Variety identification device and variety identification method

Abstract

To provide a variety identification device capable of stably and highly accurate identification of beverage variety and reducing type replacement work.SOLUTION: A variety identification device according to one embodiment is a variety identification device 1 for identifying beverage variety, and includes a conveyance path 2 capable of conveying a plurality of types of beverage containers C containing beverages and a plurality of reading machines 10 that read an identification code of the beverage container C conveyed in the conveyance path 2. The plurality of reading machines 10 are arranged at positions surrounding the beverage container C conveyed in the conveyance path 2, and the plurality of reading machines 10 are conveyed in the conveyance path 2 without rotation, and read identification code of the beverage container C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a variety identification device and a variety identification method for identifying beverage varieties.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various devices and methods for identifying beverage varieties have been known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-23925 describes a method and a device for detecting different types of cans. In the method for detecting different types of cans, cans are conveyed on a conveyance path and the conveyed cans are forcibly rotated. The device for detecting different types of cans includes a rotating device for forcibly rotating the cans on the conveyance path and a barcode reader for reading the barcode of the cans rotated by the rotating device.

[0003] The device for detecting different types of cans further includes an interval regulating device for regulating the intervals between a plurality of cans rotating in the rotating device. The plurality of cans rotate in the rotating device while the intervals are regulated by the interval regulating device. The barcode of the plurality of cans with regulated intervals is read by the barcode reader when the cans are rotating.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above-described variety identification device, when the beverage container such as a can is rotating on the conveyance path, the barcode reader reads an identification code such as a barcode attached to the beverage container. However, when reading the identification code while the beverage container is rotating, there is a concern that the identification code may not be properly read depending on the rotation position of the beverage container, and the identification of the beverage variety may not be stably performed with high accuracy.

[0006] Furthermore, when transporting multiple types of beverage containers along a transport route, it may be necessary to change the type of equipment along the transport route when changing the type of beverage container being transported. If the amount of equipment changeover work is large, it can increase the workload on workers and potentially lead to increased costs for transporting beverage containers. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the amount of equipment changeover work.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a beverage variety identification device and a beverage variety identification method that can stably and accurately identify beverage varieties and reduce the work required for changing molds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The variety identification device according to this disclosure is a variety identification device for identifying varieties of beverages, comprising a transport path capable of transporting a plurality of types of beverage containers containing beverages, and a plurality of readers for reading the identification codes of beverage containers transported along the transport path, wherein the plurality of readers are positioned to surround the beverage containers being transported along the transport path, and the plurality of readers read the identification codes of beverage containers that are being transported without rotating along the transport path.

[0009] In this beverage type identification device, multiple readers read the identification codes of beverage containers being transported along the transport path. The multiple readers are positioned to surround the beverage containers being transported along the transport path. Therefore, since the multiple readers read the identification codes of the beverage containers from multiple different directions, stable and highly accurate identification of beverage types can be achieved. Furthermore, the multiple readers read the identification codes of beverage containers that are being transported without rotation along the transport path. Therefore, the rotational position of the beverage containers along the transport path can be kept constant, and the rotational position of the beverage container's identification code remains constant, allowing for more reliable and highly accurate reading of the identification code. Multiple types of beverage containers can be transported along this transport path. Therefore, the work required to change the type of beverage container being transported can be reduced.

[0010] The aforementioned variety identification device may be equipped with four or more readers. In this case, since the four or more readers are positioned to surround the beverage container, the identification code of the beverage container can be read from four or more directions. Therefore, the identification of beverage quality can be performed more stably and with higher accuracy.

[0011] The aforementioned product identification device includes a spacing adjustment device that adjusts the spacing between multiple beverage containers being transported along the transport path, and the spacing adjustment device may be located upstream of multiple readers along the transport path. In this case, the spacing between the multiple beverage containers is adjusted by the spacing adjustment device before the identification codes are read by the readers. Therefore, since the identification codes of beverage containers with adjusted spacing are read, the possibility that the identification codes cannot be read due to insufficient spacing is reduced. Thus, identification codes can be read with higher accuracy and stability.

[0012] The spacing adjustment device may adjust the spacing between multiple beverage containers so that the distance between them is 100 mm or more. In this case, the spacing between the multiple beverage containers is adjusted to 100 mm or more before the reader reads the identification code. Therefore, since the reader reads the identification code with the distance between the multiple beverage containers set to 100 mm or more, it is possible to avoid situations where the identification code cannot be read due to insufficient spacing. Consequently, the identification code can be read more stably and with higher accuracy.

[0013] The variety identification method relating to this disclosure is a variety identification method for identifying the variety of a beverage, comprising the steps of: transporting beverage containers in a transport path capable of transporting a plurality of types of beverage containers containing beverages; and having a plurality of readers read the identification codes of the transported beverage containers, wherein the plurality of readers are positioned to surround the transported beverage containers in the transport path, and in the reading step, the plurality of readers read the identification codes of beverage containers that are being transported without rotating in the transport path.

[0014] This product identification method allows for the transport of multiple types of beverage containers along the transport route. Therefore, it reduces the work required for changing the type of beverage container being transported. In addition, multiple readers are positioned around the beverage containers being transported along the transport route. As a result, multiple readers read the identification code of the beverage container from multiple different directions, enabling stable and highly accurate identification of the beverage type. The multiple readers read the identification code of beverage containers that are being transported without rotation along the transport route. That is, the beverage containers are transported with their rotational position constant along the transport route, and the identification code, which does not change in rotational position, is read by multiple readers. In this way, multiple readers read the identification code, which does not change in rotational position, so the identification code can be read more reliably and with higher accuracy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this disclosure, it is possible to stably and accurately identify the type of beverage, and to reduce the work required for changing molds. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view showing the variety identification device and transport path according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) and (b) are perspective views showing examples of the types of beverage containers being transported. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of a variety identification device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an exemplary perspective view of the variety identification device according to the embodiment, as seen from above. [Figure 5] This is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the reader and spacing adjustment device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing an example of the steps of the variety identification method according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of a variety identification device and a variety identification method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Regarding the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the drawings may be drawn with some parts simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those described in the drawings.

[0018] In the present disclosure, "beverage" refers to a drinkable liquid or semi-solid. "Beverages" include alcoholic beverages such as beer, chu-hi, sparkling wine, and wine, as well as non-alcoholic carbonated beverages and soft drinks. "Variety of beverage" indicates the type of beverage.

[0019] "Variety identification" means identifying the variety of a beverage. The variety identification device according to the embodiment includes a conveyance path capable of conveying a plurality of types of beverage containers containing beverages. "Beverage container" refers to a container that holds a beverage. "Beverage container" is, for example, a bottle container that holds a beverage or a can such as a beverage can. "Bottle container" refers to a bottle-shaped container, for example, a bottle or a PET bottle.

[0020] The variety identification device according to the embodiment includes a reader that reads an identification code of a beverage container. "Identification code" refers to a code that functions as an identifier for identifying the beverage contained in the beverage container. "Identification code" is, for example, a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). "Reader" refers to a device that reads an identification code. "Reader" is, for example, an imaging-type code reader (as an example, a barcode reader). Also, the "reader" may be of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type, a laser type, or a pen type, and the type of the reader is not particularly limited.

[0021] The variety identification device according to the embodiment includes a plurality of readers, and the plurality of readers are arranged at positions surrounding the beverage container. The "position surrounding the beverage container" means that a part of a plurality of objects is located on one side of the beverage container, and the remaining part of the plurality of objects is located on the other side of the beverage container, so that the plurality of objects are located in different directions from each other when viewed from the beverage container. In the embodiment, readers are arranged on each of one side and the other side when viewed from the conveyance path along which the beverage container is conveyed.

[0022] The plurality of readers read the identification code of the beverage container being conveyed without rotating in the conveyance path. "Being conveyed without rotating" indicates a state in which the beverage container is conveyed with the rotational position of the beverage container in plan view being unchanged. "Being conveyed without rotating" includes, for example, that the beverage container is conveyed along the conveyance path with the rotational position of the beverage container being unchanged. Note that "being conveyed without rotating" includes that the rotational position of the identification code of the conveyed beverage container is unchanged, and further includes cases where the beverage container rotates unintentionally and cases where the beverage container rotates at locations other than the locations read by the plurality of readers.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a conveyance system H including a variety identification device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the conveyance system H, the variety identification device 1 is provided, for example, on a path H1 which is a conveyor along which a beverage container C is conveyed. As an example, a variety identification device 1 and a labeler 100 are arranged on the path H1, and the labeler 100 is arranged upstream of the variety identification device 1 on the path H1.

[0024] Note that a guide for adjusting the posture of the beverage container C may be provided upstream of the variety identification device 1 on the path H1. In this case, since the beverage container C is carried into the variety identification device 1 with its posture adjusted, it is possible to prevent a diagonally tilted beverage container C or the like from being carried into the variety identification device 1.

[0025] The variety identification device 1 is a device that identifies the type of beverage in beverage container C, and for example, it is a device that reads an identification code to check whether a different type of beverage has been mixed in. In this case, the variety identification device 1 functions as a device to prevent the mixing of different types of beverages, checking whether a different type of beverage has been mixed in with beverage container C.

[0026] For example, labeler 100 is a glue labeler that applies adhesive to a label and attaches it to beverage container C when attaching a label to beverage container C. However, labeler 100 may also be a tack labeler or pre-labeler that peels off a release liner from a label that has adhesive applied beforehand and attaches the label to beverage container C, and the type of labeler 100 is not particularly limited.

[0027] Multiple beverage containers C are continuously transported along route H1 of the transport system H, and labels are affixed to them by the transported labeler 100. Route H1 can transport, for example, more than 20 different types of beverage containers C. Specifically, route H1 can transport multiple types of bottle-shaped containers (bottles and PET bottles).

[0028] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show examples of beverage containers C transported along route H1 of the transport system H. As shown in Figures 1, 2(a), and 2(b), route H1 is a route through which multiple types of beverage containers C are transported. The capacity of beverage containers C that can be transported along route H1 (variety identification device 1) is, for example, 180 ml or more and 1800 ml or less. However, the capacity of beverage containers C may be 250 ml or more, 300 ml or more, 350 ml or more, or 500 ml or more. Also, the capacity of beverage containers C may be 1500 ml or less, 1000 ml or less, 900 ml or less, or 720 ml or less. However, the capacity of beverage containers C may be a value other than those listed above and can be changed as appropriate.

[0029] The beverage container C may be, for example, a round bottle C1 that has a cylindrical shape with a circular base and a constriction that narrows towards the top. As an example, a label L containing the brand name L1 of the beverage contained in the round bottle C1, the beverage's ingredients L2, and an identification code B is affixed to the round bottle C1 by a labeler 100. However, the information contained in the label L may be other than the brand name L1, ingredients L2, and identification code B, and is not particularly limited.

[0030] Identification code B is, for example, a barcode. However, identification code B may be an identification code other than a barcode, such as a QR code (registered trademark). For example, identification code B extends in one direction, and its shape is, for example, rectangular. For example, identification code B may be attached to a beverage container C (round bottle C1) such that its longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the beverage container C (for example, the up and down direction). When identification code B is attached to the beverage container C in this way, extending in the vertical direction, the accuracy of reading identification code B can be further improved.

[0031] For example, the beverage container C may be a square bottle C2 with a polygonal base (for example, a square base) and a constriction at the top. For example, a label M including the brand name M1, ingredient list M2, and identification code D is affixed to the square bottle C2 by a labeler 100, similar to the round bottle C1 described above. The identification code D, similar to identification code B, is a barcode, for example.

[0032] For example, the identification code D may be affixed to a beverage container C (square bottle C2) such that its longitudinal direction coincides with the shorter direction (for example, the lateral direction) of the beverage container C. For example, the square bottle C2 has several flat sides C21, and the label M is affixed to the sides C21. In this case, since the label M containing the identification code D is affixed to the flat sides C21, the accuracy of reading the identification code D can be improved even if the identification code D is affixed to the beverage container C so that it extends laterally.

[0033] In other words, if a label M containing a horizontally oriented identification code D is attached to a curved surface, there is a concern that the identification code D may not be read by the reader 10 described later. On the other hand, if a label M containing a horizontally oriented identification code D is attached to a flat surface, the reader 10 can more reliably read the identification code D.

[0034] Downstream of the product identification device 1 in the H1 path of the transport system H, a visual inspection process, which is one of the final inspections, is performed. The visual inspection process is, for example, a process in which an operator visually inspects the beverage container C. After the visual inspection process, the beverage container C may be boxed by a case packer. However, the process performed downstream of the product identification device 1 in the H1 path of the transport system H is not limited to the above-mentioned visual inspection process, etc., and is not particularly limited.

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the variety identification device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the variety identification device 1 from a different direction than that shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the variety identification device 1 comprises a transport path 2 that constitutes the aforementioned path H1, and a code reading unit 3 equipped with a plurality of readers 10, which are provided on one side and the other side as viewed from the transport path 2.

[0036] The variety identification device 1 further includes a spacing adjustment device 4 provided upstream of the code reading unit 3 in the transport path 2 for adjusting the spacing between multiple beverage containers C, and a base unit 5 that supports the transport path 2, the code reading unit 3, and the spacing adjustment device 4. For example, the variety identification device 1 integrates the code reading unit 3 and the spacing adjustment device 4. This allows the variety identification device 1 to have a compact configuration, and the adjustment of the spacing between beverage containers C and the reading of the identification code B (or identification code D) of the beverage containers C can be performed by the compact variety identification device 1.

[0037] The variety identification device 1 extends, for example, in the longitudinal direction A1, which is the direction in which the transport path 2 extends, in the short direction A2, which is the width direction of the transport path 2, and in the height direction A3. For example, the length of the longitudinal direction A1 of the variety identification device 1 is 50 cm or more and 150 cm or less, and the length of the short direction A2 of the variety identification device 1 is 20 cm or more and 100 cm or less. The length (height) of the height direction A3 of the variety identification device 1 is, for example, 100 cm or more and 200 cm or less. In this case, it is possible to make the variety identification device 1 compact. However, the length of the longitudinal direction A1, the length of the short direction A2, and the length of the height direction A3 of the variety identification device 1 are not limited to the examples above and can be changed as appropriate.

[0038] The base portion 5 of the variety identification device 1 includes, for example, a plurality of columns 5b extending in the height direction A3, with a space K formed between the plurality of columns 5b. In this way, since the variety identification device 1 has a space K between the plurality of columns 5b, the weight of the variety identification device 1 can be reduced. The columns 5b include, as an example, a pair of first columns 5c located at one end and the other end of the longitudinal direction A1 of the transport path 2, a plurality of second columns 5d arranged in a grid pattern in plan view between the pair of first columns 5c, and a pair of third columns 5f located between two second columns 5d aligned in the longitudinal direction A1.

[0039] For example, a rod-shaped first support portion 5g extending in the short direction A2 is formed at the lower end of each first column 5c. The lower end of the first support portion 5g and the lower end of the second column 5d are in contact with, for example, the floor surface F. In addition, a second support portion 5h extending in the longitudinal direction A1 is provided at the lower end of each third column 5f. One end and the other end of the second support portion 5h in the longitudinal direction A1 are connected to the second column 5d.

[0040] For example, a third support section 5j extends between two second columns 5d aligned along the shorter direction A2. As an example, the height of the third support section 5j may be the same as the height of the second support section 5h. The above describes an example of the configuration of the base section 5, but the configuration of the base section 5 is not limited to the above example and can be changed as appropriate.

[0041] The transport path 2 includes, for example, a pair of rails 2b that extend along the longitudinal direction A1 of the variety identification device 1 and are aligned along the short direction A2, and a conveyor belt 2c that extends along the longitudinal direction A1 below the pair of rails 2b. In this case, in the transport path 2, the beverage container C placed on the conveyor belt 2c is transported between the pair of rails 2b. In this way, by passing the beverage container C between the pair of rails 2b, the beverage container C is transported in the transport path 2 without rotating.

[0042] Rail 2b includes a first rail section 2d located upstream of the spacing adjustment device 4 and a second rail section 2f located downstream of the spacing adjustment device 4. The transport path 2 (second rail section 2f) passes through the code reading section 3 along the longitudinal direction A1. Therefore, the code reading section 3 reads the identification code B (or identification code D) of the beverage container C passing through the second rail section 2f.

[0043] The spacing adjustment device 4 adjusts the spacing between multiple beverage containers C that are transported along the transport path 2. As an example, the spacing adjustment device 4 comprises a pair of endless belts 4b arranged along the shorter direction A2, suspension rollers 4c that suspend each endless belt 4b, and a housing 4d that rotatably supports each suspension roller 4c about an axis extending in the height direction A3 and covers at least a portion of the endless belts 4b and suspension rollers 4c.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the transport path 2, code reading unit 3, and spacing adjustment device 4 of the product identification device 1. As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the spacing W1 of the pair of endless belts 4b in the spacing adjustment device 4 is narrower than the spacing W2 of the pair of rails 2b. The spacing W1 is, for example, about the same as the diameter C3 of a beverage container C.

[0045] For example, the travel speed V1 of the endless belt 4b due to the rotation of the suspension roller 4c is slower than the travel speed V2 of the conveyor belt 2c. As a result, multiple beverage containers C conveyed along the conveyor belt 2c between the pair of rails 2b are held between the pair of endless belts 4b. This narrows the distance between the multiple beverage containers C between the pair of endless belts 4b.

[0046] Since the speed V1 of the pair of endless belts 4b is slower than the speed V2 of the conveyor belt 2c, when a beverage container C passes between the pair of endless belts 4b, the beverage container C moves at a speed V2 that is faster than the speed V1 of the endless belts 4b. Therefore, a gap X is set between the two beverage containers C by the speed difference between the speed V2 of the conveyor belt 2c and the speed V1 of the endless belts 4b.

[0047] For example, the interval X set by the interval adjustment device 4 can be changed by adjusting the travel speed V1 of the endless belt 4b. The interval X set by the interval adjustment device 4 is, for example, 100 mm or more and 500 mm or less. However, the interval X may be 120 mm or more, 150 mm or more, 180 mm or more, 200 mm or more, or 250 mm or more. Also, the interval X may be 480 mm or less, 450 mm or less, 420 mm or less, 400 mm or less, or 350 mm or less. Note that the value of the interval X may be a value other than those listed above and can be changed as appropriate.

[0048] When the spacing X of beverage containers C is adjusted by the spacing adjustment device 4, their identification code B (or identification code D) is read by the code reading unit 3. The code reading unit 3 includes, for example, a rail 2b, a conveyor belt 2c, and a plurality of readers 10. The code reading unit 3 may also be equipped with a trigger sensor 6 upstream of the plurality of readers 10 in the transport path 2, and the reading of the identification code B by the readers 10 may be started when the trigger sensor 6 detects a beverage container C. The trigger sensor 6 may be omitted.

[0049] The product identification device 1 includes a plurality of readers 10. Each reader 10 has, for example, a rod-shaped support part 11 rotatably supported on a base part 5, and a sensor body 12 supported on the support part 11. In this case, the sensor body 12 is supported on the base part 5 via the rod-shaped support part 11, and is supported, for example, by the support part 11 so that it is higher than the rail 2b of the transport path 2. This ensures that the identification code B (or the identification code D of label M) can be reliably read regardless of its position (for example, even if it is located on the lower side).

[0050] The reader 10 may be, for example, an image processing sensor that reads the identification code B of the beverage container C by photographing it. The reader 10 may also include, as an example, a camera with a lens that photographs the beverage container C, and the lens and other components may be adjustable. However, the type of reader 10 may be something other than an image processing sensor and can be changed as appropriate.

[0051] In the transport path 2 of the product identification device 1, a detection point P is set where, for example, the identification code B of the beverage container C is read. In this case, multiple readers 10 are arranged on the circumference of a virtual circle R centered on the detection point P. This realizes a state in which multiple readers 10 are positioned to surround the beverage container C being transported along the transport path 2.

[0052] For example, some of the multiple readers 10 are installed on one side of the transport path 2 (for example, the left side when viewed from the transport path 2), and the remaining readers 10 are installed on the other side of the transport path 2 (for example, the right side when viewed from the transport path 2). As an example, two readers 10 are installed on one side of the transport path 2, and two readers 10 are installed on the other side of the transport path 2.

[0053] Multiple readers 10 may be arranged, for example, at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the circumference of a virtual circle R. For example, the product identification device 1 includes four or more readers 10. As an example, the reader 10 includes four readers 10. The four readers 10 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along a virtual circle R.

[0054] The angle θ between a virtual line E1 connecting one reader 10 and detection point P and a virtual line E2 connecting another reader 10 adjacent to the first reader 10 in the circumferential direction and detection point P may be 90°. In this case, one reader 10 reads 1 / 4 (90°) of the outer circumference of the beverage container C in a plan view, and four readers 10 can read the entire circumference (360°) of the beverage container C. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the identification code B is not detected by the reader 10 and is transported to the downstream side of the product identification device 1. Note that the angle θ mentioned above can be changed according to the number of readers 10, for example, it may be 30°, 45°, 60°, or 80° or more and 100° or less.

[0055] Next, an example of a variety identification method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps of the variety identification method according to this embodiment. For example, information of the identification code B (or identification code D) of the target to be read is stored in the storage unit (memory, etc.) of the variety identification device 1 in advance. The variety identification device 1 determines whether or not the reader 10 has read (detected) the same identification code B as the identification code B stored in the storage unit in advance.

[0056] First, as shown in Figure 1, the beverage container C is transported to the transport system H (step S1). Next, the labeler 100 affixes a label L (or label M) to the beverage container C that has been transported to the labeler 100 (step S2). The beverage container C with the label L attached is then transported to the variety identification device 1.

[0057] The beverage container C transported to the variety identification device 1 has its spacing X adjusted by the spacing adjustment device 4 to ensure it is spaced apart from other beverage containers C (step S3). The beverage container C with adjusted spacing X is then transported from the spacing adjustment device 4 to the code reading unit 3, where the identification code B is read (detected) (step S4).

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, the beverage containers C, whose spacing X has been adjusted by the spacing adjustment device 4, are transported into the virtual circle R of the code reading unit 3. When the beverage containers C are transported to the detection point P, the multiple readers 10 read the identification code B of the beverage containers C. The identification code B is read, for example, by the multiple readers 10 photographing the beverage containers C as they reach the detection point P. As mentioned above, if the four readers 10 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the virtual circle R, each reader 10 photographs 1 / 4 of the outer circumference of the beverage container C in a plan view, making it possible to photograph the entire circumference of the beverage container C in a plan view.

[0059] If at least one of the multiple readers 10 reads (detects) an identification code B that matches a pre-registered identification code (YES in step S5), the beverage container C is discharged from the product identification device 1. Then, for example, a final inspection is performed (step S6), and the next beverage container C is fed into the code reading unit 3.

[0060] On the other hand, if none of the readers 10 read the identification code B, or if the read identification code does not match a pre-registered identification code (NO in step S5), an abnormality detection process (step S7) is executed. In step S7, for example, the transport system H is stopped, and after confirmation by an operator, the transport system H is restarted. In this way, by stopping the transport system H in the abnormality detection process, it is possible to prevent uninspected products from being transported downstream of the product identification device 1. The transport system H may also be equipped with a rejection device downstream of the product identification device 1 in the transport path of beverage containers. In this case, instead of stopping the transport system H in step S7, it is possible to reject the beverage containers detected as abnormal by the rejection device provided downstream of the product identification device 1.

[0061] Next, the effects and advantages obtained from the variety identification device 1 and variety identification method according to this embodiment will be described. In the variety identification device 1 and variety identification method according to this embodiment, multiple readers 10 read the identification code B of the beverage container C being transported along the transport path 2. The multiple readers 10 are positioned to surround the beverage container C being transported along the transport path 2. Therefore, since the multiple readers 10 read the identification code B of the beverage container C from multiple different directions, the variety of beverage can be identified stably and with high accuracy.

[0062] Furthermore, the multiple readers 10 read the identification code B of the beverage container C that is being transported without rotating along the transport path 2. Therefore, the rotational position of the beverage container C on the transport path 2 can be kept constant, and the rotational position of the identification code B of the beverage container C is kept constant, so the identification code B can be read more reliably and with higher accuracy. Multiple types of beverage containers C can be transported along the transport path 2. Therefore, the work of changing containers when changing the type of beverage container C being transported can be reduced.

[0063] "Reducing the work required for model changes" means that when the type of beverage container being transported changes, it becomes unnecessary to change the configuration of the product identification device 1 or change the parts of the product identification device 1. In reality, when the type of beverage container C being transported changes, fine adjustments to the product identification device 1 may be necessary, for example, by adjusting the spacing W1 between the pair of endless belts 4b according to the size of the beverage container C.

[0064] As mentioned above, the variety identification device 1 may be equipped with four or more readers 10. In this case, since the four or more readers 10 are positioned to surround the beverage container C, the identification code B of the beverage container C can be read from four or more directions. Therefore, the identification of the beverage variety can be performed more stably and with higher accuracy.

[0065] The product identification device 1 includes a spacing adjustment device 4 that adjusts the spacing X between multiple beverage containers C being transported along a transport path 2. The spacing adjustment device 4 may be located upstream of the multiple readers 10 along the transport path 2. In this case, the spacing X between the multiple beverage containers C is adjusted by the spacing adjustment device 4 before the identification code B is read by the readers 10. Therefore, the identification code B of each beverage container C is read by the readers 10 with the spacing X between the beverage containers C adjusted, reducing the possibility that the spacing is too narrow and the identification code B cannot be read. As a result, the identification code B can be read with higher accuracy, and the identification code B of the beverage containers C can be read more stably and with higher accuracy.

[0066] The spacing adjustment device 4 may adjust the spacing X of the multiple beverage containers C so that the spacing X of the multiple beverage containers C is 100 mm or more. In this case, the spacing X of the multiple beverage containers C is adjusted to be 100 mm or more before the reader 10 reads the identification code B. Therefore, since the reader 10 reads the identification code B with the spacing X of the multiple beverage containers C set to 100 mm or more, it is possible to avoid a situation where the identification code B cannot be read due to the spacing being too narrow. Specifically, by transporting multiple beverage containers C in succession inside the virtual circle R, it is possible to reliably prevent false detections where a beverage container C without an identification code B is determined to have an identification code B because the identification code B of another beverage container C is read. Therefore, the identification code B can be read more stably and with higher accuracy.

[0067] Embodiments of the variety identification device and variety identification method relating to this disclosure have been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified or applied to other things without changing the gist of each claim. That is, the configuration, shape, size, material, number and arrangement of each part of the variety identification device, and the content and order of each step of the variety identification method can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the above.

[0068] For example, the above-described embodiment described an example in which four readers 10 are arranged at 90° intervals. However, the number and arrangement of the readers 10 are not limited to the above example. The number of readers 10 may be, for example, two, three, or five or more, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which multiple types of bottle-shaped containers (bottles and PET bottles) can be transported along the route H1 where the variety identification device 1 is provided. However, the route where the variety identification device is provided may also be capable of transporting beverage cans, for example, and the types of beverage containers transported along the route are not particularly limited. In other words, the variety identification device and variety identification method according to this disclosure can read identification codes provided on bottle-shaped containers such as bottles or PET bottles, or on beverage cans. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1…Product identification device, 2…Conveyor path, 2b…Rail, 2c…Conveyor belt, 2d…First rail section, 2f…Second rail section, 3…Code reading section, 4…Spacing adjustment device, 4b…Endless belt, 4c…Suspension roller, 4d…Housing, 5…Base section, 5b…Column, 5c…First column, 5d…Second column, 5f…Third column, 5g…First support section, 5h…Second support section, 5j…Third support section, 6…Trigger sensor, 10…Reader, 11… Support part, 100...Labeler, A1...Longest direction, A2...Shortest direction, A3...Height direction, B,D...Identification code, C...Beverage container, C1...Round bottle, C2...Square bottle, C3...Diameter, C21...Side view, E1,E2...Virtual straight line, F...Floor surface, H...Conveyor system, H1...Path, K...Space, L,M...Label, L1,M1...Brand name, L2,M2...Ingredient display, P...Detection point, R...Virtual circle, V1,V2...Movement speed, W1,W2,X...Spacing, θ...Angle.

Claims

1. A variety identification device for identifying the variety of beverages, A transport path capable of transporting multiple types of beverage containers containing beverages, including a first beverage container having a cylindrical shape with a circular base, and a second beverage container having a rectangular prism shape with a square base, Multiple readers for reading the identification codes of the multiple types of beverage containers being transported along the transport route, A spacing adjustment device for adjusting the spacing between the multiple types of beverage containers being transported along the transport path, Equipped with, The interval adjustment device is located upstream of the plurality of readers in the transport path. The spacing adjustment device has a pair of endless belts arranged along the width direction of the transport path, The beverage containers transported along the transport path are held between the pair of endless belts. Multiple readers are positioned to surround the beverage containers being transported along the transport path. Multiple readers read the identification codes of beverage containers that are being transported without rotating along the transport path. Variety identification device.

2. The transport path has a pair of rails that extend along the longitudinal direction of the variety identification device and are aligned along the short direction. The pair of rails are located on the upstream and downstream sides of the spacing adjustment device, The distance between the pair of endless belts is narrower than the distance between the pair of rails. The variety identification device according to claim 1.

3. A system comprising four or more of the aforementioned readers, The variety identification device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The spacing adjustment device adjusts the spacing between multiple beverage containers so that the distance between them is 100 mm or more. A variety identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method for identifying the variety of a beverage, A process of transporting beverage containers in a transport path capable of transporting multiple types of beverage containers containing beverages, including a first beverage container having a cylindrical shape with a circular base and a second beverage container having a rectangular prism shape with a square base, The process involves a spacing adjustment device adjusting the spacing between the multiple types of beverage containers being transported along the transport path, The process involves multiple readers reading the identification codes of the multiple types of beverage containers being transported, Equipped with, The interval adjustment device is located upstream of the plurality of readers in the transport path. The spacing adjustment device has a pair of endless belts arranged along the width direction of the transport path, Multiple readers are positioned to surround the beverage containers being transported along the transport path. In the adjustment process described above, the beverage containers transported along the transport path are held between the pair of endless belts, In the reading process, a plurality of readers read the identification codes of beverage containers that are being transported without rotating along the transport path. Variety identification method.

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