EP2415677B1 - Method and device for operating an assembly for treating containers with controlled parameter selection - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating a system for treating containers and a system for treating containers. Various systems for treating containers are known from the prior art. So fillers are known which containers, such as plastic or glass bottles, fill with liquids. Furthermore, so-called blow molding machines or stretch blow molding machines are known, which convert plastic preforms to plastic containers.

For example, describes the EP 1 471 008 A1 a method and system for monitoring a packaging or filling process. Here, first data information is detected, which identify the package or a packaging material used to form the package and second data information, which serve the description of machine parts.

Moreover, from the US 5,612,525 a device is known, which marks refillable containers by means of a laser beam, so that a re-filled containers can each be provided with a new code symbol.

From the not yet published patent application no. 10 2009 040 977.7 the applicant is also known a container treatment plant having a detection device for detecting properties of a container to be treated, and a comparison device for comparing the detection result of the detection device with a container setpoint. The subject matter of this disclosure is hereby fully incorporated by reference into the following description.

In particular, in the program conversion of machines of the beverage industry to another variety, for example, a new bottle type, this is usually done on the machine by the operator or setter. A previously created variety (which is available as a data record) is selected and loaded in the menu. Such a data record contains, for example, mechanical setting values on the machine, which the operator receives for the changeover.

It is also known, with a parent variety management, for example, in an LMS (line management system) centrally to manage the varieties of the individual machines and transfer according to an upcoming production order to the respective affected machines.

However, the problem arises that also the materials used influence the parameter settings on the machine on site. If, for example, a plastic preform with other material properties, for example with additives for the binding of oxygen in the beverage, used, this has experience, an influence on the setting of the heater and thus on the heating parameters of the blow molding machine. Also, the surface finish of the bottle (roughness or coefficient of friction) can be influenced and thereby change the behavior of the container during processing in a labeller or in a packer inlet. Experience has shown that the same materials from different manufacturers can also behave very differently. Causes can be the manufacturing process used by the manufacturer, for example for the plastic preform, the set process times or other parameters.

As a result, manual adaptation of the machine parameters used to the machines in a bottling plant is required. This adjustment causes losses in the form of machine downtime for the required new settings, quality losses and thus loss of product and packaging material, etc.

On the other hand, most bottling plants do not just produce one production variety. Rather, these plants are designed so that only one variety is in production at a time, but can be easily converted to another variety. The number of different production varieties and the time intervals between conversions can vary greatly.

The production varieties themselves are composed of many categories, such. As the container format, the container color, the container format, the container color, the type and decor of the closure or the number, format and decor of the labels on the containers. Not all machines of a system or their parameters have to be dependent on all categories. Especially in labeling often results in practice a very large number of equipment variants. In particular, the categories of container format, closure format and label configuration are relevant here. The labeling equipment itself can be subdivided into sub-categories, such as the volume of use, the product and country-specific content.

If a conversion to a different grade is to be carried out in the state of the art, the production personnel must adjust the production grade of the machine in addition to mechanical retooling. This can be done for example by a higher-level control (Scada, MES) or directly to the machine operation. For this input, the selection from a list on a touch-enabled display has established itself as the usual way.

However, if the number of production varieties is very large (for example, the number of different equipment in a labeller is often several hundred in practice), experience has shown that the variety is also changed in relatively small periods of time. In this case, the selection from a list is confusing, time consuming and prone to error for the operator. Since the varieties differ in part only in one criterion, the texts of the variety identifiers are often long and very similar. Due to the limited area of the display only a small part of the list is visible at a time, the remaining parts have to be displayed by scrolling through the list.

In this way, there are sometimes incorrect settings, whereby the user inadvertently selects a wrong product or, instead of the actually intended product, at least for a short time makes another product. The present invention is therefore based on the object to facilitate variety changes in the production of containers and in particular beverage containers. This object is achieved by the subject of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a method according to the invention for operating a system for treating containers, the containers are treated by a first treatment unit of the system with predetermined treatment parameters, and these treatment parameters are at least partially variable. Furthermore, the treatment parameters depend at least in part on characteristic of the container product parameters of the containers to be treated.

According to the invention, at least one product parameter characteristic of the container is determined by detecting an identification mark assigned to the container, and at least one treatment parameter is changed on the basis of this characteristic product parameter, a change of the variety to a corresponding type being initiated directly by detecting a change of the identification mark, and wherein the operator the selection of the variety on a ready-made container meets.

It is therefore proposed that the variety selection is not menu-guided, for example on a display, but with specially coded containers or sample bottles. So it is possible that for each selectable variety a sample container is present, which is associated with a dog tag. It is possible that this identification mark is applied to the container itself, for example, that the container is provided with a data matrix code, based on which the varieties can be clearly distinguished. However, it would also be possible for a plurality of sample containers to be disposed in the storage devices in the cabinet and the recognition devices to be respectively assigned in a different manner but clearly to the particular containers, for example in the form of labels attached to the corresponding storage means for the containers are. The dog tag or code can also already by the label manufacturer, z. B. be applied as standard on the back label or an additional identification tag such as an additional sticker on the pattern surface. It would also be possible that the dog tags are printed directly on the container. In addition, however, a selection can also be made available via a list on a display.

To perform the grade change, the operator must select the coded sample bottle, place the hand-held reader, such as a Cognex-Data Man 750, on its identification tag or code, and enter the code by triggering the palm reader (for example, by pressing a read key). The handheld reader is connected via an appropriate interface to the machine or system (or its controller) and transmits the detected code there. Thus, it is possible that by entering the new code, a change of sorts to the corresponding variety is initiated directly.

In this way, the operator can make the selection of the variety via a finished bottle. This is much easier than selecting a text from a very long list.

This saves time when selecting the new production variety. In addition, the operator has the advantage that when selecting the container, the selection is done visually or haptically and in this way a much simpler and safer control for the operator is possible and there are also lower demands on the abstraction of the staff ,

Furthermore, it would also be possible for the identification tag to be arranged additionally or additionally on a closure of the container. Below a container, the unit of the container with the closure closing it is considered below in particular.

Furthermore, it would also be possible for the container itself to be an identification tag, so that, for example, an image recording device detects the shape of the container and unambiguously assigns it in order to change the corresponding parameters in this way.

By way of example, the identification tag can also be a characteristic parameter for the label, so that, for example, the parameters of a labeling machine can be changed to the supply of a new type of label.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the machine does not change the parameters automatically, but instead instructs the user to carry out the corresponding change steps.

In a further advantageous method, the identification mark is a symbol sequence arranged on the container, which is characteristic of one or more product parameters. It would thus also be possible for a large number of parameters to be read out of a symbol sequence, such as a bar code.

Advantageously, therefore, arranged on the container symbol sequence for a variety of product parameters is characteristic.

Advantageously, the identification tag is arranged on a label of the container. This may - as mentioned above - be the actual product label, but also an additional specially applied for the dog tag label.

Advantageously, the treatment unit of the system has a plurality of treatment elements, and the treatment parameters of a plurality of treatment elements are changed. For example, such a system can have a filling device for filling the containers, labeling devices for labeling the containers, blowing stations for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, in particular stretch blow molding machines, packers, palletizers and the like.

Advantageously, the first treatment unit is a forming device for forming plastic in containers. In addition, however, the first treatment unit can also be a labeling machine for labeling the containers or a filling device for filling the containers.

In a further advantageous method, depending on the determined parameters, information about the container to be produced is output to an operator via a display device. For this purpose, for example, a selection of possible containers can be output to an operator, who can then select the correct container based on this (reduced) selection. Furthermore, the user or operator can be asked via the display device to confirm a selection made by the machine. For this purpose, the operator can be presented with a list of possible containers.

The present invention is further directed to a plant for treating containers with a first treatment unit which treats the containers in a first predetermined manner and with a control device which controls the treatment of the containers by the first treatment unit on the basis of predetermined treatment parameters Treatment parameters are at least partially variable and at least partially depend on characteristic of the container product parameters of the containers to be treated.

According to the invention, the system has a detection device for detecting an identification mark assigned to the container, wherein the detection device is at least temporarily in data communication with the control device in order to transmit product parameters of the container determined by detection of the identification mark to the control device. In the reaction to the corresponding product parameters, the control device can, for example, automatically change the treatment parameters, or output to the user information about the steps to be performed. Thus, by detecting a change of the identification tag, a grade change to a corresponding variety is initiated directly, with the operator making the selection of the variety via a ready-made container.

In a preferred embodiment, the detection device has an optical reading device which detects the identification mark. This may be, for example, a barcode scanner.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the system has a second treatment unit, which treats the containers in a second predetermined manner and the control device controls the treatment of the containers by the second treatment unit on the basis of predetermined treatment parameters and these treatment parameters are at least partially variable.

In this case, a change of these operating parameters of the second treatment unit advantageously also takes place from the determined product parameters of the container.

Advantageously, at least one treatment unit is selected from a group of treatment units which include blow molding machines, in particular stretch blow molding machines, labeling machines, fillers, sterilization devices, cappers and the like.

Further advantages and embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Behältnisbehandlungsanlage nach dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 2

ein Ablaufdiagramm nach dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Behältnisbehandlungsanlage in einer weiteren Ausführungsform nach dem Stand der Technik; und

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung zur Veranschaulichung einer Datenübernahme

Show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a container treatment plant according to the prior art;

Fig. 2

a flowchart of the prior art;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a container treatment plant in a further embodiment according to the prior art; and

Fig. 4

a representation to illustrate a data transfer

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a container treatment plant 1 for the treatment of containers can be filled with a product. The container treatment plant preforms 2 plastic or glass containers 3 are supplied. The container treatment system comprises a stretch blow module 10, a filling module or change machine 20, a labeling module 30 and a packaging module 40. The stretch blow module 10 and the filling module 20 are each provided with a protective device 4 to the stretch blow module 10 and the filling module 20 to protect against external influences or to protect operators from equipment module parts that could possibly endanger the operator during operation of the system.

In the stretch blow module 10, plastic preforms 2, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP), are included in a heating device 11 comprising a heating mandrel change machine 12, a shield plate changing machine 13, and reflectors 14 , heated and shaped by a stretch blow molding process into a container, such as a bottle, for a product, such as a liquid. For this purpose, the stretch-blow module 10 also comprises a stretch rod / tuyere or stretch rod / tuyere change machine 15a, a stretch curve / bottom curve or bottom curve adjustment or change machine 15b, a blow molding device or blow molding machine 16, a rail adjustment device 17, a roller distance adjustment device 18 and Staples or staple changing machine 19 for gripping the containers.

When feeding glass bottles 3 to the container treatment plant 1, the stretch blow module 10 can be bypassed. It should be noted that for the purposes of this description with the containers which can be filled with a product, in particular the preforms 2, the containers or plastic bottles finished therefrom, and the glass bottles 3 are meant.

The containers for the product finished by the stretch blow module 10 are fed to the filling module 20 via transport devices, such as transport carousels TK, which fill the containers with at least one product and then close them. For this purpose, the filling module 20 comprises a cleaning device 21 with a sterilization station 22 and a rinser 23 for cleaning the containers, a product mixing device 24 for mixing a product to be filled into the containers, a cap station 25 for feeding and attaching sealing caps to the containers, and a deflecting star or staples 26 for further transport of the containers. In a dynamic buffer 27, the containers arriving from the stretch blow module 10 can be stored or buffered if necessary.

Then the filled and sealed containers are fed to the labeling module 30, labeled by him by means of at least one labeling device 31 and then fed via transport devices, such as transport carousel TK the packaging module 40, in which the containers are packaged.

In addition, the container treatment installation 1 comprises testing devices 50 for testing the containers 2 treated by the container treatment installation 1 Fig. 1 In this case, a test device 50 between stretch blow module 10 and filling module 20 and a further test device 50 between the labeling module 30 and packaging module 40 is provided. However, if necessary, the test devices 50 can also be provided at other or further locations in the container treatment installation 1. With the help of a test result of the test equipment 50 defective containers can be sorted out before further treatment by other system modules.

Each of the plant modules 10, 20, 30, and 40 also includes a plant module controller 60, which may be, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC), as in FIG Fig. 1 specified. In Fig. 1 For example, the plant module controllers 60 are connected in series. The communication of the system module control devices 60 with one another can take place via a wireless local area network (wireless LAN) or via Bluetooth

For the detection of properties of the containers or the product parameters, the container treatment installation 1 furthermore comprises a detection device 90, which may be, for example, a camera. However, the detection device 90 can also be any sensor which is suitable for detecting identification marks of the containers. Such a sensor may for example operate on the basis of an optical, magnetic or mechanical, etc. principle. The detection device 90 is connected to the system module control device 60 of the stretch blow module 10. In addition, the detection device 90 can also communicate with a central control device 95, wherein the central control device in turn pass on relevant data further to the individual system module jam devices.

Fig. 2 illustrates a method according to the applicant's internal state of the art, but the individual aspects can be combined with the features of the present invention.

As in Fig. 2 Each plant module control device 60 has a determination device 110, a comparison device 150, a list creation device 160 and a calculation device 170. In this case, the determination device 110 is used to determine the treatment elements mounted in the container treatment installation 1 or treatment results to be achieved by treatment elements or recipes for the treatment of the treatment elements Containers, which are described in more detail later. For this purpose, the treatment elements can be provided with RFID chips (RFID: Radio Frequency Identification) and / or a code, such as a barcode or other two-dimensional code, which can be transmitted by radio or optical, magnetic or mechanical Principle, etc. are readable. The function of the comparator 150, the list generator 160 and the calculator 170 will be described later in more detail.

In addition, the container treatment plant 1 has a in Fig. 2 shown adjustment device 120 for adjusting the mounted in the container treatment plant 1 treatment elements or by means of treatment elements to be achieved treatment results or recipes for the treatment of the containers, which are described in more detail later. That is, the term "treatment element" in the sense of this description comprises both a tool, such as the brackets 19, as well as by treatment elements to be achieved treatment results as well as recipes for the treatment of the containers.

The container treatment plant 1 also has an in Fig. 2 display device 130 for displaying information about, for example, operating conditions of the container treatment installation 1 or its individual installation modules 10, 20, 30, 40 or their treatment elements, etc. The display device 130 can be any conventional display device.

In case of an error in the operation of the container treatment system 1, a Fehlmeleldeeinrichtung 140 output an error message, such as an optical or acoustic alarm. The alarm can also be displayed by means of the display device 130.

As described above, each of the plant modules 10, 20, 30 and 40 thus carries out a special or predetermined treatment of the containers, such as stretch blow molding, filling, labeling, etc.

For this purpose, each of the plant modules 10, 20, 30 and 40 of the container treatment plant 1 comprises a plurality of different sets or treatment elements which can be used in the different treatments of the containers. That is, the stretch blow module 10 includes, for example, the following treatment elements: heating mandrels 12, shielding plate 13, reflectors 14, stretch rod / blowing nozzle 15, rail adjusting device 17, roller gap adjusting device 18, clamps 19, etc.

The following also refers to bottles when the containers or glass containers 3 completed from the preforms 2a are meant.

More specifically, the individual mentioned plant modules 10, 20, 30 and 40 of the container treatment plant and not shown plant modules include (pasteurization module for pasteurization of container-fillable products, container cleaning module for cleaning containers and preferably returnable bottles, box washing module for washing box) the container treatment plant, for example following individual treatment elements or by means of treatment elements to be achieved treatment results or recipes, wherein the individual treatment elements for simplicity not all in Fig. 1 are shown. In each case changeable parameters are shown.

The aforementioned plant modules 10, 20, 30 and 40 and their aforementioned numerous treatment elements are each known from the prior art and are therefore not described here in detail. Preferably, the respective adaptation of the treatment elements is fully automatic.

Hereinafter, the operation of the container treatment apparatus 1 related to the adapter 120 will be described in more detail.

In a filling line of the container treatment plant 1, the detection device 90 detects identification marks of one of the containers 2, 3 to be treated, as described above. The detection results of the detection device 90 are supplied to the comparison device 150. The comparison means 150 then performs a comparison of a detection result or the detection results of the detection means 90 with a container set value for the plurality of treatment elements 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31.

The container set point indicates which type of container 2, 3 can treat the treatment element 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31. That is to say, the container setpoint value indicates, for example, whether the container 2, 3 is a preform 2 for, for example, a 0.5 liter plastic bottle, a preform 2 for, for example, a 1.0 liter plastic bottle, a preform 2 for example, a 1.5 liter plastic bottle, etc., or a preform 2 made of PET or PP, or a glass bottle 3, etc. Further values which may be assigned to the container setpoint value of a container 2, 3 are: a height and / or a diameter of a mouthpiece of a preform 2 or container 2, 3; a diameter of a transport ring (bulge in the shoulder region of plastic bottles, in particular PET bottles); an overall height or a largest diameter of a container, such as a bottle; a diameter at a certain height for the intervention of treatment units, especially the diameters directly above and below the transport ring, a ground clearance of a molded container, for example a bottle (distance between feet of the bottle to the injection point); a material or a material composition of the container 2, 3; a crystallinity of the material of the container 2, 3; a type of thread and / or a closure (e.g., cork, snap lock, bottle cap) of the container 2, 3; a diameter and a height of the closure; a color of the container material; a wall thickness of the container 2, 3 in certain areas; Strengths, such as Top-load, of the container 2, 3.

The container setpoint can be stored in advance in a memory device, not shown. This storage device may in particular be the aforementioned RFID chip or code which is attached to the treatment elements. Preferably, it is a barcode.

If a comparison performed by the comparison device 150 shows that the detection result of the detection device 100 is not equal to the container setpoint for the at least one treatment element 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31, the adjustment device 120 may include at least one treatment element 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31 of the plurality of treatment elements 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31 adapt. That is, the adapter 120 may either exchange or displace the at least one treatment element 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31 of the plurality of treatment elements 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31.

In addition, the list creation device 160 may prepare a list listing the treatment elements 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31 for which the comparison performed by the comparison device 150 reveals that the detection result of the detection device is not equal to the container target value for the at least a treatment element 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31 is. The list may be displayed on the display device 130. In this case, the list can give indications as to which treatment elements are still to be exchanged or adjusted, and / or specify which treatment elements are currently being exchanged or adjusted. Thus, an operator can choose whether to automatically replace or adjust the still to be replaced or adjusted treatment elements, that is to adapt, or if the operator would like to adjust certain treatment elements itself if necessary.

Preferably, the calculator 170 may perform a calculation of an order which is an order of adaptation of at least one treatment element 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31 of the plurality of treatment elements 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31. This order is particularly advantageous an order in which an opening of the protective device 4 of the container treatment plant 1 is not hindered by the adaptation of at least one treatment element 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31 of the plurality of treatment elements 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31 , This order can also be displayed on the display device 130.

When a comparison made by the comparing means 150 reveals that the detection result of the detection means is not equal to the tank target value for the at least one treatment element 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31, the plant module control means prevents 60, an operation of the container treatment plant 1. That is, if the container treatment plant 1 is still in operation, if the comparison performed by the comparison device 150 results in said result, the container treatment plant 1 is stopped with a device not shown for stopping the Behältnisbehandlungsamlage 1. However, if the container treatment system 1 is not in operation or is at rest, if the comparison performed by the comparison device 150 results in said result, a startup of the container treatment system 1 is made impossible or prevented. For this purpose, the container treatment plant 1 may comprise a device, not shown, for stopping a start-up of the container treatment plant 1. The forced stop of the container treatment plant 1 or the forcible prohibition of starting the container treatment plant 1 can also be displayed on the display device 130

In the cases mentioned, in which an adaptation of at least one treatment element 11 to 19, 21 to 27, 31 is required, an error message can also be output by means of an error message device 140, which can also be displayed on the display device 130.

For example, because the individual plant module control devices 60 are connected in series according to this embodiment, the plant module control device 60 of the filling module 20 can build on the results already achieved by the plant module control device 60 of the stretch blow module 10. That is, the comparator 150, the list generator 160, and the calculator 170 of the plant module controller 60 of the filling module 20 can not only use the container set values as for the comparator 150, the list generator 160, and the calculator 170 of the stretch modulator 60 10, but also the list authoring means 160 already used by the comparison means 150 and the calculation means 170 of the plant module control means 60 of the stretch blow module 10.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except for the execution of the control of the plant modules 10, 20, 30 and 40. Therefore, only the parts other than the first embodiment of the second embodiment will be described below. The same and equally important parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

How out Fig. 3 As can be seen, the individual plant control devices 60 are not connected in series, as in the first embodiment, but they are connected via a bus system with a central plant control device 70. This central plant control device 70 is superordinate to the individual plant control devices 60 and can give the individual plant control devices 60 control commands which the individual plant control devices 60 can implement for the plant modules 10, 20, 30 and 40. As in Fig. 3 In addition, both the individual plant control devices 60 and the central plant control device 70 have a CPU (central processing unit).

According to the second embodiment, the central plant control device 70 includes the comparison device 150, the list creation device 160, and the calculation device 170. The central plant controller 70 then issues commands to each of the plant module controllers 60 based on the results obtained by the comparator 150, the list generator 160, and the calculator 170.

As in Fig. 3 1, the individual treatment elements are associated with other plant control devices 60 than in FIG Fig. 1 shown. Depending on requirements, this assignment can also be chosen differently.

All other elements and functions in this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will therefore not be described again.

(General)

All of the previously described embodiments of the container treatment system 1 and of the container treatment method can be used individually or in all possible combinations. In particular, the following modifications are conceivable.

The control of the container treatment plant 1 can also be done via a separate computer. In this case, an interface may be present on the detection device 100, which may in particular be a camera. Via the interface, the detection device 100 can communicate with the separate computer, for example by wire, by radio, etc.

The evaluation of the results detected by the detection device 100, which may be signals, can also be carried out directly in the detection device 100, which is, for example, a sensor.

By way of example, the adaptation device 120 may be a robot, which removes all treatment elements of the container treatment system 1 and makes necessary adjustments to the treatment elements.

It is also possible to perform the replacement of the treatment elements by means of the adapter 120 without tools. This is possible, for example, in particular for the swivel arm and / or the heating mandrels 12 and / or the shielding plate 13.

In addition, the adaptation of the treatment elements of the filling module 20, the labeling module 30 and the packaging module 40 and the testing devices 50 can be performed automatically when a corresponding recipe selection has been made on the stretch blow module 10, for example by an operator. An input of the operator could be made practically with the recipe choice, or by entering the recipe choice, in particular via a switching device, not shown, such as a button.

It is also possible that the adjustment device 120 adjusts only a subset of the treatment elements, which were determined to be adaptive overall. In this case, it is possible for at least two treatment elements to be automatically adjusted by the adjustment device 120 be changed while the other treatment elements, which are intended to be adjusted yet, be adjusted by an operator. Instead of the at least two treatment elements, at least three or more treatment elements can also be changed automatically by the adjustment device 120.

Fig. 4 shows a representation for illustrating a method according to the invention for data transfer. In this case, the reference numeral 90 refers to a detection device, such as a bar code reader, which serves to read an identification mark 80, which is located on the container 2. In this case, this identification mark 80 may be arranged on a separate label 84 on the container, but it would also be possible that the identification mark on the standard label 82, which is located on the container 2, is arranged.

The container 2 can be both a standard container and a special reference bottle. By means of the detection device 90, product parameters PP can thus be read from the identification tag 80. In principle, it would be possible for the respective product parameters to be imprinted directly on the identification tag, but preferably symbols are applied to the identification tag, for example a bar code, which are characteristic of at least one product parameter and are preferably characteristic of a multiplicity of product parameters.

These product parameters may include information on, for example, the material of the plastic preform, the manufacturer of the plastic preform, a preform batch, a closure material, a manufacturer of container closures, a closure batch, a label material, a label manufacturer, a label batch or, for example, a cardboard box. or foil material act.

In addition, however, other product parameters would be conceivable, such as a volume of the finished container, information on blow molds to be used and the like. These product parameters are supplied to the individual machines or systems of the container treatment plant as relevant data on the material actually used for controlling the machine or even a single machine control 60. It is possible that the detection device 90, the product parameters PP to the above mentioned central controller 95 forwards. Even the central controller 95 can determine the individual treatment parameters BP from the product parameters PP, which are then forwarded to the individual systems 10, 20, 30 or their controllers. However, it would also be possible for the product parameters PP to be forwarded to the individual controllers 60, and these then determine the individual treatment parameters therefrom. On the basis of the individual treatment parameters, the individual changes or settings of the machine elements can be made, or else the user can be instructed accordingly, as the changes are to make. Examples of the changes have already been given above.

It is thus in the in Fig. 4 It is not necessary to measure the containers, but it is easier to read out the characteristic parameters of the container from the identification mark and then used for machine conversion.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Container treatment plant

2

preforms

3

glass container

4

guard

10

Stretch-blow molding module

11

heater

12

Heating mandrel or Heizdornwechselautomat

13

Shielding plate or shielding plate changing machine

14

Reflectors or reflector change machine

15a

Stretching rod / tuyere or stretch rod / tuyere change machine

15b

Yield curve / ground curve or stretch curve / ground curve adjustment or change machine

16

Blow molding device or blow molding automatic change machine

17

Schieneneinstelleinrichtung

18

Rollenabstandeinstelleinrichtung

19

Staples or stapler change machine

20

Filling module or filling module change machine

21

cleaning device

22

sterilization station

23

rinser

24

Product mixing device

25

Cap station

26

Deflector star or brackets

27

Dynamic buffer (Acculink)

30

labeling module

31

labeling

40

packaging module

50

test equipment

60

System module controller

90

detector

95

Central system module control device

110

determiner

120

matching device

130

display

140

Error message device

150

comparator

160

List builder

170

calculator

TK

transport carousel

Claims (10)

1. A method of operating a plant (1) for the treatment of beverage containers (2), wherein the containers (2) are treated with pre-set treatment parameters (BP) by a first treatment unit (10, 20, 30, 40) of the plant (1), and wherein these treatment parameters (BP) are capable of being altered at least in part and depend at least in part upon product parameters (PP) - characteristic of the container - of the containers (2) to be treated, characterized in that at least one product parameter (PP) characteristic of the container (2) is determined by detecting a recognition mark (80) associated with the container (2) and at least one treatment parameter (BP) is altered on the basis of this characteristic product parameter (PP) for a type conversion when producing the beverage containers, wherein by detecting a change of the recognition mark (80) a type conversion to the corresponding type is introduced and wherein the operator choses the type by means of a completely equipped container.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the recognition mark (80) is a sequence of symbols which is arranged on the container and which is characteristic of the product parameter (PP).
3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the sequence of symbols arranged on the container (2) is characteristic of a plurality of product parameters (PP).
4. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recognition mark (80) is provided on a label (82, 84) of the container (2).
5. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment unit (10, 20, 30, 40) of the plant has a plurality of treatment elements, and the treatment parameters of several of the treatment elements are altered.
6. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first treatment unit (10, 20, 30, 40) is a shaping device (10) for shaping plastics material pre-forms into plastics material containers.
7. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that information on the container to be produced is displayed by way of a display device in a manner dependent upon the parameters determined.
8. A plant (1) for the treatment of containers (2) with a first treatment unit (10, 20, 30, 40), which treats the containers (2) in a first pre-set manner, and with a control device (95) which controls the treatment of the containers (10) by the first treatment unit (10, 20, 30, 40) on the basis of pre-set treatment parameters (BP), wherein these treatment parameters (BP) are capable of being altered at least in part and depend at least in part upon product parameters (PP) characteristic of the containers to be treated, characterized in that the plant (1) has a detection device (90) for detecting a recognition mark (80) associated with the container (2), wherein the detection device (90) communicates in terms of data with a control device (60, 95) at least for a time, in order to transmit product parameters (PP) of the container determined by detection of the recognition mark to the control device (60, 95), wherein by detecting a change of the recognition mark (80) a type change to a corresponding type can be introduced and wherein the operator choses the type by means of a completely equipped container.
9. A plant (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the detection device (90) is an optical reading device which detects the recognition mark (80).
10. A plant (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plant has a second treatment unit, which treats the containers (2) in a second pre-set manner, wherein the control device (95) controls the treatment of the containers (2) by means of the second treatment unit on the basis of pre-set treatment parameters and these treatment parameters are capable of being altered at least in part.

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