Inspection device for capping device, capping device having inspection device, packaging machine, method for inspecting lids, and method for applying lids

Abstract

An inspection apparatus (30) for inspecting an opening device (5) applied to a body (4) advancing along an advancing path (P) is described. The inspection apparatus (30) comprises: a first imaging device (31) located at a first inspection station (32) and configured to acquire a first image (33) of an imaged portion (34) of the body (4), the imaged portion (34) having a specified pouring opening area (9) of the body (4); a second imaging device (35) located at a second inspection station (36) arranged downstream of the first inspection station (32) and configured to acquire at least one second image (37) of a respective opening device (5) applied to a respective imaging portion (34); and an analysis unit (38) configured to analyze each first image (33) and the respective second image (37) and to determine a relative position between each opening device (5) and the respective specified pouring opening area (9) by analyzing each first image (33) and the respective second image (37).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an inspection device for capping equipment.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a capping device for applying an opening device to the body of a package filled with a pourable product, preferably a package formed of multiple layers of packaging material.

[0003] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging pourable products (more specifically pourable food) into packaging (preferably packaging formed of multi-layer packaging materials) and having at least one sealing device.

[0004] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a method for inspecting a package with a lid applied to the corresponding body.

[0005] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a method of applying a lid to the body of a package. Background Technology

[0006] Many liquids or pourable foods, such as juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature) milk, wine, and ketchup, are known to be sold in aseptic packaging materials (especially sealed packaging).

[0007] A typical example is a parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food, called TetraBrik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding laminated strips of packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layered structure, including a cardboard box and / or paper base layer, covered on both sides with heat-sealable plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene). In the case of aseptic packaging for products intended for long-term storage, the packaging material also includes an oxygen barrier layer, such as aluminum foil, which is stacked on top of a heat-sealable plastic material layer and covered with another heat-sealable plastic material layer, which forms the inner surface of the package that ultimately contacts the food.

[0008] This type of packaging is typically produced on fully automated packaging machines, which start by forming and filling multiple layers of packaging material.

[0009] Some packaging machines are configured to produce packages comprising a body formed of multiple layers of packaging material and an opening device arranged around a designated pouring opening of the body. The opening device is configured to allow selective opening and closing of the pouring outlet. A typical opening device includes: a base frame connected to the body, a collar extending from the base frame and arranged around the pouring outlet, and a lid fixed to the collar and controllable between a closed position and an open position.

[0010] Some packaging machines for producing packages with corresponding opening devices include: a package forming machine configured to form at least one corresponding body from multi-layer packaging material and to fill it; and a capping device configured to apply the opening device to the corresponding body.

[0011] Some known capping devices include: a conveying device for advancing the body along a propulsion path; a feeding device for feeding the opening device to a transfer station and through an adhesive station, where adhesive is applied to the opening device; and one or more application devices configured to receive the opening device at the transfer station and apply the opening device to the body at the application station.

[0012] While the known capping equipment and / or packaging machines are performing well, the industry still expects further improvements. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved inspection device that allows inspection of opening devices applied to a body.

[0014] Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide an improved capping device.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved inspection method.

[0017] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for applying a lid.

[0018] According to the present invention, an inspection apparatus and method for inspecting the application of a lid are provided, as described in the respective independent claims.

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the inspection equipment and methods claimed in the claims are directly or indirectly dependent on the respective independent claims.

[0020] According to the present invention, a capping device according to any one of claims 8 and 9 is also provided.

[0021] According to the present invention, a packaging machine according to claim 12 is also provided.

[0022] According to the present invention, a method according to any one of claims 13 to 16 is also provided.

[0023] According to the present invention, a method according to claim 17 is also provided. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine with at least one capping device; some parts have been removed for clarity. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the capping device; some parts have been removed for clarity. Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is before the opening device is applied to the main body. Figure 3A ) and afterwards ( Figure 3B A schematic top view of the main body of the (). Detailed Implementation

[0025] The designation 1 generally indicates a packaging machine used to produce a package 2 filled with a pourable product, particularly a pourable food such as (pasteurized) milk, juice, wine, ketchup, salt, sugar, lotion, yogurt, dairy beverages, etc.

[0026] Packaging machine 1 can be configured to produce packaging 2 filled with pourable products.

[0027] More specifically, packaging machine 1 can be configured to produce packaging 2 from packaging materials having a multi-layer configuration.

[0028] More specifically, the packaging material may include at least one layer of fibrous material (e.g., paper or cardboard) and at least two heat-sealed plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene) interposed between each other. One of these two heat-sealed plastic material layers may define the inner surface of the package 2 that comes into contact with the pourable product.

[0029] In addition, the packaging material may also include a gas barrier and light barrier material layer, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, particularly disposed between one of the heat-sealing plastic material layers and the fiber material layer. Preferably, the packaging material may also include another heat-sealing plastic material layer interposed between the gas barrier and light barrier material layer and the fiber material layer.

[0030] More specifically, the packaging material can be provided in the form of rolls 3.

[0031] Special Reference Figures 1 to 3B Each package 2 may include a corresponding body 4 formed of multiple layers of packaging material and an opening device 5 applied around a designated pouring opening area 9 of the corresponding body 4.

[0032] More specifically, the main body 4 can extend along the longitudinal axis A, a first transverse axis B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, and a second transverse axis C perpendicular to both the first transverse axis B and the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the dimension of the packaging 2 along the longitudinal axis A can be larger than the dimension of the packaging 2 along the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C.

[0033] More specifically, the main body 4 can be a parallelepiped shape.

[0034] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the body 4 may include a first wall, preferably transverse to, and more preferably perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis A, from which the body 4 may extend along the longitudinal axis A. More specifically, the first wall may define a support surface of the package 2 (preferably the body 4), which may be designed to contact a support (e.g., a shelf) during use (e.g., exposure at the point of sale) or during storage.

[0035] The first wall can define the bottom wall of packaging 2 (especially the main body 4).

[0036] More specifically, the body 4 may also include a sidewall 6 which is (fixedly) connected to the first wall and extends from the first wall along the longitudinal axis A.

[0037] More specifically, the main body 4 may also include a second wall 7, which is opposite to the first wall and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 6.

[0038] More specifically, the side wall 6 can be inserted between the first wall and the second wall 7 and integrally connected to the first wall and the second wall 7.

[0039] More specifically, the second wall 7 can define the top wall of the packaging 2.

[0040] According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, the first wall and the second wall 7 can be parallel to each other.

[0041] According to some other possible embodiments not shown, the second wall 7 and the first wall may be inclined relative to each other, and more specifically, the second wall 7 may be inclined relative to the first wall and / or the longitudinal axis A.

[0042] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the second wall 7 may support and / or include a designated pouring opening area 9, and the opening device 5 may be connected to the second wall 7.

[0043] According to some possible implementations, each designated pouring opening area 9 may be covered by a separation membrane, which may be formed, for example, from portions of a multi-layered packaging material. For instance, the separation membrane may include one or more heat-sealing material layers, and possibly also a gas-barrier material layer.

[0044] More specifically, each body 4 may include one or more transverse seals 8.

[0045] More specifically, each second wall 7 may include a corresponding transverse seal 8.

[0046] In addition, each first wall may also include a corresponding transverse seal (not visible).

[0047] According to some possible implementations, the transverse seal 8 may be (generally) parallel to the first transverse axis B.

[0048] More specifically, each transverse seal 8 can extend (generally) linearly (i.e., each transverse seal 8 has a (generally) linear shape).

[0049] According to some possible implementations, each body 4 may also include a longitudinal seal. More specifically, each longitudinal seal may be (generally) perpendicular to the corresponding transverse seal 8.

[0050] More specifically, each opening device 5 may include a collar with an outlet opening and a cover 10 detachably connected to the collar. Furthermore, each opening device 5 may also include a corresponding base 11 that carries the respective collar. More specifically, each collar extends from the corresponding base.

[0051] More specifically, each collar can be integrated with the corresponding base frame 11.

[0052] According to some possible implementations, each base frame 11 can be connected (e.g., sealed and / or bonded and / or glued by adhesive) to the corresponding body 4, more specifically the corresponding second wall 7.

[0053] More specifically, each lid 10 can be controlled between a corresponding closed position and an open position, in which the lid 10 closes the outlet opening (to prevent the pourable product from flowing out), and in the open position, the lid 10 releases the outlet opening (to allow the pourable product to flow out). Advantageously, each lid 10 is in the closed position when delivered to the end user.

[0054] Advantageously, each lid 10 can (repeatably) move between a corresponding closed position and a corresponding open position.

[0055] According to some embodiments, each cover 10 can be controlled between a corresponding closed position and a corresponding open position by a twisting motion and / or angular motion about a hinge axis. The cover 10 can be non-removably attached to the collar 11 by a tethering element to prevent the cover 10 from being scattered in the environment.

[0056] In addition, each cover 10 may include a main wall 13 configured to cover the outlet opening, particularly when the cover 10 is in the closed position.

[0057] Advantageously, the main wall 13 can have a (generally) circular shape.

[0058] In addition, each main wall 13 may have a center 14.

[0059] According to some possible implementations, each main wall 13 may have one or more auxiliary circular elements arranged between its outer edge and its corresponding center 14. For example, one or more auxiliary circular elements may be defined by a corresponding circular edge.

[0060] In addition, each cover 10 may include a sidewall that protrudes from the corresponding main wall 13 and is configured to surround at least a portion of the corresponding collar, particularly when the cover 10 is in the closed position.

[0061] According to some possible implementations, each opening device 5 may also include a corresponding coupling element that is connected to and protrudes from the corresponding separation membrane. Preferably, each coupling element may also be connected to (preferably sealed to) the corresponding cover 10.

[0062] Specifically, during the initial control of the corresponding cover 10 to the corresponding open position, the coupling element follows the movement of the corresponding cover 10, causing the corresponding separation membrane to separate from the corresponding body 4.

[0063] According to some embodiments, each opening device 5 may include a cutting element configured to cut the separation membrane during the initial movement of the cover 10 from the corresponding closed position to the corresponding open position.

[0064] More specifically, each collar can extend along its corresponding central axis.

[0065] Furthermore, each collar can have a ring shape. More specifically, each collar can have a cylindrical shape.

[0066] Special Reference Figure 1 Packaging machine 1 may include: - Packaging filling equipment 17, configured to form and fill body 4, particularly configured to form body 4 from multiple layers of packaging material and fill body 4 with a pourable product; and - At least one sealing device 18, configured to apply at least one corresponding opening device 5 to each body 4, more specifically to at least the corresponding second wall 7.

[0067] More specifically, the body 4 exiting the packaging filling device 17 may include a corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 that may be covered by a corresponding separation membrane.

[0068] More specifically, the capping device 18 may be arranged downstream of the packaging filling device 17 and may be configured to receive the formed and filled body 4 from the packaging filling device 17.

[0069] Special Reference Figure 1 The capping device 18 includes: - A conveying device configured to advance the main body 4 along the propulsion path P; and - Opening device application device 19, which is configured to apply a corresponding opening device 5 to each body 4 at the application station 20, more specifically to at least the corresponding second wall 7, or even more specifically around the designated pouring opening area 9.

[0070] More specifically, the conveying device may include elements such as rods configured to define the position of the body 4, and in particular (generally) avoid clearance along the propulsion path P of the body 4 in a direction transverse to the propulsion direction.

[0071] In addition, the opening device application device 19 may include: - One or more opening device applicators, configured to apply the opening device 5 to the body 4 at the application station 20; and - Preferably, but not necessarily, one or more adjusting devices are configured to control the relative position of each opening device applicator with respect to the corresponding designated pouring opening.

[0072] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the capping device 18 may also include a feeding device 21 configured to feed the opening device 5 to a transfer station 22, whereby the opening device 5 is transferred to a corresponding opening device applicator.

[0073] Furthermore, the feeding device 21 can be configured to advance the opening device 5 along the feeding path Q and reach the transfer station 22.

[0074] According to some possible implementations, the capping device 18 may also include an adhesive application device 23 for applying an adhesive (such as a binder) to the opening device 5, preferably to the corresponding base 11, before the opening device 5 is applied to the body 4.

[0075] More specifically, the adhesive application device 23 can be configured to apply adhesive and / or bonding agent to the opening device 5 at the adhesive application station 24.

[0076] For example, the adhesive application station 24 can be located upstream of the transfer station 22 along the feed path Q.

[0077] Special Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The capping device 18 may also include an inspection device 30 configured to determine the relative position of each opening device 5 with respect to a corresponding designated pouring opening area 9.

[0078] In addition, the inspection device 30 can be configured to determine whether each opening device 5 can be correctly arranged relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9.

[0079] More specifically, the inspection device 30 can be configured to selectively determine, for each opening device 5, whether the relative position of each opening device 5 relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 is within the desired range or the relative position exceeds the desired range.

[0080] Preferably, but not necessarily, the inspection device 30 may be configured to selectively determine for each package 2 whether the corresponding opening device 5 is correctly aligned or misaligned relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9, based on whether the corresponding relative position of each opening device 5 relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 is within the expected range (correctly aligned) or the relative position is outside the expected range (misaligned).

[0081] More specifically, the inspection device 30 can be configured to determine whether the relative position of the corresponding collar with respect to the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 allows the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 to be opened correctly.

[0082] Special Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B The inspection equipment 30 includes: - A first imaging device 31, located at a first inspection station 32, is configured to acquire a first image 33 (see image 33) of the imaging portion 34 of the main body 4 (more specifically, the corresponding second wall 7). Figure 3A Each imaging section 34 has a corresponding designated tilting opening area 9; and - A second imaging device 35, located at a second inspection station 36 downstream of the first inspection station 32 (along the advance path P), is configured to acquire at least one second image 37 (see [reference needed]) of the corresponding opening device 5 applied to the corresponding body 4 (particularly the corresponding inspection section 34). Figure 3B ).

[0083] Furthermore, the second imaging device 35 can be configured to substantially acquire a corresponding second image 37 of the corresponding imaging portion 34 (see...). Figure 3BAlthough the first imaging device 31 is configured to image the corresponding imaging portion 34 before the corresponding opening device 5 is applied to the corresponding body 4, the second imaging device 35 is configured to image the corresponding imaging portion 34 after the corresponding opening device 5 is applied to the corresponding body 4.

[0084] More specifically, the first imaging station 32 and the second imaging station 36 can be arranged upstream and downstream of the application station 20, respectively.

[0085] When returning Figure 2 The inspection device 30 also includes an analysis unit 38, which is configured to analyze each first image 33 and the corresponding second image 37, and determine the relative position between each opening device 5 and the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 based on the evaluation of each first image 33 and the corresponding second image 37.

[0086] Advantageously, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to selectively determine whether the corresponding opening device 5 of each package 2 is correctly aligned or misaligned based on whether the relative position of the corresponding opening device 5 with respect to the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 is respectively within a corresponding specific range.

[0087] More specifically, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to determine the first relative position of each designated pouring opening region 9 relative to the first reference station 39 based on each corresponding first image 33.

[0088] The first reference station 39 is identical for any acquired first image 33 because it is an inherent feature of the position of the first imaging device 31. For example, the first reference station 39 can be attributed to one or more specific pixels of the first image 33, which are identical for any captured first image 33.

[0089] More specifically, each first image 33 captured by the first imaging device 31 during use has a defined size, which is the same for each first image 33. Furthermore, a corresponding inspection portion 34 is visible within the corresponding first image 33.

[0090] Therefore, the first reference station 39 is thus a fixed point within each first image 33 and remains unchanged for each first image 33. For example, the first reference station 39 can be considered to define the origin (zero point).

[0091] More specifically, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to determine a first relative position by referring to a first reference point 40 (e.g., the center point of the designated pouring opening area 9) for each designated pouring opening area 9.

[0092] Therefore, although the first reference station 39 is an inherent feature of any first image 33 and is not affected by the specific visual effects present in the first image 33, the first reference point 40 corresponds to a specific point in each designated pouring opening area 9.

[0093] For example, when returning Figure 3A When the specified pouring opening area 9 is defined as a first reference point 40, the analysis unit 38 determines the relative position of this center with respect to the first reference station 39. Ideally, this relative position is the same for each first image 33. However, in normal production, deviations may occur for various reasons. Therefore, by taking the first reference station 39 as an inherent feature associated with each first image 33 and determining it through the position of the first imaging device 31, and by determining the relative position of the corresponding first reference point 40 with respect to the first reference station 39, the true position of the corresponding specified pouring opening area 9 can be understood.

[0094] More specifically, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to determine the relative position of the corresponding first reference point 40 relative to the first reference station 39, and such relative position indicates the corresponding first relative position.

[0095] In other words, the analysis unit 38 sets the same fixed first reference station 39 for each first image 33 during use.

[0096] Therefore, the relative position of each first reference point 40 with respect to the first reference station 39 describes the translation between the first reference point 40 [e.g., specifying the center of the dumping opening area 9] and the corresponding first reference station 39 [e.g., ideally specifying the expected position of the center of the dumping opening area 9].

[0097] In the example shown, the first reference station 39 is set by the analysis unit 38 for each first image 33 such that, ideally, the corresponding center of the designated pouring opening area 9 corresponds to the first reference station 39.

[0098] More specifically, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to attribute a first set of Cartesian coordinates to a first reference station 39 and a second set of Cartesian coordinates to a first reference point 40. Therefore, the first set of Cartesian coordinates is identical for each first image 33, and the second set of Cartesian coordinates corresponds to valid measurements. Thus, the corresponding relative position of the first reference point 40 relative to the first reference station 39 is represented by incremental values.

[0099] For example, the first reference station 39 can define the origin of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0100] In other words, the first reference station 39 allows the definition of the position of the first reference point 40.

[0101] According to some implementation schemes, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to determine the second relative position of each opening device 5 relative to the second reference station 41 based on the corresponding second image 37.

[0102] Similar to the first image 33, the first reference station 39, and the first imaging device 31, the second reference station 41 is also a station inherently associated with the second imaging device 36 and its specific location.

[0103] Therefore, the second reference station 41 is the same for each second image 37 and is not affected by any visual features present in the second image 37.

[0104] More specifically, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to determine the relative position of each opening device 5 relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 based on a measured first relative position and a measured corresponding second relative position.

[0105] According to some implementations, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to determine a second relative position with reference to a second reference point 44 (e.g., the corresponding center 14) of the opening device 5. Similar to the first image 33, the first reference point 40, and the first imaging device 31, the second reference point 44 can also be attributed to a feature of a specific visual characteristic. However, in this case, the second reference point 44 corresponds to a point on the opening device 5.

[0106] For example, in the example shown, the second reference station 41 is defined such that, ideally, the second reference point 44 is arranged at the second reference station 41. However, in practice, differences may arise between the second reference point 44 and the second reference station 41.

[0107] In fact, the second reference point 44 can be translated from the second reference station 41.

[0108] For example, if the position of the corresponding opening device 5 within the corresponding second image 37 corresponds to the ideal situation, then a second reference station 41 can be defined such that the corresponding center 14 of the corresponding opening device 5 (as the corresponding second reference point 44) corresponds to the second reference station 41.

[0109] More specifically, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to attribute a third set of Cartesian coordinates to the second reference station 41 and a fourth set of Cartesian coordinates to the second reference point 44. Specifically, the third set of Cartesian coordinates is fixed and identical for each second image 37, while the fourth set of Cartesian coordinates depends on the valid measurements.

[0110] For example, the second reference station 44 can define the origin (0 point) of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0111] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit 38 may also be configured to calculate the expected relative position of each opening device 5 based on the corresponding first relative position of the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9, and compare the measured second relative position (i.e. obtained from the corresponding second image 37) with the expected relative position to determine the relative position between the designated pouring opening area 9 and the corresponding opening device 5.

[0112] In other words, during use, the analysis unit 38 calculates the corresponding expected position of each opening device 5 based on the corresponding first relative position, and compares the expected position with the position determined based on the corresponding second image 37.

[0113] Furthermore, the analysis unit 38 can also be configured to determine any deviation between the position of the opening device 5 and the expected relative position (i.e., the difference between the expected relative position and the measured relative position).

[0114] Furthermore, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to determine whether the opening device 5 is correctly aligned or incorrectly aligned if the deviation is less than or equal to and greater than a threshold, respectively.

[0115] In other words, the analysis unit 38 calculates the corresponding first relative position for each specified pouring opening area 9. Then, the analysis unit 38 calculates the expected position of the corresponding opening device 5 based on the first relative position and compares the expected position with the effective position. If the effective position is within a certain limit relative to the expected position, the opening device 5 is considered correctly aligned; if the effective position is outside a certain limit relative to the expected position, the opening device 5 is incorrectly aligned.

[0116] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to compare the relative position of the corresponding second reference point 44 with respect to the corresponding second reference station 41.

[0117] More specifically, analysis unit 38 can be configured as follows: - Identify the center of the corresponding designated pouring opening region 9 in each first image 33; - Identify the center 14 of the corresponding opening device 5 applied around the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 in the corresponding second image 37; and - Determine the relative position between the corresponding center of the designated pouring opening area 9 and the corresponding center 14 of the corresponding opening device 5.

[0118] Furthermore, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to determine whether the corresponding opening device 5 is being applied correctly by comparing the relative position between the center of the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 and the corresponding center 14 of the corresponding opening device 5 with a predetermined expected relative position.

[0119] Specifically, the expected relative positions specify that the corresponding center of the designated pouring opening area 9 and the corresponding center 14 of the corresponding opening device 5 overlap or are separated by a predetermined threshold.

[0120] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the first imaging device 31 may include a 2D camera configured to acquire a first image 33.

[0121] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the second imaging device 35 may include a 3D camera, more specifically a digital camera, and more specifically a 3D digital camera, configured to acquire a second image 37. More specifically, the first imaging device 35 may be configured to acquire a three-dimensional image.

[0122] For example, the second imaging device 35 can be configured to perform 3D contour drawing (laser triangulation).

[0123] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the adjusting device can be configured to control the relative position of the opening device applicator based on a corresponding first image 33, more specifically based on a first relative position of a corresponding designated pouring outlet 9 obtained from the corresponding first image 33.

[0124] In this way, any misalignment of the opening device 5 can be reduced.

[0125] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the inspection device 30 may also include a third imaging device 42, which is configured to acquire a third image of the opening device 5 and the adhesive and / or binder applied to the opening device 5 at a third imaging station 43.

[0126] It can record a third image.

[0127] According to some possible implementations, the analysis unit 38 can be configured to record together the corresponding first image 33, the corresponding second image 37, and preferably the corresponding third image of the same package 2 so that they can be used, for example, for further analysis aimed at understanding the source of any possible defects in the opening device 5.

[0128] More specifically, the third imaging station 43 can be placed between the adhesive application station 24 and the transfer station 22.

[0129] Special Reference Figure 1 The packaging filling equipment 17 can be configured as the production body 4 and filled with pourable products.

[0130] More specifically, the packaging filling equipment 17 can be configured to produce the body 4 by: forming a tube 50 from a roll 3, a longitudinal sealing tube 50, a pourable product filling tube 50, and forming, transversely sealing and cutting the tube 50.

[0131] In use, packaging machine 1 produces packaging 2 filled with pourable products.

[0132] The operation of packaging machine 1 includes at least the following steps: - The body 4 is formed and filled with a pourable product, particularly by packaging filling equipment 17; and - Apply the cover 10 to the body 4, and more specifically to at least the second wall 7.

[0133] The operation of the packaging machine 1 also includes an inspection step in which the relative position of the opening device 5 with respect to the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 is determined.

[0134] More specifically, in the forming and filling steps, the tube 50 is formed from the advancing roll 3, longitudinally sealed, filled with a pourable product, and laterally sealed and cut.

[0135] According to some preferred embodiments, the operation of the packaging machine 1 may also include a feeding step in which the body 4 is fed (particularly from the packaging filling device 7) to the capping device 18.

[0136] More specifically, the following sub-steps are performed in the application step: - Advance the main body 4 along the advancement path; and - Apply the opening device 5 to the corresponding body 4.

[0137] More specifically, during the application sub-step, at the glue application station 23, the opening device 5 is applied to the corresponding body 4 by the corresponding opening device applicator.

[0138] In addition, during the application sub-step, an adhesive and / or binder is applied to the opening device 5.

[0139] The method includes the step of inspecting the opening device 5 in order to selectively determine the relative position between the designated pouring opening 9 and the corresponding opening device 5.

[0140] The method includes the following steps: -At the first inspection station 32 of the corresponding imaging section 34, in particular, the corresponding first image 33 is acquired by the first imaging device 31; - At the second inspection station 36 of each imaging section 34, in particular by means of the second imaging device 35, a corresponding second image 37 is acquired applied to the corresponding opening device 5 of the corresponding body 4; and - Specifically, the analysis unit 38 analyzes each first image 33 and the corresponding second image 37, and determines the corresponding relative position between each opening device 5 and the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 based on the analysis of each first image 33 and the corresponding second image 37.

[0141] More specifically, during the analysis step, the first relative position of each designated pouring opening area 9 relative to the first reference station 39 is determined according to the corresponding first image 33, and the second relative position of each opening device 5 relative to the second reference station 41 is also determined according to the corresponding second image 37.

[0142] Furthermore, during the analysis step, the relative position of each opening device 5 relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9 is determined based on the measured first relative position and the corresponding measured second relative position.

[0143] Furthermore, during the analysis step, each first relative position is determined with reference to the corresponding first reference point 40 of the corresponding designated pouring opening area 9, and the second relative position is determined with reference to the corresponding second reference point 44.

[0144] More specifically, during the analysis step, the expected relative position of each opening device 5 is calculated based on the corresponding first relative position of the corresponding designated pouring opening 9. Then, the corresponding second relative position obtained from the corresponding second image 37 is compared with the corresponding expected relative position to determine the relative position between the corresponding designated pouring opening 9 and the corresponding opening device 5.

[0145] According to some possible implementations, during the analysis step, each opening device 5 can be classified as correctly or incorrectly aligned with respect to the corresponding designated pouring opening 9.

[0146] According to some possible implementations, the package 2 with the misaligned opening device 5 can be discarded.

[0147] The advantages of the inspection device 30 and method according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0148] Specifically, the inspection device 30 and / or inspection method allow for the precise determination of the relative position of each opening device 5 with respect to its corresponding designated pouring opening area 9. In this way, incorrectly applied opening devices 5 can be identified more accurately, since the position of the opening device 5 is evaluated relative to the designated pouring opening area 9. Therefore, if an opening device 5 is not aligned with its corresponding pouring opening area 9, it is identified as an application error.

[0149] Specifically, packages 2 with misaligned opening devices 5 can be identified, which allows these packages to be avoided from being delivered to consumers.

[0150] Obviously, modifications can be made to the inspection device 30 and / or capping device 18 and / or packaging machine 1 and / or method described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An inspection device (30) for inspecting the opening device (5) applied to the main body (4) that is advancing along the propulsion path (P); The inspection device (30) mentioned above includes: - A first imaging device (31), located at a first inspection station (32), is configured to acquire a first image (33) of an imaging portion (34) of the main body (4), the imaging portion (34) having a designated pouring opening area (9) configured to receive a corresponding opening device (5); - A second imaging device (35) located at a second inspection station (36) arranged downstream of the first inspection station (32) and configured to acquire at least one second image (37) of the opening device (4) of the corresponding imaging portion (34) of the body (4). as well as - Analysis unit (38) is configured to analyze each first image (33) and the corresponding second image (37) and determine the relative position between each opening device (5) and the corresponding designated pouring opening area (9) by analyzing each first image (33) and the corresponding second image (37).

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit (38) is configured to determine a measured first relative position of each designated pouring opening area (9) relative to a first reference station (39) based on the corresponding first image (33), and to determine a measured second relative position of each opening device (5) relative to a second reference station (41) based on the corresponding second image (37); The analysis unit (38) is configured to determine the relative position of each opening device (5) relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening area (9) based on the measured first relative position and the corresponding measured second relative position.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the analysis unit (38) is configured to determine the first relative position of the measurement with reference to a first reference point (40) of the designated pouring opening area (9), and to determine the second relative position of the measurement with reference to a second reference point (44).

4. The inspection device according to claim 3, wherein the first reference point (40) corresponds to the center of the designated pouring opening area (9), and / or the second reference point (44) corresponds to the center (14) of the opening device (5).

5. The inspection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the analysis unit (38) is further configured to calculate the expected relative position of each opening device (5) based on the corresponding first relative position of the corresponding designated pouring opening area (9), and compare the corresponding second relative position obtained from the corresponding second image (37) with the expected relative position to determine the relative position between the designated pouring opening (5) and the opening device (5).

6. The inspection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first imaging device (31) comprises a 2D camera.

7. The inspection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second imaging device (35) includes a 3D camera and / or is configured to perform three-dimensional contour drawing.

8. The inspection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inspection device (30) is configured such that each opening device (5) selectively determines whether the relative position of each opening device (5) relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening area (9) is within a desired range or whether the relative position exceeds a desired range.

9. A capping device (18) for applying an opening device to a body (4) advancing along a propulsion path (P), the capping device (18) comprising: - An opening device application device (19) is configured to apply a corresponding opening device (5) to the body (4) at an application station (20); as well as - The inspection device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims is configured to determine the relative position of each opening device (5) relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening (9); The application station (20) is located between the first inspection station (32) and the second inspection station (36).

10. The capping device (18) according to claim 9, wherein the opening device applying device (19) comprises one or more opening device applicators and one or more adjusting devices configured to adjust the position of each opening device applicator according to the corresponding relative position of each designated pouring opening area (9) determined from the corresponding first image (33).

11. The capping device (18) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the opening device applying device (19) further comprises an adhesive applying device (23) for applying an adhesive and / or bonding agent to the opening device (5) before applying the opening device (5) to the corresponding body (4); The inspection device (30) further includes a third imaging device (42) configured to acquire at least one corresponding third image of each opening device (5) and the adhesive and / or binder applied to the corresponding opening device (5).

12. A packaging machine (1) for producing packages (2), each of the packages (2) having a body (4) and an opening device (5) applied to the body (4) and filled with a pourable product, the packaging machine (1) comprising: - Packaging filling equipment (17), which is used to form and fill the body (4) with the pourable product; as well as - At least one capping device (18) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, which is configured to apply a corresponding opening device (5) to the body (4).

13. A method for inspecting an opening device (5) applied to a body (4) filled with a pourable product, the method comprising the following steps: -At the first inspection station (32), a first image (33) of the imaging portion (34) of the body (4) is obtained, the imaging portion (33) having a designated pouring opening area (9) of each body (4); - At a second inspection station (36) located downstream of the first inspection station (32), a second image (37) is acquired by the corresponding opening device (5) applied to the corresponding imaging portion (34); as well as - Analyze each first image (33) and the corresponding second image (37), and determine the relative position between each opening device (5) and the corresponding designated pouring opening area (9) based on the analysis of each first image (33) and the corresponding second image (37).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein during the analysis step, a first relative position of each designated pouring opening (9) relative to a first reference station (39) is determined based on the corresponding first image (33), and a second relative position of each opening device (5) relative to a second reference station (41) is determined based on the corresponding second image (37); During the analysis step, the relative position of each opening device (5) relative to the corresponding designated pouring opening (9) is determined based on the measured first relative position and the corresponding measured second relative position.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein during the analysis step, the first relative position is determined with reference to a first reference point (40) of the designated pouring opening (9), and the second relative position is determined with reference to a second reference point (44).

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein during the step of the analysis unit, the expected relative position of each opening device (5) is calculated based on the corresponding first relative position of the corresponding designated pouring opening (9), and the corresponding second relative position obtained from the corresponding second image (37) is compared with the expected relative position to determine the relative position between the designated pouring opening (9) and the opening device (5).

17. A method of applying an opening device (5) to a body (4) filled with a pourable product, the method comprising the steps of: - Advance the main body (4) along the advancement path (P); - Apply the opening device (5) to the body (4); and - Perform the method according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

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