Scanner unit and inspection device having such scanner unit

Abstract

The utility model relates to a scanner unit for optically detecting product marks and an inspection device with the scanner unit. The scanner unit extends in a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and a height direction Z orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y; comprising at least one light source, a camera part, a deflection part and a connecting part between the camera part and the deflection part, and the at least one light source is used for emitting light aligned with the product, so that the light illuminates a reading area of the product; the deflection part is provided with a deflection mirror, and the deflection mirror deflects light from the reading area to enable the light to pass through the connecting part and be emitted to the camera part in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction X; the camera section has a camera with an objective lens for collecting light which is steered by the deflection mirror and is directed toward the camera through the connection section. The camera part and the connecting part have different extensions in the height direction Z with respect to the outer contour of the housing thereof, and the extension of the connecting part in the height direction Z is at least partially, preferably completely smaller than the extension of the camera part in the height direction Z.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a scanner unit which saves a lot of space due to its modular structure. The utility model also relates to an inspection device having the scanner unit of the utility model. Background Art

[0002] In order to identify the products, their packaging is usually provided with a marking (such as a barcode). For reasons of quality assurance, product distribution, identification or traceability, these markings are checked with the aid of a camera in the production plant. If the marking is on the bottom surface of the product, it can be checked, for example, with the aid of a scanner unit through the roller gap between two conveyor belts. For this purpose, it is usually necessary to integrate a corresponding scanner unit, for example, into an inspection machine, a tube bag making machine or a filling machine, or to retrofit an existing machine. The marking can be a label, a directly printed marking or other optically readable marking. This also includes markings that are incorporated into the product packaging by so-called "molding", i.e., the optically readable feature is not only attached to the bottom surface, but is embedded in the bottom material.

[0003] Since products are usually transported at speeds of several meters per second in automated production and distribution systems, machine reading of the markings attached to the products must also be performed with correspondingly high speed and accuracy. The reading of the markings must not be adversely affected by external factors, such as dirt on the reading machine.

[0004] Since such machines, such as inspection machines, usually have many components that take up a certain amount of installation space, the integration or retrofitting of scanner units must be carried out in a manner that saves as much space as possible. Existing scanner units usually take up a very large amount of installation space and are therefore only suitable for retrofitting such machines to a limited extent. This is because all the required components are usually accommodated in a common housing, which increases the installation space requirement. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a scanner unit for optically detecting product markings, in particular markings of fast-moving products, wherein the scanner unit is constructed to save as much space as possible, so that it can be integrated in, for example, an inspection machine, a tube bag making machine or a filling machine in a space-saving manner, or the above-mentioned machines can be equipped with the scanner unit in a space-saving manner.

[0006] To this end, the utility model provides a scanner unit for optically detecting product markings, the scanner unit extends in a longitudinal direction X, a lateral direction Y orthogonal thereto, and a height direction Z orthogonal to the two directions, and the scanner unit includes at least one light source, a camera portion, a deflection portion, and a connection portion between the camera portion and the deflection portion. The at least one light source is used to emit light aimed at the product, so that the light illuminates a reading area of ​​the product. The deflection portion has a deflection reflector, wherein the deflection reflector deflects light from the reading area to the camera portion through the connection portion against the longitudinal direction X. The camera portion has a camera, and the camera has an objective lens for collecting light deflected by the deflection reflector and guided to the camera through the connection portion. The camera portion and the connection portion have different extensions with respect to the outer contour of their housings in the height direction Z, wherein the extension of the connection portion in the height direction Z is at least partially smaller than the extension of the camera portion in the height direction Z. The scanner unit of the utility model has a modular structure and a housing structure that is basically adapted to the optical path, so that the scanner unit occupies as little space as possible.

[0007] The utility model also relates to an inspection device for inspecting a product mark, which is provided with a scanner unit of the utility model, wherein the scanner unit is arranged so as to be able to optically detect a reading area of ​​the product.

[0008] In one design, the utility model relates to a scanner unit for optically detecting product markings, wherein the scanner unit extends in a longitudinal direction X, a lateral direction Y orthogonal thereto, and a height direction Z orthogonal to both directions. The scanner unit comprises at least one light source, a camera section, a deflection section, and a connection section between the camera section and the deflection section.

[0009] (a) wherein the at least one light source is used to emit light directed toward the product so that the light illuminates a reading area of ​​the product;

[0010] (b) wherein the deflection portion has a deflection mirror, wherein the deflection mirror deflects the light from the reading area so that the light passes through the connecting portion in the opposite direction of the longitudinal direction X and is directed toward the camera portion;

[0011] (c) wherein the camera portion has a camera having an objective lens for collecting light deflected by the deflecting reflector and guided toward the camera through the connecting portion;

[0012] It is characterized in that the camera part and the connecting part have different extensions in the height direction Z with respect to the outer contour of their housings, wherein the extension of the connecting part in the height direction Z is at least partially, preferably completely smaller than the extension of the camera part in the height direction Z.

[0013] The expression "completely smaller than" should mean here that the height of the entire outer shell contour of the connection part is lower than the outer shell contour of the camera part. This is ultimately also the preferred variant of the utility model. However, diagonal braces or reinforcements can be externally mounted on the connection part, and these diagonal braces or reinforcements have a local height equal to or greater than the camera part. However, since these diagonal braces or reinforcements do not extend over the entire outer shell contour of the connection part, but only extend over a part thereof, the expression "at least partially smaller than" is used here.

[0014] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the scanner unit of the present invention, it is preferred that the camera portion, the connecting portion, and the deflecting portion are arranged successively with respect to the longitudinal direction X.

[0015] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the present invention, it is preferred that the camera part, the connecting part and the deflecting part have either an integral one-piece housing or at least two different housings connected in a module form, wherein the latter is preferred.

[0016] If the camera part, the connection part and the deflection part are arranged in a one-piece housing, all three parts are installed in one housing, wherein only the outer contour of the housing is changed, so that the extension of the housing region of the connection part in relation to its outer contour of the housing in the height direction Z is at least partially, preferably completely, smaller than the extension of the camera part in relation to its outer contour of the housing in the height direction Z. In this variant, it is proposed to produce the housing, for example, by 3D printing.

[0017] As mentioned above, the camera part, the connecting part and the deflecting part can have at least two different shells connected in a modular form. However, there can also be three or more different shells connected in a modular manner. If there are three or more shells, it is preferred that the camera part, the connecting part and the deflecting part each have a shell. If there are two shells, it is preferred that one shell is provided for two of them. However, in the latter variant described, it is preferred that the shell for the camera part and the shell for the deflecting part are different shells. In this case, the shell for the camera part or the shell for the deflecting part is also provided for the connecting part. The connection of the modularly connected shells is performed, for example, by flange connection or threaded connection. If the shell for the camera part or the shell for the deflecting part is also provided for the connecting part, a common shell for the camera part and the connecting part or a common shell for the connecting part and the deflecting part can be manufactured, for example, by 3D printing. It is particularly preferred in the utility model that the camera part is provided in a first shell, the connecting part and the deflecting part are provided together in a second shell, and these shells are connected to each other in a modular manner. The housing or housings for the camera part, the connecting part and the deflecting part can be produced from all conceivable materials, wherein light metals such as aluminum are preferred, for example, for reasons of weight reduction.

[0018] The fact that the outer contour of the housing of the connection part has a smaller height than the outer contour of the housing of the camera part is due to the different space requirements of the various components and has the advantage that the scanner unit or its housing according to the invention only takes up as much space as is required for technical reasons. Therefore, the camera part requires more space in the height direction Z, since the camera and the objective lens must be installed therein. The connection part usually does not require such a large space at least in one spatial direction (here the height direction Z), since only the light deflected by the deflection mirrors has to be guided therein, and the deflection mirrors usually have only a small extension height, because the markings to be read in usually have only information (such as bar codes) substantially in one spatial direction (here preferably the transverse direction Y).

[0019] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the present invention, it is preferred that the light deflected by the deflection reflector and guided to the camera through the connecting part is in the form of a light stripe, which has a larger spatial extension along the transverse direction Y than along the height direction Z at least on the side of the connecting part facing the deflection part. In this way, the housing of the connecting part can be flat with respect to the height direction Z. Therefore, it is also preferred that the deflection reflector has an elongated extension along the transverse direction Y to redirect the light of the light stripe to the camera. Therefore, it is also preferred to use a line array camera with a line array sensor as the camera.

[0020] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the present invention, it is preferred that the extension of the outer contour of the housing of the connection part in the height direction Z is substantially constant when any diagonal braces are neglected. "When any diagonal braces are neglected" should mean that the outer contour of the housing without diagonal braces meets the above characteristics. "Substantially constant" should mean that certain areas of the outer contour of the housing of the connection part deviate from the average extension in the height direction Z by at most 10%, preferably at most 5%.

[0021] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the utility model, it is preferred that the extension of the outer contour of the housing of the connecting part in the transverse direction Y is preferably reduced in a linear manner toward the camera part, preferably in the following manner, that is, the outer contour of the housing of the connecting part corresponds substantially to the opening angle of the camera objective lens in the transverse direction Y. This reduction of the extension of the outer contour of the housing of the connecting part in the transverse direction Y is feasible because the opening angle of the objective lens captures the light deflected to the camera by the deflection mirror. Because the angle is assumed to increase and decrease linearly, it is preferred that the width of the outer contour of the housing is reduced in a linear manner (transverse direction Y). In other words, the connecting part has a trapezoidal shape when viewed against the height direction Z with respect to its outer contour of the housing, and its narrower side faces the camera part. In this way, the space requirement of the connecting part is reduced to a minimum. The spatial extension of the connecting part in the longitudinal direction X depends on the desired width of the detection mark in the transverse direction Y, that is, starting from the constant focal length of the (unchanged) optical device, the greater the width of the detection mark in the transverse direction Y, the greater the spatial extension of the connecting part in the longitudinal direction should be selected. In this way, the resolution of the camera sensor can always be optimally utilized.

[0022] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the utility model, it is preferred that the deflection part has an opening, which is preferably in the form of a slit, and the opening is designed to deflect the reflector in the light from the reading area, and wherein the deflection part except for the opening is light-tightly closed. The opening of the deflection part or the housing (part) of the deflection part ensures that the light from the reading area can be detected by the camera via the deflection part. The light-tight closed remainder of the deflection part or the deflection part housing (part) together with the light-tight housing part of the connecting part ensure that no external light or stray light affects the optical detection of the mark. The spatial extension of the deflection part in the transverse direction Y or the spatial extension of the outer contour of its housing in the transverse direction Y depends on the width of the conveying system or the width of the product. This is because the deflection reflector must be surrounded by the deflection part housing and the mark must be detectable over the entire width of the conveying system or over the width of the product.

[0023] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the utility model, it is preferred that the deflection mirror present in the deflection unit is adjustable. Here, the deflection mirror can be adjusted to a certain deflection direction manually or by means of a control unit. This serves to direct the light from the reading zone to the camera so that it is incident on the camera sensor in the optical direction of the camera.

[0024] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the utility model, it is preferred that at least one light source is preferably adjustably arranged at the deflection portion. The advantage of the adjustable arrangement is that the at least one light source can be aligned with the product mark accordingly. All known optical lighting devices can be used as light sources, such as LEDs, lasers, infrared lamps or ultraviolet lamps. Preferably, the at least one light source is a module consisting of a plurality of lamps, preferably LEDs, which are spatially arranged in series side by side, preferably along the transverse direction Y. In this case, 6 to 8 lamps are preferably arranged side by side in one light source. The width of the light source with lamps arranged side by side is preferably selected according to the width of the conveying system to be illuminated and / or the width of the product.

[0025] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the utility model, it is preferred that the at least one light source is arranged outside the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the scanner unit of the utility model comprises two light sources, and the two light sources are preferably aligned in the following direction, that is, illuminating the product reading area. The at least one light source or the light sources in the case of two or more light sources are preferably designed in the shape of a strip, that is, having a spatial extension in one direction, more precisely, preferably roughly parallel to the spatial extension of the mark in the product reading area, so that the narrow light stripe can be deflected by the deflection reflector and optically detected by the camera. In this way, the entire mark is fully illuminated along the light stripe to allow optical detection of the mark even in the case of rapid product movement. Another advantage of arranging at least one light source outside the housing is to avoid thermal interference in the housing of the scanner unit compared to a compact arrangement arranged in the same housing together with other units of the scanner unit.

[0026] Like the light source and the deflecting reflector, the optical components and in particular the camera and / or its sensor (preferably a line array sensor) can be adjustable, lockable or pivotally adjustable about a predetermined axis. The adjustment of all adjustable components is preferably carried out from the outside through one or more housing openings, but at the same time prevents light from penetrating. For this purpose, adjusting screws, locking mechanisms or similar adjustment mechanisms can be used.

[0027] The camera section preferably has the optical devices and electronic components of the camera. They include an objective lens and a camera sensor. According to the utility model, a camera with a linear array sensor or an area sensor can be used. However, since a camera with an area sensor is relatively expensive and is not necessarily necessary when capturing narrow marks, a camera with a linear array sensor, i.e., a so-called linear array camera, is preferred. Here, the image of the object is captured line by line by the relative movement between the scanning line and the object. The camera section preferably has an opening so that the light deflected by the deflection mirror and guided through the connecting portion can be detected by the camera.

[0028] Furthermore, the scanner unit according to the invention preferably has a polarization filter, which is preferably arranged between the deflection mirror and the camera objective.

[0029] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the utility model, it is preferred that it has an anti-glare mechanism. The anti-glare mechanism is preferably mounted on the deflection part, because the light from the reading area will enter the opening of the deflection part, and therefore at least one light source is mounted near the deflection part. The anti-glare mechanism should prevent the operator from being dazzled by the at least one light source. The size of the anti-glare mechanism in the transverse direction Y is preferably selected according to the width of the conveying system to be illuminated and / or the width of the product. The size of the anti-glare mechanism in the longitudinal direction X depends on the angle of the product in the illumination from the at least one light source, and the larger the angle is, the larger the size is.

[0030] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the utility model, it is preferred that the deflection unit has at least one protective plate that can be replaced without tools to protect the deflection reflector. Here, the protective plate covers the opening of the deflection unit to the outside of the housing and is designed to be transparent. Therefore, it is also called an outer protective plate. The outer protective plate is used to prevent the deflection reflector from being dirty. By removing the outer protective plate from the deflection unit, it can be cleaned smoothly, and then it is installed in the deflection unit again. Another (preferably non-tool-replaceable) protective plate can be arranged below the outer protective plate, which ensures that no dirt can enter the deflection unit after removing the outer protective plate, especially contacting the deflection reflector. If the outer protective plate is removed, the blind that protects the other protective plate from being dirty can be moved in front of it to protect the other protective plate. When the outer protective plate is removed, the blind is preferably pulled in front of the other protective plate in a mechanical manner. As an alternative to the removable outer protective plate, a removable film can also be applied thereon, and the dirt located thereon can also be removed by removing the removable film. In the latter case, the other protective plate can be omitted. The intervals for cleaning the outer protective plate can be set, for example, by software or can be determined according to the degree of soiling, for example by evaluating the quality of the captured camera image. In the latter case, a warning signal can be issued, for example. It is also preferred that a sensor detects the correct insertion of the outer protective plate and only allows the scanner unit to operate when it is correctly installed, preferably in such a way that the sensor unlocks the functions of the entire camera assembly. The latter can be ensured by means of an external sensor connected to the camera electronics or by evaluating the camera image, which can be done manually, automatically / periodically or in any image captured. If the outer protective plate is dirty, the activation of the scanner unit can be prevented by issuing a warning signal or automatically shutting down. In order to prevent falling dust from contaminating the protective plate, an electrostatic unit for deflecting dust or an air unit for deflecting dust (suction unit or blowing unit) can be provided.

[0031] The replaceable protective plate (outer protective plate) can preferably be removed from or inserted into the deflection part in at least two directions, specifically in the transverse direction Y or counter to the transverse direction Y, preferably by pushing out or pulling out.

[0032] In another embodiment of the scanner unit of the present invention, the scanner unit preferably has a device for fixing on the inspection device, preferably by bolt connection. The fixing device is preferably arranged on the housing of the camera part, and is further preferably designed so that all components of the scanner unit of the present invention (i.e., the camera part, the connecting part, the deflection part and the light source and the anti-glare mechanism) are fixed on the inspection device through the camera part fixing device.

[0033] The present invention also relates to the use of the scanner unit of the present invention in an inspection device for inspecting product markings. In other words, the present invention also relates to a method for inspecting product markings in an inspection device using the scanner unit of the present invention, wherein the scanner unit optically detects the product markings.

[0034] The utility model also relates to an inspection device for inspecting product markings, comprising a scanner unit according to the utility model, wherein the scanner unit is arranged so that it can optically detect the reading zone of the product. Here, the inspection device according to the utility model preferably comprises a conveyor / conveying unit for conveying the product. Here, the scanner unit can be installed above, to the side or below the conveyor, depending on which side the product marking is located. The scanner unit is particularly preferably arranged on the conveyor so that it passes through the roller gap between two rollers of the conveyor to optically detect the reading zone of the product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 The scanner unit of the present invention without the anti-glare mechanism is shown in an oblique view.

[0037] Figure 2 The scanner unit of the present invention without the anti-glare mechanism is also shown in an oblique view.

[0038] Figure 3 The scanner unit of the present invention with an anti-glare mechanism is also shown in an oblique view.

[0039] Figure 4 A conveyor having a scanner unit according to the present invention is shown in an oblique view.

[0040] Figure 5 An inspection device according to the invention having a scanner unit according to the invention is shown in an oblique view.

[0041] Figure 6 The scanner unit of the present invention is shown in a side view along the horizontal direction Y.

[0042] Figure 7 A cross section of the scanner unit of the present invention along a plane defined by a longitudinal direction X and a height direction Z is shown.

[0043] Figure 8 Show according to Figure 7 The scanner unit of the utility model and the products on two conveyor belts with roller gaps, the product reading area passes through the roller gap and is optically detected.

[0044] Fig. 9 The scanner unit of the invention is shown in a top view opposite to the height direction Z. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The scanner unit T according to the present invention but without the anti-glare mechanism B is shown in an oblique view from obliquely above, and has a camera 10, a deflection unit 20 and a connection unit 30. The housing 11 of the camera unit 10 has a camera K, which has the required optical components such as an objective lens O and a camera sensor. In addition, a fixing device for fixing the scanner unit T on the inspection device is arranged on the housing 11 of the camera unit 10 (in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction X and the height direction Z). In addition, the housing 11 of the camera unit 10 has a connection possibility for electronic components of the camera K. Adjacent in the longitudinal direction X is the connection unit 30, which has a housing 31 of the connection unit 30. In addition, the deflection unit 20 is immediately arranged in the longitudinal direction X, which is adjacent to the connection unit 30. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connecting part 30 and the deflecting part 20 are arranged in a housing 21, 31 of the deflecting part 20 / connecting part 30. There is at least one light source Q1 mounted on the deflecting part 20, but it is designed here so that there are two light sources Q1 and Q2. The unit with the light sources Q1, Q2 is preferably mounted on the deflecting part by screws. The at least one light source Q1 (here the two light sources Q1, Q2) is preferably pivotally arranged around an axis (here parallel to the transverse direction Y) so that it can be flexibly aligned in a direction to illuminate the product P accordingly. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the housing 11 of the camera portion 10 is connected to the housings 21, 31 of the deflection portion 20 / connection portion 30 in a modular manner. In order to ensure that the housings 11, 21, 31 can be stably connected to each other, diagonal braces are provided above and below the housings 21, 31 of the deflection portion 20 / connection portion 30, respectively, and they are threadedly connected to their respective housings 11, 21, 31. The housings 21, 31 of the deflection portion 20 / connection portion 30 have a constant height in the height direction Z (excluding the diagonal braces). The extension of the housings 21, 31 of the deflection portion 20 / connection portion 30 in the height direction Z is smaller than the extension of the housing 11 of the camera portion 10 in the height direction Z. As also shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is shown and preferred that the outer housing contour of the connecting part 30 decreases with respect to the transverse direction Y toward the camera part 10 , more specifically preferably in a linear or trapezoidal manner.

[0046] Figure 3 Similar to Figure 1 The scanner unit T according to the present invention is shown in an oblique view from obliquely above, but has an anti-glare mechanism B. The light emitted by at least one light source Q1 (here, two light sources Q1 and Q2) in the height direction Z is shielded in this direction by the anti-glare mechanism B, so that the operator of the scanner unit T of the present invention or the inspection unit I including the scanner unit T of the present invention will not be dazzled by the at least one light source Q1. In particular, if it can Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the scanner unit T of the present invention preferably has a device V on the housing 11 of the camera part 10 for fixing the scanner unit T on the inspection device I. The fixing device V is preferably designed so that the entire scanner unit T can be fixed to the inspection device by the fixing device V, in particular by a threaded connection, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0047] Figure 4 The oblique view shows the Figure 3 The scanner unit T of the utility model is installed on the conveyor A with two adjacent conveyor belts, wherein there is a roller gap R between two adjacent rollers of the conveyor belts. The scanner unit T is installed under the conveyor belt in such a way that the opening F of the deflection part 20 U Located below the roll gap R. The light source Q1 is positioned so that the product P moving through the roll gap R can be illuminated. In this way, the reading zone Z can be illuminated and the marking on the product P located in the reading zone can be optically detected by the scanner unit T. The anti-glare device B is installed here so that it shields the light emitted by the light source Q1 and passing through the roll gap R. There can be an inspection unit behind the scanner unit T in the longitudinal direction X, which can be, for example, a weighing unit W, which can be part of the inspection device I. Figure 5 The inspection device 1 is shown as a whole, which has the following Figure 4 The conveyor A is shown with a scanner unit T of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 The side view along the horizontal direction Y shows the Figure 1 and 2 The scanner unit T of the present invention is shown in FIG. This view clearly shows that the camera section 10, the connecting section 30 and the deflecting section 20 are arranged in the described order along the longitudinal direction X. The housing 31 of the connecting section 30 is connected to the housing 11 of the camera section in a modular manner. The housing 21 of the deflecting section 20 may be a separate housing that is connected to the housing 31 of the connecting section 30 in a modular manner, or may exist in one housing together with the connecting section 30.

[0049] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The cross sections of the scanner unit T of the present invention along the planes defined by the longitudinal direction X and the height direction Z are respectively shown. Figure 8 Also shown is a conveying device A with adjacent roller gaps in the longitudinal direction X (the reference numerals are only Figure 4 The products P on the two conveyor belts (not shown) pass through the roller gap to optically detect the reading area Z of the products P. A camera K is arranged in the housing 11 of the camera unit, which has an objective lens O for optically detecting the light L deflected by the deflection mirror U and directed to the camera K through the connecting portion 30. U To this end, the housing 11 of the camera unit 10 has an opening F K , light L U The deflection unit 20 connected to the connection unit 30 in the longitudinal direction X has a deflection mirror U, which deflects the light L from the reading area Z. Z Turning to the camera K. The light sources Q1 and Q2 installed above the deflection unit 20 (in the height direction Z) emit light L directed at the product P. Q For the light L from the reading zone Z Z The deflection unit 20 has an opening F oriented in the height direction Z. U .like Figure 7 As shown, the opening F of the deflection portion 20 U A replaceable protective plate S1 and a fixed integrated protective plate S2 located below it, opposite to the height direction Z, can be provided inside the deflecting reflector U to protect it from falling dirt or dust. The replaceable protective plate S1 can be removed for cleaning. In order that dirt or dust does not come into contact with the deflecting reflector during cleaning of the replaceable protective plate S1, a fixed integrated protective plate S2 is provided.

[0050] Fig. 9 The top view opposite to the height direction Z shows the Figure 1 and Figure 2The scanner unit T of the utility model. It can be clearly seen here that the outer contour of the housing of the connecting part 30 can decrease toward the camera part 10 with respect to the transverse direction Y, and more preferably decreases in a linear or trapezoidal manner. It is also preferred that the spatial extension of the outer contour of the housing of the camera part 10 in the transverse direction Y is smaller than the extension of the housing 31 of the connecting part 30 near the deflection part 20 in the transverse direction Y.

[0051] Reference numerals list

[0052] T Scanner Unit

[0053] P Products

[0054] Q1, Q2 light source

[0055] 10 Camera

[0056] 20 Deflection unit

[0057] 30 Connection

[0058] 11 Camera housing

[0059] 21 Deflection unit housing

[0060] 31 Housing of connecting part

[0061] Z Reading Area

[0062] L Q Aim the light at the product

[0063] L Z Light from the reading area

[0064] L U The light deflected by the deflection mirror and directed toward the camera through the connecting part

[0065] U Deflecting mirror

[0066] I Inspection device

[0067] K Camera

[0068] O Objective

[0069] F U Opening of deflection part

[0070] F K Camera opening

[0071] S1 Replaceable protection plate

[0072] S2 Fixed integrated protection plate

[0073] B Anti-glare mechanism

[0074] A Conveyor

[0075] R Roll gap

[0076] W weighing unit

[0077] V Device for fixing on inspection device.

Claims

1. A scanner unit (T) for optically detecting a marking of a product (P), wherein: The scanner unit (T) extends in a longitudinal direction X, a lateral direction Y orthogonal thereto, and a height direction Z orthogonal to the two directions, and comprises at least one light source (Q1, Q2), a camera section (10), a deflection section (20), and a connection section (30) between the camera section (10) and the deflection section (20). (a) wherein the at least one light source (Q1, Q2) is used to emit light (L) directed toward the product (P) Q ), so that the light (L Q ) of the product (P); (b) wherein the deflection unit (20) comprises a deflection mirror (U), wherein the deflection mirror (U) deflects the light (L) from the reading area (Z) Z ) passes through the connecting portion (30) and turns to the camera portion (10) in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction X; (c) wherein the camera unit (10) has a camera (K) having an objective lens (O) for collecting light (L) deflected by the deflection mirror (U) and guided toward the camera (K) through the connecting unit (30) U ); The invention is characterized in that the camera part (10) and the connecting part (30) have different extensions in the height direction Z with respect to the outer contour of their shells, wherein the extension of the connecting part (30) in the height direction Z is at least partially smaller than the extension of the camera part (10) in the height direction Z.

2. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, wherein the extension of the connecting portion (30) in the height direction Z is completely smaller than the extension of the camera portion (10) in the height direction Z.

3. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, wherein: The camera part (10), the connecting part (30) and the deflecting part (20) either have an integral housing (11, 21, 31) or have at least two different housings (11, 21, 31) connected in a modular manner.

4. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one light source (Q1, Q2) is arranged outside the one-piece housing (11, 21, 31) or outside the at least two housings (11, 21, 31).

5. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, wherein: The light (L) deflected by the deflection mirror (U) and guided toward the camera (K) through the connecting portion (30) U ) is present in the form of a light stripe, which has a larger spatial extension in the transverse direction Y than in the height direction Z at least on the side of the connecting portion (30) facing the deflection portion (20).

6. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, wherein: The extension of the housing outer contour of the connecting portion (30) along the height direction Z is constant when the diagonal braces are ignored.

7. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, wherein: The extension of the outer contour of the shell of the connecting part (30) in the transverse direction Y is reduced toward the camera part (10).

8. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 7, wherein: The outer contour of the shell of the connecting portion (30) extends in the transverse direction Y and decreases in a linear manner toward the camera portion (10).

9. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 7, wherein: The extension of the shell outer contour of the connecting part (30) in the transverse direction Y is reduced toward the camera part (10) in the following manner, that is, the shell outer contour of the connecting part (30) in the transverse direction Y corresponds to the opening angle of the objective lens (O) of the camera (K).

10. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, wherein: The deflection unit (20) has an opening (F) which is designed in such a way that the light (L) from the reading zone (Z) Z ) is illuminated by the deflecting mirror (U), and wherein the deflecting portion (20) is light-proof and sealed except for the opening (F).

11. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 10, wherein: The opening (F) is in the shape of a slit.

12. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, wherein: The deflecting mirror (U) present in the deflecting unit (20) is adjustable.

13. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one light source (Q1, Q2) is adjustably mounted on the deflection portion (20).

14. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, comprising an anti-glare mechanism (B).

15. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 14, wherein The anti-glare mechanism (B) is arranged on the deflection portion (20).

16. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 1, wherein The deflecting unit (20) has at least one protective plate (S1, S2) for protecting the deflecting mirror (U).

17. The scanner unit (T) according to claim 16, wherein The protective plates (S1, S2) can be replaced without tools.

18. An inspection device (I) for inspecting a marking of a product (P), comprising a scanner unit (T) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The scanner unit (T) is arranged such that it can optically detect a reading zone (Z) of the product (P).

19. Inspection device (I) according to claim 18, comprising a conveyor (A) for conveying the product (P), wherein: The scanner unit (T) is arranged so that it passes through a roller gap (R) between two rollers of the conveyor (A) to optically detect a reading zone (Z) of the product (P).

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