Food inspection device

Abstract

To provide a food inspection device capable of preventing contamination of an imaging part of an optical unit.SOLUTION: A food inspection device 1 that inspects food F conveyed by a conveying mechanism 10, comprises: an optical unit 20A that is disposed above the conveying mechanism 10 and has an imaging part 22 that acquires inspection information of the food F by imaging the conveyed food F; and a transparent window member 33 that is disposed between the conveying mechanism 10 and the optical unit 20A. By disposing the transparent window member 33 between the conveying mechanism 10 and the optical unit 20A, contamination of the imaging part 22 of the optical unit 20A caused by oil, steam, or the like from the food F conveyed by the conveying mechanism 10 can be prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food inspection device. [Background technology]

[0002] In food processing, there is a demand for inspecting the moisture content of food being transported on a belt conveyor or the like in order to stably manage the quality of the food. To inspect the moisture content of food, an analytical device such as a multispectral camera can be used, which can calculate the two-dimensional distribution of the moisture content of food in an evaluation area set on the belt.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a quality evaluation method for calculating the moisture content of foods such as cooked rice. In this quality evaluation method, a near-infrared spectroscopic analyzer is used to calculate the moisture content of cooked rice through multiple regression analysis based on the wavelength of light reflected from the cooked rice. The near-infrared spectroscopic analyzer is placed near the cooked rice outlet of a continuous rice cooker. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-109719 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with conventional technology, the camera of the optical unit that makes up the food inspection device can become dirty due to steam, oil splashes, etc. from the food being transported by the transport device, which poses a problem of not being able to perform highly accurate inspections of the moisture content, etc., of the food.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a food inspection device that can prevent contamination of the imaging section of the optical unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The food inspection device according to the present invention comprises: A food inspection device that inspects food conveyed by a conveying mechanism, an optical unit disposed above the conveying mechanism and having an imaging unit that captures an image of the food being conveyed to acquire inspection information about the food; a transparent window member disposed between the transport mechanism and the optical unit; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a transparent window member is disposed between the transport mechanism and the optical unit, so that the imaging portion of the optical unit can be prevented from being soiled by oil, steam, etc. from the food being transported. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a food inspection device in a state before an optical unit is installed in a conveying mechanism according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the food inspection device after an optical unit has been installed in the conveying mechanism according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the food inspection device in a state after an optical unit has been installed in the conveying mechanism according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the food inspection device in a state after an optical unit has been installed in the conveying mechanism according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an optical unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mounting stand according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a flow when acquiring reference information used when calibrating spectral data acquired by an imaging unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an optical unit of a food inspection device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A food inspection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] [Configuration example of food inspection device 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a food inspection device 1 after an optical unit 20A has been installed in a conveying mechanism 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a food inspection device 1 before an optical unit 20A has been installed in a conveying mechanism 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a side view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a food inspection device 1 after an optical unit 20A has been installed in a conveying mechanism 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a front view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a food inspection device 1 after an optical unit 20A has been installed in a conveying mechanism 10 according to this embodiment.

[0012] 1 and other figures, the width direction (left-right direction) of the belt 12 of the transport mechanism 10 (described later) is defined as the x-axis direction, and the extension direction (front-back direction) of the belt 12 is defined as the y-axis direction. The direction (up-down direction) perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis directions of the belt 12 is defined as the z-axis direction. The extension direction of the belt 12 is the transport direction D1 of the belt 12. For convenience, the processing device main body 50 is omitted from the illustrations of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0013] The food inspection device 1 is installed on a production line that produces food F, and inspects the quality of the food F by capturing images of the food F as it is conveyed and acquiring inspection information about the food F. An example of the food F is cooked rice coated with a coating agent such as oil used in frozen foods. The inspection information may include, for example, spectroscopic data about the moisture absorption of the food F. As shown in FIG. 1 , the food inspection device 1 includes a conveying mechanism 10, an optical system unit 20A, a mounting frame 30, a cooling mechanism 40, and a processing device main body 50.

[0014] The conveying mechanism 10 includes a driving unit 11, an endless belt 12, and support units 13a and 13b. The driving unit 11 moves the belt 12 along the conveying direction D1. For example, the driving unit 11 may be configured with a plurality of rollers and a motor, and the motor may be driven to rotate the rollers, thereby moving the belt 12 that is in close contact with the rollers. Alternatively, the driving unit 11 may be configured with a chain, gears, a motor, and the like, and the motor may be driven to rotate gears meshed with the chain, thereby moving the belt 12.

[0015] Belt 12 is stretched between rollers spaced at a predetermined interval and moves in conveyance direction D1 by driving drive unit 11. Food F is placed on the upper surface of belt 12 so that it spreads out over a surface. As belt 12 moves in conveyance direction D1, food F on the upper surface of belt 12 passes through an imaging area where it can be imaged by imaging unit 22.

[0016] The support portions 13a and 13b are members for supporting the drive portion 11, the belt 12, and the like. The support portions 13a and 13b are disposed on the left and right sides of the belt 12, respectively, and extend along the conveying direction D1 of the belt 12. Although not shown, the conveying mechanism 10 may be provided with rails, rollers, and the like that directly support the belt 12 in addition to the support portions 13a and 13b. Legs 15 for supporting the belt 12 and the like are attached to the support portion 13b. The support portion 13b extends downward, and casters 16, an example of a portable mechanism, are attached to its lower end. This allows the conveying mechanism 10 to be freely moved, and the position of the conveying mechanism 10 in the manufacturing line can be easily changed. The conveying mechanism 10 may also be fixed.

[0017] One end of a mounting bracket 14 for mounting a mounting stand 40 is attached to the upper surface of the support portion 13a with a fastening member such as a screw. The legs 32 of the mounting stand 30, which will be described later, are attached to the other end of the mounting bracket 14 with a fastening member such as a screw. In this embodiment, the mounting brackets 14 are attached to positions on the left and right support portions 13a corresponding to the four legs 32 of the mounting stand 30. The mounting brackets 14 are an example of a mounting member.

[0018] The optical unit 20A is movably positioned above the belt 12. Specifically, the optical unit 20A is placed on a mounting stand 30 and configured so that an operator can manually move it left and right to match the position of the food F on the conveyed surface of the belt 12. A handle is attached to the top surface of the optical unit 20A, making it easy for an operator to carry the optical unit 20A. Note that adjusting the position of the optical unit 20A is not limited to manual. For example, a sensor or the like may detect a positional deviation of the optical unit 20A relative to the food F, and a machine or the like may automatically adjust the positional deviation of the optical unit 20A based on the detection result of the sensor or the like. The optical unit 20A acquires inspection information about the food F by capturing an image of the food F on the conveyed belt 12. The optical unit 20A outputs the acquired inspection information about the food F to an information processing device 52 (described later) via wiring 26.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, etc., the optical unit 20A is disposed on the mounting frame 30. The mounting frame 30 movably supports the optical unit 20A and determines the height of the imaging unit 22 of the optical unit 20A relative to the upper surface of the belt 12. In other words, the mounting frame 30 functions as a component for adjusting the focus of the imaging unit 22 of the optical unit 20A relative to the food F on the upper surface of the conveyed belt 12. The mounting frame 30 is provided with an adjustment mechanism that can adjust its height relative to the upper surface of the belt 12. As a result, even if there is some deviation in the focus of the imaging unit 22 placed on the mounting frame 30, the focus of the imaging unit 22 can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the mounting frame 30 using the adjustment mechanism. Note that although FIG. 1 and other figures illustrate an example in which the mounting frame 30 is attached to the conveyance mechanism 10, the mounting frame 30 may also be attached to the optical unit 20A.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, etc., the cooling mechanism 40 blows air onto the food F, the mounting frame 30, and other components of the optical unit 20A on the conveyed belt 12, thereby cooling the food F, the mounting frame 30, and the peripheral components of the optical unit 20A. The cooling mechanism 40 includes an air blower 41 and an air supply unit 42. The air blower 41 is located at one end of the belt 12 in the width direction, in the gap between the belt 12 and the mounting frame 30. Specifically, the air blower 41 is an air nozzle, and its outlet is positioned toward the food F placed on the belt 12 or the mounting frame 30, and blows air in the direction of arrow D2. The air supply unit 42 is, for example, an air compressor, and is connected to the air blower 40 via an air tube 43. Driving the air supply unit 42 supplies air to the air blower 41 via the air tube 43.

[0021] Although an air nozzle has been described as an example of the air blower 41 in FIG. 1 and other figures, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a fan may be used as the air blower 41. Although only one air blower 41 is provided at one end of the belt 12 in the width direction, the air blower 41 may be provided at the other end of the belt 12 in the width direction, or at both ends of the belt 12 in the width direction. In this case, multiple air blowers 41 may be provided at one end and the other end of the belt 12 in the width direction. By providing multiple air outlets or multiple air blowers 41, air may be blown toward the food F, the window member 33 of the mounting frame 30, and the optical unit 20A, respectively. By directing the air blowing direction toward the window member 33 of the mounting frame 30 and the edge of the housing 21 (see FIG. 5) of the optical unit 20A, condensation on the window member 33, the housing 21, etc. can be prevented.

[0022] The processing device main body 50 is disposed on the floor surface around the transport mechanism 10 and houses a heavy information processing device 52 and the like. The processing device main body 50 has a housing 51 configured with, for example, two levels, a lower level 51a and an upper level 51b. The lower level 51a of the housing 51 is, for example, a drawer type, and a handle is attached to the front of the housing 51. The lower level 51a of the housing 51 houses the information processing device 52, a power strip 55, and the like. For example, casters 56, which are an example of a portable mechanism, are attached to four locations on the underside of the housing 51. This allows the processing device main body 50 to be freely moved, and the location of the processing device main body 50 in the manufacturing line can be easily changed. Note that the information processing device 52 may be mounted on the optical unit 20A side depending on its weight.

[0023] The processing device 52 is, for example, a computer, and includes a processor such as a CPU for control and calculation, and memory such as RAM. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The processing device 52 is connected to the conveying mechanism 10 and the optical system unit 20A via wiring 26 and controls the conveying mechanism 10 and the optical system unit 20A. For example, if a multispectral camera is used for the imaging unit 22, the processing device 52 acquires spectral data (inspection information) of multiple wavelengths related to the moisture absorption of the food F from the multispectral image of the food F captured by the imaging unit 22. The processing device 52 analyzes the spectral data of the acquired multispectral image of the food F to calculate information indicating a two-dimensional distribution based on the moisture content (moisture amount) of the food F. The processing device 52 creates a two-dimensional distribution image as information indicating the two-dimensional distribution of the moisture content of the food F. The two-dimensional distribution image is a heat map painted with multiple gradation values ​​or multiple colors.

[0024] The display unit 35 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. EL is an abbreviation for electroluminescence. The display unit 35 is, for example, attached to the side of the housing 51 via an arm or the like and disposed near the conveying mechanism 10. This allows the operator to quickly check the moisture content, etc., of the food F on the conveyed surface of the belt 12. The display unit 35 displays, for example, a two-dimensional distribution image and statistics of the moisture content within a predetermined region of the two-dimensional distribution image on a screen based on display data output from the processing device 52. Note that, although the present embodiment describes an example in which the display unit 35 is attached to the processing device main body 50, the display unit 35 may also be installed using a stand or the like, or may be installed in a room other than the production line.

[0025] A calibration member 53 is disposed on the bottom surface of the upper stage 51b of the housing 51. Specifically, the calibration member 53 is disposed at a position that allows the distance between the imaging unit 22 of the optical unit 20A and the upper surface of the belt 12 of the movement mechanism 10 to be reproduced. The calibration member 53 is used to adjust and calibrate the light reflectivity of the image information acquired by the imaging unit 22 of the optical unit 20A. The calibration member 53 may be, for example, a standard diffuser. An opening 54 is provided on the top surface of the upper stage 51b of the housing 51 to enable the imaging unit 22 to capture an image of the calibration member 53. The opening 54 is sized to prevent the optical unit 20A from falling and has an edge that supports the optical unit 20A. Instead of the opening 54, a window member made of a transparent material may be attached to the top surface of the upper stage 51b. The processing device main body 50 may be provided with an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the bottom surface on which the calibration member 53 is disposed and the height of the window member on which the optical unit 20A is placed.

[0026] [Internal configuration example of optical unit 20A] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of optical unit 20A according to this embodiment. Optical unit 20A includes housing 21, imaging unit 22, light source units 23A and 23B, intake slit 24, and exhaust port 25. Note that Fig. 5 shows an example in which optical unit 20A is installed in conveyance mechanism 10 so that light source units 23A and 23B are aligned in conveyance direction D1 of belt 12, but the installation direction of optical unit 20A relative to conveyance mechanism 10 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 5 etc.

[0027] Housing 21 is box-shaped and houses imaging unit 22 and light sources 23A and 23B therein. Housing 21 is made of, for example, a metal material. Opening 21a is formed on the bottom surface of housing 21 at a position facing belt 12. Opening 21a is an opening that allows light containing wavelength components used for inspection that is irradiated from light sources 23A and 23B and reflected light that is reflected by food F placed on the upper surface of belt 12 to pass through.

[0028] The imaging unit 22 is, for example, a multispectral camera. The imaging unit 22 captures an image of the food F in an imaging area conveyed in the conveying direction D1 by the belt 12, and acquires a multispectral image of the food F. The imaging unit 22 captures images by dispersing the wavelength of light into multiple wavelength bands, with the imaging wavelength band including at least the near-infrared region. The imaging unit 22 generates a data cube by stacking layers of two-dimensional planar images of the food F, which is the image target, along the x and y axes, for each dispersed wavelength region. The multispectral camera serving as the imaging unit 22 may include a hyperspectral camera. Note that the imaging unit 22 is not limited to a multispectral camera, and may be, for example, an infrared camera, etc.

[0029] Light source units 23A, 23B include, for example, halogen lamps, LEDs, etc. Light source units 23A, 23B are arranged, for example, at a predetermined distance in the front-to-back direction relative to imaging unit 22, and irradiate light containing wavelength components used for inspection toward food F in the imaging area on the top surface of belt 12. The light irradiated from light source units 23A, 23B is reflected by food F transported by belt 12, and the reflected light is imaged by imaging unit 22. Note that food inspection device 1 may also be provided with a sensor or the like for detecting a decrease in the amount of light irradiated from light source units 23A, 23B.

[0030] The intake slits 24 are formed, for example, in the front wall 21b of the housing 21. The intake slits 24 allow outside air to flow into the housing 21. The exhaust port 25 is provided, for example, downstream of the intake slits 24, and is formed in the side wall 21c of the housing 21. The exhaust port 25 exhausts the air inside the housing 21 to the outside. The intake slits 24 and the exhaust port 25 can efficiently ventilate the inside of the housing 21, and can prevent water vapor that has flowed into the inside of the housing 21 from accumulating, condensation from occurring, and the like.

[0031] [Configuration example of mounting frame 30] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mounting stand 30 according to this embodiment. The mounting stand 30 includes a frame 31, four legs 32, a transparent window member 33, and a pair of guide members 34, 34. The frame 31 is rectangular in plan view, and its inner edge forms an opening 31a for attaching the window member 33. The opening 31a is large enough to allow the imaging unit 22 to capture an image of the food F being conveyed. The length of the frame 31 in the short direction is set to be at least equal to or greater than the depth of the optical unit 20A in the y-axis direction (see FIG. 1). The length of the frame 31 in the long direction is set to be at least equal to or greater than the width of the belt 12 in the x-axis direction (see FIG. 1).

[0032] The legs 32 are attached to each corner of the frame 31 and extend downward from each corner by a predetermined distance. A screw hole (not shown) is formed in each leg 32. A fastening member such as a screw is fitted into the screw hole of each leg 32 and the screw hole of the mounting bracket 14 of the transport mechanism 10, thereby fixing the four legs 32 to the corresponding four mounting brackets 14. The length of the legs 32 is preferably selected based on the designed distance between the imaging unit 22 of the optical unit 20A and the upper surface of the belt 12 of the transport mechanism 10. Alternatively, multiple screw holes may be formed in the height direction of each leg 32 to allow for stepwise adjustment of the height of the mounting frame 30 relative to the upper surface of the belt 12. Alternatively, the screw holes may be elongated holes to allow for continuous adjustment of the height of the mounting frame 30 relative to the upper surface of the belt 12. A jack or the like may be used as an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of each leg 32. Furthermore, the method of attaching the mounting stand 30 to the transport mechanism 10 is not limited to the method using fastening members such as screws, and other known methods may be employed.

[0033] The transparent window member 33 has a predetermined thickness and is formed in a shape that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer shape of the opening 31a of the frame 31. It is removably attached to the opening 31a of the frame 31. The window member 33 may be attached by fitting it into the opening 31a of the frame 31, by placing it on the frame 31, or by sliding it through an insertion opening provided on the side of the frame 31. "Transparent" refers to a high transmittance at the wavelength of light. Specifically, the window member 33 is made of a material that can transmit light emitted from the light sources 23A and 23B and light reflected by the food F being conveyed. The window member 33 is made of a material that can transmit light, such as polycarbonate, with a glass transition temperature [Tg] of 170°C or higher. The material of the window member 33 is not limited to polycarbonate, as long as it is a heat-resistant, transparent material. The attachment and detachment of the window member 33 to and from the frame 31 may be automated using a machine or the like. Furthermore, the food inspection device 1 may be provided with a sensor or the like for detecting dirt or the like on the window member 33. In this case, for example, the information processing device 52 may determine the timing for cleaning the window member 33 based on the detection result of the sensor or the like. Furthermore, the window member 33 may be fixed to the frame portion 31 instead of being detachable.

[0034] The guide portions 34, 34 are elongated plate-like members that face the long side portions 31b, 31b of the frame portion 31 and extend upright toward the z-axis direction. This provides the guide portions 34, 34 as walls having a predetermined height in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the conveying direction D1 of the frame portion 31. The distance between the guide portions 34, 34 in the y-axis direction is preferably set to provide a slight clearance with respect to the depth of the optical unit 20A in the y-axis direction. This restricts the forward and backward movement of the optical unit 20A when the optical unit 20A placed on the mounting stand 30 is moved left and right, allowing the optical unit 20A to be moved to a position above the food F without falling off the mounting stand 30.

[0035] A stopper (not shown) for fixing the position of the optical unit 20A on the mounting frame 30 may be provided, for example, on the optical unit 20A side. For example, the stopper may be formed by a slide portion that slidably engages with the guide portions 34, 34, and a bolt that fixes the position of the slide portion relative to the guide portions 34, 34. The optical unit 20A is attached to the inside of the slide portion. In this case, after moving the optical unit 20A above the food F, the bolt is tightened from the outside to fix the guide portions 34, 34 to the slide portion, thereby fixing the optical unit 20A attached to the slide portion in a predetermined position on the mounting frame 30.

[0036] [Example of how to install the optical unit 20A] Next, a method for installing the optical unit 20A on the conveying mechanism 10 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, for example, the optical unit 20A is inserted between the guide portions 34, 34 of the mounting frame 30, which is permanently installed on the conveying mechanism 10, from one end side in the x-axis direction of the mounting frame 30. The optical unit 20A may also be inserted between the guide portions 34, 34 by approaching the mounting frame 30 from above. Next, the optical unit 20A is slid over the window member 33 of the mounting frame 30 toward the other end of the mounting frame 30 and stopped above a position where food F placed on the belt 12 is expected to pass. Furthermore, if the optical unit 20A is misaligned with respect to the food F on the top surface of the belt 12 during actual inspection, the misalignment of the optical unit 20A can be corrected by moving the optical unit 20A along the guide portions 34, 34.

[0037] [Example of how to calibrate optical unit 20A] 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of acquiring reference information used when calibrating spectral data acquired by the imaging unit 22 according to this embodiment. Note that the height H1 from the bottom surface to the top surface of the upper stage 51b of the housing 51 is set to be equal to the height H3 from the top surface of the belt 12 to the top surface of the window member 33 of the mounting frame 30 shown in FIG.

[0038] First, the optical unit 20A is placed on the top surface of the upper stage 51b of the housing 51. The height H2 of the imaging section 22 of the optical unit 20A relative to the calibration member 53 in the upper stage 51b of the housing 51 is approximately equal to the height H4 (see FIG. 4) of the imaging section 22 of the optical unit 20A from the top surface of the belt 12 when the optical unit 20A is installed on the mounting stand 30 during actual inspection. At this time, if the height H2 on the housing 51 side is misaligned with the height H4 on the conveyance mechanism 10 side, the height H2 on the housing 51 side may be adjusted by adjusting the height of the calibration member 53 using an adjustment mechanism or the like. Note that the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the imaging section 22 may be provided on the optical unit 20A side.

[0039] Light source units 23A and 23B of optical unit 20A irradiate light containing wavelength components used for inspection toward calibration member 53 in upper level 51b of housing 51. Imaging unit 22 acquires the light reflected by calibration member 53. Information processing device 52 generates reference information related to the reflectivity, etc. of the reflected light acquired by imaging unit 22. When inspecting the moisture content, etc. of food F, imaging unit 22 of optical unit 20A acquires spectral data of food F actually transported by belt 12. Information processing device 52 calibrates the acquired spectral data based on reference information acquired in advance by processing device main body 50.

[0040] According to this embodiment, a window member 33 is attached to the mounting frame 30 provided between the conveying mechanism 10 and the optical unit 20A. Therefore, steam, oil, etc. generated from the food F conveyed by the belt 12 can adhere to the window member 33 located below the optical unit 20A. This prevents steam, oil, etc. from the food F being conveyed from directly adhering to the imaging section 22 of the optical unit 20A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the window member 33 of the mounting frame 30 is detachably attached to the frame 31. Therefore, even if the window member 33 becomes soiled with oil or the like, the window member 33 can be easily cleaned by removing the window member 33 from the frame 31.

[0041] When inspecting the moisture content of food F or the like, if the reflectance of the food F to be measured is low, it is necessary to set the light sources 23A and 23B to high output. In this case, the ambient temperature of the light source 23A or the like rises, which may cause deformation or damage to components such as the mounting base 30, the conveying mechanism 10, and the optical unit 20A. According to this embodiment, the cooling mechanism 40 is provided with the air blower 41, which can efficiently cool the mounting base 30, the conveying mechanism 10, the optical unit 20A, and the like. This prevents deformation or damage to the components such as the mounting base 30, the conveying mechanism 10, and the optical unit 20A.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the optical unit 20A is movably and detachably disposed on the mounting stand 30 attached to the transport mechanism 10. This allows the optical unit 20A to be easily removed from the transport mechanism 10, for example, when cleaning the transport mechanism 10, such as the belt 12. Furthermore, when a heavy information processing device 52 is disposed inside the processing device main body 50, the optical unit 20A can be made lighter, further improving the portability of the optical unit 20A. This allows the transport mechanism 10 to be efficiently cleaned. Furthermore, by configuring the optical unit 20A to be movably disposed, the optical unit 20A can be easily installed in various devices, etc.

[0043] <Modification> Next, we will explain a modified example of the above-mentioned food inspection device 1. In this modified example, the window member 33, which is disposed between the imaging section 22 of the optical unit 20B and the belt 12 of the conveying mechanism 10, is attached to the optical unit 20B, not to the mounting frame 30. The following will mainly explain the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment, and parts that are common to the above-mentioned embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0044] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an optical unit 20B of a food inspection device 1 according to a modified example. The optical unit 20B includes a housing 21, an imaging unit 22, light source units 23A and 23B, an intake slit 24, and an exhaust port 25.

[0045] The housing 21 is box-shaped and houses the imaging unit 22 and the light source units 23A and 23B therein. An opening 21a is formed on the underside of the housing 21 at a position facing the belt 12. A window member 33 is detachably attached to the opening 21a of the housing 21. The window member 33 may be attached by fitting it into the opening 21a of the housing 21, or it may be attached to the opening 21a by sliding it from the side of the housing 21. The window member 33 is made of a material that is transmissive to light emitted from the light source units 23A and 23B and that is transmissive to light reflected by the food F being conveyed. The material of the window member 33 is, for example, polycarbonate, which has a glass transition temperature [Tg] of 170°C or higher.

[0046] In this modification, the window member 33 is attached to the optical unit 20B, and therefore the window member 33 is not attached to the opening 31a of the frame portion 31 of the mounting frame 30. Therefore, in order to ensure a mounting portion for mounting the optical unit 20B, it is preferable to form the width of the frame portion 31 to be wider than the frame portion 31 shown in the figure.

[0047] According to the modified example, a window member 33 is attached to the opening 21a of the optical unit 20B. This prevents steam, oil, and the like from the food F being transported from directly adhering to the imaging section 22 of the optical unit 20B. Furthermore, in the modified example, the window member 33 is detachably attached to the frame 31 of the mounting frame 30. Therefore, even if the window member 33 becomes soiled with oil or the like, the window member 33 can be easily cleaned by removing the window member 33 from the frame 31.

[0048] While the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. Furthermore, various modifications and improvements will naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure, provided that they are within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Food inspection equipment 10. Conveying mechanism 13a,13b Support part 14 Mounting bracket (mounting component) 20A, 20B Optical Unit 22 Imaging unit 30 Mounting stand 31 Frame 31a opening 33 Window components 40 Cooling mechanism 53 Calibration materials F Food

Claims

1. A food inspection device that inspects food conveyed by a conveying mechanism, an optical unit disposed above the conveying mechanism and having an imaging unit that captures an image of the food being conveyed to acquire inspection information about the food; a transparent window member disposed between the transport mechanism and the optical unit; A food inspection device comprising:

2. a cooling mechanism for cooling at least one of the food being conveyed and the window member; The food inspection device according to claim 1 .

3. The material of the window member is polycarbonate and has a glass transition temperature [Tg] of 170°C or higher. The food inspection device according to claim 1 .

4. a mounting base on which the optical unit is placed, the mounting base is a member for determining the height of the optical unit relative to the transport mechanism and for movably supporting the optical unit; The food inspection device according to claim 1 .

5. the mounting base includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the optical unit relative to the transport mechanism; The food inspection device according to claim 4.

6. the mounting base includes a frame having an opening through which the food being conveyed can be photographed by the imaging unit; The window member is detachably attached to the frame portion of the mounting frame. The food inspection device according to claim 4.

7. the conveying mechanism has a support portion for supporting a belt on which the food is placed, the mounting frame is attached to the support portion of the transport mechanism via a mounting member; The food inspection device according to claim 4.

8. the optical unit has a housing that houses the imaging unit, an opening that allows the imaging unit to capture an image of the food being conveyed is formed on a surface of the housing that faces the conveying mechanism; The window member is detachably attached to the opening. The food inspection device according to claim 7.

9. the mounting base is provided on the frame portion in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism, and has a guide portion that guides the optical unit above the food. The food inspection device according to claim 6.

10. a processing device main body that is connected to the optical unit and that houses an information processing device for analyzing the inspection information acquired by the imaging unit of the optical unit; The food inspection device according to claim 1 .

11. At least one of the processing device main body and the transport mechanism is configured to be portable. The food inspection device according to claim 10.

12. the processing device main body has a housing, a calibration member is provided in the housing at a position that allows reproduction of the distance between the imaging unit of the optical unit and an upper surface of the belt of the moving mechanism when the optical unit is placed on the housing; The food inspection device according to claim 10.

Images