EP2110329B2 - Packaging machine with at least one reporting device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a packaging machine with at least one registration device.

The use of a packaging machine in a company requires handling by a number of people. These include, among others Operating personnel who operate the machine during operation, but also service personnel who check or repair the machine for its safety and functionality. In addition, setting personnel are often used to set up, set up and prepare the packaging machines. In addition, there are programmers who, for example, change the control of the machine and other personnel who, for example, carry out installation or conversion work on the machine. In order to avoid dangers, incorrect operation or even accidents on the packaging machine, it is important that the individual persons only carry out the activities intended for them or can carry them out in the event of service.

It is known from the prior art to block access to such machines or access to an operating device of the machine by means of a locking device which can be operated with a key. If computer-aided operation of the machine is provided, it is also possible to log in using an access password for commercially available machines.

The EP 1 770 019 A discloses a packaging machine for packaging cigarettes, with at least one registration device, at least one of the registration devices comprising an input device for the wired input of information, for example a touch screen keyboard. The EP 1 808 791 A does not relate to the field of packaging machines, but discloses a computer workstation for several users.

The object of the invention is to propose a packaging machine in which logging on in order to gain access to the packaging machine is associated with as little time and effort as possible.

This object is achieved by a packaging machine with the features of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are possible through the measures mentioned in the subclaims.

Accordingly, in a packaging machine according to the invention with at least one registration device, in particular a log-in device, for checking personal access authorization, at least one of the registration devices comprises a reading unit for receiving wirelessly and / or contactlessly transmitted information from wirelessly or contactlessly readable, portable data carriers.

The persons working on the machine or operating the machine are equipped with the aforementioned portable data carriers. Various design options are conceivable for such data carriers. For example, the data carriers can be integrated into the company ID of the respective person. A "badge" attached to clothing or the body can also be used for this. The registration takes place in such a way that the person brings the corresponding portable data carrier into the reception range of the reading unit, which can read it out automatically and then grants or denies access to the packaging machine. For the transmission of information which is to take place wirelessly or without contact, the data carriers each include an RFID transponder unit. The information transmitted consists, for example, of a person-specific number, a corresponding access code, a password or an encryption of access rights. If the information does not meet certain requirements or if no information is transmitted, no registration can be made.

This type of registration also enables a particularly secure registration in which the effort to gain access to the packaging machine as an unauthorized person is extremely high or can be excluded.

It is particularly time-saving to integrate the data carrier into work clothing, for example, or to attach it to it in such a way that the data carrier is automatically within the reception range of the reading unit when the person concerned takes up their working position on the machine. It is conceivable, inter alia, to place the portable data carrier in the belt, in the sleeves or in the breast pocket so that the person no longer has to pay attention to whether or how they are close enough to the reading unit when taking the appropriate working posture or position positioned.

Insofar as several people work on a packaging machine at the same time, the invention provides that the person to be registered must first perform an action so that registration can take place before the reading unit is ready to receive the information from the data carrier. This is done by making an entry in a login program before the reading unit is ready to receive the login information (“login prompt”). In particular, it can also be avoided that inadvertently a person who only works in the vicinity of the packaging machine logs on or enters their login information. The registration process can therefore remain an active process that has to be consciously carried out.

A remarkable aspect of the invention is that a hygienic production process is made possible at the same time, since contactless registration takes place.

However, if circumstances arise that do not permit registration via the reading unit, there is still an alternative registration option. The advantage here is that access is also made possible if problems, defects or the like occur on the machine. For example, the service staff can still have access, even if e.g. the reading unit and / or the data carrier is affected by a failure.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the alternative input device is designed such that it can be enabled. In this embodiment, the alternative input device is initially blocked. Non-skilled operators can therefore in the exceptional case mentioned above, e.g. in the event of a defect or the like, do not access the alternative application option. Only competent persons can activate the activation. This activation can be carried out, for example, by a key, a bridge circuit in the area of the inputs or outputs of the controller or similar measures.

The alternative input device could e.g. be operated manually, for example by entering a numerical code, by a key or by a non-contact chip card. If there is a corresponding defect, i.a. time can also be saved by this measure, since z. B. Service staff still has access to the packaging machine.

In the case of a computer-controlled packaging machine, an exemplary embodiment of the invention can advantageously provide a log-in option within a control program, so that, for example, it is not possible to operate the packaging machine without logging in beforehand.

It is particularly advantageous to evaluate the transmitted information, be it from the reading unit or from the bypass input device, in a control unit, which outputs corresponding control commands, e.g. can pass on to the machine control. Such a control unit can also include an input device which not only allows the information transmitted by the data carrier to be input, but also provides input via control lines, for example. It is also conceivable to make the control unit programmable. Furthermore, it can make sense for the control unit to be able to access other data, be it machine-specific data or access rights that are assigned to a specific personnel number. It is conceivable, for example, that registration is no longer possible or only possible under special conditions if, for example, a malfunction of the machine has been reported to the control unit. An advantageous embodiment of the invention therefore comprises such a control unit.

A central control command that the control unit could issue is the activation of locking devices. A preferred development of the invention comprises at least one locking device controllable by the control unit. For example, this blocking device enables or prevents access to the packaging machine. This can be realized, for example, by opening or closing a locking device. It is even conceivable to interrupt the operation of the packaging machine to deny access. In principle, it is also conceivable to forward corresponding warning notices to a monitoring terminal in the event of failed log-in processes. The control unit can consequently be configured in a conceivable manner in such a way that it performs various functions, among others. in connection with the registration process.

In addition to reading out permanently stored information, some data carriers also allow data to be written to the data carrier. In addition, some data carriers also have to be activated first, especially if the data carrier has to be supplied with energy in a contactless or wireless manner. Therefore, in an advantageous further development of the invention, there is a device for contactless or wireless energy supply, which e.g. is integrated in the packaging machine and / or encompassed by the reading unit.

Applications such as writing data to the data carrier usually require that the data carrier can be addressed by means of electromagnetic waves.

In this context, the invention provides that the reading and / or transmitting unit is designed as an RFID station (radio frequency identification). Commercially available RFID transponder technology can be used with corresponding cost savings. Under certain circumstances, both the reading or transmitting unit and the RFID transponder can be purchased in stores as inexpensive devices. RFID systems are generally small, compact units for contactless identification and also localization of objects. A reading unit generally emits an electromagnetic high-frequency field, the basic frequency of which corresponds to the resonance frequency of the oscillating circuit in the RFID transponder. In order for the resonance frequency in the resonant circuit of the reading device to match the resonance frequency of the transponder resonant circuit, various adjustments may be necessary due to transmission problems. For example, it can happen that the material surrounding the transponder changes the frequency of the electromagnetic wave slightly and thus the resonance frequency of the oscillating circuit has to be slightly detuned so that it again matches the resonance frequency of the oscillating circuit in the reader.

In one embodiment of the invention, access to the packaging machine can also be permitted for the last successful logon, while at the same time access originating from a previous registration is denied. This means that only the person who is currently logged on can work on the machine. If you forget to log off or switch off the packaging machine, this inattentiveness can be automatically eliminated by logging in again.

Furthermore, when logging in, the control unit can use the transmitted information to grant hierarchically graded access rights. A possible division of the scope of the access rights could, for example, be assigned according to whether operating personnel (low access rights), setting personnel (medium access rights) or service personnel (extensive access rights) log on. Service personnel could also have access to several or all of the existing packaging machines.
It could be reserved for the service personnel to continue to have active access to the packaging machine if a third party tries to log in at a later point in time, for example with lower level access rights (operating or setting personnel).

It is also advantageous to design the control unit to refuse access to the packaging machine after a certain time after logging on, namely in principle, in particular to avoid forgetting to log off or switch off. However, the access rights could also be reduced to a minimum after the corresponding period of time or, in general, changed.

Safety aspects are playing an increasingly important role. If a numerical code has to be entered to check access authorization, this can in principle be carried out by anyone who knows the code. It is different with biometric recognition. In a special development of the invention, biometric data of this type can therefore be read in via the reading unit and / or the alternative input device and used by the control unit to grant or deny personal access.

In principle, there is also another possible embodiment of the invention. It is often found afterwards that irregularities or errors have occurred during a work phase of the machine. Here it is desirable to visit the personnel working during the corresponding time interval in order to be able to carry out an effective and effective error analysis. Corresponding assignment becomes difficult when a large number of people are potentially considered to have performed a certain operating step on the packaging machine. An advantageous exemplary embodiment of the invention therefore comprises a registration device which has at least one writable memory unit with an associated writing unit controllable by the control unit. This creates the possibility of, for example, recording a transmitted personnel number on a writable medium. After the registration device has allowed access based on a valid personnel number and the control unit has unlocked the intended locking devices, for example, the control unit issues a write command by means of which the personnel number is recorded on a memory unit with the corresponding start and end times of the work process. A personal assignment is made possible accordingly. However, it is also conceivable to record other data and information in a similar manner.

In particular, at production sites that use at least one packaging machine, monitoring terminals are used which centrally monitor the working and functioning of the packaging machines. Even during operation, irregularities can thus be quickly identified and, if necessary, eliminated. In addition to the pure monitoring, it may also be necessary, for example, to reprogram the control unit or to supply the memory unit with new data and information. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the control and / or storage unit of the packaging machine to be connected to an electronic network via an interface.

The invention provides a transmission unit for wireless and / or contactless transmission of information, specifically the use of an electromagnetic transmitter as a transmission unit. In a similar way, a receiving unit for wireless and / or contactless transmission of information according to an advantageous development of the invention can be present on the data carrier. As already mentioned above, this can serve to activate the data carrier or it can also be used to transfer information to the data carrier.

An example of such an activation is, in particular, energy transfer from the outside, for example from the reading unit to the data carrier. A preferred development of the invention thus provides that the data carrier comprises a device that allows it to be supplied with energy from the outside. In principle, for example, the packaging machine can also comprise a device that enables this energy supply. The data carrier therefore does not require a separate energy source such as a voltage source in the form of batteries or accumulators. Such batteries or accumulators would have to be replaced or recharged after a certain storage time.

In principle, however, it is conceivable to use a data carrier with its own voltage source such as e.g. a battery or a rechargeable battery.

The electromagnetic energy emitted by the registration device can, for example used by the data carrier as a power source. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, there is accordingly an inductance and / or antenna for transmitting energy between the reading unit and the data carrier. However, if the energy is transferred automatically as soon as the data carrier is used, there is no need for any other supply of energy; and you have saved a lot of time and effort.

In order to make the data carrier as compact as possible, it is advantageous to design the inductance and / or antenna at the same time as a transmitting antenna. The invention provides for an RFID transponder unit to be provided in the data carrier. As already mentioned above, such a transponder can be acquired extremely inexpensively. In addition, these systems, in particular the RFID transponders, are being miniaturized more and more so that the transponders can be integrated and built in almost anywhere in an inconspicuous manner.

At the same time, by using an RFID transponder in one embodiment of the invention, a contactless or wireless energy supply of the data carrier can be achieved at the same time in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit is present. Through this, the data carrier can, among other things, also fulfill other functions. In the case of an RFID transponder, an oscillating circuit is generally provided which is coupled to an integrated circuit of this type. Energy, which is used to supply the integrated circuit, can also be absorbed via the resonant circuit.

In a preferred development of the invention, the integrated circuit is designed as a coding unit. If there is a storage unit on the data carrier for storing data, information such as personnel numbers, access rights, etc., then these data must be encoded or decoded in order to be converted into a signal that can be transmitted or from a signal that is transmitted into information that can be stored to be converted. In the case of an RFID transponder, the resonant circuit is usually connected to such an integrated circuit, which usually fulfills the basic function of a coding unit.

There are various design options here. In one embodiment of the invention, the coding unit comprises at least one non-writable memory unit for permanent storage of information. This is important, for example, if the personnel number is to be permanently recorded on the data carrier. This can then be converted into a transmittable signal by the coding unit before it is passed on to the registration device.

In a manner similar to that already described that the registration device can advantageously comprise a memory unit, it is also conceivable that the coding unit comprises at least one writable memory unit with an associated write unit controllable by the coding unit. This exemplary embodiment of the invention is particularly important when the data carrier includes further functions and is used, for example, to monitor working hours. Depending on how the production method is organized, the data carrier can also serve as a storage unit for various purposes.

In principle, such data carriers can be used both for the reading unit and for the alternative input device. However, such a data carrier is preferably used for one, in particular for the reading unit.

Embodiment:

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Verpackungsmaschine im Betrieb und

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Informationsträgers in Form eines RFID- Transponders.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Show in detail:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a packaging machine in operation and

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of an information carrier in the form of an RFID transponder.

Fig. 1 shows a packaging machine 1, in which the lower film 3 is unwound from a roll 2 and guided onto a conveyor line 19. Packaging trays 5 are formed from the lower film 3 by means of a deep-drawing device 4. These continue on the conveyor line 19 and are filled with filling material 6 by staff 7. The packaging trays 5 filled with the filling material 6 continue on the conveying path 19 and are covered and sealed with upper film 9 in a sealing unit 10 and then cut by means of a cutting unit 31. The upper film 9 is also unwound from a roll 8. The filled packaging 11 is a finished product of the packaging machine 1.

A device for controlling 15 of packaging machine 1 can also be seen. This device can be operated by appropriate personnel or programmers 17. All of the personnel 7, 17 working on the machine each carry a data carrier 12, 18. In addition, log-in devices 13, 16 are provided at the respective workstations. These are connected to a control unit 25 via data lines 14. This control unit has a control line 26 to the packaging machine 1.

Before the staff 7 starts working on the packaging machine 1 and thus fills the corresponding packaging trays 5 with the filling material 6, the staff 7 must be identified. For this purpose, the data carrier 12, which is here as Badge or works ID is formed and is worn on the breast pocket, are held in the vicinity of the log-in device 13. This forwards the corresponding information via the data line 14 to a control unit 25. The control unit 25 is integrated here within the control device or control terminal 15 of the packaging machine 1.

In principle, there is the possibility of attaching or integrating the log-in device 13 and / or the control unit 25 to the packaging machine or setting them up separately.

Other personnel, for example a programmer 17 who monitors the smooth operation of the packaging machine 1 or, for example, makes a change in the control program, such as a change in the conveying speed, must log into the control terminal 15 accordingly. This log-in process takes place via an identification.

Any type of identification of the corresponding personnel 7, 17 can take place by means of information carriers 12, 18 by bringing them into the vicinity of the respective log-in devices 13, 16. For example, the information carrier 18 of the programmer 17 is attached in the vicinity of the hand. When the control terminal 15 is operated, the data carrier 18 is automatically in the vicinity of the log-in device 16. In this case too, the log-in device 16 is connected to the control unit 25 via a data line 14. If a corresponding identification is not possible, the logging-in process is prohibited, or if this happens, for example, during operation of the machine, an interrupt signal is sent to the packaging machine 1 via the control line 26.

There is also an alternative input device for the manual input of an access code via a keypad, which is intended, for example, for access by service personnel.

Fig. 2 shows a data carrier 18 which comprises an RFID transponder 20. A coil 21 can be seen, which forms an oscillating circuit with a capacitor 27. The voltage across the capacitor 27 is tapped and a part of it is cut off by a diode 28 when the polarity is changed. In this way, a capacitor 29 can be charged, which can serve, for example, as a voltage source for supplying an integrated circuit, here a coding unit 22. The coding unit 22 comprises a data memory 23 for permanent data storage and a writable memory unit with a write unit 24.

For example, an identification number is invariably stored in the memory unit 23. In the data memory 24 with an integrated write unit, further data can be recorded, which are either also sent or can be received by the transponder 20 and recorded there. This data can be, for example, access rights or working hours, but also various other information. The coil 21 is designed as a transmitting and receiving unit. In particular, however, energy can also be absorbed via the coil 21, which energy is emitted by the log-in device in the form of electromagnetic waves. The resonant circuit is set so that its resonance frequency corresponds to the radiated fundamental frequency.

A connection to the network is possible via an interface with a corresponding data line 30. The control unit 25 can thus be monitored and controlled, for example, via a further central monitoring terminal.

• eine Leseeinheit zum Empfang drahtlos und/oder berührungslos übermittelter Informationen von drahtlos bzw. berührungslos auslesbaren, tragbaren Datenträgern (12, 18) sowie
• eine alternative Eingabevorrichtung zur verdrahteten Eingabe von Informationen.

However, all exemplary embodiments and further developments of the invention are characterized in that at least one of the registration devices (13, 16) comprises:

• a reading unit for receiving wirelessly and / or contactlessly transmitted information from wirelessly or contactlessly readable, portable data carriers (12, 18) and
• an alternative input device for the wired input of information.

List of reference symbols:

1

Packing machine

2

role

2

Lower film

4th

Deep drawing device

5

Packaging tray

6th

Filling material

7th

staff

8th

role

9

Upper film

10

Sealing unit

11

Packaging with filling material

12

Disk

13

Log-in device

14th

Data line

15th

control

16

Log-in device

17th

programmer

18th

Disk

19th

Transport route

20th

RFID transponder

21st

Kitchen sink

22nd

Coding unit

23

Storage unit

24

Writable storage device

25th

Control unit

26th

Control line

27

capacitor

28

diode

29

capacitor

30th

Data line

31

Cutting unit

Claims (8)

1. Packaging machine (1) having at least one registration device (13, 16), in particular log-in device, for logging in and monitoring personal-related access authorization, wherein at least one of the registration devices (13, 16) comprises:

   - a reading unit for receiving information received in a wireless and/or contactless manner from wirelessly or contactless readable, portable data storage media (12, 18), each data storage medium comprising an RFID transponder unit (20),

   - wherein the reading unit is only ready for receiving information after previously an input has been made in a log in program,

   - wherein the packaging machine (1) comprises a control unit (25), adapted to grant upon logging in different access rights depending on the wirelessly and/or contactless transmitted information, wherein further a transmitting unit for transmitting electromagnetic waves is provided, and the reading and/or transmitting unit is configured as an RFID station for information exchange with the RFID transponder unit (20),

   - wherein the at least one log in device further comprises an alternative input device for the hard-wired input of information, the alternative input device enabling an access under circumstances in which logging-in via the reading unit is impossible.
2. Packaging machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the alternative input device has a locked state from which it is releasable.
3. Packaging machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alternative input device is operable manually and/or with a key and/or with a smart card.
4. Packaging machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the registration device (13, 16) comprises the control unit (25) for receiving information from the reading unit or from the alternative input device, and for transmitting control commands.
5. Packaging machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one locking device is provided relating to access onto the packaging machine (1) and controllable through the control unit (25).
6. Packaging machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (25) is designed so that the scope of access to the packaging machine is determined by the last successful log in.
7. Packaging machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (25) is designed to refuse access to the packaging machine and/or to change the granted access rights after a certain time interval.
8. Packaging machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reading unit and/or the alternative input device are configured to read in biometric information from a person (7, 17), and the control unit (25) is designed to check the personnel-related access authorization.

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