Food processing machine to be set by means of a mobile operating unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a food processing machine (1), in particular in the form of a cutting machine (27), in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine (2), in the form of a tray closing machine (20), in the form of a dough processing machine, in the form of a tubular-bag machine, or in the form of a delta robot (31), wherein the food processing machine (1) can be functionally connected to a mobile operating unit (17) which has a configuration program (18) for setting operating parameters of the food processing machine (1), and the food processing machine (1) has at least one stationary operating unit (13) having a reduced functional scope compared to the mobile operating unit (17) at least with respect to the configuration program (18) thereof for controlling an operative operation of the food processing machine (1).

Description

[0001] Food processing machine adjustable via a mobile control unit

[0002] The present invention relates to a food processing machine according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mobile control unit according to claim 9 and to a method according to independent method claim 15.

[0003] EP1754662B1 discloses a packaging machine with an operating unit that can be used as a wireless, mobile remote control for operating the packaging machine. The functional connection of the mobile operating unit for remote control of the packaging machine is achieved, for example, via a WLAN or Bluetooth connection.

[0004] DE102012004341A1 discloses a food packaging line in which only a single operating unit is available for all machines operating in the food packaging line, which can be configured, in particular, as a mobile operating unit. All machines in the food packaging line can be operated and / or programmed using this operating unit. In particular, the food packaging line can be controlled, i.e., started and stopped. Furthermore, the status of the respective machines can be queried using the mobile operating unit, and corrections can also be made to the respective machine if necessary.

[0005] On food processing machines, especially multi-station packaging machines, but above all on production lines where several machines work together, the complexity of the functions accessible to the operator is constantly increasing. Traditionally, control units are used that are fully capable of handling every function of the machine(s). This results in the control units provided for the machines or production lines being difficult for an operator to use, because they are designed for the entire range of functions of all machine or production line functions.

[0006] For an operator not trained in expert knowledge, who is responsible for routine, operational machine or line operation, the use of such highly complex control units, whether stationary or mobile, can be overwhelming because they may no longer be familiar with the multitude of functions available. This leads to uncertainty for the operator, which in turn results in longer downtimes and can even lead to incorrect machine settings, resulting in a higher scrap rate.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a food processing machine, an operating unit for it, and a method that enables simplified, safer, and more economical operation. This object is achieved by means of a food processing machine according to claim 1 and by means of an operating unit according to independent claim 9. Furthermore, the object is achieved by means of a method according to independent method claim 15.

[0008] Advantageous further developments of the invention are given by the respective subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention relates to a food processing machine, in particular in the form of a cutting machine, a thermoforming packaging machine, a tray sealing machine, a dough processing machine, a flow-wrapping machine, or a delta robot, wherein the food processing machine is functionally connectable to a mobile control unit that has a configuration program for setting operating parameters of the food processing machine. The invention provides that the food processing machine has at least one stationary control unit with a reduced range of functions compared to the mobile control unit, at least with regard to the configuration program, for controlling the operational operation of the food processing machine.

[0010] This means that configuring the food processing machine, i.e., setting operating parameters on the food processing machine, which is typically performed by specially trained personnel, is possible using the mobile control unit, but not using the stationary control unit. This means that the stationary control unit, which is permanently installed on the food processing machine according to the invention under normal circumstances, cannot be used to set operating parameters of the food processing machine, as it has a reduced range of functions compared to the mobile control unit, at least with regard to the configuration program of the mobile control unit. Functions relating to setting operating parameters, i.e., parameterizing the control of the food processing machine, are therefore no longer possible with the stationary control unit.Such a functionally simplified, stationary control unit on the food processing machine significantly simplifies operations for the operator present at the machine during operation, enabling them to control the basic machine functions. This also automatically reduces the risk of incorrect machine settings, resulting in less downtime and reduced waste. The setting functions, which are handled by a mobile control unit, are available to the setup technician, who is trained in the specialized setup and configuration of the machine.

[0011] Accordingly, various operating units are provided for the food processing machine according to the invention, of which the operating unit provided as a stationary operating unit on the food processing machine can be used to control basic machine functions relating to the operational operation of the machine, and the other operating unit, configured as a mobile operating unit, can be functionally connected to the food processing machine in order to set operating parameters, i.e., is deliberately intended for trained setting personnel to configure the food processing machine before its actual operational operation.

[0012] This significantly reduces the need for qualification measures for operational staff, as they do not have or require access to the complex configuration options, which are only made available to trained personnel via the mobile control unit.

[0013] A significant advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the configuration program can also be used away from the food processing machine, particularly in quiet environments. This allows operating parameter settings to be pre-prepared and temporarily stored remotely, enabling them to be transferred to the machine control system as a prepared data package within a short time by connecting the mobile control unit to the food processing machine. This reduces the setup time at the machine in the production area, thereby further minimizing incorrect settings. Furthermore, it minimizes the time that multiple people spend in the production area, which offers significant safety benefits.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the food processing machine, in particular the stationary control unit integrated therein, has at least one machine dock for the mobile control unit. Operating parameters set, and in particular temporarily stored, by means of the configuration program, and / or machine software updates downloaded, and in particular temporarily stored, by means of the mobile control unit, can be transferred to the food processing machine via this dock. Such a machine dock forms an interface on the food processing machine configured for physical docking, through which the mobile control unit gains access to the food processing machine in order to make settings.For operational machine control, the mobile control unit remains purely optional, as this can already be carried out using only the stationary control unit. The machine dock, in particular, is a device that establishes a connection between the portable, mobile control unit and the machine's control system via data lines.

[0015] The machine dock can be located at various points on the food processing machine. For example, it could be a separate docking station attached to the machine frame of the food processing machine, separate from the stationary control unit, or it could be connected to the food processing machine as a separate docking station. When used in such a docking station, the mobile control unit can, in addition to its primary setting functions, also be used for the control functions available via the separate stationary control unit on the machine.

[0016] One option involves designing the machine dock itself as a mobile unit. In this configuration, both the machine dock and the mobile control unit are essentially portable electronic devices. Together, the machine dock and the mobile control unit form a retrofit kit that can be connected to the food processing machine as a configuration portal. It could even be connected to other food processing machines, particularly different machine types, for configuration purposes. This reduces manufacturing costs because a food processing machine compatible with the retrofit kit only needs a suitable data interface.

[0017] Preferably, a physical, and in particular a form-fitting, connection between the mobile control unit and the machine dock of the food processing machine is required as a minimum requirement for the transfer of operating parameters and / or machine software updates. This ensures that the configuration and / or updating of the machine software can only be carried out using the mobile control unit when it is in close proximity to the food processing machine, and in particular when it is connected to it at a predetermined point.

[0018] In principle, it would be conceivable that without the physical connection established between the mobile control unit and the machine dock, no operating parameters on the machine could be set or changed; in other words, the physical connection is a minimum requirement to be able to set any operating parameters at all.

[0019] It is conceivable that the operating parameters and / or the machine software updates downloaded via the mobile control unit can be transmitted wirelessly or via cable. Wireless transmission particularly promotes hygienic operation because it requires fewer steps to functionally connect the mobile control unit to the food processing machine. A wired transmission, thanks to its higher transmission rate, may facilitate faster configuration of the food processing machine and / or updates of its software. In particular, the machine dock is, or can be, connected to the food processing machine's control system. It can control and configure one or more machines via control protocols (e.g., ADS, OPC-LIA, etc.).

[0020] Preferably, the physical connection constitutes a component of two-factor or three-factor authentication. A further component could, for example, require a user login on the mobile control unit. This restricts the circle of those authorized for complex setting functions on the food processing machine to trained personnel. Authentication of the control unit at the machine dock can additionally be performed using NFC or beacon technology.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the machine software of the food processing machine and the application software, particularly for the configuration program, of the mobile control unit can be updated independently of each other. Specifically, the application software installed on the mobile control unit relating to the configuration program can be updated at any time, that is, both when the mobile control unit is physically connected to the food processing machine and when it is not physically connected to the food processing machine, i.e., when it is located elsewhere. Thus, the mobile control unit can be optimally updated to the latest version before being used with the machine.

[0022] In contrast, the machine software installed on the food processing machine can preferably only be updated if the food processing machine is physically connected to the mobile control unit. This means that updating the machine software requires a physical connection between the food processing machine and the mobile control unit; in other words, it can only be done via the mobile control unit. In this variant, the stationary control unit has a reduced range of functions compared to the mobile control unit, at least with regard to the function of updating the machine software.

[0023] In particular, the stationary control unit has at least one control element for starting the food processing machine into standby mode, at least one control element for starting the food processing machine, at least one control element for stopping the food processing machine, and / or at least one control element for changing a recipe. For these basic machine functions, which control the operational operation of the food processing machine, a few physical controls on the stationary control unit may suffice, for example, mechanical pushbuttons. In particular, the stationary control unit does not require a display or has only a significantly simplified, smaller display compared to the mobile control unit. In contrast, the mobile control unit may have a touchscreen and do not require any physical controls, especially pushbuttons.

[0024] Preferably, the mobile control unit can be connected to a cloud for receiving updates and / or downloading application software. Application software, particularly that provided by the cloud and at least co-developed by the machine manufacturer, especially for the machine configuration program, can then be easily downloaded by the customer to their mobile control unit. This allows for seamless updates to the functionality of the mobile control unit used by the customer in practice.

[0025] The invention further relates to a mobile control unit with a configuration program for setting operating parameters of at least one food processing machine according to the invention. This mobile control unit can therefore be functionally connected to the food processing machine according to the invention in order to set operating parameters, which is not possible using the stationary control unit of the food processing machine according to the invention. Configuring, i.e., parameterizing, the food processing machine is therefore only possible using the mobile control unit.The operational control of the food processing machine, i.e., basic machine functions such as switching the machine on and off and / or changing recipes, is primarily enabled by the stationary control unit, and is made available to the machine operator simply by pressing a button. More complex setting functions, i.e., adjusting operating parameters, however, remain unavailable to the stationary control unit, as these functions can only be performed using the mobile control unit.

[0026] Preferably, the mobile control unit is supplied as a retrofit kit together with a machine dock and / or a line dock. The machine dock or line dock can be designed as a portable docking station that can be connected to the food processing machine via a designated port in order to be connected to the data lines of the food processing machine, in particular to a control system integrated within it.

[0027] The mobile control unit can be used as a configurator for setting operating parameters of the food processing machine, particularly when it is inserted into the machine dock, especially when it is positively locked into place. This physical connection creates a minimum requirement for the mobile control unit to be used to set operating parameters on the food processing machine. The configuration program of the mobile control unit is particularly suitable for configuring multiple food processing machines according to the invention, especially for configuring different machine types, and more preferably for configuring food processing machines used within different production lines.This allows a shared configuration portal for multiple machines, especially multiple production lines, to be created using the mobile control unit, in order to set operating parameters.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to a production line with several food processing machines according to the invention and with a mobile control unit according to the invention. A significant advantage of such a production line is that only one mobile control unit according to the invention is necessary to configure the food processing machines integrated therein and to bring these machines into a configured and operational state. The operational control of the food processing machines, i.e., their basic operating functions that do not involve setting or configuring the machine, can be carried out using the respective stationary control units provided on the food processing machines.

[0029] It would be advantageous for the operating personnel if the mobile control unit displayed machine-specific information on a home screen, depending on which food processing machine it is physically connected to. For example, if the mobile control unit is connected to the machine dock of a thermoforming packaging machine, or via this connection to a thermoforming packaging machine, the relevant information for the thermoforming packaging machine as a line participant would be displayed automatically and directly. From such a home screen, it would be possible to quickly access the configuration program of the thermoforming packaging machine to view current operating parameter settings and / or adjust them using the mobile control unit.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the operating unit, regardless of which food processing machine it is physically connected to, is configured as a line controller for setting the operating parameters of at least one food processing machine used in the production line. Therefore, the physical location of the mobile operating unit along the production line is irrelevant for configuring this food processing machine. In particular, the mobile operating unit, regardless of which food processing machine it is physically connected to, is configured as a line controller for setting the operating parameters of all food processing machines used in the production line.This simplifies the setup process of the production line, because it does not require the mobile control unit to be located at the food processing machine to be set up.

[0031] Preferably, the production line for the mobile control unit has at least one line dock provided separately from the machine docks, to which the mobile control unit can be connected for the exclusive display of information relating to the production line and / or for the exclusive adjustment of settings relating to the production line. When the mobile control unit is physically connected to such a line dock, in particular when positively inserted into it, only information relating to the production line is displayed, for example, the number of packages that can be produced based on the current machine settings and / or the available packaging material, and not information relating to the individual food processing machines as such.

[0032] In particular, when physically connected to a line dock, production line-related settings can be executed using the mobile control unit, for example, setting target values ​​for control loops across production lines. The operator thus knows where to dock the mobile control unit, either directly at the machine dock or at the line dock, in order to retrieve machine-specific or line-specific information and / or to make machine-specific or line-specific adjustments.

[0033] It would be conceivable that cloud-based statistics, respective machine statuses and / or information regarding material consumption could be accessed via the mobile control unit even if it is not physically connected to the production line, i.e., even in a location remote from the production line.

[0034] The machine or line dock is connected to the control system of a machine and / or a network of line participants. It can control and configure one or more machines or lines via control protocols (e.g., ADS, OPC UA, etc.).

[0035] It is conceivable that a production arrangement with several production lines and a mobile control unit according to the invention exists, which is configured for setting operating parameters on the respective food processing machines used in the production lines. This would allow the mobile control unit according to the invention to be used for setting operating parameters on different production lines, i.e., as a control unit used jointly by these lines for configuration work on the respective line participants.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for setting operating parameters of a food processing machine according to the invention, in particular for setting operating parameters on several food processing machines according to the invention, and more preferably for setting operating parameters on several food processing machines according to the invention used in different production lines of a production arrangement by means of a mobile operating unit according to the invention.

[0036] According to the inventive method, a mobile control unit with a configuration program for setting operating parameters is used on a food processing machine, on which setting operating parameters using the stationary control unit provided on it is not possible because it has a reduced range of functions compared to the mobile control unit, at least with regard to the configuration program.

[0037] By separating the human-machine interface for different users according to the invention—namely, the stationary operating unit for the operator, simplified according to the invention, on the food processing machine, and the mobile operating unit for the machine operator, which can be used for configuration purposes—it is possible to provide each of these users with precisely what they need in the form of these operating units to perform their work as flawlessly as possible. The operator particularly benefits from this because they can no longer get lost in a configuration program for which they are not sufficiently qualified.The machine operator particularly benefits from being able to carry the mobile control unit with him, for example to prepare the machine configuration away from production in a quiet environment using the mobile control unit, so that this can then be easily transferred to the control of the food processing machine when he has physically connected the mobile control unit to the machine dock.

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a food processing machine in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a food processing machine in the form of a tray sealing machine.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a food processing machine in the form of a cutting machine, Figure 4 shows a production line in schematic representation,

[0042] Figure 5 shows another production line in schematic representation, and

[0043] Figure 6 shows a mobile control unit that can be optionally plugged into a machine dock or a line dock. Technical features are consistently identified by the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a food processing machine 1 configured as an intermittently operating thermoforming packaging machine 2. This thermoforming packaging machine 2 has a forming station 3, a sealing station 4, a cross-cutting unit 5, and a longitudinal cutting unit 6, arranged in this order in a production direction R on a machine frame 7. At the inlet side of the machine frame 7 is a feed roller from which a film web 8 is unwound as the bottom film. Furthermore, the thermoforming packaging machine 2 has a transport chain 9 that grips the film web 8 and transports it along the production direction R for each main work cycle.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the forming station 3 is designed as a thermoforming station in which cavities M are formed into the film web 8 by thermoforming, for example, using compressed air and / or vacuum. The forming station 3 can be configured such that several cavities M are formed side by side in the direction perpendicular to the production direction R. Downstream of the forming station 3 in the production direction R, a filling section or insertion area 10 is provided in which the cavities M formed in the film web 8 are filled with products. The filling of the cavities M can be carried out manually by an operator.

[0046] The sealing station 4 has a hermetically sealable chamber 4a in which the atmosphere in the recesses M can be evacuated and / or replaced by gas purging with an exchange gas or with a gas mixture before sealing with a film web 12 dispensed from an upper film receptacle 11.

[0047] The cross-cutting device 5 can be designed as a punch that cuts the sealed film webs 8, 12 in a direction transverse to the production direction R between adjacent troughs M. The cross-cutting device 5 operates in such a way that the film web 8 is not cut across its entire width, but at least in one edge area remains intact. This allows for controlled onward transport through the conveyor chain 9.

[0048] The longitudinal cutting device 6 can be designed as a knife device with which the sealed film webs 8, 12 are cut between adjacent recesses M and at the lateral edge of the film web 8 formed as the under film in the production direction R, so that individual packages V are present behind the longitudinal cutting device 6.

[0049] The thermoforming packaging machine 2 also has a stationary control unit 13. The stationary control unit 13 includes a controller 14, which is responsible for controlling and monitoring the processes taking place in the thermoforming packaging machine 2. Furthermore, the stationary control unit 13 has physical operating elements 15, in the form of buttons, for controlling basic machine functions, such as switching the thermoforming packaging machine 2 on and off. Using the operating elements 15 of the stationary control unit 13, an operator can also, in particular, change a recipe in order to switch between different packaging formats on the thermoforming packaging machine 2.

[0050] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that a machine dock 16 is formed directly on the stationary control unit 13, or that the stationary control unit 13 is equipped with a machine dock 16. However, the machine dock 16 could also be located at another point along the thermoforming packaging machine 2, for example, in area A of the forming station 3 and / or in area B of the sealing station 4, i.e., separately from the stationary control unit 13. The machine dock 16 is connected to the control unit 14 of the thermoforming packaging machine 2. A mobile control unit 17 can be attached to the machine dock 16 shown in Figure 1 to functionally expand or extend the stationary control unit 13.

[0051] The mobile control unit 17 is equipped with a configuration program 18 that can be used to set operating parameters of the thermoforming packaging machine 2. In contrast, the stationary control unit 13 does not have a comparable configuration program 18 as provided by the mobile control unit 17. This means that the stationary control unit 13, mounted on the thermoforming packaging machine 2, has a reduced range of functions for controlling the thermoforming packaging machine 2 compared to the mobile control unit 17, at least with regard to its configuration program 18.

[0052] For example, operating parameters for a recipe for one or more packaging formats can be set via the configuration program 18 of the mobile control unit 17. A recipe set in the control unit 14 using the mobile control unit 17 can be retrieved by the stationary control unit 13 even if the mobile control unit 17 is no longer connected to the stationary control unit 13, in order to operate the thermoforming packaging machine 2 accordingly. The mobile control unit 17 is therefore intended as a tool for the setup personnel to configure the thermoforming packaging machine 2, while the stationary control unit 13, due to its limited functionality, is useful to the operator for performing basic tasks on the thermoforming packaging machine 2 more easily.

[0053] On the thermoforming packaging machine 2 shown in Figure 1, operating parameters can only be set if a physical connection 19 exists between the mobile control unit 17 and the machine dock 16. This connection can be established, for example, by plugging the mobile control unit 17 into the machine dock 16. The machine dock 16 can, in particular, provide a positive-locking receptacle for inserting the mobile control unit 17 and for establishing the physical connection 19.

[0054] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a food processing machine T configured as a tray sealing machine 20, also known as a tray sealer. This tray sealing machine 20 includes a feed conveyor 21 for tray parts T. A gripper 22 picks up the tray parts T from the feed conveyor 21 and feeds them to a sealing station 23 downstream in the production direction R, where the tray parts T are sealed with a top film 25 using a sealing tool 24. The sealed tray parts T are then picked up by the gripper 22 and transferred to a discharge conveyor 26.

[0055] The tray sealing machine 20 has a stationary control unit 13' with physical controls 15' for controlling basic machine functions of the tray sealing machine 20. The stationary control unit 13' has a machine dock 16' for a mobile control unit 17'. The mobile control unit 17' includes a configuration program 18' by means of which operating parameters on the tray sealing machine 20 can be set, in particular a control 14' of the stationary control unit 13' can be parameterized with operating parameters. The stationary control unit 13', on the other hand, does not have a comparable configuration program 18' as provided by the mobile control unit 17'.This means that the stationary operating unit 13' formed on the tray closing machine 20 is equipped with a reduced range of functions for controlling the tray closing machine 20 compared to the mobile operating unit 17' which can be attached to it, at least with regard to its configuration program 18'.

[0056] To enable the tray sealing machine 20 to be configured using the mobile control unit 17', the mobile control unit 17' is physically connected to the machine dock 16', for example, by a form-fit connection. If the mobile control unit 17' is removed from the machine dock 16', i.e., physically decoupled from it, configuration of the tray sealing machine 20 is no longer possible; instead, control of the tray sealing machine 20 is limited to the basic functions using the stationary control unit 13'.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a food processing machine 1” in the form of a slicing machine 27. The slicing machine 27 is configured for slicing a food product. The slicing machine 27 has a stationary control unit 13” with physical controls 15”. The stationary 13” includes a control unit 14” for operating the slicing machine 27. Basic machine functions can be controlled using the physical controls 15”. Figure 3 also shows that the stationary control unit 13” forms a machine dock 16” for a mobile control unit 17”. When physically coupled to the machine dock 16”, operating parameters of the slicing machine 27 can be set using the mobile control unit 17”. The mobile control unit 17” has a configuration program 18” for setting the operating parameters.However, the stationary control unit 13" has a reduced range of functions compared to the mobile control unit 17", at least with regard to its configuration program 18", which only allows for the operational control of the cutting machine 27. This means that while the stationary control unit 13" is suitable for simple, basic operating functions of the cutting machine 27, such as switching it on and off, it cannot be used to set operating parameters.

[0058] Figure 4 shows a production line 30. The production line 30 comprises a cutting machine 27, a tray sealing machine 20, and a delta robot 31, arranged in this order in the production direction R. Each of these machines has a stationary control unit 13', 13", 13'" with a machine dock 16', 16", 16'", to which a mobile control unit 17', 17", 17'" can optionally be attached to set operating parameters on the respective machines. For this purpose, only one control unit is necessary, which can be attached to the respective machines interchangeably, i.e., it can be used jointly by them to set operating parameters.

[0059] Furthermore, production line 30 has a first line dock 32, which is located between the cutting machine 27 and the tray closing machine 20, and a second line dock 33, which is located between the tray closing machine 20 and the delta robot 31.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the mobile control unit 17" is installed at the machine dock 16" of the cutting machine 27, i.e., physically connected to it in such a way that the operating parameters of the cutting machine 27 can be set using the configuration program 18" of the mobile control unit 17". After setting the operating parameters on the cutting machine 27, it is put into an operational mode, so that the mobile control unit 17" can then be connected to the machine dock 16' of the tray sealing machine 20 and subsequently to the machine dock 16'" of the delta robot 31 in order to set the operating parameters on these machines as well. In this way, the production line 30 can be brought into an operational mode by the stepwise installation of the mobile control unit 17" at the respective machine docks 16', 16", 161".

[0061] Figure 4 shows that the mobile control unit 17" can be used on all machines arranged in the production line 30 to configure them, i.e., to set operating parameters. In particular, the mobile control unit 17" from Figure 4 is configured to display machine-specific information on a start screen 35 of the mobile control unit 17" depending on which of the food processing machines 1 in the production line 30 it is physically connected to. For example, by physically coupling the mobile control unit 17" to the machine dock 16" of the cutting machine 27, functions of the configuration program 18" are automatically displayed on the start screen 35 of the mobile control unit 17" in order to set specific operating parameters of the cutting machine 27.When the mobile control unit 17" is switched to the machine dock 16, 16'" of a different machine, the start screen 35 of the mobile control unit 17" adapts accordingly to these machines. For example, if the mobile control unit 17" is mounted on the machine dock 16' of the tray capping machine 20, then the updated start screen 35 of the mobile control unit 17" displays functions of the configuration program 18' for setting specific operating parameters of the tray capping machine 20.

[0062] The mobile control unit 17" shown in Figure 4 can optionally be physically connected to the line docks 32, 33, in particular by being physically and positively locked into them. The line docks 32, 33, which are separately configured along the production line 30 in relation to the machine docks 16', 16", 16'" shown in Figure 4, allow information relating exclusively to the production line to be displayed by means of the mobile control unit 17" docked to them. In particular, the mobile control unit 17" can be used as the line control system for the production line 30 when physically connected to one of the line docks 32, 33, in order to better coordinate the operation of the machines arranged in the production line 30. It is conceivable that, when attached to one of the line docks 32, 33, the mobile control unit 17" could be able to set operating parameters in transfer areas between the respective machines.

[0063] Figure 5 shows a production line 30' with a cutting machine 27, a thermoforming packaging machine 2, and a delta robot 31, arranged in this order in the production direction R. Within the production line 30', the mobile control unit 17 can also be physically connected to all machine docks 16, 16", 16'" provided on the respective machines and, in particular, to the separately designed line docks 32', 33' in order to set operating parameters on the respective machines, obtain information relating to the production line, and / or coordinate the operation of the production line 30'.

[0064] The production lines 30, 30' shown in Figures 5 and 6 can together form a production arrangement P, in which the production lines 30, 30' are used in parallel. Within the production arrangement P, only one mobile control unit 17" shared by all machines is sufficient to set operating parameters.

[0065] Figure 6 schematically shows that the mobile control unit 17 can be physically connected to both a machine dock 16 and a line dock 32, 33. Through the physical connection 19 to the machine dock 16, the mobile control unit 17 can be used to configure the control system 14 of the food processing machine 1, to which the machine dock 16 is attached. When docked to the machine dock 16, the mobile control unit 17 can display a start screen 35 with the configuration program 18 for setting up the food processing machine 1. When the mobile control unit 17 is moved to the line dock 32, 33, the start screen 35 changes so that, when docked to the line dock 32, 33, it is now configured to exclusively display information relating to the production lines 30, 30'.The operating parameters of the food processing machines 1 used therein can then no longer be adjusted.

Claims

Claims 1. Food processing machine (1), in particular in the form of a cutting machine (27), in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine (2), in the form of a tray sealing machine (20), in the form of a dough processing machine, in the form of a tubular bag machine or in the form of a delta robot (31), wherein the food processing machine (1) is functionally connectable to a mobile operating unit (17) which has a configuration program (18) for setting operating parameters of the food processing machine (1), characterized in that the food processing machine (1) has at least one stationary operating unit (13) with a reduced range of functions for controlling the operational operation of the food processing machine (1) compared to the mobile operating unit (17), at least with regard to its configuration program (18).

2. Food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the food processing machine (1), in particular the stationary operating unit (13) formed therein, has at least one machine dock (16) for the mobile operating unit (17), via which operating parameters set by means of the configuration program (18), in particular those temporarily stored therein, and / or a machine software update downloaded by means of the mobile operating unit (17), in particular those temporarily stored thereon, can be transferred to the food processing machine.

3. Food processing machine according to one of claims 2, characterized in that, as a minimum requirement for the transmission of the operating parameters and / or the machine software update, a physical, in particular a physically form-fitting, connection (19) between the mobile operating unit (17) and the machine dock (16) of the food processing machine (1) is present.

4. Food processing machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the operating parameters and / or the machine software update downloaded by means of the mobile operating unit (17) can be transmitted wirelessly or via cable.

5. Food processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the physical connection (19) represents a component of a two-factor authentication or a three-factor authentication.

6. Food processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that machine software of the food processing machine (1) and application software of the mobile operating unit (17) can be updated independently of each other.

7. Food processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stationary control unit (13) has at least one control element (15) for starting the food processing machine (1) into a standby mode, at least one control element (15) for starting the food processing machine (1), at least one control element (15) for stopping the food processing machine (1) and / or at least one control element (15) for performing a recipe change.

8. Food processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile operating unit (17) can be connected to a cloud for receiving updates and / or downloading application software.

9. Mobile control unit (17) with a configuration program (18) for setting operating parameters of at least one food processing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Production line (30) comprising several food processing machines (1) according to one of the preceding claims and comprising a mobile control unit (17) according to claim 9.

11. Production line according to claim 10, characterized in that the mobile control unit (17) displays machine-specific information on a start screen (35) depending on which food processing machine (1) it is physically connected to.

12. Production line according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the mobile control unit (17) is configured as a line control for setting operating parameters of at least one food processing machine (1) used in the production line (30), regardless of which of the food processing machines (1) it is physically connected to.

13. Production line according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the production line (30) for the mobile control unit (17) includes at least one The line dock (32, 33) is provided separately from the machine docks (16) and can be connected to the mobile control unit (17) for the exclusive display of information relating to the production line (30, 30').

14. Production arrangement (P) with several production lines (30, 30') according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 13 and with at least one mobile control unit (17) according to claim 9 for setting operating parameters on food processing machines (1) of the production lines (30, 30').

15. Method for setting operating parameters on at least one food processing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, in particular for setting operating parameters on several food processing machines (1) of a production line (30) according to claims 10 to 13, further preferably for setting operating parameters on several food processing machines (1) used in different production lines (30, 30') of a production arrangement (P) according to claim 14 by means of a mobile operating unit (17) according to claim 9.

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