Beverage case with bottle centering function and additional recess for serialization applications

Abstract

Beverage case with bottle centering function and additional recess for serializing application. Herein relates to a method for inspecting receptacles, wherein receiving containers (10) fitted with containers are transported by means of first transport means (2), and wherein the containers have respectively in their bottom region a marking (12) which univocally identifies the container, characterized in that an image recording device (4) records at least one image of the bottom region of the container located in the receiving container (10) and outputs at least one information which is characteristic for the marking (12) provided at the container and / or for at least one property of the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for inspecting containers. Many apparatus and methods for inspecting containers, particularly beverage cartons equipped with containers, are known from the prior art. Background Technology

[0002] Many beverage boxes for different functions are also known from the prior art. For example, beverage boxes with a centering function for bottles are known from EP 0114392 A1 and EP 0452751 A1, respectively. These beverage boxes are used to precisely align containers in receiving containers, such as beverage boxes. Therefore, containers, especially bottles, can be transported more safely and with lower noise. Furthermore, bottle retrieval is simplified by using robots.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known from existing technology that containers can be personalized, which is simplified, for example, by attaching markings and 2D codes, particularly QR or data matrix codes, transponders, or the like. These markings can be attached to different locations on the container, such as its circumferential wall. However, this causes the container to be aligned in its rotatable position in order to detect the markings.

[0004] Here, of course, the problem lies in the fact that production speeds can sometimes be very high. If containers (especially in future applications) are to be serialized and / or personalized (for traceability in production or to obtain information for the end consumer, such as country of origin or recycling cycle), this can be achieved, for example, by means of QR codes in a pre-defined area of ​​the container. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to simplify this serialization and / or traceability of containers. According to the invention, this is achieved through the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and improvements are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] In the method for inspecting a reservoir according to the invention, the reservoir, particularly a reservoir in the form of a receiving container fitted with a container, is transported by means of a first transport device, wherein the container has markings in its bottom area, the markings unilaterally identifying the container, and / or the markings realize at least one characteristic property of the container.

[0007] According to the present invention, the image recording device records at least one (position-resolved) image of the bottom region of a container located in a storage container and / or receiving container and outputs at least one piece of information that is characteristic of a mark provided on the container and / or at least one characteristic of the container and / or the container.

[0008] Preferably, each mark is characteristic of the container in which it is placed. This means that all the marks placed at the container are different from each other in terms of at least one characteristic and / or at least one feature.

[0009] The applicant has determined that attaching the mark to the bottom of the container offers several advantages. A significant advantage of the mark being located in the bottom area is that it can be optically detected independently of the container's rotational position relative to its longitudinal direction. Another advantage of attaching the mark to the bottom area of ​​the container is that the circumferential walls of the container can remain free of this mark (which would interfere with the end user).

[0010] The disadvantage of attaching the marking to the bottom area is that the bottom area is inaccessible or not observable in the case of multiple transport devices, such as a conveyor belt, or is only accessible or observable under difficult circumstances.

[0011] The bottom area of ​​the container is preferably the area visible from below, that is, the corresponding outer surface of the container facing the base when the container is upright.

[0012] The container is preferably a bottle, and especially a plastic or glass bottle. In another preferred embodiment, the receiving container is a receiving container suitable for and intended to receive multiple containers, and especially multiple bottles.

[0013] The bottom of the container is preferably observed through a corresponding opening in the receiving container (particularly one or more bottom areas or receiving areas of the receiving container). Particularly preferably, the one or more receiving containers are boxes, crates, or cartons suitable for and intended to receive containers. At least four, preferably at least six, and more preferably at least eight containers are particularly preferably received in the receiving container. Preferably, up to 40, preferably up to 35, and more preferably up to 25 containers are received in the receiving area of ​​the receiving container.

[0014] The markings are particularly preferably machine-readable markings and / or markings that can be read non-contactly and especially optically. The markings are particularly preferably selected from barcodes, QR codes, etc. However, it is also possible to affix other markings, such as smart labels, to the container.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment, an image evaluation device is provided to evaluate the recorded image. Here, the image recording device can identify markers and, particularly preferably, also read or evaluate the markers.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the marking is directly attached to the container without separation. This is to be understood in particular as meaning that the marking cannot be removed from the container without damaging it. It is possible for the marking to be directly printed (particularly by direct printing) or engraved (e.g., by means of laser engraving) onto the outer surface of the container.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the marking is characteristic of the container on which the marking is affixed. Characteristics may include, for example, the age of the container, the number of times the container has been recycled, the manufacturer of the container, the material of the container, and the beverage that fills the container.

[0018] The container is particularly preferably a recyclable container. This can be a glass container or a plastic container (e.g., a container made of PET). The marking is particularly preferred for serializing the container.

[0019] Therefore, the receiving container particularly preferably has a receiving area for each container, and additionally, especially in the bottom area, a recess, for example, in the form of a rectangle and especially a square, which enables observation or image recording of the markings attached to the container.

[0020] Particularly preferred is an image recording device, especially a camera or camera system, for reading markings, such as QR codes, attached to the bottom of the bottle. Here, the image recording device is preferably configured such that another machine, such as a robot, can move upon it and, in particular, pivot upon it to receive the container.

[0021] It is feasible in this case that the receiving container or the tray with the receiving container can be positioned above the image recording device, so that the image recording device can read the visible bottom of the bottle and thus read the markings.

[0022] The image recording device is particularly preferably fixed in place, and the receiving container is transported past the image recording device. Here, the image recording device is particularly preferably positioned next to the aforementioned transport device, on which the receiving container is transported together. In this way, only the minimum time required for reading is needed.

[0023] However, it is also possible to consider placing the image recording device at the clamping device, which receives the container from the first transport device.

[0024] However, it is also possible to consider a transport device that transports the receiving container away from the bottom, allowing an image recording device, such as a camera, positioned below the transport device to detect the bottom of the container or a mark located on the bottom of the container. Such a transport device may, for example, have lateral guide belts, or a transport belt that supports the receiving container only at its edges. This transport device may also have a transparent transport belt on which the receiving container is transported.

[0025] In this case, it is feasible to have components of the image recording device, such as a camera lens, directly pointed at the receiving container, or to use one or more mirrors, such as a mirror cabinet, also positioned horizontally relative to the receiving container, so as to simplify the installation and maintenance of the image recording device if necessary.

[0026] By using such a mirror or mirror cabinet, the detection angle can be expanded with the aid of image recording equipment or a camera. Depending on the size of the tray, it is feasible to use only one image recording device, but the use of multiple image recording devices or cameras can also be considered. This can be taken into account accordingly in the evaluation software.

[0027] In another preferred method, for the purpose of image recording, the receiving container, and particularly the bottom of the container, is illuminated. Here, the illumination is preferably synchronized with the image recording.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the image recording device records exactly one image of the bottom area of ​​the container, but recording multiple images is also possible.

[0029] In another preferred method, at least one reservoir or a receiving container equipped with multiple containers, preferably multiple and particularly preferably all receiving containers, is clamped by means of a clamping device and placed in the image recording area of ​​the image recording device. This can be done, for example, by pivoting to the image recording area of ​​the image recording device, as described in more detail below.

[0030] In this context, it should be noted that the term "reservoir" in the scope of this patent application specifically refers to a receiving container fitted with a container, and the receiving container is particularly in a (beverage) carton or (beverage) crate.

[0031] The storage or receiving container is particularly preferably transported by means of a second transport device, which is especially different from the first transport device for the purpose of image recording.

[0032] It is feasible here that a second transport device, in particular a robot, receives the storage device from a first transport device, such as a conveyor belt, and moves, for example, pivots to an image recording device to record images.

[0033] The container can then be repositioned on the first transport device. In a preferred embodiment, multiple second transport devices are provided, which place the storage device in one or more image recording areas of one or more image recording devices. In this way, throughput can be increased at higher transport speeds.

[0034] The gripping device is particularly preferably a (robotic) gripper. The gripping device is particularly preferably an active and / or controlled gripping device that can switch between an open position and a gripping position, releasing the engagement of the container in the open position and gripping the container in the gripping position. The gripping device is particularly preferably adapted and intended to: grip a receiving container at at least two opposing walls.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the storage container is transported above the image recording area of ​​the image recording device, so that the image recording device can observe the bottom of the container—especially from below. The transport path of the second transport device, such as a robotic device, is particularly preferably substantially freely programmable.

[0036] In another preferred method, the second transport device retrieves the receiving container from the first transport device, and the second transport device preferably, in time and / or in place, repositions the receiving container onto the first transport device after image recording. For the purpose of image recording, the receiving container is preferably removed from the first transport device, and preferably also repositioned onto the first transport device thereon.

[0037] In another preferred method, the movement of the storage container or receiving container is at least temporarily stopped so that an image of the bottom area can be recorded. Therefore, it is feasible to remove the storage container from the first transport device, transport it via the image recording device, and stop the movement there. The storage container can then be placed back at the first transport device (but, if necessary, at another location).

[0038] In another preferred method, the container is positioned relative to the receiving container at a predetermined location. For example, an introduction aid, such as an introduction ramp, may be provided to precisely determine or align the position of the container and, in particular, the position of the bottom of the container relative to the receiving area.

[0039] In another preferred method, after inspection, specific portions of the containers are extracted from the receiving containers, preferably at least one and preferably multiple containers. Thus, it is feasible, for example, to extract containers whose markings indicate errors, but also to discharge such containers if necessary, for example, if the maximum number of cycles for that container has been exceeded. Furthermore, it is also feasible to discharge containers that do not have markings.

[0040] For this purpose, an extraction device may be provided, particularly positioned downstream of the image recording device and / or the second transport device in the transport direction of the receiving container. Preferably, the extraction device is adapted and intended to: extract the individual containers from the receiving container. For this purpose, the extraction device may have one or more clamping devices adapted and intended to clamp the individual containers located within the receiving container.

[0041] The extraction device is particularly preferably controlled based on at least one image recorded by the image recording device. For example, if a particular container is determined to be faulty, the extraction device can subsequently remove that container from the receiving container.

[0042] To sort containers that should not be moved or further processed in the production line, or containers without QR codes or other markings, a retrieval device or packer device may be provided. This retrieval device or packer device preferably has individually controllable packing glass-shaped parts to remove unwanted containers from the receiving container in this manner. For this purpose, a comprehensive communication protocol is particularly preferred, which can exchange data, for example, at the unit level of the machine production line, to thus forward the precise location of unwanted bottles.

[0043] The device is particularly preferably equipped with a storage device in which information about potentially faulty containers inside the receiving container or box can be stored.

[0044] A portion of the container is particularly preferably extracted in response to an image recorded by an image recording device. For example, unmarked containers or containers without codes can be sorted, or containers with inaccurate or incorrect codes can also be sorted.

[0045] In another method, it is particularly preferable to subject specific containers, such as extracted containers, to special treatment, such as a cleaning or purging process. This can be achieved by moving specific containers, such as recycled containers, together or without receiving containers into a cleaning facility, such as a cleaning line. In this case, it is preferable not to sort the containers first.

[0046] The process of reading the containers in the box is the same as described above. Of course, the cleaning device itself preferably extracts the defective containers and removes them.

[0047] Alternatively, other containers to be cleaned may be extracted and (preferably simultaneously with receiving the containers) traversed a separate cleaning line in the cleaning machine.

[0048] In the applicant's prior art, containers are sorted and cleaned separately. One advantage is that clean containers can be re-inserted into beverage cartons, i.e., receiving containers, at the end of the cleaning cycle. Preferably, the containers are then filled. A linear filling machine is particularly preferred for filling. The advantage of using a linear filling machine is that it can also process receiving containers or beverage cartons containing containers.

[0049] In another preferred method, at least a portion of the container is extracted from the receiving container. This portion may, for example, be a defective container or a container that should no longer be processed. Furthermore, it may also be a container without any markings.

[0050] In another preferred method, at least one container or a portion thereof is extracted in response to an image recorded by the image recording device. Here, the extraction can be performed immediately after inspection. However, it is also conceivable that the extraction be performed at a later point in the processing. It is also feasible that the corresponding empty space of the receiving container can be reassembled with the container.

[0051] The present invention also aims to provide a receiving container for receiving containers, wherein the receiving container has a plurality of receiving areas so as to receive containers separately from each other and in the same orientation. Here, at least one, and preferably exactly one, container can be received in each receiving area, and the receiving container has at least one wall portion that defines the receiving container.

[0052] In addition, each receiving area has a bottom to support the container via its bottom area.

[0053] According to the invention, each of the bottoms has a recess through which the bottom of the container in the receiving area can be observed and / or inspected.

[0054] Here, particularly preferably, the recess can be a recess with a square, rectangular, or circular cross-section. However, the recess preferably has a cross-section smaller than that of the bottom region of the container, so that the recess is supported by the bottom region as before and will not fall downwards out of the receiving container.

[0055] The opening of the recess is preferably designed to enable scanning functions that require visual contact. The advantage of using rectangles or squares for the recess or concave portion is that these shapes simplify the axial support of the container.

[0056] Container serialization plays a crucial role, particularly in the recycling cycle of recycled bottles. Here, due to traceability, both beverage manufacturers and end customers can read the recycling cycles a container has undergone, thereby enabling more efficient operations within the recycling production line.

[0057] Container cleaning could be cited as an example, where specific containers are removed from the process (due to aging or excessive contamination), or in the future, the exact type of container or the degree of contamination could be precisely determined. In this way, residues from reusable containers can be removed, thus saving time and energy.

[0058] Particularly preferably, at least one of the receiving areas, and preferably each receiving area, has a positioning device and, more particularly, a centering device, which positions and, more particularly, centers the container relative to the receiving area. Positioning is specifically understood as: positioning the container relative to the corresponding receiving container such that the container and the receiving container have a clearance of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, and, more particularly preferably less than 1 mm.

[0059] This also simplifies the image evaluation of the container. Particularly preferably, the centering or positioning device places the container in a central and / or centered position relative to the associated receiving area.

[0060] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for inspecting a storage container, wherein a first transport device is provided, the first transport device transporting a receiving container equipped with a container along a predetermined transport path, wherein the container has a mark in its bottom area, the mark preferably being adapted and intended to: unilaterally identify the container, and / or the mark being characteristic for at least one characteristic of the container, and / or the mark being adapted and intended to: be readable and / or determine at least one physical characteristic of the container.

[0061] According to the present invention, the device has an image recording device that records at least one image of the bottom region of a container located in a receiving container or storage container, and the image recording device preferably outputs information that is characteristic of a mark provided on the container and / or of at least one characteristic of the container (or enables the determination of such information).

[0062] Therefore, a device is proposed to read the corresponding tags of a container and, in particular, output data that is characteristic of the tags and / or the container on which the tags are set.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a second transport device that transports the storage or receiving container to and / or away from the image recording device. Therefore, it is proposed that the transport device transports the container to the image recording area of ​​the image recording device, where the image recording device can record at least one image of the container.

[0064] The second transport device is particularly preferably equipped with a clamping device adapted and intended to clamp the container. In another advantageous embodiment, the image recording device (movable relative to the storage container) is fixed in place.

[0065] Particularly preferably, an illumination device is provided to illuminate the container and / or receiving container for image recording purposes. In this way, markings on the container can be more easily determined through image evaluation.

[0066] The device particularly preferably includes an image evaluation device that evaluates the recorded image, especially in relation to the attached markers. It is feasible here that the image evaluation device only determines that a marker is present. However, it is also possible to read each individual marker.

[0067] It should be noted that the (image) evaluation device can preferably detect the mark independently of the container's rotational position. Typically, the container is not in a defined rotational position for receiving the container, but rather randomly. Based on the mark, the evaluation device can determine whether the mark is twisted, and, if necessary, how it is twisted, so that the evaluation of the mark can still be achieved.

[0068] The image recording device is particularly preferably capable of simultaneously recording multiple markers and / or multiple containers and particularly preferably capable of evaluating the corresponding images. Here, it can also be specifically determined whether there are any unmarked containers among the receiving containers.

[0069] Particularly preferred is the first transport device being a conveyor belt. The second transport device is particularly preferred to be a robot, and especially a multi-axis robot.

[0070] The device particularly preferably includes a container extraction device adapted and designed for removing individual containers from a bundle or receiving container. These containers can be extracted in response to images recorded and / or evaluated by an image recording device. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Other advantages and implementation methods are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0072] The attached diagram shows:

[0073] Figure 1 A view of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0074] Figure 2 A more detailed view of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0075] Figure 3 Showing a view of the receiving container;

[0076] Figure 4 The view below shows the assembled receiving container. Detailed Implementation

[0077] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of device 1 according to the invention is shown. The device has a transport device 2 in the form of a conveyor belt on which a receiving container 10 for a container (not shown) is transported along a transport path T. Reference numerals P1 and P2 indicate two possible positions of the container 20 on the transport device 2. The first transport device 2 preferably transports the receiving container 10 in a straight line.

[0078] Reference numeral 6 indicates a second transport device for: clamping the receiving container 10 and pivoting it over the image recording device 4, so that an image of the underside of the container 20 can be recorded. The second transport device 6 preferably enables the container 20 to be transported or moved in at least two mutually perpendicular directions, and preferably in three mutually perpendicular directions.

[0079] The transport path of the container 20 transported by the second transport device 6 is preferably changeable and, in particular, freely programmable.

[0080] Figure 2 A more detailed view of this extraction of the receiving container 10 is shown. Here, the second transport device 6 has a drive device 62 that can pivot a pivotable arm 64. The actual clamping device 66 for holding the container 20 is provided at the pivotable arm 64 via a rotational drive 68.

[0081] The receiving container 10 can be transported above (transported over) the image recording device 4. Here, as described above, when the receiving container 10 is positioned above the image recording device 4, the transport can be stopped.

[0082] Reference numeral 42 indicates an illumination device that can illuminate the underside of the receiving container 10 and / or the container 20 from below for image recording purposes. Here, illumination and image recording can be optimized for the container 20 used and the reference numeral 12 located on the container, respectively.

[0083] Figure 3 A view of the receiving container 10 is shown. The receiving container has multiple receiving areas (only two receiving areas 32 and 34 are shown here), and the container 20 can be placed in these receiving areas respectively.

[0084] Figure 4 The receiving container 10, equipped with container 20, is shown below. Here, the container 20, such as a bottle, is either in the receiving container 10 or in various receiving areas 32, 34, etc. These bottles are each marked with a label 12, which is located at the bottom 14 of the container.

[0085] Reference numeral 42 indicates a centering device and / or positioning device that centers and / or positions the container 20 relative to the receiving area 32.

[0086] The image recording device 4 can record images of the receiving container 10, which has a total of twelve containers 20. Furthermore, the image evaluation device allows for the evaluation of each marker 12, and further allows for the drawing of conclusions about the characteristic features of each container 20.

[0087] The applicant reserves the right to claim protection for the features disclosed in this application as the essence of the invention, provided that such features, individually or in combination, are novel relative to the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that features that are advantageous in themselves are also described in the various figures. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that specific features described in the figures can be advantageous even without employing other features in the figures. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can also be obtained through combinations of more features shown in various or different figures.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a reservoir, wherein a receiving container (10) fitted with bottles (20) is transported by means of a first transport device (2), and wherein the bottles (20) have markings (12) in their bottom regions, the markings unilaterally identifying the bottles (20). Its features are, The image recording device (4) records at least one image of the bottom region of the bottle (20) located in the receiving container (10) through the corresponding opening of the receiving container (10) and outputs at least one piece of information that is characteristic of the mark (12) set on the bottle (20) and / or of at least one characteristic of the bottle (20).

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The image recording device (4) is fixed in place and the receiving container (10) is transported through the image recording device (4).

3. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The receiving container (10) is held by means of the clamping device (66) and introduced into the image recording area of ​​the image recording device (4).

4. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, For the purpose of image recording, the receiving container is transported by means of a second transport device (6) that is different from the first transport device (2).

5. The method according to the preceding claim, Its features are, The second transport device (6) extracts the receiving container (10) from the first transport device (2).

6. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The movement of the receiving container (10) is at least temporarily stopped in order to record an image of the bottom area.

7. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The bottle (20) is positioned in a preset location relative to the receiving container (10).

8. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, At least a portion of the bottle (20) is extracted from the receiving container (10).

9. The method according to the preceding claim, Its features are, In response to an image recorded by the image recording device (4), at least one bottle (20) or a portion of the bottle (20) is extracted.

10. An apparatus for inspecting a reservoir, the reservoir being in the form of a receiving container for bottles (20), the apparatus having a first transport device (2) that transports the receiving container (10) for bottles (20) along a predetermined transport path (T), wherein each bottle (20) has a mark (12) in its bottom region, the mark unilaterally identifying the bottle (20), and / or the mark is characteristic of at least one characteristic of the bottle (20). Its features are, The device has an image recording device (4) that records at least one image of the bottom region of the bottle (20) in the receiving container (10) through a corresponding opening of the receiving container (10) and outputs at least one piece of information that is characteristic of the mark (12) set on the bottle (20) and / or of at least one characteristic of the bottle (20).

11. The device according to claim 10, Its features are, The device has a second transport device (6) that transports the receiving container (10) to the image recording device (4) and / or transports the receiving container (10) away from the image recording device (4).

12. The device (1) according to claim 10. Its features are, The device (1) has a container extraction device adapted and intended to: extract individual bottles (20) from the receiving container (10).

Images