Inspection device

Abstract

Provided is an inspection device. The inspection device is used to inspect a container having a lid portion and a transparent circular convex portion that protrudes radially outward from the lid portion. The inspection device has at least one air blower configured at a fixed position to blow gas toward the convex portion of a container in conveyance in a direction intersecting a conveyance path of the container, as viewed from above the conveyance path. The inspection device has at least one imaging portion that images the container in conveyance from above the lid portion, and a determination portion that determines an image captured by the imaging portion. The determination portion determines whether a region of the convex portion in the image that is blown by the air blower has a defect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] With the bottle cap attached to the body of the plastic bottle (unopened), the support ring supporting the bottle cap is located directly below the bottle cap. The support ring has a diameter larger than the diameter of the bottle cap and protrudes outward from the rest of the plastic bottle body and the bottle cap.

[0003] After attaching the bottle cap to the plastic bottle body, the outer surface of the entire plastic bottle (bottle body, support ring, and bottle cap) is cleaned, and then a visual inspection is performed. The inspection includes an optical inspection to check the support ring for any scratches.

[0004] When optically inspecting for scratches on a support ring while water droplets used for cleaning are attached to it, the water droplets may be mistaken for scratches due to the reflected light caused by the water droplets.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a water droplet removal device. This device has three air nozzles that blow away water droplets surrounding the object being inspected. By inspecting the object after the water droplets have been blown away, it attempts to prevent the water droplets from being mistaken for scratches.

[0006] Patent document 2 discloses an inspection device for bottle / cap assemblies. This inspection device includes a camera and a nozzle mounted on the camera. In this device, while the camera is filming a bottle / cap assembly stopped on a conveyor belt from an obliquely upward position, the camera and nozzle are rotated around the bottle / cap assembly. This attempts to film a bottle / cap assembly after water droplets have been removed.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-187374

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-008637

[0009] Conventional devices for removing water droplets have large and complex configurations of air nozzles, as illustrated in Patent Document 1, or a very large number of air nozzles, in order to remove as many water droplets as possible. In either case, the device is very complex in construction.

[0010] In the inspection device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the inspection takes time because the bottle / cap assembly stops on the conveyor belt. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an inspection device that has a simple structure and can quickly detect damage to containers in transit without mistaking water droplets for damage.

[0012] One aspect of this disclosure provides an inspection apparatus for inspecting a container having a lid and a transparent, circular protrusion extending radially outward from the lid. The apparatus includes at least one blower positioned in a fixed location that, when viewed from above a transport path carrying the container, blows gas toward the protrusion of the container in transport along a direction intersecting the transport path. The apparatus comprises: at least one imaging unit that captures an image of the container in transport from above the lid; and a determination unit that determines the image captured by the imaging unit. The determination unit determines whether there are scratches in the area of ​​the protrusion in the image where the gas was blown by the blower.

[0013] In this disclosed solution, a blower blows gas toward a protrusion of a container being transported, removing water droplets from a region of the protrusion. A determination unit determines whether there are scratches in the area of ​​the protrusion in an image of the container where the gas blown by the blower has removed the water droplets. Therefore, the inspection device can detect scratches on the container being transported without mistaking water droplets for scratches. The blower blows gas toward the protrusion of the container being transported in a direction intersecting the transport path, and the imaging unit takes a picture of the container being transported from above the cover; therefore, it is not necessary to stop the container transport. Thus, scratches on the container being transported can be detected quickly. The blower is configured to be fixed in a fixed position and blow gas toward the protrusion in a direction intersecting the transport path; therefore, a large and complex configuration is not required, and a large number of blowers are not needed. Therefore, the inspection device has a simple structure.

[0014] The inspection device according to this disclosure has a simple structure and can quickly detect damage to containers in transit without mistaking water droplets for damage. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view showing an example of a container being inspected by the inspection apparatus of an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the container.

[0017] Figure 3 It means shooting from directly above. Figure 1 An example of an image obtained from a container.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the inspection device.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a top view of the container being blown by the first blower in the inspection device.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a top view of the container being blown by the second blower in the inspection device.

[0022] Figure 8 A perspective view of a light irradiation device in an inspection apparatus that directs light onto the protrusion of a container.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a first image captured by the first imaging unit of the inspection device.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a second image captured by the second imaging unit of the inspection device.

[0025] Figure 11 This is an example of an image obtained by taking a picture of a container taken directly above, showing that the water droplets have been completely removed.

[0026] Figure 12 This is an example of a first image showing a case where a light bulb is used as the first imaging unit.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 10: Plastic bottle (container); 11: Bottle body; 12: Screw cap (lid); 14: Support ring (protrusion); 14a: Upper surface; 14b: Lower surface; 14c: Peripheral surface; 20: Scratches; 22: Water droplets; 24: Bubbles; 30: Conveyor belt (conveying path); 40: Inspection device; 41: First blower; 42: First imaging unit; 43: First light irradiation device; 44: First sensor; 47: First inspection group; 51: Second blower; 52: Second imaging unit; 53: Second light irradiation device; 54: Second sensor; 57: Second inspection group; 61, 62: Guide rails; 64: Cover; 65: Control device (judgment unit); 71: First area; 72: Second area; 80: Rod-shaped light irradiation device; 80a: Line light source; 80b: Condensing lens; R1: First area; R2: Second area. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The scale of the drawings is not necessarily accurate, and some features may be exaggerated or omitted.

[0030] Figure 1A plastic bottle 10 is shown as an example of a container being inspected by an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The plastic bottle 10 has a bottle body 11 formed of a transparent material and a screw cap (lid) 12.

[0031] Liquid 13 is stored in the bottle body 11. However, gas or powder may be stored instead of liquid 13.

[0032] The screw cap 12 is installed on the upper end of the bottle body 11 to seal the inside of the bottle body 11.

[0033] A support ring 14 is formed on the upper part of the bottle body 11. The support ring 14 is a circular protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the screw cap 12.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the support ring 14 has an upper surface 14a, a lower surface 14b, and a circumferential surface 14c.

[0035] During the manufacturing process of the bottle body 11, the process of injecting the contents into the bottle body 11 or attaching the screw cap 12 to the bottle body 11 may cause a scratch 20 at a certain part of the support ring 14.

[0036] On the other hand, after the screw cap 12 is attached to the bottle body 11, the outer surface of the plastic bottle 10 is cleaned and then subjected to a visual inspection. The inspection includes an optical inspection to check for scratches 20 on the support ring 14.

[0037] As a result of cleaning, water droplets 22 adhere to the support ring 14. When optical inspection of the scratches 20 on the support ring 14 is performed with the water droplets 22 attached, the water droplets 22 may be mistaken for scratches 20 due to reflected light caused by the water droplets 22. The water droplets 22 can adhere to any one of the upper surface 14a, lower surface 14b, or circumferential surface 14c of the support ring 14. The water droplets 22 have an approximately ellipsoidal shape due to surface tension, but the size of the water droplets 22 varies.

[0038] Figure 3 An example of an image obtained by photographing a plastic bottle 10 from directly above is shown. The image was obtained by shining light toward the support ring 14 in a dark chamber and taking the picture. Although the light converges toward the support ring 14, some of the light is reflected and scattered, reaching both the screw cap 12 and other parts of the bottle body 11.

[0039] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the outermost circular white line corresponds to the rim of the bottle body 11. The innermost circular white line corresponds to the circumference 14c of the support ring 14. The central white circle corresponds to the screw cap 12.

[0040] Figure 3 As shown, a scratch 20 exists on the support ring 14, and water droplets 22 are attached to it. However, the size of the water droplets 22 varies, and it is extremely difficult or impossible to optically distinguish the scratch 20 from the water droplets 22 which have a similar size to the scratch 20.

[0041] The inspection device disclosed herein has a simple configuration and can quickly detect scratches 20 on the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10 during transport without mistaking water droplets 22 for scratches 20.

[0042] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The inspection device 40 of this disclosure is shown. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view (horizontal section view) of the inspection device 40. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 V-V line sectional view.

[0043] The inspection device 40 is positioned near the conveyor belt 30, which serves as the conveyor path for transporting a large number of plastic bottles 10. The plastic bottles 10 are continuously conveyed in an upright position at intervals. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the diagram, arrow TD indicates the conveying direction of plastic bottle 10. The conveying direction TD is horizontal.

[0044] The inspection device 40 includes a first blower 41; a first imaging unit 42; a first light irradiation device 43; a first sensor 44; a second blower 51; a second imaging unit 52; a second light irradiation device 53; a second sensor 54; a control device 65; guide rails 61 and 62; and a cover 64.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, guide rails 61 and 62 are respectively disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt 30. Guide rails 61 and 62 extend along the conveying direction TD. Guide rails 61 and 62 support the plastic bottles 10 so that the plastic bottles 10 on the conveyor belt 30 will not tip over during conveying.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, guide rail 61 extends horizontally, and guide rail 62 extends horizontally at the same height as guide rail 61. The heights of guide rails 61 and 62 are located between the height of the center of gravity of the plastic bottle 10 and the height of the support ring 14. The center of gravity of the plastic bottle 10 refers to the center of gravity of the plastic bottle 10 containing its contents.

[0047] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the area relative to the conveyor belt 30 is the side of the guide rail 61 ( Figure 4 The area to the left of the conveyor belt 30 is referred to as the first area 71. The area relative to the conveyor belt 30 on the side of the guide rail 62 ( Figure 4The area to the right of conveyor belt 30 is called the second area 72.

[0048] The first blower 41 is located in the first area 71. Figure 4 In the middle, the first blower 41 releases gas to the right.

[0049] The second blower 51 is located in the second area 72. The second blower 51 is positioned downstream of the first blower 41 in the conveying direction TD of the plastic bottle 10. Figure 4 In the middle, the second blower 51 releases gas to the left.

[0050] The first blower 41 and the second blower 51 operate continuously and continuously release gas. The gas released from the first blower 41 and the second blower 51 can be air.

[0051] As each plastic bottle 10 passes near the first blower 41, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first blower 41 blows airflow F1 toward the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10. Furthermore, as each plastic bottle 10 passes near the second blower 51, as... Figure 7 As shown, the second blower 51 blows airflow F2 toward the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10. In this way, when viewed from above the conveyor belt 30, the first blower 41 and the second blower 51 blow gas toward the support ring 14 of the conveying plastic bottle 10 in a direction intersecting with the conveyor belt 30.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, the airflow F1 from the first blower 41 removes water droplets 22 from the range 14D on the side of the first blower 41 of the support ring 14. The range 14D has an angle α.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, the airflow F2 from the second blower 51 removes water droplets 22 from the range 14E on the side of the second blower 51 of the support ring 14. The range 14E also has an angle α.

[0054] Preferably, the flow rate and velocity of the gas from the first blower 41 and the second blower 51 are set to remove water droplets 22 from a wider range than half a circumference of the support ring 14. That is, preferably, the angle α of the ranges 14D and 14E is greater than 180°.

[0055] Furthermore, preferably, the flow rate and volume of the gas from the first blower 41 and the second blower 51 are set so as not to disturb the position and orientation of the plastic bottle 10 on the conveyor belt 30.

[0056] However, guide rails 61 and 62 located on both sides of the conveyor belt 30 prevent the plastic bottle 10 from tipping over. Therefore, even if the flow rate and volume of gas from the first blower 41 and the second blower 51 become too high for some reason, the plastic bottle 10 on the conveyor belt 30 will not tip over.

[0057] The first camera unit 42 and the second camera unit 52 take pictures of the conveyed plastic bottle 10 from above the screw cap 12.

[0058] The first imaging unit 42 is positioned at a fixed location detached from the first blower 41. The first imaging unit 42 captures a first image of the plastic bottle 10 when gas is blown onto the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10 by the first blower 41, or after gas has been blown onto the support ring 14 by the first blower 41. The first imaging unit 42 is, for example, a still camera, and the first image is a still image rather than a moving image.

[0059] Preferably, the first imaging unit 42 is positioned directly above the location of the plastic bottle 10 during transport when it is being blown gas by the first blower 41, or directly above its location after being blown gas by the first blower 41. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the middle, the first shooting unit 42 is positioned downstream of the first blower 41 in the conveying direction TD, that is, directly above the position where the plastic bottle 10 is after being blown with gas by the first blower 41.

[0060] When the plastic bottle 10 reaches the position directly below the first imaging unit 42 in the vertical direction, the first sensor 44 (described later) is activated and the first imaging unit 42 captures the plastic bottle 10 to obtain a first image.

[0061] The second imaging unit 52 is positioned at a fixed location separate from the second blower 51. The second imaging unit 52 captures a second image of the plastic bottle 10 when gas is blown onto the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10 by the second blower 51, or after gas has been blown onto the support ring 14 by the second blower 51. The second imaging unit 52 is, for example, a still camera, and the second image is a still image rather than a moving image.

[0062] Preferably, the second shooting unit 52 is positioned directly above the location of the plastic bottle 10 during transport when it is being blown gas by the second blower 51, or directly above its location after being blown gas by the second blower 51. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the middle, the second shooting unit 52 is positioned downstream of the second blower 51 in the conveying direction TD, that is, directly above the position where the plastic bottle 10 is after being blown with gas by the second blower 51.

[0063] When the plastic bottle 10 reaches the position directly below the second imaging unit 52 in the vertical direction, the second sensor 54 (described later) is activated and the second imaging unit 52 is used to capture an image of the plastic bottle 10, thereby obtaining a second image.

[0064] When viewed from above the conveyor belt 30, the first light irradiation device 43 is positioned on the opposite side of the first blower 41 across the conveyor belt 30. That is, the first light irradiation device 43 is positioned in the second region 72.

[0065] When the first imaging unit 42 captures a first image of the plastic bottle 10, the first light irradiation device 43 irradiates light onto the support ring 14. Therefore, when gas is blown to the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10 by the first blower 41 or after gas is blown to the support ring 14 by the first blower 41, the first light irradiation device 43 irradiates light onto the support ring 14.

[0066] When viewed from above the conveyor belt 30, the second light irradiation device 53 is positioned on the opposite side of the second blower 51 across the conveyor belt 30. That is, the second light irradiation device 53 is positioned in the first region 71.

[0067] When the second imaging unit 52 captures a second image of the plastic bottle 10, the second light irradiation device 53 irradiates light onto the support ring 14. Therefore, when gas is blown onto the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10 by the second blower 51 or after gas is blown onto the support ring 14 by the second blower 51, the second light irradiation device 53 irradiates light onto the support ring 14.

[0068] The first light irradiation device 43 and the second light irradiation device 53 are respectively Figure 8 The bar-shaped light irradiation device 80 shown is a strip lamp. The longitudinal direction of the bar-shaped light irradiation device 80 is arranged parallel to the radial direction of the support ring 14 (parallel to the conveying direction TD). That is, the longitudinal direction of the bar-shaped light irradiation device 80 is arranged along the radial direction of the support ring 14.

[0069] The rod-shaped light irradiation device 80 has a line light source 80a and a condenser lens 80b. The condenser lens 80b converges the light LI emitted from the line light source 80a toward the support ring 14.

[0070] The rod-shaped light irradiation device 80 irradiates light LI onto the upper surface 14a, lower surface 14b, and peripheral surface 14c of the support ring 14. Preferably, the rod-shaped light irradiation device 80 is positioned at the same height as the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10 being conveyed on the conveyor belt 30, and appropriately irradiates light LI onto the upper surface 14a, lower surface 14b, and peripheral surface 14c.

[0071] The light LI emitted from the rod-shaped light irradiation device 80 reaches directly into the portion 15 of the support ring 14 that is close to the rod-shaped light irradiation device 80. Therefore, portion 15 is reflected with high illuminance. However, since the bottle body 11 is formed of a transparent material, the light passing through the bottle body 11, especially the support ring 14, is attenuated and reaches the portion 16 of the support ring 14 that is far from the rod-shaped light irradiation device 80, illuminating portion 16 with low illuminance. Figure 8 The imaginary plane 17 shown is the boundary between part 15 and part 16.

[0072] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the first region 71, a first sensor 44 is disposed near the first blower 41. Furthermore, in the second region 72, a second sensor 54 is disposed near the second blower 51.

[0073] The first sensor 44 and the second sensor 54 are, for example, optical sensors.

[0074] When the plastic bottle 10, being transported, reaches a designated position after being blown with gas by the first blower 41, the first sensor 44 senses the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10, causing the first imaging unit 42 and the first light irradiation device 43 to operate. Therefore, after the gas is blown to the support ring 14 by the first blower 41, the line light source 80a of the first light irradiation device 43 illuminates, and the first light irradiation device 43 illuminates the support ring 14. Simultaneously, the first imaging unit 42 captures a first image of the plastic bottle 10.

[0075] However, it is also possible that when the plastic bottle 10 is being transported and gas is blown by the first blower 41, the first sensor 44 senses the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10, causing the first imaging unit 42 and the first light irradiation device 43 to operate. In this case, when gas is blown to the support ring 14 by the first blower 41, the first light irradiation device 43 irradiates the support ring 14 with light, and the first imaging unit 42 captures a first image of the plastic bottle 10.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first sensor 44 activates the first light irradiation device 43 in addition to the first imaging unit 42. Therefore, the first light irradiation device 43 flashes whenever the plastic bottle 10 passes near the first sensor 44. However, the first light irradiation device 43 can also operate continuously, in which case the first sensor 44 only activates the first imaging unit 42.

[0077] Furthermore, when the plastic bottle 10, being transported, reaches a predetermined position after being blown with gas by the second blower 51, the second sensor 54 senses the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10, causing the second imaging unit 52 and the second light irradiation device 53 to operate. Therefore, after the gas is blown to the support ring 14 by the second blower 51, the line light source 80a of the second light irradiation device 53 illuminates, and the second light irradiation device 53 irradiates the support ring 14. Simultaneously, the second imaging unit 52 captures a second image of the plastic bottle 10.

[0078] However, it is also possible that when the plastic bottle 10 is being transported and gas is blown by the second blower 51, the second sensor 54 senses the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10, causing the second imaging unit 52 and the second light irradiation device 53 to operate. In this case, when gas is blown to the support ring 14 by the second blower 51, the second light irradiation device 53 irradiates the support ring 14 with light, and the second imaging unit 52 captures a second image of the plastic bottle 10.

[0079] In this embodiment, the second sensor 54 activates the second light irradiation device 53 in addition to the second imaging unit 52. Therefore, the second light irradiation device 53 flashes whenever the plastic bottle 10 passes near the second sensor 54. However, the second light irradiation device 53 can also operate continuously, in which case the second sensor 54 only activates the second imaging unit 52.

[0080] The first blower 41, the first imaging unit 42, the first light irradiation device 43, and the first sensor 44 constitute the first inspection group 47. The first inspection group 47 captures a first image of each plastic bottle 10.

[0081] On the other hand, the second blower 51, the second imaging unit 52, the second light irradiation device 53, and the second sensor 54 constitute the second inspection group 57. The second inspection group 57 is located downstream of the first inspection group 47 in the conveying direction TD of the plastic bottle 10. The second inspection group 57 captures a second image of each plastic bottle 10.

[0082] The first inspection group 47 and the second inspection group 57 are surrounded by a cover 64. Furthermore, the cover 64 is formed of a light-blocking material, and its interior is a darkroom. A portion of the conveyor belt 30 and portions of the guide rails 61 and 62 are also surrounded by the cover 64, and the plastic bottles 10 photographed by the first imaging unit 42 and the second imaging unit 52 are also surrounded by the cover 64. That is, the plastic bottles 10 inspected by the inspection device 40 are transported inside the cover 64.

[0083] Therefore, the first light irradiation device 43 illuminates the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10 in a dark room environment, and the first imaging unit 42 captures a first image of the plastic bottle 10 with the support ring 14 illuminated in the dark room environment. The second light irradiation device 53 also illuminates the support ring 14 of the plastic bottle 10 in a dark room environment, and the second imaging unit 52 also captures a second image of the plastic bottle 10 with the support ring 14 illuminated in the dark room environment.

[0084] In the conveying direction TD of the plastic bottle 10, the first light irradiation device 43 and the second light irradiation device 53 are separated by a predetermined distance D. Furthermore, the intensity of the illumination light from the first light irradiation device 43 and the second light irradiation device 53 is preset. In this way, it is possible to prevent the illumination light from the first light irradiation device 43 from affecting the second image, and it is possible to prevent the illumination light from the second light irradiation device 53 from affecting the first image.

[0085] Furthermore, the condenser lens 80b in the first light irradiation device 43 and the second light irradiation device 53 (see reference) Figure 8 The light rays LI emitted from the line light source 80a are converged toward the support ring 14. Therefore, the distance D between the first light irradiation device 43 and the second light irradiation device 53 in the transport direction TD can be minimized.

[0086] The signal of the first image captured by the first imaging unit 42 of the first inspection group 47 is supplied to the control device 65. The signal of the second image captured by the second imaging unit 52 of the second inspection group 57 is also supplied to the control device 65.

[0087] The control device 65 is, for example, a computer. The control device 65 functions as a determination unit, judging the first image and the second image. Specifically, the control device 65 determines whether there is a scratch 20 in the first area of ​​the support ring 14 in the first image where gas is blown by the first blower 41. Furthermore, the control device 65 determines whether there is a scratch 20 in the second area of ​​the support ring 14 in the second image where gas is blown by the second blower 51.

[0088] Figure 9 An example of the first image is shown. Figure 10 An example of the second image is shown. Although the light converges toward the support ring 14, some of the light is reflected and scattered, reaching both the screw cap 12 and other parts of the bottle body 11.

[0089] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the middle, the outermost circular white line corresponds to the rim of the bottle body 11. The innermost circular white line corresponds to the circumference 14c of the support ring 14. The central white circle corresponds to the screw cap 12.

[0090] like Figure 9 As shown, in the first image, in the equivalent of Figure 6 There are no water droplets 22 in the first region R1 of the support ring 14 in range 14D. This is because the first blower 41 blows the water droplets 22 away from range 14D of the support ring 14.

[0091] The control device 65 determines whether a scratch 20 exists in the first region R1 of the support ring 14 in the first image. Preferably, the first region R1 has a wider range than half a circumference of the support ring 14. That is, preferably, the angle β of the first region R1 is greater than 180°.

[0092] In this embodiment, the angle β of the first region R1 checked by the control device 65 is equal to the angle α of the range 14D where the first blower 41 blows away the water droplets 22. However, the angle β of the first region R1 may also be smaller than the angle α of the range 14D.

[0093] like Figure 10 As shown in the second image, in the equivalent Figure 7 There are no water droplets 22 in the second region R2 of the support ring 14 in range 14E. This is because the second blower 51 blows the water droplets 22 away from range 14E of the support ring 14.

[0094] The control device 65 determines whether a scratch 20 exists in the second region R2 of the support ring 14 in the second image. Preferably, the second region R2 has a wider range than half a circumference of the support ring 14. That is, preferably, the angle β of the second region R2 is greater than 180°.

[0095] In this embodiment, the angle β of the second region R2 checked by the control device 65 is equal to the angle α of the range 14E where the second blower 51 blows away the water droplets 22. However, the angle β of the second region R2 may also be smaller than the angle α of the range 14E.

[0096] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the inspection device 40 also includes a rejection device 66, a recycling bin 67, and a third sensor 68. The rejection device 66, the recycling bin 67, and the third sensor 68 are disposed on the downstream side of the cover 64 in the conveying direction TD of the plastic bottle 10. Therefore, after being photographed by the first inspection group 47 and the second inspection group 57, the plastic bottle 10 reaches the vicinity of the rejection device 66.

[0097] The rejection device 66, the recycling bin 67, and the third sensor 68 are positioned near the conveyor belt 30. The height of the rejection device 66 and the third sensor 68 are above the conveyor belt 30. The height of the recycling bin 67 is below the conveyor belt 30.

[0098] The rejection device 66 classifies plastic bottles 10 with scratches 20 on the support ring 14 as defective products and removes them from the conveyor belt 30. The rejection device 66 is, for example, a linear actuator with a piston 66a capable of reciprocating.

[0099] The third sensor 68 is, for example, a light sensor. When a defective plastic bottle 10 arrives near the third sensor 68, the third sensor 68 senses the plastic bottle 10, causing the rejection device 66 to activate. Then, the rejection device 66 moves the piston 66a onto the conveyor belt 30, pushing the plastic bottle 10 with the piston 66a.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, a slit 62a is formed on the guide rail 62. When a plastic bottle 10, which is a defective product, is pushed by the piston 66a of the rejection device 66, it passes through the slit 62a and falls from the conveyor belt 30 into the recycling bin 67.

[0101] The control device 65 will be in the first region R1 of the support ring 14 (see reference) in the first image. Figure 9 Plastic bottles 10 with pixel defects are identified as defective and the third sensor 68 is notified. Therefore, such plastic bottles 10 are ejected from the conveyor belt 30 via the rejection device 66.

[0102] Here, "pixel defect" refers to a low-brightness portion of the support ring 14 in a dark image, intended to include scratches 20 and water droplets 22. However, since water droplets 22 are removed from the first region R1 by airflow from the first blower 41, "pixel defect" actually means scratches 20. Therefore, the control device 65 is able to identify plastic bottles 10 with scratches 20 in the first region R1 of the support ring 14 in the first image, and such plastic bottles 10 are rejected from the group of plastic bottles 10 on the conveyor belt 30 by the rejection device 66.

[0103] Furthermore, the control device 65 will be in the second region R2 of the support ring 14 in the second image (refer to...) Figure 10 Plastic bottles 10 with pixel defects are identified as defective and the third sensor 68 is notified. Therefore, plastic bottles 10 like this are ejected from the conveyor belt 30 via the rejection device 66.

[0104] Because the water droplet 22 is removed from the second region R2 by the airflow from the second blower 51, the "pixel defect" actually means the scratch 20. Therefore, the control device 65 is able to identify plastic bottles 10 with scratches 20 in the second region R2 of the support ring 14 in the second image, and such plastic bottles 10 are rejected from the group of plastic bottles 10 on the conveyor belt 30 by the rejection device 66.

[0105] Note that when it is determined that there is a pixel defect in the first region R1 of the support ring 14 in the first image, the control device 65 may also not determine whether there is a pixel defect in the second region R2 in the second image.

[0106] The plastic bottle 10 in which there is no pixel defect in the first region R1 of the support ring 14 in the first image and there is no pixel defect in the second region R2 of the support ring 14 in the second image is a qualified product for inspection. The control device 65 does not notify such a plastic bottle 10 to the third sensor 68. Therefore, such a plastic bottle 10 is not removed by the removing device 66 but is conveyed by the conveyor belt 30.

[0107] As Figure 9 shown, even when the air flow is blown by the first blower 41, water droplets 22 may remain in the region other than the first region R1 of the support ring 14. However, the water droplets 22 remaining in this region are blown away by the second blower 51 located on the downstream side of the first blower 41. Therefore, the control device 65 excludes the water droplets 22 remaining in this region from the inspection of pixel defects in the first image.

[0108] In addition, as Figure 10 shown, even when the air flow is blown by the second blower 51, water droplets 22 may remain in the region other than the second region R2 of the support ring 14. However, since this region has been inspected through the inspection of pixel defects in the first image, the control device 65 excludes the water droplets 22 remaining in this region from the inspection of pixel defects in the second image.

[0109] As a result, the plastic bottle 10 may be conveyed on the conveyor belt 30 in a state where water droplets 22 remain in the region other than the second region R2 of the support ring 14. However, the water droplets 22 will eventually dry up, so no problem will occur.

[0110] In the present embodiment, the first blower 41 of the first inspection group 47 removes water droplets 22 from a range 14D wider than half the circumference of the support ring 14, and the control device 65 determines whether there is a scratch 20 in the first region R1 wider than half the circumference of the support ring 14 in the first image. In addition, the second blower 51 of the second inspection group 57 removes water droplets 22 from a range 14E wider than half the circumference of the support ring 14, and the control device 65 determines whether there is a scratch 20 in the second region R2 wider than half the circumference of the support ring 14 in the second image. The range 14E is located on the opposite side of the range 14D and partially overlaps with the range 14D. The second region R2 is located on the opposite side of the first region R1 and partially overlaps with the first region R1. Therefore, no matter where the scratch 20 is located on the support ring 14, the control device 65 can appropriately identify the scratch 20.

[0111] The first blower 41 and the second blower 51 remove water droplets from the support ring 14 in two stages. The first imaging unit 42 and the second imaging unit 52 take pictures in two stages. The control device 65 determines whether there are scratches 20 in the first image and the second image.

[0112] Therefore, in order to determine whether there is a scratch 20, the first blower 41 and the second blower 51 do not need to completely remove the water droplet 22 from the support ring 14.

[0113] Figure 11 An example image is shown taken from directly above, showing a plastic bottle 10 with the water droplet 22 completely removed from the support ring 14. The outermost circular white line corresponds to the rim of the bottle body 11. The innermost circular white line corresponds to the circumference 14c of the support ring 14. The central white circle corresponds to the screw cap 12.

[0114] If the water droplet 22 is completely removed from the support ring 14, the image used to determine whether there is a scratch 20 is obtained. Figure 11 The illustrated image can be obtained in a single shot. However, completely removing the water droplet 22 from the support ring 14 requires a significant amount of energy. Furthermore, in order to concentrate the airflow for removing the water droplet 22 onto the support ring 14, the conveyor belt 30 may need to be stopped, depending on the circumstances.

[0115] According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to completely remove the water droplet 22 from the support ring 14. Therefore, energy consumption of the inspection device 40 can be saved.

[0116] As described above, according to this embodiment, the first blower 41 and the second blower 51 blow gas toward the support ring 14 of the conveying plastic bottle 10, respectively, to remove water droplets from a region of the support ring 14. The control device 65 determines whether there is a scratch 20 in the first region R1 of the support ring 14 in the first image where the gas blown by the first blower 41 removes water droplets 22. Furthermore, the control device 65 determines whether there is a scratch 20 in the second region R2 of the support ring 14 in the second image where the gas blown by the second blower 51 removes water droplets 22. Therefore, the inspection device 40 can detect scratches 20 on the support ring 14 of the conveying plastic bottle 10 without mistaking water droplets 22 for scratches 20.

[0117] Blowers 41 and 51 blow gas toward the support ring 14 of the conveyor belt 30 in a direction intersecting with the conveyor belt 30, while cameras 42 and 52 take pictures of the conveyor plastic bottle 10 from above the screw cap 12. Therefore, damage to the support ring 14 of the conveyor plastic bottle 10 can be quickly detected without stopping the conveying of the plastic bottle 10.

[0118] The first blower 41 and the second blower 51 are configured to be fixed in a fixed position and blow gas toward the support ring 14 in a direction intersecting with the conveyor belt 30. Therefore, a large and complex configuration is not required, and a large number of blowers are not necessary. Thus, the inspection device 40 has a simple configuration.

[0119] In this embodiment, when viewed from above the conveyor belt 30, the first light irradiation device 43 is positioned on the opposite side of the first blower 41 across the conveyor belt 30, irradiating the support ring 14 from the opposite side of the first blower 41. Furthermore, when viewed from above the conveyor belt 30, the second light irradiation device 53 is positioned on the opposite side of the second blower 51 across the conveyor belt 30, irradiating the support ring 14 from the opposite side of the second blower 51.

[0120] However, it is also possible to arrange the first light irradiation device 43 and the first blower 41 on the same side, and the second light irradiation device 53 and the second blower 51 on the same side.

[0121] However, as mentioned above Figure 8 The light LI emitted from the rod-shaped light irradiation device 80 (first light irradiation device 43, second light irradiation device 53) directly reaches the portion 15 of the support ring 14 near the rod-shaped light irradiation device 80, and the portion 15 reflects light with high illuminance. Therefore, the portion of the support ring 14 near the first light irradiation device 43 has high illuminance. When photographing the portion with high illuminance, lens flare may occur in that portion in the resulting image.

[0122] Therefore, when the first light irradiation device 43 and the first blower 41 are positioned on the same side, the area 14D where the water droplet 22 is blown away by the airflow from the first blower 41 has high illumination, which may cause lens flare in the first region R1 of the first image. In other words, the first region R1, where the water droplet 22 has been removed, will become bright and blurry, which may cause the scratch 20 to be obscured by the blurry part and become difficult to detect, or the blurry part may be mistaken for the scratch 20. The same problem may occur when the second light irradiation device 43 and the second blower 41 are positioned on the same side.

[0123] In this embodiment, since the first light irradiation device 43 is positioned on the opposite side of the first blower 41, the area 14D where the water droplets 22 are blown away by the airflow from the first blower 41 is illuminated at a low intensity by the light passing through the bottle body 11, particularly the support ring 14. The area 14D and... Figure 8 Part 16 is roughly equivalent. Therefore, the possibility of lens flare occurring in the first region R1 of the first image is reduced, and it is possible to more appropriately determine whether there is a scratch 20 in the first region R1.

[0124] Furthermore, since the second light irradiation device 53 is positioned on the opposite side of the second blower 51, the area 14E where the water droplets 22 are blown away by the airflow from the second blower 51 is illuminated at a low intensity by the light passing through the bottle body 11, particularly the support ring 14. Therefore, the likelihood of lens flare occurring in the second region R2 of the second image is reduced, allowing for a more appropriate determination of whether there is a scratch 20 in the second region R2.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first light irradiation device 43 and the second light irradiation device 53 are respectively as follows: Figure 8 The rod-shaped light irradiation device 80 shown is an example, but other forms of light sources such as light bulbs can also be considered.

[0126] However, when using a light source that emits light in multiple directions, such as a light bulb, a large amount of light reaches not only the support ring 14 but also the bottle body 11. In this case, if the contents of the bottle body 11 are a liquid or powder with high light reflectivity, the reflected light will reach the first imaging unit 42 and the second imaging unit 52, potentially affecting the first and second images. That is, unexpected bright areas may appear in the first and second images.

[0127] Furthermore, when using a light source that emits light in multiple directions, if the contents of the bottle body 11 are a foaming liquid, the light will be reflected by the bubbles in the liquid, and bubbles may appear in the first and second images. For example, if the contents of the bottle body 11 are green tea, the bottle may be transported by the inspection device 40 with residual bubbles caused by vibration, and bubbles may easily appear in the first and second images.

[0128] Figure 12 An example of a first image is shown when a light bulb is used as the first imaging unit 42. Figure 12 In the first image shown, numerous small air bubbles 24 appear. These bubbles 24 float in the liquid and therefore appear near the support ring 14 in the first image. These bubbles 24 obstruct the optical recognition of the scratch 20.

[0129] In this embodiment, the first light irradiation device 43 and the second light irradiation device 53 are respectively as follows: Figure 8 The rod-shaped light irradiation device 80 shown is configured with its longitudinal direction parallel to the radial direction of the support ring 14. Therefore, it is easy to concentrate light onto the support ring 14. This reduces the possibility of unexpected bright areas (including bubbles 24) appearing in the first and second images.

[0130] Then, the focusing lens 80b in the first light irradiation device 43 and the second light irradiation device 53 (refer to...) Figure 8The light rays LI emitted from the line light source 80a are converged toward the support ring 14. Therefore, the possibility of unexpected bright areas (including bubbles 24) appearing in the first and second images can be further reduced. In addition, as described above, the distance D (the distance at which the light from each light illuminating device will not affect the image captured using the light from the other illuminating device) between the first light illuminating device 43 and the second light illuminating device 53 in the transport direction TD can be minimized.

[0131] Furthermore, the rod-shaped light irradiation device 80 of this embodiment irradiates light onto the upper surface 14a, lower surface 14b, and peripheral surface 14c of the support ring 14. Therefore, the scratches 20 on the support ring 14 can be minimized. Figure 9 The first image shown as an example and Figure 10 This is highlighted in the second image shown as an example.

[0132] The present disclosure has been illustrated and described above with reference to preferred embodiments, but those skilled in the art should understand that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Such changes, alterations, and modifications are included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0133] For example, if the location in the support ring 14 where the potential for a scratch 20 to occur is known in advance, the inspection device 40 may have only the first inspection group 47 or only the second inspection group 57. For example, in Figure 4 In the case where there is a possibility of a scratch 20 only on the left side of the support ring 14, since the first image can be taken by the first inspection group 47 alone, the second inspection group 57 is not required.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the inspection device 40 has two inspection groups, namely the first inspection group 47 and the second inspection group 57, but it may also have three or more inspection groups. When there are three or more inspection groups, the blower of the inspection group can remove water droplets 22 from a range smaller than half a circumference of the support ring 14, and the control device 65 can determine whether there are scratches 20 in the area smaller than half a circumference of the support ring 14.

[0135] The technology disclosed herein can be configured as described below.

[0136] [1] An inspection device for inspecting a container having a lid and a transparent circular protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the lid, wherein the inspection device comprises: at least one blower disposed in a fixed position, which blows gas toward the protrusion of the container being transported in a direction intersecting the transport path when viewed from above a transport path; at least one imaging unit that takes a picture of the container being transported from above the lid; and a determination unit that determines whether there are scratches in the area of ​​the protrusion in the image taken by the imaging unit where the gas was blown by the blower.

[0137] [2] According to the inspection device of [1], the inspection device further includes a light irradiation device, which is disposed on the opposite side of the blower across the conveying path when viewed from above the conveying path, and irradiates the protrusion with light when the imaging part photographs the container.

[0138] [3] According to the inspection device described in [2], the light irradiation device is a rod-shaped light irradiation device, and the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped light irradiation device is arranged parallel to the radial direction of the protrusion.

[0139] [4] According to the inspection device described in [3], the protrusion has an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral surface, and the rod-shaped light irradiation device irradiates light onto the upper surface, the lower surface and the peripheral surface.

[0140] [5] The inspection device according to any one of [2] to [4], wherein the inspection device further comprises a sensor that causes the imaging unit to operate when the container in transport is being blown with gas by the blower, or when the container reaches a predetermined position after being blown with gas by the blower.

[0141] [6] According to the inspection device described in [1], the inspection device has a first blower and a second blower. When viewed from above the conveying path, the first blower and the second blower are respectively disposed in a first region and a second region located on both sides of the conveying path. The imaging unit captures a first image and a second image of the container. The first image of the container is captured when gas is blown by the first blower or after gas is blown by the first blower. The second image of the container is captured when gas is blown by the second blower or after gas is blown by the second blower. The determination unit determines whether there is a scratch in the first region of the protrusion in the first image where gas is blown by the first blower, and determines whether there is a scratch in the second region of the protrusion in the second image where gas is blown by the second blower.

[0142] [7] According to the inspection device of [6], the first region has a wider range than half a circumference of the protrusion, and the second region has a wider range than half a circumference of the protrusion.

[0143] [8] The inspection apparatus according to [6] or [7], wherein the imaging unit has: a first imaging unit disposed at a fixed position separated from the blower, which captures a first image of the container when or after being blown by the first blower; and a second imaging unit disposed at a fixed position separated from the blower, which captures a second image of the container when or after being blown by the second blower.

[0144] [9] According to the inspection device of [8], the first imaging unit is disposed directly above the position of the container during transport when it is being blown with gas by the first blower or directly above the position of the container after it has been blown with gas by the first blower, and the second imaging unit is disposed directly above the position of the container during transport when it is being blown with gas by the second blower or directly above the position of the container after it has been blown with gas by the second blower.

[0145]

[10] The inspection apparatus according to [6] or [7], wherein the light irradiation device comprises: a first light irradiation device disposed in the second region, which irradiates the protrusion with light when the imaging unit captures the first image; and a second light irradiation device disposed in the first region, which irradiates the protrusion with light when the imaging unit captures the second image.

[0146]

[11] The inspection apparatus according to [8] or [9], wherein the light irradiation device comprises: a first light irradiation device disposed in the second region, which irradiates the protrusion with light when the first imaging unit captures the first image; and a second light irradiation device disposed in the first region, which irradiates the protrusion with light when the second imaging unit captures the second image.

[0147]

[12] The inspection apparatus according to

[10] or

[11] , wherein the first light irradiation device and the second light irradiation device are rod-shaped light irradiation devices, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the rod-shaped light irradiation device is arranged parallel to the radial direction of the protrusion.

[0148]

[13] According to the inspection device of

[12] , the protrusion has an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral surface, and the rod-shaped light irradiation device irradiates light onto the upper surface, the lower surface and the peripheral surface.

[0149]

[14] An inspection apparatus according to any one of

[11] to

[13] , wherein the inspection apparatus further comprises: a first sensor that activates the first imaging unit when the container in transport is purged with gas by the first blower, or when the container reaches a predetermined position after being purged with gas by the first blower; and a second sensor that activates the second imaging unit when the container in transport is purged with gas by the second blower, or when the container reaches a predetermined position after being purged with gas by the second blower.

[0150]

[15] The inspection device according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein the inspection container further has a guide rail that supports the container so that the container will not tip over during transport on the transport path, the guide rail being located between the center of gravity of the container and the protrusion.

[0151]

[16] An inspection device according to any one of [1] to

[15] , wherein the inspection device further comprises a cover that surrounds the container being transported, the blower, and the imaging unit.

Claims

1. An inspection device for inspecting a container having a lid and a transparent, circular protrusion projecting radially outward beyond the lid, wherein, The inspection device includes: At least one blower, configured in a fixed position, blows gas toward the protrusion of the container being conveyed in a direction intersecting the conveying path when viewed from above the conveying path. At least one camera unit that takes a picture of the container being transported from above the cover; as well as The determination unit determines the image captured by the imaging unit. The determination unit determines whether there are any scratches in the area of ​​the protrusion in the image that is being blown by the blower.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The inspection device also includes a light irradiation device, which is positioned on the opposite side of the blower across the conveying path when viewed from above, and illuminates the protrusion when the imaging unit photographs the container.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein, The light irradiation device is a rod-shaped light irradiation device, and the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped light irradiation device is arranged parallel to the radial direction of the protrusion.

4. The inspection device according to claim 3, wherein, The protrusion has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral surface. The rod-shaped light irradiation device irradiates light onto the upper surface, the lower surface, and the peripheral surface.

5. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The inspection device also has a sensor that activates the imaging unit when the container is being transported and is being blown with gas by the blower, or when the container reaches a predetermined position after being blown with gas by the blower.

6. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The blower includes a first blower and a second blower, which, when viewed from above the conveying path, are respectively positioned in a first region and a second region on opposite sides of the conveying path. The imaging unit captures a first image and a second image of the container. The first image is taken when the container is being blew gas by the first blower or after the container has been blew gas by the first blower. The second image is taken when the container is being blew gas by the second blower or after the container has been blew gas by the second blower. The determination unit determines whether there are any scratches in the first area of ​​the protrusion in the first image that is being blown by the first blower, and determines whether there are any scratches in the second area of ​​the protrusion in the second image that is being blown by the second blower.

7. The inspection device according to claim 6, wherein, The first region has a wider range than half the circumference of the protrusion, and the second region has a wider range than half the circumference of the protrusion.

8. The inspection apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The imaging unit has: A first imaging unit is disposed at a fixed position separated from the blower, and captures a first image of the container when or after being blown by the first blower. as well as The second imaging unit is disposed at a fixed position separated from the blower, and captures a second image of the container when or after the container is being blown with gas by the second blower.

9. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein The first imaging unit is positioned directly above the container during transport, either when the container is being blown gas by the first blower or after the container has been blown gas by the first blower. The second imaging unit is positioned directly above the container during transport, either when the container is being blown gas by the second blower or after the container has been blown gas by the second blower.

10. The inspection apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The light irradiation device has: A first light irradiation device, disposed in the second region, irradiates the protrusion with light when the imaging unit captures the first image; and A second light irradiation device, disposed in the first region, irradiates the protrusion with light when the imaging unit captures the second image.

11. The inspection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The light irradiation device has: A first light irradiation device is disposed in the second region, which irradiates the protrusion with light when the first imaging unit captures the first image; as well as A second light irradiation device, disposed in the first region, irradiates the protrusion with light when the second imaging unit captures the second image.

12. The inspection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The first light irradiation device and the second light irradiation device are rod-shaped light irradiation devices, and the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped light irradiation device is arranged parallel to the radial direction of the protrusion.

13. The inspection apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The protrusion has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral surface. The rod-shaped light irradiation device irradiates light onto the upper surface, the lower surface, and the peripheral surface.

14. The inspection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The inspection device also has: The first sensor activates the first imaging unit when the container being transported is being blown with gas by the first blower, or when the container reaches a predetermined position after being blown with gas by the first blower. as well as The second sensor activates the second imaging unit when the container is being transported and is being blown with gas by the second blower, or when the container reaches a predetermined position after being blown with gas by the second blower.

15. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The inspection device also includes a guide rail that supports the container to prevent it from tipping over during transport along the conveying path. The guide rail is located between the center of gravity of the container and the protrusion.

16. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The inspection device also has a cover that surrounds the container being transported, the blower, and the imaging unit.

Images