if the corresponding inventory is less than a predeterminable minimum inventory level. The recommended action created by the central control device 70 can be sent to at least one output device. The output device can, for example, output the recommended action acoustically and / or visually.

[0085] Preferably, the visual output can be color-coded, e.g., according to a traffic light system. For example, the output device can output a green (e.g., traffic light) symbol for the recommended action to continue operation. Alternatively or additionally, the output device can output a yellow or orange (e.g., traffic light) symbol for the recommended action to check the lubricator 70. Alternatively or additionally, the output device can output a red (e.g., traffic light) symbol for the recommended action to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir 72 of the respective lubricator 70 and / or to stop the machine 14-62 connected to the respective lubricator 70, etc.

[0086] The at least one output device can preferably comprise a mobile terminal 82, preferably a tablet computer, a notebook, a smartphone, or a smartwatch, of an operator of the system 12. For example, the recommended action can be received and output by an app or a program of the mobile terminal 82.

[0087] The at least one output device may also comprise a personal computer (PC) 84 of the system 12 and / or the machine user interface 68 of the machine 14 - 62 that is connected to the respective lubricator 70 to which the recommended action refers.

[0088] Alternatively or in addition to issuing the recommended action(s), the central control device 80 can send or issue machine control commands depending on the monitoring of the fill level and / or the lubricant delivery of the lubricator 70. Such a machine control command can be sent, for example, directly or via the system control device 64 to the machine control device 66 of the machine 14-62 connected to the respective lubricator 70.

[0089] For example, a machine stop command may be sent to the machine controller 66 if the monitored lubricant dispensing indicates no lubricant dispensing and / or the monitored fill level indicates an empty lubricant reservoir 72.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, a machine operating parameter can also be sent to the machine control device 66. This can be the case, for example, if the monitored lubricant discharge lies outside a predetermined discharge tolerance range and / or the monitored fill level lies outside a predetermined fill level tolerance range. For example, in this way, operation of the respective machine 14-62 can be adjusted to reduce the lubricant requirement of the respective machine. For example, the machine operating parameter can cause a reduction in the (e.g., transport or treatment) performance of the respective machine 14-62.

[0091] It is also possible for the central control device 80 to use the monitored fill level and / or the monitored lubricant discharge for further analyses and data evaluations. For example, the monitored fill levels and / or the monitored lubricant discharges of a lubricator 70 can be used with sensor data from the machine 14-62 to which the respective lubricator 70 is connected to detect operating anomalies of the respective machine 14-62. In this way, for example, the data / information collected up to that point on the lubricants can be incorporated into the anomaly detection of the various machine components. One example of this is the detection of a rotation anomaly of a filler rotary distributor of machine 14.

[0092] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible which also utilize the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the subclaims, independently of the claims referred to. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the subclaims 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 lubricators and / or the central control device of independent claim 1.All ranges indicated herein are to be understood as being disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g., also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. List of reference symbols.

[0093] 10 systems

[0094] 12 Appendix

[0095] 14-62 machine

[0096] 64 Plant control device

[0097] 66 Machine control device

[0098] 68 Machine user interface

[0099] 70 lubricators

[0100] 72 Lubricant reservoir

[0101] 74 Detection device

[0102] 76 Flow measuring device

[0103] 77 Density sensor

[0104] 78 Level measuring device

[0105] 79 Viscosity sensor

[0106] 80 central control device

[0107] 82 mobile devices

[0108] 84 PC

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A device for supplying lubricant to a technical system (12), preferably a container treatment system, having a plurality of machines (14 - 62), the device comprising: a plurality of lubricant dispensers (70) for connection to the plurality of machines (14 - 62), the plurality of lubricant dispensers (70) each comprising a lubricant reservoir (72) and a detection device (74), the detection device (74) being designed to detect at least one of: a lubricant discharge from the lubricant reservoir (72) of the respective lubricant dispenser (70), a fill level of the lubricant reservoir (72) of the respective lubricant dispenser (70), and at least one product property, preferably a viscosity and / or a density, of a lubricant;a central control device (80) configured to receive and monitor the detected lubricant dispensing, the detected fill level and / or the detected at least one product property for each of the plurality of lubricators (70); 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the detection device (74) comprises at least one of: a fill level measuring device (78) for detecting the fill level of the lubricant reservoir (72) of the respective lubricator (70), a flow measuring device (76) for detecting the lubricant discharge, a density sensor (77) for detecting a density of the lubricant; and a viscosity sensor (79) for detecting a viscosity of the lubricant.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the central control device (80) is a remote control device, preferably operated or operable on an external server, and / or cloud-based.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of lubricant dispensers (70) are each assigned an identifier, preferably a Track and trace code, for identifying the respective lubricator (70), and the central control device (80) is configured to receive and monitor the detected lubricant dispensing, the detected fill level and / or the detected at least one product property together with the identifier of the respective lubricator (70) for each of the plurality of lubricators (70).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the lubricant reservoirs (72) have at least partially different capacities and / or different lubricants; and / or the plurality of lubricators (70) have at least partially differently shaped connections for connection to a respective machine of the plurality of machines (14-62).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the central control device (80) is further configured to receive for the plurality of lubricators (70) in each case the detected lubricant dispensing, the detected fill level and / or the detected at least one product property from a system control device (64), from a machine control device (66) of the machine (14 - 62) connected to the respective lubricator (70) or from the respective lubricator (70).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the central control device (80) is further configured to monitor the lubricant dispensing for the plurality of lubricators (70) in each case with respect to a dispensing quantity and / or a dispensing time.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the central control device (80) is further configured to send a recommended action to at least one output device for the plurality of lubricators (70) depending on the monitored lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level and / or the monitored at least one product property.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one output device comprises: a mobile terminal (82), preferably a tablet computer, a notebook, a Smartphone or a smartwatch; and / or a personal computer (84); and / or a machine user interface (68), preferably of the machine (14 - 62) connected to the respective lubricator (70).

10. The device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the central control device (80) is further configured to: send a recommendation to continue operating the respective lubricator (70) as the recommended action if the monitored lubricant dispensing is within a predetermined dispensing tolerance range, send a recommendation to check the respective lubricator (70) as the recommended action if the monitored lubricant dispensing is outside a predetermined dispensing tolerance range; and / or send a recommendation to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir (72) of the respective lubricator (70) and / or to stop the machine (14-62) connected to the respective lubricator (70) as the recommended action if the monitored lubricant dispensing indicates no lubricant dispensing.

11. The device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the central control device (80) is further configured to: send a recommendation to continue operating the lubricator (70) as the recommended action if the monitored fill level is within a predetermined fill level tolerance range; and / or send a recommendation to prepare for replacing or refilling the lubricant reservoir (72) of the respective lubricator (70) as the recommended action if the monitored fill level is outside a predetermined fill level tolerance range; and / or send a recommendation to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir (72) of the respective lubricator (70) and / or to stop the machine (14-62) connected to the respective lubricator (70) as the recommended action if the monitored fill level indicates an empty lubricant reservoir (72).

12. Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the central control device (80) is further configured to: send a recommendation to continue operation of the lubricator (70) as the recommended action if the monitored at least one product property lies within a predetermined product property tolerance range; and / or to send a recommendation to replace or refill the lubricant reservoir (72) of the respective lubricator (70) and / or to stop the machine (14 - 62) connected to the respective lubricator (70) as the recommended action if the monitored at least one product property lies outside a predetermined product property tolerance range.

13. The device according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the central control device (80) is further configured to receive lubricant inventory information from a warehouse management system for each of the plurality of lubricant dispensers (70); and to send a reorder recommendation as the recommended action depending on the received lubricant inventory information and the monitored lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level, and / or the monitored at least one product property.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the central control device (80) is further configured to send a machine stop command to a machine control device (66) of the machine (14 - 62) connected to the respective lubricator (70) for the plurality of lubricators (70), each depending on the monitored lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level and / or the monitored at least one product property, if the monitored lubricant dispensing indicates no lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level indicates an empty lubricant reservoir (72) and / or the monitored at least one product property is outside a predetermined product property tolerance range;and / or the central control device (80) is further configured to send a machine operating parameter to be set for the plurality of lubricators (70) to a machine control device (66) of the machine (14 - 62) connected to the respective lubricator (70), each depending on the monitored lubricant dispensing and / or the monitored fill level, if the monitored lubricant dispensing lies outside a predetermined dispensing tolerance range and / or the monitored fill level lies outside a predetermined fill level tolerance range.; 15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the central control device (80) is further configured to send a lubricator operating parameter to be set to at least one of the plurality of lubricators (70), preferably depending on the monitored lubricant dispensing, the monitored fill level and / or the monitored at least one product property.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the central control device (80) is further configured to detect an anomaly, preferably a rotation anomaly, of one of the plurality of machines (14 - 62) depending on sensor data of this machine (14 - 62) and the detected lubricant output of the detected fill level and / or the detected at least one product property of the lubricant of the lubricator (70) connected to this machine (14 - 62).

17. A system (10) comprising: a system (12), preferably a container treatment system, with a plurality of machines (14-62), preferably container transport and / or container treatment machines; and a device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of machines (14-62) are each connected to at least one of the plurality of lubricators (70) for receiving lubricant.

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