Device for aligning containers, package forming device, container handling system, and method for producing packages

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for aligning containers (10), in particular beverage containers (10a), into a target rotational position with respect to at least one container feature (113), in particular a label position or a printing, wherein the device (100) comprises the following: a container transport device (110) for individually transporting the containers (10) and a first optical detection device (120) for capturing actual image data of a container (10) casing side which is visible from a test side. The device (100) has a second optical detection device (130) which is designed to detect a reference container feature, in particular the presence of a barcode, on a rear side, the rear side lying opposite the container (10) casing side which is visible from the test side. The container transport device (110) has at least one aligning unit (112) for aligning the containers on the basis of the detected actual image data and on the basis of the detected reference container features.

Description

[0001] Device for aligning containers, container forming device, container treatment plant and method for manufacturing containers

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a device for aligning containers, in particular beverage containers, with respect to at least one container feature, in particular a label position or a print, into a desired rotational position.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a container forming device for forming containers from containers with a corresponding device for aligning containers and a container treatment system for treating containers with a corresponding container forming device.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing containers from containers, in particular beverage containers.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] In container processing plants with container forming devices, the production of containers generally takes place as follows: the containers are fed into a mass flow on a conveyor platform, standing upright with their container axis oriented vertically, and with their container axis arbitrarily oriented with respect to their container characteristics. This mass flow is then divided into several single-lane container streams by means of lane dividers. In further process steps, the containers to be formed are separated from the single-lane container streams, and the required number of containers are combined to form a...

[0008] 12245 Container group in which the containers with their outer surfaces are in contact with each other, and a connection of the containers of each container group to form a fixed container.

[0009] Furthermore, it is known to align containers within container handling systems using alignment units. For example, DE 102005 050902 A1 discloses a device for precisely aligning containers. The alignment device is part of a labeling machine to which the containers are fed upright – but in a purely random orientation. Therefore, the containers are aligned with respect to their container characteristics. Only after alignment is a label applied to the respective containers.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] The invention is based on the objective of improving alignment units known from the prior art and providing an alignment unit that offers advantages over the aforementioned prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alignment unit suitable for container formation.

[0012] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an advantageous container forming device and an advantageous container treatment plant with a corresponding device for aligning containers.

[0013] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for producing containers from containers.

[0014] These problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are specified in particular in the dependent claims.

[0015] The solution according to the invention consists in particular of a device for aligning containers, especially beverage containers, with respect to

[0016] 12245 WO to specify at least one container feature, in particular a label position or a print, in a target rotational position. The device includes a container transport device, in particular a rotary container transport device, for transporting the containers individually. Furthermore, the device includes a first optical detection device for capturing actual image data of a side of the container visible from a test side. The visible side of the container is also referred to as the outside.

[0017] According to the invention, the device comprises a second optical detection device. This second optical detection device is designed to detect a reference container feature, in particular the presence of a barcode, on a reverse side. The reverse side is the side opposite the side of the container visible from the inspection side. The reverse side is also referred to as the inside. The container transport device further comprises at least one alignment unit designed to align containers based on the captured actual image data and the captured reference container features.

[0018] A container alignment device is generally a device designed to rotate containers into a predetermined, desired rotational position, the target rotational position. The main function of the container alignment device is therefore to rotate the containers into a defined target rotational position in order to align container features, such as a label, a print, or an embossing, in a specific orientation. The container feature is generally a specific, visible marking on the surface, particularly the outer surface of a container.

[0019] For example, the container feature could be a label or a label position. It might be desirable to orient containers within packages so that their labels are centered and easily legible when viewed from above. The target rotation position corresponds to the alignment or orientation of the container required to bring the container feature into a specific, intended position.

[0020] 12245 WO The term container, as used in the present invention, refers to bodies formed in one piece or from several parts firmly connected to one another. Preferably, each container has an internal cavity and is designed to separate this cavity from its surroundings. The containers can be, for example, containers for storing foodstuffs and / or liquid, viscous, or pasty substances. Particularly preferably, the containers are beverage containers. In particular, the beverage containers are bottles, cans, or beverage cartons. The individual containers can be combined to form a bundle, i.e., a predetermined, and in particular interconnected, grouping of containers. By way of example only, the bundle can be designed as a four-pack, six-pack, or eight-pack and accordingly comprise four, six, or eight containers.

[0021] The containers preferably have a circumferential surface on which, for example, a label, a print and / or an embossing may be provided.

[0022] A container transport device is generally a device designed to transport containers individually, i.e., separately from one another. For this purpose, the container transport device preferably has several receiving areas for individually picking up containers. Furthermore, the container transport device has at least one alignment unit designed to rotate the containers into the desired rotational position. In particular, the alignment unit is designed to rotate the containers about a vertical axis.

[0023] The first optical detection device is generally a device designed to capture actual image data of the outer surface of a container. The first optical detection device is therefore preferably arranged laterally to the container on the container transport device. The first optical detection device cannot capture the entire outer surface of the container, but only a side visible from the inspection side.

[0024] 12245 WO or containers are detected. Accordingly, one side of the container, which is not visible to the first optical detection device, remains as the back.

[0025] Since the device for aligning containers has a second optical detection unit, it can also detect reference container features located on the back. The reference container feature is, in particular, the barcode. Accordingly, the second optical detection unit is designed to detect the barcode or its presence or absence.

[0026] In known devices for aligning containers, only the sides of the container visible from the inspection side are detected by one or more optical detection devices. This leads to problems, particularly with containers that have at least substantially identical front and back sides, i.e., those with a 180° division or mirror image. The sides of such containers are separated at a circumference of 180° and therefore exhibit at least substantially identical container characteristics on both sides. For example, the two sides differ in that one of them has a barcode. If such containers are now aligned in the known devices, it is conceivable that the containers in the packaging will be oriented with the side bearing the barcode facing forward.This is disadvantageous because, when the retailer hands over the package to the end consumer, the barcode of the individual containers may be incorrectly scanned instead of the barcode of the entire package. This leads either to lost revenue or to time-consuming reversals and adjustments at the checkout.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device comprises a horizontally rotating transport unit, in particular a transport rotor. The horizontally rotating transport unit is designed to transport the containers along a path that is at least partially circular. The rotating transport unit, in particular the transport rotor, preferably has a plurality of alignment units to which individual containers can be assigned.

[0028] 12245 WO The transport unit thus moves the containers along a circular or partially circular, for example oval, path. The receiving areas are preferably distributed at uniform intervals, in particular angular intervals, along the circumference of the horizontally rotating transport unit or the transport rotor. For example, in a transport rotor, the receiving areas are provided at uniform angular intervals around the vertical machine axis of the transport rotor. The receiving areas are preferably not designed to positively engage the containers. Rather, the receiving areas can also be designed as receiving surfaces onto which the containers are positioned. Alternatively, the receiving areas can also be designed as supports.

[0029] In an advantageous further development of this embodiment, the first optical detection device and the second optical detection device are arranged on opposite sides of the at least partially circular path. In particular, the first optical detection device is arranged on a radially outer side and the second optical detection device on a radially inner side.

[0030] The first optical detection device and the second optical detection device are therefore arranged such that they are located on opposite sides of the circular path of the horizontally rotating transport unit.

[0031] The first optical detection device is therefore preferably positioned on the radially outer side of the circular path. This means that the first optical detection device is located outside the circular path, i.e., further away from the center of the rotating transport unit or the transport gyratory. This provides a relatively large amount of installation space for the first optical detection device compared to a radially inner positioning. Accordingly, it is possible to use large first optical detection devices with a wide detection angle.

[0032] 12245 WOden. From the radially outer side, the first optical detection device detects the outer side of the container that faces the outside of the horizontally rotating transport unit.

[0033] The second optical detection device, however, is positioned on the radially inner side of the circular path, i.e., closer to the center of the horizontally rotating transport unit. At this position, there is relatively little installation space compared to the radially outer side. Accordingly, the second optical detection device is preferably smaller than the first. From its radially inner position, the second optical detection device can detect the opposite side of the containers, the side facing the inside of the horizontally rotating transport unit or the transport circle.

[0034] The described arrangement thus enables a more comprehensive scan of the container's surface. Since the two optical sensors are positioned on opposite sides, different sides of the container can be scanned simultaneously. This allows all relevant information to be captured in a single pass. Consequently, alignment using the alignment unit is only required once. This arrangement also reduces detection errors that could occur with single-sided scanning.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotating transport unit, in particular the transport rotor, has a lower part on which the container can be arranged. Furthermore, the rotating transport unit, in particular the transport rotor, has an upper part, which is specifically designed to hold the top of the container. The lower part and the upper part are driven separately from one another.

[0036] The circulating transport unit, or transport carousel, therefore consists of two main components: a lower part and an upper part. These two main components work together to safely transport the containers.

[0037] 12245 WO to hold and simultaneously enable a precise rotary movement for alignment. The lower part is the base of the circulating transport unit, on which individual containers can be arranged, particularly in a standing position. The lower part is mechanically designed so that it is driven independently of the upper part. In particular, there is therefore no coupling device, such as a coupling shaft or the like, between the lower and upper parts. Accordingly, space can be saved radially inside the circulating transport unit or the transport rotor. This makes it possible to arrange the second optical detection device radially inside, particularly with an unobstructed view of the containers.

[0038] The upper part can be designed to fix or hold the container top and can provide additional stability. The alignment itself can be achieved via the lower part and / or the upper part.

[0039] Regardless, the second optical detection device is preferably arranged radially inside between the upper and lower parts.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one alignment unit is designed as a rotary table. The rotary table is designed to preferably hold exactly one container and to rotate it, in particular, about a vertical axis, preferably the longitudinal axis of the container.

[0041] According to an advantageous further development of this embodiment, the container transport device has a plurality of alignment units designed as rotary tables. Preferably, several of the rotary tables are coupled together and driven.

[0042] The alignment units are therefore each designed as a turntable, a turntable being a rotating platform designed to hold exactly one container and rotate it around its own axis. This allows the container to be aligned into the desired target rotational position, for example, for the precise orientation of a label. When the turntables

[0043] 12245 If the rotary tables are coupled and driven together, one drive can be used to power several of them. For example, the individual rotary tables are connected via belts or chains. Furthermore, it is conceivable to also install a gearbox, especially a planetary gearbox. Alternatively, it would of course also be conceivable for each rotary table to have its own drive.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the top part can be designed as a headpiece, for example in the shape of a tulip. This allows the containers to be clamped between the turntable and the tulip. The tulip can also be used for centering.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first optical detection device is configured as a camera or the second optical detection device is configured as a barcode scanner. Preferably, the first optical detection device is configured as a camera and the second optical detection device is configured as a barcode scanner.

[0046] The first optical detection device is therefore designed differently from the second optical detection device. In particular, the first optical detection device has different optical sensors than the second optical detection device.

[0047] The first optical detection device is a camera and is primarily used to capture comprehensive image data of the container's surface. The second optical detection device is a barcode scanner and is primarily used to capture a specific reference container feature, in particular the barcode. The first optical detection device may be larger than the second.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first optical detection device, in particular a camera, has a detection angle of at least 180°, preferably at least 200°, particularly preferably of

[0049] 12245 WO at least 220°. Alternatively or additionally, the second optical detection device, in particular the barcode scanner, has a detection angle between 100° and 160°, preferably between 120° and 140°.

[0050] The first optical scanning device generally has a wide scanning angle of at least 180°, ideally 200° or even 220°, and can therefore capture a large area of ​​the container as actual image data in a single image. For example, the first optical scanning device, designed as a camera, incorporates a prism for this purpose. The second optical scanning device, on the other hand, has a focused scanning angle between 100° and 160°, ideally between 120° and 140°, enabling pinpoint scanning of a relevant, specific area on the back of the container. Due to the smaller scanning angle, the barcode scanner can be designed to be correspondingly smaller.

[0051] Particularly preferably, the first optical detection device has a detection angle of at least 200° and the second optical detection device has a detection angle between 120° and 140°. If the first optical detection device and the second optical detection device are arranged opposite each other, a sufficient portion of the container's surface can be detected, particularly in a single step.

[0052] By combining a camera and barcode scanner, especially with appropriate detection angles, it is possible to quickly and reliably capture the relevant features and thus reliably determine the actual rotational position of the containers.

[0053] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises an evaluation and control unit. The evaluation and control unit is configured to evaluate the actual image data acquired by the first optical detection device and the reference container features acquired by the second optical detection device, and to control the at least one alignment unit based on the evaluation.

[0054] 12245 WO The evaluation and control unit plays a central role in processing and controlling the alignment of the containers. This unit can comprise one or more modules. It is designed to analyze the data provided by the two optical detection devices and, based on this analysis, control the movement of the alignment unit.

[0055] In particular, the evaluation and control unit analyzes the actual image data captured by the first optical detection device. This actual image data provides visual information about the side of the container visible from the viewing side. By comparing the actual image data with stored target image data or characteristic values, an alignment rotation angle can be determined by which the container must be rotated to change from its actual rotation position or orientation to a desired target rotation position or orientation. Furthermore, the evaluation and control unit is designed to analyze the reference container characteristics captured by the second optical detection device, such as the presence or absence of a barcode.

[0056] For example, it is conceivable that the barcode should not be visible from the front when the container is in its intended rotation position. If the second optical detection device now determines that there is no barcode on the back, it must be located on the visible front of the container and would therefore be visible on a container with an essentially identical 180° division or mirrored design. Therefore, in the described case, a correction factor of 180° is added to the orientation rotation angle, resulting in a corrected orientation rotation angle by which the container is rotated.

[0057] The evaluation by the evaluation and control unit does not necessarily have to be performed in two steps, but can, for example, also be carried out in one step. In both cases, however, the following applies: the evaluation is based on both the actual image data acquired by the first optical detection device and the reference container characteristics acquired by the second optical detection device.

[0058] The evaluation process is carried out at 12245 WO. Based on this evaluation, the evaluation and control unit sends control commands to the corresponding alignment units. These control commands primarily concern the corrected alignment rotation angle.

[0059] The solution according to the invention further comprises a container-forming device for forming containers from containers, in particular beverage containers. The container-forming device includes one of the previously described devices for aligning containers. Furthermore, the container-forming device includes a container-forming unit for forming a container from a group of aligned containers. The containers within the container are aligned in a predetermined rotational position with respect to their container characteristics.

[0060] Since the container forming device incorporates one of the previously described devices for aligning containers, all individual aspects and advantages of the devices for aligning containers can be transferred to the container forming device.

[0061] The container forming device is a device that handles the formation of containers. The grouping into containers can be achieved, for example, using adhesive dots and, in particular, without further packaging. In this case, the container forming device is designed to form containers from containers joined by adhesive dots. In such a design, an adhesive application device is arranged between the container forming device and the container alignment device. This device applies adhesive dots to the aligned containers. For example, the adhesive application device is designed as an gluing star for applying glue to the containers. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the container forming device forms containers using cardboard blanks, which are applied to the containers from above. In both variants, the use of no plastic packaging materials is particularly preferred.

[0062] 12245 WO The container forming device according to the invention, in combination with the device for aligning containers, reliably ensures that the containers are unambiguously aligned even with a 180° division. This results in the barcodes of the individual containers being unreadable when grouped together in the container. Therefore, it is unnecessary to mask the barcodes and thus render them unreadable, or to perform any additional orientation of the containers.

[0063] The solution according to the invention further comprises a container treatment system. The container treatment system includes at least one of the container forming devices described above and a further container treatment machine.

[0064] A container treatment plant is generally a system for treating containers. A container treatment plant can include a variety of container treatment machines. For example, in addition to a container forming device, a container manufacturing machine, a container filling machine, a container closing machine, and / or a container labeling machine.

[0065] The container handling system preferably includes at least one container labeling machine. Furthermore, the container labeling machine is preferably configured to apply labels to the containers divided by 180°. The containers are at least substantially identical on their front and back sides with respect to the label. In particular, the front differs from the back side by the presence of a container barcode.

[0066] Since the container treatment plant has at least one of the container forming devices described above, and thus also one of the devices for aligning containers, all the individual aspects and advantages mentioned in this regard can be transferred to the container treatment plant.

[0067] 12245 WO The solution according to the invention further comprises a method for producing containers from containers, in particular beverage containers. The method includes a step for feeding containers. The containers have an arbitrary actual rotational position with respect to their container characteristics, in particular a label position or a print. The method further includes a step for capturing actual image data of a side of the container visible from a test side. The method further includes a step for aligning the containers depending on the captured actual image data. The containers are aligned such that the containers in a container have a predetermined target rotational position. The method further includes a step for forming a container from a group of the aligned containers.The containers within the package are aligned in a target rotational position with respect to their container characteristics.

[0068] According to the invention, the method further comprises a step for detecting a reference container feature on a rear side that is opposite the side of the container visible from the test side. The alignment of the containers also takes place depending on the detected reference container feature.

[0069] The process is therefore used to form containers from containers and includes several steps that ensure that the containers within the container are aligned exactly according to a predetermined orientation, the target rotation position.

[0070] When the containers are fed in, their actual rotational position is random, so initial information about their position is captured when the actual image data is acquired. This acquisition of the actual image data is preferably performed using one of the previously described initial optical detection devices.

[0071] Additionally, a reference container characteristic or a property of the reference container characteristic is recorded on the back of the containers. This is done by...

[0072] 12245 WO Detecting the reference container characteristic preferably by means of one of the second optical detection devices described above.

[0073] The alignment of the containers is therefore based on the captured actual image data and the captured reference container characteristic or the captured property of the reference container characteristic. For example, the alignment is carried out using one of the alignment units described above.

[0074] In particular, the device described above is suitable for aligning containers, as are the container forming devices described for carrying out the described method for producing containers from containers.

[0075] The inventive method enables a correct target rotation position to be achieved for containers that are mirrored at 180°.

[0076] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reference container feature is the presence or absence of a barcode on the back of the container. Thus, when the reference container feature on the back is detected, it is checked whether a barcode is present on the back or not.

[0077] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the containers are rotated by a corrected alignment rotation angle during alignment, wherein the corrected alignment rotation angle is based on an alignment rotation angle that depends on the acquired actual image data. The corrected alignment rotation angle is derived from the alignment rotation angle plus a correction factor of 180°, which depends on the acquired reference container feature.

[0078] In other words, during alignment, the containers are rotated by a corrected alignment rotation angle. This calculated corrected alignment rotation angle is based on an initial alignment rotation angle directly derived from the captured actual image data and is

[0079] 12245 WO This adjusts a correction factor of 180° if, during the acquisition of the reference container feature, it is determined that the barcode on the back of the container is, for example, absent or, alternatively, present. The orientation rotation angle is thus calculated by analyzing the actual image data and is the rotation angle from the actual rotation position of the container to a presumed target rotation position. For containers divided by 180°, the presumed target rotation position can also deviate by 180°. Therefore, a correction of 180° is made based on the reference container feature. This ensures that misalignments, where a container is correctly oriented with respect to a label but has a visible barcode, are prevented.

[0080] 12245 WO Short description of the drawings

[0081] The various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, insofar as this is technically feasible. Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures.

[0082] The figures used to illustrate the exemplary embodiments show:

[0083] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a container forming device according to the invention;

[0084] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a device for aligning containers, such as can be used in the container forming device shown in Fig. 1; and

[0085] Fig. 3 shows a more detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of the device for aligning containers.

[0086] Ways to implement the invention

[0087] Fig. 1 shows a container forming device 200 according to the invention, in which containers 10, in particular beverage containers 10a, are fed to an adhesive application device 220 by means of a device 100 for aligning the containers 10. Adhesive is applied to the containers 10 at the adhesive application device 220 by means of adhesive application units 221. After the adhesive application device 220, the containers 10 are transferred to a transfer star wheel 230 and then to a container forming device 210.

[0088] Within the container forming device 210, the containers 10 provided with adhesive patches are grouped into containers 20. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the containers 10 are grouped into groups of three within each transport section of the container forming device 210, resulting in a total of six containers 10 in containers 20. The containers 20 are held together by the applied adhesive patches.

[0089] 12245 WO In the container forming device 210 shown in Fig. 1, multipacks are produced as containers in which the containers of the container 20 are connected to each other with adhesive dots and therefore hold together without further packaging. Alternatively, it would of course also be conceivable to produce a container in which the containers of the container are held together by means of a cardboard blank. Then the adhesive application device 220 would be omitted and the container forming device 210 would have an application unit to be able to apply a cardboard blank to the grouped containers.

[0090] Figure 2 shows an embodiment according to the invention of the device 100 shown in Figure 1 for aligning containers 10. The device 100 for aligning containers 10, in particular beverage containers 10a, has a rotating transport unit 111 designed as a transport rotor 111a as part of a container transport device 110. The containers 10 can be transported individually by means of the rotating transport unit 111.

[0091] The incoming containers 10 have an arbitrary actual rotational position with respect to their container characteristics, such as label position. The device 100 is intended to bring the containers 10 into a desired target rotational position so that they later exhibit the desired orientation within the containers 20. Thus, the containers 10 should have a target rotational position within the containers 20 with respect to their container characteristics.

[0092] If the containers 10 now have a 180° division with at least essentially identical container characteristics, i.e., if there is, for example, a container design with a 180° mirrored label, there are two possible target rotation positions with respect to the identical container characteristics. However, the containers 10 have a barcode as a distinguishing feature, which in the containers 20 is located on the back side, i.e., unreadable.

[0093] The previously known devices for aligning containers included container designs that featured 180° mirroring and a one-sided barcode.

[0094] 12245 WO exhibits, not clearly recognizable by the system. However, the device 100 according to the invention for aligning containers 10 has a first optical detection device 120 and a second optical detection device 130. The first optical detection device 120 and the second optical detection device 130 are arranged on opposite sides of the containers 10 moving in a circular path. In particular, the first optical detection device 120 is arranged on a radially outer side and at a position far from an axis of rotation R of the circulating transport unit 111. The second optical detection device 130 is arranged on a radially inner side and closer to the axis of rotation R. Thus, it is possible to detect an outer side 13, i.e., an outward-facing side of the containers 10, by means of the first optical detection device 120.In contrast, the second optical detection device 130 detects an inside 12, i.e. an inward-facing side of the containers 10.

[0095] The first optical detection device 120 is designed as a camera and has, for example, a detection angle of at least 200°, preferably at least 220°. The second optical detection device 130 is designed as a barcode scanner and has a smaller detection angle than the first optical detection device 120. For example, the second optical detection device 130 has a detection angle between 120° and 140°.

[0096] If the first optical detection device 120 now records actual image data of an outside 13 or visible shell side of the container 10, the actual rotational position of the container 10 can be uniquely determined based on the actual image data and a reference container feature recorded by the second optical detection device 130, for example the presence or absence of a barcode on the inside 12.

[0097] To rotate the containers 10 from their actual rotational position to their target rotational position, the transport rotary unit 111a has an alignment unit 112, which can be seen in Fig. 3. The alignment unit 112 is designed to align the containers 10 based on

[0098] 12245 WOden to rotate the recorded actual image data and the recorded reference container characteristics.

[0099] The transport rotary unit 111a shown in Fig. 3 has a lower part 113 and an upper part 114. A plurality of rotary plates 112a are formed on the lower part 113 as alignment units 112. Head sections 115 are formed on the upper part 114.

[0100] In the example shown in Fig. 3, cans are used as beverage containers 10a. However, the use of bottles, for example, would also be possible. Accordingly, it would be conceivable that the head parts 115 could be designed as tulips.

[0101] The rotary tables 112a are each designed to hold and rotate exactly one container 10. However, the rotary tables 112a do not necessarily have individual drives, but can also be driven in a coupled manner. For example, they can be coupled to each other via a belt drive and, in particular, in different switching positions.

[0102] Rotation, particularly an additional rotation, is also conceivable via the top of the container 115. The lower part 113 and the upper part 114 can be driven independently of each other. The two parts are therefore not connected in the middle by a drive shaft. This makes it possible to arrange the second optical detection device 130 radially inside the transport rotor 111a. Thus, the first optical detection device 120 can detect the container from the outside and the second optical detection device 130 from the inside.

[0103] When the first optical detection device 120 captures actual image data from the visible side of the container 10, this actual image data can be evaluated in the evaluation and control unit 140 sketched in Fig. 2.

[0104] For example, the actual image data can be compared with stored target image data, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the actual rotational position of the container under investigation. For instance, the comparison can be made using a specific container feature 113, such as the rhombus shown in Fig. 3.

[0105] 12245 WOGenerally, the comparison is typically made on the basis of a distinctive feature of the label, the printing or the embossing of the container 10.

[0106] The evaluation and control unit 140 also uses the detected reference container feature of the second optical detection device 130 to determine which sides have been detected by the first optical detection device 120 at a 180° division. For example, the absence of a barcode as a reference container feature allows the unit to determine that the container must be rotated not just by 10°, but by 190° to actually be in the correct target rotation position in which the barcode is no longer readable.

[0107] It is understood that in the present invention there is a relationship between, on the one hand, features described in connection with process steps and, on the other hand, features described in connection with corresponding devices. Thus, described process features are also to be considered device features belonging to the invention – and vice versa – even if this is not explicitly stated.

[0108] It should be noted that the features of the invention described with reference to individual embodiments or variants, such as the type and design of the individual components as well as their precise dimensions and spatial arrangement, may also be present in other embodiments, unless otherwise specified or is precluded for technical reasons. Furthermore, not all features of such combined features of individual embodiments need necessarily be implemented in a given embodiment.

[0109] 12245 WO reference number

[0110] 10 containers

[0111] 10a Beverage containers

[0112] 11 Container top

[0113] 12 Inside

[0114] 13 Outside

[0115] 14 Container feature

[0116] 20 containers

[0117] 100 Device for aligning containers 110 Container transport device

[0118] 111 circulating transport units

[0119] 111a Transport roundabout

[0120] 112 Alignment unit

[0121] 112a Turntable

[0122] 113 Lower part

[0123] 114 Top

[0124] 115 Headboard

[0125] 120 First optical detection device 130 Second optical detection device 140 Evaluation and control unit

[0126] 12245 WO200 Container forming device

[0127] 210 Container forming device

[0128] 220 Adhesive application device 221 Adhesive application unit 230 Transfer star

[0129] R axis of rotation

[0130] 12245 WO

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (100) for aligning containers (10), in particular beverage containers (10a), with respect to at least one container feature (113), in particular a label position or a print, into a desired rotation position, wherein the device (100) comprises the following: a container transport device (110) for transporting the containers (10) individually; a first optical detection device (120) for capturing actual image data of a shell side of the containers (10) visible from a test side, characterized by the fact that the device (100) has a second optical detection device (130) which is designed to detect a reference container feature, in particular the presence of a barcode, on a rear side, wherein the rear side is opposite the side of the container (10) visible from the inspection side, wherein the container transport device (110) has at least one alignment unit (112) for aligning the containers depending on the recorded actual image data and depending on the recorded reference container characteristics.

2. Device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the container transport device (110) has a horizontally rotating transport unit (111), in particular a transport gyroscope (111a) which is designed to transport the containers (10) along a path that is at least partially circular. 12245 WO3. Device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first optical detection device (120) and the second optical detection device (130) are arranged on different sides of the at least partially circular path.

4. Device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first optical detection device (120) is arranged on a radially outer side and the second optical detection device (130) is arranged on a radially inner side.

5. Device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the rotating transport unit (111), in particular the transport rotor (111a), has a lower part (113) on which containers (10) can be arranged, and an upper part (114), wherein the lower part (113) and the upper part (114) are designed to be driven separately from each other.

6. Device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one alignment unit (112) is designed as a rotary table (112a) which is designed to receive and rotate exactly one container (10). 12245 WO7. Device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the container transport device (110) has a plurality of alignment units (112) designed as rotary tables (112a), wherein preferably several of the rotary tables (112a) are coupled and driven together.

8. Device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first optical detection device (120) is designed as a camera and / or the second optical detection device (130) is designed as a barcode scanner.

9. Device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first optical detection device (120) has a detection angle of at least 180°, preferably at least 200°, particularly preferably at least 220°, and / or wherein the second optical detection device (130) has a detection angle between 100° and 160°, preferably between 120° and 140°.

10. Device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (100) has an evaluation and control unit (140) which is configured to evaluate the actual image data acquired by means of the first optical detection device (120) and the reference container features acquired by means of the second optical detection device (130) and to control the alignment unit (112) based on the evaluation. 12245 WO11. Container forming device (200) for forming containers (20) from containers (10), in particular beverage containers (10a), wherein the container forming device (200) comprises the following: a device (100) for aligning containers (10) according to one of the preceding claims, and a container forming device (210) for forming a container (20) from a group of aligned containers (10), wherein the containers (10) within the container (20) are aligned in a target rotation position with respect to their container characteristics.

12. Container treatment plant for treating containers (10) with at least one container forming device (200) according to claim 11 and a further container treatment machine.

13. Method for producing containers (20) from containers (10), in particular beverage containers (10a), comprising the following steps: Feeding containers (10) which have an arbitrary actual rotation position with respect to their container characteristics (14), in particular a label position or a print; Capturing actual image data of a shell side of the container visible from a test side (10); Aligning the containers (10) depending on the captured actual image data such that the containers (10) in a container (20) have a predetermined target rotation position, Forming a container (20) from a group of aligned containers (10) in which the containers (10) are aligned with respect to their container characteristics in a target rotation position, 12245 WO characterized by the fact that the method comprises the following step: Capturing a reference container feature on a rear side opposite the shell side of the containers (10) visible from the test side, the alignment of the containers (10) also depends on the detected property of the reference container characteristic.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the reference container feature is the presence or absence of a barcode on the back of the containers (10).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the containers (10) are rotated during alignment by a corrected alignment rotation angle amount based on an alignment rotation angle amount that depends on the acquired actual image data, wherein the corrected alignment rotation angle amount results from the alignment rotation angle amount plus a correction factor of 180°, depending on the acquired reference container feature. 12245 WO

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