Inspection device for a container

Abstract

The invention relates to an inspection device for containers, comprising an inspection unit and a blower, wherein the inspection unit comprises an identification unit and a protection device for at least a part of the identification unit, wherein the blower is configured to apply a cleaning fluid to the protection device, wherein the identification unit is configured to determine a degree of contamination of the protection device, wherein a power of the blower can be changed from a first power level to a second power level based on the determined degree of contamination and / or after a first time interval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device for containers, comprising an inspection unit and a blower, and a method for inspecting containers using the inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] Inspection devices for inspecting containers are known from the prior art.

[0003] The inspection apparatus may include, for example, a light source for illuminating the container to be inspected with light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, and a camera unit for recording an image of the container illuminated by the light source. Furthermore, as known from DE2904126A1, the inspection apparatus may be equipped with a blower to apply cleaning fluid to the light source or a protective unit that protects the light source or camera unit from contamination, and in this way clean the light source or protective unit.

[0004] In the prior art, it is also known to operate a blower at a constant power to clean the light source or protection unit, thereby achieving constant cleaning of the light source or protection unit. However, operating the blower at a constant power may result in the blower power being selected higher than actually required, which is associated with unnecessarily high energy consumption. On the other hand, it is also possible that the blower power is selected too low to remove particularly stubborn dirt, which in turn leads to insufficient cleaning of the light source or protection device.

[0005] It is also known from prior art DE102007052302A1 that a light source has a transparent hollow body that rotates about a central axis. Furthermore, it is known that the transparent body can be cleaned by a brush, a sealing lip, or a suction element. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus and method for containers that enables reliable container inspection with reduced energy consumption.

[0007] This objective is achieved by an inspection device for containers according to the invention, comprising an inspection unit and a blower, and a method for inspecting containers using the inspection device according to the invention. Preferred embodiments are described in the present invention.

[0008] The inspection apparatus for containers according to the invention includes an inspection unit and a blower, wherein the inspection unit includes an identification unit and a protective device for at least a portion of the identification unit, and the blower is configured to apply a cleaning fluid to the protective device, wherein the identification unit is configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protective device, and wherein the power of the blower can be changed from a first power level to a second power level based on the determined degree of contamination and / or after a first time interval.

[0009] Containers can be bottles used in the beverage industry. However, they can also be any other container suitable for containing liquids and / or paste-like media. For example, containers can also be cans, tubes, or syringes used in the medical, food, and / or cosmetic industries.

[0010] The identification unit can be configured to identify containers. For example, the identification unit can be configured to detect containers using image technology. In this case, the identification unit may include, for example, a camera capable of recording images of the container. Furthermore, the identification unit can be configured to inspect containers for defects and / or impurities using measurement technology. The identification unit can also be configured to detect protective devices using image technology.

[0011] The blower can be an active or passive blower. An active blower may include an intake device capable of actively drawing in cleaning fluid and an exhaust device capable of discharging the drawn-in cleaning fluid to a protective device. An active blower may be, for example, a rotary piston blower or a side-channel blower. A passive blower may be connected to a supply device through which cleaning fluid can be supplied to the passive blower under pressure via an inlet. The pressurized cleaning fluid can then be discharged to the protective device via the outlet of the passive blower. A passive blower may be, for example, a compressed gas blower. For example, compressed gas may be supplied to the compressed gas blower via an inlet through a compressed gas cylinder, and it may then be discharged to the protective device via an outlet. Even though a passive blower does not necessarily have to include an intake device, an intake device may be provided.

[0012] For example, the degree of contamination can be correlated with the current contamination state of the protective device, such as a new state (or a clean state). A new state of the protective device could be a state in which the protective device is free of any dirt.

[0013] Determining the degree of contamination may include, for example, evaluating an image recorded by an identification unit through image assessment, and determining the degree of contamination of the protective device based on the image assessment. The image assessment may be performed at least in part by artificial intelligence (e.g., a neural network). However, alternatively, the image assessment may also be based on a deterministic algorithm. For example, the image assessment may also be configured to identify when dirt has been removed from the protective device and, based on this, reduce the blower power again accordingly.

[0014] It can also be provided that determining the degree of contamination includes determining the type of contamination. For example, the aforementioned artificial intelligence (e.g., neural networks) can be used to determine the type of contamination. The type of contamination can include, for example, liquid contamination, such as at least one drop of water, and / or solid contamination, such as at least a portion of the label. The degree of contamination can then be determined based on the type of contamination, and the power of the blower can be adjusted accordingly. For example, removing at least one drop of water might require a lower blower power than removing a portion of the label.

[0015] The degree of contamination can be expressed as a percentage, for example, where 0% contamination could indicate that the current contamination state of the protective device corresponds to a new state of the device, and therefore the device is not contaminated. For example, 100% contamination could describe the maximum contamination state of the protective device. For instance, the maximum contamination state could correspond to a state in which the container can no longer be inspected sufficiently reliably. However, a binary representation of the contamination degree could also be provided, where, for example, contamination level 1 could indicate that the protective device is contaminated, and contamination level 0 could indicate that the protective device is not contaminated (and vice versa). Any other suitable numerical representation of the contamination degree is also conceivable.

[0016] The cleaning fluid can include, for example, a gas or a mixture of gases. A gas mixture can be, for example, air.

[0017] Power level can be understood as the power consumed by the blower to apply cleaning fluid to the protective device. However, power level can also be understood as volumetric flow rate, which is the volume of cleaning fluid moving through a specific cross-section of the blower per unit time.

[0018] The second power stage can have higher power and / or higher volumetric flow rate than the first power stage. In the first power stage, the volumetric flow rate can have a value other than zero.

[0019] The first time interval can correspond to any desired time period. For example, the first time interval can have a value of at least 120 seconds. For example, the first time interval can take the value of 120 seconds, 150 seconds, 200 seconds, or any other time value.

[0020] With the container inspection device according to the invention, the blower can be switched from a first power level to a second power level based on the degree of contamination or based on a first time interval. By switching the blower power based on the degree of contamination or by switching the blower power at intervals, the energy consumption of the inspection device can be reduced, while the cleanliness of the protective device can be improved.

[0021] In one embodiment, the identification unit may include a light source and a camera unit for transmitting light through the container, wherein the protective device is configured to be at least partially transparent and for protecting the light source, and wherein the camera unit determines the degree of contamination of the protective device. By configuring the identification unit as a light source and a camera, the degree of contamination can be determined with particular precision. Due to the at least partially transparent configuration of the protective device, the container can be illuminated while simultaneously protecting the light source. Transparency can mean that the protective device is transparent to the radiation emitted by the light source.

[0022] Furthermore, the identification unit can be configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protective device when the inspection unit is not inspecting the container. In this way, it can be ensured that no part of the protective device is covered by the container, and the degree of contamination of the protective device can be reliably and accurately determined.

[0023] Furthermore, the identification unit can be configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protective device by comparing at least two inspection results obtained by the inspection unit on different containers. If inspection results are obtained on at least two different containers, and anomalies are found, for example, in two inspection results at the same location, these anomalies may be associated with contamination of the protective device. In this way, container inspection and determination of the degree of contamination of the protective device can be performed simultaneously in time.

[0024] In one embodiment, the identification unit may be configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protective device continuously or intermittently. While determining the degree of contamination of the protective device intermittently can make particularly efficient use of the available resources of the identification unit, in the case of continuously determining the degree of contamination, even slight contamination can be identified immediately or with a very small time delay and can be removed immediately by changing the power of the blower.

[0025] In one embodiment, the power of the blower can be provided based on the degree of contamination from a second power level to a first power level, or the power of the blower can be changed from the second power level to the first power level after a second time interval. Therefore, after the contamination is removed, for example, the power of the blower can be reduced again, and the energy requirements of the inspection device can be effectively reduced.

[0026] Furthermore, the identification unit can be configured to adjust the blower power based on a comparison of the contamination level with at least one reference value. By comparing the contamination level with the reference value, the blower power specific to that contamination level can be determined, and insufficient cleaning due to selecting too low a power level or unnecessary high energy consumption due to selecting too high a power level can be avoided.

[0027] In one embodiment, a first power level can be provided that is selectable independently of the degree of contamination of the protective device, wherein the first power level may optionally be selected based on the residual moisture that can be introduced into the inspection device from the container. For example, the first power level can be selected in such a way that sufficient cleaning of the protective device can be achieved, protecting it from contamination that recurs over time, such as contamination that occurs when the container is inserted into the inspection device. For example, if each container introduced into the inspection unit has a certain amount of residual moisture, then for each container introduced into the inspection device, a similar amount of liquid drips from the container onto the inspection device. In this case, the first power level can be selected such that it is at least sufficient to remove the liquid dripping from the container from the protective device.

[0028] According to the present invention, a method for inspecting a container with an inspection device is also provided, wherein the inspection device includes an inspection unit and a blower, wherein the inspection unit includes an identification unit and a protective device for at least a portion of the identification unit, wherein the blower applies a cleaning fluid to the protective device, wherein the identification unit determines the degree of contamination of the protective device, and the power of the blower is changed from a first power level to a second power level based on the determined degree of contamination and / or at least temporarily after a first time interval.

[0029] The method for inspecting containers according to the present invention involves switching the blower from a first power level to a second power level, either based on the degree of contamination or based on a first time interval. By changing the blower power based on the degree of contamination or by changing the blower power at intervals, the energy consumption of the inspection device is reduced, while the cleanliness of the protective device is improved.

[0030] In one embodiment of the method, the identification unit may include a light source and a camera unit for transmitting light through the container, wherein the protective device is configured to be at least partially transparent and for protecting the light source, and wherein the camera unit determines the degree of contamination of the protective device. By configuring the identification unit as a light source and a camera, the degree of contamination can be determined with particular precision. Due to the at least partially transparent configuration of the protective device, the container can be illuminated while simultaneously protecting the light source.

[0031] Furthermore, the identification unit can determine the degree of contamination of the protective device even when the inspection unit is not inspecting the container. In this way, it can be ensured that no part of the protective device is covered by the container, and the degree of contamination can be reliably and accurately determined.

[0032] In one embodiment of the method, an identification unit may be provided to determine the degree of contamination of the protective device by comparing at least two inspection results obtained by the inspection unit on different containers. If inspection results are obtained on at least two different containers, and contamination is found, for example, at the same location in both inspection results, then this contamination is likely associated with contamination of the protective device. In this way, container inspection and determination of the degree of contamination of the protective device can be performed simultaneously.

[0033] Furthermore, the identification unit can be provided to determine the degree of contamination of the protection device continuously or intermittently. While determining the degree of contamination of the protection device intermittently can make particularly efficient use of the available resources of the identification unit, in the case of continuously determining the degree of contamination, even slight contamination can be identified immediately or with a very small time delay and can be removed immediately by changing the power of the blower.

[0034] In one embodiment of the method, the blower power is based on the degree of contamination from the second power level to the first power level, or the blower power changes from the second power level to the first power level after a second time interval. Therefore, after decontamination, for example, the blower power can be reduced again, and the energy requirements of the inspection device can be effectively reduced.

[0035] Furthermore, an identification unit can be provided to adjust the blower power based on a comparison of the contamination level with at least one reference value. By comparing the contamination level with the reference value, the blower power specific to that contamination level can be determined, and insufficient cleaning due to selecting too low a power level or unnecessary high energy consumption due to selecting too high a power level can be avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 An inspection device for containers according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 An inspection device 100 for container 104 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0038] According to the present invention, the inspection device 100 includes an inspection unit 101 and a blower 103, wherein the inspection unit 101 includes an identification unit 101a and a protective device 101b for at least a portion of the identification unit 101a.

[0039] according to Figure 1 In one implementation, the identification unit 101a may include a camera unit 101aa and a light source 101ab.

[0040] Camera unit 101aa may include, for example, a sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or wavelength range, such as infrared radiation, visible light radiation, or ultraviolet radiation. The sensor may be tuned, for example, to light source 101ab, such that the sensor can be configured to detect radiation emitted from light source 101ab. Camera unit 101aa may also be configured to determine the degree of contamination of protection device 101b.

[0041] The light source 101ab can be configured to transmit light to the bottom region of the container 104. For this purpose, the light source 101ab can include an optical fixture, such as an LED, a light bulb, a fluorescent tube, or any other optical fixture. The light source can also be configured to illuminate the container 104 with infrared or ultraviolet radiation. The luminescent area of ​​the light source 101ab can have an area larger than the area occupied by the bottom region of the container 104 to be inspected.

[0042] The specific configuration type of the identification unit 101a described above should be understood as exemplary. For example, the identification unit 101a may also include a camera unit 101aa but not a light source 101ab. In this case, for example, a protective device 101b may be provided configured to protect at least a portion of the area of ​​the camera unit 101aa.

[0043] Figure 1 The arrangement of the light source 101ab vertically below the transport plane of the container 104 and the arrangement of the camera unit 101aa vertically above the transport plane of the container 104, as shown, should also be understood as exemplary. Alternatively, for example, the camera unit 101aa may be arranged below the transport plane, and the light source 101ab above the transport plane. With a proper arrangement of the camera unit 101aa and the light source 101ab, bottom inspection, i.e., inspection of dirt and / or defects in the bottom area of ​​the container, can be performed. Inspection of the inner walls of the container 104 can also be achieved through a proper arrangement of the light source 101ab and the corresponding camera unit 101aa specifically configured for this type of inspection.

[0044] Alternatively, for example, camera unit 101aa and light source 101ab may be provided to be arranged laterally in the horizontal direction on opposite sides of the transport path adjacent to container 104. In this way, for example, sidewall inspection of container 104 can be achieved.

[0045] If the inspection unit 101 includes a camera unit 101aa but not a light source 101ab, the camera unit 101aa can be arranged vertically above or below the transport plane of the container 104, or laterally beside the transport path of the container 104. Due to the flexible arrangement of the camera unit 101aa, for example, bottom and sidewall inspections of the container 104 can be performed.

[0046] In addition, combined Figure 1 The arrangement of the protective device 101b shown for protecting the light source 101ab is also understood to be exemplary. If the camera unit 101aa is arranged, for example, below the transport plane in the vertical direction, and the light source 101ab is arranged above the transport plane of the container 104, then the protective device 101b may also be provided to protect the camera unit 101aa.

[0047] Furthermore, if the inspection unit 101 includes a camera unit 101aa but does not include a light source 101ab, a protection device 101b can be provided to protect the camera unit 101aa.

[0048] To transport container 104 via inspection device 100, inspection device 100 may include transport device 105. Transport device 105 may include two conveyor belts arranged on opposite sides of a transport path, allowing container 104 to be transported along transport direction 102. The contact surfaces of the conveyor belts that contact the container may include multiple knobs, which may in turn include, for example, plastic or rubber. The normal vector of the contact surfaces of the conveyor belts may be parallel to the transport plane of container 104. With proper alignment of the conveyor belts, the two conveyor belts may engage the container surface on their respective opposite sides, allowing the container to be conveyed along transport direction 102 via the annular circulating conveyor belts. It may also be provided that, in each case, the two conveyor belts are arranged at different heights on either side of the transport path, resulting in, for example, preventing the container from tipping over during transport. With the appropriate configuration of transport device 105, radiation emitted by light source 101ab can pass through container 104 along its longitudinal axis without being reflected or absorbed by transport device 105.

[0049] Furthermore, relative to the transport direction 102, transport equipment 106 can be provided downstream and upstream of the protection device 101b, through which the container 104 can be transported toward the protection device 101b or the transport device 105 respectively, and can be transported away from the protection device 101b or the transport device 105 respectively.

[0050] If the camera unit 101aa and the light source 101ab are arranged horizontally on opposite sides of the transport path, a container 104 can also be provided to be transported by a conventional conveyor belt, on which the container contacts the bottom of the container for transport.

[0051] The protective device 101b may be a device that at least partially surrounds the identification unit 101a, and in this way can protect at least a portion of the identification unit 101a from contamination, such as liquids, like liquid dripping from container 104, or solids, such as dust, or components of container 104, such as container labels. To achieve this function, the protective device 101b may include a material impermeable to the aforementioned contaminants, such as glass, metal, and / or plastic.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the protective device 101b can be provided, for example, between the container 104 and the light source 101ab, so that the light source 101ab can be protected from the effects of liquids, solids, etc. dripping from the container. Figure 1 The U-shaped design of the protective device 101b shown should be understood as an example. The protective device 101b may also be configured as a plate, for example, or may have any other shape suitable for protecting at least a portion of the identification unit 101a.

[0053] Typically, a protective device 101b can be provided to protect a portion of the identification unit 101a from contamination, such as emitting radiation or being provided for detecting radiation, because contamination on a corresponding portion of the identification unit 101a can negatively affect the inspection results obtained by the inspection unit 101.

[0054] To enable inspection of the container 104 even when the protective device 101b is positioned between the container 104 and the identification unit 101a, the protective device 101b may be constructed to be at least partially transparent. Transparency can be understood as the protective device 101b being transparent at least to radiation emitted by the light source 101ab and / or detected by the camera unit 101aa. If the light source 101ab emits electromagnetic radiation, for example, in the visible wavelength range, the protective device 101b may include, for example, transparent glass.

[0055] To clean the protective device 101b and remove contaminants, the blower 103 is supplied again. For this purpose, according to the invention, the blower 103 is configured to apply cleaning fluid 103b to the protective device 101ab.

[0056] The cleaning fluid 103b can be, for example, a gas or a mixture of gases.

[0057] In order to apply cleaning fluid 103b to the protection device 101b, for example, a blower 103 can be provided to draw in ambient air on the inlet side and discharge ambient air again in the direction of the protection device 101b via the opening 103a on the outlet side.

[0058] Blower 103 can be, for example, a rotary piston blower or a side-channel blower.

[0059] However, it is also possible to provide that the blower 103 is connected to a compressed gas cylinder, such as a compressed air cylinder, via a connecting line on the inlet side, and that the compressed gas or compressed air is discharged to the protection device 101b via the opening 103a of the blower 103 on the outlet side. The power of the blower 103 can be changed by altering the volume of gas supplied from the compressed gas cylinder or compressed air cylinder to the blower per unit time. For example, a controllable valve can be connected between the blower 103 and the compressed gas cylinder, which can regulate the gas supply to the blower 103, thereby regulating the power of the blower 103.

[0060] The shape and size of the opening 103a on the outlet side of the blower 103 can be adapted to the size of the protective device 101b.

[0061] For example, the output side may be provided with an opening 103a configured as a slit, and the length of the slit corresponds to the size of the protective device 101b. If the blower 103 is arranged laterally next to the protective device 101b, for example in the horizontal direction, the length of the opening 103a may correspond to the length of the protective device 101b along the transport direction 102 of the container 104. As described above, if the protective device 101b includes a transparent portion, the length of the opening 103a of the blower 103 may also correspond to the length of the transparent portion of the protective device 101b along the transport direction 102 of the container 104.

[0062] The blower 103 can be arranged laterally next to the protective device 101b, for example, in a horizontal direction, such that the cleaning fluid can be discharged onto the protective device 101b through the opening 103a of the blower 103 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction 102 of the container 104. In this case, substantially perpendicular can be understood as the discharge direction and the transport direction including an angle between 80° and 100°.

[0063] Furthermore, the discharge direction of the cleaning fluid can be provided at an angle of less than 90° to the transport plane through which the container is guided via the protective device. To clean the surface of the protective device as effectively as possible, the discharge direction and transport plane can be provided at angles of less than 30°, less than 15°, or less than 5°. By selecting the smallest possible angle, such as less than 5°, the cleaning fluid discharged through the opening can be guided to the entire surface of the protective device to be cleaned, thereby achieving a particularly thorough cleaning of the protective device.

[0064] Furthermore, the discharge direction of the cleaning fluid can be provided to be located in the transport plane. In this case, for example, the outlet side opening 103a of the blower 103 can be provided to be only slightly higher than the protective device 101b in the vertical direction, so that the surface of the protective device can be thoroughly cleaned even though the discharge direction is parallel to the surface plane of the protective device to be cleaned. The vertical arrangement above the protective device can be understood as the outlet side opening 103a being located, for example, 1 cm, 2 cm, or 5 cm above the surface to be cleaned in the vertical direction.

[0065] According to the present invention, the identification unit 101a is again configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protection device 101b, and based on the determined degree of contamination and / or after a first time interval, change the power of the blower 103 from a first power level to a second power level.

[0066] exist Figure 1In this implementation, camera unit 101aa is configured to determine the degree of contamination of protective device 101b. To determine the degree of contamination, for example, when inspection unit 101 is not inspecting container 104, camera unit 101aa can record an image of protective device 101b. The image of protective device 101b can then be compared with a reference image of uncontaminated protective device 101b. The comparison may include, for example, camera unit 101aa determining the difference between the two images and determining the degree of contamination based on the determined difference.

[0067] To determine the degree of contamination, the identification unit 101a may include a computer unit. The computer unit may further include a processor and a storage unit, such as non-volatile memory. For example, a reference image of the clean protective device 101b may be stored in the memory. As described above, the deviation between the image recorded by the camera unit 101aa and the reference image can be determined, and the degree of contamination can be determined based on this. For example, the computer unit may identify pixels in the image recorded by the camera unit 101aa that can be associated with contamination. For example, these pixels may again be associated with the total number of pixels in the image of the protective device 101b, and the degree of contamination can be determined based on this. For this purpose, the computer unit may, for example, be configured to perform image evaluation on the image obtained by the identification unit. The image evaluation may, for example, be performed at least in part by artificial intelligence (e.g., a neural network). However, alternatively, deterministic algorithms may also be used for image evaluation.

[0068] However, the identification unit 101a can also be configured to determine the degree of contamination by comparing at least two inspection results obtained by the inspection unit on different containers 104. Since the contamination of the protective device 101b is independent of the background of the inspected container forming the inspection results, for example, anomalies occurring at the same location in two images can be associated with contamination of the protective device 101b with a high probability. Based on the identified anomalies, the degree of contamination can be determined.

[0069] Furthermore, determining the degree of contamination can include determining the type of contamination. For example, artificial intelligence (such as neural networks) can be used to determine the type of contamination. The type of contamination can include, for example, liquid contamination, such as at least one drop of water, and / or solid contamination, such as at least a portion of the label. The degree of contamination can then be determined based on the type of contamination, and the blower power can be adjusted accordingly. For example, removing at least one drop of water might require a lower blower power than removing a portion of the label. The degree of contamination corresponding to multiple types of contamination can be associated with the storage unit.

[0070] The identification unit 101a can be configured to determine the degree of contamination continuously or intermittently.

[0071] Continuous determination may include, for example, determining the degree of contamination when there is no container in the inspection device 100 and when there is container 104 in the inspection device 100. However, continuous may also mean determining the degree of contamination whenever there is no container in the inspection device 100 or whenever there is container 104 in the inspection device 100.

[0072] Interval determination may include, for example, determining the level of contamination at specific time intervals, such as every 10 seconds, every minute, every 10 minutes, every hour, or after any other time interval. However, interval determination may also include determining the level of contamination after inspecting every nth container, where n can be an integer greater than 1, such as 5, 10, 20, 100, or any other integer.

[0073] As described above, according to the present invention, the power of the blower 103 can be changed from a first power level to a second power level based on a determined level of pollution and / or after a first time interval.

[0074] The first power level can be selected independently of the degree of contamination and can be used for continuous basic cleaning of the protective device 101b. For example, the first power level can be selected in such a way that sufficient cleaning of the protective device 101b from dirt that accumulates over time, such as dirt that occurs each time the container 104 is inserted into the inspection device 100. For example, if each container 104 placed in the inspection device 100 has a certain amount of residual moisture, then for each container 104 placed in the inspection device, a similar amount of liquid drips from the container 104 onto the inspection device 100. In this case, the first power level can be selected such that at least on average, the liquid dripping from each container can be removed from the protective device 101b.

[0075] The first power stage can be provided with a value other than zero. This could mean that, in the first power stage, the blower 103 discharges a gas volume other than zero to the protection device 101b per unit time.

[0076] For example, a second power stage can be provided to clean more severe dirt on the protection device 101b, which may also occur at irregular intervals. For this purpose, the second power stage can have a higher power than the first power stage.

[0077] Since the power can be adjusted based on the level of pollution, the power of the blower 103 can only be switched to the second power level when necessary. Therefore, the energy consumption of the inspection device 100 can be reduced.

[0078] For example, the power of the second power stage can be preset to a specific value.

[0079] However, it is also possible to provide a second power level determined based on the degree of contamination, thus allowing for flexible setting according to the determined degree of contamination. For example, in this case, reference values ​​for the second power level can be stored in the aforementioned storage unit of the computer unit. Each reference value can then be assigned a specific degree of contamination. Therefore, based on the data stored in the storage unit, the identification unit 101a can determine a suitable second power level for a specific degree of contamination. In this way, particularly effective cleaning of the protection device 101b can be achieved by the blower 103.

[0080] After changing the power of blower 103 to a second power level based on the determined degree of contamination, it is possible to change the power of blower 103 back to the first power level based on the degree of contamination. For example, if changing the power to the second power level can reduce the degree of contamination of the protection device 103 to a certain value, then it is no longer necessary to operate blower 103 at the second power level, allowing the power of blower 103 to be reduced back to the first power level, and reducing the energy demand of inspection device 100. To this end, for example, it is possible to provide that even after the power is changed to the second power level, inspection unit 101a can further determine the degree of contamination (e.g., continuously or intermittently), and the power of blower 103 can be reduced back to the first power level based on the degree of contamination. For example, the power reduction can also occur gradually.

[0081] By switching the power level from the first power level to the second power level after the first time interval, dirt that cannot be removed by the blower 103 operating at the first power level can also be removed in an energy-efficient manner, while ensuring the reliable functioning of the inspection device 100. The first time interval can be flexibly selected and, for example, corresponds to the time period during which contaminants occur on the average occurrence protection device 101b, which cannot be removed by the blower 103 operating at the first power level.

[0082] After the power of blower 103 has increased for the duration of the second time interval, the power of blower 103 can be changed back to the first power level. For example, the second time interval can be the average time period required to remove dirt from the protection device 101b that cannot be removed by blower 103 operating at the first power level after the power has been increased to the second power level.

[0083] The second time interval can also be flexibly selected based on the level of the second power level. If the second power level corresponds, for example, to 90% of the maximum power of the blower 103, the second time interval can be selected to be shorter than the second power level, for example, to correspond to only 70% of the maximum power of the blower 103. In the storage unit of the aforementioned computer unit, for example, corresponding values ​​of the second time interval can be assigned to different second power levels.

[0084] However, a second time interval can also be selected independently of the level of the second power stage.

[0085] Furthermore, the blower can be provided for controllable operation as needed. If, through an identification unit, such as image evaluation using the aforementioned identification unit, it is identified that environmental conditions potentially affecting the level of contamination of the protective device are changing, the blower power can also be adjusted accordingly. For example, the first power stage of the blower can be increased based on this. Changes in environmental conditions can be, for example, changes in water hardness or changes in the metering of the lubrication system of the conveyor belt used to transport containers.

[0086] The blower can also be variably controlled.

[0087] In addition to the blower, the inspection device may also include a cleaning device configured to clean the protective device based on a determined degree of contamination. For example, the cleaning device may be configured to clean the protective device with water, detergent, dry ice, or a wiper mechanism such as a windshield wiper. For instance, in the case of particularly stubborn dirt that cannot be removed by the blower, an additional...

[0088] Activation of the cleaning device.

[0089] If the protective device includes a circular protective disc, it may also include a rotating mechanism for rotating the protective disc, and the rotating mechanism may be controlled based on a determined degree of contamination. For example, if only a specific area of ​​the protective disc located within the identification area of ​​the identification unit is contaminated, that area may be rotated out of the identification area of ​​the identification unit, for example, by rotating the protective disc.

[0090] Furthermore, the blower can be configured to increase its power before the container handling equipment, in which the inspection device can be arranged, is started, or before the transport device that can guide the container through the inspection device is started. In this way, for example, liquid flowing from a container located on the inspection device to a protective device can be removed from the protective device.

Claims

1. An inspection device for containers, comprising an inspection unit and a blower, wherein, The inspection unit includes an identification unit and a protection device for at least a portion of the identification unit, wherein the blower is configured to apply a cleaning fluid to the protection device, wherein the identification unit is configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protection device, and wherein the power of the blower can be changed from a first power level to a second power level based on the determined degree of contamination and / or after a first time interval.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The identification unit includes a light source for transmitting through the container and a camera unit, wherein the protective device is configured to be at least partially transparent and for protecting the light source, and wherein the camera unit is configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protective device.

3. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The identification unit is configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protective device when the inspection unit is not inspecting the container.

4. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The identification unit is configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protective device by comparing at least two inspection results obtained by the inspection unit on different containers.

5. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The identification unit is configured to determine the degree of contamination of the protective device continuously or intermittently.

6. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The power of the blower is based on the degree of pollution from the second power level to the first power level, or the power of the blower may be changed from the second power level to the first power level after a second time interval.

7. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The identification unit is configured to change the power of the blower based on a comparison of the degree of contamination with at least one reference value.

8. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first power level can be selected independently of the degree of contamination of the protective device, wherein the first power level can optionally be selected based on the residual moisture that can be introduced into the inspection device from the container.

9. A method for inspecting a container using an inspection device, wherein, The inspection device includes an inspection unit and a blower, wherein the inspection unit includes an identification unit and a protective device for at least a portion of the identification unit, wherein the blower applies cleaning fluid to the protective device, wherein the identification unit determines the degree of contamination of the protective device, and the power of the blower is changed from a first power level to a second power level based on the determined degree of contamination and / or at least temporarily after a first time interval.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The identification unit includes a light source for transmitting through the container and a camera unit, wherein the protective device is configured to be at least partially transparent and for protecting the light source, and wherein the camera unit determines the degree of contamination of the protective device.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The identification unit determines the degree of contamination of the protective device when the inspection unit does not inspect the container.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The identification unit determines the degree of contamination of the protective device by comparing at least two inspection results obtained by the inspection unit on different containers.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The identification unit continuously or intermittently determines the degree of contamination of the protective device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The power of the blower is based on the degree of pollution from the second power level to the first power level, or the power of the blower changes from the second power level to the first power level after a second time interval.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein, The identification unit adjusts the power of the blower based on a comparison of the degree of contamination with at least one reference value.

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