Inspection device and inspection method

Abstract

An inspection device (1) inspects a fixed state of a first member (4) and a second member (6) in an object (2) including the first member (4) and the second member (6) that are fixed to each other. In the object (2), the front end of a first member (4) is fitted into a groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical second member (6), and the first member (4) and the second member (6) are fixed to each other. An inspection device (1) is provided with: a cone prism (16) having an opening (26) into which an object to be inspected (2) is inserted, and a mirror surface (28) which expands to the outside of the opening (26) and surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the object to be inspected (2) inserted into the opening (26); and a camera (18) that captures a mirror image of the groove and a mirror image of the tip section reflected by the mirror surface (28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to inspection devices and inspection methods. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for visually inspecting the fixed state of a metal can's body and lid. In the inspection method of Patent Document 1, a camera positioned on the side of the metal can is used to photograph the fixed part of the can body and lid, and the appearance is judged as good or bad based on the obtained image.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-121648 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In existing inspection methods, at least one of the camera and the metal can needs to be rotated to inspect the entire circumference of the fixed metal can. This rotation can easily cause positional or angular deviations between the camera and the metal can, potentially reducing inspection accuracy.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the following circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a technique for improving the inspection accuracy when performing visual inspection on two components in a fixed state.

[0009] Methods for solving technical problems

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure is an inspection apparatus for examining the fixed state of a first component and a second component in an object being inspected, which are fixed to each other. The object being inspected has a front end of the first component embedded in a groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical second component, and the first and second components are fixed to each other. The inspection apparatus includes: a conical prism having an opening into which the object being inspected is inserted, and a mirror surface extending outward from the opening and surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the object being inserted into the opening; and a camera for capturing images of the groove and the front end reflected in the mirror surface.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure is an inspection method for examining the fixed state of a test object comprising a first component and a second component fixed to each other. In the test object, the front end of the first component is embedded in a groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical second component, and the first and second components are fixed to each other. The inspection method includes inserting the test object into the opening of a conical prism and taking a photograph of the mirror image of the groove and the front end reflected in the mirror surface of the conical prism.

[0012] Any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, or any scheme that transforms the present disclosure into methods, apparatus, systems, etc., is still valid as a scheme of the present disclosure.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to this disclosure, the inspection accuracy can be improved when performing visual inspection on two components in a fixed state. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 (A) Figure 1 (B) Figure 1 (C) Figure 1 (D) Figure 1 of (E), Figure 1 of (F), Figure 1 (G) and Figure 1 (H) is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the object being inspected.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inspection device according to the implementation method.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a diagram illustrating an image taken by a camera.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inspection device in Modified Example 1.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a diagram illustrating an image taken by a camera.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the conical prism included in the inspection device of Modified Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings based on preferred embodiments. These embodiments are not intended to limit the present disclosure but are illustrative, and all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments do not necessarily represent the essential content of the present disclosure. For the same or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings, the same reference numerals are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the scales or shapes of the parts shown in the various drawings are set for ease of explanation and are not intended to be limiting unless specifically mentioned. Additionally, when terms such as "first" or "second" are used in this specification or claims, unless specifically mentioned, these terms do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from other configurations. Furthermore, in the various drawings, parts of less important components are omitted when describing the embodiments.

[0022] First, before describing the inspection device 1 of this embodiment, the inspected object 2, which is the object of inspection, will be described. Figure 1 (A) Figure 1 (B) Figure 1 (C) Figure 1 (D) Figure 1 of (E), Figure 1 of (F), Figure 1 (G) and Figure 1 (H) is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the test object 2. Figure 1 (A) Figure 1 (C) and Figure 1 (E) is a three-dimensional image of the tested object 2. Figure 1 (B) Figure 1 (D) Figure 1 (F) ~ Figure 1 (H) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the inspected object 2.

[0023] In this embodiment, a cylindrical battery is used as an example of the test object 2. The test object 2 includes a first component 4 and a second component 6 fixed to each other. In the case of the test object 2 being a cylindrical battery, the first component 4 is a can lid and the second component 6 is a can body. Therefore, the first component 4 is a flat, bottomed cylindrical shape, and the second component 6 is a longer, bottomed cylindrical shape than the first component 4. The second component 6 has an opening 8 at one end in the length direction. Furthermore, a groove 10 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second component 6. The groove 10 extends along the axial direction of the second component 6 near the opening 8. As an example, the groove 10 extends around the entire circumference of the second component 6. When the first component 4 and the second component 6 are arranged vertically, the groove 10 has a lower surface facing the first component 4 and an upper surface facing the lower surface at a predetermined interval. The upper surface is located closer to the first component 4 than the lower surface.

[0024] A wound electrode assembly (not shown) and an electrolyte (not shown) are housed inside the second component 6 via an opening 8. The electrode assembly consists of a strip-shaped positive electrode plate, a gasket, a negative electrode plate, and a gasket stacked and wound in this order. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 (A) and Figure 1 As shown in (B), the front end 12, or in other words, the open end, of the first component 4 faces the second component 6, and the first component 4 covers the opening 8. As an example, the front end 12 is annular and extends around the entire circumference of the first component 4. Next, as... Figure 1 (C) and Figure 1As shown in (D), the first component 4 is pressed against the second component 6, and the second component 6 enters the first component 4. The front end portion 12 of the first component 4 narrows. Therefore, the diameter of the front end portion 12 is smaller than the diameter of the portion of the groove 10 in the second component 6 closer to the opening 8. Therefore, when the second component 6 enters the first component 4, the front end portion 12 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the second component 6 and elastically deforms, opening outward.

[0025] When the first component 4 is further pressed towards the second component 6, as Figure 1 (E) and Figure 1 As shown in (F), the front end portion 12 reaches the groove 10. After the front end portion 12 reaches the groove 10, the force pressing the outer peripheral surface of the second component 6 against the front end portion 12 disappears. Therefore, the first component 4 returns to its original shape through its own elastic force. Thus, the front end portion 12 is embedded in the groove 10, and the first component 4 and the second component 6 are fixed to each other. As a result, the opening 8 is blocked by the first component 4, and the electrode body and electrolyte are sealed.

[0026] The front end portion 12 is in contact with the upper surface of the groove 10. Therefore, a gap G is formed between the lower end of the front end portion 12 and the lower surface of the groove 10. Figure 1 As shown in (G), with the first component 4 and the second component 6 properly fixed to each other, a gap G1 of a predetermined size is formed. On the other hand, as... Figure 1 As shown in (H), when the first component 4 and the second component 6 are not properly fixed to each other, a gap G2 of a different size than the gap G1 is formed. Therefore, if the size of the gap G can be determined over the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the object under inspection 2, the fixing state of the first component 4 and the second component 6 can be known.

[0027] Alternatively, the front end portion 12 may not be narrowed before the first component 4 is fixed to the second component 6. In this case, after the first component 4 is inserted into the second component 6 and the front end portion 12 reaches the groove 10, the front end portion 12 is bent by inserting it into the groove 10. That is, the front end portion 12 is riveted to the groove 10.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inspection device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 In the diagram, a portion of the inspection device 1 is drawn as a functional block. At least a portion of this functional block is implemented as hardware by components or circuits, such as a computer's CPU or memory, and as software by computer programs, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that this functional block can be implemented in various forms through a combination of hardware and software.

[0029] The inspection device 1 inspects the fixed state of the first component 4 and the second component 6 in the inspected object 2. The fixed state can also be referred to as the riveted state. The inspection device 1 of this embodiment includes a base 14, a conical prism 16, a camera 18, an illumination 20, a judgment unit 22, and a measuring unit 24. In this embodiment, as an example, the base 14, the conical prism 16, the illumination 20, and the camera 18 are arranged in the vertical direction. However, the arrangement direction of these components is not limited to the vertical direction.

[0030] The object 2 is placed on a base 14. A conical prism 16 is positioned above the base 14. The conical prism 16 is fixed to a bracket (not shown). The conical prism 16 is annular, having an opening 26 disposed in the center and a mirror surface 28 surrounding the opening 26. The object 2, placed on the base 14, is inserted into the opening 26. To allow the object 2 to be smoothly inserted into the opening 26, the diameter of the opening 26 is typically larger than the diameter of the object 2. The mirror surface 28 extends outward from the periphery of the opening 26. The mirror surface 28 is tilted such that it separates from the base 14 as it moves away from the opening 26, surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the object 2 inserted into the opening 26. The tilt angle of the mirror surface 28 is, for example, 45°. The object 2 and the conical prism 16 are positioned relative to each other by a gap G and by the horizontal overlap of the mirror surface 28.

[0031] A camera 18 is positioned above the conical prism 16. The camera 18 is sensitive at least in the wavelength range of light illuminated by the illumination 20, such as visible light. The camera 18 is fixed to a support, its orientation determined so that it faces the side of the conical prism 16 in the shooting direction. As an example, the camera 18 has a telecentric lens 30.

[0032] An illumination 20 is disposed between the cone prism 16 and the camera 18. As an example, the illumination 20 is constructed of a known flat dome illumination system, having a light source 32 and a window 34. The light source 32 is frame-shaped and has a light source such as an LED. The window 34 is made of translucent resin and is embedded in the frame of the light source 32. The light source 32 illuminates the window 34. The window 34 can direct the light illuminated from the light source 32 toward at least one of the object 2 and the cone prism 16. Thus, light can be directly or via the mirror 28 illuminating the object 2. The light reflected from the object 2 is reflected upwards through the mirror 28 and enters the camera 18 through the window 34. Therefore, the camera 18 can capture the image reflected in the mirror 28 through the illumination 20.

[0033] Figure 3This diagram illustrates an image (IMG) captured by camera 18. The IMG image captured by camera 18 includes a mirror image 10m of the lower surface of the groove 10 reflected in the mirror 28 and a mirror image 12m of the lower end of the front end portion 12. A ring-shaped mirror image M corresponding to the gap G is formed through the mirror image 10m of the groove 10 and the mirror image 12m of the front end portion 12. The inner periphery of the mirror image M is the mirror image 10m of the lower surface of the groove 10, and the outer periphery of the mirror image M is the mirror image 12m of the lower end of the front end portion 12.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, camera 18 sends an image IMG to determination unit 22. Determination unit 22 determines the fixing state of the first component 4 and the second component 6 based on the shapes of the mirror image 10m of the groove 10 and the mirror image 12m of the front end 12 in the image IMG—in other words, based on the shape of the mirror image M. For example, determination unit 22 pre-stores information related to the mirror image M formed in a state where the first component 4 and the second component 6 are correctly fixed to each other as reference information. Furthermore, determination unit 22 calculates the degree of deviation of the mirror image M in the acquired image IMG from the reference information. When the calculated deviation is below a predetermined threshold, determination unit 22 determines the fixing state of the first component 4 and the second component 6 as normal; when the deviation exceeds the threshold, it determines the fixing state as abnormal. This threshold can be appropriately set based on experiments or simulations conducted by the designer.

[0035] For example, as reference information, the determination unit 22 maintains the roughness value of the mirror image M obtained when it is in a normal fixed state, that is, the value of the interval between the mirror image 10m of the groove 10 and the mirror image 12m of the front end 12. The determination unit 22 compares the roughness of the mirror image M in the image IMG with the reference information. Furthermore, if the mirror image M has a portion where the difference in roughness exceeds a threshold, the fixed state is determined to be abnormal. The roughness of the mirror image M can be a value based on the size of the pixels in the image IMG, or it can be a value based on the actual size obtained by multiplying the size of the pixels by the optical resolution [μm] of each pixel when the manufacturing value of the inner diameter of the conical prism 16 is used as a reference. In addition, the reference information can also be shape-related information other than the roughness of the mirror image M.

[0036] As an example, when a fixed state is determined to be abnormal, the determination unit 22 reports the determination result to the user of the inspection device 1 using a known reporting method. The reporting method is not particularly limited; known methods such as issuing a report sound or illuminating a report light can be used. The determination unit 22 may also display the determination result on a monitor (not shown). Alternatively, it may display the image IMG itself to the user. In this case, the user can determine whether the fixed state is normal or abnormal by checking the displayed image IMG. If the image IMG itself is used for the user, the determination unit 22 may be omitted.

[0037] The measuring unit 24 measures the position of the test object 2 relative to the conical prism 16 in the insertion direction toward the opening 26. As an example, the measuring unit 24 includes a reflecting mirror 36 and a laser displacement sensor 38. Viewed from the arrangement direction of the test object 2 and the camera 18, the reflecting mirror 36 is configured to overlap with the test object 2. The laser displacement sensor 38 is offset in a direction intersecting this arrangement direction. The laser displacement sensor 38 is a sensor of a triangulation system or an optical confocal system; by irradiating the test object 2 with a laser L and receiving the laser L reflected from the test object 2, the position of the test object 2 can be measured.

[0038] A reflecting mirror 36 exists between the laser shift sensor 38 and the object 2, allowing the laser shift sensor 38 to be moved out of the camera 18's field of view. This prevents the laser shift sensor 38 from interfering with inspection in a fixed state. Furthermore, by positioning the reflecting mirror 36 directly above the object 2, it avoids the reflecting mirror 36 overlapping with the mirror surface 28 when viewed from the camera 18. Therefore, the reflecting mirror 36 can be prevented from interfering with inspection in a fixed state.

[0039] When the position of the object under inspection 2 relative to the conical prism 16 changes, the position of the gap G relative to the mirror surface 28 also changes. When the position of the gap G relative to the mirror surface 28 changes, the size of the mirror image M also changes. When determining the stationary state based on the shape of the mirror image M, it is easier to improve inspection accuracy if the size of the mirror image M remains constant.

[0040] Therefore, the inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment measures the position of the object under inspection 2 relative to the conical prism 16 by the measuring unit 24. The measuring unit 24 sends the measurement result to the adjustment unit 40. As an example, the adjustment unit 40 has a drive mechanism that combines a known electric motor or the like, which can move the base 14 forward and backward relative to the conical prism 16. The adjustment unit 40 moves the base 14 according to the measurement result of the measuring unit 24. For example, the adjustment unit 40 holds information related to the reference position of the base 14 in advance and moves the base 14 to the reference position. As a result, the size of the mirror image M in the image IMG can be set to a constant, which can improve the inspection accuracy in a fixed state.

[0041] Alternatively, the measuring unit 24 may display the measurement results on a monitor (not shown) to indicate the measurement results to the user. In this case, the user can manually adjust the position of the test object 2 while confirming the indicated measurement results. In this case, the adjustment unit 40 may also be omitted.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, the conical prism 16 of this embodiment has a low-reflection surface 42 at the periphery of the opening 26, or in other words, at the inner periphery of the conical prism 16. The low-reflection surface 42 has a lower light reflectivity than the outer peripheral surface of the object under inspection 2 and the mirror surface 28. The low-reflection surface 42 can be formed by performing a known low-reflection treatment on the inner periphery of the conical prism 16. Examples of low-reflection treatments include coating with ultra-low-reflection materials such as carbon black, covering with an AR coating, i.e., an anti-reflection film, or low-reflection processing such as wrinkling.

[0043] At the inner periphery of the conical prism 16, there is diffraction or scattering of light from the illumination 20 (see reference). Figure 6 The diffracted or scattered light reflected from the outer peripheral surface of the object 2 becomes stray light. When this stray light is reflected by mirror 28 and enters the camera 18, the outline of the mirror image M may become indistinct. To address this, by providing a low-reflectivity surface 42, the occurrence of diffracted and scattered light, or the reflection of stray light to the camera 18, can be suppressed. As a result, the inspection accuracy in a stationary state can be improved.

[0044] As explained above, in this embodiment, the inspection device 1 surrounds the entire circumference of the outer side of the object under inspection 2 with a conical prism 16, and uses a camera 18 to capture the mirror image 10m of the groove 10 and the mirror image 12m of the front end 12 reflected in the mirror surface 28. Therefore, the fixed state of the first component 4 and the second component 6 throughout the entire circumference of the object under inspection can be inspected without rotating the camera 18 and the object under inspection relative to each other. Thus, the inspection accuracy when performing visual inspection on the fixed state can be improved.

[0045] Furthermore, the determination unit 22 determines the fixed state, thereby further improving inspection accuracy. Additionally, the time required for fixed-state inspection can be shortened. Furthermore, the measuring unit 24 measures the height position of the object 2 relative to the conical prism 16, thereby further improving inspection accuracy. Furthermore, the conical prism 16 has a low-reflection surface 42, thereby further improving inspection accuracy.

[0046] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above. The foregoing embodiments are merely specific examples of implementing this disclosure. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of this disclosure; various design changes, such as alterations, additions, and deletions of constituent elements, are possible without departing from the inventive concept defined in the claims. New embodiments with design changes combine the effects of both combined and modified embodiments. In the foregoing embodiments, the phrases "in this embodiment" and "in this embodiment" are used to emphasize the possibility of such design changes; however, design changes are permitted even without such expressions. Furthermore, any combination of constituent elements included in each embodiment is valid as a solution of this disclosure. The shading lines in the cross-sectional annotations of the drawings do not limit the material of the objects to which the shading lines are drawn.

[0047] (Variation Example 1)

[0048] In one embodiment, the measuring unit 24 measures the height position of the object under test 2, and by adjusting this height position, the size of the mirror image M is set to a constant. On the other hand, in this modified example, the size of the mirror image M is calculated, adjusted, and set to a constant. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inspection device 1 in Modified Example 1. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the image IMG taken by camera 18.

[0049] That is, the inspection device 1 of this modified example includes a correction unit 44. The correction unit 44 uses the real image 2r of the object under inspection 2 and the real image 26r of the opening 26 reflected in the image IMG as a reference to correct the size of the mirror image 10m of the groove 10 and the mirror image 12m of the front end portion 12 in the image IMG; in other words, the size of the mirror image M. The real image 2r of the object under inspection 2 is a real image of the outer periphery of the object under inspection 2, and the real image 26r of the opening 26 is a real image of the periphery of the opening 26. The size of these real images is logically fixed and does not depend on the position of the object under inspection 2 relative to the cone prism 16. Therefore, by digitally correcting the size of the mirror image based on these real images, the positional deviation of the object under inspection 2 relative to the cone prism 16 can be eliminated.

[0050] The calibration unit 44 sends the calibrated information related to the mirror image to the determination unit 22. Based on the received information, the determination unit 22 determines the fixation state of the first component 4 and the second component 6. This improves the accuracy of the fixation state inspection.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, in the image IMG, the real image 16r of the outer periphery of the cone prism 16, the mirror image 2m of the outer periphery of the object 2, the mirror image 12m of the front end 12, the mirror image 10m of the groove 10, the real image 26r of the inner periphery of the cone prism 16, i.e., the periphery of the opening 26, and the real image 2r of the outer periphery of the object 2 are arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside. The mirror image M is formed by the mirror image 12m of the front end 12 and the mirror image 10m of the groove 10.

[0052] As an example, the correction unit 44 measures the size of the real image 26r of the periphery of the opening 26 in the image IMG, i.e., the inner diameter of the cone prism 16 (step S1). Furthermore, it measures the size of the real image 2r of the object 2, i.e., the outer diameter of the object 2 (step S2). When measuring the inner or outer diameter, the outline of the object is determined using a known edge detection method. The same applies to the dimensional measurements of the parts described below. Next, the correction unit 44 divides the inner diameter of the cone prism 16 measured in step S1 by the manufacturing value of the inner diameter of the cone prism 16, i.e., the actual inner diameter of the cone prism 16, to calculate the optical correction rate (step S3). The optical correction rate is a correction rate used to account for the effects of optical aberrations that may occur in the cone prism 16 or the camera 18. Furthermore, the correction unit 44 multiplies the outer diameter of the object 2 calculated in step S2 by the optical correction rate to calculate the optically corrected outer diameter of the object 2 (step S4).

[0053] Furthermore, the calibration unit 44 measures the size of the mirror image 2m of the test object 2 (step S5). Then, based on the optically calibrated outer diameter of the test object 2 calculated in step S4 and the size of the mirror image 2m measured in step S5, the outer diameter of the test object 2 when the inner diameter of the conical prism 16 is used as a reference is calculated, which is the calibration value used to obtain the actual outer diameter of the test object 2 (step S6). Specifically, when the optically calibrated outer diameter of the test object 2 calculated in step S4 is set as S4, the size of the mirror image 2m measured in step S5 is set as S5, and the calibration value used to obtain the actual outer diameter of the test object 2 is set as m, and the tilt angle of the mirror surface 28 is 45°, the calibration value m is calculated according to formula (1): m=(S5 / S4) / 2√2.

[0054] Next, the correction unit 44 calculates the offset of the position of the test object 2 relative to the conical prism 16 based on the tilt angle of the mirror 28, using the correction value for obtaining the actual outer diameter of the test object 2 calculated in step S6, and the size of the mirror image 2m of the test object 2 measured in step S5 (step S7). For example, when the tilt angle of the mirror 28 is 45°, if the position of the test object 2 relative to the conical prism 16 changes by 1 mm, the offset can be calculated based on the change of 2×√2 mm in the mirror image 2m of the test object 2. Specifically, when the offset is set as X, and the tilt angle of the mirror 28 is 45°, the offset X is calculated according to equation (2): X[mm] = 1 - {(S5 - S4) / (2√2×m)}. S4, S5, and m in equation (2) are the same as in equation (1).

[0055] Subsequently, the correction unit 44 calculates the size of the mirror image 12m of the front end 12, and corrects the size of the mirror image 12m with the portion corresponding to the offset calculated in step S7 (step S8). Specifically, when the calculated size of the mirror image 12m is set as P and the corrected size of the mirror image 12m is set as Q, and the tilt angle of the mirror surface 28 is 45°, the corrected size Q of the mirror image 12m is calculated according to equation (3): Q = X × 2√2 × m × P. The m and X in equation (3) are the same as in equation (1) or equation (2).

[0056] Furthermore, the size of the mirror image 10m of slot 10 is calculated, and the size of the mirror image 10m is corrected using the portion corresponding to the offset calculated in step S7 (step S9). Specifically, when the calculated size of the mirror image 10m is set as R and the corrected size of the mirror image 10m is set as T, and the tilt angle of the mirror surface 28 is 45°, the corrected size of the mirror image 10m T is calculated according to equation (4): T = X × 2√2 × m × R. The m and X in equation (4) are the same as in equation (1) or equation (2).

[0057] Therefore, regardless of the position of the object 2 relative to the cone prism 16, a mirror image M of a fixed size can be obtained. Furthermore, according to this modified example, temperature-dependent errors that may occur in optical systems such as the cone prism 16 or camera 18 can be eliminated. The width of the mirror image M can be calculated by dividing the absolute value of the difference between the size of the corrected mirror image 12m and the size of the corrected mirror image 10m by 2.

[0058] By using the real image 2r of the object 2 and the real image 26r of the opening 26 reflected in the image IMG as a reference, and correcting the size of the mirror image in the image IMG, it is expected that the outer periphery of the object 2 or the periphery of the opening 26 in the image IMG can be extracted with high precision. Therefore, the inspection apparatus 1 of this modified example includes a low-reflection component 46. The low-reflection component 46 has a lower light reflectivity than the outer peripheral surface of the object 2 and the mirror surface 28. The low-reflection component 46 can be made of a material such as resin with a lower light reflectivity than the object 2 or the mirror surface 28, or a low-reflection material can be coated on any material surface.

[0059] Furthermore, viewed from the arrangement direction of the object 2 and the camera 18, the low-reflectivity component 46 is arranged to overlap with the gap between the object 2 and the opening 26. Therefore, in the image IMG, a real image 46r of the low-reflectivity component 46 is projected between the real image 2r of the object 2 and the real image 26r of the opening 26. The grayscale of the pixel corresponding to the real image 46r is lower than the grayscale of the pixels corresponding to the real images 2r and 26r. As a result, the outlines of the real images 2r and 26r become clear, allowing for high-precision measurement of the outer diameter of the object 2 or the inner diameter of the conical prism 16. Therefore, the inspection accuracy in a fixed state can be improved. Furthermore, a combination of image correction based on the physical position adjustment of the object 2 and calculation-based image correction can be used.

[0060] (Variation Example 2)

[0061] In one embodiment, by providing a low-reflectivity surface 42 at the periphery of the opening 26, the problem of indistinct outlines of the mirror image M due to diffracted or scattered light is suppressed. On the other hand, in this modified example, a planar portion is provided at the periphery of the opening 26, thereby solving this technical problem. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the conical prism 16 provided in the inspection device 1 of Modified Example 2.

[0062] In this modified example of the conical prism 16, the opening 26 is cylindrical, and a flat portion 48 is provided on the inner side of the opening 26. The flat portion 48 extends from the periphery or upper end of the opening 26 along the outer peripheral surface of the object 2 being inspected. Furthermore, as in... Figure 6 As shown by the dashed line, the planar portion 48 can also be tilted so that it separates from the outer peripheral surface of the object 2 as it moves away from the camera 18. Even if stray light SL is generated by the diffraction or scattering of the light VL from the illumination 20 at the inner peripheral edge of the conical prism 16, the planar portion 48 can suppress the stray light SL from advancing toward the camera 18. As a result, the inspection accuracy in a stationary state can be improved. Furthermore, the low-reflectivity surface 42 and the planar portion 48 can also be combined.

[0063] (Other variations)

[0064] The camera 18 may also have a lens other than the telecentric lens 30. The illumination 20 may also be illumination other than a flat dome illumination such as dome illumination or strip illumination.

[0065] The implementation method can also be determined by the items described below.

[0066] [Project 1]

[0067] An inspection device (1) is used to inspect the fixed state of a first component (4) and a second component (6) in an object under inspection (2) which includes a first component (4) and a second component (6) fixed to each other.

[0068] The inspected object (2) is formed by embedding the front end (12) of the first component (4) into a groove (10) on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical second component (6), thereby fixing the first component (4) and the second component (6) together.

[0069] The inspection device (1) includes: a conical prism (16) having an opening (26) into which an object (2) is inserted, and a mirror (28) extending outward from the opening (26) to surround the outer peripheral surface of the object (2) inserted into the opening (26), and

[0070] The camera (18) captures the mirror image (10m) of the groove (10) reflected in the mirror (28) and the mirror image (12m) of the front end (12).

[0071] [Second Project]

[0072] According to the inspection device (1) described in the first item.

[0073] It includes a determination unit (22), which determines the fixed state of the first component (4) and the second component (6) based on the shape of the mirror image (10m) of the groove (10) and the mirror image (12m) of the front end (12).

[0074] [Third Project]

[0075] The inspection device (1) described in the first or second item.

[0076] It includes a measuring unit (24) that measures the position of the test object (2) relative to the cone prism (16) in the insertion direction of the opening (26) of the test object (2).

[0077] [Item Four]

[0078] According to the inspection device (1) described in the third item.

[0079] The measuring unit (24) includes: a reflecting mirror (36) configured to overlap with the object (2) for observation from the arrangement direction of the object (2) and the camera (18); and a laser displacement sensor (38) configured to be offset in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction.

[0080] [Item 5]

[0081] The inspection device (1) is described according to any one of the first to fourth items.

[0082] It includes a correction unit (44), which uses the real image (2r) of the object under inspection (2) and the real image (26r) of the opening (26) in the image (IMG) captured by the camera (18) as a reference to correct the size of the mirror image (10m) of the groove (10) and the mirror image (12m) of the front end (12) in the image (IMG).

[0083] [Item Six]

[0084] According to the inspection device (1) described in item 5.

[0085] It includes a low-reflectivity component (46) which has a lower light reflectivity than the outer peripheral surface and mirror surface (28) of the object under inspection (2) and is configured to overlap with the gap between the object under inspection (2) and the opening (26) when viewed from the arrangement direction of the object under inspection (2) and the camera (18).

[0086] [Item 7]

[0087] The inspection device (1) is described according to any one of the first to sixth items.

[0088] The cone prism (16) has a flat portion (48) that extends from the periphery of the opening (26) along the outer peripheral surface of the object (2) or tilts as it moves away from the camera (18) and separates from the outer peripheral surface of the object (2).

[0089] [Item 8]

[0090] The inspection device (1) is described according to any one of the first to seventh items.

[0091] The cone prism (16) has a low reflectance surface (42) at the periphery of the opening (26), which has a lower light reflectance than the outer peripheral surface and mirror surface (28) of the object under inspection (2).

[0092] [Item 9]

[0093] An inspection method is a method for inspecting the fixed state of a test object (2) comprising a first component (4) and a second component (6) fixed to each other.

[0094] The inspected object (2) is formed by embedding the front end (12) of the first component (4) into a groove (10) on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical second component (6), thereby fixing the first component (4) and the second component (6) together.

[0095] The inspection method includes: inserting the object to be inspected (2) into the opening (26) of the cone prism (16) and taking pictures (18) of the image (10m) of the groove (10) and the image (12m) of the front end (12) reflected in the mirror (28) of the cone prism (16).

[0096] Industrial availability

[0097] This disclosure can be used in inspection apparatus and inspection methods.

[0098] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0099] 1 Inspection device, 2 Inspection object, 4 First component, 6 Second component, 8 Opening, 10 Groove, 12 Front end, 16 Conical prism, 18 Camera, 22 Judgment unit, 24 Measurement unit, 26 Opening, 28 Mirror, 36 Reflecting mirror, 38 Laser displacement sensor, 42 Low-reflection surface, 44 Correction unit, 46 Low-reflection component, 48 Planar part.

Claims

1. An inspection apparatus for inspecting the fixed state of a first component and a second component in an object to be inspected, which include a first component and a second component fixed to each other. The object under inspection is formed by embedding the front end of the first component into a groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical second component, thereby fixing the first component and the second component together. The inspection device includes: A conical prism has an opening into which the object to be examined is inserted, and a mirror surface that extends outward from the opening and surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the object to be examined inserted into the opening. as well as A camera captures the image of the groove and the front end reflected in the mirror.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, It includes a determination unit that determines the fixed state of the first component and the second component based on the shape of the mirror image of the groove and the mirror image of the front end.

3. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, It includes a measuring unit that measures the position of the test object relative to the conical prism in the insertion direction toward the opening of the test object.

4. The inspection device according to claim 3, The measuring unit includes: a reflecting mirror configured to observe from the alignment direction of the object under test and the camera, and to overlap with the object under test; and a laser displacement sensor configured offset in a direction intersecting the alignment direction.

5. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, It includes a correction unit that uses the real image of the object under inspection and the real image of the opening in the image captured by the camera as a reference to correct the size of the mirror image of the groove and the mirror image of the front end in the image.

6. The inspection device according to claim 5, It also includes a low-reflectivity component, which is configured to have a lower light reflectivity than the outer peripheral surface of the object under inspection and the mirror surface, and overlaps with the gap between the object under inspection and the opening when viewed from the alignment direction of the object under inspection and the camera.

7. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, The conical prism has a flat portion that extends from the periphery of the opening along the outer peripheral surface of the object being inspected, or is tilted such that it moves away from the outer peripheral surface of the object as it moves away from the camera.

8. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, The conical prism has a low-reflectivity surface at the periphery of the opening, which has a lower light reflectivity than the outer peripheral surface of the object being inspected and the mirror surface.

9. An inspection method for inspecting the fixation state of a first component and a second component in an object under inspection, which include a first component and a second component fixed to each other. The object under inspection is formed by embedding the front end of the first component into a groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical second component, thereby fixing the first component and the second component to each other. The inspection method includes: The object to be inspected is inserted into the opening of the conical prism, and a camera is used to photograph the mirror image of the groove and the front end reflected in the mirror surface of the conical prism.

Images