Drinks crate with centering function for bottles and additional cutout for serialization application

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for inspecting containers. Numerous devices and methods for inspecting containers, and in particular beverage crates containing containers, are known from the prior art.

[0002] Numerous beverage crates serving different functions are also known from the prior art. For example, EP 0114392 A1 and EP 0452751 A1 each disclose beverage crates with a centering function for bottles. This serves to precisely align the containers in the receiving container, such as a beverage crate. This allows containers, and especially bottles, to be transported more safely and quietly. It also facilitates the removal of bottles by a robot.

[0003] In addition, it is known from the prior art to individualize containers, which is facilitated, for example, by applying markings and 2D codes, particularly QR or data matrix codes, transponders, or the like, to the containers. These markings can be applied at various positions on the containers, for example, on their peripheral walls. However, this requires the containers to be aligned in their rotational position in order to detect the markings.

[0004] However, the sometimes very high production speed poses problems. If containers (especially in future applications) are to be serialized and / or customized (for traceability in production or to provide information for the end consumer, such as origin or reuse cycles), this could be achieved, for example, with a QR code in a specified area of ​​the containers.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the object of facilitating such serialization and / or tracking of containers. This 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.

[0006] In a method according to the invention for inspecting containers, containers, in particular in the form of receptacles equipped with containers, are transported by means of a first transport device, wherein the containers each have a marking in their base regions which uniquely identifies the containers and / or which enables conclusions to be drawn about at least one characteristic property of the containers.

[0007] According to the invention, an image recording device records at least one (spatially resolved) image of the bottom regions of the containers located in the bundle and / or receiving container, and at least one item of information is output which is characteristic of the markings arranged on the containers and / or the containers and / or at least one property of the containers.

[0008] Preferably, each marking is characteristic of the container on which it is arranged. This means that the markings of all markings arranged on said containers differ from one another in at least one property and / or in at least one feature.

[0009] The applicant has determined that applying said markings to the bottom of the containers offers several advantages. A key advantage of a marking arranged on the bottom area is that this marking can be visually detected regardless of the container's rotational position relative to its longitudinal direction. A further advantage of applying the marking to the bottom area of ​​the container is that the peripheral wall of the container can remain free of such markings (which could be annoying to the end user).

[0010] A disadvantage of applying the marking in the floor area is that this floor area is not or only with difficulty accessible or observable in a large number of transport devices, such as conveyor belts.

[0011] Preferably, the bottom area of ​​the container is the area visible from below, i.e., the outer surface of the container facing the respective base when the container is in an upright position.

[0012] The containers are preferably bottles, in particular plastic bottles or glass bottles. In a further preferred embodiment, the receptacle is a receptacle that is suitable and intended for accommodating a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of bottles.

[0013] Preferably, the bottoms of the containers are viewed through corresponding openings in the receiving container (in particular the bottom region(s) of the receiving container(s). Particularly preferably, the receiving container(s) are boxes, crates, or cartons suitable and intended for receiving the containers. Particularly preferably, at least four, preferably at least six, and preferably at least eight containers are accommodated in the receiving container. Preferably, the receiving regions of the receiving container accommodate a maximum of 40, preferably a maximum of 35, preferably a maximum of 30, and preferably a maximum of 25 containers.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the markings are machine-readable markings and / or contactless and, in particular, optically readable markings. Particularly preferably, the markings are selected from a group of markings that includes barcodes, QR codes, and the like. However, it would also be conceivable for other markings, such as smart labels, to be arranged on the containers.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment, an image evaluation device is provided that evaluates the recorded images. The image recording device can identify the markings and, particularly preferably, also read and evaluate the markings.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the markings are inseparably bonded to the containers. This specifically means that removal of the marking from the containers is not possible without destroying the container. The marking may be printed directly onto an outer surface of the container (in particular by direct printing) or engraved (for example, by laser engraving).

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, a marking is characteristic of properties of the container on which it is arranged. These properties can be properties such as the age of the container, the number of cycles of this container, the manufacturer of the container, the material of the container, the beverage with which this container is filled, and the like.

[0018] The containers are particularly preferably reusable. These can be made of either glass or plastic (e.g., PET). The marking is particularly preferably used to serialize the containers.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the receiving container thus has receiving areas for the individual containers and additionally, in particular in a base area, a recess, for example in the form of a rectangle and in particular a square, which enables observation or image recording of the marking applied to the container.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the image recording device, which is in particular a camera or camera system, serves to read the markings applied to the bottle bottoms, for example QR codes. This image recording device is preferably arranged such that another machine, such as a robot, can move the receiving containers over it and, in particular, pivot them over it.

[0021] It is possible for the receiving containers or a pallet with receiving containers to be held above the image recording device so that the image recording device can read the visible bottle bottoms and thus the markings.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the image recording device is arranged stationary, and the receiving containers are transported past the image recording device. Particularly preferably, the image recording device is arranged next to the aforementioned transport device on which the receiving containers are transported. This minimizes the time required for reading.

[0023] However, it would also be conceivable for the image recording device to be arranged on a gripping device which picks up the containers from the first transport device.

[0024] However, it would also be conceivable to provide a transport device that transports the receptacles above the floor, allowing an image recording device, such as a camera, located below this transport device to capture the receptacle bottoms or the markings located on these bottoms. Such a transport device could, for example, comprise lateral guide belts or conveyor belts that support the receptacles only at their edges. Such a transport device could also comprise transparent belts on which the receptacles are conveyed.

[0025] It is possible for components of the image recording device, such as camera lenses, to be aligned directly with the recording containers, or for them to be arranged horizontally with respect to the recording containers using one or more mirrors, such as a mirror cabinet, in order to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the image recording device if necessary.

[0026] By using such mirrors or mirror cabinets, the detection angle can be increased with an image capture device or camera. Depending on the size of a pallet, it is possible to use only one image capture device, but it is also conceivable to use multiple image capture devices or cameras. This can be taken into account accordingly in the evaluation software.

[0027] In another preferred method, the receiving containers, and in particular the container bottoms, are illuminated for the purpose of image acquisition. This illumination is preferably synchronized with the image acquisition.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the image recording device records exactly one image of the bottom areas of the containers, but it would also be conceivable for several images to be recorded.

[0029] In another preferred method, at least one container or a receptacle equipped with a plurality of containers, preferably several, and particularly preferably all of the receptacles, is gripped by a gripping device and moved into an image recording area of ​​the image recording device. This can be done, as described in more detail below, for example, by pivoting into an image recording area of ​​the image recording device.

[0030] In this context, it is pointed out that the term container in the context of the present patent application refers in particular to the receptacles equipped with containers and that the receptacles are in particular (drink) crates, (drink) crates.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the containers or the receptacles are transported by means of a second transport device, which differs in particular from the first transport device for the purpose of image recording.

[0032] It is possible for this second transport device, in particular a robot, to remove the containers from the first transport device, for example a conveyor belt, and to move them, for example pivot them, to the image recording device for image recording.

[0033] The containers can then be placed back on the first transport device. In a preferred embodiment, several second transport devices are provided, which transport the containers to one or more image acquisition areas of one or more image acquisition devices. This allows throughput to be increased at higher transport speeds.

[0034] The gripping device is particularly preferably a (robot) gripper. The gripping device is particularly preferably an active and / or controlled gripping device that can be switched between an open position, in which the engagement of the container is released, and a gripping position in which the container can be gripped. The gripping device is particularly preferably suitable and intended to grip the receiving containers on at least two opposite walls.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the containers are transported above an image recording area of ​​the image recording device, so that the image recording device can observe the container bottoms – in particular from below. Particularly preferably, a transport path of this second transport device, such as the robot device, is essentially freely programmable.

[0036] In a further preferred method, the second transport device removes the receiving containers from the first transport device, and preferably, the second transport device deposits the receiving containers on the first transport device again at a time and / or location after the image acquisition. Preferably, the receiving containers are removed from the first transport device for the purpose of image acquisition and preferably also deposited back on the first transport device.

[0037] In another preferred method, the movement of the containers or receptacles is at least temporarily stopped in order to capture an image of the base areas. This makes it possible for the containers to be removed from the first transport device, transported over the image capture device, and then the movement is stopped there. The containers can then be returned to the first transport device (possibly at a different position).

[0038] In another preferred method, the containers are positioned in predetermined positions relative to the receiving containers. For example, insertion aids such as insertion bevels can be provided, which precisely determine or align the position of the containers, and in particular the container bases, relative to the receiving areas.

[0039] In another preferred method, a specific portion, preferably at least one and preferably several containers, is removed from the receiving container after inspection. For example, it would be possible to remove containers whose marking indicates a defect or the need to reject this container, for example, if the maximum number of cycles for this container has already been exceeded. It would also be possible to reject containers that do not have a marking.

[0040] For this purpose, a removal device can be provided, which is arranged, in particular, downstream of the image recording device and / or the second transport device in the transport direction of the receiving containers. This removal device is preferably suitable and intended for removing individual containers from the receiving container. For this purpose, this removal device can have one or more gripping devices suitable and intended for gripping individual containers located in the receiving container.

[0041] Particularly preferably, this removal device is controlled depending on at least one image captured by the image recording device. If, for example, it is determined that a particular container is defective, the removal device can subsequently remove this container from the receiving container.

[0042] To sort out containers that are not intended to be moved further in a line or processed further, or those that do not have a QR code or other marking, a removal device or packing device could be provided, preferably with individually controllable packing tulips to remove unwanted containers from the receiving container. Particularly preferred for this purpose is a comprehensive communication protocol that can exchange data across machines, for example, at the cell level of the line, in order to transmit the exact positions of the unwanted bottles.

[0043] Particularly preferably, the device comprises a storage device in which information about possibly faulty containers within the receiving container or the box can be stored.

[0044] Particularly preferably, the portion of containers is removed in response to an image captured by the image recording device. For example, containers without a marking or without a code can be sorted out, as can containers with an inaccurate or incorrect code.

[0045] Particularly preferred are certain containers, for example, removed containers, which are subjected to special treatment in the subsequent process, such as a washing process or a disposal process. In this case, it is possible for certain containers, for example, reusable containers, to be transported to a washing facility, such as a car wash, together or without the receiving container. In this case, the containers are preferably not sorted out first.

[0046] The process of selecting the containers in the crates is the same as described above, but here the washing machine itself preferentially removes faulty containers and removes them.

[0047] Preferably, other containers to be cleaned are also removed and run through a separate washing line in a washing machine (preferably simultaneously with the receiving container).

[0048] In the applicant's internal prior art, receptacles are sorted and washed separately. One advantage may be that the clean containers can be reinserted into the beverage crate, i.e., the receptacle, at the end of a washing cycle. Preferably, the containers are then refilled. A linear filling machine is particularly preferred for filling. The advantage of using a linear filling machine is that it can also process receptacles or beverage crates with containers.

[0049] In another preferred method, at least a portion of the containers are removed from the receiving container. These can be, for example, defective containers or containers that are no longer to be processed. These can also be containers that do not have any markings.

[0050] In another preferred method, at least one container or the portion of the containers is removed in response to an image captured by the image recording device. This removal can occur immediately after the inspection. However, it would also be conceivable for this removal to occur at a later point in the processing process. It would also be possible for the corresponding empty position of the receiving container to be refilled with new containers.

[0051] The present invention is further directed to a receptacle for receiving containers, wherein the receptacle has a plurality of receiving areas for receiving the containers separately from one another and in the same orientation. At least one, and preferably exactly one, container can be received in each receiving area, and the receptacle has at least one wall delimiting this receptacle.

[0052] Furthermore, a base is provided in each of these receiving areas to support the containers via their base areas.

[0053] According to the invention, each of these bases has a recess through which a base of a container located in this receiving area can be observed and / or inspected.

[0054] This recess can particularly preferably be a recess with a square, rectangular, or circular cross-section. However, this recess preferably has a cross-section that is smaller than the cross-section of the base region of the container, so that the container remains supported by the base region and cannot fall downwards out of the receptacle.

[0055] The aforementioned opening of the recess preferably enables scanning functions that require visual contact. The advantage of using a rectangular or square shape for the recess or cutout is that this shape facilitates axial storage of the containers.

[0056] The serialization of containers plays a particularly important role in the reuse cycles of reusable bottles. Traceability allows both the beverage manufacturer and the end customer to view the containers' completed reuse cycles, thus enabling more efficient handling in the reuse line.

[0057] One example is container washing, where certain containers are removed from the process (due to age or excessive contamination) or, in the future, may be able to precisely address the specific contamination level of a container type or individual container. This streamlines the reusable process, thus saving time and energy.

[0058] Particularly preferably, at least one of the receiving areas, and preferably each of the receiving areas, has a positioning device and, in particular, a centering device, which positions and, in particular, centers a container relative to this receiving area. Positioning is understood, in particular, to mean that the containers are positioned relative to the respective receiving areas in such a way that they have a play of movement of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, and particularly preferably less than 1 mm.

[0059] This also facilitates image analysis of the containers. Particularly preferably, the centering device or positioning device places the container in a central and / or mid-position relative to the assigned recording area.

[0060] The present invention is further directed to a device for inspecting containers, wherein a first transport device is provided which transports receiving containers equipped with containers along a predetermined transport path, wherein the containers each have a marking in their base regions, which marking is preferably suitable and intended to uniquely identify the containers and / or which is characteristic of at least one property of the containers and / or which is suitable and intended to make at least one physical property of the containers readable and / or ascertainable.

[0061] According to the invention, the device comprises an image recording device which records at least one image of the base regions of the containers located in the receiving container or container and which preferably outputs at least one item of information which is characteristic of the markings arranged on the containers and / or the at least one property of the containers (or enables the determination of the same).

[0062] A device is therefore proposed which reads out corresponding markings of the containers and in particular outputs data which are characteristic of these markings and / or of the container on which these markings are arranged.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a second transport device that transports the containers or receptacles to an image recording device and / or transports the containers or receptacles away from the image recording device. It is therefore proposed that this transport device transport the containers to an image recording area of ​​the image recording device, in which this image recording device can record at least one image of the containers.

[0064] Particularly preferably, the second transport device comprises a gripping device that is suitable and intended for gripping the containers. In a further advantageous embodiment, the image recording device is arranged stationary (with respect to the movement of the containers).

[0065] Particularly preferably, a lighting device is provided that illuminates the containers and / or the receiving containers for the purpose of image capture. This makes it easier to identify the markings on the containers through image analysis.

[0066] Particularly preferably, the device comprises an (image) evaluation device that evaluates the recorded images, particularly with regard to the applied markings. It is possible for the (image) evaluation device to merely determine that markings are present. However, it would also be conceivable for each individual marking to be read out.

[0067] It should be noted that this (image) evaluation device should preferably also be able to detect the marking independently of the rotational position of the containers. Typically, the containers are not located in a defined rotational position within a receptacle, but rather randomly. Depending on the marking, the evaluation device can determine whether and, if so, how the marking is rotated, thus enabling evaluation of the marking.

[0068] Particularly preferably, the image recording device records multiple markings and / or multiple containers simultaneously, and the corresponding images are evaluated particularly preferably. In particular, it can also be determined whether there are any containers without markings in the receiving container.

[0069] Particularly preferably, the first transport device is a conveyor belt. Particularly preferably, the second transport device is a robot, in particular a multi-axis robot.

[0070] Particularly preferably, the device comprises a container removal device that is suitable and intended for removing individual containers from the container or the receiving container. It is possible for these containers to be removed in response to an image captured and / or evaluated by the image recording device.

[0071] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings: Fig. 1 shows a representation of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a more detailed representation of a device according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a representation of a receiving container; and Fig. 4 shows a view of a loaded receiving container from below.

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention. This device has a transport device 2 in the form of a conveyor belt on which receptacles 10 for containers (not shown) are transported along the transport path T. The reference symbols P1 and P2 indicate two possible positions of the receptacles 10 on the transport device 2. Preferably, the first transport device 2 transports the receptacles 10 in a straight line.

[0073] Reference numeral 6 denotes a second transport device, which serves to grip the receiving containers 10 and pivot them over an image recording device 4 so that the latter can record images of the undersides of the containers 20. This second transport device 6 preferably enables transport or movement of the receiving containers 10 in at least two mutually perpendicular directions and preferably in three mutually perpendicular directions.

[0074] Preferably, a transport path of the containers 20 transported by the second transport device 6 is variable and in particular freely programmable.

[0075] Fig. 2 shows a more detailed illustration of this removal of the receiving containers 10. The second transport device 6 has a drive device 62 that can pivot a pivotable arm 64. The actual gripping device 66, which grips the containers 20, is arranged on this pivotable arm 64 via a rotary drive 68.

[0076] The receiving containers 10 can be transported (across) the image recording device 4. As mentioned above, the transport can be stopped if the receiving container 10 is arranged above the image recording device 4.

[0077] Reference numeral 42 denotes lighting devices that can illuminate the underside of the receiving container 10 and / or the containers 20 from below for the purpose of image capture. This lighting and also the image capture can be optimized for the containers 20 used in each case and the marking 12 arranged thereon.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows a representation of a receiving container 10. This has a plurality of receiving areas (here only two receiving areas 32, 34 shown), in each of which containers 20 can be placed.

[0079] Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of a receiving container 10 equipped with containers 20. Containers 20, such as bottles, are located in the receiving container 10 or in the individual receiving areas 32, 34... These bottles each have a marking 12 located on the container bottom 14.

[0080] The reference numeral 42 denotes centering devices and / or positioning devices which center and / or position the containers 20 relative to the receiving areas 32.

[0081] The image recording device 4 can capture an image of the receiving container 10 with a total of twelve containers 20. Furthermore, the image evaluation device allows the evaluation of the individual markings 12 and thus also provides information about the characteristic properties of the individual containers 20.

[0082] 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, 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 specific feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting additional 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.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting bundles (10), wherein receiving containers (10) equipped with containers (20) are transported by a first transport device (2) and wherein the containers (20) each have a marking (12) in their bottom regions which unambiguously identifies the containers (20), characterized in that an image recording device (4) records at least one image of the bottom regions (14) of the containers (20) located in the receiving container (10) through a corresponding opening in the receiving container (10) and at least one information is output which is characteristic of the markings (12) arranged on the containers (20) and / or of at least one property of the containers (20).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the image recording device (4) is arranged stationary and the receiving containers (10) are transported past the image recording device (4).

3. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving containers (10) are gripped by a gripping device (66) and are brought into an image recording area of the image recording device (4).

4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving containers are transported by a second transport device (6), which in particular differs from the first transport device (2), for the purpose of image recording.

5. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second transport device (6) removes the receiving containers (10) from the first transport device (2) and preferably the second transport device places the receiving containers (10) back on the first transport device (2) in terms of time and / or location after the image has been recorded.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a movement of the receiving containers (10) is stopped at least temporarily in order to take an image of the bottom regions.

7. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the containers (20) are positioned in predetermined positioning relative to the receiving containers (10).

8. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of the containers (20) is removed from the receiving container (10).

9. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one container (20) or the portion of containers (20) is removed in response to an image recorded by the image recording device (4).

10. An apparatus for inspecting bundles (10) in form of receiving containers equipped with containers, having a first transport device (2) which transports receiving containers (10) equipped with containers (20) along a predetermined transport path (T), wherein the containers (20) each having a marking (12) in their bottom regions which unambiguously identifies the containers (20) and / or which is characteristic of at least one property of the containers (20), characterized in that the apparatus has an image recording device (4) which records at least one image of the bottom regions of the containers (20) located in the receiving container (10) through a corresponding opening in the receiving container (10) and outputs at least one information which is characteristic of the markings arranged on the containers (20) and / or of the containers (20) and / or of at least one property of the containers.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a second transport device (6) which transports the receiving containers (10) to the image recording device (4) and / or transports the receiving containers (10) away from the image receiving device (4).

12. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises a container removal device which is suitable and intended for removing individual containers (20) from the receiving container (10).