Rotary conveyor, arrangement of such and an inspection device, and inspection method with such an arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary conveyor with a frame (7) arranged on the mainland and a rotatably mounted attachment (9) which enables rotation about an axis of rotation (z) extending through the attachment (9), wherein the rotatable attachment (9) has a rotating platform (11) lying in the plane (xy), a conveying system (13) with at least one conveying element (15a-e) is arranged on the rotating platform (11) to convey objects (5) in a conveying plane lying parallel to the plane (xy) in the conveying direction (x), wherein at least one conveying drive device (23) is integrated in the rotatable attachment (9) which drives at least one conveying element (15a-e) or at least one of the conveying elements (15a-e), and the rotary conveyor (1) has a rotary drive device (41) to rotate the rotatable attachment (9) about the axis of rotation (z).wherein the rotatable attachment (9) lies with its center of gravity substantially in the axis of rotation (z) and / or the axis of rotation (z) passes through a drive (27, 29) of at least one conveyor drive unit. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising such a rotary conveyor (1) and an inspection device (3), as well as a method for inspecting the surface of an object (5) rotating at least 360° about an axis of rotation (z) using a camera (17) in such an arrangement, wherein several images of the object surface are recorded and the individual images obtained from the recordings are combined to form a complete image for evaluation, wherein the object (5) is rotated during the inspection by means of such a rotary conveyor (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rotary conveyor, an arrangement of such conveyors and an inspection device, and an inspection method with such an arrangement.

[0002] Such rotary conveyors, arrangements and inspection methods are used, for example, in the manufacture, testing and inspection of heavier products, especially containers filled with liquid, such as tanks, buckets, etc.

[0003] The inspection of objects with non-rotationally symmetrical shapes, such as non-cylindrical, irregularly shaped containers, buckets, etc. (hereinafter referred to as buckets) with partially round or even rectangular edges, makes it difficult to check the quality of printed or labeled surfaces or to read printed information, such as barcodes, especially on the outer surface.

[0004] In modern production lines, it is essential that inspections be carried out with high accuracy and very high speed across the entire surface of the bucket. For example, only a few seconds, often just two seconds, are available for the inspection of a bucket (insertion, 360° rotation with inspection, and retraction).

[0005] However, such objects weigh several kilograms, for example up to 17 kg in the case of liquid-filled buckets.

[0006] However, label inspection on the outer surface of non-cylindrical, especially oval or even almost rectangular, buckets can only be carried out with a flatbed camera with considerable effort due to the rounded edges. The depth of field in the image would vary unacceptably greatly at each edge.

[0007] In this case, a vertical line scan camera must be used and the bucket rotated. To achieve sufficiently high image sharpness for inspection, the camera line should ideally be aligned as perpendicular as possible to the surface being scanned. Since the corners are further from the center of the bucket than the nearly smooth sides, the focal distance varies considerably.

[0008] Furthermore, this causes the circumferential speed of the bucket's surface to vary greatly even when the bucket's rotational speed remains constant.

[0009] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of solving the aforementioned problems and creating a rotary conveyor, an arrangement of such conveyors and an inspection device, as well as an inspection method, which enable rapid rotation (within a few seconds) of an object, in particular its inspection, when the object weighs several kilograms.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention with a rotary conveyor having the features of claim 1, as well as an arrangement consisting of such a rotary conveyor and an inspection device having the features of claim 11 and a method having the features of claim 16.

[0011] According to the invention, the rotary conveyor has a rotatable superstructure whose center of gravity lies essentially on the axis of rotation and / or the axis of rotation passes through a drive from at least one conveyor drive unit, preferably through the drive shaft (motor shaft) of this drive. The superstructure has a rotating platform, which, according to the invention, does not necessarily have to be a plate, but can also be a rotatable superstructure frame. This advantageously reduces disruptive centrifugal forces and enables rapid rotation (preferably a full 360° rotation) within a few seconds, preferably in less than three or even less than two seconds, and particularly in less than one second, without any imbalance. If an object is now placed on the rotary conveyor, or...The conveyor system is positioned, preferably so that its center of gravity lies on the axis of rotation, allowing the object to be quickly rotated without it moving from its (stationary) position or even tipping over. If necessary, radially adjustable weights can be provided on the attachment for adjustment (center of gravity).

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one conveying element, or at least one of the conveying elements, comprises at least one deflection shaft and an endless conveying element running around at least one deflection shaft and a drive shaft. This allows the object to be driven onto the rotary conveyor in a predetermined manner and position and conveyed further. By suitable selection of the conveying element (belt, belt, etc.) with a sufficiently high coefficient of friction, the object can be held in position even at high angular acceleration / velocity. Instead of being a single piece, the drive shaft can also consist of several coupled partial shafts. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide several separate drive shafts, preferably arranged parallel to one another.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one conveying element has a circulating conveying means and is designed such that a conveying means can be individually removed from or inserted into the rotary conveyor or the conveying system.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one conveying drive unit consists of a drive and a drive shaft connected to the drive for at least one conveying element, wherein the center of gravity of the drive is also essentially located in the axis of rotation of the attachment. Since the drive often represents the heaviest element of the conveying system, this easily avoids imbalance.

[0015] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the drive of at least one conveying drive unit has an output shaft which drives a drive shaft for at least one conveying element, wherein the output shaft and drive shaft are arranged parallel to each other (preferably vertically one above the other) and / or the conveying drive unit and drive shaft are jointly rotated by the conveying medium. In this configuration, there is only a functional connection (frictional connection, gear to toothed belt connection, etc.) between the drive shaft and the conveying medium, whereas there is no direct functional connection between the output shaft and the conveying medium, so that the term "rotate" in this case is defined as "surrounding rotation". This advantageously enables both a compact design and a high rotational acceleration.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveying system comprises at least one modular, plate-shaped support element on which at least one deflection shaft of at least one conveying element is mounted. The modular design, as well as the simple plate-shaped construction, advantageously enables cost-effective manufacturing.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the drive of at least one conveyor drive unit is cantilevered, attached only to a (single) support element. This advantageously allows for easy removal of the continuous conveying element (belt, belt, etc.) without requiring further disassembly of the conveyor system. In the case of a continuous drive shaft, it is conceivable to pull the drive shaft out at least a short distance to remove the continuous conveying element.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one support element in the conveying plane has a removable guide element that serves to guide the conveying element and / or as a spacer for at least two support elements. This improves the guidance of the conveying element and / or ensures a fixed distance to the adjacent support element. Furthermore, by simply removing a guide element after releasing the tension on the conveying element, the respective conveying element can be easily removed without requiring further disassembly of the conveying system.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the conveying system comprises several conveying elements driven by a common conveying drive unit. This advantageously enables a compact design. However, additional, undriven conveying elements can also be present (e.g., as roller conveyors or sliding plates).

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotary drive device is individually controllable via a control unit, by means of which the rotatable attachment can be rotated with a predetermined motion profile (in particular, speed curve, acceleration curve). Advantageously, this allows a correspondingly optimized motion profile to be applied, especially during the rapid rotation of heavy objects. For example, acceleration and deceleration from and to standstill can be achieved for a full rotation within a few seconds (e.g., in just two or one second) without the object moving from its position or even tipping over, and without the contents becoming excessively disturbed after a rotation, in particular without sloshing.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the rotary conveyor features a rotary encoder for determining the current angle of rotation of the rotatable attachment. The rotary encoder allows for the simple determination of the current (rotational) position of the rotary conveyor and thus of any object located on it. Furthermore, a rotary encoder can be used to easily determine and create a motion profile (from the values ​​acquired) and to monitor its subsequent application.

[0022] A further embodiment of the invention relates to an arrangement comprising a rotary conveyor of the aforementioned configuration and an inspection device with a camera, preferably a line scan camera, for surface inspection of the conveyed objects. With such an arrangement, it is advantageously possible to inspect objects, in particular their surface, for example to read barcodes or to detect unwanted paint blemishes.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the arrangement additionally includes a distance sensor to determine the distance between the object surface and the inspection device. Advantageously, a distance sensor enables simple and rapid control of the camera distance. Instead of providing a distance sensor to determine / control the distance between the object surface (camera distance), it is also conceivable that the camera distance could be controlled mechanically using a cam track.

[0024] The alignment of the (viewing) axes of the distance sensor and camera can be aligned in the same direction (for example via mirrors), at an angle or parallel.

[0025] The distance sensor and camera can be positioned on the same line of the object's surface. However, it's also conceivable that the distance sensor measures a few degrees ahead (before the camera detects it) to allow more time for controlling the linear actuator.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inspection device features a linear drive for moving the camera towards or away from the object surface using data from the distance sensor. This allows the distance between the camera and the (facing) surface of the object – corresponding to the camera's focus distance – to be kept essentially constant, especially when a non-rotationally symmetrical object is being rotated. Furthermore, a linear drive enables sufficiently fast camera tracking in a simple manner, even when a rotation occurs within a few seconds, preferably a full 360° rotation in less than three, two, or even just one second.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the arrangement features a central control unit for the rotary conveyor, inspection device, and distance sensor. The central control unit is preferably designed to derive a motion profile for the rotary conveyor from a predetermined process cycle time (for the rotation of the object). It is also responsible for executing the process (rotation and camera control) within the predetermined time. The central control unit can be responsible for distance evaluation, controlling the linear drive, and triggering image acquisition. Values ​​determined by the rotary encoder can be used to trigger image acquisition. Alternatively, distance values ​​(for example, determined by a distance sensor) can also be used for this purpose.

[0028] According to the inventive method for inspecting the surface of an object rotating at least 360° around an axis of rotation using a camera, not only objects with regular geometry but also objects with irregular geometry can be examined in a simple way.

[0029] In this process, the object surface is captured, preferably line by line, in multiple images, and the individual images obtained from these captures are then combined to form a complete image. Alternatively, multiple images can be captured by an area scan camera, with only selected lines from each image being used to create the overall image. The complete image is then evaluated—for example, in the camera or the control system. Depending on the evaluation results, further processing steps for the object (ejection, classification, sorting, marking, etc.) can be performed. The use of the rotary conveyor and the arrangement according to the invention enables rapid inspection within a few seconds, preferably in less than three, two, or even just one second.

[0030] For this purpose, it is advantageous to precisely position the object on the rotary conveyor (with the object's center of gravity lying on the axis of rotation). Such positioning, and if necessary, its monitoring, can be achieved, for example, using appropriate sensors (light barriers, distance sensors, etc.) and controlling the conveyor drive. Stop elements that can be placed in the conveyor path are also suitable for this purpose. This advantageously reduces or even prevents centrifugal forces that occur, especially during rapid rotation.

[0031] Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide elements supporting the intake and maintenance of the target position, such as holding elements, alignment elements, and locking devices for the object, during a rotation of the object.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the inventive method, after a complete 360° rotation, the rotary conveyor is rotated further by an additional angle of less than 20°, preferably less than 10°, while maintaining the acquisition of image lines, in order to obtain an overlap area in the overall image. This overlap area in the overall image advantageously allows for improved evaluation of the initial area of ​​the image. To facilitate further conveying of the object, a reverse rotation of the object can then be performed. The removal process can be initiated as soon as the reverse rotation begins, thus saving time.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data from the rotary encoder control the image acquisition of the camera, in particular the sampling rate and / or are used to control the movement profile of the rotary conveyor.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the camera distance to the imaged object surface is preferably continuously controlled or regulated by a distance sensor and optionally by a control device.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the motion profiles of the rotary movement (and optionally the conveying movement of the objects) are defined to comply with a predetermined maximum inspection time. This is preferably dependent on a predetermined object throughput rate of preferably a few seconds (for example, approximately three, two, or only one second) for the entire inspection. The maximum inspection time can also be entered as a parameter of the inspection device or learned based on the object or product.

[0036] Further advantageous configurations arise from the dependent claims.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

[0038] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention consisting of a rotary conveyor according to the invention and an inspection device; Fig. 2 a side view of an arrangement according Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a rotary conveyor according to the invention made of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a conveying system of a rotary conveyor according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a longitudinal section view of the conveyor system according to Fig. 4; Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view AA' of the conveying system according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a perspective view of a single support element of a conveyor system Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6; Fig. 8 a perspective view of two adjacent supporting elements according to Fig. 7 with an intermediate guide element and Fig. 9 a perspective view of two adjacent supporting elements according to Fig. 8 with a removed guide element.

[0039] The in Fig. 1 and Fig. The arrangement shown in Figure 2 schematically depicts a rotary conveyor 1 and an inspection device 3 located in its immediate vicinity.

[0040] The rotary conveyor 1 consists of a frame 7 (located on the mainland) on which a rotary platform 11 is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis (z) perpendicular to the conveyor plane (parallel to the xy plane). A rotary drive device 41 is arranged on the frame 7 below the platform 11 to rotate the rotary platform 11 as desired (for example, by means of a control device not shown in the drawing).

[0041] A conveyor system 13 with a circular conveying plane is arranged on the rotary platform 11. The system consists of several conveying elements 15a to 15e (five in this example) and two closing circular segments 16a and 16b. Each conveying element 15a to 15e comprises a conveying medium 37, for example, a belt or toothed belt, as well as deflection shafts or pulleys 35a and 36a, 35b and 36b, 35c and 36c, 35d and 36d, and 35e and 36e. The conveying direction x shown in the drawing refers to the conveying direction of the conveying elements 15a to 15e, which are rotatable (and thus their conveying direction is also rotatable).

[0042] The rotating platform 11 and the conveyor system 13 together form a rotatably mounted attachment 9.

[0043] As from Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the central conveying element 15c of the conveying system 13 in the illustrated example (in the conveying plane) has the greatest length (equal to the circle's diameter), whereas the two immediately adjacent conveying elements 15b and 15d have a shorter length, and the two outer conveying elements 15a and 15e have a further shorter length. The two circular segments without conveying elements serve as the lateral boundaries, resulting in an essentially circular plan of the conveying plane.

[0044] For illustrative purposes, on the rotary conveyor 1, on whose conveying system 13 in the conveying plane, there is an object 5, for example a rectangular bucket with rounded corners.

[0045] To enable inspection of the object 5 (which is stationary except for its rotation), the arrangement includes an inspection device 3, also located on the mainland, in the immediate vicinity of the rotary conveyor 1. The inspection device 3 comprises a camera 17 (with a viewing angle 18), preferably a line-scan camera, the distance A of which to the object 5 can be changed by means of a linear drive 19 (for example, with the aid of a control device not shown in the drawing).

[0046] To determine, set, or monitor a desired distance A (for example, with the aid of a control device not shown in the drawing), the arrangement, in particular the inspection device 3, has a distance sensor 21 that measures the distance between a fixed point on the inspection device 3 and the surface of the object 5 facing it. The camera 17 is mounted on the inspection device 3 and is movable towards and away from the object 5 (along the travel path V of the linear drive 19).

[0047] As the rotary conveyor 1 rotates, and with it the (non-rotationally symmetric) object 5 located on it, the distance between camera 17 and the area of ​​the object 5's surface directly facing it changes. This change in distance is detected by the distance sensor 21. To ensure that the distance 18 between the camera and the surface of the object 5 (facing it) remains constant as desired – corresponding to the camera's focus distance – the camera 17 is moved towards and away from the object 5 by means of the linear drive 19, depending on the measured value of the distance sensor 21 (the initial position of camera 17 on inspection device 3 is known).

[0048] The continuous determination of the distance, including permanent tracking (movement) of the camera 17, occurs even during a full 360° rotation, which is completed in less than three, two, or even just one second. A sufficiently high (non-constant) sampling rate of several kHz, for example, 1 kHz to 26 kHz, is provided to combine the recorded lines into a single, preferably gapless, overall image. The rotation angle can be determined with a rotary encoder 53, so that the required sampling rate of the camera can be controlled by the rotary encoder 53 (determined angular velocity). Alternatively, the current sampling rate can be calculated from the determined values ​​of the distance sensor.

[0049] Due to the short time required for a full 360° rotation, the rotational speed is not constant or only intermittently constant. After positioning the object 5 on the rotary conveyor 1, preferably with its center of gravity on the axis of rotation z, the rotation of the attachment 9 is rapidly accelerated and then decelerated to a standstill. The inspected object 5 is then extended from the rotary conveyor 1, for example, onto a subsequent conveyor, by means of appropriate control of a conveyor drive unit 23 for the conveyor elements 15a to 15e. The next object 5 to be inspected is then fed in (retracted), for example, also by a conveyor, and positioned accordingly.

[0050] If the inspection result does not meet the requirements, the corresponding defective product can, for example, subsequently be sorted out from the product stream.

[0051] The entire inspection, including the ejection of object 5 (preferably with the simultaneous insertion of the following object), takes place within a few seconds, in particular within less than three or even less than two seconds. It is also conceivable to ensure and monitor the correct (inspection) positioning (target position) of object 5 on the rotary conveyor 1 by means of a distance sensor or light barriers or by means of mechanical stoppers, and, if necessary, to secure it during the inspection by means of a locking device (holding elements, alignment elements, etc.).

[0052] To achieve minimal overlap of the total image captured by the object's circumference during rotation, the rotation is performed by an angle greater than 360°, for example, 370°. This results in a corresponding overlap area of, for example, 10°.

[0053] As from Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the conveying drive unit 23 is housed within the conveying system 13. In addition to the actual motor 27, the conveying drive unit 23 can also comprise a gearbox 29 and an output shaft 31. The center of gravity of the drive 27, 29 is preferably also located essentially in the axis of rotation (z) of the attachment 9.

[0054] A drive shaft 25 is driven via the output shaft 31, for example via gears 45, 43 and a toothed belt 47 located at one end of the shafts (see Fig. 5) powered.

[0055] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the drive shaft 25 is parallel (arranged below) to the output shaft 31 and extends through all conveying elements 15a to 15e. The drive shaft 25 and output shaft 31 are preferably each arranged in a plane parallel to the xy plane and perpendicular to the axis of rotation z within the rotatable attachment 9.

[0056] As from Fig. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 25 is circulated by an endless conveying medium 37 (belt, belt, etc.), wherein the drive shaft 25 drives the conveying medium 37, for example, by means of friction or toothed belt.

[0057] A in Fig. 7. The support element 39a, shown in more detail, has, in addition to a plate, rotatably mounted deflection shafts or deflection rollers 35a and 36a of the conveyor element 15a at its upper end (parallel to the xy plane).

[0058] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the respective conveying element 37, driven by a common drive shaft 25, rotates in a triangular shape (with its apex pointing downwards) around the aforementioned deflection rollers 35a, 36a to 35e, 36e of a respective support element 39a to 39e. Due to the parallel arrangement of the drive shaft 25 to the output shaft 31 (preferably located vertically above it), the conveying drive unit 23 is also rotated around by the conveying element 37 (i.e., without operative contact).

[0059] As from Fig. 8 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, a guide element 33 is located on the upper surface forming the conveying plane between two adjacent support elements 39a and 39b. This guide element 33, with its groove-like recess, serves not only to guide the conveying medium 37 but also as a spacer for the adjacent support elements 39a and 39b. This ensures a defined distance between the support elements 39a to 39e on their upper surface, while the support elements 39a to 39e are separated on their underside by means of spacers 49, for example, threaded rods with sleeves (see Figure 9). Fig. 8) can be attached to one another. Threaded rods protrude through the support elements 39a to 39e, the guide elements 33 and the closing circular segments 16a, 16b, by means of which these elements are clamped together.

[0060] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, identical guide elements 33 are located between conveying elements 15a and 15b, 15b and 15c, and 15c and 15d. In contrast, the conveying element 15e and the support element 39e are reversed or arranged in reverse, resulting in twice the distance between the conveying elements 15d and 15e. Accordingly, a guide element of double width or two guide elements 33 (one of which is reversed or in reverse) are used at this point.

[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the drive 27, 29 is attached to only one support element, namely the support element 39a (with its gearbox 29), for example by means of a screw connection, so that the drive 27, 29 with its outer circumference is arranged within the conveyor system 13 in a free space, i.e. without any further direct mechanical contact (with a predetermined distance or gap dimension).

[0062] To remove a single conveying element 37, the conveying element 37 is released, for example by loosening a tension roller 51. With the conveying element 37 released, the corresponding guide element 33 is removed after removing the upper threaded rods (if present). The conveying element 37 can then be pulled downwards at the free ends of the deflection rollers 35a and 36a, which are supported only on one side, and scraped off the drive 27, 29 via its free end and removed from the conveying system 13. If a continuous drive shaft 25 is used, it can be pulled out at least a short distance so that the respective conveying element 37 can be removed from the conveying system 13. Reference symbol list 1 rotary conveyor 3 Inspection device 5 objects 7 frame 9 Essay 11 Turntable 13 Conveyor system 15a-e conveying element 16a,b Circle segments 17 Camera 18 camera angles 19 Linear actuator 21 Distance sensor 23 Conveyor drive unit 25 Drive shaft 27 Engine 29 gearboxes (included by the drive) 31 Output wave 33 Guide element 35a,b Deflection shaft / roller 36a,b Deflection shaft / roller 37 Conveying devices (belt, timing belt) 39a-d Supporting element (only one of the two triangular coat hanger-shaped plates) 41 Rotary drive unit 43 Gear of the drive shaft 45 Output shaft gear 47 Timing belts 49 spacers 51 Tension roller 53 rotary encoders A variable distance / path of the camera V travel distance XY funding level z axis of rotation

Claims

[1] Rotary conveyor, with a frame (7) arranged on the mainland and a rotatable attachment (9) mounted thereon, which enables rotation about an axis of rotation (z) passing through the attachment (9), a) wherein the rotatable attachment (9) has a rotating platform (11) lying in the plane (xy), b) a conveying system (13) with at least one conveying element (15a-e) is arranged on the rotating platform (11) to convey objects (5) in a conveying plane parallel to the plane (xy) in the conveying direction (x), c) wherein at least one conveying drive device (23) is integrated in the rotatable attachment (9), which drives at least one conveying element (15a-e) or at least one of the conveying elements (15a-e) and d) the rotary conveyor (1) has a rotary drive device (41) to rotate the rotatable attachment (9) about the axis of rotation (z), characterized by , that e) the rotatable attachment (9) has its center of gravity substantially in the axis of rotation (z) and / or the axis of rotation (z) passes through a drive (27, 29) of at least one conveying drive unit. [2] Rotary conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one conveying element (15a-e) or at least one of the conveying elements (15a-e) has at least one deflecting shaft (35a,b, 36a,b) and an endless conveying means (37) running around at least one deflecting shaft (35a,b, 36a,b) and around at least one drive shaft (27, 29). [3] Rotary conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that at least one conveying drive device consists of a drive (27, 29) and a drive shaft (25) connected to the drive (27, 29) for at least one conveying element (15a-e), wherein the center of gravity of the drive (27, 29) is also essentially located in the axis of rotation (z) of the attachment (9). [4] Rotary conveyor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the drive (27, 29) of at least one conveying drive device (23) has an output shaft (31) which drives a drive shaft (25) for at least one conveying element (15a-e) and output shaft (31) and drive shaft (25) a) are arranged parallel to each other and / or b) Conveying drive device (23) and drive shaft (25) are jointly circulated by a conveying medium (37). [5] Rotary conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conveying system (13) has at least one modular plate-shaped support element (39a-d) on which at least one deflection shaft (35a,b, 36a,b) of at least one conveying element (15a-e) is mounted. [6] Rotary conveyor according to claim 5, characterized by , that the drive (27, 29) of at least one conveying drive unit (23) is cantilevered, attached only to a support element (39a-d). [7] Rotary conveyor according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that at least one conveying element (15a-e) in the area of ​​the conveying level has a removable guide element (33) which a) for the management of the funding (37) and / or b) serves as a spacer for at least two support elements (39a-d). [8] Rotary conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conveying system (13) has several conveying elements (15a-e) which are driven by a common conveying drive unit (23). [9] Rotary conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rotary drive device (41) is designed to be individually controllable via a control system, by means of which the rotatable attachment (9) can be rotated with a predetermined motion profile. [10] Rotary conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the rotary conveyor (1) has a rotary encoder (53) for determining the current angle of rotation of the rotatable attachment (9). [11] Arrangement comprising a rotary conveyor (1) according to one of the preceding claims and an inspection device (3). [12] Arrangement comprising a rotary conveyor according to claim 11 characterized by , that the inspection device (3) has a camera (17) for surface inspection of the conveyed objects (5). [13] Arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that the arrangement additionally includes a distance sensor (21) to determine the distance between the object surface and a point of the inspection device (3). [14] Arrangement according to claim 13, characterized by, that the inspection device (3) has a linear drive (19) to move the camera (17) towards or away from the object surface by means of / depending on the determined distance (A) in order to position the camera (17) so that the distance between the camera (17) and the surface of the object (5) facing it corresponds to the focus distance of the camera (17) while the object (5) rotates. [15] Arrangement according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by , that the arrangement includes a central control unit for rotary conveyor (1), inspection device (3) and a distance sensor (21). [16] Method for inspecting the surface of an object (5) rotating at least 360° about an axis of rotation (z) using a camera (17) and an arrangement according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein several images of the object surface are taken and the individual images obtained from the recordings are combined to form a complete image for evaluation, characterized by , that the object (5) is rotated during inspection by means of a rotary conveyor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10. [17] Method according to claim 16, characterized by , that the rotary conveyor (1) after a complete rotation of 360° is rotated further by an additional angle of less than 20°, while maintaining the recording of image lines, in order to obtain an overlap area in the overall image. [18] Method according to claim 17, characterized by, that the rotary conveyor (1) is turned back by the additional angle, while the object (5) is already being transported down from the rotary conveyor (1). [19] Method according to claims 15 to 18, characterized by that a complete rotation takes place in less than two seconds. [20] Method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized by , that the rotation angle of the rotatable attachment (9) is determined by means of a rotary encoder (53) and that the data of the rotary encoder (53) a. control the camera's image capture (17) and / or b. to control the movement profile of the rotary conveyor (1). [21] Method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized by , that the distance of the camera (17) to the object surface is controlled or regulated by means of a distance sensor (21) while the object (5) is rotated. [22] Method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized by, that the rotational movement or rotational movement and conveying movement of the objects (5) is carried out according to predefined motion profiles in order to comply with a specified maximum inspection time.

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