Illuminated turntable

Abstract

The invention relates to a carousel (16) for a container handling installation (10), which carousel (16) has an axis of rotation and is at least partially made of transparent material, which carousel is embodied in such a way that light (28) can be coupled into the carousel material in a circumferential side with at least one component perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the carousel, and which carousel (16) is also embodied in such a way that light coupled into the carousel material in a circumferential side is deflected into a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the carousel. The invention also relates to a container handling installation (10) having such a carousel (16) and to a corresponding method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a turntable for a container handling apparatus. The turntable according to the invention enables container inspection during transport on the turntable. The invention also relates to a corresponding method. Background Technology

[0002] In container handling lines in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, containers (such as bottles, cans, or medicine bottles) pass at high speeds alongside multiple container handling devices. Here, containers can be transported either by placing them on very different transport devices or by holding them within a specific containment area.

[0003] To inspect containers, especially the bottom area of ​​filled, sealed containers, it is typically necessary to illuminate the container from below. Therefore, in conventional inspection equipment, containers are transported on corresponding lighting devices for this purpose. Here, the container is held, for example, clamped and suspended between two lateral elements to obtain optimal and complete illumination of the container's bottom.

[0004] Here, some container handling equipment (e.g., labeling machines) can be configured such that each container can be rotated according to a programmable preset, thereby enabling the containers to be oriented specifically relative to each labeling station. For this purpose, the containers are positioned on a rotatable receiving section, a so-called turntable. The turntable is typically driven by a servo motor located below it and can thus be rotated to the desired orientation. A rotary machine, a so-called labeling turntable, is commonly used in labeling machines. The containers are moved from one processing station to the next on this labeling turntable.

[0005] Currently, containers transported on a turntable in a rotary machine can only undergo limited bottom inspection. Lighting from below is largely disregarded, as there is often not even enough space for it.

[0006] In principle, container handling equipment must be constructed as compactly as possible, given the limited space available. For the sake of a compact structure, it seems intuitively feasible to integrate the lighting into the turntable. However, because the turntable is in motion during operation, this solution is technically unacceptable. Power supply and lighting control become difficult to implement and frequently fail in this configuration. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a device in which a container can be illuminated from below while being transported on a turntable. This should not significantly increase the complexity of the device.

[0008] Furthermore, it is promising that foreign object detection can be performed simultaneously while the container is being transported on the turntable.

[0009] At least some of the above objectives can be achieved by a turntable for a container handling apparatus according to claim 1. The turntable has an axis of rotation and is at least partially made of a transparent material, and is configured such that light can be coupled into the interior of the turntable material on the circumferential side with at least one component perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the turntable, and the turntable is further configured such that light coupled into the turntable material on the circumferential side is deflected in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the turntable.

[0010] By coupling light for illumination into the circumferential side, container illumination can be achieved relatively simply while maintaining a compact structure. Additional necessary optics for coupling light and for detecting illumination from the container can be positioned on the circumferential side of the turntable, i.e., in an area with relatively ample space.

[0011] The basic concept of this invention is to use a turntable as an illumination unit on which containers in a container handling apparatus are positioned. This allows for the more general use of turntables that can be manipulated very specifically, and is particularly useful for illuminating containers during inspection. These turntables are particularly well-suited for labeling equipment. Here, the container passes beside one or more fixed illumination modules and camera positions on a rotating labeling turntable. The illumination module can be, for example, a flash module. The flash module and turntable can be implemented such that the bottom of the container is illuminated from below at the moment the corresponding camera captures the image.

[0012] In principle, the turntable can have any suitable geometry. Preferably, the turntable is formed with rotational symmetry. Particularly preferably, the turntable has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. The rotationally symmetrical structure ensures uniform illumination of the turntable during operation.

[0013] Because the turntable functions as a light guide, it is preferably made of a transparent or translucent material. In particular, the turntable can be made of plexiglass. Plexiglass has the advantage of being relatively low-cost and very easy to process. However, depending on the application or requirements of the container to be transported, other materials known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

[0014] In order to deflect the light coupled into the turntable from the circumferential side parallel to the rotation axis of the turntable, not only material measures but also structural measures can be taken.

[0015] One possibility for achieving deflection of the coupled light is that the transparent material of the turntable is provided with reflective particles. These reflective particles scatter the coupled light in all spatial directions. Thus, a portion of the coupled light is also deflected towards the container on the turntable. This implementation is particularly simple. However, in this case, increased optical power loss occurs due to scattering in all directions.

[0016] Alternatively, structural measures can be taken by changing the alternative or additional materials of the turntable. For example, a mirror can be machined into the body of the turntable, which deflects the coupled light in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the turntable. The mirror is preferably shaped in such a way that the coupled light is deflected toward a container located on the turntable. By using a specular reflective surface, the loss of optical power can be reduced when the beam direction is deflected.

[0017] The built-in reflector can have a frustoconical shape. For this purpose, the turntable can have a frustoconical recess. The circumferential surface of the frustoconical recess can be provided with a specular reflective surface. The opening angle of the frustoconical recess can be matched to the corresponding given conditions of the device involved. Typically, light coupled in the circumferential direction is deflected upward by 90° from a substantially horizontal beam direction in order to illuminate the container located on the turntable from below. In this case, it is suitable to select an opening angle between 30° and 60° for the frustoconical recess. Preferably, the opening angle can be 45°.

[0018] The turntable may include a diffuser element. The diffuser element may be configured such that deflected light exits the turntable as diffused illumination. The diffuser element may be configured to produce a diffuse luminescent surface. The diffuser element may, for example, be a material layer on the upper side of the turntable. To protect the diffuser element, a transparent protective layer may be provided on the upper side of the diffuser element.

[0019] The turntable may also include a light-shielding plate, which defines the light-emitting surface of the turntable. When detecting at the bottom of a container, it is advantageous to illuminate only the central area of ​​the container's bottom. It is particularly meaningful that the illumination is performed in such a way that the side walls of the container are not directly illuminated. This could cause light reflections that would hinder detection.

[0020] The shape of the light-shielding plate can be chosen such that it matches the basic outline of the container to be inspected. Since most containers are substantially cylindrical, it is generally suitable to implement the light-shielding plate as a ring-shaped element. The ring-shaped element is preferably made of a non-transparent material. The internal region of the ring-shaped element can be either empty or made of a transparent material.

[0021] The light shield can be implemented such that its outer and / or inner diameters can be variably matched. A variable light shield allows the turntable to be optimally matched to the geometry of the container to be inspected.

[0022] The use of annular light shields is suitable when the container to be inspected is, in principle, cylindrical in shape. However, the light shield can also be arbitrarily matched to the geometry of the container to be inspected, especially its cross-section.

[0023] The light shield can be a plastic element, such as a plastic film disposed on the upper side of the turntable. Thus, the light shield can also serve as a surface for placing the container to be inspected. Alternatively, the light shield can also be disposed on the bottom of the turntable. If the turntable is composed of multiple material layers, the light shield can also be disposed within an inner layer of the turntable.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a container handling apparatus comprising one or more container receptacles, each container receptacle including a turntable, as described herein.

[0025] The container handling equipment may include a rotary conveyor. One or more container receiving sections with turntables may be provided on the rotary conveyor, particularly in its circumferential region.

[0026] Such container handling equipment typically also includes one or more processing modules. In order to process the containers, the containers located in the container housing are moved past the processing modules by means of a rotating transport device and undergo the appropriate processing there.

[0027] Here, one or more processing modules may each have an illumination module and a camera. The illumination module is configured such that light emitted from it is laterally coupled into the cylindrical body of a turntable within the container housing. The coupled light is then deflected in the turntable towards the container. Typically, the coupled light is deflected upwards to illuminate the container from below.

[0028] Here, the processing module's camera is aimed at the area of ​​the container to be inspected. The specific area of ​​the container to be inspected and the current inspection task can vary significantly. In a labeling unit, this inspection could, for example, be used to verify the correct application of the label. However, it is also conceivable to perform foreign object detection, bottom detection, or sidewall detection. In principle, all inspection tasks requiring illumination from the underside of the container can be performed.

[0029] In principle, the one or more lighting modules can be designed to emit light in different wavelength ranges. Preferably, the lighting modules emit visible light, ultraviolet light, or infrared light. Visible light can be monochromatic or white light. A lighting module can also consist of multiple independent light sources. In particular, a lighting module can consist of multiple LEDs.

[0030] The lighting module can operate continuously or in flash mode. The type of lighting module can be selected arbitrarily by those skilled in the art based on the testing task.

[0031] Bottom lighting of the container is particularly useful for identifying foreign objects, such as glass shards. Bottom lighting causes reflections at the interface between the glass shards and the liquid filler. These reflections can be captured by one or more cameras on the container handling module.

[0032] The lighting attached to the turntable can be equipped with additional lighting modules. These additional lighting modules can be configured for top lighting or transmitted light lighting of the container. In this way, the container can be inspected for foreign objects and defects within the processing module.

[0033] The illuminated turntable according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in labeling units. Such labeling units typically include a rotary transport device, a so-called labeling turntable. This labeling turntable may be provided with multiple container accommodating sections, each comprising the illuminated turntable according to the invention. Different processing modules are arranged around the labeling turntable, on which the necessary processing steps for label application can be performed. Optical inspection of the containers can also be performed on one or more of these modules. This inspection can be used, for example, to verify proper label application, but also to inspect the containers for defects and foreign matter.

[0034] In labeling machines, the containers to be labeled must be repeatedly rotated and braked (rotation-stop motion). In filled, sealed containers, the inertia of the filling causes relative movement between the container wall and the filling. If foreign objects are present in the normally uniform filling, these objects can be easily identified by optical detection (rotation-stop detection) due to their relative movement relative to the container wall. In principle, this is well-suited for performing rotation stops, particularly in the bottom area of ​​the container to be labeled. Conventional labeling machines typically lack the space for such foreign object detection, including the necessary bottom illumination. The turntable according to the invention can be equipped with bottom illumination, which requires virtually no additional space.

[0035] However, bottom lighting can also be used in labeling units and other container handling equipment for other inspection tasks. The bottom lighting can be advantageously used in each container handling unit by means of a space-saving and compact structure with an illuminated turntable according to the invention.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a method for processing containers in a container handling apparatus. Here, the container is conveyed on a turntable made of at least partially transparent material. The turntable is configured such that light is coupled into the turntable material circumferentially with at least one component perpendicular to the turntable's axis of rotation. Furthermore, the turntable is configured such that the light coupled circumferentially into the turntable is deflected in a direction parallel to the turntable's axis of rotation. An image of the illuminated container is created by means of a camera, and the created image is evaluated by means of an evaluation device.

[0037] In container handling equipment, containers can undergo different processes. Particularly advantageously, the method can be used in labeling units. Labeling units require a turntable to purposefully position the containers on it in front of the labeling module. Furthermore, the illuminated turntable according to the invention allows for illumination of the containers from below and subject them to optical inspection.

[0038] As mentioned above, bottom lighting is particularly useful for identifying foreign objects, such as glass shards, on the bottom of containers.

[0039] In an advantageous manner, multiple images of the container are created continuously using a camera. Furthermore, in an advantageous manner, the container to be inspected is rotated according to each image, allowing the entire circumference of the container to be inspected.

[0040] A turntable can be used to rotate a container so rapidly that foreign objects within the container are put into motion by this rapid rotation. Targeted acceleration and braking can create relative motion between the container wall and any potential foreign objects within the container. This relative motion allows for particularly effective differentiation between undesirable foreign objects in the fill that do not damage the container structure.

[0041] Evaluation of the created images of a container can include comparison of multiple images of the container. For example, multiple images created sequentially can be compared to each other to identify moving foreign objects within the container.

[0042] Containers located on a turntable according to the invention can be inspected from different perspectives using multiple cameras. These images of the container to be inspected from these different perspectives allow for the differentiation between external glass structures or attachments and unwanted foreign objects internally.

[0043] Features described in connection with individual aspects of the invention may also be used in combination with other aspects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this case:

[0045] Figure 1 This illustrates a rotary machine with multiple turntables.

[0046] Figure 2 A side view of the testing station is shown.

[0047] Figure 3 An embodiment of the turntable according to the present invention is shown.

[0048] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the turntable according to the invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 5 A turntable with a light-shielding plate according to the present invention is shown, and

[0050] Figure 6 An image of a foreign object in a container is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] exist Figure 1 The diagram schematically shows a portion of the labeling device 10. The labeling device 10 includes a rotary transport device 12 and a so-called labeling rotary frame, with a plurality of container housings 14 arranged around the periphery of the rotary transport device. Each container housing 14 is equipped with a turntable 16, which is configured to photograph each container 18. In this embodiment, the turntable 16 is made of transparent plexiglass.

[0052] During operation, the rotary transport device 12 causes the container 18 to pass alongside container processing stations 20, 21, and 22, which are equipped with labeling equipment, located around the rotary transport device 12. Thus, the container 18 is labeled in multiple consecutive process steps.

[0053] Attached to the container handling stations 20, 21, and 22 necessary for labeling, three lighting devices 24 are provided radially outside the labeling rotary table. Each lighting device 24 is equipped with a detection device 26. Figure 1 The detection device 26 is a digital color camera, which is used to create images of the container 18.

[0054] As in Figure 2 As can be seen in the side view, the turntable 16, made of plexiglass, is illuminated laterally by the lighting device 24. Here, the turntable 16 is constructed such that light coupled laterally into the body of the turntable is scattered upwards and diffusely illuminates the container 18 situated on the turntable 16. A detection device 26, provided with the corresponding lighting device 24, creates an image of the container 18 illuminated from below. (As shown in...) Figure 2As shown, the detection device 26 can be aimed at the bottom area of ​​the container 18 to detect the bottom of the container 18. However, it can also be aimed equally well at other container areas, such as the side walls or opening area of ​​the container 18. Multiple detection devices 26 can also be provided. These detection devices 26 can create images of the illuminated container 18 synchronously or staggeredly in time. Here, the images can be created from different perspectives and / or the images can involve different container areas.

[0055] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Different embodiments of the turntable 16 according to the present invention are shown. Figure 3 The turntable 16 shown is made entirely of plexiglass and comprises three functionally distinct layers 30, 32, and 34. Light 28 emitted from the illumination device 24 is coupled into the material of the turntable 16 in the region of the intermediate layer 30. This intermediate layer 30 of plexiglass material is provided with reflective particles 36. These reflective particles 36 cause scattering of the coupled light 28. Advantageously, the reflective particles 36 are used here to deflect the incident light 28 primarily upwards, i.e., toward the container 18 located on the turntable 16.

[0056] Here, the upper material layer 32 of the turntable can be additionally configured as a diffuse layer. This diffuse layer has scattering centers that serve to form a diffuse luminescent surface on the upper side of the turntable 16.

[0057] By according to Figure 4 The implementation of turntable 16 achieves a similar lighting effect. Figure 4 The turntable 16 shown is also made of plexiglass and similarly includes three functionally distinct layers 30, 32, and 34. Light 28 emitted from the illumination device 24 is coupled into the material of the turntable 16 in the region of the intermediate layer 30. This intermediate layer has a frustoconical reflector 38 embedded within the plexiglass body. Laterally coupled light 28 is deflected upwards on the reflector surface 40, i.e., towards the container 18 on the turntable 16. The upper material layer 32 of the turntable 16 is also configured as a diffuser layer, thus making the upper side of the turntable 16 a diffuse luminescent surface in this case.

[0058] Illuminating the turntable 16 from below allows for the simpler detection of certain defects and foreign matter in the container 16 compared to side-transmitted light or top-lit illumination. Therefore, the light from below reflects off the interface between the glass fragments and the liquid filler, and this reflection can be detected using a camera positioned over the bottom region of the container.

[0059] according to Figure 5 The turntable structure is as compatible as possible with Figure 4 Corresponding to turntable 16 in the middle. Additionally, according to... Figure 5A light-shielding plate 39 is also provided on the upper side of the turntable 16. The light-shielding plate 39 is annular and made of non-transparent plastic. On the one hand, the light-shielding plate 39 serves as a placement surface for the container to be inspected. On the other hand, the light-shielding plate 39 defines the area of ​​the light-emitting surface of the turntable 16. The diameter of the central opening of the light-shielding plate 39 is smaller than the outer diameter of the container to be inspected. Thus, it particularly illuminates areas on the outer wall of the container that are not directly exposed to light. With this dark-field illumination, glass shards that are usually located in these areas can be well identified, for example.

[0060] exist Figure 6 Image 2, created using the apparatus of the present invention, is shown in Figure 2. The image shows the bottom region of a filled glass bottle. The semi-circular, illuminated bottle bottom 42 and the embossed structure 44 (glass pressing section), as is commonly used in glass bottles, are clearly visible. In addition to these undesirable structures, the outline of irregularly shaped glass fragments 46 can also be identified. The outline of the glass fragments 46 is particularly well identified by the reflection formed at the critical surface between the surface of the glass fragments 46 and the filler.

Claims

1. A turntable for a container handling apparatus, the turntable having an axis of rotation and being at least partially made of a transparent material, and the turntable being configured such that light can be coupled into the turntable material on the circumferential side with at least one component perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the turntable, and the turntable being further configured such that light coupled into the turntable material on the circumferential side is deflected in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the turntable.

2. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The turntable is made of a transparent material, such as plexiglass, and has reflective particles that deflect the coupled light.

3. The turntable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The turntable has a built-in mirror machined into its body, which deflects the coupled light into a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the turntable.

4. The turntable according to claim 3, wherein, The mirror, which has been internally machined, has a truncated cone shape.

5. The turntable according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The turntable includes a light-shielding plate that defines the size of the light surface on the upper side of the turntable.

6. A container handling apparatus, the container handling apparatus comprising one or more container accommodating portions, the container accommodating portions comprising a turntable according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The container handling apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The container handling equipment includes a rotary transport device with one or more turntables arranged around its periphery, and further includes one or more detection modules arranged to the side and / or above the rotary transport device.

8. The container handling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, Each detection module includes at least one lighting module and at least one camera.

9. A method for processing a container in a container processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, - Illuminate the container by means of an illumination unit. -The camera creates an image of the illuminated container. - The evaluation device evaluates the created image.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The container is rotated rapidly, which allows foreign objects in the container to be moved through the rapid rotation.

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