A comprehensive inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of paper container production quality inspection technology, and discloses an all-round inspection machine for paper container appearance defects. The machine is based on a chain conveyor, with a vacuum suction cup base on top for placing the paper container. The inspection mechanism is located on one side of the chain conveyor. A lifting cylinder on the mounting bracket adjusts the height of the mounting plate. A rotary motor under the plate drives a gantry frame, which is equipped with a bottom image camera, an inner wall image camera, and an outer wall image camera, all of which are 4K line scan cameras equipped with a ring LED light source, capable of acquiring images of the paper container from all directions. On the other side of the chain conveyor, a slide on the guide rail connects to a piezoelectric inkjet module, which can mark dirt, adhesive defects, and curling defects with red, blue, and yellow colors respectively based on the inspection results. Compared with traditional inspection methods and similar patents, this machine provides more comprehensive inspection, precise positioning, and a high degree of automation, effectively improving the efficiency and accuracy of paper container appearance defect inspection and meeting the quality requirements of industrial production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of paper container production quality inspection technology, and in particular to a comprehensive inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of paper containers, the detection of appearance defects is crucial. Traditional detection methods have many problems, such as low efficiency, requiring manual inspection of each item, which is difficult to meet the needs of large-scale production; moreover, the detection accuracy is limited, and manual inspection is easily affected by subjective factors. Defects such as minor dirt, poor adhesion, and irregular curling edges are easily overlooked, resulting in defective products entering the market, affecting product quality and corporate reputation.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, invention patent application number 202411317119.1 proposes a comprehensive inspection machine for foaming defects in the appearance of paper containers. It combines multiple structures, including a paper container foaming furnace, a separation mechanism, a transfer mechanism, a vision inspection component, and a rotation mechanism. Internal and external supplementary lights illuminate the inside and outside of the paper container, and the vision inspection component captures images of the container's appearance to detect various types of defects. However, this solution still has significant drawbacks. It lacks a dedicated inspection component for the bottom surface of the paper container, relying solely on a rotating platform and internal and external supplementary lights for sidewall inspection. This makes bottom surface defects easily missed, and motion blur is prone to occur during camera capture. Furthermore, its positioning method is not precise enough, and errors can easily occur in the coordination of multiple mechanisms. It also lacks adaptation and optimization for different paper container sizes. In addition, this solution does not integrate real-time marking functionality, requiring manual recording or subsequent offline processing after inspection, increasing the risk of misjudgment and processing costs.

[0004] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems by using an independently set bottom-mounted camera for static imaging, combined with a vacuum suction cup base, elastic silicone pad, and annular limiting protrusion to achieve stable positioning of the paper container. It also integrates a piezoelectric inkjet module for real-time three-color marking of different defect types and features an adjustable-angle gantry camera structure to flexibly adapt to various paper container sizes, significantly improving the comprehensiveness of inspection, positioning accuracy, and automation capabilities. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a comprehensive inspection machine for the appearance defects of paper containers.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A comprehensive inspection machine for surface defects of paper containers includes a chain conveyor. The top of the chain conveyor has several vacuum suction cup bases, each detachably holding a paper container. A detection mechanism for inspecting the paper containers is located on one side of the chain conveyor. The detection mechanism includes a vertically mounted bracket on one side of the chain conveyor. A lifting cylinder is vertically mounted on the top of the mounting bracket. A mounting plate is horizontally mounted at the bottom end of the cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder. Several rotary motors are mounted at the bottom of the mounting plate. Each rotary motor's output shaft has a gantry frame at its bottom end. The two bottom ends of the gantry frame are located inside and outside the paper container, respectively. A bottom imager is located at the bottom end of the gantry frame inside the paper container, an inner side imager is located at the bottom end of the gantry frame inside the paper container, and an outer side imager is located at the bottom end of the gantry frame outside the paper container. A guide rail is located on one side of the top of the chain conveyor. A slide block is slidably connected to the top of the guide rail. A piezoelectric inkjet module for marking the paper container with ink is mounted on the top of the slide block.

[0008] Preferably, the bottom camera, the inner wall camera, and the outer wall camera are all K-line array cameras, and all are equipped with a ring LED light source.

[0009] Preferably, the side wall of the chain conveyor is equipped with a drive motor, the output shaft of which is connected to a belt assembly, which is fixedly connected to the slide.

[0010] Furthermore, both the drive motor and the rotary motor are servo motors.

[0011] Furthermore, the piezoelectric inkjet module can produce three different color markings: red, blue, and yellow. The different color markings are as follows: red = dirt, blue = adhesion defect, and yellow = curling defect.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom of the gantry frame located inside the paper container and between the inner wall camera and the outer wall camera are equipped with angle adjustment brackets. The angle adjustment brackets include a rotatable connecting shaft and a locking bolt, which are used to adjust the shooting angle of the inner wall camera and the outer wall camera to adapt to paper containers of different sizes.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] 1. The bottom, inner sidewalls, and outer sidewalls are inspected independently, covering all exterior surfaces of the paper container;

[0015] 2. Servo motors and linear scan cameras work together to achieve millimeter-level positioning and high-resolution image acquisition; vacuum suction cups and chain conveyor systems ensure continuous detection processes;

[0016] 3. The piezoelectric inkjet module has a fast response, and the three colors of marking make it easy to distinguish the defect type, which facilitates subsequent processing.

[0017] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional inspection structure for an all-round inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers proposed in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a front view structural diagram of an all-around inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers proposed in this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection mechanism structure of an all-round detection machine for appearance defects of paper containers proposed in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This utility model proposes an all-around inspection machine for appearance defects in paper containers. Figure 1 A magnified view of the local structure at point A (inkjet module and its driving components).

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Chain conveyor; 2. Mounting bracket; 3. Lifting cylinder; 4. Mounting base plate; 5. Rotary motor; 6. Gantry frame; 7. Bottom-mounted camera; 8. Inner wall camera; 9. Outer wall camera; 10. Paper container; 11. Vacuum suction cup base; 12. Guide rail; 13. Slide; 14. Piezoelectric inkjet module; 15. Belt assembly; 16. Drive motor. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Example

[0024] I. Overall Structural Layout

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body of the inspection machine includes a chain conveyor 1, on which several vacuum suction cup bases 11 are evenly distributed on top. Each base can be detachably placed with a paper container 10 to be inspected, which is fixed by vacuum adsorption, facilitating the quick replacement of paper containers of different specifications. An inspection mechanism is set on one side of the chain conveyor, and a guide rail 12 and a piezoelectric inkjet module 14 are set on the other side, realizing the integrated operation of inspection and defect marking.

[0026] II. Details of the Testing Organization

[0027] Combination Figure 3 As shown

[0028] Mounting brackets and lifting system

[0029] The mounting bracket 2 of the testing mechanism is vertically fixed to one side of the chain conveyor, and a lifting cylinder 3 is installed on the top. The bottom end of the cylinder rod is horizontally connected to the mounting plate 4. The lifting cylinder can drive the mounting plate to rise and fall vertically, adjusting the distance between the testing component and the paper container to adapt to the testing of paper containers of different heights.

[0030] Multi-directional image acquisition component

[0031] Several rotary motors 5, preferably servo motors, are fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate to ensure rotational accuracy. Their output shafts are connected to a gantry frame 6 at their bottom ends. The gantry frame is U-shaped, with its two bottom ends extending into the inside and outside of the paper container, respectively.

[0032] Inside bottom: Install bottom camera 7, a 4K line scan camera with a ring LED light source, to capture images of the bottom of the paper container; install inner wall camera 8, a similar camera and light source, on the inner wall, to be aimed at the inner wall of the container.

[0033] External bottom: Install the outer wall camera 9 and align it with the outer wall of the container.

[0034] Three cameras are used to detect defects on the bottom surface, inner sidewall, and outer sidewall respectively. The ring light source provides uniform illumination to avoid reflections or shadows affecting the detection accuracy.

[0035] An angle adjustment bracket is provided between the bottom end of the gantry frame 6 inside the paper container 10 and the inner wall camera 8, and between the bottom end of the gantry frame 6 outside the paper container 10 and the outer wall camera 9. The angle adjustment bracket includes a rotatable connecting shaft and a locking bolt, which is used to adjust the shooting angle of the inner wall camera 8 and the outer wall camera 9 to adapt to paper containers 10 of different specifications.

[0036] Marking mechanism and drive system

[0037] Combination Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown

[0038] Guide rail and slide

[0039] A slide block 13 is slidably connected to the guide rail 12 on one side of the top of the chain conveyor, and a piezoelectric inkjet module 14 is installed on the top of the slide block. This module can spray red, blue and yellow ink to mark dirt, adhesive defects and curling defects, respectively.

[0040] drive system

[0041] The drive motor 16 on the side wall of the chain conveyor is fixedly connected to the slide block via the belt assembly 15, driving the slide block to move laterally along the guide rail, so that the inkjet module is accurately positioned to the side of the defective paper container, achieving rapid marking.

[0042] IV. Control and Cooperation System

[0043] All motors, including drive motors, rotary motors, cylinders, and cameras, are connected to the control system and coordinate their actions through preset programs to ensure the automation of the testing process.

[0044] Working principle

[0045] I. Paper Container Conveying and Positioning

[0046] Feeding and fixing: The paper container is placed on the vacuum suction cup base 11 by manual or mechanical means. After vacuum adsorption and fixing, the chain conveyor 1 drives the paper container to move towards the detection mechanism.

[0047] Positioning detection: When the paper container is conveyed to the bottom of the detection mechanism, the chain conveyor stops, the lifting cylinder 3 drives the mounting plate 4 to descend, so that the camera assembly of the gantry 6 approaches the paper container.

[0048] II. Multi-directional image acquisition

[0049] Static bottom image capture: First, the bottom image camera 7 captures static photos of the bottom of the paper container during the initial inspection phase to obtain images of bottom defects, including damage and stains.

[0050] Dynamic detection of inner and outer walls: Subsequently, the rotary motor 5 drives the gantry frame to rotate, causing the inner wall camera 8 and the outer wall camera 9 to rotate around the inner and outer walls of the paper container. According to the settings, the cameras do not capture images during the rotation. Instead, the rotation angle is precisely controlled by the servo motor, allowing the cameras to capture images of the side walls from different angles while stationary, avoiding motion blur and ensuring that every position of the inner and outer walls is clearly captured.

[0051] III. Defect Identification and Marking

[0052] Image analysis: Images captured by the camera are transmitted to the vision processing system, which uses a preset algorithm to identify appearance problems such as dirt, adhesive defects, and curling defects, and to determine the location of the defects.

[0053] Inkjet marking: The drive motor 16 drives the slide 13 to move through the belt assembly 15, so that the piezoelectric inkjet module 14 is aligned with the defective paper container and sprays the corresponding color mark according to the defect type: red = dirt, blue = adhesive defect, yellow = curling defect.

[0054] IV. Detection Completion and Output

[0055] After marking is completed, the lifting cylinder resets, and the chain conveyor continues to run, transporting the paper containers to the next process, where qualified products are collected or defective products are rejected.

[0056] The working principle of visual inspection in the aforementioned all-around inspection machine for paper container appearance defects is as follows:

[0057] Image acquisition stage

[0058] Bottom surface image acquisition

[0059] The chain conveyor transports the paper container, placed on the vacuum suction cup base, to the bottom of the inspection mechanism and then stops. A lifting cylinder drives the mounting plate to descend, bringing the gantry frame closer to the paper container. At this point, the bottom-view camera takes a still photograph of the bottom of the paper container while it is stationary. Because the bottom-view camera is a 4K line scan camera equipped with a ring LED light source, the ring LED light source provides uniform illumination, avoiding reflections or shadows on the bottom surface. This ensures that the 4K line scan camera can clearly capture image information of the bottom of the paper container, including any potential defects such as tears or stains.

[0060] Image acquisition of inner and outer walls

[0061] After the bottom-facing camera completes its shot, the rotary motor starts operating, driving the gantry to rotate the inner and outer wall cameras around the inner and outer walls of the paper container. During rotation, the cameras do not capture images as set, and the rotary motor (servo motor) precisely controls the rotation angle, allowing the cameras to capture images of different areas of the side walls while stationary. Both the inner and outer wall cameras are 4K line scan cameras equipped with a ring LED light source. Under the uniform illumination of the ring LED light source, the 4K line scan cameras can clearly capture images of the inner and outer walls of the paper container, avoiding motion blur and ensuring that every position on the inner and outer walls is clearly captured.

[0062] Image analysis stage

[0063] The acquired images of the bottom, inner wall, and outer wall are transmitted to the vision processing system. This system contains pre-set algorithms for identifying defects in the appearance of paper containers. These algorithms analyze and process the images. By extracting and comparing features such as grayscale, color, and texture, the system can identify potential defects on the paper container's appearance, such as dirt, adhesive defects, and curling edges, and determine the specific location and type of these defects.

[0064] Defect marking stage

[0065] Once the vision processing system identifies a visual defect in the paper container, it sends the defect information to the control system. The control system then activates the drive motor, which, via a belt conveyor, moves a slide along a guide rail, causing the piezoelectric inkjet module to move to the side of the defective paper container. Depending on the defect type, the piezoelectric inkjet module sprays ink of the corresponding color to mark it: red for dirt, blue for adhesion defects, and yellow for curling defects. After marking, the lifting cylinder resets, and the chain conveyor continues operating, transporting the paper container to the next process for subsequent differentiation between qualified and defective products.

[0066] The number of modules at the bottom of the mounting plate 4 can be increased or decreased according to actual production conditions.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A comprehensive inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers, comprising a chain conveyor (1), characterized in that, The chain conveyor (1) is provided with a number of vacuum suction cup bases (11) on its top. Paper containers (10) are detachably placed on the top of each vacuum suction cup base (11). A detection mechanism for detecting paper containers (10) is provided on one side of the chain conveyor (1). The detection mechanism includes a mounting bracket (2) vertically located on one side of the chain conveyor (1). A lifting cylinder (3) is vertically located on the top of the mounting bracket (2). A mounting plate (4) is horizontally located at the bottom end of the cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder (3). A number of rotary motors (5) are located at the bottom of the mounting plate (4). A gate-shaped structure is located at the bottom end of the output shaft of each rotary motor (5). The frame (6) has two bottom ends located inside and outside the paper container (10), respectively. The bottom end of the frame (6) inside the paper container (10) is provided with a bottom imager (7), the bottom end of the frame (6) inside the paper container (10) is provided with an inner side imager (8), and the bottom end of the frame (6) outside the paper container (10) is provided with an outer side imager (9). The top side of the chain conveyor (1) is provided with a guide rail (12), and the top of the guide rail (12) is slidably connected with a slide (13). The top of the slide (13) is provided with a piezoelectric inkjet module (14) for making inkjet markings on the paper container (10).

2. The all-around inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom-mounted camera (7), the inner wall-mounted camera (8), and the outer wall-mounted camera (9) are all 4K line array cameras and are all equipped with ring LED light sources.

3. The all-around inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chain conveyor (1) has a drive motor (16) on its side wall. The output shaft of the drive motor (16) is connected to a belt assembly (15), which is fixedly connected to the slide (13).

4. The all-around inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the drive motor (16) and the rotary motor (5) are servo motors.

5. The all-around inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piezoelectric inkjet module (14) can make three different color markings, namely red, blue and yellow. The different color markings are as follows: red = dirt, blue = adhesion defect, yellow = curling defect.

6. The all-around inspection machine for appearance defects of paper containers according to claim 5, characterized in that, Angle adjustment brackets are provided between the bottom end of the gantry frame (6) inside the paper container (10) and the inner wall camera (8), and between the bottom end of the gantry frame (6) outside the paper container (10) and the outer wall camera (9). The angle adjustment brackets include a rotatable connecting shaft and a locking bolt, which are used to adjust the shooting angle of the inner wall camera (8) and the outer wall camera (9) to adapt to paper containers (10) of different specifications.

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