Visual inspection device

Abstract

To provide a specific configuration of a visual inspection device for inspecting a state of a side surface of a three-dimensional inspection object whose side surface is a mirror surface.SOLUTION: A visual inspection device 1 for inspecting a state of a side surface 2a of a three-dimensional inspection object 2 whose side surface is a mirror surface, comprises: an inspection table 3 on which the inspection object 2 is placed; a sheet-like chart 4 which is placed on the inspection table 3 and arranged below the inspection object 2, and on which the inspection object 2 is placed; and an imaging mechanism 5 which is arranged above the inspection object 2. The chart 4 is formed in such a size that a chart pattern drawn on an upper surface of the chart 4 is reflected on the entire side surface 2a of the inspection object 2 . The imaging mechanism 5 captures an image of the chart pattern reflected on the side surface 2a of the inspection object 2 .SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a visual inspection apparatus for inspecting the condition of the side surface of a three-dimensional object to be inspected, the side surface of which is a mirror surface. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a distortion inspection device for ultrasonic gas meter components is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The distortion inspection device described in Patent Document 1 inspects the distortion of a mirror-finished surface of a straightening plate. This distortion inspection device includes a test pattern that is projected onto the surface of the straightening plate, an imaging device that images the surface of the straightening plate onto which the test pattern is projected, and a judgment device that judges the quality of the straightening plate based on the image captured by the imaging device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-216389 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present inventor has developed an appearance inspection device for inspecting the condition of the side surface of a three-dimensional object to be inspected, the side surface of which is a mirror surface. Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection device for inspecting the surface condition of a flat plate-shaped object to be inspected, the surface of which is a mirror surface. However, the specific configuration of the appearance inspection device for inspecting the condition of the side surface of a three-dimensional object to be inspected, the side surface of which is a mirror surface, has not been disclosed in the past.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a specific configuration for a visual inspection device for inspecting the condition of the side surface of a three-dimensional object to be inspected, the side surface of which is a mirror surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the visual inspection apparatus of the present invention is an visual inspection apparatus for inspecting the condition of the side of a three-dimensional inspected object having a mirror-like side, and is equipped with an inspection table on which the inspected object is placed, a sheet-like chart placed on the inspection table and positioned below the inspected object and on which the inspected object is placed, and an imaging mechanism placed above the inspected object, wherein the chart is formed to a size such that a chart pattern drawn on the top surface of the chart is reflected on the entire side of the inspected object, and the imaging mechanism images the chart pattern reflected on the side of the inspected object.

[0007] In the visual inspection device of the present invention, an object to be inspected is placed on a sheet-like chart placed on an inspection table, and the chart is formed to a size such that a chart pattern drawn on the upper surface of the chart is reflected on the entire side surface of the object to be inspected. Also, in the present invention, an imaging mechanism disposed above the object to be inspected captures an image of the chart pattern reflected on the side surface of the object to be inspected. Therefore, in the present invention, it becomes possible to inspect the condition of the side surface of the object to be inspected based on the image captured by the imaging mechanism. That is, in the present invention, it becomes possible to inspect the condition of the side surface of the object to be inspected with a simple configuration using a sheet-like chart placed on the inspection table.

[0008] In the present invention, the chart is preferably attached to the upper surface of the inspection table, which makes it possible to prevent the chart from shifting when the object to be inspected is placed on the chart.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the visual inspection device of the present invention is an visual inspection device for inspecting the condition of the side surface of a three-dimensional inspected object having a mirror-like side surface, and is equipped with a sheet-like chart that is placed on the upper side of the inspected object, a chart holding member to which the upper surface of the chart is fixed, which is placed so that the thickness direction of the chart coincides with the up-down direction, and an imaging mechanism that is placed below the inspected object, wherein the chart is formed to a size such that a chart pattern drawn on the lower surface of the chart is reflected on the entire side surface of the inspected object, and the imaging mechanism images the chart pattern reflected on the side surface of the inspected object.

[0010] In the visual inspection device of the present invention, a sheet-like chart fixed to a chart holding member is placed above the object to be inspected, and the chart is formed to a size such that a chart pattern drawn on the underside of the chart is reflected on the entire side surface of the object to be inspected. Also, in the present invention, an imaging mechanism placed below the object to be inspected images the chart pattern reflected on the side surface of the object to be inspected. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to inspect the condition of the side surface of the object to be inspected based on the image captured by the imaging mechanism. That is, in the present invention, it is possible to inspect the condition of the side surface of the object to be inspected with a simple configuration using a sheet-like chart placed above the object to be inspected.

[0011] In the present invention, the visual inspection device preferably includes a transparent inspection table on which the object to be inspected is placed. With this configuration, even if the object to be inspected is placed on the inspection table and an imaging mechanism is placed below the object to be inspected, it is possible to use the imaging mechanism to capture an image of the chart pattern reflected on the side surface of the object to be inspected. Therefore, when inspecting the state of the side surface of the object to be inspected using the imaging mechanism placed below the object to be inspected, it is sufficient to place the object to be inspected on the inspection table, and it becomes possible to easily position the object to be inspected at a predetermined position.

[0012] In the present invention, the visual inspection device includes, for example, a reflecting member arranged on the outer periphery of the object to be inspected, which reflects the chart pattern reflected on the side of the object to the photographing mechanism, and the photographing mechanism photographs the chart pattern reflected by the reflecting member. In this case, it is possible to photograph the chart pattern reflected on all side surfaces of the object to be inspected using one photographing mechanism arranged directly above or below the object to be inspected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of photographing mechanisms required in the visual inspection device, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the cost of the visual inspection device. Effect of the Invention

[0013] As described above, in the present invention, in an appearance inspection device for inspecting the condition of the side surface of a three-dimensional object to be inspected having mirror-like sides, it is possible to inspect the condition of the side surface of the object to be inspected using a simple configuration that uses a sheet-like chart placed on the inspection table or a sheet-like chart placed above the object to be inspected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view for explaining a configuration of a visual inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a plan view showing an object to be inspected, a chart, etc., seen from the EE direction in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part F in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a visual inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a visual inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a visual inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a visual inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (Configuration of visual inspection device) Fig. 1 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a visual inspection apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an inspection object 2, a chart 4, etc., as seen from the EE direction in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion F in Fig. 2.

[0017] The appearance inspection device 1 of this embodiment is a device for inspecting the state of the side surface 2a of a three-dimensional object to be inspected 2, the side surface 2a of which is a mirror surface. The object to be inspected 2 is formed of, for example, metal. The object to be inspected 2 of this embodiment is formed in the shape of a quadrangular prism. That is, the object to be inspected 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the up-down direction (vertical direction). The object to be inspected 2 has four side surfaces 2a that form a rectangular plane, and the four side surfaces 2a form the outer peripheral surface of the object to be inspected 2. The appearance inspection device 1 inspects the side surfaces 2a for scratches, distortion, and adhesion of foreign matter to the side surfaces 2a. That is, the appearance inspection device 1 inspects the outer peripheral surface of the object to be inspected 2 for scratches, distortion, and adhesion of foreign matter to the outer peripheral surface.

[0018] The appearance inspection apparatus 1 includes an inspection table 3 on which an object 2 to be inspected is placed, and a sheet-like chart 4 placed on the inspection table 3. The chart 4 is placed below the object 2 to be inspected, and the object 2 to be inspected is placed on the chart 4. The appearance inspection apparatus 1 also includes a camera 5 as an imaging mechanism arranged above the object 2 to be inspected, and a prism 6 as a reflecting member arranged on the outer periphery of the object 2 to be inspected. The appearance inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes one camera 5 and four prisms 6. The appearance inspection apparatus 1 also includes a PC (personal computer) 7 to which the camera 5 is electrically connected.

[0019] The upper surface of the inspection table 3 is a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. The upper surface of the inspection table 3 is, for example, rectangular. The chart 4 is, for example, rectangular, and placed on the inspection table 3 so as to cover the entire upper surface of the inspection table 3. The chart 4 is attached to the upper surface of the inspection table 3. That is, the chart 4 is fixed to the upper surface of the inspection table 3. The chart 4 is, for example, made of paper or resin. The chart 4 in this embodiment is graph paper, and as shown in FIG. 3, a grid-like chart pattern (test pattern) 4a is drawn on the upper surface of the chart 4. Note that the chart pattern 4a is not shown in FIG. 2.

[0020] The object 2 to be inspected is placed on the inspection table 3 so that the center of the object 2 to be inspected coincides with the center of the inspection table 3 when viewed from above. The chart 4 is formed to a size such that the chart pattern 4a is reflected on the entire side surface 2a of the object 2 to be inspected, and the chart pattern 4a is reflected on the entire four side surfaces 2a of the object 2 to be inspected.

[0021] As described above, the prism 6 is disposed on the outer periphery of the test object 2. The prism 6 is disposed above the test object 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the four prisms 6 are disposed at positions corresponding to the four side surfaces 2a of the test object 2. The prism 6 reflects the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a toward the camera 5. That is, the prism 6 reflects the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a toward the upper side. Specifically, the entrance surface of the prism 6 is wider than the side surface 2a, and the prism 6 reflects the chart pattern 4a reflected on the entire side surface 2a toward the upper side. Also, each of the four prisms 6 reflects the chart pattern 4a reflected on each of the four side surfaces 2a toward the upper side.

[0022] The camera 5 is disposed directly above the object 2 to be inspected. The camera 5 is installed so that the optical axis of the camera 5 is parallel to the vertical direction. The optical axis of the camera 5 coincides with the axis of the object 2 to be inspected, which is formed in a rectangular prism shape. The camera 5 photographs the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a of the object 2 to be inspected. Specifically, the camera 5 photographs the chart pattern 4a reflected by the prism 6. The camera 5 also photographs the chart pattern 4a reflected by the four prisms 6. That is, the camera 5 photographs the chart pattern 4a reflected on the four side surfaces 2a.

[0023] An illumination mechanism (not shown) for shining light onto the chart 4 is disposed between the inspection object 2 and the camera 5 in the vertical direction. The illumination mechanism is disposed at a position that does not interfere with the shooting of the camera 5. In this embodiment, in order to shoot the chart pattern 4a reflected by the four prisms 6 with one camera 5, a lens (not shown) is disposed between the prisms 6 and the camera 5 in the vertical direction. This lens is disposed, for example, above the illumination mechanism. That is, the appearance inspection device 1 is equipped with an illumination mechanism and a lens.

[0024] The image captured by the camera 5 is transmitted to the PC 7. Based on the image captured by the camera 5, the PC 7 determines whether or not there is a scratch on the side surface 2a, whether or not there is a distortion on the side surface 2a, and whether or not there is a foreign object attached to the side surface 2a. For example, the PC 7 prestores a reference image which is an image of the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a in a good condition, and the PC 7 performs image processing to compare an image actually captured by the camera 5 with the reference image, and determines whether or not there is a scratch on the side surface 2a, whether or not there is a distortion on the side surface 2a, and whether or not there is a foreign object attached to the side surface 2a.

[0025] (Main effects of this form) As described above, in this embodiment, the object 2 is placed on the sheet-like chart 4 placed on the inspection table 3, and the chart 4 is formed to a size such that the chart pattern 4a is reflected on the entire side surface 2a of the object 2. In this embodiment, the camera 5 arranged above the object 2 captures the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a, and the state of the side surface 2a of the object 2 is inspected based on the image captured by the camera 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to inspect the state of the side surface 2a of the object 2 with a simple configuration using the sheet-like chart 4 placed on the inspection table 3.

[0026] In this embodiment, the chart 4 is attached to the upper surface of the inspection table 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the chart 4 from shifting when the inspection object 2 is placed on the chart 4. Also, in this embodiment, the prism 6 arranged on the outer periphery of the inspection object 2 reflects the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a of the inspection object 2 upward, and the camera 5 photographs the chart pattern 4a reflected by the prism 6. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to photograph the chart pattern 4a reflected on the four side surfaces 2a of the inspection object 2 using one camera 5 arranged directly above the inspection object 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of cameras 5 required for the appearance inspection device 1, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the cost of the appearance inspection device 1.

[0027] (Examples of changes to the test object and reflective material) Fig. 4 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a visual inspection device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 4, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0028] In the above embodiment, the object 2 to be inspected may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the object 2 to be inspected has one curved side surface 2a that forms a circular shape when viewed from above and below, and the outer circumferential surface of the object 2 to be inspected is configured by the one side surface 2a. In this case, the appearance inspection device 1 has, for example, a reflecting mirror 16 having a frustum-shaped reflecting surface 16a instead of the prism 6. The reflecting mirror 16 is formed in an annular shape. When viewed from above and below, the reflecting mirror 16 is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the object 2 to surround the object 2 to be inspected. The reflecting mirror 16 is disposed above the object 2 to be inspected. The reflecting surface 16a is inclined so as to expand radially outward as it approaches the upper side.

[0029] The reflecting mirror 16 reflects the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a upward. Specifically, the reflecting mirror 16 reflects the chart pattern 4a reflected on the entire side surface 2a upward. In this modified example, the reflecting mirror 16 is a reflecting member. The camera 5 disposed above the inspection subject 2 captures an image of the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a. Specifically, the camera 5 captures an image of the chart pattern 4a reflected by the reflecting mirror 16.

[0030] (Example 1 of changes to visual inspection equipment) Fig. 5 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a visual inspection device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 5, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0031] In the above-described embodiment, the appearance inspection device 1 does not need to include the prism 6. In this case, the appearance inspection device 1 includes a plurality of cameras 5. For example, when the object under inspection 2 is formed in a rectangular prism shape, the appearance inspection device 1 includes four cameras 5. The cameras 5 are installed such that the optical axis of the camera 5 is tilted with respect to the vertical direction. Each of the four cameras 5 captures an image of the chart pattern 4a reflected on each of the four side surfaces 2a of the object under inspection 2.

[0032] 5, the visual inspection device 1 may include only one camera 5. In this case, the camera 5 is installed so that the optical axis of the camera 5 is tilted with respect to the vertical direction. In this case, the visual inspection device 1 includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the inspection table 3 about the vertical direction as the axis of rotation. When the camera 5 captures the chart patterns 4a reflected on each of the four side surfaces 2a of the inspection object 2, the inspection table 3 on which the inspection object 2 is placed rotates about the vertical direction as the axis of rotation.

[0033] (Example 2 of changes to visual inspection equipment) Fig. 6 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a visual inspection device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 6, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0034] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the width of the entrance surface of the prism 6 may be set to a width such that the prism 6 reflects only the chart pattern 4a reflected on a portion of the side surface 2a in the vertical direction toward the upper side. In this case, the visual inspection device 1 is provided with a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the inspection table 3 or the prism 6. For example, the visual inspection device 1 is provided with a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the inspection table 3. In this case, for example, as shown in Fig. 6(A), the chart pattern 4a reflected on the upper part of the side surface 2a of the inspection object 2 is reflected by the prism 6 and photographed by the camera 5, and then, as shown in Fig. 6(B), the inspection table 3 is raised, and in this state, the chart pattern 4a reflected on the lower part of the side surface 2a of the inspection object 2 is reflected by the prism 6 and photographed by the camera 5.

[0035] (Example 3 of changes to visual inspection equipment) Fig. 7 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a visual inspection device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 7, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0036] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the chart 4 may be arranged above the object 2 to be inspected, and the camera 5 may be arranged below the object 2 to be inspected. In this modification, the inspection table 3 is made of transparent glass or resin. That is, the visual inspection device 1 includes a transparent inspection table 3. The inspection table 3 is formed in a relatively thin flat plate shape. In addition, in this modification, the visual inspection device 1 includes a chart holding member 20 to which the upper surface of the chart 4, which is arranged so that the thickness direction and the up-down direction coincide with each other, is fixed. The chart holding member 20 is fixed to, for example, the main body frame of the visual inspection device 1. Also, the chart holding member 20 may be, for example, the top plate of the main body frame of the visual inspection device 1.

[0037] In this modification, the chart 4 is affixed to the underside of the chart holding member 20. The size of the underside of the chart holding member 20 is equal to or larger than that of the chart 4. The chart pattern 4a is drawn on the underside of the chart 4. The chart 4 is formed to a size such that the chart pattern 4a is reflected on the entire side surface 2a of the inspection subject 2. The prism 6 is disposed on the outer periphery of the inspection subject 2 and is disposed lower than the inspection subject 2. The prism 6 reflects the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a toward the camera 5. In other words, the prism 6 reflects the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a downward.

[0038] The camera 5 is disposed directly below the object 2 under inspection. The camera 5 is installed so that the optical axis of the camera 5 is parallel to the vertical direction. The camera 5 photographs the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a of the object 2 under inspection. Specifically, the camera 5 photographs the chart pattern 4a reflected by the prism 6. As in the above-described embodiment, an illumination mechanism (not shown) for applying light to the chart 4 is disposed between the object 2 under inspection and the camera 5 in the vertical direction. As in the above-described embodiment, in this modification, a lens (not shown) is disposed between the prism 6 and the camera 5 in the vertical direction in order to photograph the chart pattern 4a reflected by the four prisms 6 with one camera 5.

[0039] In this modified example, it is possible to inspect the condition of the side surface 2a of the object to be inspected 2 with a simple configuration using a sheet-like chart 4 placed on the upper side of the object to be inspected 2. Also, in this modified example, since the object to be inspected 2 is placed on a transparent inspection table 3, even if the object to be inspected 2 is placed on the inspection table 3 and the camera 5 is placed below the object to be inspected 2, it is possible to photograph the chart pattern 4a reflected on the side surface 2a with the camera 5. Therefore, when inspecting the condition of the side surface 2a of the object to be inspected 2 using the camera 5 placed below the object to be inspected 2, it is sufficient to place the object to be inspected 2 on the inspection table 3, and it becomes possible to easily place the object to be inspected at a predetermined position.

[0040] In this modified example, the visual inspection device 1 does not have to include the inspection table 3. In this case, the visual inspection device 1 includes a holding mechanism for holding the inspected object 2 at a predetermined position. For example, the visual inspection device 1 includes a suction mechanism for sucking and holding the inspected object 2 from multiple points around the inspected object 2. In addition, the configurations of the modified examples shown in Figs. 4 to 6 may be applied to this modified example.

[0041] (Other embodiments) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the test subject 2 may be formed in a polygonal prism shape other than a quadrangular prism shape. For example, the test subject 2 may be formed in a triangular prism shape. The test subject 2 may be formed in a cylindrical shape as in the modified example shown in FIG. 4, or in a cone shape or a truncated cone shape. The test subject 2 may be formed in a polygonal pyramid shape such as a quadrangular pyramid shape, or in a polygonal pyramid shape such as a truncated quadrangular pyramid shape. The test subject 2 may be formed in a tubular shape. For example, the test subject 2 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The test subject 2 may be formed in a shape other than these shapes as long as the side surface is a mirror surface and the test subject 2 is formed in a three-dimensional shape.

[0042] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a chart pattern 4a other than a grid pattern may be drawn on the upper surface of the chart 4. For example, a chart pattern 4a consisting of a plurality of radially extending lines or a chart pattern 4a consisting of a plurality of concentric circles may be drawn on the upper surface of the chart 4. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the chart 4 does not have to be attached to the upper surface of the inspection table 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1. Visual inspection equipment 2. Subject 2a side 3 Examination table 4. Charts 4a Chart Patterns 5 Camera (filming mechanism) 6 Prism (reflective material) 16 Reflective mirror (reflective material) 20 Chart holding member

Claims

1. 1. A visual inspection apparatus for inspecting a state of a side surface of a three-dimensional object to be inspected, the side surface of the object being inspected being a mirror surface, comprising: an inspection table on which the object to be inspected is placed, a sheet-like chart placed on the inspection table and disposed below the object to be inspected and on which the object to be inspected is placed, and an imaging mechanism disposed above the object to be inspected, the chart is formed in a size such that a chart pattern drawn on an upper surface of the chart is reflected on the entire side surface of the object to be inspected, The visual inspection apparatus, wherein the photographing mechanism photographs the chart pattern reflected on the side surface of the object under inspection.

2. 2. The visual inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chart is attached to an upper surface of the inspection table.

3. 1. A visual inspection apparatus for inspecting a state of a side surface of a three-dimensional object to be inspected, the side surface of the object being inspected being a mirror surface, comprising: the sheet-like chart is placed above the object to be inspected, a chart holder to which the upper surface of the chart is fixed, the chart being placed so that the thickness direction and the up-down direction of the chart coincide, and an imaging mechanism is placed below the object to be inspected, the chart is formed in a size such that a chart pattern drawn on a lower surface of the chart is reflected on the entire side surface of the object to be inspected, The visual inspection apparatus, wherein the photographing mechanism photographs the chart pattern reflected on the side surface of the object under inspection.

4. 4. The visual inspection apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a transparent inspection table on which the object to be inspected is placed.

5. a reflecting member that is disposed on an outer periphery of the object under test and reflects the chart pattern reflected on the side surface of the object under test toward the imaging mechanism, 5. The visual inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing mechanism photographs the chart pattern reflected by the reflecting member.

Images