EP0679605A1 - Cask handling installation having an integrated code reader - Google Patents

Cask handling installation having an integrated code reader Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0679605A1
EP0679605A1 EP95103914A EP95103914A EP0679605A1 EP 0679605 A1 EP0679605 A1 EP 0679605A1 EP 95103914 A EP95103914 A EP 95103914A EP 95103914 A EP95103914 A EP 95103914A EP 0679605 A1 EP0679605 A1 EP 0679605A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transponder
barrel
barrels
conveyor
reading device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95103914A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0679605B1 (en
Inventor
Volker Dipl.-Ing. Till
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GEA Till GmbH and Co
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GEA Till GmbH and Co
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Priority to DE29518241U priority Critical patent/DE29518241U1/en
Publication of EP0679605A1 publication Critical patent/EP0679605A1/en
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67CCLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/30Filling of barrels or casks
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08CLEANING
    • B08BCLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67CCLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/007Applications of control, warning or safety devices in filling machinery
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67DDISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08Details
    • B67D1/0801Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
    • B67D2001/0811Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs provided with coded information

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cleaning and / or filling system for barrels, in particular for kegs, with a conveying device for the barrels and with at least one transponder reader for detecting information stored in transponders arranged on the barrel.
  • barrels which are usually referred to as kegs when the valves are screwed in, are cleaned in cleaning and / or filling systems and filled with beverage liquid.
  • the barrels are transported to the individual cleaning and filling stations by means of a conveyor.
  • attempts have been made since 1980 to make the barrels machine-readable. The first attempts in this direction were carried out by Volker Till in 1980 at the Spaten brewery in Kunststoff.
  • a binary perforation was first made in the metal collar of the barrel.
  • This system has been further developed by using optical codes, such as a seven-segment plain text display, which is read via camera systems.
  • the barrels are usually made of stainless steel and are transported in the filling system on stainless steel chains. Due to the relative speeds and friction, a lot of abrasion and dirt is generated, which goes down into the conveyor falls into it. In order to avoid contamination of the reading system, the reading devices were therefore always installed above, less often on the side of the conveyor. An arrangement of the reading devices in the area of the conveyor belts was completely impossible. This was the only way to ensure communication between the reading system and code and thus proper evaluation. However, the arrangement of the reading devices via the conveyor device is relatively complex, since the holding devices only have to be attached for the reading devices and, moreover, the height must also be adjustable in order to adapt to different barrel types. In addition, such an arrangement of the reading devices severely limits their possible applications.
  • the identification codes are usually attached to the top of the barrel so that they can also be read when the barrels are aligned or when they are delivered or in restaurants.
  • the codes are therefore located on the side of the barrel on which the locking valve (fitting) is located.
  • the drums usually get into the filling system with the fitting facing upwards for refilling, the cleaning and filling process in the filling system is carried out with the fitting facing downward. Only after the filling has been completed is the barrel rotated again for delivery so that the fitting and thus the code point upwards. Due to the arrangement of the readers above the conveyor, the codes in the filling system can only be evaluated at the top of the barrel at the system inlet and outlet. However, identification during the cleaning and filling process is not possible.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to simplify the attachment of the reading devices in the bottling plant and to enable a broader use of the reading systems.
  • the transponder reading device is arranged in the conveyor device in such a way that the barrels are guided past the transponder reading device. This will prevent the reader from being used even when the code is pointing downwards. H. Fitting allows. Since the information stored in the transponders is not read out optically, but rather the transponders are excited to output a code signal via an alternating electrical / magnetic field, any contamination of the reading device has little effect on the information acquisition.
  • the reader can be relatively easily attached to the conveyor, so that expensive holding devices above the transport system are spared.
  • the optical appearance of the system is embellished by the integration of the transponder reader in the conveyor.
  • the transponder reader is arranged between transport chains or the like of the conveyor. This ensures that the field of the transponder is not disturbed by the transport chains and thus the reading process is impaired.
  • transponder readers are arranged in the area of the inlet and / or outlet of treatment stations, so that the position of the barrel in the system can be constantly checked using the last position report.
  • this inventive concept provides that the signal of the transponder read by the transponder reader, together with information about the forthcoming or completed treatment process of the barrel, be fed to the system control is there, in relation to the data stored in a data processing device of previous treatment steps of the barrel as it passes through the system, and then stored in the data processing device.
  • the individual barrel can be assessed and controlled in isolation.
  • the system control only enables the next treatment step to be carried out if the previous treatment steps have been carried out properly, so that, for example, drums that have not been properly cleaned are no longer fed to the filling stations or only after repeated repetition of the cleaning process.
  • the signal read by the transponder reader is used to analyze the barrel position. Since the arrangement of the reading devices below the barrel also enables reading processes at cleaning and filling stations of the filling system, the correct positioning of the barrel at all stations can be checked with the invention in a simple manner.
  • a barrel 2 is transported on transport chains 3, 4 to cleaning and / or filling stations, not shown.
  • the transport chains 3, 4 are designed as endless chains that run back on the underside of the conveyor 1.
  • a transponder 5 is arranged on the barrel 2 and consists of two components, namely a chip 6 and a copper winding 7 acting as an antenna.
  • the transponder 5 can be mounted flat on a bottom 8 of the barrel 2 or can be introduced into the potting compound in a floating manner in order to ensure secure attachment over the entire life of the barrel 2.
  • the transponder 5 is coded with the essential data of the barrel 2 and is therefore tamper-proof.
  • a transponder reading device 9 is arranged in the conveyor device 1 and supplies the transponder 5 with the energy for transmitting its code signal without contact via a magnetic alternating field.
  • the received code signal is forwarded by the transponder reader 9, for example, to a data processing device, so that all the barrels 2 can be automatically recorded in a database.
  • the signal transmitted by the transponder 5 can be used for the targeted control of the drums 2 in the cleaning and / or filling system.
  • the transponder reader 9 is arranged between the transport chains 3, 4 so that it is the one emitted by the transponder 5 Can receive code signal directly. In order to avoid damage to the transponder reading device 9, for example by the conveyed barrel 2 or other moving parts of the conveying device 1, the transponder reading device 9 is arranged below the transport chains 3, 4.
  • the transponder reader 9 can be fastened in the conveyor device 1 in a simple manner without the need for expensive holding devices.
  • the signals of the transponder 5 read by the transponder reader 9 together with information about the forthcoming or just finished treatment process of the drum 2 are transmitted to the system controller and there to the data of previous treatment processes of the drum stored in a data processing device 2 related in the passage through the plant. It can thus be checked whether the barrel 2 to be treated in the treatment station has also passed through the previous treatment stations properly. The system controller will only release the next treatment step if all the necessary previous treatment stations have been properly completed. A time sequence can also be assigned to the individual barrel 2, so that release is only possible if not too much time has passed since the previous treatment steps. For example, the cleaning and filling process should be carried out on the same day in order to prevent the barrel 2 from becoming contaminated again.
  • the drum 2 is removed.
  • the transponder readers 9 at all treatment stations and / or branching points of the conveyor 1, the The position of the barrel 2 in the system is constantly monitored and the barrel 2 can be controlled individually.
  • the inventive arrangement of the reading devices 9 within the conveyor device 1 below the barrels 2 prevents confusion of the barrels 2 and considerably increases product safety.
  • barrels 2 which contained products with flavoring substances can only be described as completely cleaned and guaranteed free of flavoring substances if they have been completely filled with cleaning chemicals during the cleaning process.
  • this can lead to confusion with containers already filled with product, so that a risk to consumers cannot be excluded.
  • the transponder reader 9 can also be used to control the correct orientation of the barrel 2 on the conveyor 1.
  • the barrel 2 is usually processed with the fitting 10 facing downwards.
  • the orientation of the barrel 2 must be checked at least before the cleaning or filling process begins. This is usually done via limit switches which are actuated by the fitting 10.
  • the Transponder 5 By ordering the Transponder 5 on the front side of the barrel 2, on which the fitting 10 is arranged, the correct orientation of the barrel 2 can be determined via the transponder reader 9, so that the limit switches previously required can be saved.
  • the position of the barrels 2 at each cleaning and filling station can be checked with the transponder reading devices 9 arranged in the conveyor device 1, so that malfunctions of the system due to incorrectly located barrels 2 can be avoided.
  • the transponder reader 9 Since the transponder reader 9 is integrated in the conveyor 1, the visual impression of the transport system is not disturbed by additional holding devices for the readers arranged above the conveyor 1.

Abstract

The installation is for cleaning out and/or filling barrels (2) or kegs. It includes a conveyor (1) for the barrels (2) and at least one transponder reader (9) for picking up information stored in transponders (5) arranged on the barrel (2). The transponder reader is arranged in the conveyor (1) such that the barrels (2) are passed over it (9). In use, the read transponder signal is fed to the installation control together with information on the planned or finished treatment process. They are related to data concerning previous processes stored in a data processor. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Reinigungs- und/oder Abfüllanlage für Fässer, insbesondere für Kegs, mit einer Fördereinrichtung für die Fässer und mit wenigstens einem Transponder-Lesegerät für die Erfassung von in an dem Faß angeordneten Transpondern gespeicherten Informationen.The invention relates to a cleaning and / or filling system for barrels, in particular for kegs, with a conveying device for the barrels and with at least one transponder reader for detecting information stored in transponders arranged on the barrel.

In der Getränkeindustrie werden Fässer, die, wenn die Ventile eingeschraubt sind, üblicherweise als Kegs bezeichnet werden, in Reinigungs- und/oder Füllanlagen gereinigt und mit Getränkeflüssigkeit befüllt. Die Fässer werden dabei mittels einer Fördereinrichtung zu den einzelnen Reinigungs- und Füllstationen transportiert. Um die Logistik der üblicherweise mehrfach verwendeten Fässer zu verbessern, wird seit etwa 1980 versucht, die Fässer maschinenlesbar zu machen. Erste Versuche in dieser Richtung wurden von Herrn Volker Till im Jahre 1980 bei der Spaten-Brauerei in München durchgeführt. Dabei wurde zunächst eine Binärlochung im Metallkragen des Fasses eingebracht. Dieses System wurde durch Verwendung optischer Codes, wie bspw. einer Sieben-Segment-Klarschrift-Anzeige, die über Kamerasysteme gelesen wird, weiterentwickelt. Alternativ wurden auch Barcodes, die entweder auf das Faß aufgebrannt oder als Etiketten aufgesetzt und über Scanner gelesen werden, verwendet. Alle diese Codes werden optisch ausgelesen. Die Anmelderin hat zusätzlich vor einiger Zeit vorgeschlagen, in der Getränkeindustrie Transponder zur Identifizierung von Kegs zu nutzen. Dazu werden die Transponder-Lesegeräte in die für die optischen Lesesysteme vorgesehenen Halterungen eingesetzt.In the beverage industry, barrels, which are usually referred to as kegs when the valves are screwed in, are cleaned in cleaning and / or filling systems and filled with beverage liquid. The barrels are transported to the individual cleaning and filling stations by means of a conveyor. In order to improve the logistics of the barrels that are usually used several times, attempts have been made since 1980 to make the barrels machine-readable. The first attempts in this direction were carried out by Volker Till in 1980 at the Spaten brewery in Munich. A binary perforation was first made in the metal collar of the barrel. This system has been further developed by using optical codes, such as a seven-segment plain text display, which is read via camera systems. Alternatively, barcodes that were either burned onto the barrel or placed on labels and read by scanners were also used. All of these codes are read optically. The applicant also proposed some time ago to use transponders in the beverage industry to identify kegs. For this purpose, the transponder readers are inserted into the holders provided for the optical reading systems.

Die Fässer bestehen üblicherweise aus Edelstahl und werden in der Abfüllanlage auf Edelstahlketten transportiert. Durch die Relativgeschwindigkeiten und Reibung wird dabei viel Abrieb und Schmutz erzeugt, der nach unten in die Fördereinrichtung hineinfällt. Um eine Verschmutzung des Lesesystems zu vermeiden, wurden die Lesegeräte deshalb grundsätzlich über, seltener auch seitlich der Fördereinrichtung angebracht. Eine Anordnung der Lesegeräte im Bereich der Transportbänder war vollkommen ausgeschlossen. Nur so konnte die Kommunikation zwischen Lesesystem und Code und damit eine ordnungsgemäße Auswertung gewährleistet werden. Die Anordnung der Lesegeräte über die Fördereinrichtung ist jedoch relativ aufwendig, da die Halteeinrichtungen nur für die Lesegeräte angebracht werden müssen und außerdem zur Anpassung an unterschiedliche Faßtypen auch in der Höhe verstellbar sein müssen. Außerdem werden durch eine derartige Anordung der Lesegeräte deren Anwendungsmöglichkeiten stark eingeschränkt. Die Identifizierungscodes werden nämlich üblicherweise auf der Faßoberseite angebracht, damit sie bei normaler Ausrichtung der Fässer auch beim Ausliefern oder in den Gaststätten gelesen werden können. Die Codes befinden sich deshalb an der Seite des Fasses, an der sich das Verschlußventil (Fitting) befindet. Die Fässer gelangen zwar vom Verbraucher üblicherweise mit nach oben gerichtetem Fitting zur erneuten Befüllung in die Abfüllanlage, der Reinigungs- und Füllprozeß in der Abfüllanlage wird jedoch bei nach unten gerichtetem Fitting durchgeführt. Erst nach erfolgter Füllung wird das Faß zur Auslieferung wieder gedreht, so daß das Fitting und damit der Code nach oben weist. Aufgrund der Anordnung der Lesegeräte über der Fördereinrichtung kann daher in der Abfüllanlage eine Auswertung der an der Faßoberseite angeordneten Codes nur am Anlageneinlauf und am Anlagenauslauf erfolgen. Eine Identifizierung wahrend des Reinigungs- und Füllprozesses ist dagegen nicht möglich.The barrels are usually made of stainless steel and are transported in the filling system on stainless steel chains. Due to the relative speeds and friction, a lot of abrasion and dirt is generated, which goes down into the conveyor falls into it. In order to avoid contamination of the reading system, the reading devices were therefore always installed above, less often on the side of the conveyor. An arrangement of the reading devices in the area of the conveyor belts was completely impossible. This was the only way to ensure communication between the reading system and code and thus proper evaluation. However, the arrangement of the reading devices via the conveyor device is relatively complex, since the holding devices only have to be attached for the reading devices and, moreover, the height must also be adjustable in order to adapt to different barrel types. In addition, such an arrangement of the reading devices severely limits their possible applications. The identification codes are usually attached to the top of the barrel so that they can also be read when the barrels are aligned or when they are delivered or in restaurants. The codes are therefore located on the side of the barrel on which the locking valve (fitting) is located. Although the drums usually get into the filling system with the fitting facing upwards for refilling, the cleaning and filling process in the filling system is carried out with the fitting facing downward. Only after the filling has been completed is the barrel rotated again for delivery so that the fitting and thus the code point upwards. Due to the arrangement of the readers above the conveyor, the codes in the filling system can only be evaluated at the top of the barrel at the system inlet and outlet. However, identification during the cleaning and filling process is not possible.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, die Anbringung der Lesegeräte in der Abfüllanlage zu vereinfachen und eine breitere Anwendung der Lesesysteme zu ermöglichen.The object of the invention is therefore to simplify the attachment of the reading devices in the bottling plant and to enable a broader use of the reading systems.

Diese Aufgabe wird mit der Erfindung im wesentlichen dadurch gelöst, daß das Transponder-Lesegerät in der Fördereinrichtung derart angeordnet ist, daß die Fässer oberhalb des Transponder-Lesegeräts vorbeigeführt werden. Dadurch wird eine Nutzung des Lesegeräts auch bei nach unten gerichtetem Code, d. h. Fitting ermöglicht. Da das Auslesen der in den Transpondern gespeicherten Information nicht auf optischem Wege erfolgt, sondern die Transponder über ein elektrisch/magnetisches Wechselfeld zur Ausgabe eines Codesignals angeregt werden, beeinträchtigt eine eventuelle Verschmutzung des Lesegeräts die Informationserfassung nur wenig. Das Lesegerät läßt sich an der Fördereinrichtung relativ einfach befestigen, so daß aufwendige Haltevorrichtungen oberhalb der Transportanlage erspart werden. Außerdem wird durch die Integration des Transponder-Lesegeräts in die Fördereinrichtung das optische Erscheinungsbild der Anlage verschönert.This object is essentially achieved with the invention in that the transponder reading device is arranged in the conveyor device in such a way that the barrels are guided past the transponder reading device. This will prevent the reader from being used even when the code is pointing downwards. H. Fitting allows. Since the information stored in the transponders is not read out optically, but rather the transponders are excited to output a code signal via an alternating electrical / magnetic field, any contamination of the reading device has little effect on the information acquisition. The reader can be relatively easily attached to the conveyor, so that expensive holding devices above the transport system are spared. In addition, the optical appearance of the system is embellished by the integration of the transponder reader in the conveyor.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist das Transponder-Lesegerät zwischen Transportketten oder dgl. der Fördereinrichtungangeordnet. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, daß das Feld des Transponders nicht durch die Transportketten gestört und damit der Lesevorgang beeinträchtigt wird.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transponder reader is arranged between transport chains or the like of the conveyor. This ensures that the field of the transponder is not disturbed by the transport chains and thus the reading process is impaired.

Um Beschädigungen des Transponder-Lesegeräts durch bewegte Elemente der Transportanlage zu vermeiden, ist bei einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung vorgesehen, das Transponder-Lesegerät unterhalb von Transportketten oder dgl. der Fördereinrichtung anzuordnen.In order to avoid damage to the transponder reading device by moving elements of the transport system, it is provided in a development of the invention to arrange the transponder reading device below transport chains or the like.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung werden Transponder-Lesegeräte im Bereich des Ein- und/oder Auslaufs von Behandlungsstationen angeordnet, so daß die Position des Fasses in der Anlage anhand der jeweils letzten Positionsmeldung ständig überprüft werden kann.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, transponder readers are arranged in the area of the inlet and / or outlet of treatment stations, so that the position of the barrel in the system can be constantly checked using the last position report.

Um die Erfaßbarkeit der Fässer an allen Behandlungsstationen zur Verbesserung der Betriebssicherheit der Anlage nutzen zu können, ist in Weiterbildung dieses Erfindungsgedankens vorgesehen, daß das von dem Transponder-Lesegerät gelesene Signal des Transponders zusammen mit Informationen über den bevorstehenden oder beendeten Behandlungsvorgang des Fasses der Anlagensteuerung zugeführt wird, dort zu den in einer Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung gespeicherten Daten früherer Behandlungsschritte des Fasses beim Durchlauf durch die Anlage in Beziehung gesetzt wird und dann in der Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung gespeichert werden. Abhängig von dem Erfolg der vorangegangenen Behandlungsschritte oder dem einzufüllenden Produkt kann das einzelne Faß isoliert beurteilt und gesteuert werden.In order to be able to use the detectability of the barrels at all treatment stations to improve the operational safety of the system, a further development of this inventive concept provides that the signal of the transponder read by the transponder reader, together with information about the forthcoming or completed treatment process of the barrel, be fed to the system control is there, in relation to the data stored in a data processing device of previous treatment steps of the barrel as it passes through the system, and then stored in the data processing device. Depending on the success of the previous treatment steps or the product to be filled in, the individual barrel can be assessed and controlled in isolation.

Erfindungsgemäß erfolgt dabei die Freigabe zur Durchführung des nächsten Behandlungsschrittes durch die Anlagensteuerung nur, wenn die vorhergehenden Behandlungsschritte ordnungsgemäß abgelaufen sind, so daß bspw. nicht ordnungsgemäß gereinigte Fässer gar nicht mehr oder erst nach ggf. mehrmaliger Wiederholung des Reinigungsvorganges den Füllstationen zugeführt werden.According to the invention, the system control only enables the next treatment step to be carried out if the previous treatment steps have been carried out properly, so that, for example, drums that have not been properly cleaned are no longer fed to the filling stations or only after repeated repetition of the cleaning process.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Verwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Anlage ist vorgesehen, das von dem Transponder-Lesegerät gelesene Signal zur Analyse der Faßlage heranzuziehen. Da durch die Anordnung der Lesegeräte unterhalb des Fasses auch Lesevorgänge an Reinigungs- und Füllstationen der Abfüllanlage ermöglicht werden, kann mit der Erfindung auf einfache Weise die richtige Positionierung des Fasses an allen Stationen überprüft werden.According to a further preferred use of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the signal read by the transponder reader is used to analyze the barrel position. Since the arrangement of the reading devices below the barrel also enables reading processes at cleaning and filling stations of the filling system, the correct positioning of the barrel at all stations can be checked with the invention in a simple manner.

Weiterbildungen, Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen und der Zeichnung. Dabei bilden alle beschriebenen und/oder bildlich dargestellten Merkmale für sich oder in beliebiger Kombination den Gegenstand der Erfindung, unabhängig von ihrer Zusammenfassung in den Ansprüchen oder deren Rückbeziehung.Further developments, advantages and possible uses of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the drawing. Thereby everyone described and / or illustrated features for themselves or in any combination the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their relationship.

In einer in der einzigen Figur schematisch dargestellten Fördereinrichtung 1 der erfindungsgemäßen Abfüllanlage wird ein Faß 2 auf Transportketten 3, 4 zu nicht dargestellten Reinigungs- und/oder Füllstationen transportiert wird. Die Transportketten 3, 4 sind als Endlosketten ausgebildet, die auf der Unterseite der Fördereinrichtung 1 zurücklaufen.In a conveyor 1 of the filling system according to the invention, shown schematically in the single figure, a barrel 2 is transported on transport chains 3, 4 to cleaning and / or filling stations, not shown. The transport chains 3, 4 are designed as endless chains that run back on the underside of the conveyor 1.

An dem Faß 2 ist ein Transponder 5 angeordnet, der aus zwei Komponenten, nämlich einem Chip 6 und einer als Antenne wirkenden Kupferwicklung 7 besteht. Der Transponder 5 kann dabei flächig auf einem Boden 8 des Fasses 2 angebracht oder schwimmend in die Vergußmasse eingebracht werden, um über die gesamte Lebensdauer des Fasses 2 eine sichere Befestigung zu gewährleisten. Der Transponder 5 ist mit den wesentlichen Daten des Fasses 2 Festwert-codiert und damit fälschungssicher.A transponder 5 is arranged on the barrel 2 and consists of two components, namely a chip 6 and a copper winding 7 acting as an antenna. The transponder 5 can be mounted flat on a bottom 8 of the barrel 2 or can be introduced into the potting compound in a floating manner in order to ensure secure attachment over the entire life of the barrel 2. The transponder 5 is coded with the essential data of the barrel 2 and is therefore tamper-proof.

In der Fördereinrichtung 1 ist ein Transponder-Lesegerät 9 angeordnet, das den Transponder 5 über ein magnetisches Wechselfeld berührungslos mit der Energie zum Aussenden seines Codesignals versorgt. Das empfangene Codesignal wird von dem Transponder-Lesegerät 9 bspw. an eine Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung weitergeleitet, so daß alle Fässer 2 automatisch in einer Datenbank erfaßt werden können. Außerdem läßt sich das von dem Transponder 5 übermittelte Signal zur gezielten Steuerung der Fässer 2 in der Reinigungs- und/oder Abfüllanlage verwenden.A transponder reading device 9 is arranged in the conveyor device 1 and supplies the transponder 5 with the energy for transmitting its code signal without contact via a magnetic alternating field. The received code signal is forwarded by the transponder reader 9, for example, to a data processing device, so that all the barrels 2 can be automatically recorded in a database. In addition, the signal transmitted by the transponder 5 can be used for the targeted control of the drums 2 in the cleaning and / or filling system.

Das Transponder-Lesegerät 9 ist zwischen den Transportketten 3, 4 angeordnet, so daß es das von dem Transponder 5 ausgesendete Codesignal direkt empfangen kann. Um Beschädigungen des Transponder-Lesegeräts 9 bspw. durch das geförderte Faß 2 oder andere bewegte Teile der Fördereinrichtung 1 zu vermeiden, ist das Transponder-Lesegerät 9 unterhalb der Transportketten 3, 4 angeordnet.The transponder reader 9 is arranged between the transport chains 3, 4 so that it is the one emitted by the transponder 5 Can receive code signal directly. In order to avoid damage to the transponder reading device 9, for example by the conveyed barrel 2 or other moving parts of the conveying device 1, the transponder reading device 9 is arranged below the transport chains 3, 4.

In der Fördereinrichtung 1 läßt sich das Transponder-Lesegerät 9 auf einfache Weise befestigen, ohne daß aufwendige Halteeinrichtungen notwendig wären.The transponder reader 9 can be fastened in the conveyor device 1 in a simple manner without the need for expensive holding devices.

Zur Steuerung der Fässer 2 in der Abfüllanlage werden die von dem Transponder-Lesegerät 9 gelesenen Signale des Transponders 5 zusammen mit Informationen über den bevorstehenden oder gerade beendeten Behandlungsvorgang des Fasses 2 der Anlagensteuerung übermittelt und dort zu den in einer Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung gespeicherten Daten vorhergehender Behandlungsvorgänge des Fasses 2 beim Durchlauf durch die Anlage in Beziehung gesetzt. So kann überprüft werden, ob das in der Behandlungsstation zu behandelnde Faß 2 auch die vorhergehenden Behandlungsstationen ordnungsgemäß durchlaufen hat. Die Freigabe zur Durchführung des nächsten Behandlungsschrittes erfolgt durch die Anlagensteuerung nur, wenn alle notwendigen vorhergehenden Behandlungsstationen ordnungsgemäß durchlaufen wurden. Dabei kann dem einzelnen Faß 2 auch eine zeitliche Abfolge zugeordnet werden, so daß eine Freigabe nur erfolgt, wenn seit den vorherigen Behandlungsschritten nicht zuviel Zeit vergangen ist. So sollte bspw. der Reinigungs- und der Füllvorgang am selben Tag erfolgen, um eine erneute Verkeimung des Fasses 2 zu verhindern. Wird bei der Überprüfung des Fasses 2 festgestellt, daß ein vorhergehender Behandlungsschritt nicht ordnungsgemäß durchlaufen wurde, so wird das Faß 2 ausgeschleust. Durch die Anordnung der Transponder-Lesegeräte 9 an allen Behandlungsstationen und/oder Verzweigungsstellen der Fördereinrichtung 1 kann die Position des Fasses 2 in der Anlage ständig überwacht und das Faß 2 einzeln angesteuert werden.In order to control the barrels 2 in the filling system, the signals of the transponder 5 read by the transponder reader 9 together with information about the forthcoming or just finished treatment process of the drum 2 are transmitted to the system controller and there to the data of previous treatment processes of the drum stored in a data processing device 2 related in the passage through the plant. It can thus be checked whether the barrel 2 to be treated in the treatment station has also passed through the previous treatment stations properly. The system controller will only release the next treatment step if all the necessary previous treatment stations have been properly completed. A time sequence can also be assigned to the individual barrel 2, so that release is only possible if not too much time has passed since the previous treatment steps. For example, the cleaning and filling process should be carried out on the same day in order to prevent the barrel 2 from becoming contaminated again. If, when checking the drum 2, it is found that a previous treatment step has not been carried out properly, the drum 2 is removed. By arranging the transponder readers 9 at all treatment stations and / or branching points of the conveyor 1, the The position of the barrel 2 in the system is constantly monitored and the barrel 2 can be controlled individually.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Anordnung der Lesegeräte 9 innerhalb der Fördereinrichtung 1 unterhalb der Fässer 2 können Verwechslungen der Fässer 2 verhindert und die Produktsicherheit erheblich erhöht werden. So können bspw. Fässer 2, die Produkte mit Aromastoffen enthielten, nur dann als vollständig gereinigt und garantiert frei von Aromastoffen bezeichnet werden, wenn sie während des Reinigungsvorgangs vollständig mit Reinigungschemikalien befüllt wurden. Hierbei kann es jedoch zu Verwechslungen mit bereits mit Produkt gefüllten Behältern kommen, so daß eine Gefährdung der Konsumenten nicht ausgeschlossen werden kann. Durch die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung der Kontrolle der einzelnen Prozeßabläufe und Registrierung in Datenbanken kann vor Einlauf in die Palettieranlage als letzter Behandlungsstation innerhalb einer Reinigungs- und Abfüllanlage für Fässer sichergestellt werden, daß ausschließlich Fässer 2 palettiert werden, die zuvor erfolgreich alle Behandlungsstationen in der korrekten Reihenfolge unter Umständen sogar am selben Tag durchlaufen haben.The inventive arrangement of the reading devices 9 within the conveyor device 1 below the barrels 2 prevents confusion of the barrels 2 and considerably increases product safety. For example, barrels 2 which contained products with flavoring substances can only be described as completely cleaned and guaranteed free of flavoring substances if they have been completely filled with cleaning chemicals during the cleaning process. However, this can lead to confusion with containers already filled with product, so that a risk to consumers cannot be excluded. By designing the control of the individual process sequences and registering in databases according to the invention, before entering the palletizing system as the last treatment station within a cleaning and filling system for barrels, it can be ensured that only barrels 2 are palletized, which previously successfully treated all treatment stations in the correct order May have gone through the same day.

Außer zur Erfassung der von dem Transponder 5 ausgesandten Signale läßt sich das Transponder-Lesegerät 9 auch zur Kontrolle über die richtige Orientierung des Fasses 2 auf der Fördereinrichtung 1 verwenden. In den Reinigungs- und/oder Füllstationen wird das Faß 2 üblicherweise mit nach untem gerichteten Fitting 10 bearbeitet. Bei der Rücklieferung der Mehrweggebinde von den Verbrauchern an das Abfüllwerk ist jedoch nicht immer gewährleistet, daß die Fässer 2 richtig herum angeordnet sind. Daher ist wenigstens vor Beginn des Reinigungs- oder Füllvorgangs die Orientierung des Fasses 2 zu überprüfen. Üblicherweise erfolgt dies über Endschalter, die von dem Fitting 10 betätigt werden. Durch Anordnung der Transponder 5 auf der Stirnseite des Fasses 2, an der das Fitting 10 angeordnet ist, kann über das Transponder-Lesegerät 9 die korrekte Orientierung des Fasses 2 ermittelt werden, so daß die bisher notwendigen Endschalter eingespart werden können.
Mit den in der Fördereinrichtung 1 angeordneten Transponder-Lesegeräten 9 kann die Lage der Fässer 2 an jeder Reinigungs- und Füllstation überprüft werden, so daß Störungen der Anlage durch falsch liegende Fässer 2 vermieden werden können.
In addition to detecting the signals emitted by the transponder 5, the transponder reader 9 can also be used to control the correct orientation of the barrel 2 on the conveyor 1. In the cleaning and / or filling stations, the barrel 2 is usually processed with the fitting 10 facing downwards. When returning the reusable containers from the consumers to the filling plant, however, it is not always guaranteed that the barrels 2 are arranged the right way round. Therefore, the orientation of the barrel 2 must be checked at least before the cleaning or filling process begins. This is usually done via limit switches which are actuated by the fitting 10. By ordering the Transponder 5 on the front side of the barrel 2, on which the fitting 10 is arranged, the correct orientation of the barrel 2 can be determined via the transponder reader 9, so that the limit switches previously required can be saved.
The position of the barrels 2 at each cleaning and filling station can be checked with the transponder reading devices 9 arranged in the conveyor device 1, so that malfunctions of the system due to incorrectly located barrels 2 can be avoided.

Da das Transponder-Lesegerät 9 in der Fördereinrichtung 1 integriert ist, wird der optische Eindruck der Transportanlage nicht durch zusätzliche, über der Fördereinrichtung 1 angeordnete Halteeinrichtungen für die Lesegeräte gestört.Since the transponder reader 9 is integrated in the conveyor 1, the visual impression of the transport system is not disturbed by additional holding devices for the readers arranged above the conveyor 1.

Bezugszeichenliste:Reference symbol list:

11
FördereinrichtungConveyor
22nd
FaßBarrel
33rd
TransportketteTransport chain
44th
TransportketteTransport chain
55
TransponderTransponder
66
Chipchip
77
KupferwicklungCopper winding
88th
Bodenground
99
Transponder-LesegerätTransponder reader
1010th
Fittingfitting

Claims (7)

Reinigungs- und/oder Füllanlage für Fässer (2), insbesondere für Kegs, mit einer Fördereinrichtung (1) für die Fässer (2) und mit wenigstens einem Transponder-Lesegerät (9) für die Erfassung von in an dem Faß (2) angeordneten Transpondern (5) gespeicherten Informationen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Transponder-Lesegerät (9) in der Fördereinrichtung (1) derart angeordnet ist, daß die Fässer (2) oberhalb des Transponder-Lesegeräts (9) vorbeigeführt werden.Cleaning and / or filling system for barrels (2), in particular for kegs, with a conveying device (1) for the barrels (2) and with at least one transponder reading device (9) for the detection of arranged on the barrel (2) Information stored on transponders (5), characterized in that the transponder reading device (9) is arranged in the conveyor device (1) in such a way that the barrels (2) are guided past above the transponder reading device (9). Anlage nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Transponder-Lesegerät (9) zwischen Transportketten (3, 4) oder dgl. der Fördereinrichtung (1) angeordnet ist.System according to claim 1, characterized in that the transponder reader (9) is arranged between transport chains (3, 4) or the like of the conveyor device (1). Anlage nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Transponder-Lesegerät (9) unterhalb der Transportketten (3, 4) oder dgl. der Fördereinrichtung (1) angeordnet ist.System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transponder reading device (9) is arranged below the transport chains (3, 4) or the like. The conveyor device (1). Anlage nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Transponder-Lesegeräte (9) im Bereich des Ein- und/oder Auslaufs von Behandlungsstationen angeordnet werden.System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that transponder readers (9) are arranged in the area of the inlet and / or outlet of treatment stations. Verwendung eines Transponders in einer Anlage nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das von dem Transponder-Lesegerät (9) gelesene Signal des Transponders (5) zusammen mit Informationen über den bevorstehenden oder beendeten Behandlungsvorgang des Fasses (2) der Anlagensteuerung zugeführt wird, dort zu den in einer Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung gespeicherten Daten früherer Behandlungsschritte des Fasses (2) beim Durchlauf durch die Anlage in Beziehung gesetzt wird und dann in der Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung gespeichert wird.Use of a transponder in a system according to claim 4, characterized in that the signal from the transponder (5) read by the transponder reader (9) is fed to the system control there together with information about the forthcoming or finished treatment process of the barrel (2) is related to the data of previous treatment steps of the barrel (2) stored in a data processing device as it passes through the system and is then stored in the data processing device. Verwendung nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Freigabe zur Durchführung des nächsten Behandlungsschrittes durch die Anlagensteuerung nur erfolgt, wenn die vorhergehenden Behandlungsschritte ordnungsgemäß abgelaufen sind.Use according to claim 5, characterized in that the release for carrying out the next treatment step by the system controller only takes place if the previous treatment steps have been carried out properly. Verwendung eines Transponders in einer Anlage nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das von dem Transponder-Lesegerät (9) gelesene Signal des Transponders (5) zur Analyse der Positionierung des Fasses (2) herangezogen wird.Use of a transponder in a system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the signal of the transponder (5) read by the transponder reading device (9) is used to analyze the positioning of the barrel (2).
EP95103914A 1994-04-29 1995-03-17 Cask handling installation having an integrated code reader Expired - Lifetime EP0679605B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE29518241U DE29518241U1 (en) 1994-04-29 1995-03-17 Filling system for barrels

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4416186 1994-04-29
DE4416186A DE4416186C2 (en) 1994-04-29 1994-04-29 Filling system for barrels

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0679605A1 true EP0679605A1 (en) 1995-11-02
EP0679605B1 EP0679605B1 (en) 1997-07-09

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Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0679605B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE155116T1 (en)
DE (2) DE4416186C2 (en)
DK (1) DK0679605T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2106586T3 (en)

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WO1996020459A3 (en) * 1994-12-23 1996-09-19 L & S Logistic & Software Gmbh Method of digitally acquiring data on handling operations involving beer barrels
WO2000047483A1 (en) * 1999-02-10 2000-08-17 Skerra Pty. Limited Improvements in fluid containers
WO2001027019A1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-19 Khs Till Gmbh Dispenser with a code reader and a data processing unit and the utilization thereof
EP1671568A3 (en) * 2004-12-15 2006-09-27 Kanfer, Joseph S. Refill container with RFID for liquid dispenser
EP2058272A1 (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-05-13 Malek Brautech GmbH Treatment device for containers
CN106733836A (en) * 2016-12-20 2017-05-31 重庆科本科技有限公司 A kind of purging system
CN113231896A (en) * 2021-05-19 2021-08-10 佛山市顺创环保科技有限公司 Old iron drum renovation process
WO2023031183A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-09 Khs Gmbh Treatment system for kegs
WO2023031165A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-09 Khs Gmbh Treatment system for kegs

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DE19703823C1 (en) * 1996-12-10 1998-05-20 Instruclean West Med Techn Ins Sterile container
DE19839622B4 (en) * 1998-08-03 2006-03-16 Sprick Cycle Gmbh Transponder housing and transponder for documentation accompanying production, and / or identification and for later identification of movable, transportable objects, namely bicycles
ES2245569B1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2006-12-01 Hibursa-Innovacion Y Desarrollos, S.L. Selected and washed wine casks sulfiting based homogenization technique
DE102005031573A1 (en) * 2005-07-06 2007-01-11 Khs Ag Treatment station for KEG's
DE102021122435A1 (en) 2021-08-31 2023-03-02 Khs Gmbh Treatment plant for KEGs
DE102021122433A1 (en) 2021-08-31 2023-03-02 Khs Gmbh Treatment plant for KEGs

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Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996020459A3 (en) * 1994-12-23 1996-09-19 L & S Logistic & Software Gmbh Method of digitally acquiring data on handling operations involving beer barrels
WO2000047483A1 (en) * 1999-02-10 2000-08-17 Skerra Pty. Limited Improvements in fluid containers
WO2001027019A1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-19 Khs Till Gmbh Dispenser with a code reader and a data processing unit and the utilization thereof
US7837066B2 (en) 2004-12-15 2010-11-23 Joseph Kanfer Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response
US7621426B2 (en) 2004-12-15 2009-11-24 Joseph Kanfer Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response
EP1671568A3 (en) * 2004-12-15 2006-09-27 Kanfer, Joseph S. Refill container with RFID for liquid dispenser
US8556121B2 (en) 2004-12-15 2013-10-15 Joseph Kanfer Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response
US8783510B2 (en) 2004-12-15 2014-07-22 Joseph Kanfer Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response
EP2058272A1 (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-05-13 Malek Brautech GmbH Treatment device for containers
CN106733836A (en) * 2016-12-20 2017-05-31 重庆科本科技有限公司 A kind of purging system
CN106733836B (en) * 2016-12-20 2023-05-23 重庆科本科技股份有限公司 Cleaning process and cleaning system
CN113231896A (en) * 2021-05-19 2021-08-10 佛山市顺创环保科技有限公司 Old iron drum renovation process
WO2023031183A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-09 Khs Gmbh Treatment system for kegs
WO2023031165A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-09 Khs Gmbh Treatment system for kegs

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE4416186A1 (en) 1995-11-02
DE59500355D1 (en) 1997-08-14
ATE155116T1 (en) 1997-07-15
DK0679605T3 (en) 1998-02-02
ES2106586T3 (en) 1997-11-01
EP0679605B1 (en) 1997-07-09
DE4416186C2 (en) 1996-10-31

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