Method for switching a can processing system and can processing system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for switching a can processing system having a filling machine (1) provided with a filling control device (4) for filling a supplied can body (7) with a liquid filling product, and a closing machine (2) arranged downstream of the filling machine (1) and provided with a closing control device (5) for closing each filled can body (7) with one can lid (8) from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, wherein the switching is assisted by a user guide that outputs a user command and receives a user input. According to the present invention, it is contemplated that the filling machine (1) and the closing machine (2) are connected to a common user interface (11) comprising a display (10) and an input device, and this user interface is used as an integrated user guide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for switching a can processing system having a filling machine equipped with a filling control device for filling a supplied can body with a liquid filling product and a closing machine disposed downstream of the filling machine and equipped with a closing control device for closing each filled can body with one can lid from a first operation mode to a second operation mode, wherein the switching is assisted by a user guide that outputs a user command and receives a user input. The present invention further relates to a can processing system configured to execute the method.

Background Art

[0002] In the beverage industry, it is common for systems to be modularly assembled from a plurality of individual machines in order to provide, clean, disinfect, fill, close, transport, and, if necessary, configure in the form of containers, beverage containers. The modular structure is also suitable because there is a very wide range of possible variations depending on different disposable and reusable systems, different container sizes, requirements for beverages with or without carbonation, and different biological sensitivities.

[0003] In fact, it is also common for the different machines that make up the entire system to be manufactured by different companies with specific expertise regarding each machine.

[0004] Certainly, an approach for integrating the system as a whole is also known. However, the corresponding approach is very demanding and complex depending on the form, but only slightly flexible.

[0005] The present invention specifically relates to a can processing system having a filling machine for filling a supplied can body with a liquid filling product, particularly a beverage, and a closing machine arranged downstream of the filling machine for closing the filled can body with a can lid. The filling machine and the closing machine are conventionally manufactured separately and have their own control devices, namely, a filling machine control device and a closing machine control device. Both machine control devices are configured for the individual operation of the filling machine or the closing machine. However, basically, clock signals, emergency stop signals, etc. can also be exchanged.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The underlying problem of the present invention is to make the processing of the can processing system during switching simpler and more reliable, and to provide a corresponding can processing system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The subject matter and solution to the problems of the present invention are a method according to claim 1 and a can processing system according to claim 7.

[0008] Therefore, based on the general method according to the first part of claim 1, it is contemplated that the filling machine and the closing machine are connected to a common user interface comprising a display and an input device, and this user interface is used as an integrated user guide.

[0009] During switching, in particular, it can be contemplated that the type of filling product, for example a beverage, and / or the dimensions of the can, each constituted by the can body and the can lid, are changed. The can is preferably a beverage can.

[0010] Furthermore, during switching, a switch can be made between a filling operation and a cleaning operation. The interruption of the filling operation by the cleaning operation can be carried out, for example, at predetermined intervals in order to achieve hygienic operations and high-quality beverages filled in the cans. Additionally, cleaning can also be carried out when contamination is determined or suspected by automatic or manual monitoring.

[0011] Although the filling machine is equipped with a filling machine control device and the closing machine is equipped with a separate closing machine control device, a common user interface, also called an HMI (Human Machine Interface), is provided for switching the can processing system.

[0012] The use of a common user interface provides several advantages. In fact, additionally, parameter sets, also called recipes for the first and second operating modes, can also be compared.

[0013] It is possible to store different parameter sets (recipes) in both the filling machine control device and the closing machine control device. The user interface with its own computing device communicates with the filling machine control device and the closing machine control device and selects parameter sets that are compatible with each other or adjusted to each other. In this way, wrongly switched recipes within individual machines can be avoided.

[0014] Optionally, the integrated parameter set can also be stored only in the user interface. In that case, when selecting the parameter set for a given operating mode, the relevant information can be passed on, on the one hand, to the filling machine control device and, on the other hand, to the closing machine control device.

[0015] It goes without saying that an appropriate data interface and protocol can be provided for the information exchange between the filling machine control device and the closing machine control device via the user interface.

[0016] For example, if cans with different heights and / or different diameters, and thus different filling volumes, are to be supplied during switching, corresponding adjustments must be made in both the filling machine and the closing machine. In that case, within the scope of the present invention, specific comparisons are also possible via the user interface, and values that are compatible with each other can be proposed or loaded for the necessary adjustments in the filling machine and the closing machine.

[0017] The user interface may include a display for displaying, for example, text instructions, diagrams, animations, instruction videos, selection menus, sliders for input values, etc. Within the scope of the menu guide, if multiple steps are to be performed by the operator, for example, when the operator has completed a predetermined step of switching, confirmation from the operator must be requested.

[0018] During the description of the present invention, the terms "operator" and "user" are used synonymously.

[0019] Within the scope of the present invention, there is a possibility of optimization regarding the order of different setting steps in the filling machine and the closing machine. Basically, it is conceivable that all adjustments are made first in the filling machine and then in the closing machine, or vice versa. However, within the scope of the present invention, it is also possible to execute the steps for both machines so as to obtain the highest level of efficiency and safety.

[0020] Within the scope of the present invention, during switching, in particular, the dimensions of the cans, which are respectively constituted by the filled product and / or the can body and the can lid, are changed. When changing the type of beverage, for example, the viscosity of each beverage, the tendency to foam, the action of carbonic acid, and, if necessary, other aspects must be considered. It may be necessary to adapt the time course, throughput, and other settings of the filling process.

[0021] During switching, different types of adaptations may be contemplated. The adaptation may relate in particular to the operating parameters for the filling machine control device and / or the closing machine control device in order to control and / or evaluate the assigned motor, actuator, sensor, etc.

[0022] Another adaptation may relate to the geometry of the filling machine and / or the closing machine. It may be necessary to adapt mechanical setting devices such as stoppers, adjustment paths, control curves, etc. The corresponding changes can be made automatically by the corresponding drive device or manually by the operator. The change check is possible by sensors, image evaluation and / or confirmation by the operator.

[0023] In particular, during switching, it may also be necessary to replace format parts, for example holders or receivers of different sizes, and / or to adjust adjustable format parts. Such changes or such adjustments are often made manually by the operator, but basically, automatic replacement and / or automatic adjustment by, for example, a robot are also conceivable. Even when replacing parts, at least confirmation by the operator and / or further checks by the above-mentioned means are appropriate.

[0024] If mechanical adjustment by the operator is required when changing the dimensions of the can, animations, step-by-step instructions and explanatory videos can be particularly useful in such adjustments.

[0025] Regarding dimensional changes, of course, different filling sizes of the can are particularly important. However, a dimensional change also occurs when at least one position or dimension of the can body or the can lid is changed. For example, cans with different can shapes or lid shapes are known even if the filling volume is the same.

[0026] In the case of a menu guide, manual confirmation by the operator and / or input of parameters can be contemplated in successive steps. The input device can basically include a keyboard and / or touch input on the display.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as already described above, it is contemplated that at least in part of the setting step, it is monitored or compared by at least one control mechanism in the form of a sensor or a camera connected to the user interface. By means of the sensor, for example, mechanical adjustments can be checked.

[0028] The corresponding control is possible by means of a camera evaluated by image authentication. Finally, the setting step can also be documented by the camera, and the corresponding image material can also be stored. When an error occurs during operation, further evaluation, analysis and optimization regarding the switching are possible.

[0029] At least one of the above-mentioned control mechanisms can be connected to the user interface by wire directly or via a closing control device or a filling control device. However, basically, mobile devices such as tablets, mobile phones that are wirelessly connected to the user interface and equipped with specially adapted software are also conceivable. For example, with the corresponding mobile device, the settings made can be documented with the integrated camera and directly checked during image evaluation.

[0030] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be contemplated that the user interface provides menu guides of different configurations. In order to complete the switching as quickly as possible, it is conceivable that an experienced operator selects a menu guide that is not so detailed.

[0031] On the other hand, very detailed and thus reliable instructions can be provided especially for inexperienced operators. Also, the operator can switch between menu guides of different configurations and / or call up other information for individual setting steps. For example, if there is uncertainty regarding a given setting step, the operator can call up the corresponding animation, step-by-step instructions, etc. as needed.

[0032] Regarding the above measures with menu guides of different configurations, the operator himself / herself can select among different display options.

[0033] According to a development form of the present invention, it is contemplated that the user interface is configured to assign a user to one of a plurality of user groups. The corresponding assignment or identification can be performed, for example, by a password, PIN, transponder, such as an RFID chip, face authentication, etc. In that case, different qualified operators can be assigned to the user group. In that case, for example, it can be contemplated that a less experienced operator always receives detailed instructions and / or cannot make a predetermined setting.

[0034] For switching between a plurality of working steps, menu guides of different configurations are provided depending on the user group.

[0035] In the user interface, the display can also be provided with feedback regarding the input that has already been made. For example, status messages, warning messages and error messages are conceivable. In that case, the status message is used for providing information to the operator, while the warning message can point out possible conflicts. In that case, the error message can be associated with an unacceptable setting that can be removed or corrected by the user.

[0036] Within the scope of the measures described, when the user interface generates a warning message based on input parameters and / or sensor data, it may be possible to continue after confirmation of the warning message only for a part of the user group. In that case, a user with rich experience qualifications can make a setting despite the warning message.

[0037] In this regard, it is also possible to require that other people check the corresponding warning messages. This can basically be provided to ensure the four-eyes principle for critical settings. In the case of an operator in a user group without permissions, the corresponding confirmation can also be performed, for example, basically by the supervisor assigned to the user group with the above qualifications.

[0038] Against such a background, it is particularly advantageous that it is possible to distinguish between simple tasks and tasks requiring qualifications, so that in particular, qualified operators can concentrate on particularly important and / or critical settings with the corresponding support.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible that different users are qualified for different setting steps. For example, the first user group only has the permission to set on the filling machine, the second user group only has the permission to set on the closing machine, but it is conceivable that the third user group can perform all settings within the switching range as required. If only the people in the first and second user groups are available for switching, the switching must be performed together by people from both user groups. For practical reasons, it may also be expedient to adapt the sequence of individual work steps, additionally or alternatively to the menu guide conforming to the qualifications, depending on the available users.

[0040] According to the present invention, the filling machine is equipped with its own filling machine control device, and the closing machine is equipped with its own closing machine control device, and these control devices can be adjusted and optimized for the corresponding system components and processes, respectively. By means of both machine control devices, for example, motors and actuators can be controlled, sensors, encoders, etc. can be read, and error checking can be executed. In particular, systems with proven performance adapted by different manufacturers can also be used, and based on this, only the information exchange of the selected data with an independent user interface can be carried out.

[0041] The user interface has a computing device, which can also be called a microprocessor or a CPU. It is easily possible to output information regarding the filling machine and the closing machine not only when switching between operating modes, but also during the progress of operation in a given operating mode, it is also possible to display information regarding the filling machine and the closing machine on the display. Operating buttons, setting menus, sliders, etc. can also be displayed on the display as an integrated device during operation.

[0042] The subject of the present invention also relates to a can processing system having a filling machine provided with a filling control device for filling a supplied can body, and a closing machine arranged downstream of the filling machine and provided with a closing control device for closing the filled can body with a can lid. According to the present invention, it is contemplated that the filling machine and the closing machine are connected to a common user interface including a display and an input device as a user guide, and that the can processing system is configured to execute the above method.

[0043] The filling machine preferably includes a filling carousel for guiding and holding the can body during filling.

[0044] The closing machine is preferably arranged in a mechanical housing separate from the filling machine, and a conveyor device is provided for transferring the can body from the filling machine to the closing machine.

[0045] Within the scope of the present invention, it may be contemplated that the display is the only image forming display device assigned to the filling machine and the closing machine.

[0046] The present invention will be described below by way of examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0047]

Figure 1

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0048] The can processing system has a filling machine 1 and a closing machine 2. The filling machine 1 is of a normal type and has a filling carousel 3 and a filling machine control device 4.

[0049] The closing machine 2 is arranged downstream of the filling machine 1 and has a closing machine control device 5. The filling machine control device 4 and the closing machine control device 5 are configured to control the filling machine 1 or the closing machine 2 quite independently. However, it is common for information such as a clock signal, an error signal, and an emergency stop command to be exchanged via the communication connection means 6.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication connection means 6 is shown as a direct wired connection, but of course a wireless form is also conceivable.

[0051] When switching the entire can processing system from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, different settings can be made for the filling machine 1 and the closing machine 2. In addition to inputting appropriate operation parameters, mechanical modification measures and settings are often required.

[0052] Within the scope of the present invention, it is contemplated to change the type of beverage and / or the dimensions of the beverage can 9 constituted by the can body 7 and the can lid 8 respectively when switching. For switching, it is contemplated to output a user command and receive a user input.

[0053] According to the present invention, it is contemplated to connect the filling machine 1 and the closing machine 2 to a common user interface 11 provided with a display 10.

[0054] The user interface 11 is configured to assist and guide the switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode in a plurality of steps. By connecting to the common user interface 11, consistent and emphasized default parameters, limit values, setting procedures, etc. can be maintained for a predetermined operation mode.

[0055] Particularly preferably, it is contemplated that a plurality of work steps are executed by a menu guide during switching and the sequence of work steps can be optimized overall. The individual work steps can be carried out simultaneously or in cooperation in the filling machine 1 and the closing machine 2.

[0056] Within the scope of the present invention, it is possible for the menu guide to be provided in different configurations, for example with different levels of information depth. The user interface 11 can also be configured to assign a user to one of a plurality of user groups. Such identification can be done, for example, by a password, PIN, transponder, in particular an RFID transponder, face recognition, or by a mobile device 12 exemplarily assigned to a particular user. The mobile device 12 can be, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet, etc.

[0057] Depending on the assigned user group, different menu guides can be provided to the user and / or different authorities can be assigned.

[0058] For example, the user interface can generate status messages, warning messages, error messages, etc. based on input parameters and / or sensor data. Sensors not explicitly shown can be permanently connected, for example, to the filling machine controller 5 or the closing machine controller 6, and at least the corresponding connection lines are shown.

[0059] The status message should only provide information to the user, while the error message can be provided when a specific correction such as another setting or input correction is absolutely necessary.

[0060] Warning messages can be issued, for example, when certain values, adjustments or other conditions may be fundamentally critical. In that case, it may also be contemplated that corresponding warning messages enable the continuation of switching only for a part of the user group, after confirmation of the warning message. For example, a qualified machine operator can properly classify, analyze and overview warning messages so as to be able to continue the setting after corresponding confirmation. In the case of an inexperienced or novice person, another setting or at least the start of operation can be blocked, in which case the release must be performed by a person from another user group. The corresponding release can also be performed remotely via a computer network as necessary.

[0061] Within the possible range of variations, it is of course also possible to require a given setting to be confirmed by two persons regardless of the assigned user group, in order to ensure the principle of four eyes.

[0062] Within the scope of the present invention, all steps can also be documented in detail.

[0063] Checking and documenting the settings is also possible, for example, by means of the camera 13. In order to assist with the switching, the dimensions, settings, behavior during movement, etc. of the can body 7 being transported can also be analyzed by means of image authentication.

[0064] Basically, it is also possible to record the manually performed setting steps with the camera 13, and then, if necessary, perform a detailed analysis and optimization of the workflow. If there is a corresponding image recording function and / or video recording function, the mobile device 12 can also be used additionally or selectively for the camera 13 shown in the figure, as necessary for the above purposes.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0065] 1 Filling machine 2 Closing machine 3 Filling carousel 4 Filling machine control device 5 Locking control device 6 Communication connection means 7 Can body 8 Can lid 9 Beverage can 10 Display 11 User interface 12 Mobile device 13 Camera

Claims

1. A method for switching a can processing system having a filling machine (1) with a filling control device (4) for filling a supplied can body (7) with a liquid filling product and a closing machine (2) arranged downstream of the filling machine (1) and having a closing control device (5) for closing each filled can body (7) with one can lid (8) from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, the switching being assisted by a user guide that outputs a user command and receives a user input, characterized in that the filling machine (1) and the closing machine (2) are connected to a common user interface (11) having a display (10) and an input device, and this user interface is used as an integrated user guide.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at the time of switching, the dimensions of the cans (9) each constituted by the filling product and / or the can body (7) and the can lid (8) are changed, and / or the switching is performed between a filling operation and a cleaning operation.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the user interface (11) assigns a user to one of a plurality of user groups.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the user interface (11) provides a menu guide for switching in a plurality of work steps, and menu guides with different configurations are provided depending on the user group.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the user interface (11) generates a warning message based on input parameters and / or sensor data, and the switching can be continued only for some of the user groups after confirmation of the warning message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each individual setting step of the switching is monitored by at least one control mechanism in the form of a sensor or a camera (13) connected to the user interface (11).

7. A can processing system having a filling machine (1) equipped with a filling control device (4) for filling a supplied can body (7) with a liquid filling product, a closing machine (2) arranged downstream of the filling machine (1) and equipped with a closing control device (5) for closing the filled can body (7) with a can lid (8), and a user guide for outputting user commands and receiving user inputs, wherein the can processing system is operable in at least a first operation mode and a second operation mode. The user guide is a common user interface (11) including a display (10) and an input device, and the filling machine (1) and the closing machine are connected to this user interface, and the can processing system is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A can processing system characterized by that.

8. The can processing system according to claim 7, characterized in that the filling machine (1) includes a filling carousel (3).

9. The closing machine (2) is arranged in a mechanical housing separate from the filling machine (1), and a conveyor device is provided for delivering the filled can body (7) from the filling machine (1) to the closing machine (2). The can processing system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that.

10. The can processing system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the display (10) is the only image forming display device assigned to the filling machine (1) and the closing machine (2).

11. The can processing system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the input device includes a keyboard and / or a touch input on the display (10).

Images