Device for monitoring the fill level of filled containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for monitoring the fill level of filled containers (10), comprising a transport device (2), which transports the containers (10) along a specified transport path (P), and comprising an inspection device for inspecting the containers (10) transported by the transport device (2). The inspection device has a first transmission device (4), which outputs a high-frequency transmission signal, and a first receiving device (6), which receives the signal output by the first transmission device or a signal based on the signal output by the first transmission device (4), wherein the transport path of the containers runs between the transmission device and the receiving device. The invention is characterized in that the inspection device has a second transmission device (14), which outputs a high-frequency transmission signal, and a second receiving device (16), which receives the signal output by the second transmission device or a signal based on the signal output by the second transmission device (4). The second transmission device (14) is arranged in an offset manner in the longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected relative to the first transmission device, and the second receiving device is arranged in an offset manner in the longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected relative to the first receiving device (16).

Description

[0001] Device for checking the fill level of filled containers

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a device and a method for checking the fill level of filled containers. In the beverage manufacturing industry, it is common practice to manufacture containers, then fill and seal them, and finally transport them further. This requires checking in one process step whether the containers have been properly filled. Underfilled containers will result in customer complaints.

[0004] It is known from the prior art that containers are transported and, during this transport, the fill level of the liquid contained in the containers is checked, for example, using light barriers or optically. The disadvantage of this approach is that the liquid is often obscured by the labels or prints attached to the containers. This also applies to fill level checks based on imaging techniques such as matrix or line scan cameras. Furthermore, such methods are expensive and complex.

[0005] The use of high-frequency signals for fill level control is known from the prior art. Depending on the fill level, the container containing the liquid develops different capacitances, which in turn have different effects on the electric field between a transmitting and receiving device. Furthermore, methods that use ionizing radiation, such as beta and gamma radiation, are also known from the prior art. However, such methods are safety-critical due to the radiation involved.

[0006] WO 2006 / 087069 A1 discloses a method and device for level measurement. This method uses measuring beams for which the containers are transparent.

[0007] There is still the problem that the same device for checking the fill level control has to handle containers of different sizes and, if possible, also significantly different fill levels.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of making such devices and methods for level control more efficient. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] A device according to the invention for monitoring the fill level of filled containers comprises a transport device that transports the containers along a predetermined transport path, and at least one inspection device for inspecting the containers transported by the transport device. The inspection device comprises a first transmitting device that emits a high-frequency transmission signal and a first receiving device that receives the signal emitted by the first transmitting device and / or a signal based on this signal emitted by the first transmitting device. Furthermore, the transport path of the containers runs—preferably in a single lane—between the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0010] According to the invention, the inspection device has a second transmitting device which outputs a high-frequency transmitted signal and a second receiving device which receives the signal output by the second transmitting device and / or a signal based on this signal output by the second transmitting device, wherein the second transmitting device is arranged offset from the first transmitting device in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected (and in particular a vertical direction) and the second receiving device is arranged offset from the first receiving device in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected (and in particular a vertical direction).

[0011] Preferably, the first and second transmitting devices, on the one hand, and the first receiving devices and the second receiving devices, on the other hand, are arranged one above the other. These devices can also be arranged diagonally one above the other, but they are preferably arranged one above the other in a vertical direction.

[0012] Preferably, at least one transmitting device and preferably both transmitting devices output transmission frequencies which lie in a frequency range which lies between 30 kHz and 300 GHz. Particularly preferably, the frequencies lie between 30 kHz and 10 MHz.

[0013] Particularly preferably, each receiving device is assigned to exactly one transmitting device. Therefore, pairs of transmitting and receiving devices are preferably formed. These pairs are particularly preferably controllable independently of one another.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a position detection device, which is arranged in particular upstream of the inspection device. The position detection device is preferably a light barrier, which particularly preferably triggers a measurement and in particular a fill level inspection. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one transmitting device and the receiving device, and preferably a plurality of transmitting devices and receiving devices, are designed to perform continuous measurements.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the transmitting devices comprise transmitting antennas (which are particularly designed as transmitting surfaces). Particularly preferably, the receiving devices comprise receiving surfaces. This is advantageous when working with transmitting frequencies up to several hundred MHz.

[0016] Waveguides with horn antennas can also be used as transmitting devices. This is particularly suitable for even higher transmission frequencies.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises at least one further fill level measuring device, and in particular a fill level measuring device that operates on a different physical principle than the fill level control described here. For example, this further fill level measuring device can comprise an image recording device such as a camera or one or more light barriers. Preferably, the further fill level measuring device is a fill level measuring device that uses a spatially resolved measuring method.

[0018] Preferably, the further fill level measuring device is a measuring device which uses infrared light or infrared radiation.

[0019] Preferably, this further measuring device, which is in particular an infrared measuring device, is also arranged in such a way that it measures transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the transport device of the containers and / or the signal direction of the infrared signal runs transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the transport direction.

[0020] Particularly preferably, this second fill level measuring device, which is in particular an infrared fill level measuring device, also has at least two and preferably at least three infrared emitters and / or infrared receivers, which are particularly preferably arranged at different heights.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least two different fill level measuring devices are integrated into the same housing. This housing is preferably formed in one piece and, in particular, is welded or milled.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, at least one RF transmitter and one IR transmitter are arranged in one leg of this housing. Preferably, at least one RF receiver and one IR receiver are arranged in a second leg of this housing.

[0023] Preferably, at least two, preferably at least three RF transmitting devices and / or at least two, preferably at least three IR transmitting devices are arranged in one leg of the housing. Preferably, at least two, preferably at least three RF receiving devices and / or at least two, preferably at least three IR receiving devices are arranged in the other leg of the housing.

[0024] One advantage of using two level measuring devices is greater measurement accuracy.

[0025] Another advantage of using two different fill level measurement principles is the processing versatility. Translucent containers are preferably inspected using RF and / or infrared. Containers that are impervious to infrared are preferably inspected using RF.

[0026] A further advantage of using two different fill level measurement principles is that the results of the HF and IR measurements are calculated to give an overall result or fill level.

[0027] Preferably, the two different level measuring devices are designed modularly. This allows the customer to choose whether they require only one of the two level measuring devices, and if necessary, which one or both level measuring devices they require.

[0028] In addition, it would also be possible for (at least) one RF transmitting device and (at least) one IR receiving device to be arranged in the first leg of the housing and for (at least) one IR transmitting device and (at least) one RF receiving device to be arranged in the other leg of the housing.

[0029] A multi-channel high-frequency fill level control for determining the fill level of bottled liquid media (water, juice, beer, etc.) is preferably proposed, which preferably has at least three transmitter / receiver pairs, which are preferably arranged one above the other.

[0030] Preferably, a measurement is performed by transmitting an RF signal. This preferably creates an electric field between the transmitting device and the receiving device. The container in the measuring bridge changes the dielectric or the electric field. Part of the signal can be diverted to ground (for example, via the transport device). This part is preferably proportional to the fill level in the container.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the inspection device is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the containers and / or a vertical direction. This allows the inspection device to be adapted to different container heights.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a discharge device that discharges defective containers. In particular, containers that are underfilled can be discharged in this way.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, each transmitting device is assigned exactly one receiving device such that this transmitting device and the receiving device assigned to it form a measuring section, preferably a measuring section in which an electrical quantity is measured and in which, in particular, an electric field is measurable.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, linear (and in particular horizontally extending) measuring sections are formed. Thus, the first transmitting device and the first receiving device can form a measuring section, and the second transmitting device and the second receiving device can also form a measuring section.

[0035] Alternatively, it would also be possible for the first transmitting device and the second receiving device (and vice versa for the second transmitting device and the first receiving device) to form a measuring section and thus measure crosswise.

[0036] Preferably, the first transmitting device and the first receiving device are arranged at the same height. Preferably, the second transmitting device and the second receiving device are arranged at the same height.

[0037] Particularly preferably, these at least two measuring sections can be activated independently of one another. Furthermore, it is possible for the transmitting device to be assigned to the first receiving device, and for the electric field to be generated and / or measured, for example, in a horizontal direction. However, the first transmitting device could also be assigned to the second receiving device, in which case the transmitting device and its associated receiving device are preferably arranged at different heights in the longitudinal direction of the containers.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one transmitting device and the receiving device associated with it are arranged in such a way that an electric field can be built up between this transmitting device and the receiving device associated with it, through which the containers can be transported.

[0039] This procedure changes the dielectric within the electric field as the sensor passes through the container, allowing the fill level to be determined. This means that, preferably, an electric field between the transmitting and receiving devices is detected or measured to determine the fill level.

[0040] Preferably, the resulting electrical signal is diverted, in particular to ground, for example, via the transport device. This diverted component is dependent and, in particular, linearly dependent on and / or proportional to the fill level within the container.

[0041] Preferably, the evaluation and / or measurement is performed using a combination of all pairs of transmitter and receiver devices. This achieves greater accuracy compared to a single transmitter and receiver pair. It also allows for a larger measuring range (e.g., up to 80 mm in height). Furthermore, a higher linearity of the measuring range can be achieved.

[0042] The device preferably has an evaluation device that evaluates the measured signals. This evaluation is preferably suitable and intended to evaluate all measured signals (from all measuring sections and / or transmitter / receiver pairs). Preferably, several and preferably all measuring sections are considered for an evaluation. In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport path runs in a straight line, and particularly preferably at least one guide device is provided for guiding the containers, which limits movement of the containers perpendicular to the transport path. In this way, a very precise positioning of the containers perpendicular to the transport direction is achieved.

[0043] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transport device comprises a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain. This conveyor belt or conveyor chain advantageously forms a support surface on which the containers particularly preferably stand upright. In a further advantageous embodiment, the guide device comprises at least one lateral guide rail. The transport device advantageously also comprises a second guide rail. The containers are particularly preferably transported between the guide rails. In a further advantageous embodiment, the guide device is adjustable and in particular adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0044] Particularly preferably, the guide devices guide the containers by their base bodies. Particularly preferably, a mouth area of ​​the containers projects vertically beyond the guide device. Preferably, in particular, the mouth areas and any necks of the containers project beyond the guide rails. Particularly preferably, at least the uppermost third of the containers, preferably at least the uppermost quarter of the containers, preferably at least the uppermost fifth of the containers project beyond the guide rails. This prevents the inspection from being disrupted by the guide devices.

[0045] The containers are preferably made of glass or plastic. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the containers are transported at a distance from one another.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the distance between two containers on the transport device is at least 20% of the container diameter, preferably at least 30% of the container diameter, preferably at least 40% of the container diameter, preferably at least 50% of the container diameter, and preferably at least 70% of the container diameter. This prevents a fill level inspection from being excessively disrupted by neighboring containers.

[0047] Particularly preferably, a distance between two containers on the transport device is at most 200% of the container diameter, preferably at most 150% of the container diameter, preferably at most 130% of the container diameter, preferably at most 120% of the container diameter and preferably at most 110% of the container diameter.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a compensation device that compensates for and / or reduces the influence of neighboring containers on the measurement result. For example, it is possible to take the influence of neighboring containers into account using an algorithm. This algorithm can take into account the usual signal curves that would result, for example, from similar and / or similarly filled containers.

[0049] In a further advantageous embodiment, the inspection device has at least one further transmitting device which outputs a high-frequency transmitted signal and at least one further receiving device which receives the signal output by the further transmitting device or a signal based on this signal output by the further transmitting device, wherein the further transmitting device is arranged offset from the first transmitting device and the second transmitting device in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected (and in particular a vertical direction) and the further receiving device is offset from the first receiving device and the second receiving device in the longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected (and in particular a vertical direction).Particularly preferably, the three transmitting devices and / or receiving devices (and in particular also three measuring sections) are arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction of the containers.

[0050] Particularly preferably, all transmitting devices are arranged on a first side, laterally adjacent to the transport path of the containers, and all receiving devices are arranged on a second side, opposite the first side, adjacent to the transport path. This simplifies the device. In a further advantageous embodiment, the inspection device has a bridge-like support on which the transmitting devices and the receiving devices are arranged. This bridge-like support can also form a grounding connection for the device.

[0051] Particularly preferably, the transmitting devices and the receiving devices are each integrated into resonant circuits.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the inspection device has at least one measuring device that measures a quantity characteristic of an electric field between a transmitting device and its associated receiving device. This can be, for example, an electrical voltage, a current, or even a capacitance. Furthermore, it would be possible for a natural frequency of an oscillating circuit, for example, to be such a characteristic quantity.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment, several transmitting devices can be operated simultaneously, with these transmitting devices preferably being operable at different transmission frequencies. This makes it possible to establish different electric fields and / or measuring paths between the transmitting devices and the receiving devices without these fields interfering with each other.

[0054] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a control device that enables the staggered activation of multiple transmitting devices and preferably also of the receiving devices associated with them. This would make it possible, for example, for multiple transmitting devices to be activated one after the other in a multiplexing process. This also allows multiple areas or even widely varying fill levels to be detected along the height direction of the container.

[0055] It would also be preferred if the individual transmitting devices and / or receiving devices, which are activated one after the other, were also arranged one behind the other in the transport direction of the containers, in particular in order to compensate for the change in location of the containers to be inspected caused by the transport of the containers. In a preferred embodiment, the inspection device as a whole forms a measuring range in a longitudinal direction of the containers that is greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 4 mm, preferably greater than 6 mm and preferably greater than 7 mm and preferably greater than 10 mm and preferably greater than 15 mm. In a further advantageous embodiment, the inspection device forms a measuring range in the longitudinal direction of the containers that is smaller than 130 mm, preferably smaller than 120 mm, preferably smaller than 110 mm and particularly preferably smaller than 100 mm.

[0056] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a sensor device for detecting at least one variable characteristic of ambient conditions and preferably a processor unit which takes this characteristic variable into account when evaluating the measured values ​​originating from the at least one measuring section.

[0057] Ambient conditions, such as temperature, air pressure, or the like (which affect a dielectric), can also play a role in the development of an electric field. Therefore, the characteristic quantity is particularly preferably a quantity selected from a group of quantities that includes air pressure, temperature, humidity, and the like.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation device is suitable and intended to take these environmental conditions into account and / or compensate for them during the evaluation.

[0059] Preferably, the evaluation device is suitable and intended for (self-)calibration. Calibration during operation (particularly under changing operating conditions) is also preferably possible.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the evaluation device is suitable and intended to compensate for effects that occur due to foaming of the liquid in the container.

[0061] Preferably, an evaluation of the amplitude and / or phase of a signal from the receiver device is carried out. In a further advantageous embodiment, the distance between the transmitting device and the receiving device can be varied (in particular in a direction perpendicular to the transport path of the containers). In this way, adaptation to different container geometries can be achieved.

[0062] The present invention is further directed to a method for checking the fill level of containers filled (and in particular sealed) (in particular with a liquid and in particular with a beverage), wherein a transport device transports the containers along a predetermined transport path and an inspection device inspects the containers transported by the transport device. The inspection device has a first transmitting device that outputs a high-frequency signal and a first receiving device that receives the signal output by the first transmitting device or a signal based on this signal output by the first transmitting device. Furthermore, the transport path of the containers runs between the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0063] According to the invention, the inspection device has a second transmitting device which outputs a high-frequency transmitted signal and a second receiving device which receives the signal output by the second transmitting device or a signal based on this signal output by the second transmitting device, wherein the second transmitting device is offset from the first transmitting device in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected and the second receiving device is or is arranged offset from the first receiving device in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected.

[0064] Therefore, it is also proposed in terms of the method that preferably two measuring sections, or at least two measuring sections, are constructed, each serving to determine the fill levels. Particularly preferably, a measured value is determined for at least one measuring section, and particularly preferably for both measuring sections, which is characteristic of an electric field that is characteristic between the transmitting and receiving devices of these measuring sections or of the electric fields.

[0065] Particularly preferably, at least one variable influencing the measurement is taken into account and, in particular, compensated for. This variable can be, for example, ambient conditions such as pressure, temperature, or humidity. Furthermore, this variable can also be influences from neighboring containers (which, in particular, affect the electric field).

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment, the electric field or its characteristic variable is continuously determined. This can result in, for example, a periodically fluctuating profile. Particularly preferably, an output signal from at least one receiving device is evaluated. For example, an amplitude and / or a phase can be taken into account.

[0067] In another preferred method, artificial intelligence is used to evaluate an output signal.

[0068] For example, it is possible to record and save a large number of signal curves. These can then be compared, preferably, with an actually measured fill level value or an actually measured signal curve.

[0069] In this way, an artificial neural network can be trained. More specifically, it is possible to annotate typical signal curves from the antennas and / or receiving devices with the actually measured fill level value, thus training an artificial neural network.

[0070] The signals for each container resemble an inverted Gaussian function.

[0071] The measurement of the signal from the receiving device is preferably carried out continuously, especially when no container is moving through the measuring device or measuring bridge. A container moving through the measuring bridge is preferably detected, and the corresponding measurement data is then particularly preferably stored.

[0072] It is possible to provide an (external) light barrier for triggering. However, internal triggering is preferred. For this purpose, an (internal) light source, in particular an (internal) IR diode, is preferably provided, which is preferably also integrated into the hardware. In another preferred method, the measurements are performed simultaneously at different frequencies or with a time delay (preferably at different frequencies) (e.g., using a multiplexing method).

[0073] In another preferred method, a pair of a transmitting device and a receiving device is used for each measurement. However, it would also be possible to multiplex the receiving devices and transmitting devices, or to assign multiple receiving devices to one transmitting device.

[0074] In a further preferred method, the containers are transported at a transport speed greater than 0.2 m / s, preferably greater than 0.3 m / s, preferably greater than 0.4 m / s, and particularly preferably greater than 0.5 m / s. Preferably, the containers are transported at a transport speed less than 5 m / s, preferably less than 4 m / s, preferably less than 3 m / s, and particularly preferably less than 2.5 m / s.

[0075] In the context of this disclosure, a high-frequency signal is understood to mean in particular a signal with a frequency of more than 1 MHz, preferably more than 2 MHz and particularly preferably more than 3 MHz.

[0076] The device and method described here are inexpensive to purchase and operate, and they avoid safety-critical aspects such as ionizing radiation. Furthermore, the device and method can also be used when labels obscure the fill level.

[0077] An analog fill level measurement is preferred, which is preferably linear over a measuring range between 30 and 100 mm. In addition, robust measurement is possible despite container height tolerances, large fill level fluctuations, and tolerances in the height adjustment of the sensor.

[0078] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings:

[0079] Therein: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

[0080] Fig. 2 shows an illustration of an inspection device;

[0081] Fig. 3a is a representation of an arrangement with a plurality of receiving devices; and

[0082] Fig. 3b shows an arrangement with a plurality of transmitting devices.

[0083] Fig. 1 shows a representation of a device 1 according to the invention. This device comprises a transport device 2 in the form of a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain, which serves to transport the containers 10 in the transport direction T. Reference numerals 22 and 24 denote two guide rails that guide the transport movement of the containers 10. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the containers are preferably filled, sealed containers. These containers can be labeled or printed.

[0084] Reference numeral 32 denotes a support to which an arm 35 is attached, which in turn supports the inspection device designated as a whole by 30. Reference numeral 34 denotes an adjustment device with which the height position of the arm 35 and thus also of the inspection device 30 can be changed.

[0085] Reference numeral 36 denotes a first carrier, and reference numeral 38 denotes a second carrier. These carriers serve to accommodate the transmitting devices and the receiving devices. Reference numeral 40 denotes the receiving arrangement, which is arranged on the carrier 36.

[0086] Fig. 2 shows a representation of the inspection device 30. Here again the two arms 36 and 38 can be seen as well as a cross member 35 on which these arms 36, 38 are arranged.

[0087] Fig. 3a shows a representation of a receiving arrangement 40. A total of four receiving devices 6, 16, 16a, and 16b are arranged on this arrangement. It can be seen that these are arranged one above the other and, in particular, in an assembled state, are arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction of the containers. The individual receiving devices preferably have a plate-like shape.

[0088] Fig. 3b shows a corresponding transmission arrangement 20. This arrangement comprises four transmitting devices 4, 14, 14a, and 14b. These are each controlled by control devices 52. Electric fields can develop between the individual transmitting devices 4, 14, 14a, and 14b and the receiving devices 6, 16, 16a, and 16b. Reference numeral 52 denotes a control device that controls these fields and / or the transmitting devices. Reference numeral 54 denotes a processor device that controls the entire transmitting arrangement. This processor device can also handle the evaluation of the received signals.

[0089] The containers 10 are transported between these individual transmitting and receiving devices, particularly by the electric field created between these transmitting and receiving devices. By determining this electric field, the fill level of the container can be monitored.

[0090] It is conceivable that these electric fields fluctuate, for example, depending on whether a container is located between the transmitting and receiving devices or whether there is an empty space between two containers. Preferably, corresponding measurement curves are recorded over a longer period of time. If a container with an improper fill level passes through the gap between the transmitting and receiving devices, this becomes apparent from the respective output signal. A discharge device (not shown) can then discharge the incorrectly filled container.

[0091] 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 further features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures.

Claims

Claims: Device (1) for checking the fill level of filled containers (10) with a transport device (2) which transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (P) and with an inspection device for inspecting the containers (10) transported by the transport device (2), wherein the inspection device has a first transmitting device (4) which outputs a high-frequency transmit signal and a first receiving device (6) which receives the signal output by the first transmitting device or a signal based on this signal output by the first transmitting device (4), wherein the transport path of the containers runs between the transmitting device and the receiving device, characterized in that the inspection device has a second transmitting device (14) which outputs a high-frequency transmit signal and a second receiving device (16).which receives the signal output by the second transmitting device or a signal based on this signal output by the second transmitting device (4), wherein the second transmitting device (14) is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected offset from the first transmitting device and the second receiving device is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected offset from the first receiving device (16). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each transmitting device is assigned exactly one receiving device such that this transmitting device and the receiving device assigned to it form a measuring section. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one transmitting device and the receiving device assigned to it, are arranged such that an electric field is established between this transmitting device and the associated receiving device, through which the containers can be transported. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport path is straight and preferably at least one guide device for guiding the containers is provided, which limits movement of the containers perpendicular to the transport path.Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inspection device has at least one further transmitting device (14a) which outputs a high-frequency transmit signal and at least one further receiving device (16a) which receives the signal output by the further transmitting device (14a) or a signal based on this signal output by the further transmitting device (14a), wherein the further transmitting device (14a) is arranged offset in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected relative to the first transmitting device (4) and the second transmitting device (14a) and the further receiving device (16a) is arranged offset in the longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected relative to the first receiving device and the second receiving device.Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all transmitting devices (4, 14, 14a) are arranged laterally next to the transport path on a first side and all receiving devices are arranged next to the transport path (P) on a second side opposite the first side. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inspection device has a bridge-like support on which the transmitting devices are mounted. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inspection device has at least one measuring device which measures a quantity characteristic of an electric field between a transmitting device and the receiving device associated with it. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several transmitting devices can be operated simultaneously, wherein these transmitting devices can be operated with different transmission frequencies. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a control device which enables a time-staggered activation of several transmitting devices and preferably also of the receiving devices associated with these transmitting devices.Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inspection device forms a measuring range in the longitudinal direction of the containers which is larger than 20 mm, preferably larger than 40 mm, preferably larger than 60 mm and particularly preferably larger than 70 mm and / or the inspection device forms a measuring range in the longitudinal direction of the containers which is smaller than 130 mm, preferably smaller than 120 mm, preferably smaller than 110 mm and particularly preferably smaller than 100 mm. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a sensor device for detecting at least one quantity characteristic of ambient conditions and preferably a processor unit which evaluates this characteristic quantity from the less-. Method for measuring the fill level of filled containers (10) wherein a transport device (2) transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (P) and an inspection device inspects the containers (10) transported by the transport device (2), wherein the inspection device has a first transmitting device (4) which outputs a high-frequency transmit signal and a first receiving device (6) which receives the signal output by the first transmitting device or a signal based on this signal output by the first transmitting device (4), wherein the transport path of the containers runs between the transmitting device and the receiving device, characterized in that the inspection device has a second transmitting device (14) which outputs a high-frequency transmit signal and a second receiving device (16),which receives the signal output by the second transmitting device or a signal based on this signal output by the second transmitting device (4), wherein the second transmitting device (14) is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected offset from the first transmitting device and the second receiving device is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the containers to be inspected offset from the first receiving device (16). Method according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one quantity influencing the measurement is taken into account and, in particular, compensated for. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement signals of the receiving devices are evaluated using artificial intelligence.

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