Product inspection system

Abstract

A product inspection system (100) is provided, comprising: a rotatable turntable (110) adapted to receive and position a plurality of products (1) sequentially fed thereon from a feeding mechanism during rotation; an alignment mechanism (120) disposed above the turntable and fixedly positioned during rotation of the turntable to align the plurality of products sequentially fed onto the turntable such that each product has a substantially same desired orientation as it exits the alignment mechanism; and an inspection device (150) positioned downstream of the alignment mechanism in a direction of rotation of the turntable to inspect the aligned products on the turntable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to product inspection, and more specifically, to a product inspection system capable of adapting to high-speed product inspection. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, continuous product inspection on a turntable is a beneficial method for achieving rapid product inspection. In this method, products are unloaded directly from the feed mechanism onto the surface of the turntable. The rotating turntable moves the products positioned on it, allowing the inspection device to inspect the products rotating with the turntable. Since the products are not secured to the turntable by clamps, the current challenge is how to align or correctly orient the products unloaded onto the turntable.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, if product 1 is not aligned or correctly oriented on turntable 10, the inspection device will not be able to properly inspect the product, such as by producing a defocused or blurry image, affecting inspection accuracy. Furthermore, the current inspection system is not suitable for inspecting products of different sizes on the turntable, and it is difficult to correctly align or orient products of different sizes on the turntable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure is made in order to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned and other problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a product inspection system is provided, comprising: a rotatable turntable adapted to receive and position thereon a plurality of products sequentially fed from a feeding mechanism during rotation; an alignment mechanism disposed above the turntable and fixedly positioned during rotation of the turntable to align the plurality of products sequentially fed onto the turntable such that each product has substantially the same desired orientation as it exits the alignment mechanism; and an inspection device positioned downstream of the alignment mechanism along the rotation direction of the turntable to inspect the aligned products on the turntable.

[0006] In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism is positioned spaced apart from the turntable above the outer peripheral edge portion of the turntable.

[0007] In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism includes: a first alignment member arranged to receive and guide fed products along a first predetermined trajectory during turntable rotation; and a second alignment member positioned downstream of the first alignment member in the direction of rotation of the turntable and arranged to receive and guide products exiting the first alignment member along a second predetermined trajectory during turntable rotation, such that the products exiting the second alignment member are positioned on the turntable with substantially the same desired orientation.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second alignment member is positioned at a gap from the first alignment member in a radial direction of the turntable, such that rotation of the turntable brings a product positioned on the turntable from the gap.

[0009] In some embodiments, a position of at least one of the second alignment member and the first alignment member relative to the turntable is adjustable to adjust at least one of a size of the gap and the desired orientation.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second alignment member and the first alignment member at least partially overlap in the radial direction of the turntable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first alignment member is positioned radially outward of the second alignment member, the first alignment member has a first curved surface facing a radially inner side of the turntable, the second alignment member has a second curved surface facing a radially outer side of the turntable, and a shape of the second curved surface is different from a shape of the first curved surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first curved surface has a first convex section protruding toward a center of the turntable and a first concave section recessed toward a radially outer side of the turntable, the first concave section extends from the first convex section in a rotation direction of the turntable; and / or, the second curved surface has a second convex section protruding toward the radially outer side of the turntable and a third convex section, the third convex section extends from the second convex section in the rotation direction of the turntable.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first convex section has a first arc section extending in the rotation direction of the turntable, the first arc section extends along a circumference of a first virtual circle; the first concave section has a second arc section extending in the rotation direction of the turntable, the second arc section extends along a circumference of a second virtual circle; the second convex section has a third arc section extending in the rotation direction of the turntable, the third arc section extends along a circumference of a third virtual circle; a radius of the first virtual circle is smaller than a radius of the second virtual circle and / or a radius of the third virtual circle.

[0014] In some embodiments, the product inspection system further comprises a guiding mechanism positioned upstream of the alignment mechanism in the rotation direction of the turntable and configured to receive a product fed from the feeding mechanism and guide and unload the received product onto the turntable to contact with the alignment mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a top view schematically showing a misaligned product on a turntable;

[0017] Figure 2is a perspective view schematically showing a structure of a product inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 is a top view schematically showing a structure of a product inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a plurality of products aligned or correctly oriented by the alignment member on the turntable are shown;

[0019] Figure 4 is a partial enlarged view schematically showing a structure of a product inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic view schematically showing a detailed structure of an alignment mechanism of a product inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification, the same or similar components are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. The following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the general concept of the present disclosure, and should not be understood as a limitation thereof.

[0022] Further, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are not described in detail in order to simplify the drawings.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a product inspection system which is adapted to correctly align or orient a plurality of products of various sizes positioned on a rotating turntable, and is capable of performing uninterrupted flying spot inspection, such as visual inspection, including product image acquisition, product defect inspection, product size inspection, etc., improving product inspection accuracy and inspection speed.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2-5 The product inspection system 100 mainly comprises a turntable 110, an alignment mechanism 120 and an inspection device 150. The turntable 110 is in the form of a ring-shaped disc, for example, capable of being driven to rotate, and is adapted to receive and position a plurality of products 1 sequentially fed from a feeding mechanism thereon during rotation, for example, which can be unloaded or dropped from the feeding mechanism or guiding mechanism onto the upper surface of the turntable. These products can have different sizes, such as different lengths, heights or thicknesses.

[0025] In some examples, as shown in Figures 2-5As shown, the product inspection system 100 can also include a guiding mechanism 140 positioned upstream of the alignment mechanism 120 along the rotation direction of the turntable 110 and configured to receive the products 1 fed from the feeding mechanism, the end of the guiding mechanism 140 being positioned directly above the turntable 110 to guide and unload the received products 1 onto the turntable 110 to contact with the alignment mechanism 120. As an example, the guiding mechanism can be a linear guide, which can be interfaced with or form part of the feeding mechanism, e.g. the products on the guiding mechanism can be unloaded onto the turntable by vibration.

[0026] The alignment mechanism 120 is disposed above the turntable 110 and fixedly positioned during rotation of the turntable 110 to guide and align or re-orient the plurality of products 1 sequentially fed onto the turntable 110 so that each product has substantially the same desired orientation when leaving the alignment mechanism 120, e.g. all substantially facing or facing away from the center of the turntable. In some examples, the alignment mechanism 120 can be spaced apart from the turntable 110, e.g. spaced apart from the upper surface of the turntable 110 in the vertical direction. In other examples, the alignment mechanism 120 can also contact the upper surface of the turntable. As an example, the alignment mechanism 120 can be a rotating drum or a rotating plate. Figures 2-5 As shown, the alignment mechanism 120 is positioned directly above the outer peripheral edge portion of the turntable 110 so that the aligned products can be positioned on the outer peripheral edge portion of the rotating turntable with substantially the same orientation.

[0027] The inspection device 150 is positioned downstream of the alignment mechanism 120 along the rotation direction of the turntable 110 to inspect the aligned products 1 on the rotating turntable 110. The inspection device 150 can be positioned spaced apart from the turntable 110, e.g. located radially inside or outside the turntable 110 and remain fixed during inspection, or can also rotate in synchronization with the turntable. As an example, the inspection device can be a visual inspection device, e.g. including a camera or a scanner, for acquiring images or dimensions of the products.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it can only be necessary to add such an alignment mechanism in an existing product inspection system, i.e. the alignment or correct orientation of the plurality of products sequentially fed onto the turntable can be achieved.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, as shown, Figures 2-5 The alignment mechanism 120 includes a first alignment member 121 and a second alignment member 122 spaced apart from each other. The first alignment member 121 is used to receive and guide the products 1 fed onto the turntable, so that the products 1 move together with the turntable 110 under the guidance of the first alignment member 121 during rotation of the turntable 110, e.g. rotate along a first predetermined track corresponding to the first alignment member or in a predetermined orientation.

[0030] The second alignment member 122 is positioned downstream of the first alignment member 121 along the rotation direction of the turntable 110. It receives and guides products exiting the first alignment member 121 such that the product 1 moves along a second predetermined trajectory corresponding to the second alignment member 122 during the rotation of the turntable 110, so that each product 1 exiting the second alignment member 121 is positioned on the turntable 110 with approximately the same desired orientation. The second predetermined trajectory may differ from the first predetermined trajectory. It is understood that, depending on the product guiding or alignment requirements, the alignment mechanism may include one or both of the first and second alignment members, or more alignment members may be provided for more precise product orientation.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the second alignment member 122 is positioned with a gap between it and the first alignment member 121 in the radial direction of the turntable 110, such that rotation of the turntable 110 causes the product 1 positioned on the turntable 110 to pass through the gap for proper orientation or alignment. In some embodiments, such as Figures 2-5 As shown, the second alignment member 122 and the first alignment member 121 may at least partially overlap in the radial direction of the turntable 110 so that the second alignment member 122 can properly receive the product leaving the first alignment member 121.

[0032] In some embodiments, the position of at least one of the second alignment member 122 and the first alignment member 121 relative to the turntable 110 is adjustable to adjust the size of the gap between them to accommodate products of different sizes, and / or can be used to adjust the desired orientation of the product leaving the alignment mechanism so that the inspection device can inspect the product in a suitable orientation.

[0033] In such Figures 2-5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first alignment member 121 is positioned radially outward of the second alignment member 122, but the two are offset in the circumferential direction of rotation. The first alignment member 121 has a first curved surface facing radially inward of the turntable 110, which is used to contact the product 1 that rotates with the turntable 110 to guide the product 1 to be positioned on the turntable 110 in a desired orientation or orientation. The second alignment member 122 has a second curved surface facing radially outward of the turntable 110, which is used to receive and contact the product 1 leaving the first alignment member 121, guiding the product 1 to be ultimately positioned on the turntable 110 in a desired orientation or orientation as the product 1 rotates with the turntable 110. The shape of the second curved surface may differ from the shape of the first curved surface.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the first curved surface has a first convex segment 123 protruding toward the center of the turntable 110 and a first concave segment 124 recessed toward the radially outer side of the turntable 110. The first concave segment 124 is located downstream of the first convex segment 123 along the rotation direction of the turntable 110, such as extending downstream from the first convex segment 123 with a predetermined curved profile. The second curved surface may have a second convex segment 125 and a third convex segment 126 protruding radially outward from the turntable 110. The third convex segment 126 extends downstream from the second convex segment 125 along the rotation direction of the turntable 110. The second convex segment 125 and the third convex segment 126 may have the same or different curved profiles. By setting the surface of the first alignment member or the second alignment member that contacts the product as a curved surface, such as a convex or concave surface, the product 1 rotating with the turntable 110 can be properly guided and aligned, and friction on the product 1 can be reduced.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the product inspection system may include 5 levels or 5 segments of guidance or alignment intervals S1 to S5. In the first interval S1, the guiding mechanism 140 mainly guides and orients the product 1, so that the product 1 unloaded from the guiding mechanism 140 onto the turntable 110 can have a predetermined orientation or position; in the second interval S2, the first convex segment 123 of the first alignment member 121 mainly guides and orients the product 1, and as the turntable 110 rotates, the first convex segment 123 first contacts and adjusts the orientation of the product 1 unloaded onto the turntable 110; in the third interval S3, the first concave segment 124 of the first alignment member 121 mainly guides and orients the product 1, and as the turntable 110 rotates, the first concave segment 124 guides the product 1 smoothly or smoothly towards the second alignment member 122; in the fourth interval S5... In the fourth interval S4, the product 1 is primarily guided and oriented by the second convex segment 125 of the second alignment member 122. As the turntable 110 rotates, the second convex segment 125 receives and guides the product 1 away from the first alignment member 121, positioning the product 1 on the turntable in an orientation or posture closer to the final desired orientation. In the fifth interval S4, the product 1 is primarily guided and oriented by the third convex segment 126 of the second alignment member 122. As the turntable 110 rotates, the product that contacts and passes through the third convex segment 126 leaves the alignment mechanism in the final desired orientation and rotates with the turntable to a position suitable for inspection by the inspection device 150, such as a position aligned with the lens of the inspection device 150. Thus, through this multi-stage guidance or alignment, the product can be oriented more smoothly and accurately on the turntable.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, such as in a front view of the turntable, as... Figures 3-5As shown, at least a portion of the first curved surface and / or the second curved surface can lie on a virtual circle, i.e. form a part of or extend along a circumference of the virtual circle. As an example, the first convex segment 123 has a first arc segment extending in the rotation direction of the turntable 110, the first arc segment being a part of or extending along a circumference of a first virtual circle; the first concave segment 124 can also have a second arc segment extending in the rotation direction of the turntable 110, the second arc segment being a part of or extending along a circumference of a second virtual circle; the second convex segment 125 can also have a third arc segment extending in the rotation direction of the turntable 110, the third arc segment being a part of or extending along a circumference of a third virtual circle. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius R1 of the first virtual circle is smaller than the radius R2 of the second virtual circle and / or the radius R3 of the third virtual circle. Likewise, the third convex segment 126 can also have a fourth arc segment extending in the rotation direction of the turntable 110, the fourth arc segment being a part of or extending along a circumference of a fourth virtual circle. As an example, the fourth virtual circle can be concentric with the turntable.

[0037] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it is to be understood that for the purpose of the present disclosure, generic terms should be construed to encompass specific embodiments and / or instances which can be included in the generic terms, unless otherwise specifically excluded. Furthermore, it should be understood that the words "comprise", "contain", "have", etc. used herein do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those recited in a claim. In addition, any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A product inspection system (100), comprising: A rotatable turntable (110) is adapted to receive and position multiple products (1) sequentially fed from a feeding mechanism during rotation. Alignment mechanism (120) is disposed above the turntable and is fixedly positioned during the rotation of the turntable to align the plurality of products that are sequentially fed onto the turntable, such that each product has approximately the same desired orientation when it leaves the alignment mechanism; and An inspection device (150) is positioned downstream of the alignment mechanism along the rotation direction of the turntable to inspect the aligned products on the turntable. The alignment mechanism includes a first alignment member (121) and a second alignment member (122) positioned downstream of the first alignment member along the rotation direction of the turntable. The second alignment member and the first alignment member at least partially overlap in the radial direction of the turntable to define a gap between the overlapping portions of the second and first alignment members, and the second and first alignment members are generally fixedly positioned during rotation of the turntable to allow the rotation of the turntable to cause the product positioned on the turntable to be contacted and guided by the first alignment member to the space between the overlapping portions of the first and second alignment members in the radial direction, and to be contacted and guided by the surface of the overlapping portion of the first alignment member facing the second alignment member to pass through the gap to the second alignment member. The first alignment member is arranged to receive and guide the fed product along a first predetermined trajectory during the rotation of the turntable. The second alignment member is arranged to receive and guide products exiting the first alignment member along a second predetermined trajectory, different from the first predetermined trajectory, during turntable rotation, such that the products exiting the second alignment member are positioned on the turntable with approximately the same desired orientation. The first alignment member is positioned radially outside the second alignment member. The first alignment member has a first curved surface facing the radially inward side of the turntable. The second alignment member has a second curved surface facing the radially outer side of the turntable, the shape of which differs from that of the first curved surface. The first curved surface has a first convex section (123) protruding toward the center of the turntable and a first concave section (124) recessed toward the radially outward side of the turntable, the first concave section extending from the first convex section along the rotation direction of the turntable. The second curved surface has a second convex section (125) and a third convex section (126) protruding radially outward from the turntable, the third convex section extending from the second convex section along the rotation direction of the turntable. The first convex segment has a first arc segment extending along the rotation direction of the turntable, and the first arc segment extends along the circumference of the first imaginary circle. The first concave segment has a second arc segment extending along the rotation direction of the turntable, and the second arc segment extends along the circumference of the second imaginary circle. The second convex segment has a third arc segment extending along the rotation direction of the turntable, and the third arc segment extends along the circumference of the third imaginary circle. The radius (R1) of the first imaginary circle is smaller than the radius (R2) of the second imaginary circle and / or the radius (R3) of the third imaginary circle.

2. The product inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment mechanism is positioned above the outer peripheral edge of the turntable, spaced apart from it.

3. The product inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, The second alignment member is positioned to be spaced apart from the first alignment member in the radial direction of the turntable, such that the rotation of the turntable causes the product positioned on the turntable to pass through the gap.

4. The product inspection system according to claim 3, wherein, The position of at least one of the second alignment member and the first alignment member relative to the turntable is adjustable to adjust at least one of the size of the gap and the desired orientation.

5. The product inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, The upstream end of the second alignment member and the downstream end of the first alignment member at least partially overlap in the radial direction of the turntable.

6. The product inspection system according to any one of claims 1-5 further includes a guide mechanism (140) positioned upstream of the alignment mechanism along the rotation direction of the turntable and configured to receive products fed from the feed mechanism and guide and unload the received products onto the turntable to contact the alignment mechanism.

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