Inspection device for a packaging machine and packaging machine having the inspection device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-22
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device for a packaging machine.
[0002] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a packaging machine having at least one inspection device for packaging a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, in a package, in particular a package formed from a multi-layer packaging material.
Background Art
[0003] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made from sterilized packaging materials, in particular sealed packages.
[0004] As a typical example, there is a parallelepiped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure including a base layer of carton and / or paper, and both sides are covered with layers of heat-sealing plastic material, for example polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storable products, the packaging material includes a layer of oxygen barrier material, for example aluminum foil, which layer overlaps with a layer of heat-sealing plastic material and is further covered with another layer of heat-sealing plastic material to finally form the inner surface of the package that contacts the food.
[0005] This type of package is usually produced by a fully automatic packaging machine that forms and fills the package from a multi-layer packaging material. Such an automatic packaging machine is accompanied by a very high production speed (more than 10,000 or more per hour).
[0006] It is known that samples of the manufactured packages are analyzed according to a defined sampling plan for quality control reasons. In many cases, the implementation of such a sampling plan requires the intervention of a technical operator.
[0007] Although known packaging machines operate well enough, there is a desire in the industry to further improve known packaging machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide, in a simple and low-cost manner, an inspection device for a packaging machine, particularly an inspection device configured to inspect packages formed within the packaging machine, and more specifically, an inspection device configured to inspect packages formed within the packaging machine and manage the quality of the packages.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide, in a simple and low-cost manner, a packaging machine equipped with an inspection device, particularly an inspection device configured to inspect packages formed within the packaging machine, and more particularly an inspection device configured to inspect packages formed within the packaging machine and manage the quality of the packages.
[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided an inspection device as set forth in independent claim 1.
[0011] Preferred embodiments of the inspection device are described in the claims that depend directly or indirectly from claim 1.
[0012] According to the present invention, there is provided a packaging machine as set forth in claim 15.
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS
[0013] Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0015] Number 1 indicates, as a whole, a packaging machine for manufacturing a package 2 filled with a pourable product, particularly a pourable food product such as (pasteurized) milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, emulsion, yogurt, milk beverage, etc.
[0016] The packaging machine 1 can be configured to manufacture a package 2 filled with a pourable product.
[0017] More specifically, the packaging machine 1 can be configured to manufacture the package 2 from a packaging material having a multi-layer structure.
[0018] Even more specifically, the packaging material can include at least one layer of a fibrous material such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of a heat-seal plastic material such as polyethylene that interpose the layers of the fibrous material between each other. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic can define the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.
[0019] Furthermore, the packaging material may comprise a layer of a gas barrier and light barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, disposed in particular between one of the layers of the heat-sealing plastic material and the layer of the fibrous material. Preferably, the packaging material may comprise a further layer of heat-sealing plastic material interposed between the layer of the gas barrier and light barrier material and the layer of the fibrous material.
[0020] More particularly, the packaging material may be provided in the form of a web 3.
[0021] Each package 2 obtained by the packaging machine 1 may comprise a longitudinal seam portion.
[0022] Furthermore, each package 2 may comprise a pair of respective first transverse seal bands and respective second transverse seal bands, disposed in particular on opposite sides of the package 2. In particular, the first transverse seal band may define a transverse upper seal band and the second transverse seal band may define a transverse lower seal band.
[0023] More particularly, referring especially to FIG. 3, each package 2 may comprise a first wall 40 carrying and / or having in particular the first transverse seal band. Preferably, the first wall 40 defines a support surface of the package 2, which support surface may be designed to contact a support, such as a shelf, when exposed, for example, within a point of sale, or when stored, or when transported. In particular, when disposed on a support, the first wall 40 may define a bottom wall.
[0024] Furthermore, each package 2 may comprise side walls 41 extending from the first wall 40. In particular, the side walls 41 may hold and / or have at least a part of the longitudinal seam portion.
[0025] Furthermore, each package 2 may comprise a second wall 42 facing the first wall 41 and (fixedly) connected to the side walls 41. In particular, the side walls 41 may be interposed between the first wall 40 and the second wall 42.
[0026] Preferably, each side wall 41 may carry and / or have a second lateral sealing band.
[0027] In particular, when the package 2 is arranged on a support, the second wall 42 may define an upper wall.
[0028] According to the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first wall 41 and the second wall 42 may be parallel to each other.
[0029] According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment not shown, the first wall 41 and the second wall 42 may be inclined with respect to each other. In particular, the second wall 42 may define an inclined upper part or may define a part of a gabled upper part.
[0030] According to some possible embodiments not shown, each package 2 may comprise, for example, a closure applied to the second wall 42. The closure may be applied, for example, during, after or before the formation, filling and sealing of the packaging material.
[0031] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each package 2 may comprise a straw, a label, promotional information, etc.
[0032] Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 may - a package filling device 4 for filling the package 2, in particular for forming and filling the package 2, and more particularly for forming the package 2 from a multilayer packaging material and filling the package 2; - at least one inspection device 5 for selectively performing inspections and, in particular, for also performing quality control of one or more packages 2 produced by the package filling device 4; and may be provided with.
[0033] In particular, the inspection device 5 may be arranged downstream of the package filling device 4, that is, the inspection device 5 receives the package 2 from the package filling device 4 during use.
[0034] Preferably, the inspection device 5 may be configured to determine the quality of the package 2 and / or detect defects in the package 2.
[0035] Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the inspection device 5 - a control unit 6 for controlling the operation of the inspection device 5 itself, - a transport device 7 operably connected particularly to the control unit 6, - one or more inspection units 8 (one in the illustrated example) configured to inspect the package 2 and particularly to determine the quality of the package 2 and / or detect defects in the package 2, and includes.
[0036] Preferably, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the operation of the transport device 7 to selectively advance the package 2 to each inspection unit 8.
[0037] Preferably, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the operation of each inspection unit 8.
[0038] More specifically, the transport device 7 includes a planar motor 10 having a plurality of carriers 11 configured to receive the package 2 at an inlet station 12 and send out the package 2 to an outlet station 13.
[0039] Particularly, the control unit 6 may be operably connected to the planar motor 10 and configured to control the operation of the planar motor 10, particularly the movement of the carriers 11.
[0040] Preferably, the control unit 6 may be configured to selectively control the movement of each carrier 11.
[0041] In particular, the control unit 6 can be configured to selectively control the movement of each carrier 11 independently of the other carriers 11. In this context, independently means that the control unit 6 can accelerate and decelerate each carrier 11 in a selective manner different from the acceleration and deceleration of the other carriers 11. Further, the control unit 6 can control the movement of each carrier 11 so as to avoid an undesirable collision with one or more other carriers 11.
[0042] Returning further to FIG. 2, each inspection unit 8 is arranged adjacent to the planar motor 10 at the inspection station 14, and in particular, each inspection unit 8 can inspect the package 2 that is moved to the inspection station 14 during use.
[0043] The inspection unit 8 may be arranged adjacent to the planar motor 10, or the inspection unit 8 may be arranged at least in part (e.g., on or within the planar motor 10) of the planar motor 10.
[0044] In particular, it can be configured to selectively control, together with each respective package 2, at least a part of the carriers 11 to be selectively guided to the inspection station 14 and then to the exit station 13. Preferably, the control unit 6 can be configured to selectively control the movement of the carriers 11 to selectively guide one or more of the carriers 11 and their respective associated packages 2 to the inspection station 14 in accordance with a determined sampling plan.
[0045] In particular, the control unit 6 can be configured to control the movement of the carriers 11 to guide only the packages 2 to be inspected to the inspection station 14 in order to determine, in particular, the quality of each package 2 and / or to detect defects.
[0046] Further, the control unit 6 can be configured to control the movement of the carriers 11 to move, in particular directly, the carriers 11 carrying the packages 2 not to be inspected to the exit station 13 without passing through the inspection station 14.
[0047] In other words, the control unit 6 can be configured to selectively move, particularly directly move, the carrier 11 along a first path P from the inlet station 12 to the outlet station 13 or along a second path Q different from the first path Q from the inlet station 12 to the inspection station 14, particularly from the inlet station 15 to the inspection station 14 and from the inspection station 14 to the outlet station 13.
[0048] Preferably, a first virtual line extending from the inlet station 12 to the inspection station 14 and a second virtual line extending from the inspection station 14 to the outlet station 16 represent, or define, an angle different from 180° or a multiple of 180°. In other words, the second path Q cannot be represented by a straight line.
[0049] As schematically shown in FIG. 2, each inspection unit 8 may include an imaging device 15 configured to acquire images of these packages 2 that move to the inspection station 14 during use. In particular, the imaging device 15 may be arranged such that the imaging device 15 is arranged above the package 2 that moves to the inspection station 14 during use. In other words, during use, the package 2 at the inspection station 14 is arranged between the respective carrier 11 and the imaging device 15.
[0050] Additionally or alternatively, each inspection unit 8 may include a scanning device 16, particularly a laser scanning device 16, configured to scan the three-dimensional structure of the package 2 moved to the inspection station 14 and acquire its data.
[0051] Preferably, the scanning device 16 may be configured to scan each side wall 41 of each package 2, particularly each second wall 42.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the inspection unit 8 may include both the scanning device 16 and the imaging device 15. However, it should be noted that the inspection unit 8 may include only the imaging device 15 or only the scanning device 16.
[0053] According to another embodiment, the inspection device 5 may include a plurality of inspection units 8.
[0054] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each inspection unit 8 or some of the inspection units 8 may each include one imaging device 15 and / or one scanning device 16.
[0055] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the inspection device 5 may preferably include at least one analysis device 17 operably coupled to each imaging device 15 and / or each scanning device 16.
[0056] According to the illustrated embodiment, each inspection unit 8 may include one analysis device 17.
[0057] Alternatively, the inspection device 5 may include one central analysis device 17 operably coupled to each inspection unit 8, particularly each imaging device 15 and / or each scanning unit 16.
[0058] Each analysis device 17 may be configured to analyze an image acquired by the imaging device 15 and / or to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of each package 2 based on the three-dimensional data acquired by the scanning unit 16.
[0059] Particularly, it may be configured to determine the quality of each package 2 and / or detect defects based on the analysis of each image and / or each three-dimensional model.
[0060] Alternatively or additionally, one or more inspection units 8 may be configured to inspect the package 2 to determine the weight of the package 2.
[0061] More specifically, one or more inspection units 8 may each include a weight detection sensor 9, and preferably may be connected to respective analyzers 17 and configured to determine the weight of the package 2 directed to respective inspection stations 14.
[0062] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the weight detection sensor 9 may preferably include at least one sensor 26, such as a strain gauge, operatively connected to respective analyzers 17.
[0063] In particular, each analyzer 17 may be configured to determine the quality of the package 2 by comparing the determined weight with a desired weight.
[0064] Alternatively or additionally, one or more or all of the inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all of the analyzers 17 may be configured to determine whether the package 2 corresponds to a desired shape and / or a deviation from the desired shape.
[0065] One or more inspection units 8 and / or one or more analyzers 17 may be configured to detect defects such as incorrect sealing, deformation, incorrect weight, etc.
[0066] According to some possible embodiments, one or more or all of the inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all of the analyzers 17 may be configured to control the quality of one or more parts of the package 2. Such parts may be, for example, closures, straws, labels, promotional information, etc.
[0067] According to some possible embodiments, one or more or all of the inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all of the analyzers 17 may be configured to control the printed information present on the package 2. Such printed information may be, for example, expiration date, production lot, production location, EAN number, etc.
[0068] Preferably, one or more or all of the inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all of the analysis devices 17 can be configured to control whether the printed information corresponds to the expected printed information. For example, it may also be possible to control whether the expiration date or EAN number printed on the package 2 corresponds to the desired expiration date or the desired EAN number.
[0069] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, one or more or all of the inspection devices 5 may also include a processing unit configured to process the package 2. For example, the processing unit may be configured to apply and / or print decorations and / or information and / or objects (such as straws, closures, labels, promotional information, etc.) on the package 2. Preferably, one or more or all of the inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all of the analysis devices 17 can be configured to control the package 2 after, before, and / or during processing.
[0070] Furthermore, one or more or all of the inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all of the analysis devices 17 can be configured to control whether the desired processing result has been obtained.
[0071] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the inspection device 5, for example one or more inspection units 8, can be configured to signal the inspection results to the control unit 6 and / or the technical operator and / or the package manufacturing device 4.
[0072] For example, the package manufacturing device 4 can be configured to automatically change the operating parameters, and / or the technical operator may change the operating parameters of the package manufacturing device 4 according to the inspection results.
[0073] Referring particularly to FIG. 3, each carrier 11 may include a support surface 19 for carrying the respective package 2.
[0074] In particular, each package 2 may extend along the longitudinal axis A, and the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C are perpendicular to each other. Preferably, the length of the package 2 along the longitudinal axis A may be greater than each of the lengths along the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C. Preferably, each first wall 40 and each second wall 42 may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis A.
[0075] Preferably, each package 2 may be arranged on each carrier 11 such that each longitudinal axis A is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the support surface 19.
[0076] In particular, the first wall 40 may contact the support surface 19 when arranged on each carrier 11.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, each carrier 11 may be configured to rotate each package 2 about the axis of rotation E at the inspection station 14, in particular through control by the control device 6.
[0078] Preferably, each carrier 11 is configured to rotate itself about the axis of rotation E in order to rotate each package 2 about the axis of rotation E.
[0079] Furthermore, the axis of rotation E may be parallel to each longitudinal axis A of each package 2.
[0080] More specifically, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the movement of each carrier 11 along three linear axes and around three axes of rotation. In other words, each carrier 11 has six degrees of freedom.
[0081] In particular, it may be effective to rotate the package 2 about the axis of rotation E during the operation of the scanning device 16 and / or the imaging device 15.
[0082] More specifically, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the movement of each carrier 11 along three linear axes and around three axes of rotation. In other words, each carrier 11 has six degrees of freedom.
[0083] More specifically, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the movement of each carrier 11 along a first linear axis X, a second linear axis Y perpendicular to the first linear axis X, and a third linear axis Z perpendicular to the first linear axis X and the second linear axis Y. In this way, the position of each carrier 11 (and each associated package 2) in three-dimensional space can be controlled.
[0084] Furthermore, each control unit 6 may be configured to control the angular movement of each carrier 11 around a rotation axis E, a second rotation axis F perpendicular to the rotation axis E, and a third rotation axis G perpendicular to the rotation axis E and the second rotation axis F. Thereby, the angular position of the carrier 11 (and the angular position of each associated package 2) can be controlled.
[0085] By providing six degrees of freedom, it becomes possible to accurately control the angular position and spatial position of the package 2, and in particular, the inspection of the package 2 can be improved.
[0086] In particular, referring to FIG. 2, the planar motor 10 may include a planar control module 20 operably coupled to the control unit 6.
[0087] Preferably, the planar control module 20 may include a plurality of coils configured to generate a local electromagnetic field for selectively moving the carrier 11.
[0088] The control unit 6 may be configured to control a plurality of coils to control the movement of the carrier 11 along the first linear axis X, the second linear axis Y, and the third linear axis Z, and around the rotation axis E, the second rotation axis F, and the third rotation axis G.
[0089] More specifically, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the carrier 11 along the third linear axis Z so as to raise the carrier 11 from the planar control module 20. In particular, with the power of the coil turned off, the carrier 11 is placed on the planar control module 20.
[0090] Furthermore, the planar control module 20 may extend along a first axis, in particular an axis parallel to the first linear axis X, and a second axis, in particular an axis parallel to the second linear axis Y.
[0091] Advantageously, each carrier 11 may comprise at least one magnetic element and / or ferromagnetic element enabling the interaction of each carrier 11 with the local electromagnetic field generated by the coil.
[0092] The control unit 6 may be configured to selectively control the movement of each carrier along the first axis and the first linear axis X and along the second axis and the second linear axis Y by controlling the interaction of at least one magnetic element and / or ferromagnetic element of each carrier with the local electromagnetic field.
[0093] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the planar control module 20 may comprise a plurality of modules, each module comprising one or more coils. Further, each module may be in contact within one or more adjacent modules. Further, the plurality of modules are arranged to define an extension along the first and second axes of the planar control module 20.
[0094] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the planar motor 10 may comprise a planar control module 20, preferably a support structure 25 (schematically shown in FIGS. 5 - 7) carrying the modules.
[0095] FIGS. 5 - 7 schematically show different variations of the weight detection sensor 9 configured to determine the weight of each package 2 moved to the respective inspection station 14.
[0096] Preferably, independently of a particular variation, the control unit 6 can be configured to turn off the power of the carrier 11 at each inspection station 14, for example during the step of weight measurement. The electromagnetic field may be locally turned off so that each carrier 11 is not exposed to any electromagnetic force. This is advantageous because the weight measurement is not affected by any electromagnetic force acting on each carrier 11 and may have a positive or negative impact on gravity.
[0097] Furthermore, each weight detection sensor 9 may comprise one or more sensors 26, such as one or more strain gauges, or electromagnetic force recovery sensors.
[0098] According to the variation shown in FIG. 5, each sensor 26 can be arranged at each inspection station 14 and interposed between the support structure 25 and the planar control module 20, preferably at least one respective module.
[0099] According to such a variation, the control unit 6 can be configured to turn off the power of each carrier 11 moved to each inspection station 14 and place the carrier 11 on the planar control module 20, preferably on each module. Furthermore, then, each one or more sensors 26 generate signals according to the weight of the carrier 11 and each package 2 carried for each carrier 11. Since the carrier 11 has a defined weight, the weight of the package 2 can be estimated.
[0100] According to the variation of FIG. 6, each sensor 26 can be arranged on the planar control module 20, preferably on each respective module.
[0101] According to such a variation, the control unit 6 can be configured to turn off the power of each carrier 11 moved to each inspection station 14 and place the carrier 11 directly on one or more respective sensors 26.
[0102] According to the modification of FIG. 7, each weight detection sensor 9 may also include a support 27 configured to carry each carrier 11 during the weight measurement step. Further, one or more sensors 26 (for example, one or more strain gauges) may be coupled to the support 27.
[0103] Furthermore, each support 27 may be suspended from the planar control module 20 (that is, the support 27 may be spaced apart from the planar control module 20 along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes).
[0104] According to such a modification, the control unit 6 may be configured to move each carrier 11 to each inspection station 14 and interpose at least a part of the support 27 between each carrier 11 and the planar control module 20. Further, the control unit 6 may be configured to turn off the power of each carrier 11 moved to each inspection station 14 and place the carrier 11 on the support 27.
[0105] According to one or more embodiments, each carrier 11 may receive each package 2 as illustrated in the figure, but a plurality of carriers 11, preferably two carriers 11, may jointly receive one package 2. That is, one package 2 may be picked up by a plurality of carriers 11 and moved through the transport device 7.
[0106] The carrier 11 may include a holding element configured to maintain the package 2 at a predetermined position between the carriers 11. The carrier 11 may receive the package 2 by applying pressure with each holding element on the opposite side of the package 2.
[0107] Advantageously, with the above configuration, the transport device can be adapted to packages 2 of different dimensions.
[0108] For example, a plurality of carriers 11 may jointly place the package 2 on the inspection unit 8. The carrier 11 releases the package 2 on the inspection unit 8, for example, a weight detection sensor 9, the inspection unit 8 performs an inspection, and the carrier 11 may take out the package 2 from the inspection unit 8.
[0109] Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the conveying device 7 may also - an inlet conveyor 21 that supplies the package 2 to the inlet station 12, where the package 2 is transferred onto the respective carriers 11 at the inlet station 12, and - an outlet conveyor 22 that receives the package 2 at the outlet station 13, particularly, in use, receives the package 2 from the respective carriers 11. may be provided.
[0110] More specifically, the inlet conveyor 21 may be configured to advance the package 2 from the package filling device 4 to the planar motor 10.
[0111] Advantageously, the inlet conveyor 21 may include one or more inlet tracks 23. In the specific example of FIG. 2, one inlet track is shown.
[0112] The inlet track 23 may include a conveyor belt for advancing the package 2.
[0113] According to some possible embodiments, the outlet conveyor 22 may be configured to advance the package 2 from the outlet station 13 to a further end-of-line processing.
[0114] Preferably, the outlet conveyor 22 may include a delivery track 24.
[0115] The delivery track 24 may include a conveyor belt for advancing the package 2.
[0116] Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the package filling device 4 can be configured to manufacture a package 2 and fill it with a product that can be poured into the package 2.
[0117] More specifically, the package filling device 4 can be configured to manufacture the package 2 by forming a tube 30 from a web 3, sealing the tube 30 longitudinally, filling the tube 30 with a product that can be poured into it, sealing the tube 30 transversely, and cutting it.
[0118] Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the package filling device 4 - a conveying unit 31 for advancing the web 3 (in a known manner) along the web advancing path P to the forming station 8; - an isolation chamber 32 having an internal environment, particularly an internal sterile environment containing sterile gas, and being separated from the (hostile) external environment; - a tube forming and sealing device 33 configured to form a tube 30 from the web 3 advancing within the internal environment and to seal the tube 30 longitudinally within the internal environment; - a filling device 34 for filling the tube 30 with a product that can be poured into it; - a package forming unit 35 configured to form the advancing tube 30 into a package 2, seal it transversely, and cut it transversely during use; and may include.
[0119] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may include a sterilization unit configured to sterilize the advancing web 3 during use at a sterilization station.
[0120] During use, the packaging machine 1 manufactures a package 2 filled with a product that can be poured into it.
[0121] The operation of the packaging machine 1 includes at least - a step of filling the package 2 with a product that can be poured into it, particularly performed by the package filling device 7; - In particular, by means of the inspection device 5, and more particularly by means of one or more inspection units 8, selectively performing an inspection of the package 2; comprising.
[0122] Furthermore, the operation of the packaging machine 1 may comprise a step of forming the package 2, in particular by means of the execution of the package filling device 7.
[0123] In particular, the steps of filling and forming the package 2 may be carried out simultaneously.
[0124] More specifically, between the forming step and the filling step, a tube is formed from the advancing web 3, sealed longitudinally, filled with a pourable product, and sealed and cut transversely.
[0125] Preferably, the step of selectively performing the inspection may be carried out after the filling step, in particular after the filling and forming steps.
[0126] According to some preferred embodiments, the operation of the packaging machine 1 may comprise a supply step in which the package 2 is supplied, in particular from the package filling device 7 to the inspection device 5.
[0127] According to some possible embodiments, the filling step and / or the forming step may be carried out and / or modified according to the inspection results obtained during the inspection step. For example, the operating parameters of the packaging production device 4 may be defined according to the inspection results.
[0128] More specifically, during the step of selectively performing the inspection, - at the inlet station 12, a sub-step of loading each package 2 onto a respective carrier 11; - a sub-step of selectively moving part or all of the carriers 11 to the inspection station 14; - a sub-step of inspecting the packages 2 moved to the inspection station 14, are carried out.
[0129] Furthermore, after the sub-step of inspection, the carrier 11 (and each associated package 2) is moved to the discharge station 13.
[0130] Furthermore, during the step of selectively performing the inspection, additional sub-steps of movement are also performed, in which some carriers 11 are moved from the inlet station 12 to the outlet station 13 without passing through the inspection station 14.
[0131] More specifically, during the sub-step of inspection, any movement of the carrier 11 is controlled by the control unit 6 by controlling a local electromagnetic field selectively generated by the coil.
[0132] More specifically, during the sub-step of inspection, - the imaging device 15 can image the package 2 moved to the inspection station 14, and / or - the scanning device 16 can acquire three-dimensional data of the package 2 moved to the inspection station 14, and / or - the weight detection sensor 9 can determine the weight of the package 2 moved to the inspection station 14.
[0133] Furthermore, during the sub-step of inspection, each analyzer 17 can be configured to determine the quality of the package 2 moved to the inspection station 14 and / or detect defects by analyzing the three-dimensional data and / or the image and / or the three-dimensional model reconstructed from the determined weight.
[0134] More specifically, according to some possible embodiments, during the sub-step of inspection, the weight of the package 2 can be determined by one or more respective sensors 26.
[0135] While measuring the weight of each package 2, the control unit 6 turns off the power supply of each carrier 11. That is, the control unit 6 checks that the local electromagnetic field is off so that the carrier 11 is not exposed to any electromagnetic force during the weight measurement.
[0136] More specifically, referring back to the variant of FIG. 5, the control unit 6 controls each carrier 11 to place each carrier 6 on the planar control module 20, preferably on each module.
[0137] Considering the variant of FIG. 6, the control unit 6 controls each carrier 11 to place each carrier 11 on one or more respective sensors 26.
[0138] Furthermore, considering the variant of FIG. 7, the control unit 6 controls each carrier 11 to place each carrier 6 on a respective support 27.
[0139] Regardless of the specific variation, each analysis unit 17 receives a signal from one or more respective sensors 26 that depends on the weight of each package 2 and the weight of each carrier 11. Since the weight of each carrier 11 is known by each analysis unit 17 (preferably, the weight of each carrier 11 can be measured in advance), the necessary information regarding the weight of each package 2 can be obtained.
[0140] Referring to FIG. 4, the number 5' indicates an alternative embodiment of the inspection device according to the present invention. Since the inspection device 5' is similar to the inspection device 5, the following description is limited to the differences between the two, and for the same or corresponding parts, the same reference is used as much as possible.
[0141] In particular, the inspection device 5' differs from the inspection device 5 in that the exit conveyor 22 includes a first delivery track 24 and a second delivery track 24' that is offset from the first delivery track 24.
[0142] Furthermore, the control unit 6 can be configured to move the carrier 11 such that packages 2 to be inspected by the inspection unit 8 during use are supplied to the second delivery track 24', and packages 2 not to be inspected by the inspection unit 8 during use are supplied to the first delivery track 24.
[0143] For example, the control unit 6 can be configured to move the carrier 11 such that packages 2 to be inspected by the inspection unit 8 during use and which need to undergo other quality evaluations can be supplied to the second delivery track 24'.
[0144] Since the operation of the inspection device 5' is the same as that of the inspection device 5, the following description will be limited to the differences between the two.
[0145] In particular, during the step of selectively performing inspections, all of some packages 2 inspected by the inspection unit 8 are supplied to the second delivery track 24', and other packages 2 not inspected are supplied to the first delivery track 24.
[0146] The advantages of the inspection devices 5 and 5' and / or the packaging machine 1 according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.
[0147] In particular, the inspection devices 5 and 5' enable packages 2 to be inspected without interrupting production.
[0148] Another advantage is that inspected packages 2 can be easily fed back or advanced separately together with non-inspected packages 2 for further advancement.
[0149] A further advantage is that the weight of the package 2 can be measured efficiently and accurately by the weight detection sensor 9, and the design is also simple.
[0150] However, the inspection apparatuses 5 and 5' and / or the packaging machine 1 described herein may be modified without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.
[0151] According to some possible non-illustrated embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a plurality of inspection apparatuses 5 or 5'.
[0152] Preferably, the plurality of inspection apparatuses 5 or 5' may be arranged in parallel or in series.
[0153] In particular, each inspection apparatus 5 or 5' may be arranged to receive a part of a plurality of manufactured packages 2 and / or to inspect a part of the manufactured packages 2.
Claims
1. An inspection device (5) for inspecting packages (2) manufactured by a packaging machine (1), A control unit (6) that controls the inspection device (5), Conveying device (7), An inspection unit (8) for inspecting the package (2), Equipped with, The transport device (7) includes a planar motor (10) having a plurality of carriers (11) that receive the package (2) at the entrance station (12) and send the package (2) to the exit station (13). The inspection unit (8) is located in the inspection station (14). The control unit (6) selectively controls the movement of the carriers (11) so that one or more carriers (11) are directed toward the inspection station (14) and then toward the exit station (13). The inspection unit (8) inspects the package (2) that has been moved to the inspection station (14) during use. Inspection device (5).
2. Each carrier (11) receives its own package (2), or multiple carriers (11), preferably two carriers (11), jointly receive the package (2). The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.
3. The control unit (6) selectively controls the movement of each of the carriers (11) to selectively move the carriers (11) to the inspection station (14) and then to the exit station (13). The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.
4. The inspection unit (8) includes an imaging device (15) that acquires an image of the package (2) when it is moved to the inspection station (14) during use. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.
5. The device further includes an analysis device (17) for analyzing images. The inspection apparatus according to claim 4.
6. The inspection unit (8) includes a scanning device (16), particularly a laser scanning device (16), which scans the three-dimensional structure of the package (2) that is moved to the inspection station (14) when in use and acquires data. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.
7. The system further includes an analysis device (17) for reconstructing a three-dimensional model of the package (2) from the three-dimensional structural data obtained by the scanning device (16). The inspection apparatus according to claim 6.
8. The analysis device (17) determines the quality of the package (2) and / or detects defects in the package (2) based on the analysis of images and / or a three-dimensional model. The inspection apparatus according to claim 5.
9. The inspection unit (8) includes a weight detection sensor (9) for measuring the weight of the package (2) that has been moved to the inspection station (14). The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.
10. The weight detection sensor (9) comprises at least one sensor (26) that determines the weight of the package (2) moved to the inspection station (14). The inspection apparatus according to claim 9.
11. The at least one sensor (26) is a strain gauge or an electromagnetic force recovery sensor. The inspection apparatus according to claim 10.
12. The planar motor (10) includes a planar control module (20) which includes a plurality of coils that generate a local electromagnetic field for selectively moving the carrier (11), Each sensor (26) is positioned on the plane control module (20) of the inspection station (14). The planar motor (10) includes a support structure (25) that supports the planar control module (20), and each sensor (26) is interposed between the support structure (25) and the planar control module (20) in the inspection station (14). The weight detection sensor (9) comprises a support (27) configured to carry each carrier (11) together with the package (2) moved to the inspection station (14), and one or more sensors (26) coupled to the support (27). The inspection apparatus according to claim 10.
13. The planar motor (10) includes a planar control module (20) which includes a plurality of coils configured to generate a local electromagnetic field for selectively moving the carrier (11), Each carrier (11) comprises at least one magnetic element and / or ferromagnetic element, The planar control module (20) extends along the first axis (X) and the second axis (Y), The control unit (6) selectively controls the movement of each carrier (11) along the first axis (X) and the second axis (Y) by controlling the local electromagnetic field interaction with at least one magnetic element and / or ferromagnetic element of each carrier. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.
14. The aforementioned conveying device (7) further, An entrance conveyor (21) that supplies the package (2) to the entrance station (12), The system includes an exit conveyor (22) that receives the package (2) at the exit station (13), The exit conveyor (22) includes a first discharge track (24) and a second discharge track (24') offset from the first discharge track (24). The control unit (6) moves the carrier (11) such that packages (2) that are inspected by the inspection unit (8) during use are supplied to the second delivery track (24'), and packages (2) that are not inspected by the inspection unit (8) during use are supplied to the first delivery track (24). The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.
15. A packaging machine (1) for manufacturing a package (2) filled with a pourable product, A package filling device (4) for filling the package (2) with a product that can be poured into it, The at least one inspection device (5) according to claim 1, A packaging machine (1) equipped with the following: