Inspection apparatus and inspection method for containers of flavoring supply articles

Abstract

To provide an inspection apparatus and inspection method for containers of flavoring supply articles that can easily and reliably improve product quality by continuously determining good or bad of a cosmetic appearance for containers with labels attached by measuring profiles of the containers while the containers are being transported, and automatically removing defective containers as they are detected.SOLUTION: An inspection apparatus 30 comprises: a measuring unit 32 for continuously irradiating with a laser beam L1, a label 4 attached to an outer circumferential surface 2a of a container 2 rotating at an inspection position 24 where the container 2 is rotated at least one full rotation in a circumferential direction, receiving generated a laser reflected beam L2, and measuring a profile that goes around the entire circumference of the label 4 in the container 2 based on the laser reflected beam L2; a control unit 34 for determining good or bad of a cosmetic appearance of the container 2 based on the profile measured by the measuring unit 32; and a removal unit 38 for removing the container 2 determined to be defective by the control unit 34 from a transport path 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device and an inspection method for a container for a flavor supplying product, and more particularly to an inspection device and an inspection method for inspecting the appearance of a container with a label attached thereto. [Background technology]

[0002] Snus (oral flavor supply product) is known, which is formed by wrapping a flavor filling in a pouch made of nonwoven fabric or the like. As shown in Patent Document 1, such an oral flavor supply product is contained in a container composed of a cylindrical main body with a bottom and a cover that covers the main body. A label bearing product information and the like is attached to the outer periphery of the container. A plurality of such containers are packed together to form a container package, and a label is sometimes attached to the outer periphery of this container package. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-514908 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a label is wrapped around a container (or container package) and affixed, the affixed label may become wrinkled, misaligned, or torn. Conventionally, such visually defective products have been discovered and rejected by visually inspecting the container. Therefore, there is a need to improve product quality by inspecting the appearance profile of the container while it is being transported, i.e., in-line, and automatically rejecting defective containers as they are transported.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide an inspection device and inspection method for containers for flavor supplying products that can easily and reliably improve product quality by measuring the profile of the container to which a label is attached while it is being transported, continuously determining whether the container's appearance is good or bad, and automatically removing any defective containers each time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of an inspection device for containers for flavor supply products is an inspection device that inspects the appearance of labeled containers, wherein the container contains a flavor supply product and has an outer peripheral surface to which a label is affixed by a labeling device, and the labeling device transports the container along a conveying path while rolling it circumferentially, wraps and affixes a label around the outer peripheral surface, and then forms an inspection position where the container is rotated circumferentially at least once, and the inspection device includes a measurement unit that continuously irradiates laser light onto the label affixed to the outer peripheral surface of the container rotating at the inspection position, receives the reflected laser light generated, and measures the profile of the label around the entire circumference of the container based on the reflected laser light, a control unit that determines whether the appearance of the container is good or bad based on the profile measured by the measurement unit, and an exclusion unit that removes containers determined to be defective by the control unit from the conveying path.

[0007] In addition, one embodiment of an inspection method for containers for flavor supply products is an inspection method for inspecting the appearance of a labeled container, wherein the container contains a flavor supply product and has an outer peripheral surface to which a label is attached by a labeling device, and the labeling device transports the container along a conveying path while rolling it circumferentially, wraps and attaches a label to the outer peripheral surface, and then forms an inspection position where the container rotates circumferentially at least once, and the inspection method includes a profile measurement process of continuously irradiating a laser light onto the label attached to the outer peripheral surface of the container rotating at the inspection position, receiving the generated reflected laser light, and measuring a profile of the label around the entire circumference of the container based on the reflected laser light, an appearance judgment process of judging whether the appearance of the container is good or bad based on the profile measured in the profile measurement process, and a container removal process of removing containers judged to be defective in the appearance judgment process from the conveying path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to each of the above aspects, while a labeled container is being transported, the profile of the container is measured to continuously determine whether the container's appearance is good or bad, and defective containers are automatically removed each time, thereby easily and reliably improving product quality. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a labeling device and an inspection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an opened container and a flavor delivery article contained therein. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container package without a label attached. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container package with a label attached. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the measurement unit during measurement of the container package. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container package in which wrinkles have occurred in the label. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of the container package of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] This is the screen displayed on the display setting unit in the case of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container package when a label is misaligned. [Figure 10] This is the screen displayed on the display setting unit in the case of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container package when a tear occurs in the label. [Figure 12] This is the screen displayed on the display setting unit in the case of FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the control unit to determine whether a container package is good or bad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a labeling device 6 and an inspection device 30. The labeling device 6 attaches a label 4 to a container package 2 which is a packing of a plurality of containers 1 each containing a flavor supplying article. In detail, the labeling device 6 includes a roller conveyor 10 which forms a transport path 8 for the container package 2, a belt conveyor 12 which is arranged above the roller conveyor 10, and a label supply unit 14 which supplies the label 4.

[0011] The roller conveyor 10 has a plurality of rollers 16, and conveys the container packaging 2 in the conveying direction on the conveying path 8 while rolling it in its circumferential direction with each roller 16. The belt conveyor 12 has a belt 18, which runs in the conveying direction of the container packaging 2 while abutting against the outer peripheral surface 2a of the container packaging 2 above the roller conveyor 10. The label supply unit 14 supplies labels 4 from the starting end 12a side of the belt conveyor 12 toward the outer peripheral surface 2a of the container packaging 2.

[0012] The labels 4 are pre-cut in the label supply unit 14 or upstream thereof to a length corresponding to the outer circumferential length of each container package 2. The labels 4 supplied from the label supply unit 14 are sandwiched between the belt 18 and the outer circumferential surface 2a of the container package 2 near the starting end 12a of the belt conveyor 12. In this state, the container package 2 moves in the conveyance direction while rotating in its circumferential direction due to the rotation of the roller 16 and the running of the belt 18. As a result, the label 4 is wrapped around the entire outer circumferential surface 2a of the container package 2 and attached to the outer circumferential surface 2a.

[0013] 2 shows a perspective view of the opened container 1 and the flavor supply article 20 contained in the container 1. The flavor supply article 20 is, for example, a so-called snus or nicotine pouch (a flavor supply article for the oral cavity) in which a flavor filling such as tobacco powder or a powder containing nicotine is wrapped in a pouch made of nonwoven fabric or the like. The container 1 is composed of a cylindrical main body 1a with a bottom and a cover 1b that detachably covers the main body 1a.

[0014] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the container package 2 without the label 4 attached, and Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the container package 2 with the label 4 attached. The container package 2 is formed by stacking a plurality of containers 1 in the height direction, five in the case shown in Fig. 3, to form a cylindrical shape, and packing them by covering the outer periphery with a packaging material 22 such as a transparent film. As shown in Fig. 4, the label 4 is attached from above the packaging material 22 around the entire outer periphery 2a of the container package 2.

[0015] On the label 4, a mark for identifying the product (product name, package identifier such as a barcode from which product information can be obtained), and patterns such as patterns and colors that form the product design are printed. Because the label 4 is made of an opaque film, when the package identifier on the label 4 is read by a code reader or the like in a later process, the individual package identifier printed or affixed to each individual container 1 will not be misread.

[0016] 1, in the labeling device 6, an inspection position 24 is formed between the roller conveyor 10 and the belt conveyor 12. The inspection position 24 is formed at a position where a laser beam L1 (described later) can be irradiated, specifically near the terminal end 12b of the belt conveyor 12. After the wrapping and attachment of the label 4 is completed, the container package 2 is rotated at least once in the circumferential direction at the inspection position 24.

[0017] 1, an inspection device 30 that inspects the appearance of the container packaging body 2 is provided downstream of the labeling device 6 in the conveying direction of the conveying path 8. The inspection device 30 inspects the container packaging body 2 at an inspection position 24. More specifically, the inspection device 30 includes a measurement unit 32, a control unit 34, a display setting unit 36, and a rejection unit 38. The measurement unit 32, the display setting unit 36, and the rejection unit 38 are electrically connected to the control unit 34. The measurement unit 32 may be, for example, a Laser Profiler manufactured by Keyence Corporation, and the control unit 34 may be, for example, an LJ-X8000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation.

[0018] 5 shows a perspective view of the measurement unit 32 while measuring the container package 2. The measurement unit 32 is attached and fixed to a bracket 40, and includes a light-projecting unit 32a and a light-receiving unit 32b. At an inspection position 24 formed in the labeling device 6, laser light L1 (shown by a solid line) is continuously irradiated from the light-projecting unit 32a onto the label 4 attached to the outer peripheral surface 2a of the container package 2. Specifically, the laser light L1 is a blue semiconductor laser, and its wavelength is, for example, 405 nm, and its output is, for example, 10 mW.

[0019] Laser light L1 is irradiated over the entire width direction of the label 4 (height direction of the container packaging 2). Light receiving section 32b receives reflected laser light L2 (indicated by a dashed dotted line) reflected by the label 4, and measurement unit 32 measures the profile over the entire circumference of the label 4 on the container packaging 2 based on the reflected laser light L2. More specifically, as the container packaging 2 rotates at least once in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 at the inspection position 24, laser light L1 is irradiated over the entire circumference of the label 4.

[0020] As a result, the light receiving unit 32b receives the reflected laser light L2 from the entire circumference of the label 4, and the measurement unit 32 measures the profile of the entire circumference of the label 4 (profile measurement process). Note that, when the label 4 is inspected by capturing an image of the label 4 with a camera at the inspection position 24 as in the past, the movement of the container package 2 in the conveyance direction causes the image to go out of focus, reducing the accuracy of the captured image and ultimately reducing the inspection accuracy. However, by employing a laser profiler using the measurement unit 32 as in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a highly accurate captured image based on the amount of attenuation of the reflected laser light L2, even for a container package 2 moving in the conveyance direction. Note that part of the appearance inspection of the container package 2 may be performed using a camera.

[0021] The control unit 34 judges whether the appearance of the container packaging 2 is good or bad based on the profile of the label 4 measured by the measurement unit 32 (appearance judgment process). The exclusion unit 38 is disposed on the conveying path 8 located downstream of the labeling device 6, has a mechanism capable of excluding the container packaging 2 being conveyed from the conveying path 8, and excludes the container packaging 2 determined to be defective by the control unit 34 from the conveying path 8 (container exclusion process).

[0022] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the container packaging 2 when wrinkles 42 have occurred in the label 4, and Fig. 7 shows a top view of the container packaging 2 of Fig. 6. When the label 4 is wrapped around the container packaging 2 in the labeling device 6, if the label 4 is wrapped with a slight misalignment in the width direction, wrinkles 42 may occur in the affixed label 4. Wrinkles 42 may also occur when each container 1 is slightly misaligned in the radial direction when packed in the packaging material 22. Such wrinkles 42 are identified as convex portions of the label 4 that protrude in the radial direction of the container packaging 2 and have a protruding height H.

[0023] Fig. 8 shows a screen displayed on the display setting unit 36 ​​in the case of Fig. 6. The measurement unit 32 acquires the image shown in Fig. 8, which shows a plan view of the label 4 affixed to the container package 2, based on the amount of attenuation of the reflected laser light L2 compared to the laser light L1. The measurement unit 32 also measures the protrusion height H corresponding to each location on the label 4, based on the reflection angle of the reflected laser light L2. The display setting unit 36 ​​displays an image and graph as shown in Fig. 8, and wrinkles 42 having a protrusion height H greater than a first threshold value T1, which will be described later, are identifiable as defective areas that cannot be overlooked, as shown surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 8.

[0024] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the container packaging 2 when a deviation 44 has occurred in the label 4, and Fig. 10 shows a screen displayed on the display setting unit 36 ​​in the case of Fig. 9. In the labeling device 6, the label 4 may be attached to the container packaging 2 in a meandering manner, shifting in the width direction from the initial stage of wrapping. In this case, a deviation 44 occurs in the attached label 4 in the height direction of the container packaging 2.

[0025] The measurement unit 32 acquires an image shown in Fig. 10, which is a plan view of the label 4 affixed to the container packaging 2, based on the amount of attenuation of the reflected laser light L2. Furthermore, an edge line 46 in the height direction of the container packaging 2 is identified from this image, and an edge angle α of the edge line 46 with respect to the circumferential direction of the container packaging 2 is measured. When a non-negligible defective portion having an edge angle α greater than a second threshold value T2, which will be described later, is detected, as shown surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 10, the display setting unit 36 ​​displays this portion in an identifiable manner as a deviation 44.

[0026] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the container package 2 when a tear 48 has occurred in the label 4, and Fig. 12 shows a screen displayed on the display setting unit 36 ​​in the case of Fig. 11. When the label 4 is wrapped around the container package 2 in the labeling device 6, the label 4 may get caught on the edge of the rotating roller 16 or the edge of the running belt 18. In this case, a tear 48 occurs in the label 4, exposing the packaging material 22, and ultimately allowing part of each container 1 to be seen through the packaging material 22.

[0027] The measurement unit 32 acquires an image shown in Fig. 12, which is a plan view of the label 4 attached to the container package 2, based on the amount of attenuation of the reflected laser light L2. Furthermore, from this image, data on the markings and color patterns written on the label 4 is measured. Although not shown, this pattern data is a numerical value of the markings for identifying the product as described above and the patterns and colors that form the product design.

[0028] This acquired data is compared with the non-defective data corresponding to the data when the container packaging 2 is a non-defective product, and a match ratio R is calculated. As shown by the dashed line in Fig. 12, the display setting unit 36 ​​identifiably displays a tear 48 that is a cause of a match ratio R smaller than a third threshold value T3 described below as a defective part that cannot be overlooked.

[0029] 13 shows a flowchart of the quality determination of the container packaging 2 performed by the control unit 34. When the quality determination of the container packaging 2 is started, the control unit 34 determines whether the protruding height H of the wrinkles 42 formed on the label 4 is greater than a predetermined first threshold value T1 (step S1). The first threshold value T1 is set to an allowable maximum value at which the container packaging 2 is not recognized as a defective product in appearance. Although not particularly limited, the first threshold value T1 is preferably, for example, 2.0 mm.

[0030] In step S1, when it is determined that the protruding height H is greater than the first threshold value T1 (Yes), wrinkles 42 of a protruding height H that are too large to be overlooked are formed on the label 4. In this case, a message that the container package 2 has been judged to be a "defective product" is displayed on the screen of the display setting unit 36, and an alarm or the like is issued to alert the operator (step S2). Next, the exclusion unit 38 is activated, and the container package 2 to be judged is excluded from the conveying path 8 (step S3).

[0031] On the other hand, in step S1, when it is determined that the protrusion height H is not greater than the first threshold value T1 (No), that is, when it is determined that the protrusion height H is equal to or less than the first threshold value T1, wrinkles 42 have not occurred, or even if they have occurred, the protrusion height H is within an acceptable range. Therefore, next, the control unit 34 determines whether the edge angle α in the height direction of the container packaging 2 formed by the misalignment 44 is greater than a predetermined second threshold value T2 (step S4). The second threshold value T2 is set to an acceptable maximum value at which the container packaging 2 is not recognized as a defective product in appearance. Note that, although not particularly limited, the second threshold value T2 is preferably, for example, 2 degrees or less.

[0032] In step S4, when it is determined that the edge angle α is greater than the second threshold value T2 (Yes), a deviation 44 with an unnoticeably large edge angle α is formed on the label 4. In this case, a message that the container package 2 has been judged to be a "defective product" is displayed on the screen of the display setting unit 36, and an alarm or the like is issued to alert the operator (step S2). Next, the exclusion unit 38 is activated, and the container package 2 to be judged is excluded from the conveying route 8 (step S3).

[0033] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the edge angle α is not greater than the second threshold value T2 (No), that is, that the edge angle α is equal to or less than the second threshold value T2, then either no misalignment 44 has occurred, or, even if it has occurred, the edge angle α is within an acceptable range. Therefore, the control unit 34 then compares the acquired data on the display and color pattern of the label 4 with the non-defective product data for the pattern when the container packaging 2 is a non-defective product and determines whether the match ratio R calculated is smaller than a predetermined third threshold value T3 (step S5). The third threshold value T3 is set to the minimum acceptable value at which the container packaging 2 is not recognized as a defective product based on appearance. While not particularly limited, the third threshold value T3 is preferably, for example, 90% or more.

[0034] In step S5, if it is determined that the match ratio R is smaller than the third threshold value T3 (Yes), the display and color of the acquired label 4 are significantly different from those of a non-defective label 4, and a tear 48 large enough to be overlooked has occurred in the label 4. In this case, a message that the container package 2 has been judged to be "defective" is displayed on the screen of the display setting unit 36, and an alarm or the like is issued to alert the operator (step S2). Next, the exclusion unit 38 is activated, and the container package 2 to be judged is excluded from the conveying route 8 (step S3).

[0035] On the other hand, in step S5, if it is determined that the match ratio R is not smaller than the third threshold value T3 (No), that is, the match ratio R is equal to or greater than the third threshold value T3, then there is no tear 48 in the label 4, or even if there is a tear, the match ratio R is within an acceptable range. In this case, the display setting unit 36 ​​displays on the screen that the container packaging 2 is a "good product" (step S6), and the quality determination of the container packaging 2 for this cycle ends. This quality determination of the container packaging 2 is continuously and repeatedly performed in a predetermined cycle for the container packaging 2 that is continuously transported.

[0036] As described above, in the inspection device 30, the measurement unit 32 continuously irradiates the outer peripheral surface 2a of the rotating container packaging 2 with laser light L1 at the inspection position 24 formed in the labeling device 6, receives the generated reflected laser light L2, and measures a profile over the entire circumference of the label 4 based on the reflected laser light L2 in a profile measurement step. Furthermore, the control unit 34 determines whether the label 4 and therefore the container packaging 2 are good or bad based on the profile measured by the measurement unit 32 in an appearance determination step, and the rejection unit 38 removes a container packaging 2 determined to be defective by the control unit 34 from the conveyance path 8 in a container rejection step. As a result, the quality of the appearance of the container packaging 2 can be continuously determined while the container packaging 2 is being conveyed, i.e., inline, and any container packaging 2 that becomes defective can be automatically removed each time, thereby easily and reliably improving product quality.

[0037] Furthermore, the measurement unit 32 measures the protrusion height H of the wrinkles 42, i.e., the protrusion height H of the convex portion of the label 4 that protrudes in the radial direction of the container packaging 2, based on the reflected laser light L2. The control unit 34 determines whether the protrusion height H is greater than a first threshold value T1, and when the control unit 34 determines that the protrusion height H is greater than the first threshold value T1, the exclusion unit 38 excludes the container packaging 2 to be evaluated from the conveyance path 8. This makes it possible to detect and exclude container packaging 2 in which noticeable wrinkles 42 have been formed in the label 4. This makes it possible to further reliably improve product quality.

[0038] Furthermore, the measurement unit 32 identifies an edge line 46 in the height direction of the container packaging 2 based on the reflected laser light L2, and measures the edge angle α of the edge line 46 relative to the circumferential direction of the container packaging 2. The control unit 34 determines whether the edge angle α is greater than a second threshold value T2, and when the control unit 34 determines that the edge angle α is greater than the second threshold value T2, the rejection unit 38 rejects the container packaging 2 to be judged from the conveyance path 8. This makes it possible to detect and reject a container packaging 2 in which a significant deviation 44 has been formed in the label 4. This makes it possible to further reliably improve product quality.

[0039] Furthermore, the measurement unit 32 measures data on the display and color pattern written on the label 4 based on the reflected laser light L2. The control unit 34 compares the acquired data with non-defective product data when the container packaging 2 is a non-defective product, and determines whether the match ratio R thereof is smaller than a third threshold value T3. When the control unit 34 determines that the match ratio R is smaller than the third threshold value T3, the rejection unit 38 rejects the container packaging 2 to be judged from the conveyance path 8. This makes it possible to detect and reject a container packaging 2 in which a significant tear 48 has formed in the label 4. This makes it possible to further reliably improve product quality.

[0040] Furthermore, the measurement unit 32 measures the profile of the container package 2 based on the reflection angle and attenuation of the reflected laser light L2. As a result, based on the attenuation of the reflected laser light L2 compared to the laser light L1, an image of the label 4 viewed in plan as shown in Figures 8, 10, and 12 can be generated and displayed on the display setting unit 36. Furthermore, based on the reflection angle of the reflected laser light L2, a graph showing the protruding height H of wrinkles 42 as shown in Figure 8 can be generated and displayed on the display setting unit 36.

[0041] Therefore, for example, compared to a case where the label 4 is photographed with a camera and the photographed image is analyzed to measure the wrinkles 42, misalignment 44, and tears 48 of the label 4, the label 4 can be measured with high accuracy, and the accuracy of determining whether the label 4 is good or bad is significantly improved. Furthermore, unlike when a camera is used, there is no focus error caused by the container package 2 moving in the conveyance direction, so the entire circumference of the label 4 can be reliably measured.

[0042] Furthermore, since there is no need to install separate lighting as in the case of using a camera, it is possible to save space for the installation location of the inspection device 30 and simplify the installation work of the inspection device 30. When inspecting the appearance of the label 4 for items other than wrinkles 42, misalignment 44, and tears 48, it is possible to use a camera in addition to the measurement unit 32.

[0043] Furthermore, a plurality of containers 1 containing flavor supply articles 20 are stacked in the height direction, and the outer periphery of each container 1 is covered with a packaging material 22 to form a packed container package 2, and a label 4 is attached to the top of the packaging material 22 of this container package 2. In the inspection device 30 of this embodiment, the measurement unit 32 measures the profile of the container package 2 based on the reflected laser light L2. As described above, when packing each container 1 in the packaging material 22, the containers 1 may be stacked with a slight radial displacement.

[0044] In this case, wrinkles 42 are likely to occur in the label 4, but by using the inspection device 30 of this embodiment, it is possible to reliably find and reject defective products having wrinkles 42 in the label 4 that cannot be overlooked.

[0045] This concludes the description of the embodiment, but the above embodiment is not limiting and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the quality determination of the container packaging 2 described using Figure 13, if a "defective" container packaging 2 occurs, step S3 can be performed, and step S2 does not necessarily have to be performed. Also, it is not necessary to perform all of the determinations of steps S1, S4, and S5, and it is sufficient to perform any one or more of them.

[0046] Furthermore, the inspection device 30 described in the above embodiment can measure and determine the quality of the label 4 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the entire container 1 other than the container package 2. Furthermore, the flavor supply product 20 contained in the container 1 is not limited to an oral flavor supply product, but may be a combustion-heating product such as a rod-shaped filter cigarette or cigarette, or a non-combustion-heating product. Furthermore, the product may or may not contain tobacco.

[0047] Furthermore, some or all of the above embodiments can be expressed by the description of each aspect shown below. (Aspect 1) An inspection device for inspecting the appearance of a labeled container, the container has an outer peripheral surface in which the flavor supply article is contained and to which the label is attached by a labeling device; the labeling device conveys the container along a conveying path while rolling the container in its circumferential direction, wraps and affixes the label to the outer peripheral surface, and then forms an inspection position where the container is rotated at least once in the circumferential direction; The inspection device includes: a measurement unit that continuously irradiates a laser beam onto the label attached to the outer peripheral surface of the container rotating at the inspection position, receives the generated reflected laser beam, and measures a profile of the label over the entire circumference of the container based on the reflected laser beam; a control unit that determines whether the appearance of the container is good or bad based on the profile measured by the measurement unit; a rejection unit that rejects the container determined to be defective by the control unit from the transport path; An inspection device for a container for a flavor supply article, comprising:

[0048] (Aspect 2) the measuring unit measures a protrusion height of a convex portion that protrudes in a radial direction of the container on the label based on the reflected laser light; The control unit determines whether the protrusion height is greater than a predetermined first threshold value; An inspection device for containers for flavor supply articles as described in aspect 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the protrusion height is greater than the first threshold, the exclusion unit excludes the container being determined from the conveying path.

[0049] (Aspect 3) the measurement unit identifies an edge line in the height direction of the container based on the reflected laser light and measures an edge angle of the edge line with respect to the circumferential direction; The control unit determines whether the edge angle is greater than a predetermined second threshold; An inspection device for containers for flavor supply articles as described in aspect 2, wherein when the control unit determines that the edge angle is greater than the second threshold, the exclusion unit excludes the container being judged from the conveying path.

[0050] (Aspect 4) the measuring unit measures data of the marking and color pattern written on the label based on the reflected laser light; the control unit compares the acquired data with non-defective data corresponding to the data when the container is a non-defective product, and determines whether a match ratio between the acquired data and non-defective product data is smaller than a predetermined third threshold value; An inspection device for containers for flavor supplying articles as described in aspect 3, wherein when the match ratio obtained in the control unit is determined to be smaller than the third threshold, the exclusion unit excludes the container to be determined from the conveying path.

[0051] (Aspect 5) 5. An inspection device for a container for a flavor supply article according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the measurement unit measures the profile of the container based on the reflection angle and attenuation of the reflected laser light.

[0052] (Aspect 6) A plurality of the containers containing the flavor supply articles are stacked in the height direction, and the outer peripheries of the containers are covered with a packaging material to form a packed container package, and the label is attached to the top of the packaging material of the container package, The inspection device for a container for a flavor supplying article according to aspect 1, wherein the measurement unit measures a profile of the container package based on the reflected laser light. (Aspect 7) 1. An inspection method for inspecting the appearance of a labeled container, comprising: the container has an outer peripheral surface in which the flavor supply article is contained and to which the label is attached by a labeling device; the labeling device conveys the container along a conveying path while rolling the container in its circumferential direction, wraps and affixes the label to the outer peripheral surface, and then forms an inspection position where the container is rotated at least once in the circumferential direction; The inspection method includes: a profile measurement step of continuously irradiating a laser beam onto the label attached to the outer peripheral surface of the container rotating at the inspection position, receiving the generated reflected laser beam, and measuring a profile of the label over the entire circumference of the container based on the reflected laser beam; an appearance evaluation step of determining whether the appearance of the container is good or bad based on the profile measured in the profile measurement step; a container removal step of removing the container determined to be defective in the appearance determination step from the conveyance path; Includes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 Container (container packaging) 2 Container packaging 2a Outer surface 4. Labels 6 Labeling equipment 8 Transport Route 20 Flavor supplies 22 Packaging material 24 Inspection Position 30 Inspection equipment 32 measurement units 34 Control Unit 38 Exclusion Unit 42 Wrinkles (convex part) 46 Edge Line L1 laser light L2 Laser reflection light T1 First threshold T2 Second threshold H Projection height α Edge angle R Matching ratio

Claims

1. An inspection device for inspecting the appearance of a labeled container, the container has an outer peripheral surface in which the flavor supply article is contained and to which the label is attached by a labeling device; the labeling device conveys the container along a conveying path while rolling the container in its circumferential direction, wraps the label around the outer peripheral surface of the container, and affixes the label to the outer peripheral surface, and then rotates the container at least once in the circumferential direction to form an inspection position; The inspection device includes: a measuring unit that continuously irradiates a laser beam onto the label attached to the outer peripheral surface of the container rotating at the inspection position, receives the generated reflected laser beam, and measures a profile of the label over the entire circumference of the container based on the reflected laser beam; a control unit that determines whether the appearance of the container is good or bad based on the profile measured by the measurement unit; a rejection unit that rejects the container determined to be defective by the control unit from the transport path; An inspection device for a container for a flavor supply article, comprising:

2. the measuring unit measures a protrusion height of a convex portion that protrudes in a radial direction of the container on the label based on the reflected laser light; The control unit determines whether the protrusion height is greater than a predetermined first threshold value; The inspection device for containers for flavor supplying articles according to claim 1 , wherein when the control unit determines that the protrusion height is greater than the first threshold value, the exclusion unit excludes the container being judged from the conveying path.

3. the measurement unit identifies an edge line in the height direction of the container based on the reflected laser light and measures an edge angle of the edge line with respect to the circumferential direction; The control unit determines whether the edge angle is greater than a predetermined second threshold; The inspection device for containers for flavor supplying articles according to claim 2, wherein when the control unit determines that the edge angle is greater than the second threshold value, the exclusion unit excludes the container being judged from the conveying path.

4. the measuring unit measures data of the marking and color pattern written on the label based on the reflected laser light; The control unit compares the acquired data with non-defective data corresponding to the data when the container is a non-defective product, and determines whether a match ratio between the acquired data and non-defective product data is smaller than a predetermined third threshold value; The inspection device for containers for flavor supplying products described in claim 3, wherein when the match ratio obtained in the control unit is determined to be smaller than the third threshold value, the exclusion unit excludes the container to be judged from the conveying path.

5. The inspection device for a container for a flavor supplying article according to claim 1 , wherein the measurement unit measures the profile of the container based on a reflection angle and an attenuation amount of the reflected laser light.

6. A plurality of the containers containing the flavor supply articles are stacked in the height direction, and the outer peripheries of the containers are covered with a packaging material to form a packed container package, and the label is attached to the top of the packaging material of the container package, The inspection device for a container for a flavor supplying article according to claim 1 , wherein the measurement unit measures a profile of the container package based on the reflected laser light.

7. 1. An inspection method for inspecting the appearance of a labeled container, comprising: the container has an outer peripheral surface in which the flavor supply article is contained and to which the label is attached by a labeling device; the labeling device conveys the container along a conveying path while rolling the container in its circumferential direction, wraps the label around the outer peripheral surface of the container, and affixes the label to the outer peripheral surface, and then rotates the container at least once in the circumferential direction to form an inspection position; a profile measurement step of continuously irradiating a laser beam onto the label attached to the outer peripheral surface of the container rotating at the inspection position, receiving the generated reflected laser beam, and measuring a profile of the label over the entire circumference of the container based on the reflected laser beam; an appearance evaluation step of determining whether the appearance of the container is good or bad based on the profile measured in the profile measurement step; a container removal step of removing the container determined to be defective in the appearance determination step from the conveyance path; A method for inspecting a container for a flavor delivery article, comprising:

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