The invention relates to a method for monitoring media consumers (2) in a filling line, comprising at least one container handling machine, wherein the method involves a monitoring of a media consumer (2) of a container handling machine depending on at least two different operating states (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20, 21, 22) of the container handling machine, and a determining of threshold values of the media consumption (2) for the at least two different operating states (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20, 21, 22). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.
The invention relates to a container cleaning machine (100) for cleaning containers (130), such as bottles, having a transport device (102) for transporting containers and a dispensing device (111, 112, 113) for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto a container (130) transported in the transport device (102), wherein the dispensing device (111, 112, 113) is designed to dispense the cleaning fluid with a time-varying characteristic during a dispensing phase.
B08B 9/30 - Cleaning of containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans, are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray or jet application, with or without soaking and having conveyors
B08B 3/02 - Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
3.
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SHAPING PLASTIC PREFORMS IN ORDER TO FORM PLASTIC CONTAINERS USING A MACHINE CONTROLLER
The invention relates to a method for shaping plastic preforms (10) in order to form plastic containers (15). A transport device transports the plastic preforms (10) along a specified transport path, and the transport device has a preferably rotatable transport support (22), on which a plurality of shaping stations (4) are arranged, each shaping station having a respective blow molding device within which the plastic preforms are shaped by supplying a flowable medium to the plastic containers. The plastic preforms are supplied with at least three different pressure stages (P1, Pi1, Pi2, P2) in order to be expanded, wherein the pressure stages are provided by at least three different compressed air reservoirs, and additionally the plastic preforms are stretched in the longitudinal direction (L) thereof by means of stretching rods. The invention is characterized in that compressed air is at least temporarily returned to at least one compressed air reservoir from the plastic containers, and at least one value which characterizes the usage of compressed air is detected.
B29C 49/46 - Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations characterised by using particular environment or blow fluids other than air
B29C 49/42 - Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
4.
METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CONTAINER TREATMENT PROCESSES, AND CONTAINER TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING, FILLING, HANDLING, PACKAGING AND/OR CONVEYING CONTAINERS
The invention relates to: a method (100) for controlling production processes, handling processes, packaging processes and/or conveying processes of containers (28) having liquid or paste-like products contained therein; and a container treatment system (10) for producing, filling, handling, packaging and/or conveying such containers (28). In the system (10) and in the method (100), sensors are used to determine at least one process parameter which indicates a fault in at least parts of the processes. For this purpose, sensor-determined values of the at least one process parameter are stored continuously or cyclically at recurring time intervals and processed by means of a data evaluation process (44), wherein the stored values are analysed to determine a clustering of deviations from defined target value ranges within defined time periods and/or in conjunction with previously executed process modifications. Moreover, a number of identified instances of exceeding or falling below the limit values specified by the relevant target value ranges and/or an extent of the deviation from the relevant target value range is determined. An error event is defined if a defined number of deviations from the relevant target value range is exceeded or if a deviation from the relevant target value range range exceeds a given extent, or in the event of a combination of the aforementioned deviations, and said error event is used to generate a control parameter (PM) for process-influencing or process-altering control specifications in the method (100).
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
5.
METHOD AND CONTROL UNIT FOR CONTROLLING PROCESSES WHEN HANDLING ARTICLES
The invention relates to a method (100) for controlling processes when handling articles, in particular containers (28) or container groups. In the method, at least one process parameter is ascertained which indicates a disruption of at least sections of the process or processes. The invention also relates to a process control center (42), by means of which the method (100) can be carried out. A process modification, which can be specified by means of the process control center (42), for at least partly eliminating the disruption is selected by the process control center (42) from a selection of at least two process modification alternatives being offered. As an additional criterion, it is taken into consideration whether the extent or the measurable degree of the disruption to be eliminated can be reduced. For each existing disruption to be eliminated, the process control center (42) takes into consideration at least one additional criterion for reducing the extent or the measurable degree of the disruption to be eliminated, said criterion consisting of a change or a confirmation of the selection made by the process control center (42) between the at least two process modification alternatives being offered in a manual user specification. Any user specification detected and processed by the process control center (42) modifies the weighting for future selection decisions between the at least two process modification alternatives being offered to such a degree that future selection decisions approximate a previously made user specification.
The invention relates to a method for automatically controlling at least two drivable belts (3, 4, 46, 47, 48, 49, 61, 64) in a system. The belts are each designed to transport containers in a first or second direction. The system comprises a machine that is upstream of the belts and/or a machine that is downstream of the belts. The method comprises: detecting a first operating state of the upstream machine and/or detecting a second operating state of the downstream machine; determining a speed to be selected for each of the belts based on the first and/or second operating state; and controlling the belts in accordance with the speed to be selected. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method, the system comprising a machine that is upstream of the belts and/or a machine that is downstream of the belts.
B65G 43/08 - Control devices operated by article or material being fed, conveyed, or discharged
B65G 47/51 - Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyors with distribution, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination
7.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AND HANDLING ARTICLES
Disclosed is a system (1) for transporting and handling articles (2). The system (1) comprises a plurality of shuttles (7), which can receive articles (2) from a loading station (20) and take them to an unloading station (40). The plurality of shuttles (7) can each be moved by means of an electromagnetic direct drive, travelling in two different horizontal spatial directions and/or rotating around a vertically extending axis, so that articles (2) received from the loading station (20) reach the unloading station (40) at a specified position and/or in a specified rotational orientation. According to the invention, the unloading station (40) has a plurality of rotatably driven push rods, wherein at least one article (2) received via a respective shuttle (7) can be pushed from said shuttle (7) by a respective push rod with rear contact.
B65G 47/08 - Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding
B65G 47/244 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
B65G 47/34 - Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyors
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
B65G 54/02 - Non-mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for electrostatic, electric, or magnetic
8.
METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINING CONSUMPTION DATA OF MEDIA IN A FILLING LINE AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD
The invention relates to a method for automatically determining consumption data of media (3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 42, 47, 53) in a filling line (1), comprising at least one media-consuming machine (2, 4, 7, 41, 46, 52). The consumption data comprises an actual amount (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) and a remaining operation time (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 45, 50, 56) of the medium. The method comprises the steps of determining an actual amount (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) of a medium of the at least one machine and transferring the actual amount in a predefined format to an external storage means via an Edge device, transferring context information (10) relating to the filling line and the at least one machine to the external storage means via the Edge device, creating a consumption monitor comprising the consumption data of the media within an external storage means, determining a remaining operation time of the medium based on the actual amount of the medium and the context information relating to the filling line and the at least one machine, transferring the consumption monitor to a display device, displaying the consumption monitor by means of the display device and using the consumption data when operating the filling line. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
B67C 3/00 - Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
9.
PACKAGING APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PACKAGING UNITS, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING PACKAGING UNITS
The invention relates to a packaging apparatus (1) for producing packaging units (40) and a method for producing packaging units (40) in such a packaging apparatus (1). The packaging units (40) comprise at least two articles (20), on which articles (20) at least one at least partially sheet-like packaging blank (3) is arranged. In the sheet-like region (32), the packaging blank (3) has at least two through-openings (33) for the at least two articles (20). The through-openings (33) each have an edge region (34), which is in contact with the respective article (20). The packaging apparatus (1) comprises at least one feed device (2) for the articles (20), at least one dividing device for dividing up at least two articles (20) as an article group (22), an application head (10) for applying and fixing the packaging blank (30) to the article group (22), a magazine (6) assigned to the packaging apparatus (1), in which magazine (6) a plurality of packaging blanks (30) are held for application to the article groups (22), wherein the application head (10) comprises devices for pretreating the edge region of the through-openings (33) or wherein the magazine (6) comprises devices for pretreating the edge region of the through-openings (33). An alternative embodiment can provide a removal head for removing a packaging blank (30) from the magazine (6), which removal head comprises devices for pretreating the edge region of the through-openings (33).
B65B 61/14 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for incorporating, or forming and incorporating, handles or suspension means in packages
B65B 17/02 - Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling
B65B 41/04 - Feeding sheets or wrapper blanks by grippers
B65B 41/06 - Feeding sheets or wrapper blanks by grippers by suction-operated grippers
B65B 47/00 - Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
B65B 43/18 - Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers by suction-operated grippers
B65B 43/16 - Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines by grippers
10.
PACKAGING DEVICE FOR PRODUCING PACKAGING UNITS, REMOVAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOVING AND SEPARATING MAGAZINED PACKAGING BLANKS, AND USE THEREOF IN THE PRODUCTION OF PACKAGING UNITS
A packaging device is disclosed which comprises a magazine (12) having a plurality of stacked, sheet-like packaging blanks (10), and a removal device for removing packaging blanks (10) separately from the magazine (12). The removal device is equipped with a horizontally and vertically movable handling unit (16) with tools arranged thereon, wherein the tools are formed at least by a clamping bracket (22) and by a gripper (30). The clamping bracket (22) serves for pressing on and fixing the stack (14) of packaging blanks (10), located in the magazine (12), in a first surface region (24). The gripper (30) serves for taking hold of an uppermost packaging blank (10, 10-1) in the stack (14), in a second surface region (32) adjoining the first surface region (24). The gripper (30) is pivotable in such a way that the second surface region (32) can be angled towards the fixed first surface region (24) in order to separate the gripped packaging blank (10, 10-1) from the stack (14), after release of the clamping bracket (22), and to remove it from the magazine (12) by raising the handling unit (16).
The invention relates to a plastic container (1), in particular for beverages, comprising a base region (2), a main part (4) which adjoins the base region (2) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plastic container (1), and an opening region (6) which adjoins the main part (4) in the longitudinal direction (L) and which comprises a container opening (7). At least one groove (10) which runs in the circumferential direction of the plastic container (1) is arranged in a lateral wall (4a) of the main part (4). According to the invention, the diameter (DG) of the main part (4) above the groove (10), when viewed in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plastic container (1), is smaller then the diameter (DG) of the main part (4) below the groove (10), when viewed in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plastic container (1).
The invention relates to, inter alia, a device (10) for transporting containers (12), comprising multiple movement devices (14), a first drive (28) which is arranged for driving the multiple movement devices (14) by means of magnetic interaction with multiple magnets (20) on a first drive side (16) of the respective movement device (14), and a second drive (30) which is arranged for driving the multiple movement devices (14) by means of magnetic interaction with multiple magnets (20) on a second drive side (18) of the respective movement device (14). Together, the first drive (28) and the second drive (30) specify a transport route (36) for the multiple movement devices (14), in which the second drive (30) is arranged downstream of the first drive (28).
The invention relates to, inter alia, a method for operating a container treatment system (10). The method has the steps of producing pulp containers (12) from pulp using a container producing device (14) of the container treatment system (10); and transporting the pulp containers (12) from the container producing device (14) to at least one container treatment device (22) of the container treatment system (10) by means of multiple movable transport carriers (26) of a conveyor device (24) of the container treatment system (10), each movable transport carrier supporting at least one of the pulp containers (12). Advantageously, the method facilitates a complete design for producing and treating pulp containers (12) in a single container treatment system (10).
The invention relates to, inter alia, a pulp container (10A-10U) having a container body (12) which is produced from pulp and having a wear protection (14A-14U) which is connected to the container body (12) in order to protect the container body (12) from wear due to contact. Advantageously, the wear protection (14A-14U) allows an optimized transport of the pulp containers (10A-10U) in a container treatment system.
The invention relates to, inter alia, a container treatment system (10) having a container producing device (14) for producing pulp containers (12) from pulp, a tunnel dryer (26) for drying the pulp containers (12), and a conveyor device (16) which connects the container producing device (14) to the tunnel dryer (26) in order to transport the pulp containers (12) from the container producing device (14) to the tunnel dryer (26). Advantageously, the container treatment system (10) allows a very large number of pulp containers (12) to be produced and dried for a subsequent filling process because the drying process no longer acts as a bottleneck during the treatment process.
The invention relates to a device (1) for treating plastic containers (2), comprising a transport device which transports the plastic containers (2) along a specified transport path, a blowing module (10) which has a blow molding machine (12) for molding plastic preforms into plastic containers (2), a filling module (20) which has a filling device (22) for filling plastic containers (2) with a product, in particular a liquid product, wherein the plastic containers (2) can be transferred from the blowing module (10) to the filling module (20), and a transfer device (40) for transferring the plastic containers (2), said transfer device being arranged between the blowing module (10) and the filling module (20). The device (1) is arranged within a clean room. According to the invention, the transfer device (40) has an inspection device (48) which is suitable for and designed to check the alignment of the plastic containers (2) and/or the transfer device (40) has an ejection device for ejecting plastic containers (2) which are incorrectly aligned.
The invention relates to a device for reshaping plastic preforms (10) to form plastic containers (15) with a transport unit (2), which transports the plastic preforms to be reshaped along a predefined transport path, wherein the transport unit (2) has a rotatable transport carrier (22) on which a plurality of reshaping stations (4) are arranged, wherein these reshaping stations each have blow-moulding units within which the plastic preforms can be reshaped to form the plastic containers with the application of a flowable medium, and the reshaping stations (4) each have application units (40) in order to apply the plastic preforms with the flowable medium, wherein the device (1) has a control unit which controls - in an open-loop and, in particular, closed-loop manner - a pressure applied to the plastic preforms for their expansion, characterised in that the control unit is arranged on a stationary part relative to the transport carrier.
The invention relates to a device (1) for reshaping plastic preforms (10) to form plastic containers (15) with a transport unit (2) which transports the plastic preforms to be reshaped along a predefined transport path, wherein the transport unit (2) has a rotatable transport carrier (22) on which a plurality of reshaping stations (4) are arranged, wherein these reshaping stations (4) have respective blow-moulding units, within which the plastic preforms (10) can be reshaped with the application of a flowable medium to form the plastic containers (15), and the reshaping stations (4) have respective application units (40) in order to apply the plastic preforms (10) with the flowable medium, and wherein the device has a clean room (8) within which the plastic preforms (10) are expanded to form the plastic containers, characterised in that the device (1) has a discharge unit (60) in order to discharge plastic preforms or plastic containers out of the transport path, and in that the discharge unit (60) is integrated in the clean room and/or the discharge unit (60) is integrated in at least one wall delimiting the clean room.
The invention relates to a gripping device (1) comprising: a carrier (2); a gripping element (10), which can be moved relative to the carrier (2), for gripping a container during transport thereof along a transport path located at least in part inside a clean room (13); a first drive device (4), for rotating a shaft (30) connected to a gripping element (10); and at least one second drive device (5, 6), for shifting the gripping element (10) with respect to the carrier (2); wherein the first drive device (4) and the second drive device (5, 6) are arranged outside the clean room (13); wherein a clean-room boundary (3) extends between the carrier (2) and the gripping element (10), which boundary is formed at least in part by an at least partially movable sealing device (50), which allows the transmission of a movement pulse, generated outside the clean room (13), from both the first drive device (4) and the second drive device (5, 6) to the gripping element (10) arranged inside the clean room (13) while maintaining the clean-room boundary (3). The invention also relates to a transport device having such a gripping element (1) and to a method for transporting a container.
METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY REGULATING A CONTAINER TRANSPORT DEVICE HAVING ONE OR MORE TRANSPORT BELTS FOR ADAPTING A CONTAINER DENSITY, AND CONTAINER TRANSPORT DEVICE
The invention relates to a method for automatically regulating a container transport device having one or more transport belts (17-18) for adapting a container density of containers which are transported on the one or more transport belts. The method comprises, in each case at different times, detection of distance data relating to containers on the one or more transport belts by means of a distance measurement device, transmission of the distance data to a control device by the distance measurement device, processing of the distance data to give control data in the control device, and non-linear regulation of belt speeds of the one or more transport belts by means of the control data. The invention further relates to a container transport device comprising one or more transport belts and to a control device, wherein the container transport device is designed to carry out a method.
B65G 43/08 - Control devices operated by article or material being fed, conveyed, or discharged
B65G 43/10 - Sequence control of conveyors operating in combination
B65G 47/71 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor the articles being discharged to several conveyors
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
The invention relates to a method and a packaging device for producing packaging units and to an application head (60) for use in the method and/or in the packaging device. In the method, a planar packaging blank (14) is transferred by means of an application head (60) into a held-ready article grouping (20) in order to be applied there to an upper end face of the article grouping (20) so as to produce a mechanical connection between the packaging blank (14) and the article grouping (20). Foldable portions (24) of the packaging blank (14) projecting beyond an upper side of the article grouping (20) are then folded down and are applied to the article grouping (20) laterally. The packaging device is equipped with at least one such application head (60).
The invention relates to an apparatus for supplying plastic preforms to a shaping device for shaping plastic preforms, comprising a transport device for transporting plastic preforms, wherein the transport device comprises two rotatable and mutually parallel rolls, between which the plastic preforms can be guided, wherein the transport device comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the transport device comprises a sorting device for sorting plastic, which sorting device is suitable and intended to bring the plastic preforms into a specified orientation, wherein the second portion of the transport device is arranged downstream of the first portion of the transport device in the transport direction, wherein the second portion of the transport device comprises a holding-down device, which extends at least partly along the transport path in the region of the second portion and is suitable and intended to determine a vertical position of the plastic preforms with respect to the transport device. According to the invention, the two rotatable and mutually parallel rolls each extend over the entire first and second portion of the transport device and/or the holding-down device is arranged above the two rotatable and mutually parallel rolls.
A method for conveying and manipulating containers (4) is disclosed, in which containers (4) which each comprise a flat packaging blank (5) are conveyed along a transport section. Provision is made in the method for a respective contact bar (8) to accompany a respective container (4), in contact therewith on the rear side, as the container is being conveyed along a portion of the transport section. The flat packaging blanks (5) of the containers (4) are temporarily contacted by the contact bars (8) as the blanks are being conveyed along the transport section. In addition, an apparatus (1) for manipulating and conveying containers (4) along a transport section is disclosed. The apparatus (1) has contact bars (8) for accompanying the containers (4), with contact therewith on the rear side, as they are being conveyed along a certain portion of the transport section. A movement path of the contact bars (8) is coordinated with the containers (4) to be conveyed and to be manipulated such that conveying a respective container (4) along the transport section outside the certain portion leads to temporary contacting of a respective flat packaging blank (5) which is designed as part of a respective container (4).
B65B 17/02 - Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling
B65B 7/28 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
24.
DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE FILL LEVEL OF FILLED CONTAINERS
The invention relates to a device (1) for monitoring the fill level of filled containers (10), comprising a transport device (2), which transports the containers (10) along a specified transport path (P), and comprising an inspection device for inspecting the containers (10) transported by the transport device (2). The inspection device has a first transmission device (4), which outputs a high-frequency transmission signal, and a first receiving device (6), which receives the signal output by the first transmission device or a signal based on the signal output by the first transmission device (4), wherein the transport path of the containers runs between the transmission device and the receiving device. The invention is characterized in that the inspection device has a second transmission device (14), which outputs a high-frequency transmission signal, and a second receiving device (16), which receives the signal output by the second transmission device or a signal based on the signal output by the second transmission device (4). The second transmission device (14) is arranged in an offset manner in the longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected relative to the first transmission device, and the second receiving device is arranged in an offset manner in the longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected relative to the first receiving device (16).
G01F 23/26 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
25.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING CONTAINERS BY X-RAY RADIATION
Apparatus (1) for inspecting containers (10), with a transport device (2) which transports the containers (10) along a predefined transport direction, with at least a first radiation device (3) which emits high-energy radiation and in particular X-ray radiation onto the containers (10) that are to be inspected, and with a first sensor device (4) which is suitable and intended for receiving the radiation emitted onto the containers by the radiation device, wherein the transport device forms a support surface (20) which is movable in the transport direction and which supports the containers (10) at their container bases, characterized in that the support surface has a large number of carrier elements (22) made of a plastic material and moreover has at least one guide device (24) for guiding these carrier elements (22), wherein this guide device has a metal.
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
The invention relates to a device (52) for drying containers (43), comprising at least one unit (1, 9, 17, 38, 46), which comprises one or more air knives (6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 29, 30, 31), for example peripherally extending air knives, in the interior (5, 13, 28) of the unit in order to blow liquid off all outer surfaces of a container fed through the interior.
F26B 3/04 - Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air the gas or vapour circulating over, or surrounding, the materials or objects to be dried
F26B 15/12 - Machines or apparatus for drying objects with progressive movement; Machines or apparatus with progressive movement for drying batches of material in compact form with movement in a path composed of one or more straight lines, e.g. compound the lines being all horizontal or slightly inclined
F26B 21/00 - Arrangements for supplying or controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
The invention relates, inter alia, to a modular container-processing installation (58, 62, 66) comprising a main conveyor module (12, 14, 16), which is arranged for conveying containers through the modular container-processing installation (58, 62, 66), and a plurality of sub-module interfaces (52). The container-processing installation (58, 62, 66) also comprises a plurality of container-processing sub-modules (21 – 44), which can be coupled to and uncoupled from the plurality of sub-module interfaces (52). The container-processing installation (58, 62, 66) also comprises a control system which, in a self-configuring manner, is designed to automatically adapt the operation of the modular container-processing installation (58, 62, 66) depending on coupling and/or uncoupling of at least one of the plurality of container-processing sub-modules (24 – 44).
B67B 3/26 - Applications of control, warning, or safety devices in capping machinery
B67C 3/00 - Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
28.
HANDLING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HANDLING ARTICLES OR PIECE GOODS
The invention relates to a handling device (1) for articles or piece goods (23) and to a method for handling articles or piece goods (23). The handling device (1) comprises two layer forming systems (50) and a palleting system (3), said palleting system (3) comprising a transfer station (14) and a loading station (16). The handling device (1) additionally comprises a receiving element (40) with at least one pallet layer receiving area (18), said receiving element (40) producing/forming a conveyor connection between the layer forming systems (50) and the transfer station (14) of the palleting system (3).
The invention describes a method and a filling installation (1) for filling a beverage, more particularly beer, in containers (3), more particularly glass bottles. For this, the containers are machine-washed (4) and consequently provided in a heated state for filling. The beverage is provided at an inlet temperature (20) and is machine-filled (5) at a fill temperature (19) and then pasteurised (6). The containers heated thereby are cooled to an outlet temperature (8). Since the beverage is heated for the subsequent filling, more particularly from the inlet temperature at least to the fill temperature, by means of heat (10) obtained during cooling to the outlet temperature, the expense for cooling the hot-washed containers prior to filling can be reduced.
The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for operating a device (10), specifically a container handling device or a container conveying device. The method comprises supplying a fluid from a fluid supply source (14) to the device (10). The method further comprises detecting the fluid by means of a sensor system (16) of the device (10) to identify a marker in the fluid. The method further comprises adjusting an operation of the device (10) depending on an identification and/or a non-identification of the marker in the detected fluid by means of a control unit (22) of the device (10).
The invention relates to a vacuum cylinder unit for transferring labels to containers in a vacuum-supported manner, and a labelling device equipped with said unit. The vacuum cylinder unit comprises a stationary lower part, a drive shaft surrounded thereby, and a vacuum cylinder drive-coupled thereto in a centred fashion by means of a zero-point clamping system. Since the zero-point clamping system comprises a clamping pin integrated in the vacuum cylinder and a chuck rigidly connected to the drive shaft and having a pneumatically openable closure mechanism for securely clamping the clamping pin, and since sealing rings, arranged in the lower part, can be inflated for sealing off an annular gap between the drive shaft and the lower part, in order to form between the sealing rings an annular channel for delivery of compressed air to the closure mechanism, the vacuum cylinder can be raised, in any desired position of rotation, manually from the drive shaft with a small vertical stroke, and the main share of the weight of the clamping system can be shifted into the region of the drive shaft.
A method for printing a container, wherein in a first method step a surface of the container is printed with a first graphical and/or functional element, in a second method step an intermediate layer is printed over the first graphical and/or functional element, and in a third method step a second graphical and/or functional element is applied to the intermediate layer.
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
B41M 3/00 - Printing processes to produce particular kinds of printed work, e.g. patterns
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
33.
PACKAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR APPLYING PACKAGING TO AN ARTICLE COMBINATION
The invention relates to a packaging apparatus and to a method for applying packaging (20) to an article combination (30) comprising at least two articles in each case. The packaging apparatus comprises at least one preparation die for preparing the packaging (20). The preparation die (17) comprises a folding device for folding over opposite edge regions (23) of a packaging blank that forms the packaging (20). The packaging apparatus also comprises an application die for receiving the prepared packaging blank (21v) and for applying the latter to the article combination (30) so that the packaging (20) applied to the articles is disposed at least in part between the articles, wherein the packaging (20) applied to the articles at least partially surrounds outer lateral surfaces (36) of the article combination (30).
B65D 71/42 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank formed by folding a single blank into a single layer element
B65B 17/02 - Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling
B65B 43/10 - Forming three-dimensional containers from sheet material by folding the material
34.
MAGAZINE UNIT, PACKAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMBINING ARTICLE GROUPINGS
The invention relates to a magazine unit (1) for consumable material (20), comprising at least two receiving units (2) for consumable material (20), at least one removal position (AP) and at least one filling position (BP), wherein the receiving units (2) are designed to be movable between the removal position (AP) and the filling position (BP). The invention also relates to a packaging apparatus (15) and to a method for combining article groupings (33) with a packaging means (21).
B65H 1/28 - Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated compartmented to receive piles side by side
B65H 1/26 - Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated with auxiliary supports to facilitate introduction or renewal of the pile
B65H 1/30 - Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated with means for replenishing the pile during continuous separation of articles therefrom
B65B 43/14 - Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines
Disclosed is a container treatment system (100) for treating containers (180), such as bottles, comprising a first treatment block (101) with a first single-line container exit point (112), further comprising a downstream second treatment block (102) having a wet region and/or temperature control region (123) with a mass conveyor for containers, a first single-line container feed point (121) upstream of the mass conveyor and a second single-line container exit point (122) downstream of the mass conveyor, and comprising a third treatment block (103) that is located downstream of the second treatment block (102) and has a second single-line container feed point (131), wherein the first single-line container exit point (112) of the first treatment block (101) is connected to the first single-line container feed point (121) of the second treatment block (102) via a first single-line conveying device (152), and the second single-line container exit point (122) of the second treatment block (102) is connected to the second single-line container feed point (131) of the third treatment block (103) via a second single-line conveying device (153).
The invention relates to a packaging device (1) and to a method for producing packaging units (20) comprising at least two articles (30). In this case, the articles (30) are combined with a packaging means (35), wherein regions of the packaging means (35) are fixed to one another by means of an adhesive (40). The packaging device (1) comprises at least one grouping module (3), which grouping module (3) is designed to form an assembly (32) from at least two articles (30), and a packaging module (5), comprising a transport means for transporting the article assemblies (32) in a transport direction. The packaging module (5) is designed to arrange a packaging means (35) on the assembly (32) of at least two articles (30). The packaging module (5) comprises at least one arrangement (6) having at least two application elements (7) for adhesive (40) for applying adhesive (40) to the packaging means (35). The arrangement (6) can be brought into different operating positions (AP1, AP2), which different operating positions (AP1, AP2) are characterised by different angular positions (α).
Disclosed is a container treatment system (100) for treating containers (180), such as bottles, comprising a first treatment block (101) with a first single-line container exit point (112), further comprising a downstream second treatment block (102) having a wet region and/or temperature control region (123) with a mass conveyor for containers, a first single-line container feed point (121) upstream of the mass conveyor and a second single-line container exit point (122) downstream of the mass conveyor, and comprising a third treatment block (103) that is located downstream of the second treatment block (102) and has a second single-line container feed point (131), wherein the first single-line container exit point (112) of the first treatment block (102) is connected to the first single-line container feed point (121) of the second treatment block (102) via a first single-line conveying device (152), and the second single-line container exit point (122) of the second treatment block (102) is connected to the second single-line container feed point (131) of the third treatment block (103) via a second single-line conveying device (153).
A method for printing a container (130), such as a bottle, with a printing image (150) using one inkjet print head per ink (111-114), the method comprising determining an ink quantity to be applied to the container (130) in a manner which is dependent on the printing image (150) to be applied for each ink, and applying the ink quantity to be applied by each inkjet print head (111-114), wherein at least one of the inkjet print heads applies the ink quantity to be applied to the container (130) in two printing operations, wherein an ink part quantity is applied to the container (130) in each printing operation in a manner which is dependent on the ink quantity to be applied, wherein the ink part quantity in each printing operation corresponds to up to the maximum ink quantity which can be ejected by the inkjet print head.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41J 2/205 - Ink jet for printing a discrete number of tones
The invention relates to a pressing element (1) for pressing labels (17) onto bottles (10) in a labeling machine (21) and to a method for producing the pressing element (1). The pressing element (1) comprises a front-face pressing cushion (2) with a pressing contour (3) for pressing the labels flat against wall sections (10a), in particular neck sections of the bottles (10), and a rear-face securing section (4) for securing the pressing element to a paired actuation arm (6), wherein the region of the pressing contour (3) is designed to be elastically deformable with respect to the securing section (4). Because the pressing cushion (2) and the securing section (4) are integrally formed and consist of at least one material which is additively layered in a 3D printing process and because the pressing cushion (2) comprises cavities (7), the pressing element can be produced without using casting molds with comparably little complexity and can be flexibly adapted to different container dimensions and label dimensions.
The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for operating, preferably initializing, a linear electric drive conveyor (10) having a plurality of movement devices (12-18). The method comprises lining up the plurality of movement devices (12-18) such that the plurality of movement devices (12-18) that have been lined up touch one another. Positions of the plurality of movement devices (12-18) that have been lined up are determined. At least one first movement device (12, 16) and/or at least one second movement device (14, 18) is/are identified in the plurality of movement devices (12-18) that have been lined up on the basis of the determined positions. The method advantageously makes it possible to dispense with external sensors for the purpose of identification. The method can also be used particularly flexibly in each section of the linear electric drive conveyor (10).
B65G 54/02 - Non-mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for electrostatic, electric, or magnetic
G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
41.
CONTROL CONCEPT FOR LINEAR ELECTRIC DRIVE CONVEYOR
The invention relates inter alia to a method for operating a linear electric drive conveyor (46). The method comprises creating a virtual movement path (60, 62) for each model object (56, 58) in a virtual model (54) that represents the linear electric drive conveyor (46). The method further comprises controlling the linear electric drive conveyor (46) in order to move a first moving device (48A, 50A) and a second moving device (48B, 50B), per group (48, 50), along a static part of the linear electric drive conveyor (46) according to the virtual movement path (60, 62) of the respective model object (56, 58) that represents the respective group (48, 50).
B65G 54/02 - Non-mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for electrostatic, electric, or magnetic
G05B 17/02 - Systems involving the use of models or simulators of said systems electric
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
42.
PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FEEDING FLAT PACKAGING MATERIALS TO A PACKAGING SYSTEM
The invention relates to a packaging system (1) and to a method for feeding flat packaging materials (20) to a packaging system (1). The packaging system (1) comprises a packaging module (12), a first transport device (3) for feeding articles to the packaging module (2) in a first transport direction (TR1), and a second transport device (4) for feeding flat packaging materials (20) disposed in a first upright orientation (22sv1) in a second transport direction (TR2), which second transport direction (TR2) differs from the first transport direction (TR1). Furthermore, the packaging system (1) comprises a handling device (5) for positioning the flat packaging materials (20) on the second transport device (4), wherein the packaging system (1) comprises at least one displacement unit (8), which displacement unit (8) is designed to displace a plurality of upright packaging materials (20) against one another, which displacement unit (8) has vertically oriented side walls (9) and a support surface (10), wherein an angle differing from 90 degrees is formed between each of the side walls (9) and the support surface (10).
B65G 47/08 - Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding
43.
RECYCLING SYSTEM FOR CONTAINERS, IN PARTICULAR DEPOSIT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The invention relates to a method and system for providing containers in the beverage or food industry for a recycling or deposit system. The method comprises applying a marking to a container or to a label of the container, the marking being uniquely assignable to a container code for the container. The container code is authorised by linking the container code to an installation code, and the linking of the container code to the installation code is maintained by means of a central data controller. In this case, the container code and/or the link allows the containers for the recycling or deposit system to be serialised. By means of the stored links, the validity of a link between the container code and the installation code can be checked by a user using the central data controller at the recycling or deposit system for the purpose of returning the container. After the container has been returned, the corresponding stored link is deleted from the storage or marked as redeemed.
G07F 7/06 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, e.g. bottles
G06Q 10/30 - Administration of product recycling or disposal
44.
PACKAGING APPARATUS AND PACKAGING METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING ARTICLES IN OUTER PACKAGING UNITS
The invention relates to a packaging method and to a packaging apparatus (1) for the packaging or outer packaging (25) of article groups (22). In the method, articles (23) are transferred into outer packaging units (25) moving in succession along a conveyor path (30) in a transport direction (TR), which outer packaging units (25) each accommodate at least one article group (22) formed from multiple articles (23) and inserted together into each outer packaging unit (25). The outer packaging units (25) are moved along the conveyor path (30) continuously and largely without spacing and, before reaching a loading region (5), which adjoins the conveyor path (30) or forms a portion of the conveyor path (30) and in which the outer packaging units (25) each receive the article groups (22), at least pairs of or groups of multiple outer packaging units (25) moving in succession are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction (TR). The two, three or more outer packaging units (25) spaced apart from one another are then brought into the loading region (5) together, maintaining the spacing in the transport direction (TR) between them and are each loaded with article groups (22) there.
B65B 5/06 - Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
B65B 21/18 - Introducing or removing groups of bottles, for filling or emptying containers in one operation using grippers engaging bottles, e.g. bottle necks
B65B 35/36 - Arranging and feeding articles in groups by grippers
B65B 43/52 - Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using roller-ways or endless conveyors
B65B 65/00 - MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING - Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
B65G 47/28 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a single conveyor
B65G 47/29 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a single conveyor by temporarily stopping movement
The invention relates inter alia to an apparatus (10) for conveying and apportioning articles (12), preferably containers. The apparatus (10) has a single-track conveyor region (14) and a dual-track conveyor region (18), the latter being arranged directly downstream from the single-track conveyor region (14) and having a first conveyor track (20) and a second conveyor track (22). The apparatus (10) has a distribution device (16) which is designed to apportion articles (12), conveyed from the single-track conveyor region (14), to the first conveyor track (20) and the second conveyor track (22). The dual-track conveyor region (18) has a height-offset conveyor portion (31) in which the first conveyor track (20) is arranged higher than the second conveyor track (22). Advantageously, in the height-offset conveyor portion (31), articles (12) still undistributed can be excited to move to the first conveyor track (20) or the second conveyor track (22).
B65G 47/52 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices
B65G 47/71 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor the articles being discharged to several conveyors
46.
METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT AN ADJUSTMENT OPERATION OF A CONTAINER INSPECTION APPARATUS, AND CONTAINER INSPECTION APPARATUS
The invention relates to a method for carrying out an adjustment operation of a container inspection apparatus in which, in working operation, a transport device transports containers to be inspected as a container flow along a predefined transport path, at least one sensor device acquires spatially resolved sensor data relating to the containers to be inspected, and a real-time analysis device analyzes the spatially resolved sensor data regarding the individual inspected containers in real time by means of an adjustable real-time container-inspection model, the method comprising the following: - a plurality of spatially resolved sensor data is provided in a non-volatile memory device, which is accessed by an adjustment device in the adjustment operation; - the adjustment device is provided with a test container-inspection model of machine learning, which comprises a set of parameters set to values that were learned as a result of a training process and which is to be evaluated with respect to working operation of the container inspection apparatus, in which working operation the test container-inspection model is set as the real-time container-inspection model in the real-time analysis device; - for the evaluation of the test container-inspection model, the adjustment device determines at least one statistical evaluation variable on the basis of the accessed plurality of spatially resolved sensor data.
The invention relates to a method for carrying out a setting operation of a container inspection device (1), in which, in a working operation, a transport device transports containers to be inspected as a container flow along a predefined transport path, and at least one sensor device (20), in particular optically, detects spatially resolved sensor data relating to the containers to be inspected, and a real-time evaluation unit (24) evaluates in real time the spatially resolved sensor data of the individual inspected containers using an adjustable set of real-time evaluation parameters, comprising the following steps: for the setting operation, during the working operation, a plurality of spatially resolved sensor data detected by the sensor device (20) is stored on a non-volatile storage device (34), which is retrieved by a setting device (38) in the setting operation; the setting device (38) is provided with a set of test evaluation parameters, which are to be assessed in terms of a working operation of the container inspection device, in which the set of test evaluation parameters is set as a set of real-time evaluation parameters in the real-time evaluation device (38); for assessing the set of test evaluation parameters, the setting device (38) determines at least one statistical assessment variable on the basis of the retrieved plurality of spatially resolved sensor data.
Device for inspecting a flowable product containing foreign bodies, said device having a first plate-like body (2) and a second plate-like body (4), wherein the first plate-like body and the second plate-like body each extend in a length direction (L), a breadth direction (B) and a depth direction (D), and wherein between the first plate-like body (2) and the second plate-like body (4) a gap is formed through which the product flows, wherein the first and the second plate-like bodies (2, 4) are transparent at least in some sections, characterized in that the device (1) has at least one first image capture device (6), which is capable of capturing, through at least one of the plate-like bodies, a spatially resolved image of the product flowing between the plate-like bodies.
The invention relates to a method and a device for printing containers (10), wherein the containers are transported by a transport device (2) along a predetermined transport path and are printed with a flowable printing medium on the outer surface thereof by means of at least one printing device (2), characterized in that the containers (10) are electrostatically charged at least temporarily before and/or during the printing process.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B05D 3/14 - Pretreatment of surfaces to which liquids or other fluent materials are to be applied; After-treatment of applied coatings, e.g. intermediate treating of an applied coating preparatory to subsequent applications of liquids or other fluent materials by electrical means
The invention relates to a method for printing on containers in which multiple layers are applied to a region to be printed of the container, having the steps of: - pretreating the region to be printed, - applying a colour print, in particular a colour print layer, - applying a further varnish layer, characterised in that a prevarnish is applied as the further varnish layer.
The invention relates to a direct printing system comprising a machine block with a direct printing device for printing containers and at least one pre-treatment device, which is combined into a unit with the direct printing device, for pre-treating the containers prior to the printing process. The pre-treatment device comprises a first container transport device and multiple pre-treatment stations and is designed such that the containers are continuously pre-treated during normal operation and in the process the pre-treatment stations move together with the containers being transported by the first container transport device. The direct printing device comprises a second container transport device and multiple printing stations which are stationary during operation, wherein the second container transport device is designed to transport the containers past the printing stations, and the direct printing device is designed such that containers being transported past the printing stations are continuously printed during normal operation.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
B41F 17/18 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on curved surfaces of articles of varying cross-section, e.g. bottles, lamp glasses
B41F 19/00 - Apparatus or machines for carrying out printing operations combined with other operations
52.
STRAPPED MULTIPACK AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAID STRAPPED MULTIPACK
The invention relates to a method for producing strapped multipacks. In the method, at least two articles (18) having cross-sections which are not constant along the respective directions of longitudinal extent of the articles are grouped and, in a multi-stage strapping process, are equipped with at least one primary strapping (12) and subsequently with at least one second strapping spaced apart from the primary strapping (12) and are thus combined. In the method, first the primary strapping (12) is put on at a point or region of the articles (18) in question at which the articles in question have a smaller cross-section than at other points or other regions having a larger cross-section or having a maximum cross-section. The primary strapping (12), when not pretensioned, has a smaller length than is defined by the articles (18) grouped in contact with each other with approximately parallel longitudinal center axes (30). Subsequently, the second strapping is applied, under strapping tension, at points or regions of the articles (18) in question which are at a distance from the primary strapping (12), said strapping tension bringing the at least two articles (18) into a position with approximately parallel longitudinal center axes (30). The invention also relates to strapped multipacks in which the strapping tension of the primary strapping (12) is greater than the strapping tension of the secondary strapping.
The invention relates to an air blade device (1) for generating two differently oriented air blades (48, 50), wherein the air blade device (1) comprises: - an air supply means (2) and - a central piece (3, 72) which adjoins the air supply means (2) and has a first air blade gap (37, 88) for generating a first air blade (50), which is oriented in a first direction, and a second air blade gap (38, 86) for generating a second air blade (48), which is oriented in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are different.
The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) for reshaping a container mass flow into a single-track container flow. The device (10) has a plurality of conveying sections (20A-20X) between an inlet (16) and an outlet (18). The plurality of conveying sections (20A-20X) are arranged one behind the other in a row with respect to their conveying directions (F) and can be operated at conveying speeds increasing toward the outlet (18). A guide device (14) delimits a container flow movement path which runs from the inlet (16) along the plurality of conveying sections (20A-20X) to the outlet (18), and narrows the container flow movement path toward the outlet (18), preferably down to a single track. Advantageously, the device (10) is very space-saving and can be adapted easily to different capacities.
B65G 47/68 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor
The invention relates to a buffer device (229, 247, 252, 254, 255) comprising a container feed device (230), a buffer (231, 248) which is arranged downstream of the container feed device (230), and a container discharge device (232) which is arranged downstream of the buffer (231, 248). In order to feed containers to the buffer, the container feed device is designed to transport containers in a first direction (234) by means of first conveyor belts. The buffer comprises a drivable buffer belt (235) or multiple drivable buffer belts (249, 250) which are parallel to one another and each of which is designed to transport containers in a second direction (236), said second direction running transversely to the first direction (234). The container discharge device is designed to discharge and separate containers from the buffer in the first direction (234) or in a third direction (242) which is opposite the first direction (234).
B65G 47/51 - Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyors with distribution, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination
56.
CONTAINER DISCHARGE APPARATUS FOR DISCHARGING CONTAINERS FROM A MASS-FLOW CONVEYOR AND FOR SEPARATING THE CONTAINERS, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE CONTAINER DISCHARGE APPARATUS
The invention relates to a container discharge apparatus (1, 33, 59, 89, 121, 154) for discharging containers from a mass flow conveyor and for separating the containers, the apparatus comprising the following: adjoining a mass-flow conveyor (2), a first group (4, 34, 60, 90, 122, 155) of a plurality of parallel first conveyors (5-7, 35-39, 61-65, 91-94, 123-126, 156-159) which can be driven in a first direction (8, 40, 66, 95, 127, 160) transverse to the transport direction (3) of the mass-flow conveyor and are designed to separate containers (32, 85, 117, 151, 182) and to convey them in the first direction; adjoining the first group so as to be parallel therewith, a second group (9, 41, 67, 96, 128, 161) of a plurality of parallel second conveyors (10-18, 42-47, 68-73, 97-100, 129-136, 162-168) which can be driven in a second direction (19, 48, 74, 101, 137, 169) and are designed to convey the separated conveyors in the second direction opposite the first direction; one or more third conveyors (20-22, 49, 75, 103- 105, 140, 170), the third conveyor(s) being designed to transport away the separated containers. The invention also relates to a method for operating the container discharge device.
B65G 47/14 - Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from disorderly-arranged article piles or from loose assemblages of articles arranging or orientating the articles by mechanical or pneumatic means during feeding
B65G 47/51 - Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyors with distribution, e.g. automatically, to desired points according to unprogrammed signals, e.g. influenced by supply situation at destination
B65G 47/68 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor
57.
THERMAL CONTAINER TREATMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A THERMAL CONTAINER TREATMENT DEVICE
1233, 8) in the thermal container treatment device. The buffer belt (3) is designed to be drivable at a second variably adjustable speed in the first direction (6). The buffer belt (3) directly adjoins the main transport belt (2) when viewed in the first direction (6). The buffer belt (3) is additionally designed to be drivable in a second direction (7) for example. The invention additionally relates to a method for operating the thermal container treatment device.
The invention relates to a method for controlling a buffer conveyor for buffering containers, which buffer conveyor is comprised of a thermal container treatment device in a filling line (8) as a buffer device. The filling line comprises at least one further device for treating the containers, said device being upstream or downstream of the thermal container treatment device. The method comprises: capturing error data relating to the at least one further device; analysing the error data; and obtaining control data and controlling a fill level of the buffer conveyor during normal operation of the filling line on the basis of the control data. The invention also relates to a filling line (8) comprising a thermal container treatment device, which comprises a buffer conveyor for buffering containers, wherein: the buffer conveyor is comprised in the filling line as a buffer device; the filling line also comprises at least one further device for treating the containers, which further device is upstream or downstream of the thermal container treatment device; wherein the buffer conveyor is controlled by means of the method according to the invention.
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) and a method for forming and handling palletisable layer arrangements (100), which layer arrangements (100) are formed by a plurality of objects (101). The apparatus (10) comprises a preforming region (3) having a supply device (2) which is designed to move objects (101) in a transport direction (TR) in an unordered mass flow (MS). The preforming region (3) comprises at least one device (10) for transferring the objects (101) moved in the mass flow (MS) into a compressed arrangement (vA), which is designed to subject the objects (101) to an oscillating movement component, at least in regions. The apparatus (10) further comprises a layer forming region (4), which layer forming region (4) is provided with at least one handling device (5) for gripping a plurality of objects (101), which plurality of objects (101) is located in the compressed arrangement (vA) and forms a palletisable layer arrangement (100).
B65G 47/08 - Devices for feeding articles or materials to conveyors for feeding articles from a single group of articles arranged in orderly pattern, e.g. workpieces in magazines spacing or grouping the articles during feeding
B65G 57/24 - Stacking of articles of particular shape three-dimensional, e.g. cubiform, cylindrical in layers, each of predetermined arrangement the layers being transferred as a whole, e.g. on pallets
The invention relates to a multipack (1) comprising multiple drinks containers (5). The multipack (1) comprises a flat packaging blank (41), with which the drinks containers (5) are interlockingly held next to one another, and has multiple openings in which the drinks containers (5) are inserted. The flat packaging blank (41) forms a respective cover (7) for each drinks container (5), which covers at least regions of an upper side of the respective drinks container (5). According to the invention, the flat packaging blank (41) comprises at least one bridge (9) for each cover (7), which respective at least one bridge (9) connects a respective cover (7) to a remaining portion (46) of the flat packaging blank (41) and has an inclined orientation relative to an upper broad side surface (47) of the remaining portion (46).
B65B 17/02 - Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling
B65D 71/50 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed otherwise than by folding a blank
61.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING CONTAINERS, WITH INSPECTION
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for producing plastic containers, said apparatus comprising: a transport device (2) which transports plastic preforms (10) along a predefined transport path (P1, P2, P3); a forming device (4) which expands the plastic preforms to form plastic containers (20); a first inspection device (6) which is suited and designed to inspect the plastic preforms (10); and a second inspection device (8) which is suited and designed to inspect the plastic containers (20), characterised in that the first inspection device has a first inspection region (B1) through which the plastic preforms (10) to be inspected pass so that they can be inspected, and the second inspection device (8) has a second inspection region (B2) through which the plastic containers (20) to be inspected pass so that they can be inspected, said first inspection region and said second inspection region (B2) overlapping at least in part.
The invention relates to a method and a measuring assembly for detecting deviations of a current status from a target status of a packaging unit (10), formed by at least two articles joined together by strapping and/or a packaging blank (14), after production, by measuring the width of an intermediate space between two directly adjacent articles within the packaging unit (10) and/or by measuring a distance (B) between the casing surfaces of the neighbouring articles in their most widely spaced-apart positions. A measured width of the intermediate space or a measured distance (B) represents a current status of the packaging unit (10), which is compared with a defined or with a variably definable target status. The measuring assembly generates output signals (84) from the measurement values and delivers them to a downstream evaluation unit (86), which is operatively connected to a packaging machine or is part of a packaging machine of this type.
B65B 17/02 - Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling
B65B 57/02 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages
B65D 71/40 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank
63.
CONTAINER TREATMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE CONTAINER TREATMENT MACHINE FOR TREATING CONTAINERS AND A CENTRAL RIGHTS ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM
The invention relates to a container treatment system comprising at least one container treatment machine for treating containers and a central rights assignment system, the container treatment machine comprising a user interface for recognising an identification element and for entering a user password, and the container treatment machine being designed to transmit identification data of a user to the central rights assignment system based on a recognised identification element and/or a recognised user password, the central rights assignment system being designed to transmit access data to the container treatment machine based on obtained identification data of a user, the access data defining group-based and/or user-based access rights for the container treatment machine, and the container treatment machine being designed to grant access rights to a user depending on obtained access data.
The invention relates inter alia to a container treatment system (10) for treating containers (12), preferably cans or bottles. The container treatment system (10) comprises at least one component (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) having a surface with a material that can be photoactivated to sanitize the surface. Advantageously, portions of the container treatment system (10) that are relevant to hygiene can have self-sterilizing properties.
B67C 3/00 - Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
65.
METHOD, APPLICATION DEVICE, AND PACKAGING DEVICE FOR PRODUCING PACKAGING UNITS
The invention relates to a method, to an application device (40), and to a packaging device for producing packaging units (13). Each of the packaging units (13) is made of at least two grouped articles (10) which are held together by means of at least one strapping band (15) and by means of at least one packaging blank (60). The method has at least the following steps: providing the articles (10) in a movement and/or handling area of an application head (1); inserting a closed strapping band (15) and a prepared packaging blank (60) into the application head (1); feeding the application head (1) equipped with the at least one strapping band (15) and the at least one packaging blank (60) to the articles (10), said grouped articles (10) being at least slightly compressed; positioning the strapping band (15); securing the packaging blank (60) to the articles (10); opening the application head (1) while simultaneously releasing and separating the at least one strapping band (15) from the fixed position of the strapping band within the application head (1); releasing and separating the at least one packaging blank (60); and removing the application head (1) from the strapped article grouping (12) combined by a packaging blank (60).
The invention relates to a method, to an application head (1), and to a packaging device for producing strapped packages, each of which is made of at least two grouped articles that are held together by means of at least one strapping band. The method has at least the following steps: providing the at least two grouped articles, which are positioned in a movement and/or handling area of an application head (1); and inserting at least one prefabricated closed strapping band into the application head (1), in which the strapping band is fixed in a defined position. The application head (1) has a variable opening width of a cage (50) which can surround the outer surface of the grouped articles. The application head (1) equipped with the at least one strapping band is then lowered over the articles by means of a feed movement which runs approximately parallel to longitudinal central axes of the articles, wherein the cage (50) of the application head (1) contacts the grouped articles on the outer surface thereof and at least slightly compresses the grouped articles. The strapping band is then positioned at a provided position of the articles by lowering the application head (1), which is simultaneously compressing the articles, in a defined manner. The opening width of the cage (50) of the application head (1) is then increased while the at least one strapping band is simultaneously released and removed from its fixed position within the application head (1) and the application head (1) is raised over the strapped article grouping and is removed therefrom.
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for handling piece goods, in particular containers (10), having: a transport device (2), which transports the containers (10) along a predefined transport path (P); an inspection device (6), which inspects the containers (10) being transported by the transport device (2); and a redirection device (4), which is suitable for redirecting containers (10) out of the transport path, said redirection device (4) having a plurality of redirection segments (42a, 42b, …), which can move into the transport path in order to redirect the containers; and drive devices (44a, 44b) for moving the redirection segments (42a, 42b), characterised in that the redirection segments (42a, 42b) are pivotable with respect to a predefined axis of rotation and the drive devices (44a, 44b) are electric linear motors having moving drive elements (46), said drive elements being coupled to the redirection segments (42a, 42b,...) such that the movement of the drive elements (46) is converted into a pivot movement of the redirection segments (42a, 42b,...).
The invention relates to a mobile robot, to a supply system, and to a method for changing a label roll on a labeling assembly for labeling containers. The mobile robot accordingly comprises a vehicle unit for changing locations of the robot and a manipulator unit with a multi-axle manipulator and a corresponding end effector for manipulating label rolls. Because the end effector is designed to grip the outer circumference of the label rolls and emptied roll cores of label rolls so as to support same, ergonomically problematic work steps when transferring label rolls can be carried out solely by machine with a high degree of precision and in a material-saving manner.
The invention relates inter alia to a container treatment system (10) for treating containers (26), preferably cans or bottles. The container treatment system (10) comprises a filling station (12) for filling containers (26) and a rinsing station (14) which is connected to the filling station (12), located upstream of the filling station (12) in the direction of the flow of containers and is designed to rinse the interior of the containers (26). The rinsing station (14) is additionally designed to clean the exterior of the containers (26).
B08B 9/28 - Cleaning of containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans, are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray or jet application, with or without soaking
B65B 55/08 - Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by irradiation
B67C 7/00 - Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
70.
CLAMPING STAR-WHEEL FOR TRANSPORTING CONTAINERS IN A CONTAINER PROCESSING SYSTEM
The invention relates to a clamping star-wheel for transporting containers such as bottles in a container processing system such as a beverage filling system. The clamping star-wheel comprises a continuously rotatable central star-wheel column, an upper star-wheel ring and a lower star-wheel ring that are fastened thereto and include circumferentially evenly distributed clamps disposed one above the other in pairs for laterally gripping the containers, and switching shafts oriented upright for opening, in pairs, the respective clamps disposed one above the other. According to the invention, the clamps each comprise pivotable gripping arms separately mounted radially outside of the switching shafts with respect to the star-wheel column. As a result, the range of bottle diameters that can be gripped and thus the number of container formats that can be transported can be increased.
B65G 47/86 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements the article-engaging elements being grippers
B67C 3/24 - Devices for supporting or handling bottles
71.
PACKAGING DEVICE, PACKAGING UNIT, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING PACKAGING UNITS
The invention relates to a method for producing packaging units and to packaging units produced using such a method, comprising at least two substantially identical articles, said at least two articles being held together by means of at least one packaging blank (14). In the method, the main surface of the packaging blank (14) is applied onto first end faces of an article grouping (20), thereby forming a connection between the articles and primary fixing means of the packaging blank (14). In the process, the primary fixing means secure positions of the articles relative to one another within the article grouping (20). Side surfaces (24) of the packaging blank (14) are then folded over, wherein secondary fixing means which interact with lateral surfaces of the articles are formed. The secondary fixing means are formed by strapping sections which surround defined regions of the lateral surfaces of the article grouping (20) and which secure the articles in a substantially parallel orientation relative to one another. The invention additionally relates to a packaging device for carrying out the method.
B65D 71/42 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank formed by folding a single blank into a single layer element
72.
DISCHARGE DEVICE FOR DISCHARGING CONTAINERS, SAID DEVICE COMPRISING A TOGGLE LEVER SYSTEM
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for handling containers (10), said apparatus comprising: a transport device (2) which transports the containers (10) along a predefined transport path (T); and a discharge device (4) which is suitable and intended for discharging individual containers (10) from the transport path (T), the discharge device (4) having a contact element (42) which can be advanced towards the containers and which contacts the containers in order to discharge them from the transport path (T), and a drive device (44) which is mechanically coupled to said contact element (42) in order to move same, characterised in that the drive device (44) is coupled to the contact element (42) via a toggle lever mechanism (50).
B65G 47/86 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements the article-engaging elements being grippers
73.
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INSPECTING CLOSURES ON CONTAINERS
The invention relates to a method for inspecting containers (10) provided with container closures (12), wherein the container closure (12) has a closure cap (12a) screwed onto a mouth of the container (10), a securing means (12b) arranged on the container (10) below the mouth (10a) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the container, a connecting strand (12c) that connects the securing means to the closure cap (12a), a first attaching section (12d) where the connecting strand is attached to the closure cap, and a second attaching section (12e) with which the connecting strand is arranged on the securing means, wherein the containers are transported by a transport unit and inspected by an inspection unit (2), wherein a rotational position of the closure cap (12a) relative to the container (10) is determined, wherein a first marking located on the container (10) is recorded in order to determine the rotational position, characterised in that the rotational position of the container closure is determined from a position of the connecting strand and/or a position of at least one attaching section (12d, 12e).
B67B 3/26 - Applications of control, warning, or safety devices in capping machinery
74.
PRODUCTION SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING, PROCESSING AND/OR FILLING CONTAINERS, AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION CONTROL AND/OR SYSTEM SPECIFICATION OF THIS PRODUCTION SYSTEM
The invention relates to a production system for producing, processing and/or filling containers and to a method for the production control and/or system specification of this production system. According to the invention, at least one visually imperceptible intensive state variable or material characteristic of components of the containers, which components are provided as solid bodies, is measured in the area of the production system with respect to the batch in question and/or with respect to the object in question. Furthermore, at least one production process proceeding therein for treating and/or transporting the components / containers by machine is controlled on the basis of the measured material characteristic and/or intensive state variable. In this way, quality fluctuations of the components can be quantified and can be used both in the control and in a simulation of the individual production processes in order to optimize these production processes and the associated process units.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
B67B 3/00 - Closing bottles, jars, or similar containers by applying caps
B67B 3/26 - Applications of control, warning, or safety devices in capping machinery
75.
METHOD FOR OPERATING MECHATRONIC FUNCTIONAL MODULES FOR THE PRODUCTION, PROCESSING, INSPECTION AND/OR TRANSPORT OF CONTAINERS, AND PRODUCTION SYSTEM HAVING THE FUNCTIONAL MODULES
The invention relates to a method for operating mechatronic functional modules for the production, processing, inspection and/or intermodular transport of containers for liquid products in a production system, and to a corresponding production system. According to the invention, the functional modules each store, in machine-readable form, individually assigned initial design data and specification data and initial topological data at least regarding the product flow in the production system and the communication between the functional modules. Because the functional modules are also controlled using the initial design data, specification data and/or topological data, production processes and maintenance measures can be particularly flexibly carried out, in a decentralized way, with greater efficiency and with the possibility of intermodular data transfer.
B67C 3/00 - Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
76.
DISCHARGE SYSTEM AND DISCHARGE METHOD FOR CONTAINERS BY MEANS OF A TRIPOD ROBOT
The invention relates to a device (1) for processing containers (10), comprising: - a transport apparatus (2), which transports the containers (10) along a predefined transport path, and - a discharge apparatus (50), which is suitable for discharging individual containers (10) from the transport path, the discharge apparatus having a contacting apparatus (42) for contacting individual containers (42), and the device being characterized in that the discharge apparatus (50) has at least one drive device (50) for moving the contacting apparatus (42) in at least two mutually perpendicular directions, the drive device (50) having at least three mutually independently drivable drive apparatuses (52, 54, 56) for moving the contacting apparatus.
The invention relates to a transport device (10) and a transport method for a container-processing system (1). The transport device (10; 20; 100) comprises at least one transport chain (201; 201A; 202; 203; 203A; 204) in the form of a continuous chain, which has a transport surface for holding containers (2) for the transport of said containers in the container-processing system (1), and at least one railing (26; 27; 28), which is mounted on the at least one transport chain (201; 201A; 202; 203; 203A; 204) in a predefined transport direction (TR1 to TR5) in order to guide the containers (2) in the predefined transport direction (TR1 to TR5) during transport of the containers on the transport surface, wherein: at least one of the transport chains (201; 201A; 202; 203; 203A; 204) comprises a plurality of intercoupled transport modules (21; 21A; 22; 210; 210A; 220), which each form part of the transport surface and can be moved in a predefined movement direction, at least one transport module (21; 21A; 210; 210A) of the transport modules comprising, on the transport surface, structural elements (211; 217) disposed at a predefined angle (α; β) to the predefined movement direction, the structural elements (211; 217) being designed such that, during movement of the at least one transport module (21; 21A; 210; 210A) relative to the railing (26; 27; 28), the structural elements cooperate with the railing (26; 27; 28) to guide the containers (2) away from the railing (26; 27; 28) and to guide the containers (2) in the predefined transport direction (TR1 to TR5).
B65G 17/08 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface having a load-carrying surface formed by a series of interconnected, e.g. longitudinal, links, plates, or platforms the surface being formed by the traction element
B65G 15/12 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration comprising two or more co-operating endless surfaces with parallel longitudinal axes, or a multiplicity of parallel elements, e.g. ropes defining an endless surface with two or more endless belts
B65G 47/76 - Fixed or adjustable ploughs or transverse scrapers
The invention relates, among other things, to a device (10) for supporting or guiding containers (12) during transport of the containers (12) in a container handling system. The device (10) has at least one main body (14, 16) for supporting or guiding the containers (12) during the transport. The at least one main body (14, 16) can have a surface (18) for making contact with the containers (12), which surface is textured in order to reduce the contact area between the surface (18) and the containers (12) when transporting the containers (12). Alternatively or additionally, the at least one main body (14, 16) can be made of a base material and of at least one additive material, which has a surface energy with a polar fraction which differs, preferably substantially, from a polar fraction of a surface energy of the base material and/or of the containers, and preferably made of at least one solid lubricant material. The device (10) can reduce friction between the containers (12) and the at least one main body (14, 16).
B65G 21/20 - Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
C08L 59/00 - Compositions of polyacetals; Compositions of derivatives of polyacetals
B65G 17/08 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface having a load-carrying surface formed by a series of interconnected, e.g. longitudinal, links, plates, or platforms the surface being formed by the traction element
B65G 17/30 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface - Details; Auxiliary devices
The invention relates to a bagging or palletising machine, a system and a method for automated generation of motion and position parameters for a bagging or palletising machine for packaging arrangements. Stacking and/or packing parameters, which are used to generate parameters for controlling the bagging or palletising machine, can be input at a user interface. A digital twin of the bagging or palletising machine can be used to generate or calculate the parameters. This allows the testing and validation of the calculated parameters through a simulation by means of the digital twin. The parameters are generated such that the bagging machine controlled by means of the parameters creates a wrapper for a package in accordance with the packing and/or stacking parameters and/or the palletising machine controlled by means of the parameters arranges packages in accordance with the stacking and/or packing parameters. Once the parameters have been generated, the bagging or palletising machine is configured on the basis of the calculated parameters.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
TRANSPORT DEVICE FOR PLANAR PACKAGING BLANKS, PACKAGING SYSTEM HAVING A PACKAGING DEVICE FOR PLANAR PACKAGING BLANKS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE PACKAGING SYSTEM
A transport device (1) for planar packaging blanks is disclosed. The transport device (1) comprises at least one driverless transport vehicle (7) and at least one adapter (3). The at least one driverless transport vehicle (7) is designed to carry the at least one adapter (3). Furthermore, the at least one adapter (3) is designed to hold at least one stack (5) of planar packaging blanks.
B65G 41/00 - Supporting frames or bases for conveyors as a whole, e.g. transportable conveyor frames
B65B 43/12 - Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
B65B 59/04 - Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
B65H 31/30 - Arrangements for removing completed piles
81.
PACKAGING UNIT, APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A PACKAGING UNIT, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PACKAGING UNIT
A packaging unit (10), an apparatus (1) and a method for producing packaging units (10) are disclosed. Each packaging unit (10) comprises a plurality of articles (11), at least two articles (11) being combined using a first packaging means (15) to form a sub-unit (22), and at least two sub-units (22) being combined using a second packaging means (18) to form the packaging unit (10). It is optionally also possible for a sub-unit (22) and at least one further article (11) to be combined using a second packaging means (18) to form the packaging unit (10). The first and second packaging means (15, 18) are each formed by packaging blanks (16, 19) having through-openings (17, 20) for the articles (11) that are to be combined by means of the first packaging blank (16) or the second packaging blank (19). The through-openings (17, 20) of the respective packaging blanks (16, 19) correspond to longitudinal central axes of the articles (11) that are to be combined. The packaging blank (16, 19) is applied in this case to the articles (11) such that the articles (11) partially protrude through the through-openings (17, 20) of the respective packaging blanks (16, 19) and are held against one another by means of the respective packaging blanks (16, 19).
B65D 71/42 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed by folding a blank formed by folding a single blank into a single layer element
B65D 71/50 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed otherwise than by folding a blank
82.
PACKAGING MACHINE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING PACKAGING UNITS
The invention relates to a packaging machine (8) comprising a supply region (10) for primary packages (32) and a first station (14) for handling and for the secondary packaging of at least two primary packages (32) by means of a secondary package (36), as well as a second station (16) for handling and for the tertiary packaging of at least one secondary package (36) to form a tertiary package (44). A storage unit (26) for temporary intermediate storage of at least one secondary package (36) prior to its transfer to the second station (16) is located either between the first station (14) and the second station (16) or in a manner associated with the second station (16). The storage unit (26) is associated with the second station (16) structurally and for conveying purposes. The invention also relates to a method for producing tertiary packages (44) each formed by secondary packages (36). In this method, at least some of the secondary packages (36) are initially further processed or temporarily stored within a continuous process sequence, with a delay at least until a sufficient number of secondary packages (36) are available for the formation of a tertiary package (44), after which the secondary packages (36) are combined to form a tertiary package (44).
B65B 65/00 - MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING - Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
The invention relates to a device and a method for filtering beer using at least one pack of modules with a plurality of modules each for crossflow filtration, wherein, during a filtering cycle, in a pack (3) of modules at least temporarily the transmembrane pressure in at least one module (1) is controlled and at the same time the filtrate flow is controlled in at least one module (1).
The invention relates to a method and to a tool for producing strapped packages, in which at least two items (10) having deformable or flexible lateral surfaces are grouped and brought into a rectangular arrangement and kept together by at least one strapping band (26). In the method, firstly deformation forces (18) are applied to at least one short side (20) of the group (12) of items, which deformation forces act approximately uniformly on all items (10) of the group (12) of items. Subsequently, the strapping band (26) is placed on the group (12) of items deformed in this manner, wherein an overall length of the strapping band (26) corresponds to, or is minimally greater than, an overall periphery of the group (12) of items to which the deformation forces (18) are applied. The deformation forces (18) acting on the group (12) of items are then removed, as a result of which the lateral surfaces of the items elastically return to their original shape and bring about a defined band tensioning of the strapping band (26). The invention also relates to a tool for carrying out the method.
The invention relates to, inter alia, a system (10) comprising a first computing infrastructure (12) having a web server which is configured to provide a user interface (20) by means of which a component can be selected by a user logged into the web server, and a second computing infrastructure (14) which can be connected to a multiplicity of additive manufacturing devices (18) on a plurality of local networks (16) for operating the additive manufacturing devices (18). The first computing infrastructure (12) sends instructions which prompt an additive manufacturing device (18) to additively manufacture the selected component in a multiplicity of layers, and sends a manufacturer identifier which references an additive manufacturing device (18) associated with the logged-in user to the second computing infrastructure (14). The second computing infrastructure (14) receives the instructions and the manufacturer identifier and instructs the additive manufacturing device (18) referenced in the received manufacturer identifier to additively manufacture the selected component according to the received instructions.
B29C 64/386 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
G05B 19/4099 - Surface or curve machining, making 3D objects, e.g. desktop manufacturing
86.
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING FILLED CONTAINERS AND THE PRODUCT THEREIN
The invention relates to an installation (1) for producing containers filled with a liquid, and in particular beverage containers (10), comprising at least one transport apparatus (2) that transports containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), a filling apparatus (4) that fills the containers (10), a closure apparatus (5) that closes the filled containers, and an inspection apparatus (6) that inspects the filled, closed containers, said inspection apparatus (6) being arranged downstream of the closure apparatus (5) along the transport path, characterised in that the inspection apparatus (6) is suitable and intended for outputting at least one measured value that is characteristic of a composition of the product poured into the containers.
B67C 3/00 - Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
B67C 3/02 - Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
The invention relates to a vacuum cylinder unit (1) for transferring labels to containers (22) in a vacuum-supported manner, and a labelling device (21) equipped with said unit. The vacuum cylinder unit comprises a drive shaft (2) and a vacuum cylinder (3) which is coupled thereto in a centred and driving manner by means of a zero-point clamping system. Because the zero-point clamping system comprises a clamping pin (5) which is integrated into the vacuum cylinder and a clamping pot (6) which is rigidly connected to the drive shaft for securing the clamping pin, the vacuum cylinder can be manually lifted off the drive shaft by a small vertical stroke and the majority of the weight of the zero-point clamping system can be moved into the region of the drive shaft. This also reduces the amount of equipment needed for the vacuum cylinder which is designed as a format-specific interchangeable part.
The invention relates to a film store and a method for dynamically storing a strip-like label film, wherein the film store comprises at least one storage region with an upper carriage and a lower carriage as well as deflection rollers fastened thereto for the label film. The label film is guided along a transport path extending in a meandering manner in each case between the upper carriage and the lower carriage, and the size of the film store is adjusted by the upper and lower carriage moving in opposite directions while mutually compensating for weight. Because the upper carriage and the lower carriage for this purpose are moved towards one another or away from one another by a torque- or force-controlled servomotor and/or the servomotor tensions the label film between the deflection rollers, the storage dynamics and the storage capacity can be optimised while maintaining a maximum permissible strip tension in the label film.
A labelling unit (1) and a method for applying labels (2) to containers (3) are described. According thereto, the labelling unit comprises an unwinding device for unwinding a label-backing tape (5) from at least one supply reel (8), a processing device (7) for separating the label-backing tape to provide the labels and for transferring the labels onto the containers, and, arranged in between, a loop buffer (8) which is variable in size and is intended for temporarily storing the label-backing tape. Owing to the fact that the loop buffer comprises at least two deflecting pulleys (10), which are mounted pivotably for varying the size and which are provided for the label-backing tape, and is designed and arranged for temporary storage on its own between the supply reel and separating operation, the label-backing tape can be temporarily stored with comparatively high storage dynamics and a sufficiently large storage capacity for changing the label-backing tape, and with also a low outlay on apparatus.
The invention relates to a method and a device for printing directly onto containers for filling products, such as beverages. According to said method, a cationically curing ink is applied to the containers by means of at least one ink jet print head, particularly while conveying the containers in a direct printer. The applied ink is then cured by UV radiation. This makes it possible to produce more durable and fully cured ink jet prints with a low level of device and method-related outlay.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
A labelling device (1, 11, 21) for labelling containers (34) is described, with a transport mechanism (2) for a label carrier strip (3), and with a deflection region (5) which has a dispensing edge element (4) and serves for detaching labels (3a) from the label carrier strip. Since the dispensing edge element is designed such that it has at least a first and a second dispensing edge region (6, 7) which differ in terms of their effective deflection radii (6a, 7a) during the detachment process and can be brought into use alternately, the first dispensing edge region can be selected for use if the carrier strip material consists mainly of paper, and the second dispensing edge region if the carrier strip material consists mainly of a plastic. The labelling can thus be easily adapted to different carrier strip materials without exchanging the dispensing edge element.
The invention relates to a labelling machine at least for labelling and/or printing containers, in particular containers in the food industry and the drinks industry, and to a method for configuring labelling machines. An artificial intelligence method is used in order to create the configuration parameters for a labelling machine. An artificial intelligence module (AI module) receives various input data, including, among other things, datasets from configured labelling machines. The AI module creates a trained parameterization model in order to create the configuration parameters for the labelling machine. The labelling machine is configured and optimized by the configuration parameters of the AI module.
The invention relates to a packaging means, a packaging unit, and a method for forming packaging units. The packaging means (10, 30) is used to combine at least two containers (20). At least one form-fitting securing unit is formed between the packaging means and each container. The packaging means (30) consists of at least two sub-regions (31) which are connected together and on each of which at least one securing element (33) is formed for fixing a respective container (20). Each sub-region (31) can be in a first configuration (K1) and in a second configuration (K2), wherein a respective container (20) can be fixed to the sub-region (31) of the packaging means (10, 30) in the first configuration (K1), and no fixation is produced to a container (20) in the second configuration (K2). Each sub-region (31) can be converted from the first configuration (K1) into the second configuration (K2) by applying pressure from above.
B65D 71/50 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material comprising a plurality of articles held together only partially by packaging elements formed otherwise than by folding a blank
Disclosed is a method for labeling containers (10), according to which the containers (10) are transported along a predefined transport path and at least one area of the containers (10) is provided with labels (20), wherein labels (20) are made available and a rear surface (20a) of said labels, which is applied to the containers (10), is coated with glue, after which the glue-coated labels (20) are disposed on the containers (10), said method being characterized in that the labels are inspected by means of a first inspecting device (8, 16), said first inspecting device (8, 16) capturing at least one image of the labels by means of an imaging device, and the labellling process being controlled on the basis of this image.
The invention relates to a method for labeling containers (10), in which method the containers (10) are transported along a specified transport path, and at least one region of the containers (10) is equipped with labels (20); wherein: labels (20) are provided; glue is applied to a rear surface (20a) of these labels, via which surface they are arranged on the containers (10); and subsequently, the labels (20) to which glue has been applied are arranged on the containers (10); characterized in that the labels (20) to which glue has been applied are inspected by means of an inspection device (8) before they are attached to the containers.
B67B 3/26 - Applications of control, warning, or safety devices in capping machinery
B67C 3/00 - Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
97.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING THE INSIDE WALLS OF CONTAINERS
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for treating the inside walls (10a) of containers (10), comprising a transport device that transports the containers (10) along a predefined transport path (T), wherein the containers have an outlet orifice (10b), the device (1) comprises at least one treatment device (2, 12) which can be introduced into the containers via the outlet orifice (10b), and the apparatus comprises a monitoring device (4) which monitors the treatment of the inside wall (10a), characterized in that the monitoring device (4) is configured to monitor the treatment of the inside wall (10a) through the outlet orifice (10b).
The invention relates to a method for inspecting containers (10), in which containers (10) provided with container closures (10a) are transported by means of a transport device (2) along a predetermined transport path (T) and inspected by means of a first inspection device (4) during this transport, and the inspection device (4) captures at least one first image of at least the container closure of a container (10) by means of an image capture device (42), characterised in that a second image of at least this container closure (10) is captured by means of an image capture device, a time interval between the capture of the first image and of the second image preferably being less than 10 ms.
Apparatus for cleaning and inspecting containers, with a first inspection device (2), which is arranged along the transporting path P and which is suitable and intended for inspecting the containers (10) in a first predetermined way, wherein this first inspection device has a first gas-analyzing device for analyzing a gas, with a second inspection device (4), which is arranged along the transporting path and which is suitable and intended for detecting foreign bodies in the container, with a cleaning device (6) for cleaning the containers, which is arranged downstream of the first and second inspection devices along the transporting path, and with a third inspection device (8), which is suitable and intended for inspecting the containers. According to the invention, the third inspection device is arranged downstream of the cleaning device in the transporting direction of the containers.
Method for treating containers (10) and, in particular, reusable containers, having the steps of: providing a container having at least one first marking (M1) which identifies this container (10); determining at least one first item of information assigned to this first marking (M1); applying a second marking (M2) to the container (10), wherein the second marking (M2) is created taking into account the first marking (M1) and/or the determined information.
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