DE102012221458B3 - System for automatic format displacement of plant for processing of paper products in consumer goods industry, has control device that controls driving devices depending on state signals such that plant format displacement is synchronized - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a control device (11) determining whether format elements (17) are exchanged depending on a displacement signal for left and right driving devices (15). The format elements are adjusted by the driving devices. Sensors e.g. state sensors (21), are formed to determine a state and/or a number of components of types processed by a plant and to output a state signal to the control device. The control device controls the driving devices depending on respective state signals such that format displacement of the plant for the components is synchronized. The driving devices are jackscrew actuators, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders and valves. The format displacement is a mechanical adaptation of the plant to different processing components with different properties such as mechanical dimensions.

Description

The invention relates to a system for automatic format adjustment of a system for processing components of different formats. The system comprises a plurality of controllable drive means by means of which respective format elements arranged in the system are adjustable, as well as a control device which is connected to the drive devices and which is designed to automatically move the plurality of drive devices from a respective initial position into one in response to a format adjustment signal to control the respective end position.

Such systems are used, for example, within production lines of the consumer goods industry. Due to a strong adaptation of products to local markets, a trend towards increased product diversity can be observed in the consumer goods industry. In addition, consumer goods manufacturers are striving to produce small batches on demand to keep inventory levels low. As a result, more and more format changes become necessary in the plants of such production lines. The adaptation of the systems to different product dimensions is still done manually today, for example by handwheels. There is therefore a need for systems that automate the format adjustment in order to be able to carry out product changes more quickly and with less work.

By format adjustment is meant the mechanical adaptation of a system to different components to be processed with different properties, in particular different mechanical dimensions. One example is a packaging machine which, for the purpose of guiding respective products within the installation, has format elements, for example stops or guide rails, which have to be adapted to the respective package size and / or shape. The format elements must be adjusted to exactly defined positions for the respective package format if the system is converted to a production lot with a different format.

The adjustment of the positions of the format elements is usually either manually or by drive means that can perform, for example, linear or rotational movements. As drive means of an automatic system are in particular electric drives, such as spindle drives, or pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, valves or other types of actuators in question.

The control of the drive means takes place in an automatic system such as a central control device, which is, for example, memory programmable, but can also be programmed connection. The control device has the task, depending on a format adjustment signal, to control the drive devices from their respective initial positions, which correspond to the format initially set in the system, into respective end positions, by which the format to be newly set is realized. For this purpose, the control device has to be connected at least to the drive devices via respective communication lines in order to be able to output control signals to the drive devices and possibly also to be able to receive signals from the drive devices.

The format adjustment signal is usually specified by means of an input device by a user of the system and entered into the control device. The presence of the format adjustment signal in the controller can then trigger the automatic format adjustment. The format adjustment signal comprises, in particular, information about the format to be newly set, which are taken into account accordingly by the control device for controlling the drive devices in their respective end positions.

A packaging machine whose means of transport can be adjusted to adapt to different formats, is in the DE 10 2008 051 026 A1 described. Another packaging device, the format setting of the setting of functional elements by means of a mobile adjustment device is provided, which is coupled to respective adjusting devices, is from the DE 10 2008 010 076 A1 known. Furthermore, the DE 42 16 123 A1 and the DE 10 2009 045 319 A1 Format setting devices for stacking systems, such as those used for packaging or bundling of paper products. A clip machine, which automatically checks whether a tool of the clip machine with the clips with which it is equipped, is compatible in DE 10 2005 033 437 A1 described. Moreover, it is off DE 10 2011 003 374 A1 a machine tool for machining a workpiece with a collision sensor for detecting a collision of machine parts known.

However, starting from a format initially set in a respective system, it is generally not possible to set all the formats that can generally be set in the system merely by adjusting the format elements arranged in the system. For some format changes, it may be necessary, one or more format elements, the For example, have format-specific dimensions or shapes to exchange for other format elements. In the DE 10 2009 040 977 A1 a container treatment plant is described to the format adjustment treatment elements not only adjusted, but also be changed, for which different automatic change machines are provided. Similar container treatment plants are also in DE 10 2009 058 087 A1 such as DE 10 2010 033 171 A1 described. Moreover, it is off DE 10 2007 062 983 A1 a packaging machine known in which tools for forming and / or closing a package for a tool change can be moved to a tool change position. Exchangeable format-dependent components of a packaging machine are also in the DE 199 41 485 A1 described.

In general, however, an exchange of format elements can not be automated, but must be performed manually by a user of the plant. In particular, it may be necessary for the manual exchange that the format elements to be exchanged first assume a position in which they are accessible and replaceable, but which differs significantly from the positions occupied by the format element in the operation of the system. For such systems, it is therefore customary to make a format adjustment manually. However, it would be desirable even with such systems at least format changes that require no exchange of format elements, fully automatic and format changes that require an exchange of format elements to perform at least largely automated.

The invention has for its object to provide a system for automatic format adjustment of a system for processing components of different formats, which allows a simple and a user largely supportive automatic format adjustment, especially in systems where a format adjustment make the replacement of a format element required can.

This object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1.

The system according to the invention thus comprises, on the one hand, the control device autonomously determining whether the upcoming format change at least for some format elements requires replacement, and on the other hand for these format elements the usual movement of the respective drive means from its initial position to its end position via one for the Exchange appropriate exchange position. Consequently, not only the format adjustment for the formatting elements which need not be exchanged can be fully automatic, but also the format adjustment for formatting elements which must be exchanged is automated as comprehensively as possible. Because triggered by the format adjustment signal, the motion necessary for format adjustment, which can be performed by the system without manual intervention by a user, can also be performed by the system while the user of the system is only performing those steps that the system itself is incapable of executing is. The latter is preferably the case only in the actual exchange of a format element itself, that is, when removing a format element and the installation of another format element in its place.

The system can exchange the z. B. also assist, for example, by asking the user after reaching the respective exchange position of a drive device to exchange the format element, and in particular instructs him how to do this. After the format elements have been exchanged, which can preferably be confirmed by the user and / or checked by the system, the system then in turn takes over the automatic control and controls the drive devices in their respective end positions. Thus, essentially the entire format adjustment is largely automated.

Only for a slight adjustment of the defined by the respective end positions of the drive means and set format adjustment within certain tolerances can still be provided a manual readjustment and enabled by the system. Manual means in this context does not necessarily mean that the respective drive means are adjusted by hand, but a manual readjustment can also be done by operating the control device. For example, parameters such as a respective travel path or a respective angle of individual drive devices can be increased or reduced in certain increments by correspondingly actuating an input device connected to the control device, whereby a fine readjustment is made possible. However, the control device may also have means to automatically recognize the need for readjustment and also perform this automatically.

The said respective replacement positions can be defined for each of the drive devices of the system as respective positions, in which, for example, a user approaches particularly well the respective format element and / or fastening means of the format element. It must such a replacement position is not necessarily different from the respective starting position and / or the respective end position of the format element adjusting drive device. Exactly one exchange position can be defined for the drive devices of the system. However, it is also possible for at least some drive means to have a plurality of replacement positions suitable for replacement, between which the system can preferably independently select a particularly suitable one. The respective replacement positions of the drive devices are preferably predetermined and stored, for example, in a memory device which can be read by the control device. However, the system and in particular its control device can also be designed to automatically determine one or more suitable respective replacement positions for the drive devices.

Preferably, the control device is further configured to automatically control a drive device, for which it determines that the adjustable by means of the drive device format element does not need to be changed directly from the respective starting position in the respective end position. In this context, "direct" can be understood to mean, in particular, with regard to time and / or distance. A time-direct control from the starting position to the end position takes place, for example, if the control is continuous, ie if the drive device is on its way from its starting position to its position End position stops in no other position; In the case of a direct control in relation to the route, the control takes place without detour, for example by choosing a shortest or most efficient route. Since this way does not need to allow an exchange of the format element, it does not necessarily have to be done via a replacement position of the drive device. But it can be that a direct way nevertheless at least the exchange position happens.

In such an embodiment, the system as a whole is particularly efficient, since those drive means whose format elements need not be replaced, transferred entirely without manual intervention directly into the respective end position for the new format and the remaining drive means for the manual exchange of their format elements advantageously in a suitable replacement position and then automatically controlled again in the respective end position. Since the control device automatically identifies those format elements whose (possibly necessarily manual) replacement is required for the new format to be set, the entire format adjustment as a whole is automated as comprehensively as possible. In particular, the efficiency of the format adjustment can be further improved by the fact that the control device is designed to control the respective drive means in a particularly suitable order, so that, for example, the adjustment or exchange of a format element is not hindered by an adjustment or exchange of another format element becomes.

In a preferred embodiment, the control device is further configured to control a drive device for which it determines that the format element that can be adjusted by means of the drive device must be replaced via a respective replacement position such that the drive device remains in the respective exchange position until the control device receives a respective enable signal. In this case, all drive devices with format elements to be exchanged are preferably initially brought into their respective exchange positions, and then the user is awaited the respective enable signal for all of them. Only when this is present, then all drive means are controlled in their respective end position. However, it can also be provided that the drive devices are controlled one after the other from the starting position via the replacement position into the end position, for example in accordance with a predetermined or suitably determined sequence. In this way it can be advantageously prevented that the exchange of a format element is hindered by another format element or its drive means.

The respective release signal by which the control device is signaled in particular that the exchange of the format element is completed and the drive means can now be controlled in their respective end position can be entered from outside the system, for example by the user who has exchanged the format element and this is confirmed by generation of the enable signal. Such confirmation may be made, for example, by scanning an identification mark of the new format element after its installation in the system by the user. However, the enable signal can also be generated by the system itself, for example if it has means for autonomous recognition that the exchange of a respective format element has been completed.

Preferably, the system comprises respective format element sensors associated with the drive means and a format element tester, wherein a respective format element sensor is adapted to identify the format element which is adjustable by means of the drive means associated with the format element sensor and wherein the format element test means is adapted depending on the identified one Format element output a release signal to the controller. The format element sensors can thus be used to monitor the exchange of a respective format element and, in particular, to determine the completion of the exchange. Preferably, each drive device can be assigned a respective, in particular permanently installed, format element sensor. Alternatively, the format element sensor may also be a, in particular external, reading device, with the format elements of a plurality of drive devices being individually scanned after replacement by the user of the system undertaking the replacement.

Advantageously, the format element sensor is capable of identifying the particular format element of a drive device. For this purpose, the format element sensor, for example, a bar code or another, for. B. read two-dimensional code on the format element or arranged on the format element RFID element. Alternatively, the format element sensor may have an interface that can communicate with a corresponding interface of the particular format element installed on the drive device.

Identifying the format element by means of a respective format sensor preferably comprises not only the detection of the presence of the format element, but also the recognition of which format element type is involved. Thus, the format element checking device can determine on the basis of the identified format element whether a change of the format element has taken place and whether the correct new format element has been used. Preferably, the Formatelementprüfeinrichtung only if this is the case, a release signal to the controller, so that they can control the corresponding drive means from the exchange position to the end position.

The format element checking device can be an independent unit of the system with its own logic. Preferably, the format element checking device is integrated in the control device, so that the control device itself receives the signals of the format element sensors and then evaluates whether a respective drive device can be released from its exchange position.

The release signal required for leaving the replacement position of a respective drive device can in particular consist of a combination of a signal generated in dependence on the respective identified format element and a manually input signal. For example, it may be provided that the release signal is only present when the exchange of a respective format element has been manually confirmed both by the user and checked by the format element checking device with a positive result.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the control device is further configured to interrupt the control of the drive means in response to a hold signal. The system preferably also comprises collision sensors and a warning device which is designed to detect restrictions which impede the adjustment of the format elements on the basis of signals from the collision sensors and to output a holding signal to the control device as a function of detected restrictions. Such a restriction may be present in particular when a collision of two format elements threatens when the respective drive devices are adjusted. This may be the case, for example, due to overlapping adjustment paths, but may also be a consequence of incorrect operation, in particular the installation of a format element with the wrong dimensions. Another example of such restrictions are optionally existing in the plant to be processed components that can block the displacement of a format element.

Possible collision sensors are, for example, optical sensors, such as light barriers, light scanners or cameras, which are suitable for detecting an adjustment path as free or restricted and, if appropriate, the degree of restriction. The restrictions detected by collision sensors can be detected by the warning device, which can then output a holding signal to the control device if a relevant restriction exists. In particular, the warning device can be integrated in the control device. If the control device receives such a hold signal, advantageously the control of the drive devices is interrupted in order to avoid possible damage to the system, to the system or to the components processed by it.

A system whose format adjustment is effected by a system according to the invention can be designed to jointly process at least components of a first type and components of a second type. By way of example, the components of the first type can be produced products, and the components of the second type can be packages for these products, so that the processing consists, in particular, of packaging certain quantities of the product into a respective packaging. It is also conceivable that more than two types of components are processed, for example when multiple products of different kinds are packaged in a common packaging.

The invention is characterized in particular by the fact that the system further comprises state sensors which are designed to determine a respective state and / or a number of the components of the first and / or second type processed by the system and to output a corresponding respective state signal the control device output, wherein the control device is further adapted to control the drive means in response to the respective state signals such that the format adjustment of the system for the components of the first type and the components of the second type is synchronized.

As the number of components processed by the system, the number of components already processed by the system, that is to say up to a certain processing step, can be determined. Alternatively or additionally, the number of components currently processed by the system, which are currently present in the system or a part of the system, can be determined. Thus, the status signal may include information about how many components have already passed a certain processing step and / or how many components are currently located in the plant or a subarea of the plant. Furthermore, a state of the components detected by the state sensors can in particular be the processing state of a plurality of different components with one another, ie information about how far the common processing of the components of different types has progressed; Such a processing state, for example, in a packaging machine, the level of a filled with a product packaging.

The state sensors can be individually provided for the system or else provided for other purposes in the system sensors. In the context of the aforementioned embodiment, "synchronized" is to be understood as a synchronization in time and / or in relation to specific processing steps and / or specific positions within a sequence of several components of the same type. Synchronized points in time or positions are characterized in that they correspond to one another within the course of the processing, in particular in that the components of the first and second types processed at these times or positions depend on one another, since they are associated with one another or at least are assigned to one another in the course of the processing. For example, in a packaging machine, the products that are packaged in a respective package associated with this packaging. If a format change takes place, then this must advantageously take place for the packages at a time or at a position in the processing course which corresponds to the time or position in the processing run at which the format change takes place for the assigned products. Just then, the format adjustment for the first and second type products is synchronized.

An unsynchronized format adjustment could be problematic insofar as the assignment of components of the one to be processed together with them components of the other type may be disturbed. Without synchronized format adjustment, it may happen, for example, in a packaging machine after a product change, that more packaging than product (or vice versa) is present in the plant. As a result, not completely filled packaging or other products incurred as a committee and usually can not be reused. Due to the mentioned synchronized format adjustment for components of different types, the additional costs for the reject, which can arise from a format change, can be significantly reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the control device is designed to control a respective drive device from the respective initial position during a format adjustment of the system for the conversion from the processing of a series of components of a first format to the processing of a number of components of a second format, if the control device has received at least information that the last component of the series of components of the first format has passed at least the respective drive device. In other words, prior to controlling each drive to format-shift from an old format to a new format, the last component of the old format has passed through each drive to ensure that all components always interact only with format elements of the correct format ,

Said information about the passage of the last component may come from sensors of the system or installation which may be provided anyway for other purposes. Such sensors do not necessarily have to be arranged on all drive devices, since the information that a certain component has passed a drive device implicitly also includes the information that the component has already passed the drive device preceding it in the course of processing.

If it is monitored for several drive means when the last component of a particular format passes the respective drive means, the format adjustment for different drive means or for different groups of drive means at different times, namely in each case following that the control means for this respective drive means or this particular group of drive means has received the information that the last component of a particular format has passed through these drive means. The format adjustment is thus not necessarily simultaneously for the entire system, but in several steps in succession. In this way, the format adjustment can be performed almost during operation of the system or at least with very little downtime of the system.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the system comprises test sensors which are designed to identify the respective components processed in the system and / or to detect parameters of the respective components. The identification of the processed components serves, in particular, to check whether the correct component is being processed. Such identification can be achieved, for example, by reading out an RFID element, a bar code or other, for. B. two-dimensional codes. In particular, if the identification of the respective component takes place by means of optical test sensors, these can also carry out a check of labels for correct content, readability and / or correct position on the component. Further parameters of the components which can be detected by means of the test sensors are, for example, the temperature, the pressure, the color and / or the pattern of a product. The information obtained by the test sensors serves in particular for quality assurance. If the information differs from an expected value, for example, a warning can be displayed on a display or an automatic response of the control device can take place, which can in particular be based on the generation of a stop signal.

In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises format sensors adapted to detect the respective format of a component processed by the device. The detection of a format can take place, for example, by identifying the component and reading out a format known for this component from a memory. However, the format sensors are preferably suitable for determining the format of a component from its actual dimensions by measuring the dimensions of the component by means of suitable measuring methods.

The mentioned format detection can be used for calibration, i. H. to re-learn a format based on patterns of a component to be processed. For this purpose, the patterns are introduced into the system and detected by the system by means of the format sensors, which determine the dimensions of the pattern. Preferably, the control device is designed to derive respective end positions for the drive devices from the detected dimensions, so that the format defined by these end positions corresponds to the newly taught-in format. By such an embodiment eliminates the usually manually performed format configuration in which the respective end positions for a new format read on a scale and / or associated engine positions of the drive means must be stored, which is usually associated with high, especially time, effort.

Another application of format detection is to detect deviations in the format of a respective component processed in the system from the currently set format and to respond accordingly. For this purpose, the system may comprise a comparison device which is designed to output a format deviation signal to the control device as a function of a comparison of the detected format with the format set in the system. The currently set format is defined by the predetermined by the drive means positions of the format elements. For example, in response to a format deviation signal indicative of a deviation from the set format, the controller may display a warning, such as on a display. Such a format deviation signal can also lead to an interruption of the processing in the plant or in parts of the plant. Preferably, the control device can independently correct the signaled format deviation, so that a standstill of the system can be avoided.

The control device is preferably designed to determine a respective adapted end position as a function of the format deviation signal for the drive devices controlled in the respective end position and to control the drive devices from the respective end position into the respective adapted end position. By means of such a format correction by adjusting the respective end positions of the drive devices, the system can be adjusted to the actual format deviating from the set format. The adjusted end positions do not necessarily have to differ from the previously assumed end positions for all drive devices. Such an automatic readjustment comes in particular for minor Format deviations into consideration, in which an adjustment of the positions of the drive means is easily possible and in particular no exchange of format elements is required.

Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the control device is designed to generate a new format adjustment signal as a function of the format deviation signal. In this case, therefore, as a result of a format deviation signal, a complete new format adjustment can be triggered. The format to be newly set is preferably derivable from the format deviation signal, so that the generated format adjustment signal can directly comprise the information about the format to be newly set. As with a manually triggered format adjustment, the control device can then control the respective drive means to new end positions, this being done for drive devices whose format element must be replaced via a respective exchange position.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control device is designed to independently determine, for example based on a comparison with a threshold value, depending on the extent of the format deviation, whether a slight automatic readjustment is sufficient to correct the format deviation or if a complete new format adjustment must be performed. and depending on the result of the determination to perform the readjustment or the format adjustment.

Another embodiment of the system includes one or more control strokes, wherein a respective control stroke connects one or more of the drive devices to the controller. The use of control hubs allows a modular design of the system. For example, one control stroke may be provided for each of a plurality of different subregions of the system. The controller may simultaneously control the drive means of multiple hubs. However, it can also be provided that in each case one control stroke is selected on the control device, the drive devices of which can then be controlled, so that individual system parts are controlled separately by the control device. The modular design also allows multiple systems to be controlled with a single system according to the invention and a single controller. The connection between the control device and the control hubs and / or between the control hubs and the drive devices preferably takes place according to a Hiperface interface.

Furthermore, the system may comprise a plurality of control devices, wherein the respective control devices are connected to different groups of drive devices for their control. In this way, the modularity of the system and thus the flexibility of its application are further increased. In particular, the multiple control devices can be operated via a common input device, so that the entire system can be managed from a central location.

Preferably, the system comprises an input device which is connected to the control device and via which the control device, preferably visually, is programmable, and / or a display device which is connected to the control device and displays information about the system. Preferably, the input device and the output device are a unit; for example, an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) touch screen display that can both display information about the system and accept input from a user of the system. If the control device is programmable in memory, this can advantageously be programmed via the input device. To increase the ease of use, it is advantageous if the programming purely visual, such as the graphical construction of logically linked process sequences, can be made, and thus no programming knowledge of a text-based programming language to operate the system are required.

In the following the invention will be explained with reference to the attached figures. The figures show schematic representations of a part of an embodiment of the system according to the invention at several times in the course of different format changes. Show

1a to 1c a format change that does not require the exchange of format elements;

2a to 2g a format change in which an exchange of all displayed format elements is required; and

3a to 3g a format change in which an exchange of individual format elements is required, an exchange of other format elements, however, not.

In the figures, the same part of an embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown in a schematic representation in each case. The system comprises in all figures a control device 11 that have a control stroke 13 with drive devices 15 connected is. The drive devices 15 are only exemplary spindle drives that are suitable to the drive equipment 15 arranged format elements 17 . 17 ' linear adjustment along an axis. Here are only two process stations of the system, each with two opposing drive means 15 and associated format elements 17 . 17 ' shown. In fact, the plant may include many more process stations, each having more than two or even one drive means 15 can be provided. The number of drive devices 15 does not have to be the same at every process station.

The format elements 17 . 17 ' are arranged within a plant for processing various components such that they guide these components along a processing direction (arrow) within the plant and / or hold or process for a processing step. If the format elements are not only responsible for holding, but also for moving the components to be processed, appropriate drives, not shown, are provided which can move the format elements in the direction of the arrow. Otherwise, the components to be processed, for example, with conveying elements also not shown here in the direction of arrow can be moved from one to the next process station.

For guiding, holding and / or processing are the format elements 17 . 17 ' through the drive devices 15 placed so that their position is adapted to the format of the currently processed components. Conversely, the format currently set in the system is the position of the format elements 17 . 17 ' defines and agrees with the format of the components to be processed.

When changing the product, a format adjustment of the system may become necessary. Triggered by a format adjustment signal, which via an input device, not shown, to the control device 11 output or from one of a sensor used as a format sensor 21 derived format deviation signal can be derived, performs the control device 11 an automatic format adjustment by. For this purpose, the control device controls 11 the drive devices 15 from her in 1a . 2a or 3a shown respective initial position in the in 1c . 2g respectively. 3g shown respective end position. In the cases shown, the respective end position differs from the respective starting position in that in the end position a smaller distance between opposing format elements 17 . 17 ' is present than in the starting position and insofar in the final position smaller formats are processed than in the starting position.

The process of automatic format adjustment according to the 1a to 1c is as follows: First, there are the drive devices 15 as in 1a represented in their respective starting positions, in which the assigned format elements 17 . 17 ' Process unillustrated products of a first format or assist in processing. In the case of a product change, the format of the products may change with regard to their dimensions and / or shape. Such a change may be to the controller 11 be notified as a format adjustment signal, either via an input device, not shown manually or in particular by the format sensor 21 can be triggered if it identifies a product with a second format other than the first format. In this case, the detection of the format change can in particular be effected by the sensor 21 an RFID element, a bar code or another, e.g. B. reads two-dimensional code on the product.

In the example of the 1a to 1c the detected format change consists only in a change of the transverse to the processing direction (arrow) expansion of the product, so that the corresponding format elements 17 . 17 ' only adjusted in their position, but do not need to be replaced. The control device 11 is able to make this determination independently and deduce that the format elements 17 . 17 ' can be controlled directly from their respective starting position in the respective end position. In the embodiment shown, the various drive means 15 not simultaneously adjusted, but in pairs successively with respect to the processing direction (arrow) preceding drive means 15 be adjusted earlier than subsequent ones.

In 1b the time is shown at which the lower two drive means 15 were already controlled for the new format in the respective end position, the two upper drive devices 15 however, are still in their respective starting position. The two lower format elements 17 . 17 ' thus can already help to process a product of the new format, although the format adjustment has not yet been completed. In 1c Finally, the upper two drive means 15 with their format elements 17 . 17 ' transferred from the respective initial position in the respective end position, so that at least the part of the system shown is adjusted to the new format.

At the in 2a to 2g shown format adjustment is in contrast to the in 1a to 1c shown format adjustment for the new format to be set a change of format elements 17 . 17 ' required. Because while at the in 1a to 1c In the case shown only a change of a distance was sufficient for the format change, the format change in the case of 2a to 2g also a change in shape from square to round, for example for adaptation to another product to be processed. That the format change an exchange of format elements 17 . 17 ' is required by the controller 11 determined independently, then the drive devices shown 15 whose format elements 17 against other format elements 17 ' need to be replaced, controls on a respective exchange position from the respective starting position in the respective end position.

To go from in 2a shown state to the in 2d To get shown, therefore, first the two lower drive means 15 from the in 2a shown starting position in the in 2 B transferred replacement position shown. The replacement position is characterized in the illustrated case in that the format elements to be exchanged 17 particularly far apart and are well accessible. In the replacement position, the two lower format elements 17 by a user against other format elements 17 ' exchanged (cf. 2c ). Subsequently, the two lower drive means 15 from the controller 11 from the exchange position in their in 2d shown end position controlled in the format elements 17 ' then take the respective position corresponding to the new format.

After the two lower format elements 17 . 17 ' In this way, were adjusted to the new format, also the two upper format elements 17 . 17 ' adjusted accordingly, where 2e and 2f the replacement position of the two upper drive devices 15 in front ( 2e ) or after ( 2f ) the exchange of format elements 17 . 17 ' demonstrate. With the in 2g shown state in which all drive means 15 have reached their respective end position, the format adjustment of the system is completed.

Another example of a format adjustment is in 3a to 3g shown. The steps illustrated in the individual figures essentially correspond to those in FIG 2a to 2g shown. Unlike the in 2a to 2g The format adjustment shown in this format adjustment must be from the lower and upper format elements 17 . 17 ' in each case only one of the two (each shown on the left) are exchanged, for example because the shape of the product to be processed changes on one side (from square to round, as shown), but not on the other side.

The control device 11 is trained to independently based on the initially installed format elements 17 and the newly set format, which format elements 17 have to be exchanged for the format adjustment and which format elements 17 can be adjusted directly without replacement. In accordance with this determination, the controller controls 11 then the drive devices 15 either via their respective exchange position or directly into the respective end position. This is especially in 3b to recognize: starting from the in 3a shown respective starting positions of the lower drive means 15 becomes the left drive device 15 whose format element 17 must be replaced, controlled in their replacement position, while the right drive device 15 is controlled directly into its final position. Adjusting the lower two format elements 17 . 17 ' It does not have to take place at the same time as shown, but it can also be done sequentially in a suitable order.

The right lower drive device 15 can until the completion of the format change in their in 3b remain shown end position. The lower left drive device 15 however, after the exchange of their format element 17 against the new format element 17 ' (see. 3c ) from the replacement position are still controlled to their final position (cf. 3d ). The control of the two drive devices shown above 15 then takes place accordingly, with the in 3e to 3g shown steps in the 3b to 3d shown correspond. In 3g Finally, the format elements 17 . 17 ' for which this was required, replaced and the respective end positions of all drive equipment 15 reached, so that the format adjustment is completed.

In all three illustrated cases, the controller controls 11 the drive devices 15 whose format elements 17 . 17 ' must be replaced, so that they each remain so long in their replacement position, to the drive means 15 arranged format element sensors 19 the newly attached format elements 17 ' For example, based on RFID elements, bar codes or other, eg. B. two-dimensional codes have identified and / or the completion of the exchange was confirmed by the exchanging user of the system via a corresponding input to an input device, not shown. So do the format element sensors 19 helping to prevent system errors.

The illustrated sensor 21 stands for a variety of existing sensors in the system, which can also perform functions as a collision sensor, condition sensor or test sensor except as a format sensor. The ones from the sensors 21 and the format element sensors 19 acquired information is sent to the controller 11 output. This is the control device 11 with the sensors 19 . 21 connected via not shown communication lines, as well as the connections to the drive means 15 and / or the control stroke 13 can be wired or via radio. The consideration of information of the sensors 19 . 21 by the control device 11 enables high quality and reliability of the automatic format adjustment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11

control device

13

controller hub

15

driving means

17, 17 '

format element

19

Format sensor element

21

Collision sensor, condition sensor, test sensor, format sensor

Claims (14)

System for automatic format adjustment of a system for processing components of different formats, which is designed to jointly process at least components of a first type and components of a second type, the system having a plurality of controllable drive devices ( 15 ), by means of which respective format elements arranged in the system ( 17 . 17 ' ) are adjustable, and one with the drive means ( 15 ), preferably programmable logic controller, ( 11 ), which is adapted to the plurality of drive means ( 15 ) in response to a format adjustment signal automatically from a respective initial position to a respective end position to control, and the control device ( 11 ) is further adapted, depending on at least the format adjustment signal for each of the drive means ( 15 ) determine whether that by means of the drive means ( 15 ) adjustable format element ( 17 . 17 ' ) and a drive device ( 15 ), for which this is the case, when controlling from the respective starting position into the respective end position, it is automatically to be controlled via a respective exchange position in which the drive device ( 15 ) adjustable format element ( 17 . 17 ' ) against another format element ( 17 . 17 ' ) is replaceable, the system further comprising state sensors ( 21 ), which are designed to determine a respective state and / or a number of the components of the first and / or the second type processed by the system, and to send a corresponding respective status signal to the control device ( 11 ), the control device ( 11 ) is further adapted to the drive means ( 15 ) in response to the respective state signals such that the format adjustment of the system for the components of the first type and the components of the second type is synchronized. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device ( 11 ) is further adapted to a drive device ( 15 ), for which it stipulates that by means of the drive device ( 15 ) adjustable format element ( 17 . 17 ' ) does not need to be replaced automatically to control directly from the respective starting position in the respective end position. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device ( 11 ) is further adapted to a drive device ( 15 ), for which it stipulates that by means of the drive device ( 15 ) adjustable format element ( 17 . 17 ' ) must be replaced, so to control over a respective exchange position that the drive means remains in the respective exchange position until the control device ( 11 ) receives a respective enable signal. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the system further comprises respective drive means ( 15 ) associated with format element sensors ( 19 ) and a format element checking device, wherein a respective format element sensor ( 19 ) is adapted to, by means of the drive means ( 15 ), which the format element sensor ( 19 ), adjustable format element ( 17 . 17 ' ), and wherein the format element checking device is designed to function in dependence on the identified format element ( 17 . 17 ' ) an enable signal to the controller ( 11 ). System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device ( 11 ) is further adapted to control the drive means ( 15 ) in response to a stop signal, and that the system is collision sensors ( 21 ) and a warning device, which is designed to restrict, which is an adjustment of the format elements ( 17 . 17 ' ), based on signals from the collision sensors ( 21 ) and, depending on detected limitations, a holding signal to the control device ( 11 ). System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device ( 11 ) is further adapted, in a format adjustment of the system for the conversion from the processing of a number of components of a first format to the processing of a number of components of a second format, a respective drive means ( 15 ) to control from the respective initial position, when the control device ( 11 ) has received at least information that the last component of the series of components of the first format at least the respective drive device ( 15 ) has happened. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system further comprises test sensors ( 21 ) which are adapted to identify the respective components processed in the plant and / or to detect parameters of the respective components. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system further comprises format sensors ( 21 ), which are adapted to detect the respective format of a component processed by the system. A system according to claim 8, characterized in that the system further comprises a comparison device which is adapted, depending on a comparison of the detected format with the format set in the system, a format deviation signal to the control device ( 11 ). System according to claim 9, characterized in that the control device ( 11 ) is further adapted, in dependence on the format deviation signal for the drive devices controlled in the respective end position ( 15 ) to determine a respective adapted end position and the drive devices ( 15 ) from the respective end position to the respective adjusted end position. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the control device ( 11 ) is further adapted to generate a new format adjustment signal in response to the format deviation signal. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system further comprises one or more control hubs ( 13 ), wherein a respective control stroke ( 13 ) one or more of the drive devices ( 15 ) with the control device ( 11 ) connects. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system further comprises a plurality of control devices ( 11 ), wherein the respective control devices ( 11 ) with different groups of drive devices ( 15 ) are connected to their control. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system further comprises an input device connected to the control device ( 11 ) and via which the control device ( 11 ), preferably visually, programmable, and / or comprises a display device which is connected to the control device ( 11 ) and displays information about the system.

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