SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING OBJECTS WITH AN INTEGRAL DEVICE FOR SIMULTANEOUS CONTROL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of handling articles, e.g. containers (particularly made of plastic material such as PET).

[0002] Many manufactured items are subject to requirements for conformity to a predetermined design. Among other things, containers must have a shape that matches that of a standard container as closely as possible; otherwise, the container may cause problems during certain operations (e.g., filling or labeling). For example, some poorly formed containers can cause mechanical components of the machines in which they operate to break.

[0003] In a conventional container manufacturing facility, preforms initially stored in bulk in a container are taken from it, oriented and paced, and introduced at a set rate into a thermal conditioning unit (or oven) to be heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the material (which is 80°C in the case of PET). The preforms thus heated are then transferred to a forming unit where they are each introduced into a mold with the imprint of the container model to be formed.

[0004] Each container is then removed from the mold and transported to other processing units: rinsing, filling, capping, and labeling. Some of these processing units require the container to conform to the model, or at least be free of major defects.

[0005] For example, in a plasma treatment unit, the function of which is to deposit a barrier layer on the inner wall of a container (see, for example, European patent application EP 2 077 919 - Sidel Participations), an injector in the form of a hollow rod is inserted into the container to introduce a precursor gas necessary for establishing the plasma. This injector is both precious and fragile, with the slightest breakage requiring an interruption of production and costly replacement.

[0006] An injector can bend or even break when, for example, the container is lower than the height of the standard container: in this case, the injector unexpectedly comes into contact with the base of the non-compliant container. There are other similar cases of deformation or breakage, for example, at the level of a spray nozzle in a container rinsing unit.

[0007] It therefore appears necessary to eject non-compliant containers before their introduction into the processing unit, which is to be protected from any damage due to shape defects. To this end, the containers should be inspected.

[0008] Mechanical inspection (by contact metrology or palpation) is not realistic: the production rates of the container manufacturing facilities are too high (reaching 40,000 items per hour). Optical inspection is therefore essential.

[0009] In particular, European patent EP 1 477 794 (Krones) discloses a device for optical inspection of a container, which comprises an enclosure in which a container to be inspected is placed and illuminated, and a camera device for reproducing the envelope surface of the container thus illuminated, so as to establish its outline.

[0010] Patents DE19914028 (Krones) and WO9615896 (INTELLIGENT INSPECTION SYSTEMS) are also known, describing a device for optical inspection of a container which comprises an image-taking device and a light source or a screen placed in the axis of revolution of the container to be inspected. In this type of device, the image is taken along the path of movement of the container at a point. However, the increase in the speed of blowing installations makes it difficult to take an image at a point due to the stability of the container during its conveyance.

[0011] This device is however designed to carry out a statistical control, that is to say a one-off control on a container taken at random on a production line; this device is unsuitable for a systematic control that one would wish to carry out on chaque container for a time interval reduced to a fraction of a second.

[0012] There is therefore a continuing need for a solution that allows for systematic, on-the-fly inspection of items (such as containers) moving within an integrated transport system, e.g., within an item handling facility.

[0013] For this purpose, there is proposed, firstly, an article transport system according to claim 1. Said system comprises a frame and: At least a first wheel rotating relative to the frame around a first axis of rotation and carrying on its periphery a series of members for gripping the articles which define for the articles an arc-shaped movement path; A device for optical inspection of the articles which includes, on either side of a transit point located on the path: ∘ A camera comprising a lens oriented along an optical axis located substantially in a plane of tangency to the path containing the transit point; ∘ A screen placed opposite the lens, perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0014] Thus arranged, this optical inspection device allows for a systematic inspection of all containers as they pass through the transit point. This makes it possible to detect any container with a shape defect and, if necessary, to eject it before it reaches an area where it could damage fragile mechanical components of the installation.

[0015] An optical axis located substantially in a plane of tangency to a circular path around the first axis of rotation means being tangent to the periphery of the wheel, in particular to the transit point. Advantageously, but not necessarily, the plane of tangency may be perpendicular to the radius of the wheel passing through the transit point.

[0016] According to the invention, the system comprises at least a second wheel rotating relative to the frame around a second axis of rotation and carrying on its periphery a series of members for gripping the articles, and in which the apparatus and the screen are arranged on either side of a transit point common to the first wheel and the second wheel and corresponding to a point of transfer of the containers from one to the other.

[0017] This has the advantage that the shot is taken at the point T transit. This allows the gripping members of the first and second wheels to simultaneously help hold the item. This provides greater stability of the container when shooting. This high stability of the container when shooting helps avoid blurred shots.

[0018] Advantageously, the container can be gripped above and below the collar of the article by the gripping members of the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0019] Secondly, there is provided an article handling installation according to claim 12, which comprises such a transport system.

[0020] Various additional features may be provided, alone or in combination. For example: The inspection device comprises a gantry on which the camera and the screen are jointly mounted; The gantry is fixed to the frame; The camera comprises two superimposed lenses, the optical axes of which are parallel; The screen comprises a backlit diffuser panel; It further comprises a device for ejecting non-compliant articles, mounted under a wheel; each gripping member is in the form of a clamp having two jaws articulated between a gripping position in which the jaws are brought together, and a release position in which the jaws are separated, one of the jaws being integral with a lever carrying a roller, and the ejection device comprises an actuator movable between a retracted position in which it is separated from the path traveled by the roller, and a deployed position in which it is on the path traveled by the roller to place it in the release position;The actuator is carried by a cylinder rod mounted in translation in a cylinder body secured to the frame; The cylinder body is secured to a spindle carrier secured to the frame and in which is mounted a shaft forming the axis of rotation of the wheel; The ejection device comprises a blower connected to a source of pressurized air; The blower opens directly above the actuator.

[0021] Also provided, according to claim 13, is a method of inspecting articles on a conveyor system as set forth above, which comprises the following operations: Take into account a shot of the article as it passes through the transit point; Compare in an image resulting from this shot at least one area of ​​interest of the article with a corresponding area of ​​a model article.

[0022] If the article is found not to conform to the model, an operation to eject the article is advantageously provided for as it passes through the ejection device.

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the description of an embodiment, given below with reference to the appended drawings in which: There FIG.1 is a schematic top view of a container production facility, which includes a container transport system equipped with an integrated container inspection device; FIG.2 is a realistic, larger-scale perspective view of the transportation system; The FIG.3 is a partial perspective view of the inspection device; The FIG.4 is a partial perspective view of the inspection device of the FIG.3 , following another orientation in space; The FIG.5 is a partial side view of the inspection device FIG.3 et FIG.4 ; There FIG.6 is a partial top view of the inspection device FIG.3, FIG.4 et FIG.5 ; There FIG.7 is a sectional view along plan VII-VII of the FIG.5 illustrating the optical acquisition of the contour of a container by the inspection device; The FIG.8 is a perspective view showing a transfer wheel of the transport system equipped with a device for ejecting a non-compliant container with, inset, an enlarged-scale detail centered on the ejection device, which is shown in a retracted position; FIG.9 is a view similar to the FIG.8 , showing the ejection device in the deployed position for the ejection of a container declared non-compliant following its inspection.

[0024] On the FIG.1 an installation is represented 1handling of articles whose outline is to be inspected to verify conformity to a predetermined model.

[0025] In the example shown, the installation 1 is a container production line 2 from plastic preforms, typically polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This application is not, however, limiting, the important thing being that the articles are manufactured and have a particular shape supposed to correspond to that of the model.

[0026] In any case, in the illustrated example, the items to be inspected are the containers 2. Each container 2 includes a body 3, a pass 4 which opens at an upper end of the body 3, and a background 5 which closes the body 3 at a lower end of it. In the present example, it is the body 3(and in particular its outline) whose conformity to the model is to be checked. In addition, the body and the neck of the container are separated by a collar (not shown in the figures) used for its transport in the production line.

[0027] The installation 1 comprises, firstly, a plurality of units 6 container processing 2, each intended to be carried out on the containers 2 (or the preforms from which the containers 2 are formed) a particular function, namely, in this case: A unit 6A preform feeder, which ensures the preforms are taken from a bulk bin, then oriented (neck up or neck down) and placed in rows; A unit 6B thermal conditioning of preforms (also called oven), configured to carry the preforms from the unit 6Afeed at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the material (in the case of PET, whose glass transition temperature is approximately 80°C, the heating temperature of the preforms is usually approximately 120°C); this unit 6B Thermal conditioning usually comprises a series of infrared radiation sources (typically halogen lamps) past which the preforms are conveyed in a parade, but individual heating stations mounted on a wheel can be imagined; A unit 6C container forming 2 by blowing or stretch blowing (also called blower) of the preforms thus thermally conditioned, which typically comprises a carousel and, mounted thereon, molds with the imprint of the container model; Where appropriate, a unit 6D container processing 2by plasma to deposit on their internal wall a thin layer of carbon species forming an internal barrier layer to the air; this unit 6D plasma processing typically includes a carousel and a plurality of container processing stations 2 mounted on it; One unit 6E rinsing unit (also called a rinser), which typically comprises a carousel and, mounted thereon, a plurality of nozzles spraying a fluid (e.g. air or water) into each container to remove any impurities; A unit 6F filling machine (also called filler) which typically comprises a carousel and, mounted thereon, a plurality of valves for dispensing a product (particularly food, typically a beverage) into the containers 2 ; A unit 6Gcapping machine (also called a capper), which includes a carousel and, mounted on it, cap applicators to tightly close the containers 2 previously filled; If applicable, a labeling unit (also called a labeler, not shown here) configured to apply to each container 2 filled and sealed an informational label.

[0028] These units 6 processing units are mentioned for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. Other processing units could be provided, such as a drying unit, interposed between the unit 6E rinsing and unit 6F filling.

[0029] The installation 1 includes, secondly, a system 7 container transport 2 between some of the units 6 of treatment.

[0030] This system 7 transport includes a frame 8fixed, typically formed from an assembly of feet 9, of side members 10 and sleepers 11. In the example illustrated on the FIG.2 , the building 8 includes in particular a beam 12 mistress.

[0031] The system 7 transport further comprises at least one first wheel 13 rotating relative to the frame 8 around a first axis A1 rotation (which, during operation of the installation 1, extends vertically).

[0032] In practice, the system 7 transport includes at least two (and potentially, as illustrated, more than two) wheels 13, 14, namely: At least one first wheel 13 rotating relative to the frame 8 around a first axis A1 rotation; At least one second wheel 14 rotating relative to the frame around a second axis A2rotation parallel to the first axis A1.

[0033] In operation of the installation 1, the axes A1, A2 rotation are vertical; the second wheel 14 is located downstream of the first wheel 13, in the direction of travel of the containers 2.

[0034] The first wheel 13 and the second wheel 14 are adjacent; they are arranged so that the containers 2 be transferred from the first wheel 13 to the second wheel 14. The wheels 13, 14 therefore rotate in opposite directions. In the example illustrated on the FIG.3 et FIG.4 , when viewed from above, the first wheel 13 and the second wheel 14 rotate clockwise and counterclockwise respectively.

[0035] In the example illustrated on the FIG.2 , where the system 7transport includes wheels 13, 14 mounted in series in a number greater than two (in this case seven), one wheel out of two is similar to the first wheel 13 and turning in the same direction as it (here clockwise), the other wheels being similar to the second wheel 14 and rotating in the same direction as it (here counterclockwise).

[0036] The (or each) wheel 13, 14 transfer carries, on its periphery, a series of organs 15 container gripping 2 which define a route for them TRA of arc-shaped movement (on the FIG.3 et FIG.4 , the journeys TRA appear confused with the wheels 13, 14 due to the schematization of these).

[0037] In the illustrated example, where the system 7 transport includes at least two wheels 13, 14, the journey TRA extends from another wheel 14(respectively 13 ) or a unit 6 processing located upstream, to yet another wheel 14 (respectively 13 ) or another unit 6 treatment located downstream. The arrows drawn on the FIG.2 illustrate the direction of rotation of the wheels 13, 14.

[0038] According to an embodiment illustrated on the FIG.8 And FIG.9 , each organ 15 gripping is in the form of a clamp with two jaws 16, 17 articulated between a gripping position ( FIG.8 ) in which the bits 16, 17 are brought together to grab a container 2, and a release position in which the jaws 16, 17 are moved aside to release a container 2 and allow it to be grasped by pliers 15 from another wheel 13 (Or 14 ) or its transfer to a unit 6 of treatment.

[0039] We note T a transit point, located on the route TRA and through which each container passes at a given moment on a wheel 13 data. We also note P a tangent plane to the path TRA to the point T transit. This plan P extends vertically, parallel to the axis A1 of rotation.

[0040] In a particular example, illustrated in the drawings, the point T transit can be common to a first wheel 13 and a second wheel 14, that is to say that the point T transit point is actually a transfer point where the clamps 15 respective of the first wheel 13 and the second wheel 14 overlap to allow the transfer of containers 2 of the first wheel 13 to the second wheel 14, the container 2 being released from a clamp 15of the first wheel 13 to be simultaneously grasped by a clamp 15 of the second wheel 14.

[0041] In this case, the point T of tangency (or transfer) corresponds, on the trajectory of each container 2 (which includes journeys TRA followed successively by the container 2 on all wheels 13, 14 ), at an inflection point, where the trajectory of the container 2 bends

[0042] In this case too, the plan P of tangency at the point T transit (i.e. at the transfer point between the wheels 13, 14 ) extends parallel to the axes A1, A2 respective rotation of the wheels 13, 14 and perpendicular to the plane containing the axes A1, A2.

[0043] To check the conformity of the containers 2 (and more precisely of the body 3 containers 2), the system 7 transport includes a device 18 optical inspection of containers 2.

[0044] This device 18 is configured to take at least one shot of each container 2.

[0045] For this purpose, the device 18 inspection includes, on both sides of the point T transit (which can, as in the example illustrated, be confused with the transfer point of the containers 2 of a first wheel 13 to a second wheel 14 ) : On the one hand, a device 19 shooting including a lens 20 oriented along an axis O optics located substantially in the plane P of tangency; On the other hand, a screen 21 placed in front of the lens 20, perpendicular to the axis O optical.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings, and more particularly in the FIG.3, FIG.4 And FIG.5 , the objective 20 is oriented in such a way that the optical axis O is horizontal.

[0047] Depending on the choice of lens 20, the device's field of vision 19, shown in dotted lines on the FIG.5 , does not necessarily include the entire body 3 of the container 2. Therefore, in this case, and as illustrated, the device 19 shooting can include two lenses 20 superimposed, whose axes O respective optics are advantageously parallel, and whose fields of vision encompass adjacent (or partially overlapping) areas of the body 3 of the container 2.

[0048] The device 19is preferably digital, that is, its shots are stored in the form of digital data. In this case, the device 19 includes, in association with the objective 20 (or with each objective 20 ) an optical sensor, typically of the matrix type, commonly known by the acronym CCD (charged coupled device).

[0049] As illustrated on the FIG.7 , the data from the shots appear (possibly after processing including, for example, filtering) resulting in the reconstruction of a two-dimensional image of the container 2, which can be compared locally or in full to a two-dimensional image of the container model, stored in memory.

[0050] According to a particular mode of the container, only areas 22 localized interest of the container image 2are compared to the corresponding areas of the model. Thus, in the illustrated example, an analysis of the captured image is made to isolate, in two areas 22 of interest (which we have represented in the form of windows), the contours of the body 3 which can be considered to be the only relevant factors for assessing the conformity of the container 2 to the model. These contours are then compared with the corresponding contours of the container model, which simplifies (and therefore speeds up) the calculations.

[0051] The screen 21 has the primary function of forming in the image, around the container, a diffuse background, of substantially uniform color, free from parasitic elements which would otherwise be located in the background of the container 2.

[0052] The screen 21 can be used to increase the contrast of the restored image of the container 2. For this purpose, the screen 21may include a sign 23 backlit diffuser. This panel 23 is e.g. made of a plate of frosted glass or plastic with a superficial grain (or translucent in the mass), behind which light sources are arranged, e.g. in the form of light-emitting diodes, preferably white in color.

[0053] From a practical point of view, and according to an embodiment illustrated in particular on the FIG.3 et FIG.4 , the device 18 inspection includes a gantry 24 on which the device is jointly mounted 19 (with its two objectives 20 in the example shown) and the screen 21.

[0054] This portico 24 is, for example, in the form of a U-shaped metal tube with a crosspiece 25 horizontal and, at its ends, two uprights 26 verticals on one of which the device is fixed19 while on the other is fixed the screen 21.

[0055] This portico 24 is advantageously fixed on the frame 8. In the example shown, this attachment is achieved by means of a flange 27 bolted into the frame 8 (and more precisely in the beam 12 master) and in which the crosspiece is tightly mounted 25.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in the FIG.8 And FIG.9 , the system 7 transport further comprises a device 28 container ejection 2 non-compliant. This device is mounted under a wheel 13 (Or 14 ), downstream of the device 18 inspection.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the axis A1 (Or A2 ) of rotation of each wheel 13 (Or 14) is formed by a shaft mounted in a steering knuckle 29 in solidarity with the building 8 (e.g. being fixed, e.g. by welding, to the beam 12 mistress).

[0058] Furthermore, a bit 17 of each clamp 15 is attached to a lever 30 carrying a pebble 31. In normal operation, when a clamp 15 reaches the point T transfer, the roller 31 cooperates with a cam (not shown) which, through it, operates the lever 30 to place the bits 16, 17 in the release position and thus open the clamp 15.

[0059] The lever 30 and the pebble 31 are used by the device 28 ejection to eject, when necessary, a container 2 whose inspection revealed its non-conformity to the model.

[0060] For this purpose, the device 28ejection includes an actuator 32 movable between a retracted position ( FIG.8 ) in which it is moved away from the path taken by the pebble 31, and a deployed position ( FIG.9 ) in which it is located on the path taken by the pebble 31 (that of the clamp 15 carrying the container 2 non-compliant) to place it, like a cam, in the release position.

[0061] According to an embodiment illustrated on the FIG.8 And FIG.9 , the actuator 32 is carried by a stem 33 of a jack mounted in translation in a body 34 of a jack attached to the frame 8.

[0062] More specifically, in the illustrated example, the body 34 The jack is attached to the stub axle 29 (e.g. by being screwed to it) - and therefore fixed in rotation relative to the wheel 13 (Or 14 ).

[0063] When inspecting a container 2 revealed its non-compliance, the device 28 ejection is actuated when the container 2 reaches the right of the actuator 32, the latter being moved to its deployed position to cause the clamp to open 15 ( FIG.9 ).

[0064] The device 28 ejection is located downstream of the device 18 inspection at a predetermined distance from it (measured along the path traveled by the containers 2 ). Also, to activate the device 28 ejection at the appropriate time, the container 2 declared non-compliant is tracked along its route by measuring (or calculating) its instantaneous position, at least in the area between the point T transfer point where it was inspected and the point where it reaches the right of the device 28 ejection.

[0065] To facilitate (and accelerate) the ejection of the container 2, the device 28 ejection can be equipped with a blower 35, connected to a source of pressurized air (typically to a 7 bar compressed air circuit).

[0066] The blower 35 opens directly above the actuator 32. A solenoid valve is controlled to supply compressed air to the blow gun 35 simultaneously with the deployment of the actuator 32, so as to direct on the container 2 a jet of air which facilitates its ejection, as illustrated in the FIG.9 .

[0067] The system 7 of transport which has just been described allows for a systematic inspection of all containers 2 at the moment they pass through the point T transit (and to eject any container 2 declared non-compliant), for the benefit of the reliability of the installation1 , the maintenance downtime of which is thus considerably reduced. The fact that the axis O device optics 19 shooting is located in the plan P of tangency: First, avoid stacking several containers 2 in the device's field of vision 19 of shooting; Secondly, from the point of view of the device 19, minimizes the risk of blurring in the container image 2 inspected, because the amplitude of the lateral movements of this one are low during the shooting due to its passage since the path TRA followed by the container 2 is locally tangent to the general direction defined by the axis O optical focus T transit where the shooting takes place. In other words, the fact that the shot is taken at the point T transit allows for great stability of the container during shooting because at this point, the container is gripped above and below the collar of the container by gripping members 15 of the first wheel 13 and the second wheel 14. This great stability of the container during shooting makes it possible to avoid blurred shots.

[0068] It goes without saying that it is advisable to choose a device 19 high-performance shooting, both in definition and speed. You can opt for a (digital) camera whose shutter is activated (e.g. on command from a sensor) as each container passes by 2, or for a camera that films continuously and whose video stream is sampled to extract the relevant images from each container 2.

[0069] The presence of the screen placed (from the point of view of the device 19 of shots) behind the container2 allows you to better isolate (and therefore better distinguish) the silhouette of the body 3, for the benefit of measurement accuracy.

[0070] Therefore, by using efficient post-processing methods (which modern computer systems offer), it is possible to inspect a container 2 in a few tens of milliseconds, which remains less than the transit time of each container 2 by the point T transit time (which is about one tenth of a second).

[0071] Thus, the inspection of a container 2 includes the following operations.

[0072] A first operation consists of taking a picture of the container 2 when passing through the point T transit (or transfer). This shot can be: punctual, that is, it is an image captured by the device 19(which in this case includes a shutter in front of an optical sensor) at the instant the container 2 actually passes through the point T in transit, or selected from a stream of images continuously captured by the device 19 (which, in this case, is a camera).

[0073] A second operation consists of isolating the area(s) on the image of the container 22 of interest.

[0074] A third operation consists of comparing, in the or each zone 22 of interest, the outline of the container 2 with the corresponding outline of the container model in memory.

[0075] A fourth operation consists of determining, at the end of this comparison, whether the container 2 conforms to the model.

[0076] If the container 2 declared conforming to the model, the inspection is completed and the container 2continues its journey to undergo successive treatments in the installation 1.

[0077] On the contrary, if the container 2 is declared not to conform to the model, the inspection is followed by ejection of this container 2, which is triggered when it passes through the device 28 ejection.

Claims

1. System (7) for transporting articles (2), which comprises a frame (8) and: - at least one first wheel (13) rotating with respect to the frame (8) about a first axis (A1) of rotation and bearing on its periphery a series of members (15) for gripping the articles (2) that define, for the articles (2), a circular-arc-shaped movement path (TRA); - a device (18) for optical inspection of the articles (2) that includes, on either side of a transit point (T) situated on the path (TRA): o an image capturing apparatus (19) comprising a lens (20) oriented along an optical axis (O) situated substantially in a plane (P) of tangency to the path containing the transit point (T); o a screen (21) placed facing the lens (20), perpendicular to the optical axis (O), - at least one second wheel (14) rotating with respect to the frame (8) about a second axis (A2) of rotation and bearing on its periphery a series of members (15) for gripping the articles (2), characterized in that the apparatus (19) and the screen (21) are disposed on either side of a transit point (T) common to the first wheel (13) and the second wheel (14) and corresponding to a point of transfer from one to the other, gripping members (15) of the first and second wheels (13, 14) contributing simultaneously to holding the article, and in that the first axis (A1) of rotation and the second axis (A2) of rotation are vertical and the lens (20) is oriented such that the optical axis O is horizontal.

2. System (7) of articles according to Claim 1, characterized in that the inspection device (18) comprises a gantry (24) on which the image capturing apparatus (19) and the screen (21) are jointly mounted.

3. System (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the gantry (24) is fastened to the frame (8).

4. System (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image capturing apparatus (19) comprises two superposed lenses (20), the optical axes (O) of which are parallel.

5. System (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (21) comprises a backlit diffuser panel (23).

6. System (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a device (28) for ejecting non-compliant articles, mounted beneath a wheel (13 or 14).

7. System (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each gripping member (15) is in the form of a clamp having two jaws (16, 17) that are articulated between a gripping position in which the jaws (16, 17) are close together, and a release position in which the jaws (16, 17) are spaced apart, one of the jaws (17) being secured to a lever (30) bearing a roller (31), and in that the ejection device (28) comprises an actuator (32) that is able to move between a retracted position in which it is spaced apart from the pathway followed by the roller (31), and a deployed position in which it is on the pathway followed by the roller (31) so as to place it in the release position.

8. System (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuator (32) is borne by a ram rod (33) mounted for translational movement in a ram body (34) secured to the frame (8).

9. System (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the ram body (34) is secured to a stub axle (29) secured to the frame (8), in which is mounted a shaft forming the axis (A1 or A2) of rotation of the wheel (13 or 14).

10. System (7) according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the ejection device (28) comprises a blower (35) connected to a source of pressurized air.

11. System (7) according to Claims 7 and 10, taken in combination, characterized in that the blower (35) opens vertically in line with the actuator (32).

12. Installation (1) for handling articles, which comprises a transport system (7) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Method for inspecting articles (2) on a transport system (7) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises the following operations: - Taking into account an image capture of the article (2) as it passes via the transit point (T); - Comparing, in an image resulting from this image capture, at least one zone (22) of interest of the article (2) with a corresponding zone of a model article.

14. Method for inspecting an article (2) according to the preceding claim, on a transport system (7) according to Claim 7, characterized in that it comprises, if the article (2) is declared non-compliant with the model, an operation of ejecting the article (2) as it passes in line with the ejection device (28).