EP2422972B2 - Swivelling inspection device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an inspection device for flat, sheet-like material made of paper, cardboard or the like according to the preamble of claim 1.

• Papierfehler wie z.B. Kartoneinschlüsse
• Fremde Partikel, z.B. Staub, unerwünschte Folienreste, Stanzabfälle, Aufkleber und Leimreste
• Farbabweichungen oder Lackfehler (fehlender Lack, Lack auf unerwünschten Flächen, Lackspritzer), unscharfe Konturen
• Registerversatz
• Textfehler
• Fehler in der Heißfolienprägung (Löcher in der Fläche, ausgefranste Kanten, fehlende Flächen)
• Kratzer und mechanische Fehler in der Bogenoberfläche (im unbedruckten Karton, im Druckbild, im Lack oder in der Folie)
• Matrixcodes
• Fehlende Fenster oder andere Applikationen aus vorgelagerten Produktionsschritten
• Sortenreinheit der Nutzen
• Übereinstimmung von Strichcodes und/oder Brailleprägungen mit der lesbaren Inhaltsangabe

u.s.w. notwendig.In the production of high-quality printed products, for example folding cartons for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, high demands are placed on the quality of the printed sheets as well as the die-cut folding carton blanks up to the finished folded and glued cartons, and in addition the pharmaceutical industry places high demands on accuracy the imprints of the produced cartons. This already makes an error control during production during the entire production workflow, for example:

• Paper defects such as cardboard inclusions
• Foreign particles, eg dust, unwanted film residues, punching waste, stickers and glue residues
• Color deviations or paint defects (missing paint, paint on unwanted surfaces, paint splashes), blurred contours
• register offset
• text error
• Errors in hot foil stamping (holes in the surface, frayed edges, missing surfaces)
• Scratches and mechanical defects in the sheet surface (in unprinted cardboard, in the printed image, in the paint or in the film)
• matrix codes
• Missing windows or other applications from upstream production steps
• Varietal purity the benefits
• Correspondence of barcodes and / or Braille embossings with the readable table of contents

etc necessary.

These checks are usually carried out with control systems comprising at least one line scan camera and a corresponding lighting device. Depending on which surface of the sheet is to be controlled, the control device is arranged above and / or below the sheet transport plane. Different systems are known for transporting the sheets past the control system. There are transport systems which have only one conveying means, for example a suction belt, for transporting the sheets. Furthermore, there are transport systems which have two or more conveying means for transporting the sheets. Here, for example, transport systems are known which have at least one upper conveyor belt and at least one lower conveyor belt, between which the sheets are transported trapped. Furthermore, systems are known in which the sheets are transported by means of conveyor belts, which act together with a suction roll. Other transport systems, which can not be enumerated here, are known and can be combined in a corresponding arrangement with control systems to control the lower and / or upper side of a sheet.

For the production of folding cartons, the sheets are first printed wide web in a printing press. On the sheets, several benefits of the cartons to be produced are printed in each case, which are then punched out in a punch. The punched-out folding box blanks are then fed to a folding box gluing machine and processed here into folding boxes.

• Einen Einleger, derdie zu verarbeitenden Zuschnitte mit hoher Geschwindigkeit aus einem Stapel nacheinander abzieht und einzeln der nachfolgenden ersten Bearbeitungsstation zuführt,
• Ein Auftragwerk für Klebstoff, üblicherweise Leim, das auf die zu verklebenden Faltlappen einen Klebstoffstreifen aufträgt und
• Eine Faltstation, in der die mit einem Klebestreifen versehenen Zuschnittteile zur Herstellung einer Klebeverbindung um 180° umgelegt, also gefaltet werden.
• Im Anschluss an die Faltstation ist üblicherweise eine sogenannte Überleitstation angeordnet, in derdie Schachteln gezählt, markiert und - falls schadhaft - ausgeschleust werden können.
• Danach folgt eine Pressstation, an deren Anfang ein Schuppenstrom aus gefalteten Zuschnitten gebildet wird, der in der Pressstation für einige Zeit unter Druck gehalten wird, damit die Klebenähte besser abbinden.

Folding box gluing machines for the production of folding boxes from folding box blanks are known to have at least the following modules as processing stations:

• An inserter which sequentially withdraws the blanks to be processed from a stack at high speed and feeds them one by one to the subsequent first processing station;
• An applicator for glue, usually glue, which applies an adhesive strip to the folding flaps to be glued and
• A folding station in which the blank parts provided with an adhesive strip are folded by 180 °, ie folded, to produce an adhesive bond.
• Following the folding station usually a so-called transfer station is arranged, in which the boxes can be counted, marked and - if defective - can be discharged.
• This is followed by a pressing station, at the beginning of which a shingled stream of folded blanks is formed, which is held in the pressing station for some time under pressure, so that the adhesive seams set better.

The individual processing stations have conveying means driven for transporting the folding box blanks. These consist, for example, each one arranged on the side of the machine upper and lower conveyor belt, the lower conveyor belt is guided in a roller cheek and the upper conveyor belt in a roller rail. The conveyor belts are arranged transversely adjustable and can thus be adjusted to the respective folding carton blank format. The blanks are transported printed side down between the top and bottom conveyor belts. From the DE 10 2004 022 344 A1 Such a folding box gluing machine is known.

Since the blanks are transported in the Faltschachtelklebemaschine with the printed side down from the transport device through the individual processing stations, the line scan camera must be located below the blank transport plane. Since the camera is to take a picture of the entire printed cut width, interfere with the lower continuous conveyor elements. From the DE 10 2005 050 040 A1 a device is known in which an inspection of a resting on a conveyor belt sheet on the back is possible. The camera is mounted in a gap of the conveyor belt below the sheet transport plane. For this purpose, the conveyor belt is placed over pulleys in a loop.

The problem with controlling the sheets is the recognition of different errors. For example, color smudges are easier to see when the light source is oriented perpendicular to the object to be inspected instead of obliquely. If the light source illuminates the object vertically, the contrast increases and color smear can be better detected. On the other hand, for example, scratches on the sheets can be better recognized if the light source is arranged obliquely to the inspecting object, because the scratches can be better recognized by the oblique illumination due to other reflective properties of the surface. The angle of the camera to the object as well as the angle between the camera and the light source influence the control possibilities of the errors to be examined.

From the DE 60 2004 011 979 T2 For example, there is known a digital scanning device for decoding a digitally coded symbol comprising a light source having a plurality of individually controllable light elements for generating dark field illumination and additionally a bright field light source for providing bright field illumination. The control of the light sources via a controller depending on the decoding quality of the symbol. The solution shown is complex and not suitable for the processing of sheets with high transport speed.

From the EP 2 213 449 A1 For example, an inspection device for flat sheet material is known with a control system comprising a camera and a light source. The camera and the light source are mounted on a common holder and arranged transversely to the transport direction. In this way, the control device can be set to different blank formats.

From the EP 0 842 765 A2 an inspection device for controlling plastic bags is known. The device has a control system in the form of an optical glass fiber sensor. Transmitter and receiver are independently adjustable in motor with respect to the monitoring angle to the surface to be controlled.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an inspection device which can be easily adapted to different inspection requirements, thus ensuring a reliable identification of errors of different types.

This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The inspection device according to the invention has a control system, which consists of a camera, a light source and a housing. Arc-shaped material is passed by means of a transport device to the control system. The control system is arranged below the transport device. In the control system, the camera angle with respect to the surface to be controlled of the sheet material and the angle of incidence of the rays of the light source on the sheet material via an adjustment of the camera and the light source or the transport device is changeable.

By means of these adjustment possibilities, the inspection device can be adapted in a simple manner to different inspection requirements, so that errors of different types are easier to detect.

According to the invention, the light source is part of the housing.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the housing can be pivoted via a pivoting device. This allows a particularly simple adjustment of the camera angle and the illumination angle.

The control system is adjustably mounted transversely to the sheet or box transport direction. As a result, not only an adjustment of the camera or illumination angle is possible, but also the adaptation to very specific sheet or Schachtelausschnitte. For this purpose, the camera is mounted with housing, for example, on two round guides and can be adjusted in a known manner by means of a spindle transverse to the transport direction of the sheet or cartons. As a result, a control at any point across the product transport, even off-center, easily adjustable. Furthermore, several cameras can be arranged side by side and / or one behind the other in this way easily, whereby the inspection device can be adapted to different working widths and controls in a simple and cost-effective manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the housing of the camera is connected to a blown air connection, via which an air flow is conducted into the housing, which exits at the upper gap of the housing, which is slit-shaped. In this case, the upper gap is formed either by the housing itself or from the composite of housing and light source by the upward air flow through the housing and the slot-shaped gap on the one hand, the sheet material, such as a box blank, pressed against the upper conveyor element, which significantly increases the smoothness of the carton blank in the area of the camera and thus makes the inspection possible even with high resolution. On the other hand, by the blowing air, a swirling within the housing is achieved, whereby the optics of the camera and the box blank is cleaned, and there in the housing, an overpressure prevails, the occurrence of dust and punching remains largely avoided. Furthermore, the light source of the control system is cooled by the blowing air, resulting in a longer life of the LEDs.

According to the invention, the inspection device has a transport device which has at least one upper and one lower conveying device with contacting conveying means. The lower conveyor is designed split and consists of at least two conveyors with a gap between these conveyors. The control system is placed in the gap between these lower conveyors. Of course, in addition, the upper conveyor can be carried out divided.

The gap between the two lower conveyors is variable in their distance. This can be achieved for example via telescopic lower belt conveyors. Thus, the gap can be adapted to different camera or housing dimensions or angular positions.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the inspection device is integrated into an already existing processing module. This is a particularly cost effective solution. Alternatively, the print image control system can also be integrated in a separate inspection module, which is then installed between two existing processing modules within the machine assembly of Faltschachtelklebemaschine. This increases the flexibility with respect to the place of use.

However, the inspection device can also be used as an off-line device, and thus be combined in an advantageous manner with the necessary for the specific application further modules such as feeder, discharge device and boom. Alternatively, a sorting device is useful for the discharge device when it comes to the sorting of various products.

Figur 1

zeigt in einer perspektivischen Darstellung beispielhaft einzelne Bearbeitungsstationen einer Faltschachtelklebemaschine

Figur 2

zeigt die durchgehende Transportvorrichtung gemäß Stand der Technik in einer Bearbeitungsstation einer Faltschachtelklebemaschine

Figur 3

erfindungsgemäßes Inspektionsmodul

Figur 4

eine erfindungsgemäße Inspektionsvorrichtung mit verschwenktem Kontrollsystem

Subsequently, the inspection device according to the invention will be explained with reference to a selected embodiment in a folding box gluing machine:

FIG. 1

shows in a perspective view by way of example individual processing stations a Faltschachtelklebemaschine

FIG. 2

shows the continuous transport device according to the prior art in a processing station a Faltschachtelklebemaschine

FIG. 3

Inspection module according to the invention

FIG. 4

an inspection device according to the invention with a pivoted control system

FIG. 1 shows by way of example individual processing stations a Faltschachtelklebemaschine.

The folding box gluing machine begins in FIG. 1, bottom right, with an insert 1, which withdraws the blanks to be processed at high speed from a stack in succession and supplies them individually to the subsequent processing station. Following the insert 1 is followed by an alignment station 4, in which the blanks are individually aligned against a lateral stop. The alignment station is used to guide transversely positionable machine components in the form of two belt pairs, which serve as conveyor elements and can be transversely positioned via actuators.

This is followed by a primary crusher 6 and a first folding module 7. Both through the primary crusher 6 and through the folding module 7, transversely positionable machine components in the form of belt pairs guide the conveying elements, which are positioned transversely with an actuator depending on the type of blank.

On the folding module 7 follows a turning station 9. The turning station 9 includes for rotating the blanks about a vertical axis by 90 ° two parallel juxtaposed conveyor lines whose speed is adjustable separately. The blanks are on both conveyor lines, so that they are rotated at different speeds of the two conveyor lines. The two conveyor lines contain driven rollers as conveying elements.

Subsequent to the turning station 9 is followed by a further alignment station 10, which corresponds in its construction of the alignment station behind the insert 1. It thus again contains transversely positionable machine components in the form of pairs of conveyor belts as conveying elements.

The next processing station 13 serves to perform box-type dependent processing operations; For example, further score lines are pre-broken or special folds are performed. Also through the processing station 13 lead belt pairs as conveying elements that can be positioned transversely with actuators.

This is followed by a folding station 14, in which the blank parts previously provided with an adhesive seam are folded over by 180 °. The folding station 14 includes pairs of belts as conveying elements and an adhesive applicator, which can be moved by means of actuators in their dependent of the cutting type transverse position. This is followed by a transfer station 15, from which the folded blanks, provided with not yet set adhesive seams, are exactly aligned in all parts with the subsequent collecting and pressing device 16. In the collecting and pressing device 16, a shingled stream of folded blanks is first formed, which is subsequently held under pressure for some time between conveying press belts, so that the adhesive seams set. The transfer station also contains pairs of belts which can be transversely adjusted by means of actuators.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a transport device 8, each with a left and right upper conveyor 3, 3 'and in each case a left and right lower conveyor 2.2', which is formed in the present example as a belt conveyor with corresponding conveyor belts as conveying means 5, 5 ', 12, 12'. The conveyors 3, 3 ', 2, 2' are mounted on round trusses 11, so that they can be adjusted to the respective box cutting width.

In the following schematic illustrations, for better clarity, only one upper and one lower conveyor is shown.

FIG. 3 shows an inventive inspection device. The sheet-like material 24 to be checked, such as folding box blanks, is transported by the conveying module 30 in the conveying direction 25 by means of a transport device 20. In the embodiment shown, the transport device 20 has an upper conveyor 21 with an endless conveyor 23, which is guided around deflecting rollers, not shown. Furthermore, two lower conveyors 22, 22 ', which form a gap with the distance width b to each other. Both lower conveyors 22, 22 'also have conveying means 23, which are guided around deflection rollers 26. The roller 27 is connected to a drive, not shown, and thus serves as a drive roller 27 for the conveyor 23 of the lower conveyor. The conveying means 23 in the present embodiment are designed as endless conveyor belts. The conveying means 23 of the upper and lower conveyors 21, 22, 22 'touch each other and clamp the sheets 24 to be transported between them. The upper conveyor is mounted in a known manner in a roller rail 29 and the lower conveyor in non-illustrated roller cheeks. In the present embodiment, below the sheet transport path, a control system 40 is mounted within the gap between the lower conveyors 22, 22 'such that the sheets transported across the gap can be tested from below by means of the control system 40. The control system 40 comprises a camera 41, a light source 42 and a housing 43, wherein the light source 42 may be disposed either inside or outside the housing 43, and as in the present example is also part of the housing 43. The housing 43 is provided with a blown air connection 44, via the blown air 45, which is guided, for example via a blower not shown in detail or even a side channel or roller compressor in the housing 43. The blown air flows around the camera and possibly the light source and exits from a gap 46 at the upper end of the housing 43, which is preferably slit-shaped, from, strikes the sheet-like material and presses it against the upper conveyor means 23. As a result, the smoothness of arcuate material in the control system positively influenced.

The gap between the conveying devices 22, 2 'points in the FIG. 3 the distance b on. The lower conveyor devices are designed telescopically in a known manner, which is indicated by the arrows 31, 32. The gap between the two lower conveying devices 22, 22 'is thus variable via the telescopic conveying devices, which results in FIG. 4 also by the changed distance width b 'is shown.

In FIG. 3 is further shown that the housing 43 is connected via a flange 49 with a frame-fixed pivot bracket 50. The pivot bracket 50 has a circular segment-shaped slot 51. About this slot 51, the pivot bracket 50 is pivotally connected, for example via a screw 48 to the lower part of the flange 49. The upper part of the flange 49 is connected via a fastening element 47 with the pivot bracket 50. The slot 51 allows the pivoting of the housing 43 by a pivot angle γ.

In the in the FIG. 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 42 is mounted outside of the housing 43 and forms part of the housing 43. The control device 40 is mounted over the pivot mount so that the camera is incident at an angle α = 0 °, ie perpendicular to the sheet 24 and the beams the light source at an angle β> 0 °, ie obliquely impinge. Due to the vertical camera position advantageously image distortion is avoided by rollover.

In the FIG. 4 the two conveying devices 22, 22 'have moved further apart via the telescopic devices (not shown) and form a gap with the distance b'. The control device 40 is mounted on the pivot bracket so that the camera at an angle α> 0 °, ie obliquely, impinges on the arc and the rays of the light source at an angle β = 0 °, ie perpendicular impinge. This lighting is particularly well suited to inspect Braille cartons in the area under test. Due to the vertical lighting a shadow is avoided at the Braille points. In addition, the angle between the light source and the camera in a manner not shown can also be adjusted against each other.

Of course, the control system 40 according to the invention can also be formed with other transport devices 20 to form an inspection module, as already explained above. Of course, the control system can of course also be used in other sheet-processing machines, such as in printing presses, folding machines or other finishing machines. It is also possible to use the control system as an inspection system in a separate offline facility for error control.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

depositors

2, 2 '

lower conveyor

3,3 '

upper conveyor

4

aligner

5, 5 '

funding

6

primary crusher

7

folding module

8th

transport device

9

turning station

10

aligner

11

around Traverse

12, 12 '

funding

13

processing station

14

folding station

15

transfer station

16

Collecting and pressing device

20

transport device

21

upper conveyor

22, 22 '

lower conveyor

23

funding

24

arched material

25

conveying direction

26

guide rollers

27

driven pulley

29

roll bar

30

inspection module

31

Adjustment direction conveyor

32

Adjustment direction conveyor

40

control system

41

camera

42

light source

43

casing

44

air ventilation

45

blowing air

46

Gap in the upper housing part

47

attachment

48

attachment

49

flange

50

swiveling holder

51

Long hole

b, b '

Gap width

α

camera angle

β

Angle of incidence of the rays of the light source

γ

swivel angle

Claims (4)

1. An inspection device for flat sheet-shaped material (24) made of paper, cardboard or the like, in particular printed or unprinted sheets, folding-box blanks or folding boxes, including a control system (40) that at least consists of a camera (41), a light source (42), and a housing (43), wherein the sheet-shaped material (24) is conveyed past the control system (40) by means of a transport device, the camera angle (α) relative to the surface to be controlled of the sheet-shaped material (24) and the angle of incidence (β) of the beams of the light source (42) on the sheet-shaped material (24) are modifiable via an adjustment of the camera (41) and the light source (42) or the transport device, and wherein the transport device includes at least one upper (21) and one lower conveying device (22) having conveying means (23) that contact each other,
   characterized in that
   the control system (40) is arranged below the transport device,
   the light source (42) is part of the housing (43),
   the control system (40) is supported to be adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of transport (25) of the sheets or boxes, and
   the lower conveying device (22) is divided and consists of at least two conveying devices (22, 22') with a variable gap formed between the conveying devices, wherein the control system (40) is swivellably arranged in the gap.
2. An inspection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (43) can be swivelled via a swivelling device (49, 50, 51).
3. An inspection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (43) is connected to a blown-air connection (44), which conducts an air stream (45) into the housing (43), the air stream exiting on the upper slot (46) of the housing (43).
4. A folding-box gluing device including an inspection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inspection device is designed as a separate module of a folding-box gluing device in its own inspection module arranged between two processing modules, or that the inspection device is integrated in a processing module for producing folding boxes.

Images