DE102006015254A1 - Hermetically closed object`s e.g. container, tightness measuring device, has contactless distance measuring sensor operating with electromagnetic radiation provided, where testing medium is attached to surface of package - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a test chamber (16) which is hermetically sealed and settable under positive and/or positive pressure. A contactless distance measuring sensor (23) operating with electromagnetic radiation is arranged in such a manner that its radiation is sent towards a surface of a package (9). A testing medium (24) reflecting the radiation of the sensor is attached to the surface of the package.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for measuring the tightness hermetically sealed objects, in particular containers, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention relates furthermore, in particular with the device according to the invention testable hermetically sealed article according to the preamble of the claim 11th

Under The examination the tightness of sealed containers are within the meaning of the present Not only rigid or semi-rigid containers understood with films, Sealing foils and the like are closed, but also packaging of all kinds that are capable of under vacuum for the purpose of leak testing deform.

One such container can also be any object whose tightness is to be tested, such as As a tennis ball, a table tennis ball and the like.

An aforementioned device for measuring the tightness of hermetically sealed containers in the context of the invention is with the subject of the DE 39 36 163 C2 known. In this known device, the containers to be tested are introduced pallet-wise into a test chamber which has inlet and outlet end bulkheads, and a negative pressure is applied in the region of the test chamber.

After this the ones to be tested container hermetically sealed and inside a certain air pressure have a deformation of the deformable membrane or of the container as such, when a vacuum is applied to the test chamber.

is the one to be tested container tight, then it deforms in the sense of an increase in volume, because the air volume trapped there expands. Is he leaking, in the sense of a gross leak, it does not deform.

Would have However, he only a small leak, he will first deform, but his strain only over maintained for a limited period while maintaining the vacuum, then the deformation is then declining.

To determine these leaks, the subject sees the DE 39 36 163 C2 at least two consecutive measurements.

A similar prior art results from the EP 1 064 529 B1 in which, however, the tightness of evacuated packaging containers is checked. This means that the packaging containers to be tested have already been evacuated from the outset and an additional statement about the evacuation of the packaging container must be made by an additional application of vacuum in the vacuum chamber. This document also provides a series of successive measurements under negative pressure on the packaging.

at Both documents will essentially change the shape the packaging by a non-contact Measurement recorded.

Disadvantage of the method and the device according to the DE 39 36 163 C2 is, however, that the measurement is not accurate enough.

It is known as non-contact Distance measurement (measurement of the deformation change of the container) a Perform laser measurement, which relies on a laser beam on the surface of the is reflected to be detected packaging and of a corresponding Receiving sensors is evaluated.

is However, the packaging is not smooth or is it due to imprints so changed, that the laser beam is insufficient reflected or even swallowed (absorbed), is a reliable distance measurement not given anymore.

A "swallowing" of the measuring beam is given especially then; when measured transparent packaging should be. In this case, a reliable measurement is no longer possible.

One Another disadvantage is that in a multi-colored printing of the to be tested packaging container It may happen that during a first measurement of the laser beam on the undeformed packaging wall of the container in the area of a blue Printing takes place and is evaluated accordingly and below the bulging container in the curvature region wearing a red print; which causes a different reflection of the laser signal, so that also in this case the reliable one Measurement of the deformation work of the container is no longer given.

If in the above description and subsequently by a non-contact Measurement method is spoken by means of a laser beam, so is not restrictive for the Technique of the present invention to understand. The invention claims all contactless Measuring method, in particular a red light measuring method, wherein prefers the non-contact Distance measurement is performed by the known triangulation measurement method.

Next the measurement of the distance with visible or invisible rays it is also provided in the invention, in the ultrasonic range to eat. The invention thus claims all non-contact measuring methods, with which it is possible is to the deformation of a vacuum-deforming container to measure up.

The same problems happen when the packaging already labeled and the measuring beam is exactly (random) on the edge of the label meets. Also in this case, the reflected signal is no longer just enough to do little deformation of the container record and evaluate.

The invention is therefore based on the subject matter of DE 39 36 163 C2 the object of a device for measuring the tightness of hermetically sealed objects; In particular, containers and packaging, as well as a hermetically sealed object of the type mentioned in such a way that the measurement can be done much more accurate even with irregular shaped, printed or otherwise modified surface of the container or packaging to be tested.

to solution the task is the invention by the technical teaching of claim 1 or 11 characterized.

essential Feature of the invention is that in the vacuum chamber in the area between the surface the one to be tested Packaging and the sensor associated with the packaging at least a contact resting in this area on the surface of the packaging Coating or masking tape or label is arranged.

With the given technical teaching gives the essential advantage that now at least in the area of the measuring field on the surface of to be tested Packaging created a measuring surface touching the packaging that is a trouble-free Reflection signal of non-contact working distance measurement guaranteed.

These technical teaching leaves more options open, all of the subject invention of the present invention should be included.

In a first, preferred embodiment a masking tape is provided which at least the surface of to be measured in the Area of the measuring area covers and thus creates a measurement-neutral surface for the measuring beam. in this connection is provided that the cover strip in the interior of the test chamber is arranged and thus firmly connected to the test chamber.

In A further embodiment of the invention provides that the packaging itself provided with the messneutral surface is or is predictable.

• 1. Es kann vor Einschleusen der Verpackung in die Prüfkammer auf die Verpackung ein Abdeckband, ein Prüfetikett oder eine sonstige Beschichtung angebracht werden, die fest oder auch lose mit der zu prüfenden Verpackung verbunden ist. Im einfachsten Fall einer losen Verbindung wird einfach auf die zu prüfende Verpackung eine blatt- oder folienförmige Abdeckung aufgelegt, die während des Prüfvorgangs in der Prüfkammer auf der zu prüfenden Verpackung liegen bleibt und so eine messneutrale Oberfläche des Prüflings schafft.
• 2. In einer anderen Ausgestaltung kann jedoch eine Prüfbeschichtung fest mit der Verpackung – oder auch wiederholt lösbar – verbunden sein. Eine derartige messneutrale Beschichtung kann beispielsweise aus einer aufsprühbaren oder aufklebbaren Prüfbeschichtung bestehen. Im Falle des Aufklebens kann es sich hierbei um eine Prüfetikett handeln. Es kann sogar vorgesehen sein; dass in der Prüfkammer selbst die Beschichtungsanlage oder die Aufklebeanlage für das Aufbringen der Prüfetikette oder der Beschichtungen angeordnet ist. In diesem Fall wäre am Einlauf der Prüfkammer eine entsprechende Beschichtungsvorrichtung angeordnet, mit der es möglich ist, die Verpackung mindestens im Bereich der Messfläche mit einem entsprechenden Prüfetikett oder einer Prüfbeschichtung (z.B. aufsprühbar) zu versehen.

For this further embodiment, there are several embodiments:

• 1. It may be applied before the packaging is introduced into the test chamber on the packaging a masking tape, a test label or other coating that is fixed or loose connected to the package to be tested. In the simplest case of a loose connection, a sheet- or foil-shaped cover is simply placed on the package to be tested, which remains lying on the package to be tested during the test procedure in the test chamber and thus creates a measurement-neutral surface of the test object.
• 2. In another embodiment, however, a test coating firmly with the packaging - or repeatedly releasably - be connected. Such a measurement-neutral coating can consist for example of a spray-on or stick-on test coating. In the case of gluing this may be a test label. It may even be provided; that in the test chamber itself, the coating system or the Aufklebeanlage for the application of the test label or the coatings is arranged. In this case, a corresponding coating device would be arranged at the inlet of the test chamber, with which it is possible to provide the package at least in the region of the measuring surface with a corresponding test label or a test coating (eg aufsprühbar).

Of the Subject of the present invention does not arise only from the subject matter of the individual claims, but also from the combination the individual claims among themselves.

All in the documents, including Summary of information and features, in particular the spatial training shown in the drawings as claimed essential to the invention, as far as they individually or in Combination opposite the prior art are new.

in the Below, the invention is based on several execution paths illustrative drawings closer explained. Here are more from the drawings and their description Essential to the invention features and advantages of the invention.

It demonstrate:

1 Section through a first embodiment of a device with a test in a continuous process

2 one opposite 1 modified embodiment with manual operation

3 the top view of the arrangement according to 2

4 an enlarged and schematic sectional view of the measuring device in an undeformed packaging

5 the representation like 4 in a deformed packaging

6 one opposite 1 and 2 modified embodiment of the attachment of a cover strip in the test chamber

7 one opposite 6 modified embodiment

8th a third embodiment

9 a fourth embodiment for distance measurement

10 a plan view of a specimen after 9

When Test packs in the sense of the invention are only sealed packagings suitable, which contain a quantity of gas (eg food packaging).

In the device according to 1 is a rocker holder on the inlet side 1 arranged on the pivotally an inlet rocker 2 is arranged in the positions 2 . 2 ' is pivotable.

The testing device shown there thus takes from the flow of goods in the form of packaging 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 over a conveyor belt 7 is guided, controlled by pivoting the inlet rocker in the position 2 ' , a number of packaging 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 over a conveyor belt 15 out of the flow of goods and this passes into a test chamber 16 one.

During the inspection process, the non-tested packaging 3 - 6 in the direction of the arrow 8th over the conveyor belt 7 further above the test chamber 16 transported.

When performing the leak test is thus of the inlet rocker 2 ' a number of packages 9 - 14 into the test chamber 16 introduced because the inlet-side cap 17 is open. In the interior of the test chamber 16 Here is the conveyor belt 15 arranged over which the packs 9 - 14 into the test chamber 16 be introduced. Here is also the outlet side cap 18 opened because the previously in the test chamber 16 tested packaging 9 - 14 from the test chamber 16 be discharged, via one in a rocker holder 20 pivotally mounted outlet rocker 21 who are in their position 21 ' is pivoted.

Should be a packaging 9 - 14 in the test chamber 16 have been identified as leaking, pivots the outlet rocker 21 ' into her high-pitched position 21 and the leaking pack falls down the outlet side.

The entire test chamber 16 is the rest on a rack 19 arranged, and it is not shown that a pump is present, which is a negative pressure in the hermetically sealable test chamber 16 invests.

It is important now that in the interior of the test chamber 16 a series of measuring sensors 23 are arranged, each measuring sensor 23 exactly aligned and approximately in the center of the center of the surface of the packaging to be tested 9 - 14 is arranged.

In order to ensure a distance measurement independent of disturbances of the surface or the surface structure, it is provided according to the invention that in the interior of the test chamber 16 at least one masking tape 24 is arranged, which forms sagging loops that sag so far that on the conveyor belt 15 into the test chamber 16 inserted packaging 9 - 14 on its surface by the sagging loop of the cover strip 24 is touched.

This way, for every measuring sensor 23 in the ceiling area 22 the test chamber 16 is arranged, a mess-neutral surface of the packaging 9 - 14 created. It can therefore be a very accurate distance measurement.

It can while height deviations of the packaging in the range of 0.003 mm. Such, precise Measurement was not possible with the prior art. For this reason succeeds it with the technical teaching of the invention, even the smallest hairline cracks or to detect leaks in the capillary area of packaging. This was not possible in the prior art.

Such a sensitive distance measurement was not given and instead it is known in the art; To include tracer gas in the pack to be tested for leaks, the leakage then by appropriate measuring sensors he is taken. This is a very complex and susceptible method, which is avoided with the technical teaching of the invention.

In the execution after the 2 and 3 a manual operation is proposed for the operation of a test chamber.

Here are the packages to be tested 9 . 10 on the floor of a drawer 28 arranged, with the front panel of the drawer 28 through the flap 17 . 17 ' the test chamber 16 is formed.

At the beginning of the measurement, therefore, the packages to be tested with the drawer pulled out 28 and the flap 17 ' to the bottom of the drawer 28 and then the drawer is placed in the test chamber 16 pushed in and with the help of the flap 17 hermetically sealed.

Sonach will be the pump 25 put into operation, and over the hose 26 becomes the test chamber 16 evacuated.

About the measuring sensors arranged in the ceiling area 23 then takes a distance measurement to the surface of the packaging to be tested 10 . 11 , wherein in the context of the present invention in turn the masking tape according to the invention 24 touching the surface of the package to be tested 10 . 11 hangs up.

The trained as a cloth masking tape 24 is thus on the test pack 10 . 11 on and also during puffing of the pack 10 . 11 with raised. All measurements can thus be carried out trouble-free.

The end wall 27 the test chamber 26 is always closed in this case.

In the 4 and 5 will now be discussed in more detail on the measurement, where it is shown that the measuring sensor 23 either a measuring beam 29 generated in the form of a light beam or in the form of a coherent light and this measuring beam 29 on the support surface 32 of the masking tape 24 in the direction of the arrow 33 is reflected, because the masking tape 24 touching and relatively positive fit on the surface of the shell 31 the packaging 10 invests.

In 4 and 5 is at the same time also drawn in that the measuring sensor 23 is formed as an ultrasonic sensor having a corresponding measuring cone 30 on the support surface 32 of the masking tape 24 on the cover 31 the packaging 10 generated.

Now learn the packaging 10 a shape change, as in 5 is shown, then there is a change in altitude 35 for example, the amount Δh and the envelope 31 rises into the position 31 ' in the direction of the arrow 34 at.

Thus, the bearing surface 32 of the masking tape 24 raised and the measuring sensor 23 approached, which can be detected as a reduction of the measurement distance in the range of 0.003 mm.

Of course it is It is not always necessary to measure the distance in this highly accurate area perform. It is enough in some cases to perform a distance measurement in the range of 0.1 mm, which for certain Packaging leakage is quite sufficient.

In the 6 and 7 are different embodiments for the execution of a cover strip 24 shown.

The 6 shows that the masking tape in itself only in the form of a single loop 35 the entire testing room 36 the test chamber 16 can fill out, so that so the packaging to be measured 9 - 14 in the longitudinal direction one behind the other in the test room 36 are arranged and the surfaces of these packages 9 - 14 from the same masking tape 24 are covered.

The 7 shows that the masking tape also several loops 37 can form, it is not necessary for the solution that the loops 37 related. It can also locally separate individual loops 37 in the test chamber 16 to be ordered.

The 8th and 9 show other possibilities of high-precision non-contact measurement of a distance.

In 8th is shown using a lifting device 38 a masking tape 24 touching on the surface 32 the packaging to be measured 9 - 14 can be applied, in which case this masking tape 24 turn the test room 36 limited and in this test room 36 the packaging to be measured 9 - 14 is arranged.

The condition here is that the covering together with the lifting device 38 touching by gravity on the surface 32 the packaging 9 - 14 the upper limit of the test room 36 forms. So there must be a touching pad on the package to be tested 9 - 14 occur.

It may be provided, the masking tape 24 also relatively difficult to train by for example, the lifting device 38 the masking tape 24 still on the examinee to be examined 9 - 14 stressed.

In this case, the masking tape 24 may even be formed as an elastomeric membrane, in the form of a thin rubber membrane a measurement-neutral surface on the specimen 9 - 14 creates.

In In this case, the movement of the test device can be measured touching be, for. B. by scanning by means of glass fiber dipstick.

In the embodiment according to 9 and 10 is shown on the surface of the package to be tested 10 a coating surface 39 and / or a test label 40 are attached.

Here it is open, when and at which point the coating surface 39 and / or the test label 40 be attached. The attachment can be in the test chamber 16 itself or at the inlet of the test chamber 16 or be installed far in advance.

It is important that the coating surface 39 and / or the test label 40 create a measurement-neutral surface, so as to ensure an undisturbed and independent of changes in the surface distance measurement of the test device.

The 10 shows, for example, that the coating surface 39 may be round and consists of a sprayable and optionally later removable coating, while, for example, the test label 40 is designed as a rectangular, neutral test label.

The Attachment of test labels by the way still the advantage of that later when assessing the samples, it can be determined which sample checked was and was not.

1

rocker holder

2

intake rocker 2 '

3

packaging

4

packaging

5

packaging

6

packaging

7

conveyor belt

8th

arrow

9

packaging

10

packaging

11

packaging

12

packaging

13

packaging

14

packaging

15

conveyor belt

16

test chamber

17

flap (Enema)

18

flap (Outlet)

19

frame

20

rocker holder

21

outlet rocker 21 '

22

ceiling area

23

measuring sensor

24

masking tape

25

pump

26

tube

27

end wall

28

drawer

29

measuring beam

30

measuring cone

31

shell 31 '

32

bearing surface

33

arrow

34

arrow

35

a single loop (from masking tape 24 )

36

testing room

37

several loops (from masking tape 24 )

38

lifting device

39

coating area

40

Validation Label

.delta.h

Height change of 32

Claims (18)

Device for measuring the. Tightness of hermetically sealed objects, in particular containers in the form of packaging ( 9 - 14 ), wherein the device has at least one test chamber ( 16 ) with at least one hermetically sealable test chamber (under pressure and / or overpressure) ( 36 ), in which at least one non-contact distance measuring sensor ( 23 ) its radiation towards a surface ( 32 ) of the packaging to be tested ( 9 - 14 ), characterized in that on the surface ( 32 ) of the object to be tested ( 9 - 14 ) at least one of the test radiation ( 29 ) of the distance measuring sensor ( 23 ) reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) is attached. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) insoluble or once or repeatedly detachable on the surface ( 32 ) of the object to be tested ( 9 - 14 ) can be attached. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) as at least one masking tape ( 24 ) and / or at least one coating ( 39 ) and / or at least one test label ( 40 ) is trained. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that a single one is connected the masking tape ( 24 ) for all items to be tested ( 9 - 14 ) is provided, or a plurality of individual masking tapes ( 24 ) for one or more items to be tested ( 9 - 14 ) are provided. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one masking tape ( 24 ) within the test room ( 36 ) and is part of the testing device. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one coating and / or labeling unit for applying the test coating / test label ( 39 . 40 ) which is located inside and / or outside the test room ( 36 ) and / or the test chamber ( 16 ) and is part of the testing device. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one detachment unit for removing the object to be tested ( 9 - 14 ) applied test coating / test labels ( 39 . 40 ) inside and / or outside the test room ( 36 ) and / or the test chamber ( 16 ) and is part of the testing device. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device is designed to fit into the production chain of the objects ( 9 - 14 ) and the items to be tested ( 9 - 14 ) from the current production flow and check. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device is adapted to the production chain of the objects ( 9 - 14 ) and their production flow to be operated independently and separately. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the distance measuring sensor ( 23 ) contains a laser radiation or infrared radiation or ultrasonic radiation source. Hermetically sealed article, in particular a container in the form of packaging ( 9 - 14 ), which is controlled by at least one non-contact electromagnetic radiation sensor ( 23 ) is scannable, characterized in that on the surface ( 32 ) of the object to be tested ( 9 - 14 ) at least one test radiation ( 29 ) of the distance measuring sensor ( 23 ) reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) is attached. Object ( 9 - 14 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) insoluble or once or repeatedly detachable on the surface of the packaging to be tested ( 9 - 14 ) is attached. Device or object ( 9 - 14 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) in his the test radiation ( 29 ) receiving and reflecting test area exclusively has a high reflection factor between ε = 0.9 and ε = 1.0. Device or object ( 9 - 14 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the entire surface of the reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) has the reflection factor between ε = 0.9 and ε = 1.0. Device or object ( 9 - 14 ) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) is formed of metal or at least includes a metal material. Device or object ( 9 - 14 ) according to one of claims 13 to 14, characterized in that the reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) has at least one light color. Device or object ( 9 - 14 ) according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one light color is white and / or silver. Device or object ( 9 - 14 ) according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the reflective test medium ( 24 ; 39 ; 40 ) in his the test radiation ( 29 ) receiving and reflecting test area optically highly polished, in particular polished.