JPS6128848A - Insepction device for vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a container inspection device. More specifically, the present invention includes a conveying device for conveying containers such as bottles and pots along a predetermined path, and a conveyor device disposed on one side of the path.
an illumination device, e.g. comprising at least one flashlight means, and e.g.
The present invention relates to a container inspection device that is equipped with a detection device consisting of a video camera on a stand, and further includes a part of a transportation device that suspends and transports containers by the container tail, and is installed in the area of the lighting device and the detection device.

PRIOR ART Before manufacturing such containers or at least before filling the containers with, for example, a drink, it is necessary to inspect whether the containers satisfy predetermined quality standards, e.g. under overpressure or underpressure. Containers shall be inspected for cracks that would cause them to break or burst during transport.

Furthermore, it is necessary to inspect the inner surface of the container for irregularities, and in the case of reused containers, for the presence of stains that may severely deteriorate the contents of the container or impair its appearance. For example, when using a crown, it is important that the upper edge of the container has the desired normal shape and smooth sealing surface. This condition is even more important in view of the fact that the user is often pointing directly at the container when drinking, and sharp edges are dangerous.

A device of the above type is disclosed in West German Patent Publication No. 2717955.
The device includes a conveying device that partially suspends and conveys containers on a curved path. The supply of containers is carried out by a conveyor. Additionally, the device is fed by a ohmic gear which pushes the container into a star wheel. Obviously, the ohmic gear and star wheel need to be driven synchronously. Even with fully synchronous driving, such devices appear to have a high sensitivity to defects in practice. For example, star wheels are prone to januoing due to variations in the dimensions of glass containers, especially variations in the dimensions of returned bottles from the market, and variations in their shape with respect to each other, which can cause gnawing by people. In practice, the occluded bottle is crushed with a hammer. In particular, as the speed increases, the probability of failure increases.

Repairing a malfunction takes a long time and therefore leads to increased manufacturing costs.

Another drawback of the above conventional devices is that the worm gear scrapes the outer surface of the container being transported, creating a noise that can damage the container.

Conveyance on a curved path always involves the generation of centrifugal force, and due to this centrifugal force, the conveyed containers tend to take an obliquely suspended posture. It is therefore necessary to provide means for correcting this oblique hanging position, especially when inspecting containers within that path. Furthermore, centrifugal forces generally generate mechanical loads.

Also, one used for other containers, especially containers of different diameters:
While a separate ohmic gear and a separate star wheel must be provided, both must be driven synchronously. Such adjustment work requires a long time of about one hour.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the limitations and shortcomings of the prior art as described above by increasing conveying speed, minimizing space requirements, reducing manufacturing costs, and being easily applicable to pond-type containers. It is an object of the present invention to provide a container inspection device that can be used in a container inspection system and that also has a significantly reduced mechanical load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, in the container inspection device according to the present invention, in the part of the conveyance device that suspends and conveys the container by the container tail, the path of the container is linearly shaped I. #, has been.

Also, in order to inspect the mouth of each container, the container is guided along a circle of a light guide connected to a flashlight means, the axis of said mouth is aligned with the optical axis of the detection device, and the container is The flashlight means is configured to generate a flash at the moment the axis of the top passes through the optical axis of the detection device.

Additionally, the containers are guided along flashlight means cooperating with a video camera to inspect the bottom of each container, the video camera and the flashlight means sharing a generally perpendicular optical axis; and the flashlight means generates a flash at the moment when the axis of the top of the container passes through the optical axis, furthermore, the video camera is disposed on one side of the bottom of the container, while the flashlight means is arranged on one side of the bottom of the container. is located on the other side of the

To inspect the bottom of a transparent container, a flashlight means is placed below the bottom of the container, while a video camera is placed above the neck of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The structure of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings for one embodiment.

In FIG. 1, an inspection device 1 according to the present invention inspects the inside of a wall portion of a bottle 3 supplied by a supply device such as a production device equipped with a conveyance device that guides a glass bottle 3 along a predetermined path. Inspect the top and bottom of walls, sealing surfaces, and internal and external surfaces for defects such as dirt. The direction of transport of the bottle 3 along the path is indicated by an arrow 4.

After being discharged from the feeding device, the bottles 3 are further conveyed by a conveyor 51 and fed to a conveying means consisting of two conveyors 6.7, which are shown in detail in FIG. The conveyor 6.7 is a chain conveyor in which metal pieces 9 are fixed to links 8 and support somewhat flexible fingers 10. As is clear from FIG. 3, the finger 10 has a shape with a small taper toward its free end. This tapered shape makes it somewhat difficult to adapt the finger O to the shape of the bottle 3. The outer edge of the finger 10 is
A collar 11 provided on the neck 12 of each bottle 3 is supported.

In order to ensure that the bottles 3 are transferred from the conveyor 5 to the conveyor 6.7, the conveyor 5 is made long enough so that there is a partial (double 1) fit between the conveyor 5 and the conveyor 6.7. It is configured. Obviously, the height of the free edge of the fins 10 relative to the level of the conveyor 5 must be chosen such that it matches well with the dimensions of the bottles 3. In this respect, even relatively small bottles can be firmly gripped. It should be noted the fact that when handing over to a taller bottle, the visibility of the fingers 10 during the handover absorbs the greater height difference and the resulting shock is effectively reduced. will be deleted.

At the end of the working length of the conveyor 6.7, the transported bottles 3 are further taken over by a spacing disc 15, which will be described below, and are driven in rotation in the direction of the arrow 14. In the operating area of the conveyor 6.7, an inspection device 52 for inspecting the bottom of the bottles 3 and the bottles 3 conveyed on the conveyor 6.7
An inspection device 16 for inspecting Nobba 11 for defects is provided.

The inspection device 52.16 will be described below with reference to FIG. The lamp 55 and the photovoltaic cell 56 are arranged in such a way that the emitted light beam is intercepted by the bottle 3 at the moment it passes through the inspection device 52. By blocking the beam of the lamp 55, the output signal of the photovoltaic cell 56 is changes, the flash lamp 53 is activated and produces a flash for a precise period of time.

The video camera 54 is placed directly above the neck of the passing bottle 3, at a position where the entire bottom of the bottle 3 can be inspected without any obstructions. Obviously, the flash lamp 53 is
It is located below the transparent bottom of the bottle 3.

The bottles 3 conveyed by the conveyor 6.7 are guided below and along the ring 19 of the light guide 20, which is connected to the flash lamp 21. The axis of the ring 19 coincides with the optical axis of the video camera 22. As shown in FIG.
is connected to. The input of the central control unit 23 is connected to a photovoltaic cell 24 that cooperates with a lamp 25 . As shown in FIG. 1, a photovoltaic cell 24 and a lamp 25 are arranged so that when the bottle 3 passes through the middle part of the ring 19, a relevant signal is provided by the photovoltaic cell 24 to the central control unit 23 for activating the flashlamp 21. is located. Therefore, at the moment when the axial center of the bottle 3 nozzle 11 passes the optical axis of the video camera 22, that is, the axial center of the ring 19, the 7 lash lamp 2] generates a flash.

Video camera 22 provides a video output signal to central controller 23 . The central control unit 23 comprises a reference signal which is compared with the input signal to check for defects at the two edges of the bottle 3. If the bottle 3 is found to be defective, after a short delay related to the transport speed of the bottle 3, the removal means 26 are actuated and the bottle 3 is moved in the direction of the arrow 27 in the position shown in FIG. taken out.

After being discharged from the spacer disc 15, the bottles 3 are guided by the conveyor 13 in the lateral id 28. At the location of the removal means 26 on one side of the lateral guide 28, there is an interruption in the lateral guide 28, corresponding to tank means or removal means (not shown) for rejected bottles 3. The lateral guide 28 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a bend 31, below which the above-mentioned rotatably driven standoff disc 15 for transporting the bottles 3 passing therethrough is provided.

The axis of rotation 32 of the spacer disc 15 is arranged eccentrically with respect to the bend 31 so that the bottle 3 is accelerated in its path so that a minimum free distance for opening of the following bottle 3 is obtained. As is clear from FIG. 1, the supply portion of the side guide 28 is located radially closer to the axis of rotation 32 than the discharge portion of the side guide 28.

After being discharged from the stand-alone container 15, the bottle 3 further includes:
It is conveyed by a conveyor 33 which conveys the bottles 3 along a third inspection device 34 . The inspection device 34 includes two flash lamps 35.36 and a flash lamp 35.3.
6 and two video cameras 37 and 38 working together.

The optical axis of the flash lamp 35 and the video camera 37 and the optical axis of the Franche lamp 36 and the video camera 38 are respectively determined by the lateral guides 28 of the bottle 3.
intersect in the longitudinal plane midway between the paths of. Continuing the above path, the longitudinal center of the bottle 3 is at the optical axis 39.40
Trigger at the moment when the intersection of
(Lamps 41 cooperating with each other to provide a signal)
and a photovoltaic cell 42 are provided. video camera 37,
38 supplies the output signal to the central control unit 23, which compares the video output signal with a reference signal and, if a defect is detected in the bottle 3, takes out the rejected bottle 3. 26 is activated.

After passing through the removal means 26, the conveyed bottle 3 is transferred to a proximity disk 49 which is driven to rotate about a rotation axis 48 in the direction of an arrow 47.

The lateral guide 28 is provided with a second vent 50, which
A proximity disk 49 is provided below 0. The axis of rotation 48 of the proximal disk is arranged eccentrically with respect to the bend 50 so that the bottles 3 are decelerated in their path so that the distance between the bottles 3 decreases and they abut each other. clearly,
The feeding part in the region of the bend 50 of the lateral guide 28 is
The discharge portion of the side guide 28 is spaced further apart from the rotation axis 48 in the radial direction.

Bottles 3 that passed are further transported, stored and transported.

Filling etc. are performed.

The inspection device 1 automatically discharges bottles 3 that have overturned on the conveyor 5 or have fallen down on top of each other and are not standing upright, or bottles 3 that are partially discolored. these bottles 3
is not gripped by the conveyor 6.7 and falls into the tank 51 at the end of the operating section of the conveyor 5.

On the opposite side of the inspection device 16, a marking device 57 is arranged. Bottles 3 that are found to be defective by the video camera 54 or 22 are marked with a dot of paint or ink by a seven-hole 58 of the marking device 57. In relation to the known drive speed of the conveyor 6.7,
The moment when the bottle 3 reaches the nozzle 58 after passing through the video cameras 54 and 22, respectively, can be precisely determined.

Such rejected containers, ie, containers to be removed, are further conveyed to the inspection device 34. The inspection device 34 detects a dot of paint or ink on the side wall of the corresponding container and, based on the detection result, activates the extraction means 26 for removing the corresponding container.

FIG. 4 shows a modification of the above-mentioned inspection apparatus 1, in which a waist bottle 59 is suspended and conveyed along a straight path.

In this modification, the bottle 59 has a neck 61 with a diameter of 60 mm.
It is suspended between tapered and somewhat elastic lips 62, and the lips 62 are fixed to a corresponding toothed belt 63 made of synthetic resin. The toothed belt 63 is driven at a constant speed by a gear 64 and guided by rollers 65.

In this modification, the sides of the bottle 59 are also supported by an elastic belt 66 that runs together with the bottle 59. The elastic belt 66 is driven by a gear 68 and a roller 6
It is provided on a toothed belt 67 guided by 9.

With this configuration, the bottle 59 is transported reliably and without rotation.

The toothed belt 63 is guided on its lateral parts by guide beams 72, which have an internal shape adapted to the straight section 70 of the path above which the video camera 71 is arranged. To accommodate bottles with different neck diameters, the guide beams 72 can be moved away from each other by means not shown. toothed belt 67
The guide beam 73 that guides the sides of is similarly configured.

Illumination means for emitting light from below the bottom of the bottle 59 is not shown.

If necessary, on the surface of the elastic belt 66 facing the bottle 59,
A coating layer having desired properties may be formed. In this case, a material having a common coefficient of friction or an elastic belt 66 may be used.
Materials that do not cause cracks can be selected.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inspection device according to the present invention;
The figure is a block diagram of a control device used in the inspection device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the inspection device according to a modification of the device. 1.16, 34.52... Inspection device, 3.59. ve,
(5, 6, 7, 13, 33... conveyor, 15
...Separated disk, 21.35, 36.53...Flash lamp, 22
．． 37. 38,54.71...video camera, 23
...Central control device, 24.112.56...Photovoltaic cell, 25.41.55...Lamp, 26...Takeout means, 28...Side guide, 4
9... Proximity disk, 51... Tank, 57...
... Marked devices, 63 + 67 ... Toothed belt, 64.68 ... Gears, 65.69 ... Rollers,
66...Elastic belt, 72)'73...Guiding beam. Patented 1m person) Matusen en Dreiperu Belbrifa Namrose Ben/Toshap

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A transport device that transports the container along a predetermined path;
The container inspection device is equipped with a lighting device placed on one side of the path and a detection device placed in the corresponding position, and the lighting device is used as a part of the conveyance device for transporting containers by suspending them by the container brim. A container inspection device characterized in that the container inspection device is installed in a region of a detection device, and the path is formed in a straight line in the part of the conveyance device. (2) In the container inspection device set forth in claim 1, in order to inspect the brim of each container, the container is
guiding the light guide along a circle connected to the flashlight means, aligning the axis of said circle with the optical axis of the detection device, and at the moment when the axis of the brim of the container passes through the optical axis of the detection device; Further, the flashlight means is configured to generate a flash. (3) In the container inspection device according to claim 1, in order to inspect the bottom of each container, the container is
guiding along a flashlight means cooperating with the video camera, the video camera and the flashlight means sharing a substantially perpendicular optical axis, and at the moment the axis of the container collar passes through said optical axis; The flashlight means generates a flash, and the video camera is located on one side of the bottom of the container, while the flashlight means is located on the other side of the bottom of the container. (4) In the container inspection device set forth in claim 3, in order to inspect the bottom of a transparent container, the flashlight means is disposed below the bottom of the container, and the video camera is placed at the neck of the container. It is characterized by being placed upward.