Method and test device for testing containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for testing containers (4) for ingestible products using a testing device (16) which comprises at least two sensors (26, 30) arranged one behind the other for detecting foreign bodies in the containers (4). A first container (4a) to be tested is tested by the first sensor (26) while the second sensor (30) is deactivated, and a second container (4b) to be tested is tested by the second sensor (30) while the first sensor (26) is deactivated.

Description

[0001] Method and test device for testing containers

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and a testing device for testing containers for ingestible products, in particular medical or pharmaceutical products or food or dietary supplements, for foreign bodies, in particular for metallic foreign bodies.

[0003] Packaging machines for filling bottles and bottle-like containers, generally referred to herein as containers, with ingestible products, such as medicinal or pharmaceutical products or food or dietary supplements, and for closing the filled containers are also referred to as bottle lines. In addition to a filling unit for filling the containers and a closing unit for closing the filled containers, such a bottle line may further comprise feed units for desiccants, cotton balls, or the like. Continuously and intermittently operated bottle lines are known, in which the containers pass through the bottle line continuously or intermittently, respectively.

[0004] In the packaging machine, there is a risk that foreign objects, such as metal, may enter the still-unsealed containers. Containers containing such foreign objects must be reliably detected and must not be allowed to enter the distribution system.

[0005] From WO 2013 / 119741 A1 and WO 2015 / 092010 A1, for example, metal detectors are known which are tunnel-shaped and have a through-opening through which a conveyor belt for conveying products to be tested is guided.

[0006] Such metal detectors are often unsuitable for use in intermittently operated bottle lines, for example when the containers are not transported on a conveyor belt, and can be very expensive, which contributes to the high costs of the entire bottle line. In intermittent operation of a packaging machine, it is advantageous if several containers are checked for foreign bodies in each cycle. Due to the short distance between the containers, particularly in bottle lines, the detectors can interfere with or negatively influence each other, resulting in inaccuracies or errors in the detection of foreign bodies. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and a testing device that enable a simple and cost-effective reliable inspection of the container contents for foreign bodies, in particular for metallic foreign bodies, in intermittently operated packaging machines.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of claims 1 and 10. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] A method according to the invention for testing containers for ingestible products, in particular for medical or pharmaceutical products or for food or dietary supplements, by means of a testing device comprising a plurality of sensors with at least a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting foreign bodies, in particular metallic foreign bodies, in the containers, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged one behind the other parallel to a conveying direction of the containers, comprises the following steps: a) conveying a plurality of containers in a synchronized manner in the conveying direction; b) arranging a first container of the plurality of containers to be tested in a first position and a second container of the plurality of containers to be tested in a second position; c) generating a relative movement between the first container to be tested and the first sensor parallel to a direction of movement,which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction, and generating a relative movement between the second container to be inspected and the second sensor parallel to the direction of movement, such that the first sensor temporarily at least partially surrounds the first container to be inspected and the second sensor temporarily at least partially surrounds the second container to be inspected; d) checking the first container to be inspected by the first sensor and checking the second container to be inspected by the second sensor, wherein when checking the first container to be inspected, the first sensor is activated while the second sensor is deactivated, and when checking the second container to be inspected, the second sensor is activated while the first sensor is deactivated. In this way, a simple and reliable method for checking containers for foreign bodies is provided, in which at least two containers can be checked in one cycle,The plurality of sensors are not activated simultaneously, but alternately, so that they do not influence each other. Inaccuracies or errors in the detection of foreign bodies can thus be minimized. Furthermore, the sensors do not need to be operated with different settings, such as different frequencies, to avoid mutual interference. Each sensor can therefore be operated with settings optimized for its function, which further minimizes inaccuracies or errors in the detection of foreign bodies. Since the plurality of sensors do not influence each other, their arrangement relative to one another is less restricted, and the testing device can be designed more flexibly. The process is preferably repeated for all containers of the plurality of containers, so that all containers are tested.

[0009] Preferably, each of the plurality of containers to be tested is already filled with ingestible products prior to testing, but can also be filled afterward. Generally, each container is filled with a plurality of ingestible products, preferably comprising between 10 and 200, more preferably between 10 and 150, and even more preferably between 10 and 120 products. The ingestible products are preferably loose or in bulk. Optionally, each container to be tested can also be already sealed. This prevents foreign bodies from entering the containers after the plurality of containers have been tested by the testing device.

[0010] In general, ingestible products are preferably medical products, pharmaceutical products such as medicines, food products, or dietary supplements. Ingestible products are preferably solids, such as tablets, coated tablets, or capsules. Food products can be, for example, chewing gum, lozenges, candies, or the like. Dietary supplements include, for example, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, or the like in powder, tablet, or capsule form.

[0011] The containers of the plurality of containers are designed to hold the ingestible products loosely. In other words, the containers are designed to hold unpackaged, individually handled, or bulk ingestible products. However, the ingestible products can also be liquid products. The containers of the plurality of containers are then designed to hold the liquid products directly, i.e., to be filled with the liquid products.

[0012] The containers of the plurality of containers are preferably containers that can be closed by means of a lid, as are known for containing ingestible products of the type described herein. Each container can have a base, a peripheral wall, and a neck. The neck forms an opening in the container through which the products can be filled into and removed from the container. The lid is preferably pressed or screwed onto the container; in the case of screwing on, the neck has a thread that engages with a thread on the lid. However, the lid can in principle have any desired force-fitting or form-fitting connection to the container, in particular to its neck. The plurality of containers can be made of plastic or glass.

[0013] In all embodiments described herein, the containers of the plurality of containers are preferably designed as bottles. All container features described herein also apply to bottles. The term "bottle" can therefore be used synonymously with the term "container" throughout this preferred embodiment. Bottle-like containers, such as ampoules, cartridges, or vials, are also considered to be "bottles" or "containers" herein. This also applies to sealable (plastic) containers or bottles, such as those known, for example, from the field of food and dietary supplements.

[0014] Each container of the plurality of containers is preferably designed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical about a central axis. If the containers are conveyed upright, the central axis is preferably oriented perpendicular to a conveying plane in which the plurality of containers are moved by the inspection device, as well as parallel to the direction of movement. The containers of the plurality of containers preferably each have a diameter of between 20 mm and 1000 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 77 mm. The height of the containers of the plurality of containers is preferably between 40 mm and 200 mm. The plurality of sensors is configured to detect foreign bodies, in particular metallic foreign bodies, in the containers. Step d) therefore preferably comprises detecting whether a foreign body is contained in the respective container to be inspected, using the first sensor and the second sensor, whereby the containers are inspected.

[0015] Preferably, the first container to be inspected is inspected by the first sensor while the first sensor at least partially surrounds the first container to be inspected, and the second container to be inspected is inspected by the second sensor while the second sensor at least partially surrounds the second container to be inspected. Particularly reliable detection of foreign bodies can be achieved if the first sensor and the second sensor completely surround the respective container to be inspected in the circumferential direction of the container to be inspected. Preferably, one sensor surrounds exactly one container at a time.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the sensors of the plurality of sensors are inductive sensors for detecting metallic foreign bodies, each designed, for example, as a ring sensor. Such sensors are inexpensive, which has a correspondingly positive effect on the cost of the testing device. Furthermore, these sensors can be easily integrated into the testing device and have sufficiently high sensitivity and resolution to reliably detect even small metallic foreign bodies. The alternating activation of the sensors ensures that the magnetic fields of the inductive sensors do not interfere with each other.

[0017] For the purposes of this document, an activated sensor generally means that it is in an active state, in which it is configured to detect foreign objects. In contrast, a deactivated sensor is in a deactivated state, in which it is unable to detect a foreign object. In the case of inductive sensors, an activated sensor generates a magnetic field, while a deactivated sensor does not.

[0018] Preferably, each of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect metallic foreign bodies having a size between 0.5 and 25 mm, more preferably between 1.0 and 2.0 mm. The size can correspond to a diameter of substantially spherical foreign bodies or an edge length of substantially cuboid-shaped foreign bodies. Each of the plurality of sensors is particularly preferably configured to detect foreign bodies made of one of the following materials or a combination thereof: iron, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and non-ferrous metals.

[0019] The conveying direction is aligned parallel to the conveying plane. The direction of movement is preferably aligned perpendicular to the conveying plane. Independently of this and independently of each other, the conveying direction and the conveying plane preferably each run essentially horizontally. The direction of movement can be essentially vertical.

[0020] Preferably, a conveying device is provided which conveys the plurality of containers in a cyclic manner in the conveying direction according to step a), in particular in the conveying plane. The conveying plane can be defined by a surface on which the plurality of containers are conveyed in the conveying direction. For example, the surface is a surface of a conveyor table or a conveyor belt. The conveying device can move the plurality of containers, for example on the conveyor table, through the testing device. Preferably, the conveying device further arranges the first container to be tested in the first position and the second container to be tested in the second position. In general, the first container to be tested and the second container to be tested can be arranged in the respective first and second positions in step b) during one cycle, preferably simultaneously.

[0021] Step c) preferably takes place as soon as the first container to be tested is arranged in the first position and the second container to be tested is arranged in the second position. The relative movement between the first container to be tested and the first sensor and the relative movement between the second container to be tested and the second sensor preferably take place essentially simultaneously, i.e. in one step of the method or during one cycle. The relative movements are preferably carried out synchronously. To generate a relative movement according to step c), only the plurality of containers to be tested can be moved while the plurality of sensors are arranged stationary, or only the plurality of sensors can be moved while the plurality of containers to be tested is arranged stationary, or both the plurality of sensors and the plurality of containers to be tested can be moved.The testing device can be designed particularly simply if only the majority of containers to be tested are moved. It is then unnecessary to move the wired and precisely adjusted sensors. During the relative movements according to step c), the containers to be tested are arranged, at least briefly and thus temporarily, in such a way that the first or second sensor at least partially surrounds the respective container to be tested, before the containers to be tested are moved back to the first or second position.

[0022] The testing device preferably comprises a movement device which is designed to simultaneously generate the relative movement between the first container to be tested and the first sensor and the relative movement between the second container to be tested and the second sensor. Various designs of such movement devices will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in particular for the simple case in which the relative movement occurs exclusively parallel to the direction of movement. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the movement device comprises a first carrier element which can be moved by an actuator parallel to the direction of movement, in particular up and down, and a second carrier element which can be moved by the same actuator or a further actuator parallel to the direction of movement, in particular up and down.The first and second carrier elements can each have a contact surface on which the containers to be inspected are arranged, for example, by placing the containers to be inspected in the first or second position on the respective contact surface. The contact surface is preferably aligned parallel to the conveying plane. The at least one actuator can be designed as an electrical, electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical actuator. However, the movement device can also comprise, for example, a gripper that grasps the container to be inspected from above or from the side.

[0023] Preferably, the first container to be tested is arranged in the first position parallel to the direction of movement at a distance from the first sensor, and the second container to be tested is arranged in the second position parallel to the direction of movement at a distance from the second sensor. The (relative) movement of the plurality of containers to be tested then takes place from the first or second position, which can therefore also be referred to as starting positions. In order to enable the simplest possible design of the testing device, the relative movements according to step c) are preferably directed exclusively parallel to the direction of movement. The relative movements are then not directed in a direction deviating from the direction of movement. In particular, the relative movements do not have any component parallel to the conveying direction.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, generating the relative movements according to step c) comprises moving the first container to be tested from the first position to a first extreme position and from the first extreme position back to the first position, as well as moving the second container to be tested from the second position to a second extreme position and from the second extreme position back to the second position. The testing of the first and second containers to be tested according to step d) preferably takes place during the relative movements according to step c) or, if the containers to be tested temporarily stop between leaving the first or second position and returning to it, in the respective extreme position or an intermediate position between the first or second position and the respective extreme position. In this way, the test can be particularly well integrated into synchronized operation.

[0025] A movement parallel to the direction of movement into the first and second extreme positions and back can be implemented particularly easily by a lifting movement of the plurality of containers to be tested. Preferably, moving the first and second containers to be tested from the respective first and second positions to the respective extreme positions comprises lowering the first and second containers to be tested, and moving the first and second containers to be tested from the respective extreme positions back to the respective first and second positions comprises raising the first and second containers to be tested.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the first sensor is activated and the second sensor is deactivated during the lowering of the first and second containers to be tested, and the second sensor is activated and the first sensor is deactivated during the raising of the first and second containers to be tested. In this way, the first and second containers to be tested can remain within the detection range of the sensors for as long as possible for reliable testing, while simultaneously ensuring that the first and second sensors are activated alternately and do not interfere with each other. This embodiment is particularly easy to implement.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor are alternately activated during step c), in particular during the relative movement between the first and second containers to be inspected and the first and second sensors. This means that either the first or the second sensor is activated, while the other of the first and second sensors is deactivated, which generally applies within the scope of the invention. The change between activated and deactivated states can therefore occur as often as desired, for example, several times during the lowering and raising of the containers to be inspected. The first sensor and the second sensor can therefore be activated and deactivated at a specific frequency. The frequency can be tuned to the material to be detected or to its detectability by the first and second sensors. The test for foreign bodies according to step d) can thus be adapted very flexibly.

[0028] According to the invention, at least the first and the second container to be tested are tested by the first and the second sensor. The invention generally relates to a method in which a plurality of containers to be tested, in particular more than two containers, are tested by a plurality of sensors. The number of containers to be tested preferably corresponds to the number of sensors. Furthermore, the number of containers to be tested is preferably determined by the design of a packaging machine comprising the testing device, in which the ingestible products are filled into the containers and the containers are sealed. As a rule, several containers of the plurality of containers are processed simultaneously, for example filled or sealed. Advantageously, therefore, a corresponding number of containers is also tested simultaneously in the testing device.In this way, the synchronized operation of the packaging machine including the testing device can be realized in the best possible way.

[0029] In principle, in step b), a plurality of containers to be inspected can each be arranged in a starting position spaced from a sensor of the plurality of sensors, in step c) a relative movement can be generated simultaneously between each container to be inspected and the respective sensor, and in step d) the containers to be inspected are inspected by the respective sensor. In particular in this case, but also generally within the scope of the invention, the sensors of the plurality of sensors are arranged one behind the other parallel to the conveying direction, wherein of two sensors of the plurality of sensors adjacent in the conveying direction, only one sensor is activated while the other is deactivated. This then preferably applies to all pairs of adjacent sensors.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, exactly three containers are processed simultaneously. Therefore, the plurality of sensors preferably comprises a third sensor for detecting foreign bodies, in particular metallic foreign bodies, in the containers, wherein the second sensor is arranged between the first sensor and the third sensor in the conveying direction. In step b), a third container of the plurality of containers to be inspected is arranged in a third position. In step c), a relative movement is simultaneously generated between the third container to be inspected and the third sensor parallel to the direction of movement, so that the third sensor temporarily at least partially surrounds the third container to be inspected. In step d), the third container to be inspected is inspected by the third sensor, preferably while the third sensor at least partially surrounds the third container to be inspected.and wherein, when testing the first container to be tested, the first sensor is activated, and when testing the third container to be tested, the third sensor is activated while the second sensor is deactivated. When testing the second container to be tested, the second sensor is activated while the first and third sensors are deactivated. The second sensor, located between the first and third sensors, is therefore never activated at the same time as the first and third sensors, so that there is no mutual interference between adjacently located sensors. Preferably, the first container to be tested and the third container to be tested are tested simultaneously. Consequently, the first sensor and the third sensor can be activated simultaneously while the second sensor is deactivated.

[0031] Otherwise, the method for the third container to be tested is analogous to the first container to be tested, and the third container to be tested and the third sensor are designed analogously to the first container to be tested and the first sensor. The features described in this regard are therefore analogously transferable to the third container to be tested and the third sensor. Finally, the method can comprise conveying the containers further in the conveying direction after step d). The method can further comprise filling the plurality of containers, preferably before step d), in particular also before step b). The method can additionally comprise closing the plurality of containers after filling them, for example before step b) or after step d).

[0032] The present invention also relates to the testing device for testing containers for ingestible products, in particular for medical or pharmaceutical products or for food or dietary supplements, wherein the testing device comprises a plurality of sensors with at least the first sensor and the second sensor for detecting foreign bodies, in particular metallic foreign bodies, in the containers, wherein the sensor and the second sensor are arranged one behind the other parallel to the conveying direction of the containers. The testing device is characterized in that it is configured to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0033] In this way, a testing device for simple and reliable testing of containers for foreign bodies is provided, which can test at least two containers in one cycle, wherein the plurality of sensors are not activated simultaneously, but alternately, so that they do not interfere with or negatively influence each other. Inaccuracies or errors in the detection of foreign bodies can thus be minimized. Furthermore, the sensors do not have to be operated with different settings, such as different frequencies, in order to avoid mutual interference. Each sensor can therefore be operated with optimized settings, which further minimizes inaccuracies or errors in the detection of foreign bodies. Since the plurality of sensors do not influence each other, their arrangement relative to one another is less restricted and the testing device can be designed more flexibly.

[0034] The method according to the invention can be carried out by means of the testing device, which in turn is configured to carry out the method according to the invention. Consequently, all features described herein with regard to the method can also be transferred to the testing device and vice versa. The testing device preferably further comprises a control device which is communicatively connected to each of the plurality of sensors, in particular to the first sensor and the second sensor, and which is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the plurality of sensors. In this way, it can be ensured that only one of two adjacently arranged sensors is activated at a time. Furthermore, the time and duration of activation as well as the frequency of the sensor changes can be easily set and adjusted as desired.

[0035] The conveying direction of the containers is the conveying direction through the testing device. The testing device preferably further comprises the conveying device and the moving device. The conveying device is designed to convey the plurality of containers in a synchronized conveying direction and to arrange the first container to be tested in the first position and the second container to be tested in the second position. The moving device is designed to simultaneously generate a relative movement between the first container to be tested and the first sensor parallel to the direction of movement and a relative movement between the second container to be tested and the second sensor parallel to the direction of movement. Preferably, the control device is also communicatively connected to the conveying device and the moving device in order to control them.In particular, the control device is designed to control the conveying device, the movement device and the plurality of sensors in a coordinated manner so that the testing device carries out the method according to the invention.

[0036] In order to reduce the installation space required in the conveying direction, the first sensor and the second sensor can be offset from one another parallel to the direction of movement and partially arranged one above the other. Since the two sensors are not activated at the same time and their magnetic fields therefore do not interfere with each other, their operation is not hindered if, for example, the housings of the sensors are arranged partially above one another. In this way, a nested arrangement of the plurality of sensors is possible and the installation space in the conveying direction can be reduced. If the third sensor is provided, for example, the first and third sensors can be arranged in one plane and the second sensor can be arranged one plane below the first and third sensors. The sensors of the plurality of sensors are particularly advantageously designed as inductive ring sensors.These are relatively inexpensive and reliable, and can be easily integrated into the testing device. Preferably, each ring sensor has a substantially cylindrical receptacle into which the container to be tested can be inserted and which has a central axis aligned substantially parallel to the direction of movement. This allows the containers to be easily moved in the direction of movement into the cylindrical receptacle of the ring sensors and tested by them. The cylindrical receptacle preferably forms a through-opening so that the container to be tested can be supported through the ring sensor and moved into the ring sensor. Preferably, the inner diameter of the sensors or the diameter of the receptacle is between 20 mm and 100 mm.

[0037] Since the alternating activation of the first and second sensors means their magnetic fields do not influence each other, the distance between the center axes of two adjacent sensors of the plurality of sensors can be smaller than the extent of a magnetic field of each sensor in a plane perpendicular to its center axis. This enables a compact design. Preferably, the distance between the center axes of two adjacent sensors of the plurality of sensors is between 150 mm and 210 mm, more preferably between 170 mm and 190 mm.

[0038] The invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging ingestible products, in particular medical or pharmaceutical products or food or dietary supplements, into containers and for inspecting the containers using the inspection device. The packaging machine can be designed as a bottle line. The containers of the plurality of containers are then designed as bottles, as already described.

[0039] The packaging machine preferably comprises a feed unit configured to feed a plurality of containers into the packaging machine, a filling unit configured to fill the plurality of containers with the ingestible products, a closing unit configured to close the plurality of containers, each with a lid, and a testing device according to the invention for testing the plurality of containers for foreign bodies, in particular metallic foreign bodies, therein. The feed unit is arranged upstream of the filling unit, and the closing unit is arranged downstream of the filling unit. In this way, a packaging machine is provided by means of which timed-conveyed containers can be easily tested for foreign bodies, and in particular for metallic foreign bodies, during the packaging process.

[0040] Preferably, the plurality of containers are moved throughout the entire packaging machine in the conveying plane and in the conveying direction. The conveyor device of the inspection device is preferably configured to convey the plurality of containers in a synchronized manner through the filling unit, the closing unit, and the inspection device, and optionally through the entire packaging machine.

[0041] The packaging machine may further comprise a desiccant feed configured to feed desiccant into the plurality of containers, and independently of this, a cotton ball feed (also referred to as a cottoner) configured to feed cotton balls into the plurality of containers. If present, the desiccant feed is preferably arranged between the feed unit and the filling unit. The cotton ball feed, if present, is preferably arranged between the filling unit and the closing unit.

[0042] In principle, the testing device can be integrated into at least one of the feeding, filling, or closing units, or into at least one of the desiccant or cotton ball feed units of the packaging machine. Alternatively, the testing device can be located downstream of one of the feeding, filling, or closing units, or of the desiccant or cotton ball feed units in the conveying direction. In this case, the testing device forms an independent module of the packaging machine.

[0043] Further features and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a packaging machine with a testing device.

[0045] Fig. 2a, b, and c schematically show a test device during various steps of the method according to the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows an alternative design of the test device.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a packaging machine 2 for packaging ingestible products (not shown) in containers 4. The packaging machine 2 is preferably designed as a bottle line, comprising units, feeders, and devices for packaging the ingestible products in the containers 4 designed as bottles. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to a bottle line and to containers 4 designed as bottles, but applies generally to packaging machines 2 for corresponding containers 4.

[0047] The packaging machine 2 preferably comprises a feed unit 6 configured to feed a plurality of containers 4 into the packaging machine 2, a filling unit 8 configured to fill the plurality of containers 4 with the ingestible products, and a closing unit 10 configured to close the plurality of containers 4, each with a lid 5. Optionally, the packaging machine 2 also comprises a desiccant feed 12 configured to feed desiccant into the plurality of containers 4, and a cotton ball feed 14 configured to feed cotton balls into the plurality of containers 4. Finally, the packaging machine 2 also comprises a testing device 16 configured to check the plurality of containers 4 for foreign bodies, in particular for metallic foreign bodies.

[0048] The testing device 16 may comprise a conveyor device 18 configured to move the plurality of containers 4 in a synchronized manner in a conveying direction F through the testing device 16 in a conveying plane 20. The conveying direction F extends parallel to the conveying plane 20. Preferably, the conveying direction F and the conveying plane 20 are aligned horizontally. The conveying plane 20 may be defined, for example, by a surface of a conveyor table 22 on which the plurality of containers 4 are conveyed through the testing device 16.

[0049] The conveyor device 18 preferably grips each of the plurality of containers 4 in a form-fitting manner, as indicated by the holding elements 24 in Fig. 1. For example, the conveyor device 18 is a bar that extends substantially parallel to the conveying direction F and on which projections are attached or formed as holding elements 24. Such a conveyor device 18 is also referred to as a "rake." Alternative suitable conveyor devices are known to those skilled in the art.

[0050] The feed unit 6, the filling unit 8, and the closing unit 10 are arranged one behind the other in this order in the conveying direction F in order to first fill and then close the supplied containers 4. The desiccant feed 12 is preferably arranged between the feed unit 6 and the filling unit 8 in the conveying direction F, and the cotton ball feed 14 is preferably arranged between the filling unit 8 and the closing unit 10 in the conveying direction F. However, they can also be arranged at other locations depending on the respective requirements. It is also conceivable for the packaging machine 2 to comprise additional units or processing stations.

[0051] It is particularly advantageous if the conveyor device 18 is designed such that it conveys the plurality of containers 4 not only through the inspection device 16, but through the entire packaging machine 2. Accordingly, the conveyor table 22 can extend through the entire packaging machine 2, i.e., from the feed unit 6 to the closing unit 10 and to the inspection device 16, and possibly even beyond.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the testing device 16 is arranged behind the closing unit 10 in the conveying direction F, i.e. downstream of the closing unit 10. This has the advantage that already closed containers 4 are inspected by means of the testing device 16. Contamination of the contents of the containers 4 by foreign bodies is therefore no longer possible after the inspection. In this case, the testing device 16 can be designed as an independent module of the packaging machine 2. However, the testing device 16 can also be arranged elsewhere in the packaging machine 2. Likewise, the packaging machine 2 can have a plurality of testing devices 16 at different locations. It is also conceivable for the testing device 16 to be integrated into a unit of the packaging machine 2, in particular into the filling unit 8, the cotton ball feed 14 or the closing unit 10.

[0053] As can be seen in Fig. 1 and 2, the testing device 16 comprises a plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34, each arranged in a testing area 28, 32, 36 of the testing device 16 and configured to detect foreign bodies, in particular metallic foreign bodies, in a container 4a, 4b, 4c to be tested of the plurality of containers 4. The plurality of sensors comprises at least a first sensor 26 and a second sensor 30 and optionally further sensors, such as a third sensor 34. The first sensor 30 for testing a first container 4a to be tested can be arranged in a first testing area 28. The second sensor 30 for testing a second container 4b to be tested can be arranged in a second testing area 32, and the third sensor 34 for testing a third container 4c to be tested can be arranged in a third testing area 36.The plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34 are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F and are preferably configured to inspect the first, second, and third containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be inspected at the same rate. In order to require as little installation space as possible in the conveying direction F, the first sensor 26 and the second sensor 30 can be offset from one another perpendicular to the conveying direction and partially arranged one above the other, as shown in Fig. 3. Preferably, the first and third sensors 26, 34 are arranged at the same height, and the second sensor 30 is arranged below them. Otherwise, the features described with regard to the embodiment according to Figs. 1 and 2 apply analogously to the embodiment according to Fig. 3.

[0054] In Fig. 1 it can also be seen that the units 8, 10 and feeders 12, 14 as well as the testing device 16 of the packaging machine 2 are preferably designed for filling, closing and testing a plurality of containers 4 of the plurality of containers 4 simultaneously in order to increase the efficiency of the packaging machine 2. For example, the filling unit 8 comprises a plurality of filling devices 38, each of which is designed to fill a container 4 and which are arranged at a distance from one another in the conveying direction F. The closing unit 10 can comprise a plurality of closing devices 40, each of which is designed to close a container 4 and which are arranged at a distance from one another in the conveying direction F.Accordingly, the desiccant feed 12 can comprise a plurality of first feed devices 42 and the cotton ball feed 14 can comprise a plurality of second feed devices 44, wherein the plurality of first feed devices 42 and the plurality of second feed devices 44 are each configured to feed a desiccant or a cotton ball into a container 4 and are arranged at a distance from one another in the conveying direction F. For the synchronized operation of the packaging machine 2, it is advantageous if the number of filling devices 38, the closing devices 40, the first feed devices 42, the second feed devices 44 and the sensors 26, 30, 34 correspond to the same predetermined number. In the preferred embodiment shown, the predetermined number is three, so that three of the devices 38, 40, 42, 44 and three sensors 26, 30, 34 are provided.Thus, in each cycle of the packaging machine 2, three containers 4 of the plurality of containers 4 are processed at each unit 8, 10, feed 12, 14 or at the testing device 16 of the packaging machine 2.

[0055] The plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34 can be arranged above the conveying plane 20, as indicated in Fig. 1 by dashed lines for the first, second, and third sensors 26', 30', 34'. Preferably, however, the plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34 are arranged stationary below the conveying plane 20. In order to generate a relative movement between the plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34 and the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be inspected, the inspection device 16 preferably has a movement device, which here comprises a plurality of support elements 46, 48, 50, which can be seen in Figs. 2a-c and 3. Each sensor 26, 30, 34 can be assigned a carrier element 46, 48, 50 in order to move one of the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be checked into the respective sensor 26, 30, 34.More specifically, the testing device 16 may comprise a first support element 46, by which the first container 4a to be tested is received in the first testing area 28, a second support element 48, by which the second container 4b to be tested is received in the second testing area 32, and a third support element 50, by which the third container 4c to be tested is received in the third testing area 36.

[0056] The plurality of support elements 46, 48, 50 is designed to be movable such that a relative movement can be generated between the plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34 and the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be inspected in a direction of movement B that is oriented perpendicular to the conveying plane 20. As can be seen in Fig. 2a-c, the plurality of support elements 46, 48, 50 is arranged such that their contact surface 52 initially lies in the conveying plane 20. The containers 4a, 4b, 4c stand on the contact surface 52 of the respective support element 46, 48, 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of support elements 46, 48, 50 can be lowered relative to the conveying plane 20. As can further be seen in Fig. 2a, each container 4 generally has a bottom 401, a peripheral wall 402, and a neck 403. The neck 403 forms an opening 404 of the container 4 through which the ingestible products can be filled into and removed from the container 4. A lid 5 (see Fig.1) is preferably pressed or screwed onto the container 4. Each container 4 is preferably rotationally symmetrical about a central axis 405. The central axis 405 is preferably aligned perpendicular to the conveying plane 20 and parallel to the direction of movement B, at least in the test area. Furthermore, each container 4 has a diameter D, which is preferably measured in the region of the circumferential wall 402, in particular in the region of a largest diameter of the circumferential wall 402. A height H of each container 4 is preferably defined parallel to the central axis 405 of the container 4 from the bottom 401 to an upper edge of the neck 403. Such containers can also be referred to as bottles.

[0057] In all embodiments, the movement device of the testing apparatus 16 can comprise at least one actuator designed to move the plurality of support elements 46 parallel to the direction of movement B. The at least one actuator can be designed as an electrical, electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical actuator, such as an electric motor or pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder unit. An actuator can be provided for each support element 46, 48, 50, which is connected to the respective support element 46, 48, 50 or acts on it. In order to move the support elements 46, 48, 50 and thus the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be tested synchronously, they are preferably connected to one another by means of a connecting element that can be moved by means of the actuator. For example, the connecting element is movably mounted on a carriage on a linear guide.The linear guide preferably extends substantially parallel to the direction of movement B. The actuator can then be designed as a servo motor and move the carriage along the linear guide.

[0058] In all embodiments, each sensor of the plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34 is preferably designed as a ring sensor that can completely surround the respective container 4a, 4b, 4c to be inspected in the circumferential direction of the container 4a, 4b, 4c. By way of example, it is explained with reference to Fig. 2c that the respective sensor 26 has a substantially cylindrical receptacle 54, which is preferably designed as a through-opening and into which the container 4a to be inspected can be inserted. A method for inspecting the containers 4 for foreign bodies using the inspection device 16 will now be described with reference to Figs. 2a-2c. After the containers 4 have been conveyed into the inspection device 16 in a synchronized manner in the conveying direction F, the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be inspected are each positioned there in one of the inspection areas 28, 32, 36.More specifically, the first container 4a to be tested is arranged in a first position, the second container 4b to be tested in a second position, and the third container 4c to be tested in a third position, which are also referred to as starting positions, as shown in Fig. 2a.

[0059] Subsequently, the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be tested are simultaneously moved relative to the plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34, such that each sensor 26, 30, 34 temporarily at least partially or completely surrounds the respective container 4a, 4b, 4c to be tested, as shown in Figs. 2b and 2c. In particular, the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be tested can be moved from their respective starting positions (Fig. 2a), in which they are arranged parallel to the direction of movement B and spaced from the plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34, into a lower extreme position, which is shown in Figs. 2b and 2c, and from this extreme position back to their starting positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of support elements 46, 48, 50 are lowered to move the first container 4a into the first extreme position, the second container 4b into the second extreme position and the third container 4c into the third extreme position, and then raised again.

[0060] During this relative movement, the plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34 detect whether a foreign body is present in one of the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be inspected and thus inspect the containers 4a, 4b, 4c for foreign bodies. More specifically, the first container 4a to be inspected is inspected by the first sensor 26, the second container 4b to be inspected by the second sensor 30, and the third container 4c to be inspected is inspected by the third sensor 34.

[0061] To ensure that each sensor 26, 30, 34 can be operated with optimal settings and that the sensors 26, 30, 34 do not interfere with or influence each other even when located close to each other parallel to the conveying direction F, only one of two adjacent sensors of the plurality of sensors 26, 30, 34 is activated, while the other is deactivated. Consequently, the first sensor 26 is activated, as indicated by the hatching in Fig. 2b, while the second sensor 30 is deactivated. Since the first sensor 26 and the third sensor 34 are sufficiently far apart parallel to the conveying direction F, the first sensor 26 and the third sensor 34 can be activated simultaneously and thus check the first container 4a and the third container 4c simultaneously. The first and third sensors 26, 34 are then deactivated, and the second sensor 30 is activated to check the second container 4b, as indicated in Fig. 2c.

[0062] The first sensor 26, optionally together with the third sensor 34, and the second sensor 30 can be activated and deactivated essentially arbitrarily, as long as only one sensor is activated at a time while the other sensor is deactivated. For example, the alternation can occur at a predetermined frequency while the containers 4a, 4c, 4d are moved from their starting position to the respective extreme position and back to the starting position. Alternatively, for example, the first sensor, optionally together with the third sensor 34, can be activated during the lowering of the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be tested (Fig. 2b) and the second sensor can be activated during the raising of the containers 4a, 4b, 4c to be tested (Fig. 2c), or vice versa.

[0063] It is understood that this principle can be scaled to any number of sensors, starting with a test device with the first and second sensors. Further embodiments within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for testing containers (4) for ingestible products, in particular for medical or pharmaceutical products or for food or dietary supplements, by means of a testing device (16) comprising a plurality of sensors (26, 30) with at least a first sensor (26) and a second sensor (30) for detecting foreign bodies, in particular metallic foreign bodies, in the containers (4), wherein the first sensor (26) and the second sensor (30) are arranged one behind the other parallel to a conveying direction (F) of the containers (4), the method comprising the following steps: a) conveying a plurality of containers (4) in a synchronized manner in the conveying direction (F); b) arranging a first container (4a) of the plurality of containers (4) to be tested in a first position and a second container (4b) of the plurality of containers (4) to be tested in a second position;c) generating a relative movement between the first container to be tested (4a) and the first sensor (26) parallel to a direction of movement (B) which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (F), and generating a relative movement between the second container to be tested (4b) and the second sensor (30) parallel to the direction of movement (B), so that the first sensor (26) temporarily at least partially surrounds the first container to be tested (4a) and the second sensor (30) temporarily at least partially surrounds the second container to be tested (4b);d) checking the first container to be checked (4a) by the first sensor (26) and checking the second container to be checked (4b) by the second sensor (30), wherein when checking the first container to be checked (4a) the first sensor (26) is activated while the second sensor (30) is deactivated, and when checking the second container to be checked (4b) the second sensor (30) is activated while the first sensor (26) is deactivated; 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that step c) comprises: Moving the first container (4a) to be tested from the first position to a first extreme position and from the first extreme position back to the first position and moving the second container (4b) to be tested from the second position to a second extreme position and from the second extreme position back to the second position; and step d) takes place during step c).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that moving the first and second containers (4a, 4b) to be tested from the first and second positions, respectively, to the first and second extreme positions comprises lowering the first and second containers (4a, 4b) to be tested, and moving the first and second containers (4a, 4b) to be tested from the first and second extreme positions, respectively, back to the first and second positions comprises lifting the first and second containers (4a, 4b) to be tested.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that during the lowering of the first and the second container to be tested (4a, 4b) the first sensor (26) is activated and the second sensor (30) is deactivated and during the lifting of the first and the second container to be tested (4a, 4b) the second sensor (30) is activated and the first sensor (26) is deactivated.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first sensor (26) and the second sensor (30) are activated alternately during step c).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of sensors (26, 30, 34) comprises a third sensor (34) for detecting foreign bodies, in particular metallic foreign bodies, in the containers (4), wherein the second sensor (30) is arranged in the conveying direction (F) between the first sensor (26) and the third sensor (34), wherein in step b) a third container (4c) to be checked of the plurality of containers (4) is arranged in a third position, wherein in step c) at the same time a relative movement between the third container (4c) to be checked and the third sensor (34) is parallel- lei to the direction of movement (B) is generated, so that the third sensor (34) temporarily at least partially surrounds the third container (4c) to be tested, wherein in step d) the third container (4c) to be tested is tested by the third sensor (34) and wherein when testing the first container (4a) to be tested, the first sensor (26) is activated and when testing the third container (4c) to be tested, the third sensor (34) is activated while the second sensor (30) is deactivated, and when testing the second container (4b) to be tested, the second sensor (30) is activated while the first and third sensors (26, 34) are deactivated.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the first container to be tested (4a) and the third container to be tested (4c) are tested simultaneously.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of sensors (26, 30) are arranged one behind the other parallel to the conveying direction (F), wherein of two sensors (26, 30) of the plurality of sensors (26, 30) adjacent in the conveying direction (F), only one sensor is activated, while the other is deactivated.

9. Testing device (16) for testing containers (4) for ingestible products, in particular for medical or pharmaceutical products or for food or dietary supplements, wherein the testing device (16) comprises a plurality of sensors (26, 30) with at least a first sensor (26) and a second sensor (30) for detecting foreign bodies, in particular metallic foreign bodies, in the containers (4), wherein the first sensor (26) and the second sensor (30) are arranged one behind the other parallel to a conveying direction (F) of the containers (4), characterized in that the testing device (16) is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

10. Testing device (16) according to claim 9, characterized in that the testing device (16) further comprises a control device which is communicatively connected to each of the plurality of sensors (26, 30) and is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the plurality of sensors (26, 30).

11. Testing device (16) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the testing device (16) further comprises: a conveyor device (18) which is designed to convey the plurality of containers (4) in a synchronized manner in a conveying direction (F) and to arrange the first container (4) to be tested in a first position and the second container (4) to be tested in a second position; and a movement device (46, 48) which is designed to simultaneously generate a relative movement between the first container (4a) to be tested and the first sensor (26) parallel to a movement direction (B) which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (F), and a relative movement between the second container (4b) to be tested and the second sensor (30) parallel to the movement direction (B).

12. Testing device (16) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the first sensor (26) and the second sensor (30) are arranged offset from one another parallel to the direction of movement (B) and partially one above the other.

13. Testing device (16) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the plurality of sensors (26, 30) are designed as inductive ring sensors which have a substantially cylindrical receptacle (54) with a central axis which is aligned substantially parallel to the direction of movement (B), wherein a distance between the central axes of two sensors (26, 30) of the plurality of sensors (26, 30) arranged next to one another is smaller than the extent of a magnetic field of each sensor (26, 30) in a plane perpendicular to its central axis.

14. Testing device (16) according to claim 13, characterized in that the distance between the center axes of two adjacently arranged sensors (26, 30) of the plurality of sensors (26, 30) is between 150 mm and 210 mm, more preferably between 170 mm and 190 mm.

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