Container handling plant with redundant safety systems

Abstract

Device (1) for handling unit loads (10) and in particular containers (10) with a transport device (2) which transports the unit loads (10) in a predetermined transport direction (P) as a unit load stream, with at least one first inspection device (4) which inspects the unit loads and which outputs at least one signal which is characteristic of an actual state of an inspected unit load (10), with a first sorting device (6) which is arranged downstream along the transport direction (P) with respect to the first inspection device (4) and which is suitable and intended to sort at least one unit load (10) from the unit load stream if the signal output by the inspection device (4) indicates that an actual state of the unit load (10) deviates from a predetermined target state and the device (1) has a second sorting device (8),which is arranged in the transport direction (P) after the at least one first sorting device (6) and which is suitable and intended to separate at least one piece of goods (10) whose actual state deviates from the target state and which has not been separated by the first sorting device (6) from the flow of pieces of goods, characterized in that the device has at least one first inspection device (12) which checks whether the piece of goods (10) whose actual state deviates from the specified target state has been separated by the first sorting device (6), wherein the first inspection device (12) is arranged in the transport direction (P) between the first sorting device (6) and the second sorting device (8).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for treating individual items, and in particular containers. Such systems have been known in the art for a long time. It is also well established, particularly in the beverage manufacturing industry, that containers are inspected to detect certain defects. These defects might include, for example, glass breakage, contamination of the containers, cleaning agent residues, and the like, in the case of glass bottles. Such inspections are extremely important because it is essential to prevent defective containers from being processed further and, in the worst case, from reaching the market.

[0002] Therefore, systems are known from the prior art in which defective containers made of glass, plastics such as PET, PET, etc., and metal are identified and rejected. For example, it is known that control systems are used at the outfeed of such machines to monitor product quality. In the case of defective products, a rejection unit is activated, and the defective product is removed from the material flow. It is also known from the prior art that this rejection unit is monitored, for example, by means of rejection controls.

[0003] The applicant's internal prior art discloses rejection units in which a predetermined process is initiated upon detection of an incorrectly rejected bottle. This internal prior art discloses that, upon such an error, the container handling machine and the affected conveyor section stop, and an operator first inspects the produced bottles, then removes any defective bottle from the product flow, and finally acknowledges the error. Only after this can production resume.

[0004] This process also involves a significant safety risk because the accuracy of the inspection depends on the operator's reliability. It has come to light that in some cases, the corresponding fault message was simply acknowledged, and the system was restarted without removing the container identified as faulty. Locating the affected container afterward is extremely time-consuming because 72,000 containers have to be manually inspected after just one hour. These filled and labeled containers are even more difficult to inspect because they appear dark due to the product, labels obstruct the view of the contents, and distortions occur due to the different refractive indices of liquids.

[0005] Even highly conscientious machine operators can make mistakes such as restarting the system upon finding a defective container in the product stream without realizing that, for example, two containers were affected.

[0006] In addition, customers often request that entire production areas be emptied automatically. In some cases, this even results in a production downtime of up to 120 seconds. At production speeds of up to 1100 containers per minute, this leads to significant production losses. Furthermore, a disadvantage of the current technology is that the process must be initiated and controlled by an operator to ensure product safety. Therefore, in these cases, user intervention is always required, leading to potentially substantial production losses.

[0007] The following are known as prior art: DE 32 15 800 A1, US 5 492 215 A, US 2014 / 0 034 456 A1, DE 100 07 627 A1 and DE 10 2009 003 847 A1.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a device and a method that are particularly simpler and more efficient in error correction and error monitoring. This objective is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] An inventive device for handling unit loads, and in particular containers, comprises a transport device that transports the unit loads as a flow of units in a predetermined transport direction. Furthermore, the device comprises an inspection device that inspects the unit loads and outputs at least one signal characteristic of the actual state of an inspected unit load. The device also comprises at least one first rejection device, which is arranged downstream of the first inspection device along the transport path or transport direction and which is suitable and intended to reject at least one unit load from the flow of units if the signal output by the inspection device indicates that the actual state of the unit load deviates from a predetermined target state.

[0010] According to the invention, the device has a second sorting device, which is arranged downstream of the at least one first sorting device in the transport direction and which is suitable and intended to sort out at least one piece of goods whose actual state deviates from a target state and which has not been properly sorted out by the first sorting device. It should be noted that several first sorting devices may also be provided, whereby the term "first sorting device" here refers in particular to a sorting device which, in the event of a deviation of an actual state from a target state, causes the container to be sorted out.

[0011] Therefore, the invention provides a second sorting device which, in particular, sorts out containers that should have been sorted out by, for example, the first sorting device, but which were not sorted out or were not sorted out properly. Improper sorting also includes cases where, for example, the individual items have been tipped over but are still being conveyed improperly by the flow of individual items.

[0012] In the case of at least one initial diversion device, containers that are no longer suitable for reuse are preferentially diverted, such as bottles with damaged necks and / or threads, or bottles with excessive scuffing. The initial diversion device preferably directs the waste into a "broken glass" container because the containers are unusable anyway.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second sorting device is the last sorting device with respect to the flow of individual items. This means that preferably no containers are subsequently sorted out based on an inspection result. The second sorting device can therefore also be referred to as the final sorting device.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has an additional sorting device arranged between the first and second sorting devices. It would also be possible for several additional sorting devices to be arranged between the first and second sorting devices. Preferably, the device has at least three sorting devices arranged one after the other along the transport path of the containers.

[0015] Such a further sorting device is preferably suited to conveying containers "upright" onto a discharge conveyor. Here, containers are found that can be manually assessed to determine whether they can be reused or must also be disposed of. In the case of an upstream inspection machine, improperly cleaned containers are washed again, or, for example, mineral residues are removed in a separate (acid) washing machine.

[0016] However, it is also possible that the reject unit is located after a labeling machine. Here, separation can be made, for example, between underfilled and improperly labeled containers. The operator pays particular attention to ensuring that, for example, tax strips are not damaged. This is because these tax strips are already paid for and, in the case of whisky bottling, represent a value of up to $30 each, depending on the product quality.

[0017] A product flow is understood to mean, in particular, that the containers are transported one after the other in the direction of transport. It is possible, in particular, for the containers to be transported adjacent to one another, but this is not absolutely necessary. It would also be possible for certain gaps to be provided between individual, successive units. Preferably, as mentioned above, the units are containers, and in particular plastic bottles, preforms, metal cans, or glass bottles.

[0018] In this context, "segregation" means that those general cargo items whose actual condition deviates from the target condition are removed from the general cargo flow, while the rest of the general cargo flow continues in its direction of transport. The separated general cargo may leave a gap in the general cargo flow, which is also "transported along" or moves on together with the remaining (especially properly functioning) containers.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device includes a gap-filling device suitable and designed to close gaps in the flow of individual items, and in particular gaps created by the removal of individual items. This gap-filling device can, for example, be a feeding device that introduces individual items into existing gaps, perhaps from a buffer. Alternatively, the gap-filling device can also be implemented, for example, by accumulation zones or by transport devices that move the individual items at different speeds.

[0020] This gap-filling device preferably allows a continuous flow of individual items to be re-established. Preferably, this gap-filling device is arranged downstream of the first sorting device in the transport direction, more preferably also downstream of the second sorting device, and more preferably also downstream of at least one further sorting device, which may be arranged downstream of the second sorting device. In this way, a continuous flow of individual items can be supplied to a subsequent device, such as a filling device.

[0021] The term "handling of goods or containers" refers to any processes that are carried out on or with the container, such as, but not limited to, filling the containers, transporting the containers, labeling the containers, sterilizing the containers, closing the containers, grouping the containers, packaging the containers, temperature-controlling the containers, and the like.

[0022] Advantageously, the transport device transports the individual items or containers in a straight line, at least in sections, and particularly in a straight line during inspection. Specifically, even the items or containers not yet rejected are transported in a straight line in the area where the rejection of an item takes place. Preferably, the rejection device is suitable and designed to move an item to be rejected transversely or obliquely with respect to the direction of transport. Preferably, this item to be rejected is moved transversely or obliquely with respect to a transport device.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment, the transport device is a conveyor belt. Advantageously, the transport device is suitable and designed to transport the containers in an upright position.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the transport device carries the individual items in a single row. Advantageously, the inspection device is an optical inspection device and / or, in particular, an inspection device that detects the actual condition of the containers without contact. In a further advantageous embodiment, the inspection device has lateral guides for moving the containers. These lateral guides can contact a side wall of the containers to transport them. Advantageously, the inspection device has an image acquisition device that outputs at least one image of an item to be inspected. The inspection device can further include a comparison device that compares the acquired images with reference images.

[0025] The signal emitted by the inspection device can be, for example, an electromagnetic signal. In addition, the signal can include data characteristic of the physical properties of the inspected goods. Furthermore, the signal can also be a warning signal, which is emitted precisely when properties measured during the inspection deviate from target values.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, the inspection device has a rotating device to rotate the containers with respect to their longitudinal directions.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the deviation from the target state is, in particular, a defect in the respective unit. This defect is especially preferably selected from a group of defects that includes the presence of unwanted liquids in the container, the presence of foreign bodies such as glass shards in the container, the presence of chipped or broken areas, and the like. It should also be noted, however, that the units need not necessarily be containers themselves, but could also be components of containers, such as container closures or preforms.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the sorting device includes a discharge device that conveys the sorted containers away. This discharge device can also include conveying means, such as conveyor belts or the like. Alternatively, the sorting device could also include elements such as chutes or other sliding elements through which the sorted goods are discharged. In a further advantageous embodiment, the sorting device includes a pusher that is suitable and designed to push individual containers or groups of containers out of the container stream at an angle or perpendicular to the direction of transport.

[0029] It is therefore preferably proposed that, following a rejection check, a second rejection unit or sorting device be provided (which could also be a final rejection device that, upon detecting an incorrectly rejected bottle from the material flow, rejects that individual bottle or even a group of containers (which, however, contains the defective container). In this way, user intervention can be avoided – at least at this stage.

[0030] According to the invention, the device includes a verification device that checks whether the item whose actual state deviates from the specified target state has been rejected by the first rejection device. This can, for example, be an optical verification device that determines whether a specific container is still in the flow of items.

[0031] This can be done, for example, using a light barrier device. However, it would also be possible to check in the discharge or sorting area whether a container has actually been sorted out. According to the invention, the checking device is arranged in the transport direction between the first sorting device and the second sorting device, and in particular also along the transport path or transport flow of the containers not to be sorted out.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, the inspection device is suitable and designed to inspect the flow of individual items not rejected by the rejection device (i.e., in particular, the defect-free items). These are therefore the items that, in normal operation, should lack precisely the rejected items, or those items that can be properly processed further.

[0033] Advantageously, this inspection device is preferably arranged downstream of the first sorting device and in particular in a transport area along which proper containers are transported.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the inspection device includes a detection means to identify, for example, gaps in the flow of individual items not rejected by the first rejection device. This also allows verification of whether the defective item in question, or the item whose actual condition deviates from a target condition, has indeed been rejected. As mentioned above, this detection means could, for example, be a light barrier. However, acoustic, force-measuring, and / or tactile means would also be conceivable for detecting the presence of containers.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the second sorting device is suitable and designed to also sort out at least one additional item of goods that is adjacent in the stream of goods to the item whose actual state deviates from the target state. For example, ejection devices could be provided that sort out two, three, or more consecutive items of goods. Preferably, the second sorting device sorts out at least two adjacent items of goods. This removal or sorting can be controlled and / or triggered such that a defective item of goods, such as a defective bottle, should be located (essentially) in the center of the group to be sorted out. It is possible to parameterize this group of goods to a size that ensures the defective item is reliably included.Depending on the design, for example, three, five, or more consecutively transported items or containers located in front of or behind the affected bottle could be separated. It is conceivable that the safety zone, i.e., the containers to be diverted, is freely configurable and increases the further the final or second diversion device is from the processing machine and its associated diversion devices.

[0036] The second sorting device is therefore particularly well-suited and designed to sort out a large number of individual items. In an advantageous embodiment, the number of items sorted out by the second sorting device is adjustable. Preferably, however, at least three items, and more preferably at least five, are sorted out. The second sorting device is preferably designed such that it can sort out more items from the stream of items during a single sorting process than the first or upstream sorting device.

[0037] Preferably, at least one sorting device has an ejection device suitable for laterally ejecting one or more containers, i.e., in particular perpendicular to the direction of transport, from the container stream. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one sorting device has a flap element that can be adjusted into the flow of individual items and then preferably serves as an ejection surface for diverting containers.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one sorting device comprises both an ejection device and a flap element located downstream of the ejection device in the transport direction of the containers. Advantageously, the flap element is controlled such that it moves into or is positioned within gaps created by the ejection device.

[0039] Advantageously, the first sorting device has an ejection element which is suitable and intended to eject individual items from the stream of items.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device includes a second inspection device that checks whether individual items have been rejected by the second rejection device and, in particular, whether those items whose actual condition deviates from the target condition have also been rejected. Preferably, this can again be done based on the further transported (especially correct) items. This second inspection device is also preferably arranged along the transport path of the items that have not been rejected. The second inspection device can also be a light barrier-based inspection device and / or, more generally, an inspection device that determines whether the flow of items has gaps.

[0041] In addition, an inspection based on the rejected individual items would also be possible. In a further advantageous embodiment, it is also possible to check whether an originally defective container was also rejected. In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a control unit which, if it is determined that the second rejection unit has not correctly rejected the containers and / or a defective container is still in the flow of individual items, issues a warning to the user and / or sends a signal that causes the affected parts of the system to stop or shut down.

[0042] This means that, preferably, a second inspection device or rejection control is used after the initial bulk discharge, which in turn monitors the discharge of the bulk. Should a defective container be detected there as well, the system would preferably be stopped and an operator would have to monitor production.

[0043] The redundant design of a second (and / or final) rejection control system proposed here minimizes the probability of incorrectly rejected items or bottles. This ensures a largely automated process and prevents downtime during production. In particular, it guarantees that downstream equipment, such as filling, labeling, or packaging systems, remains 100% operational. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for other semi-automatic solutions involving mass transport between, for example, an inspection system and a filling system.

[0044] The transport device preferably carries the unit loads, which are primarily containers, to a filling device. This makes the transport device particularly suitable and intended for transporting empty containers. Advantageously, the discharge device is electronic. In addition to the aforementioned impact mechanisms that eject containers from a flow of unit loads, various elements can also be used – particularly for diverting a bulk load – which discharge a predetermined sequence of unit loads.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment, the rejection device includes an additional transport device that conveys a rejected container back to a cleaning unit, such as a bottle washing system. This would also make it possible for the bridging unit to only be active or activated when a container has been rejected. For example, a light barrier could be used that only activates when a container has been rejected. The transport path of the conveying device can also be taken into account. This allows the system to determine at which point a container was rejected from a stream of individual items, and this gap must then be detected by a light barrier. It would also be possible to consider the transport speed.

[0046] A control device can take the transport path of the transport equipment into account, so that the monitoring device can send a corresponding signal, such as a light barrier signal, at the moment when a gap in the flow of individual items should occur. If this does not happen, it can be concluded that no container or the wrong container was rejected.

[0047] Several courses of action are conceivable in response to the detection that a particular container has not been rejected. For example, the transport equipment can be stopped, or a locking mechanism can be activated that rejects or blocks further containers. Preferably, the device includes an input means by which the machine operator can confirm or acknowledge their knowledge of an error that has occurred.

[0048] After this confirmation, a distribution device, such as a distribution grid, can open and the containers can be returned, for example, to the beginning of the transport system. It is possible for a container flow to be emptied between the inspection device and an infeed distribution point, which can occur, for example, at reduced speed. Preferably, the containers can be transported back to the container washing system via return transport means.

[0049] Once these return conveyors are emptied, the waste material can be returned to production mode and production can resume normally. The machine restarts and accelerates to a production speed, or catch-up speed, to close any gap with the filler.

[0050] The present invention further relates to a method for treating unit loads and, in particular, containers, wherein the unit loads are transported by a transport device in a predetermined transport direction, particularly as a unit load stream, and wherein the unit loads are inspected by a first inspection device, wherein this inspection device outputs at least one signal that is characteristic of the actual state of an inspected unit load. Furthermore, at least one unit load is separated from the unit load stream by a first rejection device, which is arranged downstream along the transport direction with respect to the first inspection device, if the signal output by the inspection device indicates that the actual state of the unit load deviates from a predetermined target state.

[0051] According to the invention, the device has a second sorting device which is arranged in the transport direction after the first sorting device and which sorts out at least one piece of goods whose actual state deviates from the target state and which was not sorted out by the first sorting device.

[0052] It is therefore also proposed from a procedural standpoint that at least two sorting facilities be provided and that the last stored sorting facility becomes active in particular in the case where it is determined that the upstream sorting facility has failed in the proper sorting of a particular item.

[0053] In another preferred method, the first inspection device checks whether the item whose actual condition deviates from the specified target condition has been rejected by the rejection device. Preferably, this check is also carried out taking into account a transport path of the transport device, for example by evaluating rotary encoders to determine where a gap would be located if a particular container had been properly rejected, or how quickly / far this gap has moved.

[0054] As an alternative to path tracking via rotary encoders and synchronization light barriers, FIFO (first in, first out) tracking is also effective. It is only necessary to ensure that synchronization takes place from time to time to keep the system up to date. A combination of both tracking methods is also conceivable.

[0055] Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the attached drawing: It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention 1; and Fig. 2a-c three illustrations to demonstrate the sorting of containers

[0056] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention. This is a machine line, wherein the containers are transported along the transport path P, and the dashed line L illustrates a continuation of the transport in the lower part of the figure. Thus, the transport of the containers in the figure takes place from right to left.

[0057] It can be seen that containers 10 are transported in a single lane along the transport path P by means of a transport device designated as a whole by 2. The transport device 2 can be composed of several successive transport units. This single-lane transport is also preferred. Here, the reference numeral 4 refers in its entirety to an inspection device, more precisely an empty bottle inspection machine. This inspection device can have a first inspection unit 42 (in the form of a side wall inspection) and a second inspection unit 46. This second inspection unit can be a side wall inspection unit with integrated scuffing detection. Between these two inspection units, the containers are transported by means of two transport devices, such as side guide belts (or...The containers are conveyed by conveyor belts 41 and 43 and can, for example, be rotated at a predetermined angle of approximately 90° with respect to their longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in this area, where the containers are preferably transported without a bottom conveyor, bottom inspections of the containers can be carried out using inspection devices (not shown in detail). Reference numeral 11 designates a container bottom inspection unit 11, which is a component of the inspection device 4.

[0058] Reference numeral 52 designates a discharge device that is part of a first discharge unit or sorting device 5 on the outlet side and is preferably designed as a pusher. Reference numeral 54 designates a further discharge device that is also part of a first discharge unit 5 on the outlet side and is preferably also designed as a pusher. This first discharge unit can be used, for example, to discharge containers that have "cosmetic defects" such as label residue from previous labels. In addition, this discharge unit 5 can be used to discharge containers that have defects such as scratched surfaces (scuffing). If containers are classified as defective here, they should also be sorted out and, if necessary, disposed of. Reference numeral 3 refers to a collection container for containers discharged by the first discharge unit.

[0059] Should defective containers be detected in this area, they can be sorted out by means of a second sorting device, designated as 6 in its entirety. This second sorting device 6 thus represents a second sorting device or discharge unit on the outbound side. The sorted containers are transported out via a transport device 64. This transport device 64 could, for example, be a return conveyor for manual inspection. For this purpose, impact elements could be provided that push the containers out of a transport path, or rail elements that divert the containers.

[0060] It is pointed out that the in the Fig. Figure 1 describes an embodiment for the discharge of empty containers upstream of a filling machine. However, the invention is also applicable to procedures following the filling of the containers. In such a configuration, any defects found in the containers could include, for example, incorrect fill levels of a product or loose or improperly fitting container closures.

[0061] In addition, the invention could also be conceivable at other positions in a packaging system, for example after a labeling machine.

[0062] Reference numeral 12 identifies a first inspection device that checks whether a defective item or container has been removed from the container flow. This inspection device could, for example, be a light barrier that checks whether gaps have occurred at desired positions. Therefore, this inspection device 12 is a rejection control for the rejection device or rejection unit 5 and / or the rejection device or rejection unit 6.

[0063] Reference numeral 8 designates a second sorting device, which serves to divert containers that were accidentally not diverted from the general cargo flow. This sorting device 8 is therefore preferably the final sorting device of the system. As mentioned above, preferably not only the desired container is diverted, but several containers, for example, as a group. For this purpose, diverting elements (not shown) and diverting plates 84 can be provided, which divert the containers onto a discharge conveyor or a discharge station 86. The remaining containers are then transported further by means of the conveyor belt 82 and thus continue along the transport path or transport direction P.

[0064] Preferably, however, this second sorting device includes impact elements, such as pusher flaps. Individual containers or groups of containers can be ejected from the container stream by means of such impact elements.

[0065] Reference numeral 14 identifies a second inspection device that checks whether the desired containers have been rejected at that time. If not, containers can be ejected via a gap-closing device 16, or production can be stopped. Thus, the second inspection device 14 is preferably a rejection control for the rejection device 8.

[0066] Reference numeral 16 shows a rough schematic representation of a gap-closing device including a sensor or measurement acquisition system. This gap-closing device is preferably located after the last reject unit and before the downstream machine.

[0067] Reference numeral 70 refers to a downstream machine device, such as a filling device.

[0068] The Fig. Figures 2a and 2c illustrate a sorting process for containers. In this process, Fig. Figure 2a shows a series of containers 10 being transported in the direction of transport P. The reference numeral 10a indicates a container identified as defective, which must be separated or diverted.

[0069] For this purpose, the inspection device 12 has an ejection device 92, which is suitable and designed to eject a specific number of containers laterally from the container stream. A discharge flap 94 is connected to this ejection device 92, which diverts the containers from the unit load stream. The ejection device serves the purpose of creating gaps in the unit load stream, since the discharge flap 94 cannot enter the continuous product stream.

[0070] This means, as in Fig. 2a shows that, first, several containers located in the direction of transport in front of a defective container are knocked out by the ejection device so that the reject flap 94 can be positioned in this gap.

[0071] In Fig. 2b, the reject flap 94 is set in the general cargo flow and can therefore divert a number of containers. Reference numeral 10a indicates a defective container that must be diverted. Reference numerals 10b refer to containers located upstream and downstream of the defective container in the general cargo flow, but which are rejected for safety reasons to ensure that the defective container 10a is also rejected.

[0072] At the in Fig.In the situation shown in Figure 2c, the discharge flap 94 is retracted again. To enable such retraction, several containers 10c are once again ejected laterally from the flow of goods by means of the ejection device 92. This is particularly advantageous because containers may be located on the discharge flap 94 during its retraction, and these containers, or one of them, could then collide with a railing of the system.

[0073] This means that, advantageously, the reject flap is only moved, and in particular closed or reset, when no container is attached to it and / or when the reject flap is being passed by a gap in the flow of general cargo. The reject flap also allows for the diversion of containers lying on their side.

[0074] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. Reference symbol list L line P Transport path, transport direction 1 Device 2 Transport equipment 3 Collection containers 4 Inspection equipment 5 first sorting facility 6 first sorting facility 8 second sorting facility 10 Container / General Cargo 10a faulty container 10b with containers to be discharged 10c Containers diverted for gap creation 11 Container bottom control unit 12 first verification facility 14 second verification facility 16 Gap-closing device 41 Side guide band 42 first inspection unit 43 Side guide band 46 second inspection unit 52, 54 Expulsion device 64 Transport equipment 70 Machine equipment 82 Goodband 84 Diverter plate 86 Exit band 92 Ejection device 94 Disposal flap

Claims

[1] Device (1) for handling unit loads (10) and in particular containers (10) comprising a transport device (2) which transports the unit loads (10) in a predetermined transport direction (P) as a unit load stream, comprising at least one first inspection device (4) which inspects the unit loads and which outputs at least one signal which is characteristic of an actual state of an inspected unit load (10), comprising a first sorting device (6) which is arranged downstream along the transport direction (P) with respect to the first inspection device (4) and which is suitable and intended to sort at least one unit load (10) from the unit load stream if the signal output by the inspection device (4) indicates that an actual state of the unit load (10) deviates from a predetermined target state and the device (1) has a second sorting device (8),which is arranged in the transport direction (P) after the at least one first sorting device (6) and which is suitable and intended to separate at least one piece of general cargo (10) whose actual state deviates from the target state and which has not been separated by the first sorting device (6) from the general cargo stream , characterized by , that the device has at least one first inspection device (12) which checks whether the item (10) whose actual state deviates from the specified target state has been separated by the first sorting device (6), wherein the first inspection device (12) is arranged in the transport direction (P) between the first sorting device (6) and the second sorting device (8). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the first inspection device (12) is suitable and intended to inspect the flow of the general cargo (10) that has not been rejected by the first rejection device (6). [3] Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the first inspection device (12) has a means of detection to detect gaps in the flow of general cargo (10) not rejected by the first rejection device (6). [4] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second sorting device (8) is suitable and intended to sort out at least one further piece of general cargo (10) which is adjacent in the general cargo stream to the piece of general cargo (10) whose actual state deviates from the target state. [5] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the second sorting device (8) is the last sorting device (8) with respect to the general cargo flow. [6] Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the second sorting device (8) is suitable and intended to sort out a large number of individual items (10). [7] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first sorting device (6) has an ejection element which is suitable and intended to eject individual unit loads (10) from the unit load stream. [8] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 2-7, characterized by , that the device has a second inspection device (14) which checks whether any itemized goods (10) have been sorted out by the second sorting device (8). [9] Method for handling unit loads (10) and in particular containers (10), wherein the unit loads are transported as a unit load stream by a transport device (2) in a predetermined transport direction (P) and are inspected by a first inspection device (4), wherein the first inspection device (4) outputs at least one signal which is characteristic of an actual state of an inspected unit load (10), and wherein at least one unit load is separated from the unit load stream by a first rejection device (6), which is arranged downstream along the transport direction (P) with respect to the first inspection device (4), if it is evident from the signal output by the inspection device (4) that an actual state of the unit load deviates from a predetermined target state. characterized by, that the device (1) has a second sorting device (8) which is arranged in the transport direction (P) after the first sorting device (6) and which sorts out at least one piece of goods (10) whose actual state deviates from the target state and which has not been sorted out by the first sorting device (6) and a first inspection device (12) checks whether the piece of goods whose actual state deviates from the specified target state has been sorted out by the first sorting device (6), wherein the first inspection device (12) is arranged in the transport direction (P) between the first sorting device (6) and the second sorting device (8).

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