Needle detector

Abstract

The needle detector (10) detects whether or not an unwanted metal is mixed in the inspection object (11). The needle detector (10) comprises: a device main body (20) having an inspection area (23) in which inspection of the inspection object is performed; a conveyor belt (30) configured to convey the inspection object at least in a forward direction so that the inspection object passes through the inspection area; at least one metal detection unit (40) configured to detect the metal when the inspection object conveyed in the forward direction passes; and at least one individual information detection unit (50) configured to detect individual information included in the label (12) conveyed together with the inspection object. The individual information includes information related to the examination object that is conveyed together with the examination object. The individual information detection unit is provided at a position at which the individual information included in the tag that is passing through the inspection area can be detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a needle detector. Background Art

[0002] In the past, various processes have been required when products are shipped. For this, there is a needle detector that performs inspection as one of various processes. For example, when inspecting whether unnecessary metal is mixed in a product before the product is shipped, a needle detector described in Patent Document 1, more specifically, a needle detector including a conveyor belt and a detection head, is used. The conveyor belt conveys products such as sewn products to be inspected in the forward direction. When the product passes through the detection head while being conveyed forward by the conveyor belt, the detection head detects unnecessary metal such as a broken needle. The needle detector inspects whether unnecessary metal is mixed in the product before the product is shipped. Thus, when unnecessary metal is mixed in the product, it can be detected before the product is shipped. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-189412 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When products are shipped, sometimes other processes from other viewpoints are further performed on products inspected for the mixing of the above-mentioned unnecessary metal. Such other processes from other viewpoints are performed by a device different from the above-mentioned needle detector. In this case, it is necessary to separately provide the above-mentioned needle detector and other devices in a limited space. Solutions to the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a needle detector configured to inspect whether unnecessary metal is mixed in an inspection object. The needle detector includes: a device main body having an inspection area for performing inspection of the inspection object; a conveyor belt configured to convey the inspection object at least in the forward direction so that the inspection object passes through the inspection area; at least one metal detection unit configured to detect the metal when the inspection object conveyed in the forward direction by the conveyor belt passes through; and at least one individual information detection unit configured to detect individual information possessed by a label when the label conveyed together with the inspection object passes through. The individual information includes information related to the inspection object conveyed together, and the individual information detection unit is provided at a position where the individual information possessed by the label passing through the inspection area can be detected. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 It is a top view when viewing the needle detector of the first embodiment from above. Figure 2 It is a top view when viewing the needle detector of the second embodiment from above. Figure 3 It is a top view when viewing the needle detector of the third embodiment from above. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage mode of the needle detector of the fourth embodiment. Figure 5 It is an illustration of Figure 4 the three-dimensional view of the projection device. Figure 6 It is an illustration of Figure 4 the operation mode of the projection device. Figure 7 It is an illustration of Figure 4 the operation mode of the projection device. Figure 8 It is an illustration of Figure 4 the operation mode of the projection device. Figure 9 It is an illustration of Figure 4 the operation mode of the projection device. Figure 10 It is an illustration of Figure 4 the operation mode of the projection device. Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of the needle detector of other embodiments. Specific Embodiments

[0007] <The First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the needle detector of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As Figure 1 shown, the needle detector 10 is an inspection device for inspecting whether an unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11 before the product as the inspection object is shipped. The product 11 is, for example, a sewn product. The unnecessary metal in the product 11 is, for example, a broken needle. In the following description, inspecting whether an unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11 may be simply referred to as "needle detection".

[0008] <Needle Detector> The needle detector 10 includes a device main body 20, a conveyor belt 30, a detection head 40, an RFID antenna 50, at least one photoelectric sensor 60, and a processing device 70. The device main body 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped having a height in the inside-out direction of the paper surface in Figure 1 The device main body 20 is arranged to be movable relative to the ground of the inspection space such as a factory on the inner side of the paper surface in Figure 1 via wheels or the like. In the following description, the orientations indicated by terms such as "up" and "down" are defined based on the direction of gravity. The direction orthogonal to the "vertical direction" of the device main body 20, that is, Figure 1 the vertical direction inFigure 1 The left - right direction in [description] is the "transport direction" of the product 11 when inspecting the product 11. The transport direction is the forward direction as the direction from right to left in [description], or the return direction as the direction opposite to the forward direction. In the following description, sometimes the forward transport direction is simply referred to as the "forward direction", or the transport direction of the return direction is simply referred to as the "return direction". The device main body 20 is a base for assembling structures for implementing various functions of the needle detector 10. Figure 1 The device main body 20 has two side parts 21 and 22 on both sides in the width direction. The two side parts 21 and 22 extend along the transport direction. The side part 21 and the side part 22 are separated from each other in the width direction. The area between the width directions of the side part 21 and the side part 22 forms an inspection area 23 for inspecting the product 11. One of the two side parts 21 and 22, the side part 22, has an operation input part 22a. The operation input part 22a is provided on the upstream side in the forward direction of the side part 22. The operation input part 22a is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. The operation input part 22a can input the start or stop of the needle detector 10, the inspection type or the sensitivity of the sensor, the rotation speed or rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30, etc., or display the state of the needle detector 10.

[0009] <Device main body> The device main body 20 has two side parts 21 and 22 on both sides in the width direction. The two side parts 21 and 22 extend along the transport direction. The side part 21 and the side part 22 are separated from each other in the width direction. The area between the width directions of the side part 21 and the side part 22 forms an inspection area 23 for inspecting the product 11. One of the two side parts 21 and 22, the side part 22, has an operation input part 22a. The operation input part 22a is provided on the upstream side in the forward direction of the side part 22. The operation input part 22a is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. The operation input part 22a can input the start or stop of the needle detector 10, the inspection type or the sensitivity of the sensor, the rotation speed or rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30, etc., or display the state of the needle detector 10.

[0010] <Conveyor belt> The conveyor belt 30 is assembled between the width directions of the side part 21 and the side part 22. The conveyor belt 30 is an annular belt - like member having a predetermined thickness. For example, the conveyor belt 30 is shorter than the distance between the two ends in the width direction of the two side parts 21 and 22. The width of the conveyor belt 30 is substantially the same as the distance in the width direction between the side part 21 and the side part 22. The conveyor belt 30 is mounted on a plurality of rollers (not shown). The plurality of rollers include a driving roller and a driven roller. The driving roller rotates by the drive of a motor M provided inside the device main body 20. The driven roller rotates by the rotational force transmitted from the driving roller. The conveyor belt 30 rotates in a manner of conveying the product 11 in the transport direction along with the rotation of the above - mentioned plurality of rollers. The surface of the conveyor belt 30 is a transport surface 31 for conveying the product 11 in the transport direction so that the product 11 passes through the inspection area 23. The transport surface 31 extends along the transport direction.

[0011] <Detection head> The detection head 40 is integrally assembled to the apparatus main body 20 via two side portions 21, 22. The detection head 40 has two legs 40a extending in parallel with each other at both end portions, and has a main body portion 40b connecting the two legs 40a to each other. The main body portion 40b extends in the width direction in a state of having a space in the vertical direction with respect to the conveyor belt 30, that is, the conveying surface 31. That is, the detection head 40 is integrally provided with the apparatus main body 20 midway along the forward direction of the inspection area 23. The detection head 40 is provided to straddle the inspection area 23 in the width direction along a direction orthogonal to the forward direction. In the present embodiment, the detection head 40 is an example of a metal detection unit.

[0012] The detection head 40 divides the inspection area 23 into a plurality of areas. The inspection area 23 has a plurality of areas A1, A2, A3 divided with the detection head 40 as a reference. For example, the inspection area 23 has an entrance 23a at the uppermost upstream side position in the forward direction. The inspection area 23 has an exit 23b at the lowermost downstream side position in the forward direction.

[0013] More specifically, the area A1 is the area on the upstream side in the forward direction with respect to the detection head 40 in the inspection area 23. That is, the area A1 is the area where the product 11 passes in front of the detection head 40 when the product 11 is conveyed in the forward direction. The area A1 is the area including the entrance 23a. For example, the area A1 is the area where the product 11 before needle inspection exists. In the present embodiment, the area A1 is an example of the first area.

[0014] The area A2 is the area in the inspection area 23 where the detection head 40 is disposed. That is, the area A2 is the area where the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 when the product 11 is conveyed in the forward direction. For example, the area A2 is the area where needle inspection is performed. In the present embodiment, the area A2 is an example of the second area.

[0015] The area A3 is the area on the downstream side in the forward direction with respect to the detection head 40 in the inspection area 23. That is, the area A3 is the area where the product 11 passes behind the detection head 40 when the product 11 is conveyed in the forward direction. The area A3 is the area including the exit 23b. For example, the area A3 is the area where the product 11 after needle inspection exists. In the present embodiment, the area A3 is an example of the third area.

[0016] The detection head 40 includes a plurality of upper detection sensors 41 inside thereof. The apparatus main body 20 includes a plurality of lower detection sensors 24 inside thereof. Each upper detection sensor 41 is paired with one of the plurality of lower detection sensors 24. Each lower detection sensor 24 is assembled to the conveyor belt 30 on the side opposite to the main body portion 40b. The conveyor belt 30, more specifically the conveying surface 31, is located between each pair of upper detection sensors 41 and lower detection sensors 24.

[0017] When the product 11 conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 passes through, each upper detection sensor 41 detects the distortion of the magnetic field passing between each pair of upper detection sensors 41 and the lower detection sensors 24. Thus, each upper detection sensor 41 detects whether an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11. For example, each upper detection sensor 41 and each lower detection sensor 24 adjust the sensitivity of the sensor in such a way as to detect unwanted metals and not detect the metals required for the product 11, i.e., metal parts. The sensitivity of the sensor can also be adjusted to detect metals other than unwanted metals.

[0018] <RFID antenna> The RFID antenna 50 is integrally assembled to the device main body 20 via the two side portions 21, 22 at a position corresponding to the area A3. The RFID antenna 50 has two legs 50a extending parallel to each other at both end portions, and has a main body portion 50b connecting the two legs 50a to each other. The main body portion 50b extends in the width direction in a state where there is a space in the vertical direction with respect to the conveyor belt 30, i.e., the conveying surface 31. That is, the RFID antenna 50 is integrally provided with the device main body 20 on the downstream side in the positive direction with respect to the detection head 40. The RFID antenna 50 is provided so as to straddle the inspection area 23 in the width direction. The RFID antenna 50 is provided at a position where the distance from the detection head 40 is smaller than the distance from the outlet 23b of the inspection area 23. The distance of the RFID antenna 50 from the detection head 40 is smaller than the distance from the inlet 23a of the inspection area 23. The length of the area A3a along the positive direction on the downstream side in the positive direction with respect to the RFID antenna 50 is substantially the same as the length of the area A1 along the positive direction. In the present embodiment, the RFID antenna 50 is an example of an individual information detection unit.

[0019] The RFID antenna 50 includes a radio wave transmission unit 51 and an information reading unit 52 inside thereof. The radio wave transmission unit 51 transmits radio waves having a specific frequency. The radio wave transmission unit 51 adjusts the output intensity, more specifically the directivity, in such a way as to transmit radio waves targeting the product 11 passing through the RFID antenna 50. For example, the directivity of the radio wave is adjusted so that the radio wave reaches a part of the area A3, i.e., the range of the internal space of the RFID antenna 50. That is, the directivity of the radio wave transmitted by the radio wave transmission unit 51 is adjusted so as not to reach the product 11 that does not pass through the RFID antenna 50. The information reading unit 52 responds to the radio wave transmitted by the radio wave transmission unit 51, and receives and reads the ID signal transmitted from the RF tag 12 described later. Thus, the RFID antenna 50 responds to the radio wave transmitted by the radio wave transmission unit 51 and detects the ID signal transmitted from the RF tag 12 described later.

[0020] <RF tag> Products 11 that are inspection objects of the needle detector 10 each have an RF tag 12. For example, the RF tag 12 is directly attached to the product 11 itself or packaged together with the product 11. That is, when being conveyed by the conveyor belt 30, the products 11 are conveyed together with the RF tags 12 respectively. In the present embodiment, the RF tag 12 is an example of a tag.

[0021] The RF tag 12 includes an antenna and an IC chip. The antenna generates electricity using the radio waves transmitted by the radio wave transmitting unit 51. The antenna adopts a communication method corresponding to the communication method of the RFID antenna 50 and the RF tag 12. For example, when the communication method adopts the radio wave method, the antenna can be a plate-shaped antenna. When the communication method adopts the electromagnetic induction method, the antenna can be a coil-shaped antenna. The IC chip uses the electricity generated by the antenna to output an ID signal representing the individual information stored therein to the outside via the antenna. The IC chip includes a storage circuit inside. The storage circuit stores the individual information related to the RF tag 12 including the IC chip. Such individual information becomes the individual information related to the product 11 having the RF tag 12. The individual information includes product information for identifying the product 11 having the RF tag 12. The product information includes, for example, information such as the product name, color, size, and shipping destination of the product 11. In addition, the individual information includes, for example, manufacturing information such as the factory and production line where the product 11 is manufactured or inspection information related to the inspections implemented during the manufacturing process.

[0022] <Photoelectric sensor> The photoelectric sensor 60 includes a photoelectric sensor 61 and a photoelectric sensor 62. The photoelectric sensor 61 is a photoelectric sensor for the detection head provided corresponding to the detection head 40. The photoelectric sensor 61 is provided on the upstream side in the forward direction of the detection head 40. That is, the detection head 40 and the photoelectric sensor 61 are used in combination. The photoelectric sensor 62 is a photoelectric sensor for the RFID antenna provided corresponding to the RFID antenna 50. That is, the RFID antenna 50 and the photoelectric sensor 62 are used in combination. The photoelectric sensor 61 is, for example, a transmissive sensor composed of a light projecting part f1a and a light receiving part f1b that are separated. In this case, the light projecting part f1a and the light receiving part f1b only need to be provided on different side parts 21, 22 so as to face each other in the width direction. The same applies to the photoelectric sensor 62. For example, the light projecting part f2a and the light receiving part f2b only need to be provided on different side parts 21, 22 so as to face each other in the width direction. The two photoelectric sensors 61, 62 can also adopt a reflective sensor formed by integrating a light projecting part and a light receiving part, etc., or can be replaced by a proximity sensor, etc.

[0023] The photoelectric sensor 61 detects, for example, that the product 11 conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 passes between the light projecting portion f1a and the light receiving portion f1b. Thereby, the photoelectric sensor 61 detects the presence of the product 11 that starts to pass through the detection head 40 in the forward direction. This serves as a trigger for operating the detection head 40. That is, the detection head 40 starts the detection of each upper detection sensor 41 with the detection of the passage of the product 11 by the photoelectric sensor 61 as a trigger. Similarly, the photoelectric sensor 62 detects, for example, that the product 11 conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 passes between the light projecting portion f2a and the light receiving portion f2b. Thereby, the photoelectric sensor 62 detects the presence of the product 11 that starts to pass through the RFID antenna 50 in the forward direction. This serves as a trigger for operating the RFID antenna 50. That is, the RFID antenna 50 starts the transmission of the radio wave by the radio wave transmitting portion 51 and starts the reading of the ID signal by the information reading portion 52 with the detection of the passage of the product 11 by the photoelectric sensor 62 as a trigger.

[0024] <Processing device> The processing device 70 is disposed, for example, outside the needle detector 10. The processing device 70 may also be provided integrally with the needle detector 10. The processing device 70 includes a controller 71 and a motor controller 72. The controller 71 is a processing circuit constituted by a microcomputer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71a. Various processes related to the operation of the needle detector 10 are functional parts realized by the CPU 71a executing a control program. Various processes include, for example, processes related to the start and stop of the needle detector 10, inspection types, the sensitivity of sensors, the rotational speed and rotational direction control of the conveyor belt 30, and inspection results. The controller 71 includes a memory 71b that stores the control program. The memory 71b includes computer-readable media such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). However, implementing various processes by software is an example, and at least a part of the processes may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as a logic circuit. Similarly, the motor controller 72 is a processing circuit constituted by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0025] The controller 71 is electrically connected to the operation input unit 22a, each upper detection sensor 41, the radio wave transmission unit 51, the information reading unit 52, and the photoelectric sensors 60 (61, 62) via wires, for example. The controller 71 performs various processes based on the signals input from the operation input unit 22a, each upper detection sensor 41, the radio wave transmission unit 51, the information reading unit 52, and the photoelectric sensors 60 (61, 62). For example, the controller 71 includes a process of instructing the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the forward or return direction at a predetermined rotational speed. The motor controller 72 controls the drive of the motor M provided inside the apparatus main body 20 based on the instruction of the controller 71. Thereby, the motor controller 72 rotates the conveyor belt 30 in the forward or return direction at a predetermined rotational speed.

[0026] When the controller 71 inputs a signal regarding the input result of the operation input unit 22a, it performs various processes based on this signal. For example, in the case where a signal indicating the start of the needle detector 10 is input, the controller 71 starts the needle detector 10 and controls the display content of the operation input unit 22a to display a message indicating this meaning.

[0027] When the controller 71 inputs a signal regarding the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 61, it determines whether to operate the detection head 40 based on this detection result. In the case where it is determined to operate the detection head 40, the controller 71 supplies power etc. to each upper detection sensor 41 to operate the detection head 40, thereby inputting the detection results of each upper detection sensor 41. Thereby, the controller 71 determines whether an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11 based on the detection results of each upper detection sensor 41. In the case where it is not determined that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11, the controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the forward direction at a predetermined rotational speed. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11, the controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the return direction at a predetermined rotational speed. The controller 71 stops supplying power etc. to each upper detection sensor 41 on the condition that the case where it is not determined to operate the detection head 40 continues for a predetermined time after operating the detection head 40. That is, the controller 71 stops the detection head 40.

[0028] When the controller 71 receives a signal regarding the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 62, it determines whether to operate the RFID antenna 50 based on this signal. When it is determined to operate the RFID antenna 50, the controller 71 supplies power, etc. to the radio wave transmission unit 51 and the information reading unit 52, operates the RFID antenna 50, and thus obtains the reading result of the ID signal input to the information reading unit 52. Thereby, the controller 71 executes the process of generating management individual information based on the reading result of the information reading unit 52. The process of generating management individual information is a process for associating the detection results of each of the previous upper detection sensors 41 with the individual information determined according to the ID signal. More specifically, the controller 71 includes a process of storing the generated management individual information in the memory 71b. The controller 71 includes a process of also associating the detection environment of each of the previous upper detection sensors 41 with the management individual information. For example, the detection environment includes the inspection type, the sensitivity of the sensor, and the rotation speed of the conveyor belt 30. The controller 71 stops supplying power, etc. to the radio wave transmission unit 51 and the information reading unit 52 on the condition that after operating the RFID antenna 50, the situation where it is not determined to operate the RFID antenna 50 continues for a predetermined time. That is, the controller 71 stops the RFID antenna 50. For example, the controller 71 determines that the RF tag 12 is not detected on the condition that after operating the RFID antenna 50, no ID signal is read and the situation where it is not determined to operate the RFID antenna 50 continues for a predetermined time.

[0029] The controller 71 controls the display content of the monitor 80 so as to display the content of the management individual information stored in the memory 71b for confirmation. The monitor 80 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. The controller 71 transmits the management individual information stored in the memory 71b to the server 90 via a network. In this case, the controller 71 can also respond to a request from the server 90 and transmit the management individual information. The server 90 can be, for example, a set-type server or a cloud server virtually constructed on the network.

[0030] <Inspection process of the needle detector> As Figure 1 shown, in the needle detector 10 capable of performing needle detection, the conveyor belt 30 rotates forward. The product 11 and the RF tag 12 are successively placed on the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 rotating forward near the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23. Then, while the product 11 is being conveyed forward in the area A1, it is detected by the photoelectric sensor 61 passing through. Thereby, the detection head 40 operates, and the product 11 is subjected to needle detection when passing forward through the area A2, more specifically, when passing through the detection head 40.

[0031] Next, in the case where no unwanted metal is detected, while the product 11 is being conveyed forward in area A3 after passing through the detection head 40, it is detected by the photoelectric sensor 62 that the product has passed through. Thereby, the RFID antenna 50 operates, and when the product 11 passes forward through area A3, more specifically, when it passes the RFID antenna 50, the ID signal is read. In this case, by conveying the product 11 to area A3, it indicates that no unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11 as an operation of the metal detector 10.

[0032] Then, by being conveyed forward in area A3, the product 11 separates from the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 that is rotating forward together with the RF tag 12 near the outlet 23b of the inspection area 23. Thereby, the inspection of the product 11 in the metal detector 10 is completed, and the inspection result is managed by the processing device 70 together with the individual information as management individual information. In addition, in the case where the RF tag 12 is not detected in the inspection result, this meaning is managed by the processing device 70.

[0033] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that unwanted metal is mixed in, the conveyor belt 30 rotates in the return direction. The product 11 returns from area A2 to area A1 together with the RF tag 12 so as not to be conveyed through the detection head 40 in area A3. Thereby, the conveyance of the product 11 to area A3 is blocked and it returns to area A1, indicating that unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11 as an operation of the metal detector 10. In this case, reinspection of the product 11 in the metal detector 10 is carried out.

[0034] <Function of the present embodiment> According to the present embodiment, the metal detector 10 performs metal detection and can detect the ID signal of the RF tag 12 possessed by the product 11 on which the metal detection is performed, that is, the individual information about the product 11. Thereby, the metal detector 10 can establish the association between the information obtained by metal detection and the RF tag 12, that is, the product 11 on which the metal detection is performed. In this case, in the process of performing metal detection, the metal detector 10 can also perform other processes that can be performed using the RF tag 12.

[0035] <Effect of the embodiment> (1-1) When using the metal detector 10, as long as there is space for installing the metal detector 10, the following processes can be performed: the process of performing metal detection and other processes that can be performed using the RF tag 12. Therefore, the space required for installing devices for performing various processes can be reduced.

[0036] (1-2) During the process of needle inspection, the needle inspection machine 10 can detect the ID signal of the RF tag 12 of the product 11 after passing through the detection head 40, that is, the individual information of the product 11. Therefore, when establishing the association between the information obtained from the needle inspection and the product 11, the needle inspection machine 10 generates management individual information, etc. considering the number of products 11 that have passed through the detection head 40, and has excellent expandability.

[0037] (1-3) During the process of needle inspection, the timing when the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 and the timing when the individual information is detected are made as close as possible. Thereby, the difference in the state of the product 11 or the RF tag 12 between the timing when the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 and the timing when the individual information is detected can be suppressed. This helps to improve the reliability when establishing the association between the information obtained from the needle inspection and the product 11.

[0038] (1-4) The number of RF tags 12 detected by the RFID antenna 50 represents the number of products 11 subjected to needle inspection by the needle inspection machine 10. For example, even when the products 11 are placed on the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 in an overlapping manner, the number of RF tags 12 detected by the RFID antenna 50 is highly consistent with the number of products 11 subjected to needle inspection by the needle inspection machine 10. This helps to improve the reliability when grasping the number of products 11 subjected to needle inspection by the needle inspection machine 10. (1-5) The processing device 70 realizes the automation of the association between the information obtained from the needle inspection and the product 11. This helps to reduce the workload of the operator participating in the needle inspection and also helps to improve the reliability of the information obtained from the needle inspection.

[0040] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings centering on the differences from the first embodiment. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the same structural components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0041] As Figure 2As shown, the RFID antenna 50 of the present embodiment is integrally assembled to the device main body 20 via two side portions 21 and 22 at a position corresponding to the area A1. That is, the RFID antenna 50 is integrally provided on the upstream side in the positive direction with respect to the detection head 40 and the device main body 20. Along with this, the photoelectric sensor 62 of the present embodiment is provided on the upstream side in the positive direction of the detection head 40 and the photoelectric sensor 61. The RFID antenna 50 is provided at a position where the distance between the RFID antenna 50 and the detection head 40 in the area A1 is smaller than the distance between the RFID antenna 50 and the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23. When the RFID antenna 50 is assembled to the position corresponding to the area A1, the distance between the RFID antenna 50 and the detection head 40 is smaller than the distance between the RFID antenna 50 and the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. The length along the positive direction of the area A1a on the upstream side in the positive direction with respect to the RFID antenna 50 is substantially the same as the length along the positive direction of the area A3. For example, the directivity of the radio wave of the radio wave transmission unit 51 of the RFID antenna 50 is adjusted to be transmitted within the range of the internal space of a part of the area A1, that is, the RFID antenna 50.

[0042] The controller 71 of the present embodiment executes a process of generating management individual information based on the reading result of the information reading unit 52. The process of generating management individual information is a process for associating the detection results and detection environment of each upper detection sensor 41 to be implemented immediately with the individual information determined according to the ID signal.

[0043] <Inspection process of the needle detector> As Figure 2 shown, near the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23, the product 11 placed in sequence on the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 rotating in the positive direction together with the RF tag 12 is detected by the photoelectric sensor 62 during the conveyance in the positive direction in the area A1. Thus, by the operation of the RFID antenna 50, the product 11 is read for the ID signal when passing through the RFID antenna 50 in the positive direction.

[0044] Next, during the process of the product 11 passing through the RFID antenna 50 and being conveyed in the positive direction in the area A1 after the ID signal is read, the product 11 is detected by the photoelectric sensor 61 passing through. Thus, by the operation of the detection head 40, the product 11 is subjected to needle detection when passing through the detection head 40 in the positive direction.

[0045] Next, in the case where it is not determined that an unnecessary metal is mixed in, the product 11 is conveyed in the positive direction in the area A3, and thus is separated from the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 rotating in the positive direction together with the RF tag 12 near the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. Thus, the inspection of the product 11 in the needle detector 10 is completed.

[0046] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that an unnecessary metal has been mixed in, the product 11 returns from the area A2 to the area A1 together with the RF tag 12, thereby performing re-inspection of the product 11 in the metal detector 10 and the like. For example, when the product 11 returns from the area A2 to the area A1 together with the RF tag 12, the processing device 70 may also associate the result of determining that an unnecessary metal has been mixed in with the individual information determined based on the read ID signal. In addition to this, when the product 11 returns from the area A2 to the area A1 together with the RF tag 12, the processing device 70 can also return the conveyor belt 30 to a range where the RF tag 12 can be detected by the RFID antenna 50. When the processing device 70 determines that the same ID signal has been continuously read by the RFID antenna 50, it may also delete information related to the individual information determined based on the ID signal and prepare for re-inspection and the like. In these cases, the predetermined time from when the RFID antenna 50 is activated until the power supply to the radio wave transmission unit 51 and the information reading unit 52 is stopped and the like may be set by considering the return of the product 11 from the area A2 to the area A1 together with the RF tag 12.

[0047] <Effects of the present embodiment> According to the second embodiment described above, the effects corresponding to the functions and (1-1), (1-3)-(1-5) of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects can also be obtained.

[0048] (2-1) During the process of performing metal detection by the metal detector 10, the ID signal of the RF tag 12 possessed by the product 11 passing in front of the detection head 40, that is, the individual information of the product 11, can be detected. Therefore, when the metal detector 10 establishes the association of the product 11 with the information obtained from the metal detection, it generates management individual information and the like by considering the number of products 11 passing through the detection head 40 from this point on, and has excellent expandability.

[0049] <Third embodiment> Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, centering on the differences from the first embodiment. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the same structural components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0050] As Figure 3As shown, this embodiment has a structure obtained by adding the structure of the second embodiment to the structure of the first embodiment. More specifically, the RFID antenna 50 of this embodiment includes a first RFID antenna 53 and a second RFID antenna 54. The first RFID antenna 53 is configured in the same manner as the RFID antenna 50 of the second embodiment. The second RFID antenna 54 is configured in the same manner as the RFID antenna 50 of the first embodiment. In this case, the length along the forward direction in the region A1a on the upstream side in the forward direction with respect to the first RFID antenna 53 and the region A3a on the downstream side in the forward direction with respect to the second RFID antenna 54 are substantially the same. In this embodiment, the first RFID antenna 53 is an example of a first individual information detection unit, and the second RFID antenna 54 is an example of a second individual information detection unit.

[0051] The photoelectric sensor 62 of this embodiment includes a first photoelectric sensor 63 and a second photoelectric sensor 64. The first photoelectric sensor 63 is a photoelectric sensor for the first RFID antenna provided corresponding to the first RFID antenna 53. The second photoelectric sensor 64 is a photoelectric sensor for the second RFID antenna provided corresponding to the second RFID antenna 54.

[0052] The controller 71 of this embodiment executes a process of generating management individual information based on the reading results of the information reading units 52 of the two RFID antennas 53 and 54. The process of generating management individual information is a process for associating the detection results and detection environments of the respective upper detection sensors 41 to be implemented with the individual information determined according to the ID signal.

[0053] <Inspection process of the needle detector> As Figure 3 shown, the product 11 placed in sequence with the RF tag 12 near the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23 on the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 rotating in the forward direction is detected by the photoelectric sensor 63 as it passes through in the process of being conveyed forward in the area A1. Thus, by the operation of the first RFID antenna 53, the ID signal of the product 11 is read when the product 11 passes through the first RFID antenna 53 in the forward direction.

[0054] Next, the product 11 with the ID signal read is detected by the photoelectric sensor 61 as it passes through in the process of passing through the first RFID antenna 53 and being conveyed forward in the area A1. Thus, by the operation of the detection head 40, the product 11 is subjected to needle detection when it passes through the detection head 40 in the forward direction.

[0055] Next, when it is not determined that an unnecessary metal has been mixed in, while the product 11 is being conveyed forward in area A3 after passing through the detection head 40, it is detected by the photoelectric sensor 64 that the product has passed. Thereby, the second RFID antenna 54 is activated, and when the product 11 passes forward through the second RFID antenna 54, the ID signal is read. Then, as the product 11 is conveyed forward in area A3, it separates from the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 that is rotating forward together with the RF tag 12 near the outlet 23b of the inspection area 23. Thus, the inspection of the product 11 in the needle detector 10 is completed.

[0056] On the other hand, when it is determined that an unnecessary metal has been mixed in, the product 11 and the RF tag 12 are returned from area A2 to area A1, and thus re-inspection of the product 11 in the needle detector 10 is performed. For example, when the product 11 and the RF tag 12 are returned from area A2 to area A1, the processing device 70 can detect the ID signal that is detected by the first RFID antenna 53 and not detected by the second RFID antenna 54. In this case, the processing device 70 may also associate the result of determining that an unnecessary metal has been mixed in with the individual information determined based on the detected ID signal. The processing device 70 may also delete information related to the individual information determined based on the determined ID signal, etc., and prepare for re-inspection.

[0057] <Effects of the present embodiment> According to the third embodiment described above, effects corresponding to the functions and (1-1), (1-3)-(1-5) of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects can also be obtained.

[0058] (3-1) During the process of performing the needle detection in the needle detector 10, the ID signal of the RF tag 12, that is, the individual information of the product 11, possessed by the product 11 before and after passing through the detection head 40 can be detected. Therefore, when the needle detector 10 establishes the association between the information obtained from the needle detection and the product 11, it can grasp the number of the predetermined products 11 to pass through the detection head 40 and the number of the products 11 that have passed through, etc., and has excellent expandability.

[0059] <Fourth embodiment> Hereinafter, centering on the differences from the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the same structural components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0060] As Figure 4As shown, the needle detector 10 of the present embodiment is used in combination with the projection device 100. The projection device 100 is disposed adjacent to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the needle detector 10. That is, the needle detector 10 and the projection device 100 form a conveying path connected via the outlet 23b of the inspection area 23.

[0061] <Projection device> As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the projection device 100 has a main body portion 101 and a projection portion 110. The main body portion 101 has two panels 102, eight frame pieces 103, two connecting frame pieces 104, and a bottom panel 105. The two panels 102 include a small panel 102a and a large panel 102b with different surface areas. Each of the panels 102a, 102b is in a flat plate shape with a long side and a short side, and the back surfaces face each other in the conveying direction of the needle detector 10. The long sides of each of the panels 102a, 102b are aligned with the width direction of the needle detector 10. The short sides of each of the panels 102a, 102b are aligned with the up and down direction of the needle detector 10.

[0062] The eight frame pieces 103 include four frame pieces 103a that strengthen the four sides of the small panel 102a and four frame pieces 103b that strengthen the four sides of the large panel 102b. The two connecting frame pieces 104 face each other in the conveying direction of the needle detector 10 and connect the lower ends of the frame pieces 103a, 103b that strengthen the short sides of the two panels 102a, 102b to each other. The opening 105a formed by the frame pieces 103a, 103b that strengthen the lower sides of the long sides of the two panels 102a, 102b and the two connecting frame pieces 104 is blocked from above by the bottom panel 105.

[0063] The projection portion 110 is in a flat plate shape with a long side and a short side, and a projection surface 111 is formed on the surface. The projection surface 111 is the surface on which the product 11 slides when passing through. The projection portion 110 connects the upper long sides of the two panels 102a, 102b to each other. That is, the long side of the projection portion 110 is aligned with the width direction of the needle detector 10. The short side of the projection portion 110 is aligned with the conveying direction of the needle detector 10. Thus, the projection surface 111 is inclined along the conveying direction.

[0064] Each of the two short sides of the projection portion 110 has a guide piece 112 extending upward from the projection surface 111. Each of the two short sides of the projection portion 110 has a connecting piece 113 extending downward from the end portion. The first end 113a of each connecting piece 113 on the side close to the small panel 102a is connected to the upper end of each frame piece 103a that strengthens the short side of the small panel 102a via a rotating shaft portion 114. The second end 113b of each connecting piece 113 on the side close to the large panel 102b is connected to be able to approach and move away from the upper end of each frame piece 103b that strengthens the short side of the large panel 102b. Thus, as Figure 5As shown by the single-dot dash line, the projection unit 110 rotates about each rotation shaft portion 114 so as to approach and move away from the large panel 102b. That is, the projection unit 110 rotates about each first end 113a on the lower side of the projection surface 111 so that the tilt angle of the projection surface 111 changes.

[0065] When the projection unit 110 rotates in a manner approaching the large panel 102b, it is in a state where the tilt angle of the projection surface 111 is small. In this case, it becomes the closed state of the projection device 100 where the projection unit 110 and the large panel 102b are closed ( Figure 5 the solid line in). On the other hand, when the projection unit 110 rotates in a manner moving away from the large panel 102b, it is in a state where the tilt angle of the projection surface 111 is large. In this case, it becomes the open state of the projection device 100 where the projection unit 110 and the large panel 102b are open ( Figure 5 the single-dot dash line in). In the open state of the projection device 100, the opening between the projection unit 110 and the large panel 102b is sized such that the product 11 can be recovered into the interior of the projection device 100 through this opening.

[0066] The projection device 100 is arranged such that the large panel 102b is adjacent to the outlet 23b of the inspection area 23 of the needle detector 10. In this case, the height of the upper side of the projection surface 111 in the closed state of the projection device 100 is adjusted to be substantially the same as the height of the conveying surface 31 of the needle detector 10. The height of the projection device 100 is adjusted by four legs 106 extending from the lower side of the main body portion 101. Thus, the needle detector 10 and the projection device 100 form a conveying path through which the product 11 can pass through the projection surface 111 and be slidably conveyed when the projection device 100 is in the closed state. On the other hand, the needle detector 10 and the projection device 100 form a conveying path that cannot pass through the projection surface 111, that is, a conveying path for cutting off and recovering the product 11 into the interior of the projection device 100 when the projection device 100 is in the open state.

[0067] When the needle detector 10 is used in combination with the projection device 100, it has a photoelectric sensor 120. The photoelectric sensor 120 is a photoelectric sensor for the projection device provided corresponding to the projection device 100. The photoelectric sensor 120 has the same structure as the photoelectric sensor 61 and the like. The photoelectric sensor 120 detects the presence of the product 11 that starts to pass through the projection device 100 from this point.

[0068] <Control of the projection device> The controller 71 of the present embodiment instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 forward at a predetermined rotational speed regardless of whether it is determined that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11. That is, during the process of detecting the needle of the product 11, the controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 forward at a predetermined rotational speed.

[0069] On this basis, the controller 71 of the present embodiment determines whether to operate the RFID antenna 50 based on whether it is determined that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11. When it is not determined that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11, the controller 71 operates the RFID antenna 50. On the other hand, when it is determined that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11, the controller 71 does not operate the RFID antenna 50. In this case, the controller 71 continues to operate until the operating RFID antenna 50 stops.

[0070] The controller 71 of the present embodiment is electrically connected to the photoelectric sensor 120 and the projection device 100 via, for example, electric wires. The controller 71 controls the driving of the actuator AT provided inside the projection device 100. For example, the actuator AT is an actuator using a fluid such as air or an electric actuator such as a motor. The controller 71 controls the closed state and the open state of the projection device 100.

[0071] The controller 71 controls the closed state and the open state of the projection device 100 based on whether it is determined that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11. When it is not determined that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11, the controller 71 controls the projection device 100 to the closed state. Thus, the product 11 to be needle - detected passes through the projection device 100.

[0072] On the other hand, when it is determined that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11, the controller 71 controls the projection device 100 to the open state. When the projection device 100 is controlled to the open state, the controller 71 changes the control method according to the situation of other products 11. More specifically, when other products 11 that have been needle - detected are not being conveyed, the controller 71, triggered by the determination that an unwanted metal is mixed in the product 11 to be needle - detected, controls the projection device 100 to the open state. Thus, the product 11 to be needle - detected is recovered by the projection device 100. Then, when the controller 71 inputs a signal regarding the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, it controls the projection device 1000 to the closed state triggered by the elapse of the recovery time. For example, the recovery time can be set as long as it is considered that the product 11 has completed passing through the projection device 100.

[0073] While the controller 71 is conveying other products 11 that have passed the needle inspection and has not determined that unwanted metal is mixed in the other products 11 that have passed the needle inspection, setting the projection device 100 to the open state is the reservation state. The reservation state is the state of waiting for the controller 71 to control the projection device 100 to the open state after the other products 11 that have passed the needle inspection pass through the projection device 100. The reservation state is also the state in which the RFID antenna 50 is operating. After the RFID antenna 50 reads the ID signal of the other products 11 that have passed the needle inspection, when the controller 71 inputs a signal regarding the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, Based on the reservation state, the projection device 100 is controlled to the open state triggered by the elapse of the recovery time. Thus, the product 11 to be needle-inspected is recovered by the projection device 100. Then, when the controller 71 inputs a signal regarding the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, based on the reservation state, the projection device 100 is controlled to the closed state triggered by the elapse of the recovery time.

[0074] While the controller 71 is conveying other products 11 that have passed the needle inspection and has determined that unwanted metal is mixed in the other products 11 that have passed the needle inspection, setting the projection device 100 to the open state is the continuation state. The continuation state is the state in which the controller 71 maintains the projection device 100 in the open state after the other products 11 that have passed the needle inspection are recovered by the projection device 100. The continuation state is also the state in which the RFID antenna 50 is stopped. Then, when the controller 71 inputs a signal regarding the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, based on the continuation state, the projection device 100 is maintained in the open state. Thus, the product 11 to be needle-inspected is recovered by the projection device 100. Further, then, when the controller 71 inputs a signal regarding the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, based on the elapse of the recovery time, the projection device 1000 is controlled to the closed state.

[0075] <Operation mode of the projection device> Figure 6 Examples (a) and (b) in this case illustrate the situation of conveying the non-defective product 11A for which it has not been determined that unwanted metal is mixed in. The projection device 100 remains in the closed state. Thus, after the non-defective product 11A has been subjected to needle inspection and its ID signal has been further read by the RFID antenna 50, it passes through the projection device 100. That is, the projection device 100 classifies the non-defective product 11A as a non-defective product for which it has not been determined that unwanted metal is mixed in by allowing the non-defective product 11A to pass through.

[0076] Figure 7Examples (a) and (b) illustrate the case of conveying defective product 11B determined to be mixed with unwanted metal. The projection device 100 becomes open after the needle inspection of defective product 11B. Thus, although the defective product 11B is subjected to needle inspection, it is not read by the RFID antenna 50 for the ID signal and is recovered by the projection device 100. That is, the projection device 100 classifies it as a defective product determined to be mixed with unwanted metal by recovering the defective product 11B.

[0077] Figure 8 Examples (a) to (d) illustrate the case of conveying defective product 11B after conveying good product 11A. The projection device 100 remains closed. Thus, the previously conveyed good product 11A passes through the projection device 100 after being subjected to needle inspection and further read by the RFID antenna 50 for the ID signal. That is, the projection device 100 classifies it as a good product not determined to be mixed with unwanted metal by allowing the good product 11A to pass through. After the good product 11A passes through, the projection device 100 becomes open. Thus, the defective product 11B conveyed after the good product 11A is subjected to needle inspection, but is not read by the RFID antenna 50 for the ID signal and is recovered by the projection device 100. That is, the projection device 100 classifies it as a defective product determined to be mixed with unwanted metal by recovering the defective product 11B.

[0079] Figure 9 Examples (a) to (c) illustrate the case of conveying defective product 11B after conveying defective product 11B. The projection device 100 becomes open. Thus, the previously conveyed defective product 11B is subjected to needle inspection, but is not read by the RFID antenna 50 for the ID signal and is recovered by the projection device 100. That is, the projection device 100 classifies it as a defective product determined to be mixed with unwanted metal by recovering the defective product 11B.

[0080] After recovering the defective product 11B, the projection device 100 remains open. Thus, the defective product 11B conveyed after the defective product 11B is subjected to needle inspection, but is not read by the RFID antenna 50 for the ID signal and is recovered by the projection device 100. That is, the projection device 100 classifies it as a defective product determined to be mixed with unwanted metal by recovering the defective product 11B.

[0081] Figure 10 Examples (a) to (c) illustrate the case of conveying good product 11A after conveying defective product 11B. The projection device 100 becomes open. Thus, the previously conveyed defective product 11B is subjected to needle inspection, but is not read by the RFID antenna 50 for the ID signal and is recovered by the projection device 100. That is, the projection device 100 classifies it as a defective product determined to be mixed with unwanted metal by recovering the defective product 11B.

[0082] After the defective product 11B is recycled, the projection device 100 becomes in a closed state. Thus, the non-defective product 11A conveyed after the defective product 11B passes through the needle detector 10 and is further read by the RFID antenna 50 for its ID signal, and then passes through the projection device 100. That is, the projection device 100 classifies the non-defective product 11A as a non-defective product that is not judged to be mixed with unnecessary metals by allowing the non-defective product 11A to pass through.

[0083] <Effect of this embodiment> According to the fourth embodiment described above, the effects corresponding to the functions and (1-1)-(1-5) of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the following described effects can also be obtained.

[0084] (4-1) When the needle detector 10 is used in combination with the projection device 100, in addition to the process of performing the needle detection and other processes that can be performed using the RF tag 12, the process of classifying the non-defective products and defective products of the product 11 can also be performed. Therefore, various processes can be aggregated into one process and automated.

[0085] <Other embodiments> The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows. In addition, the following other embodiments can be combined with each other within a range where there is no technical contradiction.

[0086] · In the first embodiment described above, the photoelectric sensor 61 disposed on the upstream side in the forward direction among the two photoelectric sensors 61 and 62 may also have the function of the photoelectric sensor 62. For example, the RFID antenna 50 operates with the detection of the passage of the product 11 by the photoelectric sensor 61 as a trigger. In this case, the photoelectric sensor 62 can be deleted. That is, the needle detector 10 only needs to have one photoelectric sensor 60. In the case of the other embodiments described herein, for example, as Figure 11 shown, the RFID antenna 50 may also be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the downstream side in the forward direction. The other embodiments described herein can also be similarly applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0087] · In the first embodiment described above, the RFID antenna 50 may also be provided at a position in the area A3 where the distance from the detection head 40 is greater than the distance from the outlet 23b of the inspection area 23. The other embodiments described herein can also be similarly applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0088] · In the above-described second embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 62 disposed on the upstream side in the forward direction among the two photoelectric sensors 61 and 62 may also have the function of the photoelectric sensor 61. For example, the detection head 40 operates with the detection of the passage of the product 11 by the photoelectric sensor 62 as a trigger. In this case, the photoelectric sensor 61 can be deleted. That is, the needle detector 10 only needs to have one photoelectric sensor 60. In the case of other embodiments described herein, for example, as Figure 11 shown, the RFID antenna 50 may also be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the upstream side in the forward direction.

[0089] · In the above-described second embodiment, the RFID antenna 50 may also be disposed at a position in the region A1 where the distance from the detection head 40 is larger than the distance from the entrance 23a of the inspection region 23.

[0090] · In the above-described third embodiment, the first photoelectric sensor 63 disposed on the most upstream side in the forward direction among the two photoelectric sensors 61, 62 (63, 64) may also have the functions of the photoelectric sensor 61 and the second photoelectric sensor 64. For example, the detection head 40 operates with the detection of the passage of the product 11 by the photoelectric sensor 63 as a trigger. In addition, the second RFID antenna 54 operates with the detection of the passage of the product 11 by the photoelectric sensor 63 as a trigger. In this case, the photoelectric sensor 61 and the second photoelectric sensor 64 can be deleted. That is, the needle detector 10 only needs to have one photoelectric sensor 60. In the case of other embodiments described herein, for example, as Figure 11 shown, the first RFID antenna 53 may also be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the upstream side in the forward direction. In addition, the second RFID antenna 54 may also be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the downstream side in the forward direction.

[0091] · In the above-described third embodiment, the first RFID antenna 53 may also be disposed at a position in the region A1 where the distance from the detection head 40 is larger than the distance from the entrance 23a of the inspection region 23. In addition, the second RFID antenna 54 may also be disposed at a position in the region A3 where the distance from the detection head 40 is larger than the distance from the exit 23b of the inspection region 23.

[0092] · In the above-described fourth embodiment, even when the controller 71 does not determine that an unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11, but when it determines that the RF tag 12 is not detected, the controller 71 may control the projection device 100 to the open state. That is, the controller 71 may also be configured to control the projection device 100 to the open state in either the case where it is determined that an unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11 or the case where it is determined that the RF tag 12 is not detected.

[0093] · In the above-described fourth embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 120 may also be provided in the projection device 100. For example, the photoelectric sensor 120 may be provided as long as it is in front of the opening between the projection unit 110 and the large panel 102b, that is, on the side of the needle detector 10.

[0094] · In the above-described fourth embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 120 may also be deleted. That is, the needle detector 10 may not have the photoelectric sensor 120. In the case of other embodiments described herein, the controller 71 may also control the closed state and the open state of the projection device 100 based on the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 60.

[0095] · The projection device 100 of the above-described fourth embodiment may be replaced with a device having the same function as long as it can classify the non-defective products and defective products of the product 11. · In the above-described fourth embodiment, the specific structure of the projection device 100 may also be appropriately changed. For example, in the projection device 100, the bottom plate 105 may be removed, and the side surface in the width direction of the main body 101 may also be blocked by an opening / closing door.

[0096] · The projection device 100 of the above-described fourth embodiment can also be used in combination with the needle detectors 10 of the second and third embodiments. · In the above-described first to third embodiments, the photoelectric sensor 60 may also be deleted. That is, the needle detector 10 may not have the photoelectric sensor 60. In the case of other embodiments described herein, the detection head 40 and the RFID antennas 50 (53, 54) may, for example, also operate triggered by the start of the needle detector 10, and the needle detector 10 continues to operate during the start-up period. For example, in the case of the fourth embodiment, when it is determined that an unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11, the controller 71 only needs not to read or delete the ID signal of the product 11 to be detected by the needle.

[0097] · In the above-described first to third embodiments, when the controller 71 determines that an unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11, it may also stop the rotation of the conveyor belt 30. In this case, the controller 71 may also rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the return direction by the input of the operation input unit 22a.

[0098] · In the above-described embodiments, the RF tag 12 may, for example, also be replaced with a tag attached with a two-dimensional or three-dimensional code as individual information. In this case, the RFID antenna 50 only needs to be replaced with a reader capable of reading the two-dimensional or three-dimensional code.

[0099] · In the above-described embodiments, the detection head 40 may be provided as long as it is arranged to straddle the inspection area 23 in the width direction along a direction crossing the forward direction. · In each of the above-described embodiments, the RFID antenna 50 (53, 54) may also be provided independently of the device main body 20. In this case, the RFID antenna 50 (53, 54) only needs to be provided at a fixed position corresponding to the device main body 20 when using the needle detector 10. That is, the RFID antenna 50 (53, 54) only needs to be provided substantially integrally with the device main body 20.

[0100] · In each of the above-described embodiments, the association between the information obtained by needle detection and the product 11 may also be executed in a server 90 or a processing device connected to the processing device 70 via a network. In this case, the processing device 70 only needs to have a function of generating information obtained by needle detection and individual information determined according to the ID signal. The processing device connected to the processing device 70 via a network may be, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0101] · In each of the above-described embodiments, the RFID antenna 50 may also have a shielding member for suppressing the leakage of the radio wave transmitted by the radio wave transmitting unit 51 from the range of the internal space of the RFID antenna 50. · In each of the above-described embodiments, the RFID antenna 50 may also be provided integrally with the detection head 40. That is, the detection head 40 may also include the radio wave transmitting unit 51 and the information reading unit 52 constituting the RFID antenna 50.

[0102] · In each of the above-described embodiments, the needle detector 10 only needs to include at least one detection head 40. For example, it may also include two detection heads, a first detection head and a second detection head. In one example, the first detection head and the second detection head may be configured such that the RFID antenna 50 is located between them in the forward direction.

[0103] · In each of the above-described embodiments, the region A1 of the inspection region 23 may be defined, for example, as a region indicating that an unwanted metal may be mixed in the product 11 before the metal detection. In this case, for example, the regions A2 and A3 may be defined as regions indicating that an unwanted metal cannot be mixed in the product 11 after the metal detection. In the case of other embodiments described herein, the inspection region 23 only needs to include at least one "region indicating that an unwanted metal cannot be mixed in the product 11" and "region indicating that an unwanted metal may be mixed in the product 11". For example, the "region where the metal detection is performed" and the "region indicating that an unwanted metal may be mixed in the product 11" may also be regions that at least partially overlap. In the case of the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the "region indicating that an unwanted metal cannot be mixed in the product 11" may also be the region on the downstream side of the RFID antenna 50, that is, the region A3a. In the case of the second embodiment, the "region indicating that an unwanted metal may be mixed in the product 11" may also be the region on the upstream side of the RFID antenna 50, that is, the region A1a. Similarly to the third embodiment, these may also be the case where the "region indicating that an unwanted metal cannot be mixed in the product 11" may be the region A3a, and the "region indicating that an unwanted metal may be mixed in the product 11" may be the region A1a.

Claims

1. A needle detector configured to check whether unwanted metals are mixed in an object to be inspected, the needle detector comprising: A device main body having an inspection area for inspecting the object to be inspected; A conveyor belt configured to convey the object to be inspected at least in the forward direction so that the object to be inspected passes through the inspection area; At least one metal detection unit configured to detect the metal when the object to be inspected conveyed in the forward direction by the conveyor belt passes through; And At least one individual information detection unit configured to detect the individual information possessed by a label when the label conveyed together with the object to be inspected passes through, The individual information includes information related to the object to be inspected conveyed together, The individual information detection unit is provided at a position where the individual information possessed by the label passing through the inspection area can be detected.

2. The needle detector according to claim 1, wherein, The metal detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the inspection area and is provided to straddle the inspection area in a direction crossing the forward direction, The inspection area has a plurality of areas divided based on the metal detection unit, The plurality of areas include a first area, a second area, and a third area, The first area is the area on the upstream side in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit in the inspection area, The second area is the area where the metal detection unit is disposed in the inspection area, The third area is the area on the downstream side in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit in the inspection area, The individual information detection unit is provided at a position where the individual information possessed by the label passing through the third area can be detected.

3. The needle detector according to claim 2, wherein, The individual information detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the third area.

4. The needle detector according to claim 1, wherein, The metal detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the inspection area and is provided to straddle the inspection area in a direction crossing the forward direction, The inspection area has a plurality of areas divided based on the metal detection unit, The plurality of areas include a first area, a second area, and a third area, The first area is the area on the upstream side in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit in the inspection area, The second area is the area where the metal detection unit is disposed in the inspection area, The third area is the area on the downstream side in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit in the inspection area, The individual information detection unit is provided at a position where the individual information possessed by the label passing through the first area can be detected.

5. The needle detector according to claim 4, wherein, The individual information detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the first area.

6. The needle detector according to claim 1, wherein, The metal detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the inspection area and is provided to straddle the inspection area in a direction crossing the forward direction, The inspection area has a plurality of areas divided based on the metal detection unit, The plurality of areas include a first area, a second area, and a third area, The first area is the area on the upstream side in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit in the inspection area, The second region is the region in the inspection region where the metal detection unit is arranged. The third region is the region in the inspection region on the downstream side of the metal detection unit in the forward direction. The individual information detection unit includes a first individual information detection unit and a second individual information detection unit. The first individual information detection unit is arranged at a position where it can detect the individual information of the tag passing through the first region. The second individual information detection unit is arranged at a position where it can detect the individual information of the tag passing through the third region.

7. The needle detector according to claim 6, wherein, The first individual information detection unit is integrally arranged with the device main body in the first region. The second individual information detection unit is integrally arranged with the device main body in the third region.

8. The needle detector according to any one of claims 3, 5, and 7, wherein The individual information detection unit is arranged at a position where the distance from the metal detection unit is smaller than the distance from the entrance of the inspection region and the distance from the exit of the inspection region. The entrance of the inspection region is located at the uppermost upstream side in the forward direction in the inspection region. The exit of the inspection region is located at the lowermost downstream side in the forward direction in the inspection region.

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