EP0599021B1 - Method for excluding multiple use bottles from their usage circuit - Google Patents
Method for excluding multiple use bottles from their usage circuit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0599021B1 EP0599021B1 EP93115761A EP93115761A EP0599021B1 EP 0599021 B1 EP0599021 B1 EP 0599021B1 EP 93115761 A EP93115761 A EP 93115761A EP 93115761 A EP93115761 A EP 93115761A EP 0599021 B1 EP0599021 B1 EP 0599021B1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bottle
- marking
- bottles
- process according
- test
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
- B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
- B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
- B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
- B07C5/3404—Sorting according to other particular properties according to properties of containers or receptacles, e.g. rigidity, leaks, fill-level
- B07C5/3408—Sorting according to other particular properties according to properties of containers or receptacles, e.g. rigidity, leaks, fill-level for bottles, jars or other glassware
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
- B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
- B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
- B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
- B07C5/3412—Sorting according to other particular properties according to a code applied to the object which indicates a property of the object, e.g. quality class, contents or incorrect indication
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for separating reusable bottles, in particular plastic reusable bottles, from the reusable circulation in which bottles returning for filling are each checked by a test device for the presence of fatigue damage. Such a method is known from DE-C-3 626 775.
- the invention further relates to a device for performing the method.
- the task therefore is to create a possibility that bottles can be removed from the reusable circulation in good time before their end of life, without the bottles being removed from the reusable circulation much too early.
- the respective bottle is provided with a first marking or not, that in each case a bottle already provided with at least one such marking is determined and at least one further marking is applied with each return, and those bottles, the number of markings of which is predetermined Value reached, to be eliminated from circulation.
- Each bottle that has reached the clearly recognizable degree of damage is preferably granted 8 to 15, in particular ten, round trips.
- the test for the predetermined degree of damage is preferably carried out by an optical test, in particular by an image processing method.
- FIG. 1 a section of the bottle bottom of a plastic bottle is shown in cross section. Some of the cracks 1, 2, 3 and 4 resulting from the fatigue of the material are shown schematically as examples. It is known that the plastic bottles produced in the blow molding process have relatively high tensions in the base area. When such bottles are subjected to the usual stress during cleaning, filling and normal use, a large number of fine cracks arise in the bottle material, in particular in the bottom area of the bottle. The number and depth of the cracks increases over the life of the bottle. This leads to the bottle becoming defective after an indefinite number of reusable cycles. In particular, this can occur during filling, in which the bottle is under a relatively high pressure, e.g. 8 bar, is exposed.
- a relatively high pressure e.g. 8 bar
- the density distribution of the cracks in the floor area has proven to be suitable as a criterion for the existence of fatigue damage which can be recognized by the test device.
- the absolute frequency and / or the length of the cracks could also be determined, for example.
- the marking is preferably applied to the respective bottle in which the predetermined degree of damage has been determined by a laser.
- the application of a code on bottles for other purposes is known per se. Processing and marking with lasers is also known in principle, for example reference may be made to US Pat. No. 4,128,752. It is particularly preferred if the markings are recorded with the same test device, that is to say in particular with the image processing device, which is also used for the detection of the fatigue cracks. A particularly simple execution of the method then results.
- the detection of the fatigue cracks and the detection of any markings that have already been applied can also be carried out separately.
- Another optical detection method can be used for the detection of the damage, for example, which uses the reflection properties of the bottle bottom, or the damage can be detected by ultrasound testing.
- the markings can also be counted in another way, for example by optical scanning.
- the markings can of course also be applied differently than with a laser, for example using a printing process.
- FIG. 2 shows, in a highly simplified manner, a flow chart for the separation of bottles according to the method, an image evaluation method, for example according to the publication DE 40 27 992, being used.
- an image is taken from the bottle base and this is evaluated. If at least one marking already exists, which is determined by the recording of the image, it is checked whether the number of markings has already reached a defined value, in particular the preferred value of ten. If this is the case, that is to say if the bottle already has ten markings or ten counted returns, the bottle is eliminated or registered as a bottle to be eliminated later along the conveying path and the next bottle is checked.
- the number of markings is below the defined value, in particular below the value specified as the preferred example, ten, a further marking is applied and the bottle is left in circulation. If it is found that there is still no marking on the bottle, it is checked whether the damage to the bottle bottom has already reached a predetermined level. For example, the image taken is used to check whether the crack density is greater than a predetermined value. If this is not the case, the bottle is left in circulation without any further measures. If the crack density has reached the predetermined limit value, the first marking is applied to the bottle. This bottle will therefore only be able to carry out a predetermined number of cycles before it is eliminated.
- the number of 8 to 15, in particular ten, cycles from the predetermined value of the recognizable damage has proven to be particularly advantageous. With ten further rounds, it is practically ensured that the bottle does not fail. In contrast, even with a slightly higher number of circulation, Most likely to fail. Of course, the number of revolutions still to be allowed depends on how the predetermined degree of recognizable damage is defined. It has been shown that the increase in damage can be clearly recognized to a certain extent by means of image processing. From this degree of damage or limit value, the further increase is no longer clearly recognizable. When using the image processing method, as described in DE 40 27 992, and with such plastic bottles as are usually used today, namely with PET bottles, there is a relatively precisely determinable degree of damage from which the further rounds are to be paid. This is because the existence of this degree of damage, in which a further increase in damage is no longer clearly discernible, is chosen as the starting time for counting.
- Figure 3 shows an inspection machine for plastic bottles, as is known from DE 40 27 992.
- the machine has an inlet carousel 12 and an outlet carousel 14. Between the carousels 12 and 14 there is a main carousel 16. Each station of the main carousel 16 is equipped with a complete test unit for volume and leakage measurement, height measurement, straightness measurement, muzzle slope measurement and residual liquor control not described here in detail.
- the bottles 10 are fed to the inlet carousel 12 through an inlet screw 18. On the outlet side, the bottles 10 are guided out of the machine again by means of an outlet screw 20.
- a camera box 22 for code reading is arranged above the outlet carousel 14.
- the camera box 22 contains a camera 24, of which only the lens is visible.
- An illumination source 32 is arranged opposite the camera 24, by means of which the bottom of the bottle, which is located between the illumination source and the camera, is illuminated uniformly.
- the camera 24 is so on the bottom
- the area of the bottle 10 focuses so that the fatigue cracks and a marking string 34, which is applied to the outer wall of the bottle in the area between the bottom of the bottle and the height where the size of the bottle is largest, are included from the inside of the bottle.
- the camera 24 takes a picture of the bottle bottom including the adjacent lower region of the bottle side wall as a snapshot. This snapshot is assigned to the respective bottle and is upgraded, as has been explained, for example, in FIG. 2.
- the bottle is either marked with a laser or not, or the bottle is ejected from the further conveying path by an ejector, for example with compressed air.
- an ejector for example with compressed air.
- Such marking devices both with laser and with color printing, on the other hand, are well known. Ejectors are also known in various variants.
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- Investigating Strength Of Materials By Application Of Mechanical Stress (AREA)
- Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)
- Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
- Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
- Bending Of Plates, Rods, And Pipes (AREA)
- Color Television Systems (AREA)
- Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
- Peptides Or Proteins (AREA)
- Heat Treatment Of Steel (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Ausscheiden von Mehrwegflaschen, insbesondere Kunststoff-Mehrwegflaschen, aus dem Mehrweg-Umlauf bei dem zur Befüllung rücklaufende Flaschen jeweils durch eine Prüfeinrichtung auf das Vorhandensein von Ermüdungsschäden geprüft werden. Ein derartiges Verfahren ist aus der DE-C-3 626 775 bekannt. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens.The invention relates to a method for separating reusable bottles, in particular plastic reusable bottles, from the reusable circulation in which bottles returning for filling are each checked by a test device for the presence of fatigue damage. Such a method is known from DE-C-3 626 775. The invention further relates to a device for performing the method.
Insbesondere bei Kunststoff-Mehrwegflaschen, z.B. bei Pet-Flaschen, welche eine begrenzte Lebensdauer haben, stellt sich das Problem, dass diejenigen Flaschen, deren Lebensdauer sich dem Ende zu neigt, rechtzeitig aus dem Mehrweg-Umlauf entfernt werden sollten. Dies nicht nur, um beim Konsumenten einen Bruch oder ein Reissen der Flaschen zu verhindern, sondern auch, um in der Abfüllanlage beim jeweiligen erneuten Befüllen der Flasche, bei welchem die jeweilige Flasche mit relativ hohem Druck beaufschlagt wird, ein Reissen oder Platzen der Flasche zu vermeiden. Bisher ist es nicht gelungen, die üblichen Ermüdungsschäden solcher Flaschen, welche sich insbesondere in der Form von feinen, mehr oder weniger tiefen Rissen darstellen, in einer solchen Weise zu erfassen, dass das Ende der Lebensdauer der Flasche sicher erkannt werden kann. Insbesondere ist es nicht befriedigend gelungen, die Tiefe der Risse festzustellen.Particularly in the case of reusable plastic bottles, e.g. With pet bottles that have a limited lifespan, the problem arises that those bottles whose lifespan is nearing the end should be removed from the reusable circulation in good time. This not only in order to prevent the bottle from breaking or tearing at the consumer, but also to prevent the bottle from tearing or bursting when the bottle is refilled, in which case the respective bottle is subjected to relatively high pressure avoid. So far, it has not been possible to detect the usual fatigue damage of such bottles, which are particularly in the form of fine, more or less deep cracks, in such a way that the end of the life of the bottle can be reliably recognized. In particular, the depth of the cracks has not been satisfactorily determined.
Es stellt sich daher die Aufgabe, eine Möglichkeit zu schaffen, dass Flaschen rechtzeitig vor deren Lebensdauer-Ende aus dem Mehrweg-Umlauf ausgeschieden werden können, ohne dass deshalb die Flaschen wesentlich zu früh aus dem Mehrweg-Umlauf entnommen werden.The task therefore is to create a possibility that bottles can be removed from the reusable circulation in good time before their end of life, without the bottles being removed from the reusable circulation much too early.
Diese Aufgabe wird gemäss der Erfindung dadurch gelöst, dass in Abhängigkeit vom Prüfergebnis die jeweilige Flasche mit einer ersten Markierung versehen wird oder nicht, dass jeweils bei einer bereits mit mindestens einer solchen Markierung versehenen Flasche diese festgestellt wird und bei jedem Rücklauf mindestens eine weitere Markierung angebracht wird, und dass diejenigen Flaschen, deren Anzahl Markierungen einen vorbestimmten Wert erreicht, aus dem Umlauf ausgeschieden werden.This object is achieved according to the invention in that depending From the test result, the respective bottle is provided with a first marking or not, that in each case a bottle already provided with at least one such marking is determined and at least one further marking is applied with each return, and those bottles, the number of markings of which is predetermined Value reached, to be eliminated from circulation.
Es hat sich überraschenderweise gezeigt, dass ab einem gewissen Grad der Beschädigung, welcher durch eine Prüfeinrichtung feststellbar ist, ein Abzählen der weiteren Flaschenumläufe und das Ausscheiden der Flaschen nach einer vorbestimmten Zahl solcher Umläufe zu einer sehr guten Ausscheidquote führt. Das heisst, dass bei diesem Verfahren mit relativ hoher Sicherheit solche Flaschen ausgeschieden werden, die bei einem der nächsten Umläufe versagen wurden, und solche Flaschen nicht ausgeschieden werden, welche noch eine genügende Anzahl von Umläufe mit genügender Sicherheit aushalten. Es besteht somit keine Korrelation von neuen Flaschen bis zum Entstehen von Ermüdungsrissen. Nach einem erkennbaren Beschädigungsgrad bis zum Durchreissen besteht eine Korrelation.Surprisingly, it has been shown that from a certain degree of damage, which can be determined by a test device, counting the further bottle circulations and the elimination of the bottles after a predetermined number of such circulations leads to a very good separation rate. This means that with this method, bottles that failed in one of the next rounds are eliminated with a relatively high degree of certainty, and bottles that cannot withstand a sufficient number of rounds with sufficient safety are not removed. There is therefore no correlation between new bottles and fatigue cracks. After a discernible degree of damage up to tearing, there is a correlation.
Vorzugsweise werden dabei jeder Flasche, welche den noch eindeutig erkennbaren Beschädigungsgrad erreicht hat, 8 bis 15, insbesondere noch zehn Umläufe zugestanden.Each bottle that has reached the clearly recognizable degree of damage is preferably granted 8 to 15, in particular ten, round trips.
Vorzugsweise erfolgt die Prüfung auf den vorbestimmten Grad der Schäden durch eine optische Prüfung, insbesondere durch ein Bildverarbeitungsverfahren.The test for the predetermined degree of damage is preferably carried out by an optical test, in particular by an image processing method.
Im folgenden werden Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Dabei zeigt:
Figur 1 einen Teil eines Flaschenbodens im Querschnitt;Figur 2 ein Flussdiagramm als Beispiel zur Durchführung des Verfahrens;- Figur 3 eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens.
- Figure 1 shows a part of a bottle bottom in cross section;
- FIG. 2 shows a flow chart as an example for carrying out the method;
- Figure 3 shows an apparatus for performing the method.
In Figur 1 ist ein Abschnitt des Flaschenbodens einer Kunststoff-Flasche im Querschnitt gezeigt. Dabei sind schematisch einige der sich durch die Ermüdung des Materials ergebenden Risse 1, 2, 3 und 4 beispielhaft dargestellt. Es ist bekannt, dass bei den im Blasverfahren hergestellten Kunststoff-Flaschen relativ hohe Spannungen im Bodenbereich vorhanden sind. Bei der üblichen Beanspruchung solcher Flaschen beim jeweiligen Reinigen, Befüllen und beim üblichen Gebrauch, entstehen eine grosse Anzahl von feinen Rissen im Flaschenmaterial, insbesondere im Bodenbereich der Flasche. Die Anzahl und die Tiefe der Risse nimmt während der Lebensdauer der Flasche zu. Dies führt dazu, dass die Flasche nach einer unbestimmten Anzahl Mehrweg-Umläufen defekt wird. Insbesondere kann dies bei der Befüllung auftreten, bei welcher die Flasche einem relativ hohen Druck, von z.B. 8 Bar, ausgesetzt ist. Es ist bisher nicht gelungen, die Zunahme der Risse und insbesondere die Zunahme der Risstiefe durch eine Prüfeinrichtung für den industriellen Einsatz derart detektieren zu können, dass durch die Erkennung der Risse, bzw. der Risstiefe das Lebensdauer-Ende der Flasche festgestellt werden kann. Es ist aber bekannt, dass grundsätzlich Beschädigungen im Flaschenbodenbereich mit einer optischen Prüfmethode ermittelt werden können, so insbesondere aus der Publikation DE 40 27 992.In Figure 1, a section of the bottle bottom of a plastic bottle is shown in cross section. Some of the
Es hat sich gezeigt, dass Ermüdungsschäden mit einer Prüfeinrichtung, insbesondere mit der oben genannten Bildverarbeitungs-Einrichtung gemäss der DE 40 27 992 bis zu einem gewissen Grad erkennbar sind. Die weitere Zunahme der Beschädigungen und insbesondere die Zunahme der Tiefe der Risse sind aber nicht mehr genügend gut detektierbar. Die vorliegende Erfindung löst das Problem nun dergestalt, dass mit einer Prüfeinrichung, welche vorzugsweise eben eine Bildverarbeitungs-Einrichtung ist, das Vorliegen von Ermüdungsschäden bei jedem Rücklauf der Flasche erfasst wird. Haben diese Schäden einen gewissen Grad erreicht, welcher noch sicher detektierbar ist, so wird ab diesem Rücklauf jeweils eine Markierung auf der Flasche aufgebracht, welche es erlaubt, die folgenden Rückläufe dieser Flasche zu zählen. Sobald dann, ausgehend von dem erkennbaren Grad der Beschädigung, eine vorbestimmte Anzahl weiterer Rückläufe erfolgt ist, wird die Flasche ausgeschieden.It has been shown that fatigue damage can be recognized to a certain extent with a test device, in particular with the above-mentioned image processing device according to DE 40 27 992. However, the further increase in damage and in particular the increase in the depth of the cracks are no longer sufficiently well detectable. The present invention now solves the problem in such a way that with a test device, which is preferably an image processing device, the presence of fatigue damage in everyone Return of the bottle is recorded. If this damage has reached a certain degree, which can still be detected with certainty, a mark is applied to the bottle from this return, which allows the subsequent returns of this bottle to be counted. As soon as, based on the recognizable degree of damage, a predetermined number of further returns has occurred, the bottle is eliminated.
Als durch die Prüfeinrichtung erkennbares Kriterium für das Vorliegen von Ermüdungsschäden hat sich insbesondere die Dichteverteilung der Risse im Bodenbereich als geeignet erwiesen. Es könnte aber auch zum Beispiel die absolute Häufigkeit und/oder die Länge der Risse bestimmt werden. Das Aufbringen der Markierung auf die jeweilige Flasche, bei welcher der vorbestimmte Grad von Schäden ermittelt worden ist, erfolgt vorzugsweise durch einen Laser. Das Aufbringen eines Codes auf Flaschen zu anderen Zwecken ist an sich bekannt. Auch das Bearbeiten und Markieren mit Lasern ist grundsätzlich bekannt, es kann dazu zum Beispiel auf die US-Patentschrift 4.128.752 verwiesen werden. Besonders bevorzugt ist es, wenn die Erfassung der Markierungen mit der gleichen Prüfeinrichtung, also insbesondere mit der Bildverarbeitungs-Einrichtung, erfolgt, welche auch für die Erkennung der Ermüdungsrisse verwendet wird. Es ergibt sich dann eine besonders einfache Ausführung des Verfahrens. Natürlich kann die Erkennung der Ermüdungsrisse und die Erkennung evtl. bereits aufgebrachter Markierungen auch getrennt vorgenommen werden. So kann für die Erkennung der Schäden auch ein anderes optisches Erkennungsverfahren verwendet werden, welches zum Beispiel die Reflektionseigenschaften des Flaschenbodens verwendet, oder es können die Schäden durch Ultraschall-Prüfung detektiert werden. Die Zählung der Markierungen kann ebenfalls auf andere Weise erfolgen, zum Beispiel durch eine optische Abtastung. Auch das Aufbringen der Markierungen kann natürlich anders als mit Laser erfolgen, zum Beispiel durch ein Druckverfahren.In particular, the density distribution of the cracks in the floor area has proven to be suitable as a criterion for the existence of fatigue damage which can be recognized by the test device. However, the absolute frequency and / or the length of the cracks could also be determined, for example. The marking is preferably applied to the respective bottle in which the predetermined degree of damage has been determined by a laser. The application of a code on bottles for other purposes is known per se. Processing and marking with lasers is also known in principle, for example reference may be made to US Pat. No. 4,128,752. It is particularly preferred if the markings are recorded with the same test device, that is to say in particular with the image processing device, which is also used for the detection of the fatigue cracks. A particularly simple execution of the method then results. Of course, the detection of the fatigue cracks and the detection of any markings that have already been applied can also be carried out separately. Another optical detection method can be used for the detection of the damage, for example, which uses the reflection properties of the bottle bottom, or the damage can be detected by ultrasound testing. The markings can also be counted in another way, for example by optical scanning. The markings can of course also be applied differently than with a laser, for example using a printing process.
Figur 2 zeigt stark vereinfacht ein Flussdiagramm für das Auscheiden von Flaschen nach dem Verfahren, wobei ein Bildauswertungs-Verfahren, zum Beispiel gemäss der Publikation DE 40 27 992 verwendet wird. Bei diesem Verfahren wird jeweils eine Bildaufnahme vom Flaschenboden hergestellt und diese wird ausgewertet. Ist bereits mindestens eine Markierung vorhanden, was durch die Aufnahme des Bildes festgestellt wird, so wird geprüft, ob die Zahl der Markierungen bereits einen definierten Wert, insbesondere den bevorzugten Wert von zehn erreicht hat. Wenn dies der Fall ist, wenn also die Flasche bereits zehn Markierungen, bzw. zehn gezählte Rückläufe aufweist, so wird die Flasche ausgeschieden bzw. als später entlang des Förderweges auszuscheidende Flasche registriert und es wird die nächste Flasche geprüft. Ist die Zahl der Markierungen unter dem definierten Wert, insbesondere unter dem als bevorzugten Beispiel angegebenen Wert zehn, so erfolgt das Aufbringen einer weiteren Markierung und die Flasche wird im Umlauf belassen. Wird festgestellt, dass noch gar keine Markierung auf der Flasche vorhanden ist, so wird geprüft, ob die Beschädigung des Flaschenbodens bereits einen vorbestimmten Grad erreicht hat. Es wird zum Beispiel anhand des aufgenommenen Bildes geprüft, ob die Rissdichte grösser als ein vorbestimmter Wert ist. Ist dies nicht der Fall, so wird die Flasche ohne weitere Massnahme im Umlauf gelassen. Hat die Rissdichte den vorbestimmten Grenzwert erreicht, so wird die erste Markierung auf die Flasche aufgebracht. Diese Flasche wird also nur noch eine vorbestimmte Anzahl von Umläufen ausführen können, bevor sie ausgeschieden wird.FIG. 2 shows, in a highly simplified manner, a flow chart for the separation of bottles according to the method, an image evaluation method, for example according to the publication DE 40 27 992, being used. In this process, an image is taken from the bottle base and this is evaluated. If at least one marking already exists, which is determined by the recording of the image, it is checked whether the number of markings has already reached a defined value, in particular the preferred value of ten. If this is the case, that is to say if the bottle already has ten markings or ten counted returns, the bottle is eliminated or registered as a bottle to be eliminated later along the conveying path and the next bottle is checked. If the number of markings is below the defined value, in particular below the value specified as the preferred example, ten, a further marking is applied and the bottle is left in circulation. If it is found that there is still no marking on the bottle, it is checked whether the damage to the bottle bottom has already reached a predetermined level. For example, the image taken is used to check whether the crack density is greater than a predetermined value. If this is not the case, the bottle is left in circulation without any further measures. If the crack density has reached the predetermined limit value, the first marking is applied to the bottle. This bottle will therefore only be able to carry out a predetermined number of cycles before it is eliminated.
Die Zahl von 8 bis 15, insbesondere von zehn Umläufen ab dem vorbestimtmen Wert der erkennbaren Beschädigungen hat sich als besonders vorteilhaft erwiesen. Bei zehn weiteren Umläufen ist praktisch sichergestellt, dass die Flasche nicht versagt. Bereits bei einer geringfügig höheren Umlaufzahl ist hingegen ein Versagen recht wahrscheinlich. Natürlich hängt die Zahl der noch zu gestattenden Umläufe davon ab, wie der vorbestimmte Grad der erkennbaren Beschädigungen definiert wird. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass mittels der Bildverarbeitung die Zunahme der Beschädigungen bis zu einem gewissen Grad gut erkennbar ist. Ab diesem Beschädigungsgrad bzw. Grenzwert ist die weitere Zunahme nicht mehr gut erkennbar. Es ergibt sich also bei der Anwendung des Bildverarbeitungs-Verfahrens, wie es in der DE 40 27 992 beschrieben ist, und bei solchen Kunststoff-Flaschen, wie sie heute meistens gebräuchlich sind, nämlich bei Pet-Flaschen, ein relativ genau bestimmbarer Grad von Beschädigung, ab welchem die weiteren Umläufe zu zahlen sind. Es wird nämlich das Vorliegen dieses Beschädigungsgrades, bei dem eine weitere Zunahme der Beschädigungen nicht mehr sicher erkennbar ist als Startzeitpunkt für das Zählen gewählt.The number of 8 to 15, in particular ten, cycles from the predetermined value of the recognizable damage has proven to be particularly advantageous. With ten further rounds, it is practically ensured that the bottle does not fail. In contrast, even with a slightly higher number of circulation, Most likely to fail. Of course, the number of revolutions still to be allowed depends on how the predetermined degree of recognizable damage is defined. It has been shown that the increase in damage can be clearly recognized to a certain extent by means of image processing. From this degree of damage or limit value, the further increase is no longer clearly recognizable. When using the image processing method, as described in DE 40 27 992, and with such plastic bottles as are usually used today, namely with PET bottles, there is a relatively precisely determinable degree of damage from which the further rounds are to be paid. This is because the existence of this degree of damage, in which a further increase in damage is no longer clearly discernible, is chosen as the starting time for counting.
Figur 3 zeigt eine Inspektionsmaschine für Kunststoff-Flaschen, wie sie aus der DE 40 27 992 bekannt ist. Die Maschine hat dabei ein Einlaufkarussell 12 und ein Auslaufkarussell 14. Zwischen den Karussells 12 und 14 befindet sich ein Hauptkarussell 16. Jede Station des Hauptkarussells 16 ist mit einer kompletten Prüfeinheit für Volumen- und Leckagenmessung, Höhenmessung, Geradheitsmessung, Mündungsschräglagemessung und Restlaugenkontrolle ausgerüstet, die hier nicht näher beschrieben werden. Die Flaschen 10 werden durch eine Einlaufschnecke 18 dem Einlaufkarussell 12 zugeführt. Auslaufseitig werden die Flaschen 10 mittels einer Auslaufschnecke 20 wieder aus der Maschine geführt. Ueber dem Auslaufkarussell 14 ist eine Kamerabox 22 für die Codelesung angeordnet. Die Kamerabox 22 enthält eine Kamera 24, von der lediglich das Objektiv sichtbar ist. Gegenüber der Kamera 24 ist eine Beleuchtungsquelle 32 angeordnet, mittels welcher der Boden der Flasche, die sich zwischen Beleuchtungsquelle und Kamera befindet, gleichmässig ausgeleuchtet wird. Die Kamera 24 wird so auf den unteren Bereich der Flasche 10 fokussiert, dass die Ermüdungsrisse und eine Markierungszeichenkette 34, die an der Aussenwand der Flasche in dem Bereich zwischen dem Flaschenboden und der Höhe, wo der Flaschenumfang am grössten ist, aufgebracht ist, vom Inneren der Flasche aus mitaufgenommen wird. Wenn die Flasche 10 durch das Auslaufkarussell 14 mit ihrer Längsachse in die Verbindungslinie zwischen der Kamera 24 und der Beleuchtungsquelle 32 bewegt worden ist, nimmt die Kamera 24 ein Bild von dem Flaschenboden einschliesslich des benachbarten unteren Bereiches der Flaschenseitenwand als Momentaufnahme auf. Diese Momentaufnahme ist der jeweiligen Flasche zugeordnet und wird aufgewertet, wie das beispielsweise in Figur 2 erläutert worden ist. Anschliessend an die in Figur 3 gezeigte Maschine wird nun die Flasche jeweils entweder mit einem Laser markiert oder nicht, oder es wird die Flasche durch einen Auswerfer, zum Beispiel mit Druckluft, aus dem weiteren Förderweg ausgeworfen. Die entsprechenden Stationen sind in Figur 3 nicht dargestellt. Solche Markierungseinrichtungen, sowohl mit Laser als auch mit Farbdruck sind hingegen wohl bekannt. Auch Auswerfer sind in verschiedenen Varianten bekannt.Figure 3 shows an inspection machine for plastic bottles, as is known from DE 40 27 992. The machine has an
Claims (11)
- Process for the removal of returnable bottles, in particular plastic returnable bottles, from a multiple circulation, in which bottles being returned for filling are examined for the presence of fatigue damage by a test unit, characterized in that a respective bottle is or is not provided with a first marking, depending on the test result, that said marking is detected on bottles marked with at least one such marking, and that at least one additional marking is added upon each return run, and that bottles the number of markings have arrived at a specified value are removed from circulation.
- Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that fatigue cracks in the bottom region of the bottle are detected during the fatigue-damage test.
- Process according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the test is carried out by optical means.
- Process according to Claim 3, characterized in that the test is carried out by recording and evaluating an image of the bottom region of a bottle.
- Process according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the density distribution of the fatigue cracks is detected during the test.
- Process according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the frequency and/or length of the fatigue cracks is determined during the test.
- Process according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the markings are applied by means of a laser.
- Process according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the test unit also detects the markings.
- Process according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a bottle is marked ten times and then discarded.
- Device for carrying out the process according to Claim 1, characterized by a carousel conveyer line to which is attached a testing device for testing the presence of fatigue damage on returnable bottles, and by a device which does or does not provide a respective bottle with a first marking, depending on the test result, and which detects such markings on a bottle which has previously been provided with at least one such marking, and which adds at least one additional marking during each return run, and which discards from circulation a bottle which has arrived at a specified marking value.
- Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the testing unit comprises an image detection and image processing arrangement, that the marking unit consists of at least one controllable laser, and that a control unit is provided which controls the laser or generates a signal for the ejection unit through which discarded bottles are discharged, based on at least one output signal of the image processing arrangement.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH363592 | 1992-11-27 | ||
| CH3635/92 | 1992-11-27 | ||
| CH38193 | 1993-02-04 | ||
| CH381/93 | 1993-02-04 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0599021A1 EP0599021A1 (en) | 1994-06-01 |
| EP0599021B1 true EP0599021B1 (en) | 1996-06-19 |
Family
ID=25684406
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP93115761A Expired - Lifetime EP0599021B1 (en) | 1992-11-27 | 1993-09-30 | Method for excluding multiple use bottles from their usage circuit |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5414777A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0599021B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1094811A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE139468T1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9304862A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE59303013D1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI935131A (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9307428A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO934283L (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6025910A (en) * | 1995-09-12 | 2000-02-15 | Coors Brewing Company | Object inspection method utilizing a corrected image to find unknown characteristic |
| WO1997004887A1 (en) * | 1995-07-31 | 1997-02-13 | Coors Brewing Company | Hot bottle inspection apparatus and method |
| DE19605133C2 (en) * | 1996-02-13 | 2000-06-15 | Krones Ag | Inspection machine for vessels |
| US5926556A (en) * | 1996-05-08 | 1999-07-20 | Inex, Inc. | Systems and methods for identifying a molded container |
| FR2797324B1 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2002-04-12 | Jean Claude Rouiller | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE FATIGUE OF AN ODONTOLOGICAL INSTRUMENT |
| DE102006043466B4 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2017-04-06 | Gunther Krieg | Method and device for sorting out objects due to signs of wear |
| DE102007014802A1 (en) * | 2007-03-28 | 2008-10-09 | Khs Ag | Method for monitoring, controlling and optimizing filling systems for foodstuffs, in particular for beverage bottles |
| CN101403706B (en) * | 2008-11-06 | 2011-06-08 | 清华大学 | Full-automatic bottling liquor inspection machine |
| CN101532965B (en) * | 2009-03-16 | 2011-07-20 | 深圳职业技术学院 | High-precision revolving part vision testing machine |
| DE102012003809A1 (en) * | 2012-02-27 | 2013-08-29 | Heuft Systemtechnik Gmbh | Method and device for non-contact testing of the torque required to open a plastic screw cap |
| JP6434083B1 (en) * | 2017-05-31 | 2018-12-05 | 日本耐酸壜工業株式会社 | How to manage the reuse of returnable glass bottles |
| DE102017209752A1 (en) * | 2017-06-09 | 2018-12-13 | Krones Ag | Inspection method and inspection device for empty bottle inspection in a beverage processing plant |
| CN107350167B (en) * | 2017-08-24 | 2023-03-28 | 广州市贝云科技有限公司 | Waste kicking device and waste kicking method |
| DE102017131214A1 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-06-27 | Krones Ag | Bottle cleaning machine for cleaning bottles |
| CN109752974B (en) * | 2019-01-24 | 2021-09-10 | 广州市格利网络技术有限公司 | Method and control platform for controlling circulation of reusable catering utensils |
| CN112577965B (en) * | 2021-02-25 | 2021-10-29 | 深圳中科飞测科技股份有限公司 | Detection system |
| CN115106357B (en) * | 2022-06-21 | 2024-07-12 | 首钢智新迁安电磁材料有限公司 | Method for prolonging service life of thick-wall sleeve of rolling mill |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4128752A (en) * | 1976-12-15 | 1978-12-05 | Her Majesty The Queen In Right Of Canada, As Represented By The Minister Of National Defence | Laser micromachining apparatus |
| US4213702A (en) * | 1978-10-02 | 1980-07-22 | Powers Manufacturing, Inc | Glass inspection method and apparatus |
| US4365198A (en) * | 1980-03-06 | 1982-12-21 | Republic Steel Corporation | Method and apparatus for detecting, classifying and marking defects in workpiece with improved timing control |
| DE3626775C1 (en) * | 1986-08-07 | 1987-09-03 | Schmalbach Lubeca | Process for recording and controlling the circulation of multiple-use objects |
| CH672955A5 (en) * | 1987-05-12 | 1990-01-15 | Elpatronic Ag | |
| JPH0641924B2 (en) * | 1988-05-27 | 1994-06-01 | 株式会社キリンテクノシステム | Defect detection device for bottle body |
| CH676644A5 (en) * | 1988-08-09 | 1991-02-15 | Elpatronic Ag | |
| US4929818A (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1990-05-29 | Rainbarrel Corporation | Method and apparatus for vending a containerized product on multiple occasions following at least one refill of the container with the product |
| CH680820A5 (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1992-11-13 | Elpatronic Ag |
-
1993
- 1993-09-30 EP EP93115761A patent/EP0599021B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-09-30 DE DE59303013T patent/DE59303013D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-09-30 AT AT93115761T patent/ATE139468T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-11-02 US US08/146,980 patent/US5414777A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-11-19 FI FI935131A patent/FI935131A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-11-26 MX MX9307428A patent/MX9307428A/en unknown
- 1993-11-26 BR BR9304862A patent/BR9304862A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-11-26 NO NO934283A patent/NO934283L/en unknown
- 1993-11-27 CN CN93120663.4A patent/CN1094811A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO934283L (en) | 1994-05-30 |
| US5414777A (en) | 1995-05-09 |
| FI935131A (en) | 1994-05-28 |
| FI935131A0 (en) | 1993-11-19 |
| CN1094811A (en) | 1994-11-09 |
| EP0599021A1 (en) | 1994-06-01 |
| NO934283D0 (en) | 1993-11-26 |
| MX9307428A (en) | 1994-08-31 |
| BR9304862A (en) | 1994-05-31 |
| ATE139468T1 (en) | 1996-07-15 |
| DE59303013D1 (en) | 1996-07-25 |
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