Supports for coding and inspection systems, coding and inspection systems, and filling equipment.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a support (1) for a coding and inspection system (100), preferably for coding and inspecting containers, wherein the support (1) has a holding section (5) and an adjusting device (4), wherein the holding section (5) has a coding unit retainer (2) for fixing a coding unit (101) for applying coding and an inspection unit retainer (3) for fixing an inspection unit (102) for checking coding, wherein the adjusting device (4) is designed to adjust the height (H) of the holding section (5) above a reference plane (E) in an adjusting direction (R1). The invention also relates to a coding and inspection system (100) and a filling device (1000).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bracket for a coding and inspection system, a coding and inspection system, and a filling device. Background Technology

[0002] This coding and inspection system is used in filling equipment to apply a code to a container (e.g., a bottle or can) after filling. The code may, for example, indicate a minimum shelf life or the quantity filled. For this purpose, the coding and inspection system typically has a coding unit that can apply the code, for example, by printing it on. The applied code must be checked, for example, to determine whether the correct code (e.g., the correct last date) has been applied, or whether the code has been applied in the correct location (e.g., on a label provided for this purpose). For this purpose, the coding and inspection system typically has an inspection unit that can check or verify the applied code. This type of coding and inspection system is known, for example, from DE 10 2011 056 436 A1 or DE 102014 105 548 A1.

[0003] In these known coding and inspection systems, or in known filling equipment, the coding and inspection units are arranged at different locations within the system, for example, fixed to different supports before and after the conveyor path. When the format of the container to be filled is changed, for example, when a 1.5-liter bottle is changed to a 0.5-liter bottle or vice versa, each support must be adjusted accordingly, or often the support must be replaced, so that the coding and inspection units have a height that matches the new format or are arranged at an appropriate level. In particular, if the coding is applied or printed by the coding unit, in some embodiments it may be specified that a minimum distance must be maintained between the coding unit and the object so that printing can be performed completely and correctly.

[0004] This is prone to error because deviations from their correct heights can lead to incorrect or even missing codes. Similarly, if there is a deviation or incorrect adjustment in the relative heights of the encoding and checking units, the codes applied by the encoding unit may not be detected by the checking unit, may be detected incorrectly, or may only be partially detected.

[0005] Even if the heights are correctly adjusted during format changes, at least two heights must always be adjusted (i.e., for at least one encoding unit and at least one checking unit), which requires time and effort. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention solves these problems. The invention is based on the understanding that the coding and inspection system can be simplified because coding and inspection are performed at the same location on the container or label. In other words, the coding unit and the inspection unit can be mounted on the same bracket and their heights can be adjusted together so that their relative distance in the height direction remains constant regardless of the container's format. Because the coding unit and the inspection unit can be attached to the same bracket, they can be adjusted together during format changes, for example, by the same amount, thus requiring only height adjustment, particularly when the inspection unit checks the coding applied by the coding unit attached to the same bracket.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a bracket for an encoding and inspection system, an encoding and inspection system, and a filling device, which enable faster format changes and allow for the application and inspection of different encoding formats with a lower error tendency, or reduce the error tendency during format changes.

[0008] The task is accomplished by the support according to claim 1, the coding and inspection system according to claim 10, and the filling equipment according to claim 15. The dependent claims each relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a bracket for an encoding and inspection system, wherein the bracket has a holding section and an adjustment device, wherein the holding section has an encoding unit holder for fixing an encoding unit and an inspection unit holder for fixing an inspection unit, and wherein the adjustment device is configured to adjust the height of the holding section above a reference plane in an adjustment direction.

[0010] When adjusting the height of the holding section, the relative distance between the encoding unit holder and the checking unit holder can be kept constant or unchanged. Therefore, separate height adjustments are not required for the encoding unit holder and the checking unit holder, allowing format changes to be performed faster and less error-prone. In particular, this prevents misalignment between the heights of the encoding unit holder and the checking unit holder when adjusting the height of the holding section.

[0011] A coding and inspection system can be used to code and inspect objects. The objects may, in particular, be containers, such as bottles or cans. Coding can be achieved, for example, by printing a code on the object or attaching a code to a label on the object. Coding units can be configured accordingly. Inspection units can be configured to check the applied code, for example, for printing errors, offsets, missing information, or other incorrect messages. Inspection units can be configured appropriately for this purpose. Coding units can be configured to apply codes to objects, such as containers or labels. Inspection units can be configured to check the codes applied to objects (e.g., containers or labels).

[0012] The encoding unit retainer and / or the check unit retainer may be part of or integrally formed with the retaining segment. It may also be specified that the encoding unit retainer and / or the check unit retainer may be connected to and / or fixed to the retaining segment.

[0013] The holding section can be connected to the adjusting device. The holding section can be integrated into the adjusting device. The adjusting device can have a holding section.

[0014] The adjustment device can be configured to adjust the encoding unit holder and / or the inspection unit holder in a second adjustment direction. The adjustment device can be configured to adjust the holding section in the second adjustment direction. The second adjustment direction can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the adjustment direction. Therefore, the encoding unit holder and / or the inspection unit holder can be flexibly adapted to different encoding units and / or inspection units, and to different formats. In some embodiments, the lateral distance between the encoding unit and / or the inspection unit and the article (e.g., an object guided through the support 1) can thus be flexibly adapted to the type or variety of the encoding unit and / or the inspection unit, and / or the format of the object (e.g., a container). This ensures proper encoding and proper checking or verification of the encoding.

[0015] The distance between the encoding unit holder and the inspection unit holder can be constant and / or independent of the height of the holding segment above the reference plane. In some embodiments, the distance between the encoding unit holder and the inspection unit holder in one of the adjustment devices or in the adjustment direction can be constant and / or independent of the height of the holding segment above the reference plane. This distance can be arranged and / or measured in the lateral direction, i.e., in the second adjustment direction, and / or relative to the reference plane, for example, in the adjustment direction.

[0016] The encoding unit holder and the checking unit holder can be arranged substantially side-by-side. They can also be arranged at substantially the same height. Furthermore, they can be arranged in a plane parallel to the reference plane. Finally, they can be arranged at least partially facing each other. This allows the checking unit fixed to the checking unit holder to reliably and effectively identify the code applied by the encoding unit fixed to the encoding unit holder.

[0017] In some embodiments, the adjustment unit may be configured to adjust the distance between the encoding unit holder and the inspection unit holder. In some embodiments, the adjustment unit may be configured to adjust the height of the encoding unit holder and / or the inspection unit holder above the reference plane. Therefore, particularly when replacing or substituting the inspection unit fixed to the inspection fixture and / or the encoding unit fixed to the encoding unit holder, the inspection fixture and / or the encoding unit holder may be arranged and / or aligned such that the detection range of the inspection unit fixed to the inspection fixture can detect the encoding application range of the encoding unit fixed to the encoding unit holder, especially when the encoding unit and / or the detection unit have different sizes and / or are differently aligned or have different detection and application ranges, or if they do not overlap without adjusting the alignment or arrangement of the respective fixtures. This ensures that the encoding applied by the encoding unit to an object guided through the support is detected or inspected and / or monitored by the inspection unit before being guided away from the detection area of ​​the inspection unit.

[0018] The adjusting device may have a linear guide. The linear guide may be or have a rail. The linear guide enables good, smooth, and reliable guidance of the holding section and / or the adjusting device during height adjustment. The adjusting device may have a slider that can slide along and / or on the rail.

[0019] The adjustment device may have a drive unit. The drive unit may be or include a linear motor. Alternatively or additionally, the drive unit may be or have a handwheel. The adjustment device and / or drive unit may have a spindle, wherein the spindle may be configured to adjust the adjustment unit and / or slider when the spindle rotates. The linear motor may be connected to a control unit. The linear motor may be configured to be controlled by the control unit. Therefore, in the event of a format change, height adjustment and / or adjustment in the adjustment direction and / or a second adjustment direction can be performed automatically. Alternatively or additionally, it may be specified that the adjustment can be manually adjusted via a handwheel. In some embodiments, the adjustment device may have a counter that can indicate the height and / or adjustment amount of the holding segment above a reference plane.

[0020] The bracket, retaining section, and / or adjusting device may have a fixing section for securing the functional unit. The functional unit may be or include a lamp. The fixing section may be arranged such that the functional unit fixed thereon can face the object being guided through the bracket, the encoding unit retainer, and / or the inspection unit retainer.

[0021] A second aspect of the invention relates to an encoding and inspection system, wherein the encoding and inspection system includes a support, an encoding unit for applying an encoding to an object guided through the encoding unit, and an inspection unit for inspecting the encoding applied to the object guided through the inspection unit, wherein the encoding unit is fixed to the support by an encoding unit retainer, and wherein the inspection unit is fixed to the support by an inspection unit retainer.

[0022] The coding and inspection system can be used to code and inspect containers. The inspection unit can also be configured to detect objects being guided through; that is, it does not necessarily have to be limited to detecting codes.

[0023] The encoding may include alphanumeric codes, barcodes, and / or QR codes. In some embodiments, the encoding may include an RFID chip and / or be stored on an RFID chip.

[0024] The object being guided through the encoding and inspection units may be or has a container. The container may be or includes bottles or cans.

[0025] The encoding unit holder and the checking unit holder can be arranged relative to each other in such a way that the checking unit can check the code created by the encoding unit.

[0026] The encoding unit can be configured to apply a code to an object guided past the encoding unit and / or to a tag on the object guided past the encoding unit. The encoding unit can be configured to print the code. If the code includes an RFID chip and / or if it is on or stored on the chip, the corresponding encoding unit can be configured to generate, modify, and / or overwrite the code on the RFID chip.

[0027] The encoding unit may include a printer. The printer may be or include an inkjet printer. Alternatively or additionally, the printer may be or include a laser printer.

[0028] The inspection unit may include a camera. Alternatively or additionally, the inspection unit may have a scanner. The scanner may be configured to capture or scan barcodes and / or QR codes. Alternatively or additionally, the scanner may be configured to read RFID chips.

[0029] The encoding unit and the checking unit can be connected to the control unit. The encoding unit and the checking unit can be configured to receive data and / or commands from the control unit and / or send data to the control unit.

[0030] A third aspect of the invention relates to a filling apparatus for filling containers, comprising a filling machine, a conveyor line for conveying containers to and from the filling machine, and at least one coding and inspection system, wherein the coding and inspection system is arranged in front of and / or behind the filling machine in the container conveying direction.

[0031] The filling equipment may have a labeling machine for applying labels to containers, wherein a coding and inspection system or the coding and inspection system is arranged behind the labeling machine in the container conveying direction. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows: Figure 1 An embodiment of the bracket according to the invention is shown in perspective view; Figure 2 Shown in another perspective view Figure 1 The example shown; Figure 3 An embodiment of the encoding and inspection system according to the present invention is shown in perspective view; and Figure 4 An embodiment of the filling apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated in schematic diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the bracket 1 according to the present invention is shown. The bracket 1 has an adjustment device 4 and a holding section 5. The holding section 5 includes an encoding unit holder 2 and an inspection unit holder 3. The encoding unit holder 2 and the inspection unit holder 3 may be integrally formed with the holding section 5 (not shown in the diagram). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The encoding unit retainer 2 and the inspection unit retainer 3 can be connected to and / or fixed to the retaining segment 5, see [reference]. Figure 3 The adjustment device 4 is configured to adjust the height H of the retaining segment 5 above the reference plane E. The reference plane E may coincide with or be a portion thereof of the placement surface of the bracket 1. The height H can be measured between a reference point of the retaining segment 5 and the reference plane E. The reference point may be, for example, the geometric center or center point of the retaining segment 5. In some embodiments, the reference point may also be a feature point of the retaining segment 5, such as corresponding to the lower side or a connection point, such as a retainer. The height H can be measured in the vertical direction above the reference plane E or in the normal direction of the reference plane E. Since the encoding unit retainer 2 and the inspection unit retainer 3 are connected to and / or fixed to or integrally formed with the retaining segment 5, when the height H of the retaining segment 5 is adjusted, the respective heights H1 and H2 of the encoding unit retainer 2 and the inspection unit retainer 3 can also be adjusted simultaneously and equally.

[0034] The support 1 may have a column 11. The column 11 may be, for example, a mounting rail. The support 1 may have legs 12. The column 11 and the legs 12 may be connected to each other. It may be specified that the legs 12 and / or the standing surface of the legs 12 defines a reference plane E and / or is arranged therein. An adjustment device 4 may be connected to the column 11.

[0035] The adjustment device 4 is configured to adjust the holding section 5 in the adjustment direction R1. The adjustment direction R1 may correspond to the height direction RH, or it may be arranged parallel to or along the height H of the holding section 5 above the reference plane E.

[0036] The adjusting device 4 may have a linear guide 6. The linear guide 6 may be configured to guide the adjusting device 4 and / or the holding section 5 during adjustment in the adjusting direction R1. The linear guide 6 may be or have a rail 10. The adjusting device 4 may have a slider 13 that can be guided along the rail 10.

[0037] In some embodiments, the adjustment device 4 may be configured to adjust the holding segment 5 and / or the encoding unit holding member 2 and / or the inspection device fixing member 3 in a second adjustment direction R2. For this purpose, the adjustment device 4 may have a second linear guide, such as a second rail 14, and a slider 15 guided on the second rail 14. The adjustment device 4 or the holding segment 5 can be guided during adjustment in the second adjustment direction R2 via the second linear guide or the second slider 15 and the second rail 14. The second adjustment direction R2 may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the adjustment direction R1. The second adjustment direction R2 may be arranged substantially parallel to the reference plane E.

[0038] The adjustment device 4 may have a drive unit 7. The drive unit 7 may be configured to adjust the adjustment device 4 and / or the holding section 5 in adjustment directions R1 and / or R2. The drive unit 7 may be configured to adjust the height H of the support section 5. In some embodiments, the drive unit 7 may be configured to adjust the respective heights H1 and H2 of the encoding unit holder 2 and the inspection unit holder 3. The drive unit 7 may, for example, have a linear motor. In some embodiments, the drive unit 7 may have a handwheel 8 for adjusting the adjustment device 4 or the holding section 5 in adjustment direction R1. In some embodiments, the drive unit 7 may have a second handwheel 16 for adjusting the adjustment device 4 or the holding section 5 in a second adjustment direction R2. The adjustment device 4 may have a spindle, allowing adjustment of the adjustment device 4 or the holding section 5 in adjustment direction R1 while the spindle rotates. The adjustment device 4 may have a spindle, allowing adjustment of the adjustment device 4 or the holding section 5 in adjustment direction R2 while the spindle rotates.

[0039] In some embodiments, the relative distance between the encoding unit holder 2 and the inspection unit holder 3 can be specified to be adjustable, for example, in adjustment direction R1 and / or a second adjustment direction R2. The adjustment device 4 can be configured to adjust the relative distance between the encoding unit holder 2 and the inspection unit holder 3. Therefore, it can be ensured that the encoding unit 101 and / or inspection unit 102 substantially cover the same area of ​​the container guided through the support 1 during or after replacing the encoding unit 101 and / or inspection unit 102 with another model or type of encoding unit 101 and / or inspection unit 102. Thus, the support 1 can be used more flexibly. For example, if the encoding unit 101 is replaced by another encoding unit 101 that has a printer nozzle at a different location than the first encoding unit 101, changing the relative distance between the encoding unit holder 2 and the inspection unit holder 3 can ensure that the replaced or new encoding unit 101 prints on the same area of ​​the container or label guided through the encoding unit 101 or the support 1, just as with the previous encoding unit 101. Accordingly, when the inspection unit 102 is replaced, the relative distance between the inspection unit retainer 3 can be adjusted if necessary. During format change, the (optional) new encoding unit 101 and (optional) new inspection unit 102 can then be adjusted in height equally, so that only one height adjustment is required during format change.

[0040] The retaining section 5 may have a fixing section 9. In some embodiments, the bracket 1 and / or the adjusting device 4 may alternatively or additionally have a fixing section 9. The fixing section 9 may be configured for mounting additional functional units 103.

[0041] Figure 3 An embodiment of the coding and inspection system 100 according to the present invention is shown. The coding and inspection system 100 has a support 1. The support 1 may have several, multiple, or all the features and advantages of supports according to the present invention, particularly those described above and / or... Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Those shown in the image.

[0042] The coding and inspection system 100 has a coding unit 101, which is connected to or fixed to the bracket 1 via a coding unit retainer 2. The coding and inspection system 100 also has an inspection unit 102, which is connected to or fixed to the bracket 1 via an inspection unit retainer 3.

[0043] Encoding unit 101 can apply a code to an object (e.g., a container) and / or a label on the object. The object can be guided past the support 1, encoding unit 101, and / or encoding unit holder 2. The object can be a filled container. Encoding unit 101 can be configured to apply a code as the object is guided past it. Encoding unit 101 can be a printer. Encoding unit 101 can be configured to print a code onto the object and / or label. For this purpose, the encoding unit can include a printer, such as an inkjet printer or a laser printer. It can be specified that encoding unit 101 must be at a predetermined distance from the object to be printed in order to print the object or its label. For this purpose, the height H of the support 1 or holder 5 and / or encoding unit holder 2 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0044] The code may be or include alphanumeric codes. The code may alternatively or additionally be or include barcodes and / or QR codes. The code may include a minimum shelf life, information about the container or object being filled, such as ingredients, or other information.

[0045] In some embodiments, the encoding may be or include an RFID chip or be stored on such a chip. In this case, the encoding unit 101 may be configured to attach or mount the RFID chip to an object or tag. Alternatively or additionally, it may be specified that the encoding is implemented by changing or overwriting the RFID chip attached to the object, that is, the RFID chip is already attached to the object and / or does not necessarily have to be attached to the object by the encoding unit 101.

[0046] The inspection unit 102 can be configured to detect, inspect, and / or review codes applied to an object. For example, the inspection unit 102 can detect and / or inspect whether the code is applied in the correct location and / or whether the correct code is applied or whether the code includes predefined information. The inspection unit 102 may have a camera to optically acquire or identify the code. In some embodiments, the inspection unit 102 may alternatively or additionally include, for example, a scanner for reading barcodes or detecting RFID chips.

[0047] The coding unit holder 2 and the inspection unit holder 3 can be arranged relative to each other such that the inspection unit 102 fixed to the inspection unit holder 3 can detect the code applied by the coding unit 101 fixed to the coding unit holder 2. The inspection unit 102 can be configured to detect the code so quickly that the object has not yet moved out of the detection range of the inspection unit 102 during or after the code detection. Therefore, essentially at a location along the transport segment of the object or container transport, the code of the container or the object can be checked by the inspection unit 102 at that location where the coding unit 101 applied or was applied.

[0048] Encoding unit 101 and / or checking unit 102 may be connected to a control unit (not shown in the figure). The control unit may manipulate encoding unit 101 such that it applies a predefined code, for example, depending on the type or state of the item or container being guided, such as the filling volume or format. The control unit may acquire the code detected or checked by checking unit 102, or the information detected by checking unit 102, to verify the applied code or match it with a predetermined code.

[0049] If incorrect coding and / or missing coding are detected, the corresponding object or container can be removed.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the encoding unit holder 2 and the inspection unit holder 3 are arranged such that the encoding unit 101 and the inspection unit 102 are substantially at the same height or can detect the same area of ​​an object guided past the support 1. It can be specified that the height H of the holding segment 5 is different from the height H1 of the encoding unit holder 2 and / or the height H2 of the inspection unit holder 3. The height H1 can be arranged and / or measured, for example, between the reference plane E and a reference point of the encoding unit holder 2 (e.g., a feature point such as the center point or geometric center of the encoding unit holder 2). The height H2 can be arranged and / or measured, for example, between the reference plane E and a reference point of the inspection unit holder 3 (e.g., a feature point such as the center point or geometric center of the inspection unit holder 3).

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, a functional unit 103 can be fixed to a fixed segment 9. A holding segment 5 may include the fixed segment 9. At least a portion of the fixed segment 9 may be arranged on or at the encoding unit holder 2 and / or the inspection unit holder 3. In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the adjustment unit 4 and / or the bracket 1 may include at least a portion of the fixed segment 9. The functional unit 103 may be, for example, a lamp 104. The lamp 104 may be arranged such that it can at least partially illuminate the detection area of ​​the inspection unit, thereby improving the detection of the encoding. In some embodiments, the functional unit 103 may be configured to clean the object or at least its label before applying encoding for better and more reliable application. For example, the functional unit 103 may have a blower or generate an airflow that flows over the object and / or label and can blow away impurities such as dust or other particles before applying (e.g., printing) the encoding. In some embodiments, the functional unit 103 may include a container for printing ink.

[0052] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a filling apparatus 1000 is shown. The filling apparatus 1000 includes a filling machine 1001. Empty containers, such as bottles or cans, are fed into the filling machine 1001 via a conveyor line 1002 and filled by the filling machine 1001. The filled containers are then discharged from the filling machine 1001 via the conveyor path 1002. The filling apparatus 1000 includes at least one coding and inspection system 100. The coding and inspection system 100 may include several, multiple, or all of the features and advantages of the coding and inspection system 100 according to the present invention, particularly those described above and / or... Figure 1 , 2 And / or those shown in 3.

[0053] The coding and inspection system 100 can be arranged along the conveyor path 1002 after the filling machine 1001. Therefore, the coding and inspection system 100 can code and inspect containers filled by the filling machine 1001 and conveyed by the conveyor line 1002, as explained above. In particular, coding can be performed substantially at the same location along the conveyor path 1002. Therefore, in the event of a format change, it may only be necessary to adjust the height of one support 1 to code or apply the corresponding code to containers of different formats and check or verify that code, as described above.

[0054] In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the coding and inspection system 100 may be arranged along the conveying path 1002 in front of the filling machine 1001, so that coding and its inspection or verification may be performed on the container in the filling machine 1001 or before the container is filled using the filling machine 1001.

[0055] In some embodiments, the filling equipment 1000 may include a labeling machine 1003. Alternatively or additionally, a coding and inspection system 100 may be arranged behind the labeling machine 1003 along the conveying path 1002 in the container conveying direction. Thus, on the container labeled by the labeling machine 1003 and / or on the label applied by the labeling machine 1003, a code can be applied (e.g., printed) onto the label by the coding unit 101 of the coding and inspection system 100, and the applied code can be checked or verified by the inspection unit 102.

[0056] In some embodiments, the labeling machine 1003 may be arranged in front of the filling machine 1001 in the container conveying direction, so that containers labeled by the labeling machine 1003 are filled by the filling machine 1002. In some embodiments, the labeling machine 1003 may be arranged behind the filling machine 1001 in the container conveying direction, so that containers filled by the filling machine 1002 can be labeled by the labeling machine 1003.

[0057] In some embodiments, the filling equipment 1000 may include a blow molding machine 1004, such as a stretch blow molding machine. The blow molding machine 1004 may be configured to blow or form and / or produce bottles, such as PET bottles, from preforms. Bottles blown, formed, or produced by the blow molding machine 1004 can then be supplied to the filling machine 1001 and / or labeling machine 1003 via conveyor path 1002, depending on the arrangement or design of the filling equipment. It may be specified that a coding and inspection system 100 may be arranged along conveyor path 1002 downstream of the blow molding machine 1004 in the container conveying direction.

[0058] If the filling equipment 1000 has more than one coding and inspection system 100, in some embodiments it may be specified that only one of the coding and inspection systems 100 applies coding. In some other embodiments, multiple coding and inspection systems 100 may also apply coding, wherein each coding may be part of a (whole) coding. Alternatively or additionally, at least two, more, or all coding and inspection systems 100 may each apply different coding, optionally at different locations on the object and / or on the label, and / or on different labels. If the coding is stored on an RFID chip, it may be specified that at least one, several, or all of the coding units 103 of the multiple coding and inspection systems 100 adapt, overwrite, or change the coding stored on the RFID chip. In some embodiments, it may be specified that one coding unit 103 prints and / or at least partially overwrites a coding printed by another coding unit 103.

[0059] If the filling equipment 1000 has more than one coding and inspection system 100, in some embodiments it may be specified that one or more inspection units 102 of the multiple coding and inspection systems 100 check or verify the code, and if necessary, not be altered by one of the corresponding coding and inspection systems 100 or its coding unit 103, such as by overwriting or printing. In some embodiments, it may be specified that the code is checked or verified not by the inspection unit 103 of the coding and inspection system 100 to which the coding unit 103 to which the code was applied, but by another inspection unit 103 of another coding and inspection system 100 (e.g., an inspection unit arranged downstream in the article conveying direction).

[0060] The features disclosed in the claims, description and drawings are important for implementing the invention, either individually or in any combination.

[0061] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Bracket 2. Encoding unit holder 3. Inspect the unit retainer. 4 Adjustment device 5. Holding section 6 Linear Guide 7 drive units 8 handwheels 9 Fixed Sections 10 tracks 11 Columns 12 legs 13 Slider 14 Track 2 15 Second slider 16 Second Handle 100 Coding and Inspection System 101 coding unit 102 Inspection Unit 103 Functional Units 104 lights 1000 Filling Equipment 1001 Filling Machine 1002 Conveying Path 1003 Labeling Machine 1004 Blow Molding Machine H1 height H2 height H height E Reference Plane R1 Adjust direction R2 Second Adjustment Direction RH refers to altitude.

Claims

1. A support (1) for a coding and inspection system (100), preferably for coding and inspecting containers, wherein the support (1) has a holding section (5) and an adjustment device (4), wherein the holding section (5) has a coding unit holder (2) for fixing a coding unit (101) for applying coding and an inspection unit holder (3) for fixing an inspection unit (102) for checking coding, wherein the adjustment device (4) is configured to adjust the height (H) of the holding section (5) above a reference plane (E) in an adjustment direction (R1).

2. The stent according to claim 1, wherein, The holding section (5) is connected to or transitions into the adjusting device (4), or the adjusting device (4) has the holding section (5).

3. The stent (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The adjustment device (4) is configured to adjust the encoding unit holder (2), the inspection unit holder (3) and / or the holding segment (5) in a second adjustment direction (R2) that is substantially perpendicular to the adjustment direction (R1).

4. The stent (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distance between the encoding unit holder (2) and the inspection unit holder (3) is preferably constant and / or independent of the height (H) of the holding segment (5) above the reference plane (E) in one adjustment direction or the adjustment direction (R1, R2) of the adjustment device (4).

5. The stent (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The encoding unit holder (2) and the inspection unit holder (3) are arranged substantially side by side and / or at the same height (H1, H2), preferably in a plane parallel to the reference plane (E), and / or at least partially facing each other.

6. The stent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The adjustment device (4) is configured to adjust the distance between the encoding unit holder (2) and the inspection unit holder (3), and / or adjust the height (H1, H2) of the encoding unit holder (2) and / or the inspection unit holder (3) above the reference plane (E).

7. The stent (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The adjustment device (4) has a linear guide (6), preferred rails (10, 14) and sliders (13, 15).

8. The stent (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The adjustment device (4) has a drive unit (7), preferably a linear motor and / or a handwheel (8, 16).

9. The stent (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The bracket (1), the retaining section (5) and / or the adjusting device (4) have a fixing section (9) for fixing the functional unit (103), the preferred lamp (104).

10. A coding and inspection system (100), preferably for coding and inspecting containers, wherein the coding and inspection system (100) comprises a support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a coding unit (101) for applying coding to an object, preferably a container, guided through the coding unit (101), and an inspection unit (102) for inspecting the coding applied to an object, preferably a container, guided through the inspection unit (102), wherein the coding unit (3) is fixed to the support (1) by means of the coding unit holder (2), and wherein the inspection unit (102) is fixed to the support (1) by means of the inspection unit holder (3).

11. The encoding and inspection system (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The encoding unit holder (2) and the inspection unit holder (3) and / or the encoding unit (101) and the inspection unit (102) are arranged relative to each other such that the inspection unit (102) can inspect the encoding created by the encoding unit (101).

12. The encoding and inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein, The coding unit (101) is configured to apply, preferably print, a code on an object, preferably a container, and / or on a label of the object, preferably a container, that is guided through the coding unit (101).

13. The encoding and inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The encoding unit (101) includes a printer, preferably an inkjet printer and / or a laser printer.

14. The encoding and inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The inspection unit (102) includes a camera and / or a scanner.

15. A filling apparatus (1000) for filling containers, comprising a filling machine (1001), a conveyor line (1002) for conveying containers to and from the filling machine (1001), and at least one coding and inspection system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The coding and inspection system (100) is arranged in front of and / or behind the filling machine (1001) in the container conveying direction.

16. The filling apparatus (1000) according to claim 15, comprising a labeling machine (1003) for applying labels to containers, wherein one of the coding and inspection systems (100) or said coding and inspection system (100) is arranged behind said labeling machine (1003) in the container conveying direction.

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