Method and device for checking container closure attached to container

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for inspecting a container closure mounted on a container. The invention relates to a method for handling containers provided with container closures (20), in which filled containers (10) are transported, and a closure device (4) is associated with each of the containers with a container closure (20), the container closures being crown caps or screw caps, and the closure device (4) has at least two closure units (42, 44), each of which mounts a container closure (20) on the container (10), the containers provided with the closures (10) are inspected by an inspection device (6) arranged downstream of the closure device in the transport direction, characterized in that the inspection device (6) has at least two image capturing devices (62, 64), each of which captures at least one spatially resolved image for each container, the evaluation device (8) evaluates the captured image and determines at least one measured value depending on the captured image, said measured value representing a characteristic of a container closure provided on the container.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for inspecting container closures. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, it has long been known to inspect the closures of beverage containers during the manufacturing process of the beverage containers. In some cases, individual closed containers are removed from the container stream and the container closures are inspected. Also known is a scheme for verifying the capping machine settings. Accordingly, it is known to export a circle of closed bottles of the capping machine before production and manually measure the diameter of the applied crown caps with a measuring tool.

[0003] In the prior art, this operation needs to be performed by employees before each production. This measurement method is usually carried out offline. Therefore, the entire production is not monitored, and capping machine failures that occur cannot be identified because the capping inspections are mostly not very precise. In addition, the capping inspections known in the prior art currently use a pattern comparison method and thus do not evaluate the measured diameter, for example.

[0004] EP 3 605 010 A1 has disclosed a method and a device for detecting the closure of a container. Among them, closures having crown cap-like elements that snap into the mouth of the container are studied.

[0005] GB 2 135 447 A has described a method for studying screw closures.

[0006] DE 10 2014 107 915 A1 has disclosed an inspection device for container closures. Among them, an optical lens is constructed as a rotationally symmetric lens and has at least two lens regions, one of the lens regions having a convex surface and at least another lens region having a plano-spherical surface.

[0007] WO 2019 / 003170 A1 has described a method and a device for transferring general cargo to a transportation line. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device that also enable online inspection of closures, especially screw closures and / or crown cap closures.

[0009] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and improvements are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] In the method for processing containers equipped with or to be equipped with closures according to the present invention, containers filled with a flowable substance, in particular a liquid and especially a beverage, are transported, and a closing device is provided, and in particular these containers are closed with container closures respectively, where these container closures are crown caps or screw caps, and where the closing device has at least two closing units, each of which mounts the container closure on the container, and where an inspection device arranged behind the closing device in the transport direction inspects the containers equipped with closures.

[0011] According to the present invention, the inspection device has at least two image capturing devices, each of which captures at least one spatially resolved image of at least several containers, preferably each container and / or the container closure provided on the container, and an analysis device is also provided, which analyzes the captured images and determines at least one measured value based on these images, where this measured value characterizes the container closure provided on the container.

[0012] More precisely, at least one measured value is determined, which characterizes the physical properties of the container closure provided on the container. Preferably, this property is the geometric dimension of the container closure provided on the container, in particular its diameter.

[0013] Therefore, it is proposed to inspect the container closures in an online manner, and in particular during production operation. Particularly preferably, each of the closed containers is inspected and / or checked. However, a scheme of inspecting every nth container can also be adopted, or randomly selected containers or their container closures can be inspected.

[0014] In principle, for these closures, there may be a problem that the closure (such as a crown cap) is set too loosely on the container. In this case, air can enter the container, for example, which has a negative impact on the durability of the product located in the container.

[0015] Conversely, the closure may also be arranged too firmly on the container. In this case, opening the container may cause damage to the mouth part, for example, causing the glass at the mouth of the container to break. For screw caps, the following problems may occur: this screw cap is screwed too firmly onto the mouth part and can no longer be separated by hand, or the container is damaged during the screwing process.

[0016] In a preferred method, during the closing of the container with the container closure, the container is transported along a transport path in the shape of an arc segment.

[0017] Preferably, the closing device has at least 3, preferably at least 4, closing units. Among them, these closing units can be constructed, for example, as closing heads for mounting the closure on the container, such as pressing it onto the container. In addition, these closing units can also be constructed as closing heads for screwing or rolling the container closure onto the container.

[0018] Preferably, the closing device has at most 80, preferably at most 60, preferably at most 50 and preferably at most 40 closing units.

[0019] In this case, these closing units are preferably arranged on a rotatable carrier. Particularly preferably, holding means for holding the respective containers are also provided on this rotatable carrier. Preferably, each of these holding means corresponds to exactly one closing unit.

[0020] Preferably, each closing unit has a drive means which initiates the installation of the container closure on the container. In another preferred embodiment, the closing units can be controlled independently of one another. This means that the closing units and in particular the movements carried out by these closing units are preferably not coupled to one another.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the containers are transported at a transport speed greater than 0.5 m / s, preferably greater than 1 m / s. In another preferred method, the containers are transported at a speed less than 5 m / s, preferably less than 4 m / s, preferably less than 3 m / s and preferably less than 2.5 m / s.

[0022] Preferably, the containers to be closed are transported by means of a first transport device, and the containers closed with the container closures are transported by means of a second transport device. Preferably, this second transport device is a conveyor belt.

[0023] Preferably, the containers are transported in a straight line direction during the inspection. Particularly preferably, the containers are transported by means of a single-track conveyor belt, in particular, during the inspection.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the containers are transported at a certain distance from one another. Preferably, the containers are transported in a unitized manner. Preferably, during the inspection, the distance between the containers transported by at least one transport device is less than twice the diameter of the container, preferably less than 1.5 times the diameter of the container, preferably less than 1.0 times the diameter of the container, and particularly preferably less than 0.5 times the diameter of the container.

[0025] In other preferred embodiments, the image capturing device is a camera. Particularly preferably, this or these image capturing devices are oriented in such a way that the containers are observed at an angle inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the container or perpendicular to this longitudinal direction.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the shooting angle with respect to the direction perpendicular to this longitudinal direction and / or with respect to the horizontal plane is less than 20°, preferably less than 15° and particularly preferably less than 10°. Among them, the image capturing device can observe the container closure provided on the container from diagonally above, but the image capturing device can also observe the container closure provided on the container from diagonally below. Observation can also be carried out perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container.

[0027] Preferably, the container is a plastic bottle or a glass bottle. The liquid located in the container is especially a beverage, such as beer, soda, fruit juice or water.

[0028] In another preferred method, the container cap is measured to determine the mentioned measured value. Particularly preferably, the container cap is measured in a three-dimensional space. For example, the three-dimensional space can be detected based on the position of the container. In this way, the mentioned measured value can be determined. As described above, this measured value is especially the diameter or radius of the cap. However, another value can also be determined, especially a value used to infer the diameter, such as the curvature of the periphery of the container cap.

[0029] Particularly preferably, a dispensing device assigns the closing unit that has closed the container with the used and inspected container cap to this measured value. If there are several closing units as described above, then preferably the closing unit that has closed the inspected container is assigned to this container.

[0030] By additionally assigning an institution to the closing unit as described herein, it is possible to achieve full monitoring of the closing device and / or the closing mechanism or the closing unit and / or the production (especially in an online manner).

[0031] In a preferred method, several of the mentioned measured values are detected for several container caps, and these measured values are preferably stored. In this way, trends can be identified, such as a trend of deterioration in cap quality. Preferably, this deterioration trend can also be determined for a single closing unit.

[0032] Accordingly, for example, every n closing units, it is judged whether the cap quality has changed.

[0033] Preferably, the mentioned measured value is determined for a preset area of the container cap, for example, for the periphery of the container cap that surrounds the mouth of the container.

[0034] In another preferred method, at least two, preferably at least three, and particularly preferably at least the images captured by the image capturing device are analyzed to determine the measured value, where the measured value is especially the diameter. In this case, these images are preferably analyzed independently of each other.

[0035] In another preferred method, the at least two, preferably at least three images captured by the image capturing device are combined into a panoramic image and / or a developed image of at least one section of the container cap. Accordingly, for example, a 360° development of the periphery of the container cap provided on the container can be shown.

[0036] In another preferred method, the position and / or orientation of the container and / or the container cap is detected. In this way, the plane in which the cap surface is located can be formed. By measuring the second plane that is especially at a 90° angle to the first plane, specific values, such as the diameter of the cap, can be measured by measuring the cap.

[0037] Preferably, the position is determined based on an image of the container closure taken. Preferably, the measured value is also determined based on or with the assistance of this image.

[0038] In another preferred method, the geometric center point of the container closure is determined. Particularly preferably, this geometric center point is determined based on an image of the container closure taken.

[0039] Preferably, the diameter of the container closure is determined taking into account the center point of the container closure. Preferably, when selecting the above-mentioned plane intersecting the horizontal plane, this plane is made to pass through the center point of the container closure.

[0040] In another preferred method, the measured value is the diameter of the closure provided on the container or a measured value representing a characteristic of this diameter. Particularly preferably, the measured value is the diameter of the container closure measured at a preset height of the container closure.

[0041] Preferably, the diameter is determined with an accuracy of less than 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.4 mm, preferably less than 0.3 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm, and particularly preferably less than 0.1 mm.

[0042] Particularly preferably, the diameter is determined at a location on the closure, and it is assumed that the diameter has a generally circular cross-section. The circular cross-section also encompasses, for example, a cross-section with a corrugated outer cross-section, in particular the cross-section of a crown cap but not limited thereto.

[0043] However, the diameter can also be determined at two locations on the container closure, for example, by means of two lines that respectively extend through the determined center point of the container closure and are at an angle of 90° to each other.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, there are provided (at least) two image capturing devices and in particular two cameras. These two cameras are staggered from each other at a preset angle (in terms of their viewing directions). Preferably, this angle is between 100° and 200°, preferably between 120° and 180°, preferably between 140° and 160°, and particularly preferably about 150°.

[0045] In this way, measurements can be made by means of two locations on the container closure, for example, based on two planes that respectively extend through the center point and are at an angle of preferably at least 20°, preferably at least 30°, preferably at least 50°, preferably at least 60°, preferably at least 70°, preferably at least 80°, and particularly preferably at least 90° to each other.

[0046] According to another preferred method, the position of the closed container is detected and the measured value is preferably determined taking this position into account. Particularly preferably, the position of the container in its transport direction is determined. However, it is particularly preferred to also determine the position of the container and / or the container closure in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0047] Particularly preferably, both the position of the container or the container closure and the measured value are determined based on the images recorded by the at least two and preferably by the at least three image recording devices.

[0048] In a further preferred method, the measured value is determined taking this position into account.

[0049] In this case, the position of the container and / or the container closure can first be detected based on a recorded container image and a value for the diameter, for example, can be determined based on this detected position.

[0050] Preferably, the above-mentioned plane is made to pass through the closure plane, in particular through the upper end wall of the closure, depending on the detected position. Preferably, the center point of the container closure is determined in this image or based on this plane. In a further step, a second plane that is inclined or perpendicular to the plane is made to extend through the center point of the closure. In this case, one or several edge points of the container closure are preferably determined based on this cutting plane, more precisely based on the cutting line generated thereby. With the help of this edge point, the diameter can preferably be determined.

[0051] In another preferred method, measured values ​​are stored and / or recorded for several container closures. Thus, for example, the diameter of the closure can be stored and / or recorded for several captured closures respectively. In this case, it is particularly preferred that this measured value, in particular the diameter, is also assigned to the corresponding closure unit.

[0052] In another preferred method, particularly according to test result or the measured value recorded, the container through inspection is derived. Like this, when the diameter of container closure is outside the tolerance band, shows that container is not normally closed, for example, container can be derived.

[0053] Preferably, the determined measured value is compared with a reference value. Accordingly, for example, a measured container closure diameter can be compared with a (stored) reference value.

[0054] Particularly preferably, the method described here is carried out at least at the start of production, or after a product change. According to this, the measured results carried out can be recorded in the form of a laboratory quality report, for example.

[0055] The entire production is particularly preferably monitored (in particular continuously). However, the production can also be monitored randomly.

[0056] In another preferred method, the measurements or inspections are recorded and / or stored in a time-stamped manner. In this way, it is still possible at a later point in time to trace when and on which containers or container closures the corresponding measurements were carried out.

[0057] Particularly preferably, at least one measured value and generally the measurement result are set (e.g., printed) on the container, or preferably at least one marking is set on the container, which marking characterizes at least one measurement result and / or at least one measured value. In addition, the containers thus inspected and marked can be stored and / or exported (e.g., exported to a laboratory conveyor belt or the like) as retention samples.

[0058] In another preferred method, in response to the measured measured values and / or taking these measured values into account, the closing device and / or at least one closing unit is open-loop controlled and preferably closed-loop controlled. In this way, for example, the closing device or each closing unit can be equipped with a closed-loop function. In the case where the quality specifications are not met, production can also be stopped or paused.

[0059] In another preferred method, the measured values are determined in the region of the container closure that surrounds the container mouth. Preferably, the container closure has a section or region that covers the container opening and a second region that surrounds the container mouth. Particularly preferably, the measurement (to determine the measured values) is carried out in this second region.

[0060] Particularly preferably, in the case of a crown cap, the measured values are determined at the lower edge of the respective serrations. However, it is also possible to determine the diameter in the tooth valleys between the serrations or the diameter above the serrations. The advantage of carrying out the measurement in this lower region is that in the case of inspection from above, if the measurement is not carried out exactly centered under the camera, the serrations will always be shaded, making it impossible or difficult to measure the correct diameter.

[0061] Preferably, for determining whether the container is closed correctly, i.e., neither too loosely nor too tightly, the radius or diameter at the lower edge of the serrations of the closure is decisive.

[0062] Particularly preferably, the dimensions of the tooth valleys and / or the serrations and their mutual distances are determined. Preferably, the mutual distance of the serrations is determined at the lower edge of the serrations.

[0063] In another preferred method, the device has at least three, preferably at least four, image capture devices, and / or the container closure is inspected by means of at least three, preferably at least four, image capture devices.

[0064] Particularly preferably, the at least two, preferably at least three, image capture devices are calibrated relative to each other. In particular, the at least two, especially the at least three, image capture devices are calibrated in terms of position and / or orientation. For this purpose, for example, a calibration body can be provided, which is arranged at the center between the image capture devices. In this case, the images of the image capture devices can detect the calibration body in the same way (but from different directions) respectively, so as to perform calibration.

[0065] In another preferred method, the position of the container in the world coordinate system (or a higher-level and stationary coordinate system) is determined. Particularly preferably, this is done by means of image capture devices that are calibrated relative to each other. In this case, it is not necessarily required to capture a panoramic image.

[0066] If the position of the container in the world coordinate system is known, the coordinates of the lower edge of the serrations in this world coordinate system can also be determined. Based on this, the diameter of the container lid can be determined.

[0067] In another preferred method, the container lid has a covering area and / or covering plane that covers the opening of the container, and has a circumferential edge that (preferably completely) surrounds the mouth of the container, and the measured values are determined relative to this circumferential edge. The size of the covering plane is not affected by the closing operation, but the diameter of the circumferential edge can clearly indicate the quality of the container lid.

[0068] In another preferred method, the container lid is illuminated, and in particular by means of at least one, preferably exactly one, illumination device, which is preferably arranged above the container. Therefore, it is particularly preferred to inspect the container lid by the reflected light method. Preferably, the illumination device is an illumination device that emits diffused light. Preferably, the illumination of the container lid is triggered by the image capture performed by the inspection device.

[0069] Preferably, the image capture is performed simultaneously by means of the at least two, preferably the at least three, image capture devices.

[0070] Particularly preferably, the approximate position of the container is determined, and then the inspection and / or image capture is triggered by this determination of the approximate position. For this purpose, for example, an optical barrier can be provided, which triggers and / or initiates the image capture or inspection.

[0071] The invention also relates to a method for inspecting a container equipped with a container lid, wherein the container lid is a crown cap or a screw cap, and a transport device transports the container equipped with the container lid in a transport direction, and an inspection device inspects the container equipped with the container lid.

[0072] According to the present invention, the inspection device has at least two image capture devices and preferably at least three image capture devices, each of which captures at least one spatially resolved image for at least several containers and preferably for each container, wherein an analysis device analyzes the captured images and derives and / or determines at least one measured value therefrom, and wherein this measured value is characteristic of at least one physical property and in particular a geometric property, in particular the diameter of the container closure, of the container closures provided on the containers.

[0073] Preferably, the above method steps are implemented.

[0074] The present invention also relates to a device for processing containers provided with container closures, having a transport device which is adapted and intended to transport containers filled with a medium and in particular a liquid, and having a closing device which is adapted and intended to respectively provide the containers with container closures, wherein the container closures are crown caps or screw caps. The closing device has at least two closing units, each of which is adapted and intended to attach a container closure to a container, and an inspection device is arranged behind the closing device in the transport direction, which is adapted and intended to inspect the containers provided with closures. Preferably, this inspection device is adapted and designed to inspect the containers provided with container closures and / or these container closures during their movement.

[0075] According to the present invention, the inspection device has at least two and preferably at least three image capture devices, which are adapted and intended to capture at least one spatially resolved image for several and preferably for each container, and an analysis device is provided, which is adapted and intended to analyze the captured images and determine at least one measured value therefrom, and wherein this measured value characterizes the container closures provided on the containers.

[0076] Preferably, the device described herein is adapted and designed to implement the above method.

[0077] Particularly preferably, the device has a distribution device which is adapted and intended to assign the closing unit which has closed the container with a tested container closure and / or has arranged this container closure on the container to the measured value and / or to the image of the container closure captured by at least one image capture device.

[0078] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a position determination device which is adapted and intended to detect the position of the container which has been closed or provided with a container closure.

[0079] Preferably, the position is determined by means of the two and preferably at least three image capturing devices. In an alternative embodiment, the position is determined by means of a camera arranged concentrically above the container closure.

[0080] Particularly preferably, the analysis device is adapted and intended to determine the measured value taking into account the detected position.

[0081] In another preferred embodiment, the device has an illumination device which is adapted and intended to illuminate the container closed by the container closure and in particular also to illuminate the container closure.

[0082] The invention also relates to a device for inspecting a container provided with a container closure, wherein the container closure is a crown cork or a screw cap. This device has a transport device which is adapted and intended to transport the container provided with the container closure in a transport direction, and an inspection device which is adapted and intended to inspect the container provided with the container closure and in particular to inspect the container closure.

[0083] Particularly preferably, the inspection device has at least two and preferably at least three image capturing devices which are adapted and intended to capture at least one spatially resolved image of several and preferably each (container provided with a container closure) container. Furthermore, an analysis device is provided which is adapted and intended to analyze the captured images and to determine and / or measure at least one measured value therefrom, wherein this measured value characterizes the container closure provided on the container.

[0084] Particularly preferably, the two or the at least three image capturing devices are synchronized with each other so as to capture images simultaneously.

[0085] Particularly preferably, the at least two and preferably the at least three image capturing devices observe the container provided with the container closure from two different directions.

[0086] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a marking device for marking the inspected containers, wherein this marking device is preferably adapted and intended to apply a mark to the container on the basis of which it can be inferred what measured value was determined for this container.

[0087] In another preferred embodiment, the device has at least one background element which can be observed by at least one image capturing device. Particularly preferably, each image capturing device is assigned a background element which can be optically detected by this image capturing device.

[0088] Preferably, such a background element is provided on at least one image capturing device and preferably on each image capturing device, which can be detected by the opposing image capturing device respectively, and thereby corresponds to this image capturing device.

[0089] Preferably, the corresponding background element is arranged in such a way that the container to be inspected is arranged between the image capturing device and the background element corresponding to this image capturing device.

[0090] This background element preferably adopts a uniform construction scheme. Preferably, the background element is at least partially maintained white, and preferably uniformly maintained white. Description of the Drawings

[0091] For more advantages and embodiments, refer to the drawings. Among them:

[0092] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the device according to the present invention is shown;

[0093] Figure 2 An image capture using three image capturing devices is shown;

[0094] Figure 3 A side view of the image capture using three image capturing devices;

[0095] Figure 4 An image of the container cap taken is shown;

[0096] Figure 5 An image of the container cap taken is shown;

[0097] Figure 6 An image capture using four image capturing devices is shown;

[0098] Figure 7 A side view of the image capture using four image capturing devices;

[0099] Figure 8 An inspection device is shown; and

[0100] Figure 9 A block diagram of the method of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0101] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the device 1 according to the present invention is shown. This device has a transport device 2 for transporting the container 10. Although not shown, this transport device 2 preferably consists of several transport units, and these transport units preferably adjoin each other. Different from the illustration, the container is preferably transported not continuously in a straight line, but preferably also at least partially along an arc-shaped transport section.

[0102] As Figure 1As shown on the left, these containers were initially not yet closed but had already been filled.

[0103] Reference numeral 4 denotes a closing device. This closing device has several closing units 42, 44, 46, which respectively allocate a container cap 20 to each container, as shown on the right side of the closing device 4.

[0104] The containers 10 provided with container caps are transported to an inspection device 6, which here has four image capture devices 62, 64, 66, 68. These image capture devices preferably simultaneously capture images of the container caps 20 provided on the containers.

[0105] Reference numeral 8 denotes a distribution device, which assigns to each container and / or to each image of a container and / or container cap that has been captured the closing unit 42, 44, 46 that closed this container.

[0106] Reference numeral 16 schematically denotes an analysis device, which is used to analyze the images captured by the image capture devices. The following solution can be adopted: This analysis device combines the captured images into a panoramic image.

[0107] Preferably, the analysis device also determines the exact position of the container cap (within the image). In addition, the analysis device 16 preferably measures characteristic quantities of the container cap, in particular the diameter D of the container cap.

[0108] Reference numeral 18 denotes a storage device, in which the measured values are stored, in particular in a manner corresponding to the respective closing units 42, 44, 46 and / or in a time-stamped manner.

[0109] Reference numeral 12 denotes a discharging device, which is adapted and intended to discharge the respective containers from the transport path. Preferably, this discharging is carried out in response to the measured values determined by the inspection device.

[0110] Figure 2 An inspection carried out using three image capture devices 62, 64, 66 is shown here.

[0111] Here, the position of the container 10 can be precisely determined by means of one of these three image capture devices (here the image capture device 64).

[0112] Preferably, the (image capture) plane is adjusted according to the crown cap in order to compensate for the inclined neck. This means that it is preferably possible to take into account the case where the plane of the container cap is not precisely in the horizontal plane.

[0113] By precisely measuring the position of the container, it is possible to measure the diameter of a container closure such as a crown cap. In one embodiment, when properly installed, the diameter of the container closure must be between 28.58 mm and 28.75 mm.

[0114] Based on the measured values thus determined, it is possible to extend the management of the filling device and / or the closing device. In particular, the closing units of the closing device can be open-loop controlled and / or closed-loop controlled taking these measured values into account.

[0115] As described above, it is preferable to assign a mechanism to the crown cap diameter, that is, it is preferable to assign the closing unit on which the relevant container closure has been installed on the container to each measured diameter.

[0116] Figure 3 Schematically shows the imaging of the container closure 20 by means of three imaging devices. Among them, the container closure 20 has a covering section 20a and a circumferential section 20b.

[0117] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Respectively show images of the container closure provided on the container taken. Among them, the covering section 20a of the container closure 20 that covers the opening of the container can be seen respectively, and the peripheral edge 20b surrounding the container mouth can also be seen. Preferably, the diameter is determined in the region of the peripheral edge, and particularly in the region of the ends 20c of the serrations of the crown cap. This serrated region of the crown cap can also be seen in the spread 22.

[0118] Figure 6 Shows a construction scheme for inspection using four imaging devices 62, 64, 66, 68. With 4 imaging devices, it is possible to perform four 90° spreads on a region. In this way, a spread without dead zones can be achieved. As Figure 7 shown, in this case, the four imaging devices 62, 64, 66, 68 are arranged evenly around the container closure 20 and this container closure is observed obliquely from above.

[0119] When using 4 imaging devices, the position can be determined most precisely. In addition, the plane is adjusted most reliably according to the container closure, especially the crown cap. In this way, the diameter of the container closure and especially the crown cap diameter can be determined extremely precisely.

[0120] Figure 8 Shows the inspection device 6. The imaging devices 62, 64, 66, 68 are shown here.

[0121] Reference numeral 72 denotes a lighting device, which is preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the geometric center point between the image-capturing devices. In addition, this lighting device is arranged above a container (not shown) to be inspected.

[0122] Reference numeral 82 denotes a calibration body, which is used to calibrate the respective image-capturing devices (in particular with respect to one another). The calibration body is removed in the operating mode.

[0123] Preferably, background elements or background disks 92, 94, 96, 98 are respectively provided on the respective image-capturing devices 62, 64, 66, 68. These background elements are all used to improve the image capture performed by the opposing image-capturing devices.

[0124] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the container. Among them, first, the diameter of the container cap (in this case, a crown cap) is measured. Preferably, the measured diameter is compared with the nominal value. If the measured diameter deviates from the nominal value, and especially outside the tolerance band around the nominal value, the container involved is exported.

[0125] For example, for several containers, or for all containers closed by a specific closing unit, if it is found that the diameters of the container caps do not conform to the nominal value, a shutdown can be triggered. However, it is also possible to deactivate the involved closing unit so that no container is closed by this closing unit until the next maintenance interruption.

[0126] In addition, the measured diameter can be marked on the inspected container. In this case, the closing unit that closes this container can also be marked in this mark. In addition, a time stamp can also be applied along with this mark.

[0127] Preferably, the container marked in this way is exported, so that it can be provided as a retained sample, for example. It can be exported to a quality belt for example.

[0128] Preferably, this export can be reported to a control device (intelligent device) for backing up the retained sample.

[0129] In addition, the measured diameter can also be used to open-loop control the closing device, especially to open-loop control and especially closed-loop control the respective closing units of the closing device. For example, if it is found that the diameter of the container cap arranged on the container by a specific closing unit always deviates from the nominal diameter by a certain degree, subsequent control can be performed on this specific closing unit.

[0130] In addition, the measured diameter can also be transmitted to a database, especially a quality database. In this way, the quality conditions can also be monitored in the long term.

[0131] In addition, all measured data, i.e., all test results, can also be transmitted to the database. In this way, continuous monitoring of all enclosed units can be implemented. Cross-machine quality control can also be achieved thereby.

[0132] These measured values (preferably together with time stamps) can be stored in the cloud.

[0133] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features essential to the present invention disclosed in the application documents, provided that these features are novel compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination. Further, it should be noted that features which may be advantageous in themselves are also described in individual figures. A person skilled in the art will directly recognize that a certain feature described in a figure may be advantageous even if other features in that figure are not used. Additionally, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can also be obtained by combining several features shown in individual figures or different figures.

Claims

1. A method for treating a container (10) provided with or to be provided with a container closure (20), wherein: Filled containers (10) are transported and a closing device (4) equips each of the containers (10) with a container cap (20), wherein the container cap (20) is a crown cap or a screw cap, and wherein the closing device (4) has at least two closing units (42, 44), each of which attaches the container cap (20) to the container (10), and wherein an inspection device (6) arranged behind the closing device in the transport direction inspects the containers equipped with the caps (10), It is characterized in that The inspection device (6) has at least two image capture devices (62, 64), each of which captures at least one spatially resolved image for each container, and an analysis device analyzes the captured images and determines at least one measurement value based on the images, wherein the measurement value reflects the characteristics of the container cover provided on the container.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that An assignment device (8) assigns to the measured value that closure unit which has closed a container with the tested container closure.

3. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The at least two images recorded by the image recording device are evaluated in order to determine the measured value.

4. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The measurement characterizes a diameter of the container closure disposed on the container, and the measurement is determined with an accuracy of less than 0.5 mm.

5. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The position of the closed container is detected.

6. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The container closure has a covering plane covering the opening of the container and a circumferential edge (20b) surrounding the mouth of the container, and the measured value is determined relative to the circumferential edge (20b).

7. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The container closure (20) is illuminated.

8. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The closure device (4) and / or at least one closure unit is controlled taking the measured value into account.

9. A method for inspecting a container provided with a container closure, wherein: The container closure (20) is a crown cap or a screw cap, wherein a transport device transports the container provided with the container closure along a transport direction, and an inspection device inspects the container provided with the container closure, It is characterized in that The inspection device (6) has at least two image-capturing devices (62, 64, 66, 68), each of which captures at least one spatially resolved image for each container, and an analysis device analyzes the captured images and determines at least one measurement value based on the images, wherein the measurement value reflects a feature of the container closure (20) provided on the container (10).

10. A device for handling containers which are provided with or are to be provided with container closures, the device comprising a transport device (2) which is suitable and intended for transporting containers filled with a medium, and a closure device (4) which is suitable and intended for providing each of the containers (10) with a container closure (20), wherein: The container closure (20) is a crown cap or a screw cap, and the closure device (2) has at least two closure units (42, 44, 46), each of which is suitable for and intended to attach the container closure (20) to the container (10), and an inspection device (6) is provided downstream of the closure device (4) in the transport direction, which is suitable for and intended to inspect the container (10) provided with the closure (10). It is characterized in that The testing device (6) has at least two image recording devices (62, 64, 66, 68), which is suitable for and intended to capture at least one spatially resolved image for a plurality of containers (10), and the analysis device is suitable for and intended to analyze the captured image and determine at least one measurement value based on the image, wherein the measurement value reflects the characteristics of the container cap (20) provided on the container (10).

11. The device (1) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The device (1) has a distribution device (8) which is suitable and intended to measure the measured values ​​of the container closure (20) and / or the measured values ​​of the container closure (20) by at least one image recording device (62, 64, 66, 68), to which measured values ​​and / or images the closure unit (42, 44, 46) has been assigned which has arranged the container closure (20) on the container (10).

12. The device (1) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The device (1) has a position detection device which is suitable for and intended to detect the position of the container (10) provided with the container closure (20).

13. A device for inspecting a container provided with a container closure, wherein: The container closure (20) is a crown cap or a screw cap, has a transport device (2) which is suitable for and intended to transport the container (10) provided with the container closure (20) in a transport direction, and an inspection device (6) which is suitable for and intended to inspect the container (10) provided with the container closure (20), It is characterized in that The testing device (6) has at least two image recording devices (62, 64, 66, 68), which is suitable for and intended to capture at least one spatially resolved image for each container (10) and / or the container closure (20) provided on the container (10), and is provided with an analysis device, which is suitable for and intended to analyze the captured image and determine at least one measurement value based on the image, wherein the measurement value reflects the characteristics of the container closure (20) provided on the container (10).

14. The device (1) according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The testing device (6) has at least three image recording devices (62, 64, 66, 68).

15. The device (1) according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The device (1) has a marking device for marking the tested containers.

Images