Method and device for inspecting container closures attached to containers

Abstract

A method for treating containers (10) provided with container closures (20), wherein filled containers (10) are transported and a closure device (4) provides these containers (10) with container closures (20), wherein these container closures (20) are crown corks or screw caps, and wherein the closure device (4) has at least two closure units (42, 44), which each attach the container closures (20) to the containers (10), and wherein an inspection device (6) arranged downstream of the closure device in a transport direction inspects the containers provided with the closures (10), characterized in that the inspection device (6) has at least two image recording devices (62, 64),which each record at least one spatially resolved image of each container, and an evaluation device (8) evaluates the recorded images and determines at least one measured value from the images, this measured value being characteristic of the container closures arranged on the containers.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for inspecting container closures.

[0002] It has long been known from the state of the art that closure inspections are also performed during the production of beverage containers. In some cases, individual sealed containers are removed from the container stream and the closures are inspected. It is also known to check the capper settings. For example, prior to production, a round of sealed bottles is rejected and the diameter of the applied crown caps is manually measured using a gauge.

[0003] In the current state of the art, this must be performed by an employee before each production run. This type of measurement is usually performed offline. It does not monitor the entire production run, and any capping errors that occur are not detected because the cap inspections are usually not that precise. Furthermore, the current cap inspections currently use a pattern comparison method and therefore do not evaluate, for example, the measured diameter.

[0004] EP 3 605 010 A1 discloses a method and a device for detecting closures of containers. Closures are examined that have a cork-like element that engages a container mouth.

[0005] GB 2 135 447 A describes a method for examining screw closures.

[0006] DE 10 2014 107 915 A1 discloses an inspection device for container closures. An optical lens is designed as a rotationally symmetric lens and has at least two lens regions, one of which has a convex surface and at least one further lens region has a planospherical surface.

[0007] WO 2019 / 003170 A1 describes a method and a device for transferring piece goods to a transport line.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device which in particular also enable an inline inspection of the closures and in particular of the screw and / or crown cap closures.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] In a method according to the invention for treating containers provided or to be provided with container closures, containers filled (with a flowable substance, in particular a liquid and in particular with a beverage) are transported and a closure device provides and in particular closes these containers each with container closures, wherein these container closures are crown corks or screw closures, wherein the closure device has at least two closure units which each attach the container closures to the containers and wherein an inspection device arranged downstream of the closure device in a transport direction inspects the containers provided with the closures.

[0011] According to the invention, the inspection device has at least two image recording devices, each of which records at least one spatially resolved image of at least some containers and preferably of each container and / or the container closure arranged on the container, and an evaluation device is further provided which evaluates the recorded images and determines at least one measured value from the images, this measured value being characteristic of the container closures arranged on the containers.

[0012] More specifically, at least one measured value is determined that is characteristic of a physical property of the container closures arranged on the containers. This property is preferably a geometric quantity and, in particular, a diameter of the container closures arranged on the containers.

[0013] It is therefore proposed that container closures be inspected inline, particularly during production. Preferably, each sealed container is inspected and / or tested. However, it would also be possible to inspect only every nth container, or even randomly selected containers or their closures.

[0014] Generally, these closures, such as crown caps, can be problematic if they fit too loosely on the containers. In this case, air can enter the containers, for example, which can impair the shelf life of the product inside.

[0015] Conversely, however, it is also possible that the closures are attached too tightly to the containers, resulting in damage to the mouth when opening the containers, for example, resulting in glass breakage at the container mouth. With screw caps, the problem can arise that they are screwed onto the mouth too tightly and cannot be removed by hand, or the container is damaged when unscrewed.

[0016] In a preferred method, the containers are transported along a circular segment-like transport path while they are closed with the container closures.

[0017] The closing device preferably has at least three, preferably at least four, closing units. These closing units can be designed, for example, as closing heads that apply the closures to the containers, for example, by pressing them onto the containers. These closing units can also be designed as closing heads that screw or crimp the container closures onto the containers.

[0018] The closing device preferably has at most 80, preferably at most 60, preferably at most 50 and preferably at most 40 closing units.

[0019] Preferably, these closing units are arranged on a rotatable support. Particularly preferably, holding devices for holding the individual containers are also arranged on this rotatable support. Preferably, each of these holding devices is assigned exactly one closing unit.

[0020] Preferably, the respective closing units each have drive devices that effect the attachment of the container closures to the containers. In a further preferred embodiment, the closing units can be controlled independently of one another. This means that the individual closing units, and in particular the movements performed by these closing units, are preferably not coupled to one another.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the containers are transported at a transport speed greater than 0.5 m / s, preferably greater than 1 m / s. In another preferred method, the containers are transported at a speed less than 5 m / s, preferably less than 4 m / s, preferably less than 3 m / s, and preferably less than 2.5 m / s.

[0022] Preferably, the containers to be sealed are transported by a first transport device, and the containers sealed with the container closures are transported by a second transport device. This second transport device is preferably a conveyor belt.

[0023] Preferably, the containers are transported in a straight line during inspection. Particularly preferably, the containers are transported during inspection by a single-lane conveyor belt.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the containers are transported at a distance from one another. Preferably, the containers are transported individually. The distance between the containers transported by at least one transport device during their inspection is preferably less than twice the diameter of a container, preferably less than 1.5 times the diameter of a container, preferably less than 1.0 times the diameter of a container, and particularly preferably less than 0.5 times the diameter of a container.

[0025] In further preferred embodiments, the image recording device(s) is / are a camera. Particularly preferably, this image recording device(s) is / are oriented such that it / they observe the containers and / or the container closures obliquely or perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the containers.

[0026] Particularly preferably, a recording angle relative to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and / or relative to a horizontal plane is less than 20°, preferably less than 15°, and particularly preferably less than 10°. It would be possible for the image recording devices to observe the container closures arranged on the containers obliquely from above; however, it would also be possible for the image recording device(s) to observe the container closures arranged on the containers obliquely from below. Observation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the containers would also be possible.

[0027] The containers are preferably plastic or glass bottles. The liquid contained in the containers is, in particular, a beverage, such as beer, lemonade, juice, or water.

[0028] In a further preferred method, the container closure is measured to determine said measured value. Particularly preferably, the container closure is measured in a three-dimensional space. This three-dimensional space can be formed, for example, based on a position detection of the container. In this way, said measured value can be determined, which, as mentioned above, is in particular a diameter or a radius of the closure. However, it would also be possible to determine a different value, in particular a value that allows conclusions to be drawn about the diameter, such as a curvature of a peripheral edge of the container closure.

[0029] Particularly preferably, an allocation device assigns the measured value to the closing unit that closed the container with the inspected container closure. If, as mentioned above, a plurality of closing units is provided, the closing unit that closed this container is preferably assigned to an inspected container.

[0030] With the additional organ assignment to the closing units described here, complete monitoring of the closing device and / or the closing organs or closing units and / or the production is possible - especially inline.

[0031] In a preferred method, a plurality of the aforementioned measured values ​​are recorded for a plurality of container closures and preferably stored. This makes it possible to identify trends, such as a deterioration in closure quality. This deterioration can preferably also be determined for individual closure units.

[0032] For example, it can be determined for the nth closing unit that the closure quality changes.

[0033] Preferably, the said measured value is determined for a given area of ​​the container closure, for example for its peripheral edge surrounding the mouth of the container.

[0034] In a further preferred method, at least two, preferably at least three, and particularly preferably at least four images recorded by the image recording devices are evaluated to determine the measured value, wherein the measured value is, in particular, a diameter. These images are preferably evaluated independently of one another.

[0035] In a further preferred method, the at least two and preferably at least three images captured by the image recording devices are combined to form a panoramic image and / or a developed image of at least one portion of the container closure. For example, a 360° developed view of a peripheral edge of the container closure arranged on the container can be displayed.

[0036] In another preferred method, a location and / or position of the container and / or the container closure is detected. In this way, a plane can be formed in which a surface of the closure lies. By determining a second plane that intersects the first plane, in particular at an angle of 90°, a specific value, such as a diameter of the closure, can then be determined by measuring the closure.

[0037] Preferably, the position is determined from the image taken of the container closure. Preferably, the measured value is also determined from this image or with the aid of this image.

[0038] In another preferred method, a geometric center of the container closure is determined. This geometric center is particularly preferably determined from the image(s) taken of the container closures.

[0039] Preferably, a diameter of the container closure is determined taking into account its center point. Preferably, the above-mentioned plane intersecting the horizontal plane is selected such that it passes through the center point of the container closure.

[0040] In another preferred method, the measured value is a diameter of the closure arranged on a container or a measured value characteristic of this diameter. Particularly preferably, the measured value is a diameter of the container closure determined at a predetermined height of the container closure.

[0041] Preferably, the diameter is determined with an accuracy that is less than 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.4 mm, preferably less than 0.3 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm, particularly preferably less than 0.1 mm.

[0042] Particularly preferably, a diameter is determined at a location on the closure, assuming that the diameter has a substantially circular cross-section. A circular cross-section also includes cross-sections that have a wavy outer cross-section, such as, in particular but not exclusively, in the case of crown caps.

[0043] However, it would also be conceivable to determine the diameter at two points on the container closure, for example using two lines that each pass through the determined center of the container closure and that intersect at an angle of 90°.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, (at least) two image recording devices and, in particular, two cameras are provided. These two cameras are offset from each other by a predetermined angle with respect to their viewing direction. This angle is preferably between 100° and 200°, preferably between 120° and 180°, preferably between 140° and 160°, and particularly preferably approximately 150°.

[0045] This allows measurements to be taken at two points on the container closure, for example using two planes that each pass through the center and preferably intersect at an angle of at least 20°, preferably at least 30°, preferably at least 50°, preferably at least 60°, preferably at least 70°, preferably at least 80° and especially at least 90°.

[0046] In another preferred method, a position of the closed container is detected, and the measured value is preferably determined taking this position into account. Particularly preferably, the position of the container in its transport direction is detected. However, the position of the container and / or the container closure in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction is also particularly preferably detected.

[0047] Particularly preferably, both the position of the container or the container closure and the measured value are determined from the images recorded by the at least two and preferably the at least three image recording devices.

[0048] In another preferred method, the measured value is determined taking this position into account.

[0049] It is possible that the position of the container and / or the container closure is first recorded from a captured image of the container and that the value for the diameter, for example, is determined based on this recorded position.

[0050] Preferably, based on the detected position, the above-mentioned plane is placed through the closure plane, in particular through an upper, closing wall of the closure. Preferably, a center point of the container closure is determined in this image or based on this plane. In a further step, a second plane, which runs obliquely or perpendicular to the said plane, is placed such that it runs through a center point of the closure. Based on this cutting plane, or more precisely the resulting cutting line, one or more edge points of the container closure are then preferably determined. The diameter can then preferably be determined using these edge points.

[0051] In another preferred method, measured values ​​are stored and / or logged for a plurality of container closures. For example, the diameter of the closure can be stored and / or logged for a plurality of recorded closures. Particularly preferably, this measured value, in particular a diameter, can also be assigned to the corresponding closure units.

[0052] In another preferred method, inspected containers are rejected, particularly depending on an inspection result or a measured value. For example, containers can be rejected if it turns out that the diameter of the container closure lies outside a tolerance window, so that the container is not properly sealed.

[0053] Preferably, the measured values ​​are compared with reference values. For example, measured diameters of container closures can be compared with (stored) reference values.

[0054] Particularly preferably, the method described here is carried out at least at the start of production or after a product change. For example, the measurement results can be recorded, for example, in the form of a laboratory quality report.

[0055] It is particularly preferred that the entire production process be monitored (especially continuously). However, it would also be possible to monitor production on a random basis.

[0056] In another preferred method, the measurements or inspections are logged and / or stored with a time stamp. This allows for subsequent reconnaissance of when and on which containers or container closures the respective measurements were performed.

[0057] Particularly preferably, at least one measured value and measurement results in general are affixed to the container (e.g., printed on it), or preferably, at least one marking is affixed to a container, which is characteristic of at least one measurement result and / or at least one measured value. Furthermore, it is possible to store containers inspected and marked in this way as retention samples and / or to discharge them (e.g., onto a laboratory conveyor or similar).

[0058] In another preferred method, the closing device and / or at least one closing unit is controlled and preferably regulated in response to a measured value and / or taking this measured value into account. For example, a closed-loop function can be set up for the closing device or the individual closing units. It would also be possible for production to be halted or stopped if quality guidelines are not met.

[0059] In another preferred method, the measured value is determined in a region of the container closure that surrounds the container mouth. Preferably, the container closure has a section or region that covers a container opening and a second region that surrounds the container mouth. The measurement (to determine the measured value) is particularly preferably performed in this second region.

[0060] In the case of a crown cap, the measurement is preferably taken at the lower edge of the respective prongs. However, it would also be possible to determine the diameter at the valleys between the prongs or at a diameter above the prongs. Measuring in this lower area has the advantage that, for example, during an inspection from above, if the measurement is not taken exactly centrally below the camera, the prongs will be shaded, making it impossible or difficult to measure the correct diameter.

[0061] Preferably, the radius or the diameter at the lower edge of the serrated closure is the decisive position for the question of whether the container is closed correctly, ie not too loosely and not too tightly.

[0062] Particularly preferred is the measurement of the dimensions of the valleys and / or points, as well as their spacing. Preferably, the spacing between the points is determined at the bottom edge of the points.

[0063] In a further preferred method, the device has at least three, preferably at least four, image recording devices and / or the container closure is inspected with at least three and preferably at least four image recording devices.

[0064] Particularly preferably, the at least two, preferably the at least three, image recording devices are calibrated relative to one another. In particular, the at least two and in particular the at least three image recording devices are calibrated with regard to their position and / or their orientation. For this purpose, for example, a calibration body can be provided, which is arranged centrally between the image recording devices. Calibration can then be carried out in such a way that the images from the image recording devices each capture the calibration body in the same way (but from different directions).

[0065] In another preferred method, the position of the container is determined in a world coordinate system (or a higher-level and, in particular, stationary coordinate system). This is particularly preferably done using mutually calibrated image recording devices. In this case, the acquisition of a panoramic image is not absolutely necessary.

[0066] If the position of the container in a world coordinate system is known, the coordinates of the bottom edges of the prongs can also be determined in this world coordinate system. From this, the diameter of the container closure can be determined.

[0067] In a further preferred method, the container closure has a covering area and / or a covering plane that covers an opening of the container, as well as a peripheral edge that surrounds the mouth of the container (preferably completely), and the measured value is determined with respect to this peripheral edge. The size of the covering plane is not influenced by the closing process, but the diameter of the peripheral edge can be a clear indication of the quality of the container closure.

[0068] In a further preferred method, the container closures are illuminated, in particular by means of at least one, and preferably precisely one, illumination device, which is preferably arranged above the containers. Therefore, the inspection of the container closures is particularly preferably carried out using a reflected light method. The illumination device is preferably an illumination device that emits diffuse light. The illumination of the container closures is preferably triggered by an image captured by the inspection device.

[0069] Preferably, the image recordings are carried out simultaneously with the at least two and preferably with the at least three image recording devices.

[0070] Particularly preferably, an approximate position of the containers is determined, and this approximate position determination subsequently triggers an inspection and / or image recording. For example, a light barrier can be provided that triggers and / or initiates the image recording or inspection.

[0071] The present invention is further directed to a method for inspecting containers provided with container closures, wherein the container closures are crown corks or screw closures, and wherein a transport device transports the containers provided with the container closures in a transport direction and an inspection device inspects the containers provided with the container closures.

[0072] According to the invention, the inspection device has at least two image recording devices and preferably at least three image recording devices, which each record at least one spatially resolved image of at least some of the containers and preferably of each container, wherein an evaluation device evaluates the recorded images and derives and / or determines at least one measured value from the images, wherein this measured value is characteristic of the container closures arranged on the containers and is characteristic in particular of at least one physical property and in particular one geometric property of these container closures, such as in particular a diameter of the container closures.

[0073] Preferably, the process steps described above are carried out.

[0074] The present invention is further directed to a device for treating containers provided with container closures, comprising a transport device suitable and intended for transporting containers filled with a medium, in particular a liquid, and a closing device suitable and intended for providing these containers with container closures, wherein these container closures are crown corks or screw caps. The closing device has at least two closing units, each of which is suitable and intended for applying the container closures to the containers. Furthermore, an inspection device is provided, arranged downstream of the closing device in the transport direction, which inspection device is suitable and intended for inspecting the containers provided with the closures.Preferably, this inspection device is suitable and intended to inspect the containers provided with the container closures and / or these container closures during their movement.

[0075] According to the invention, the inspection device has at least two and preferably at least three image recording devices which are suitable and intended to record at least one spatially resolved image of several and preferably of each container, and an evaluation device is provided which is suitable and intended to evaluate the recorded images and to determine at least one measured value from the images, this measured value being characteristic of the container closures arranged on the containers.

[0076] Preferably, the device described here is suitable and intended to carry out the method described above.

[0077] Particularly preferably, the device comprises an assignment device which is suitable and intended to assign the closure unit which has closed the container with the inspected container closure and / or which has arranged this container closure on the container to the measured value(s) and / or an image of a container closure recorded by at least one image recording device.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a position-determining device which is suitable and intended to detect a position of the closed container or of the container provided with the container closure.

[0079] Preferably, the position is determined using two, and preferably at least three, image recording devices. In an alternative embodiment, the position is determined using a camera mounted concentrically above the container closure.

[0080] Particularly preferably, the evaluation device is suitable and intended to determine the said measured value taking into account the detected position.

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a lighting device which is suitable and intended for illuminating the container closed with the container closure and in particular also for illuminating the container closure.

[0082] The present invention is further directed to a device for inspecting containers provided with container closures, wherein the container closures are crown caps or screw caps. This device comprises a transport device suitable and intended for transporting the containers provided with the closures in a transport direction, as well as an inspection device suitable and intended for inspecting containers provided with the container closures, and in particular the container closures.

[0083] Particularly preferably, the inspection device comprises at least two, and preferably at least three, image recording devices, which are suitable and intended to record at least one spatially resolved image of several, and preferably of each, container (provided with a container closure). Furthermore, an evaluation device is provided, which is suitable and intended to evaluate the recorded images and to determine and / or ascertain at least one measured value from the images, wherein this measured value is characteristic of the container closures arranged on the containers.

[0084] Particularly preferably, the two or at least three image recording devices are synchronized with one another in such a way that they each record images at the same time.

[0085] Particularly preferably, the at least two and preferably the at least three image recording devices observe the container provided with the container closure from two different directions.

[0086] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a marking device for marking the inspected containers, wherein this marking device is preferably suitable and intended to apply a marking to the containers which enables a conclusion to be drawn about the measured value determined with regard to this container.

[0087] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has at least one background element that can be observed by at least one image recording device. Particularly preferably, each image recording device is assigned a background element that can be optically detected by this image recording device.

[0088] Preferably, such a background element is arranged on at least one image recording device and preferably on each image recording device, which background element can be detected by an opposite image recording device and is thus assigned to this image recording device.

[0089] Preferably, the respective background elements are arranged such that the container to be inspected is arranged between the image recording device and the background element associated with this image recording device.

[0090] This background element is preferably designed homogeneously. Preferably, the background element is at least partially white in color and preferably uniformly white in color.

[0091] Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the attached drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows an illustration of an image recording system with three image recording devices; Fig. 3 a side view of an image capture device with three image capture devices; Fig. 4 images of recorded container closures; Fig. 5 images of recorded container closures; Fig. 6 shows an illustration of an image recording system with four image recording devices; Fig. 7 a side view of an image pickup with four image pickup devices; Fig. 8 shows an illustration of an inspection device; and Fig. 9 a block diagram representation of a method according to the invention.

[0092] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention. This device comprises a transport device 2, which transports containers 10. Although not shown, this transport device 2 is preferably composed of a plurality of transport units, which are preferably connected to one another. Contrary to what is shown, the containers are preferably not transported continuously in a straight line, but preferably also at least partially along a circular segment-shaped transport path.

[0093] These containers are, as in Fig. 1 shown on the left side, initially still unsealed but already filled.

[0094] Reference numeral 4 denotes a closing device. This device comprises several closing units 42, 44, 46, which each provide the individual containers with container closures 20, as shown to the right of the closing device 4.

[0095] The containers 10 provided with the container closures are transported to an inspection device 6, which here has four image recording devices 62, 64, 66, 68, which preferably simultaneously record images of the container closures 20 arranged on the containers.

[0096] The reference numeral 8 denotes an assignment device which assigns to each container and / or each image taken of a container and / or of a container closure the closure unit 42, 44, 46 which has closed this container.

[0097] Reference numeral 16 schematically indicates an evaluation device, which serves to evaluate the images captured by the image recording devices. This evaluation device can combine the captured images into a panoramic image.

[0098] Preferably, the evaluation device also determines an exact position of the container closure (within the image). Furthermore, the evaluation device 16 preferably determines a characteristic size of the container closure, in particular its diameter D.

[0099] The reference numeral 18 denotes a storage device in which the measured values ​​determined are stored, in particular with an assignment to the individual closing units 42, 44, 46 and / or with a time indication.

[0100] Reference numeral 12 denotes a rejection device, which is suitable and intended for rejecting individual containers from the transport path. This rejection preferably occurs in response to a measured value determined by the inspection device.

[0101] Fig. 2 shows an inspection which is carried out here with three image recording devices 62, 64, 66.

[0102] One of the three image recording devices, here the image recording device 64, enables the exact determination of the position of the container 10.

[0103] Preferably, a plane (of the image acquisition) is aligned with the crown cap, which allows for compensation of crooked necks. This means that it is preferentially possible to take into account the fact that the planes of the container closures are not exactly in a horizontal plane.

[0104] Precise position measurement of the container makes it possible to measure the diameter of the container closure, such as a crown cap. In one example, the container closures must have a diameter between 28.58 mm and 28.75 mm when correctly applied.

[0105] Based on the measured values ​​determined in this way, an expansion of the filler and / or capping device management is possible. In particular, the individual capping units of the capping device can be controlled and / or regulated based on the measured values.

[0106] As mentioned above, the crown cap diameter is preferably assigned to an organ, i.e. the individual measured diameters are preferably assigned to those closing units which have attached the respective container closure to the container.

[0107] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows an image of a container closure 20 using three image recording devices. The container closure 20 has a cover section 20a and a circumferential section 20b.

[0108] The Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 each show captured images of container closures arranged on containers. In each case, the cover section 20a of the container closure 20, which covers the opening of the container 20, as well as the peripheral edge 20b surrounding the mouth of the container, can be seen. Preferably, the diameter is determined in the region of the peripheral edge and in particular in the region of the ends 20c of the individual prongs of the crown cap. This prong-shaped area of ​​the crown cap is also visible in the developed view 22.

[0109] Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the inspection is carried out with four image recording devices 62, 64, 66, 68. Using four image recording devices, it is possible to develop an area of ​​four times 90°. This results in a development without dead zone. As in Fig. 7, in this case the four image recording devices 62, 64, 66, 68 are arranged evenly around the container closure 20 and observe it obliquely from above.

[0110] The most precise position determination is possible using four image recording devices. In addition, adjusting a plane to the container closure, and especially to a crown cap, is the most robust method. This results in a very precise determination of the diameter of the container closure and, in particular, the crown cap diameter.

[0111] Fig. 8 shows an inspection device 6. Here, the individual image recording devices 62, 64, 66, 68 are shown.

[0112] The reference numeral 72 denotes an illumination device which is preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a geometric center point between the image recording devices. Furthermore, this illumination device is arranged above the containers to be inspected (not shown).

[0113] Reference numeral 82 denotes a calibration body used to calibrate the individual image recording devices (particularly with respect to each other). The calibration body is removed during operation.

[0114] Preferably, background elements or background disks 92, 94, 96, 98 are arranged on the individual image recording devices 62, 64, 66, 68. These background elements each serve to improve the image recording by the respective opposite image recording device.

[0115] Fig.Figure 9 shows a diagram illustrating the container treatment process. First, the diameter of the container closure, in this case a crown cap, is determined. The determined diameter is preferably compared with a target value. If the determined diameter deviates from the target value and, in particular, lies outside a tolerance window formed around the target value, the container in question is rejected.

[0116] If it is determined that, for example, the target values ​​for the diameter of the container closures are not met for a large number of containers, or for all containers sealed by a specific closing unit, a machine stop can be initiated. However, it would also be possible to deactivate the relevant closing unit so that no containers are sealed by this closing unit until the next maintenance break.

[0117] In addition, the inspected container can be marked with the measured diameter. This marking can also identify the closing unit that sealed the container. A time stamp can also be applied to the marking.

[0118] Preferably, a container marked in this way is rejected, for example, so that it can be used as a retention sample. This rejection can, for example, be made to a quality belt.

[0119] Preferably, this rejection can be reported to a control device (smart device) so that the retention samples can be saved.

[0120] Furthermore, the closing device can also be controlled using the determined diameter, and in particular, the individual closing units of the closing device can be controlled and regulated. For example, if it is determined that the diameters of the container closures applied to the containers by a specific closing unit always deviate from a target diameter by a certain amount, this specific closing unit can be readjusted.

[0121] Furthermore, it is also possible to forward the measured diameters to a database, particularly a quality database. This also enables long-term monitoring of quality conditions.

[0122] Furthermore, all measured data, i.e., all inspection results, can be forwarded to a database. This allows for continuous monitoring of all closing units. Cross-machine quality control can also be performed.

[0123] The measured values ​​can be stored in a cloud (preferably with a timestamp).

[0124] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting further features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 605 010 A1

[0004] GB 2 135 447 A

[0005] DE 10 2014 107 915 A1

[0006] WO 2019 / 003170 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Method for treating containers (10) provided or to be provided with container closures (20), wherein filled containers (10) are transported and a closure device (4) provides these containers (10) with container closures (20), wherein these container closures (20) are crown corks or screw caps, and wherein the closure device (4) has at least two closure units (42, 44), which each attach the container closures (20) to the containers (10), and wherein an inspection device (6) arranged downstream of the closure device in a transport direction inspects the containers provided with the closures (10), characterized bythat the inspection device (6) has at least two image recording devices (62, 64), which each record at least one spatially resolved image of each container and an evaluation device evaluates the recorded images and determines at least one measured value from the images, this measured value being characteristic of the container closures arranged on the containers. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that an allocation device (8) allocates to the measured value the closing unit which closed the container with the inspected container closure. [3] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least two images recorded by the image recording devices are evaluated in order to determine the measured value. [4] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the measured value is characteristic of a diameter of the container closure arranged on the container and preferably the diameter is determined with an accuracy that is less than 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.4 mm, preferably less than 0.3 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm and particularly preferably less than 0.1 mm. [5] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a position of the closed container is recorded and the measured value is preferably determined taking this position into account. [6] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the container closure has a covering plane which covers an opening of the container and a peripheral edge (20b) which surrounds the mouth of the container and the measured value is determined with respect to this peripheral edge (20b). [7] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the container closures (20) are illuminated and in particular are illuminated by means of a lighting device which is arranged above the containers (10). [8] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the closing device (4) and / or at least one closing unit is controlled taking into account the measured value. [9] Method for inspecting containers provided with container closures, wherein these container closures (20) are crown corks or screw closures, wherein a transport device transports the containers provided with the closures in a transport direction and an inspection device inspects the containers provided with the container closures, characterized bythat the inspection device (6) has at least two image recording devices (62, 64, 66, 68), which each record at least one spatially resolved image of each container, and an evaluation device evaluates the recorded images and determines at least one measured value from the images, this measured value being characteristic of the container closures (20) arranged on the containers (10) [10] Device for treating containers provided or to be provided with container closures, comprising a transport device (2) which is suitable and intended for transporting containers filled with a medium and a closing device (4) which is suitable and intended for providing these containers (10) with container closures (20), wherein these container closures (20) are crown corks or screw caps, and wherein the closing device (2) has at least two closing units (42, 44, 46), which are each suitable and intended for applying the container closures (20) to the containers (10), and wherein an inspection device (6) is provided which is arranged downstream of the closing device (4) in a transport direction and is suitable and intended for inspecting the containers (10) provided with the closures (10), characterized bythat the inspection device (6) has at least two image recording devices (62, 64, 66, 68) which are suitable and intended to record at least one spatially resolved image of a plurality of containers and preferably of each container (10), and an evaluation device which is suitable and intended to evaluate the recorded images and to determine at least one measured value from the images, this measured value being characteristic of the container closures (20) arranged on the containers (10) [11] Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the device (1) has an assignment device (8) which is suitable and intended to assign a measured value and / or an image of a container closure (20) recorded by at least one image recording device (62, 64, 66, 68) to that closure unit (42, 44, 46) which has arranged this container closure (20) on the container (10) [12] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 9-10, characterized by that the device (1) has a position detection device which is suitable and intended to detect a position of the containers (10) provided with the container closures (20). [13] Device for inspecting containers provided with container closures, these container closures (20) being crown corks or screw closures, with a transport device (2) which is suitable and intended to transport the containers (10) provided with the container closures (20) in a transport direction and an inspection device (6) which is suitable and intended to inspect containers (10) provided with the container closures (20), characterized bythat the inspection device (6) has at least two image recording devices (62, 64, 66, 68) which are suitable and intended to record at least one spatially resolved image of each container (10) and / or the container closure arranged on the container (10), and an evaluation device is provided which is suitable and intended to evaluate the recorded images and to determine at least one measured value from the images, this measured value being characteristic of the container closures (20) arranged on the containers (10). [14] Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the inspection device (6) has at least three and preferably at least four image recording devices (62, 64, 66, 68). [15] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the device (1) has a marking device for marking the inspected containers, wherein this marking device is preferably suitable and intended to apply a marking to the containers which enables a conclusion to be drawn about the measured value determined with regard to this container (10).

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