Roughness inspection device and method for determining contamination of molding device

Abstract

To provide a roughness inspection device that has a simple configuration, can inspect a state of an inspection target region in a short time without contacting the inspection target region, and can collectively inspect a wide inspection target region having a predetermined width.SOLUTION: A roughness inspection device 100 has: a holding part 110; a light emitting part 120 that irradiates an inspection target region SF of a transparent container PF with irradiation light L1, L2; a light receiving part 121 capable of receiving inspection light Lc that is the irradiation light transmitted through or reflected from the inspection target region SF; and a control part 122. The light emitting part 120 is arranged to be able to irradiate the inspection target region SF with the irradiation light L1, L2 from outside the transparent container PF, the light receiving part 121 is arranged to be able to receive the inspection light Lc without transmitting through the transparent container PF, and the control part 122 is configured to be able to identify a distribution state of recesses HA having a predetermined size within the inspection target region SF on the basis of information of the inspection light Lc received by the light receiving part 121.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a roughness inspection device that inspects the surface roughness of an inspection target area of ​​a transparent container, and a method for determining contamination of a molding device. [Background technology]

[0002] Transparent containers made of resin, glass, or other materials are formed using a molding die. Repeated molding can cause foreign matter to gradually accumulate on the surface of the molding die, resulting in increased surface roughness of the container. If the sealed portion of the container becomes too rough, it can cause the contents to leak, so the molding die is cleaned at regular intervals to prevent the roughness from increasing. The timing for cleaning the molding die is set at a predetermined time based on the production time of the containers and the tendency of information obtained by inspecting the roughness of the container surfaces. BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as an inspection device for inspecting the roughness of a surface, for example, a roughness inspection device (surface roughness measuring device 1) held by a measuring device holding device described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] The roughness inspection device (surface roughness measuring instrument 1) known from Patent Document 1 measures the surface roughness of the area to be inspected (the inner surface of hole A) by inserting a probe 4 attached to the tip of a measuring rod 3 that can be advanced and retreated relative to hole A into hole A, advancing and retreating the measuring rod 3 while bringing the probe 4 into contact with the area to be inspected (the inner surface of hole A), and reading the displacement of the probe 4. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3280895 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is still room for improvement in the inspection device known from Patent Document 1 and the method for setting the timing for cleaning the molding die.

[0006] In other words, the roughness inspection device known from Patent Document 1 reads the displacement of the probe by moving the probe back and forth within the hole while bringing the probe into direct contact with the inner surface of the hole, which is the area to be inspected. Therefore, it can only measure the roughness on one straight line in one measurement, making it difficult to measure the entire surface of the area to be inspected. Furthermore, when measuring a wide inspection area at short intervals, the number of measurements increases, which increases the inspection time and may reduce work efficiency. Furthermore, there is a risk that foreign matter may get into the hole, or that the area to be inspected may be damaged. In particular, when inspecting the surface of a material that is easily deformed, such as a resin container, there is a risk that the reciprocating movement of the measuring head will cause deformation such as denting of the surface of the resin container. Furthermore, when the timing for cleaning the molding die is set in advance, the variation in the amount of foreign matter that accumulates on the molding die is taken into account, and a predetermined time is set with a margin of error so that defective products caused by roughness are hardly produced. This means that the molding machine will have to be stopped to clean the molding die more frequently, which could result in a decrease in production efficiency.

[0007] The present invention solves these problems and aims to provide a roughness inspection device that has a simple configuration, can inspect the condition of an inspection target area in a short time without contacting the inspection target area, and can inspect a wide range of inspection target areas having a predetermined width all at once. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for determining the degree of contamination of a molding device, which can efficiently determine the degree of contamination of a molding die and determine the optimum timing for cleaning the molding die. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The roughness inspection device of the present invention is a roughness inspection device having a holding unit that holds a transparent container, an emitting unit that irradiates irradiation light onto an inspection target area, which is the surface of the transparent container, a light receiving unit that can receive inspection light, which is irradiation light that has passed through or reflected from the inspection target area, and a control unit, wherein the light emitting unit is positioned so that it can irradiate the irradiation light onto the inspection target area from outside the transparent container, the light receiving unit is positioned so that it can receive the inspection light without transmitting it through the transparent container, and the control unit is configured to be able to identify roughness from the distribution state of recesses of a predetermined size within the inspection target area based on information about the inspection light received by the light receiving unit, thereby solving the above problem. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The roughness inspection device of the invention of claim 1 comprises a light-emitting unit that irradiates an inspection target area, which is the surface of a transparent container, with irradiation light, a light-receiving unit that can receive inspection light, which is irradiation light that has passed through or reflected from the inspection target area, and a control unit.The light-emitting unit is positioned so that it can irradiate the inspection target area with irradiation light from outside the transparent container, and the control unit is configured to be able to identify the distribution state of depressions of a predetermined size within the inspection target area based on information about the inspection light received by the light-receiving unit.Therefore, the state of the inspection target area can be inspected without components of the roughness inspection device entering the transparent container, foreign matter will not be mixed into the transparent container, and the surface of the transparent container will not be damaged. Furthermore, simply holding the transparent container in the holder allows the state of the inspection area to be easily inspected, shortening the time required to inspect each transparent container and improving work efficiency. Furthermore, the control unit can determine the distribution of depressions of a predetermined size within the inspection area based on information from the inspection light received by the light receiving unit, making it possible to inspect the entire surface of the inspection area.Not only can it determine whether a transparent container is good or defective based on information obtained from the inspection light, but it can also investigate in detail the condition of the surface of the transparent container based on information from the inspection light received by the light receiving unit, for example, whether the distribution of depressions of a predetermined size could lead to leakage of the contents. Furthermore, since the light receiving unit is positioned so that it can receive the inspection light without transmitting it through the transparent container, the condition of the inspection light received by the light receiving unit can be maintained in good condition, and the condition of the inspection target area can be inspected more accurately than when the inspection light is transmitted through a transparent container.

[0010] According to the configuration described in claim 2, the transparent container is a resin preform, and the light receiving unit is positioned so that it can receive inspection light from the opening of the mouth portion. Therefore, the light receiving unit can reliably receive inspection light that has not passed through the transparent container, and the condition of the area to be inspected can be inspected accurately. Furthermore, for example, depressions of a predetermined size may occur on the surface of the preform due to oligomers deposited on the molding die for the preform, and if multiple depressions of a predetermined size occur in a concentrated manner, that is, if many depressions of a predetermined size are distributed within a predetermined range, this can cause the contents filled in the transparent container to leak.Therefore, by inspecting, for example, the inner surface of the mouth of the transparent container as the inspection target area, it is possible to identify the distribution of depressions of a predetermined size within the inspection target area, and to reliably reject preforms with so many depressions of a predetermined size that they could cause the contents to leak. According to the configuration described in claim 3, since the inspection light is reflected light, the inspection light is less affected by the shape of the transparent container behind the inspection target area, and the condition of the inspection target area can be inspected with even greater accuracy.

[0011] According to the configuration described in claim 4, the holding part is made of a transparent material that can transmit the irradiation light, so there is no need to position the light emitting part to avoid the holding part, and the irradiation light can be reliably irradiated onto the inspection area set at a specified location on the transparent container. According to the configuration described in claim 5, the holding unit is configured to be rotatable around the central axis of the transparent container held by the holding unit as the rotation axis.Therefore, for example, when inspecting inspection areas set at the same position on multiple transparent containers, the transparent container can be rotated by the holding unit to align it to the appropriate position without having to precisely align the rotational position of the transparent container when held by the holding unit. Furthermore, if the inspection area is provided continuously around the entire circumference of the transparent container, the inspection area can be easily and continuously investigated by simply rotating the holding part without changing the positions of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part.

[0012] According to the configuration of claim 6, the light receiving unit is a line scanning camera, and by photographing the inspection target area while rotating the transparent container held by the holding unit, the inspection target area can be displayed in a continuous image, and in addition to automatically identifying recesses of a specified size through image processing, the position and shape of recesses of a specified size can be intuitively confirmed by visually inspecting the image. According to the configuration of claim 7, the light receiving unit is positioned so that the angle between the perpendicular line extending from the inspection target area and the optical axis of the inspection light is 10° to 70°, and the light emitting unit is positioned on the opposite side of the light receiving unit across the perpendicular line, so that the shadow of a recess of a predetermined size caused by oligomers adhering to the molding die can be reliably captured and accurately identified.

[0013] According to the configuration described in claim 8, the control unit is configured to calculate the total area of ​​recesses of a predetermined size based on information on the distribution state of recesses of a predetermined size, and to identify the roughness, so that the roughness state can be expressed numerically.For example, if a roughness inspection device is placed on a transparent container production line, the quality of the transparent container can be determined based on the roughness information identified from the total area of ​​the recesses calculated by the control unit, and the transparent containers can be automatically sorted by quality using a sorting device placed downstream of the roughness inspection device. The method for determining the dirt on a molding device of the invention according to claim 9 comprises a roughness inspection process for identifying the roughness of the inspection target area, and a dirt determination process for determining the degree of dirt on the molding die. The dirt determination process determines the state of dirt on the molding die based on the roughness information of the inspection target area identified in the roughness inspection process, and determines the timing for cleaning the molding die. Therefore, the state of the molding die can be grasped simply by checking the state of the inspection target area of ​​the container. This eliminates the need to directly inspect the molding dies by periodically stopping the molding equipment or production line while the containers are being produced normally, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing the burden on workers. Furthermore, there is no need to install and constantly monitor a mold inspection device in a narrow space of the molding device or in an area that becomes hot when the container is molded, which reduces the frequency of maintenance of the molding device and inspection device. Furthermore, since the timing for cleaning can be determined based on the degree of dirt on the molding die, the optimal timing for cleaning can be determined.

[0014] According to the configuration described in claim 10, the contamination determination process has a notification means for notifying the worker of the timing to clean the molding die depending on the determined state of contamination of the molding die.Therefore, even if the worker does not constantly monitor the roughness inspection device, the notification means allows the worker to know the appropriate timing to clean the molding die, thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent misjudging the timing for cleaning the molding die. According to the configuration described in claim 11, the roughness inspection process includes an irradiation means for irradiating the inspection target area, which is the surface of the transparent container, with irradiation light, a light receiving means capable of receiving the inspection light, which is the irradiation light that has passed through or reflected from the inspection target area, and an inspection means, wherein the light emitting means irradiates the inspection target area with irradiation light from outside the transparent container, and the inspection means is configured to be able to identify the roughness from the distribution state of recesses of a predetermined size within the inspection target area based on information about the inspection light received by the light receiving means.Therefore, the condition of the inspection target area can be inspected without entering the transparent container, no foreign matter will be mixed into the transparent container, and the surface of the transparent container will not be damaged. Furthermore, preparations for inspecting the state of the inspection target area can be easily completed simply by holding the transparent container with the holding means, so the time required to inspect each transparent container is short, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, the inspection means can determine the distribution of depressions of a predetermined size within the inspection area based on information from the inspection light received by the light-receiving means, making it possible to inspect the entire surface of the inspection area.The dirt determination process can not only determine whether the transparent container is good or defective based on the roughness information determined by the inspection means from the information obtained from the inspection light, but can also investigate in detail the condition of the surface of the transparent container based on information from the inspection light received by the light-receiving means, for example, whether the distribution of depressions of a predetermined size has the potential to lead to leakage of the contents. Furthermore, since the light receiving means is positioned so that it can receive the inspection light without transmitting it through the transparent container, the condition of the inspection light received by the light receiving means can be maintained in good condition, and the condition of the inspection target area can be inspected more accurately than when the inspection light is transmitted through a transparent container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a roughness inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an enlarged view of a transparent container PF to be inspected by the roughness inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an enlarged view showing an inspection procedure (reflection inspection) of a transparent container PF when irradiating light L1 onto an inspection target area SF, using the roughness inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic overall view of a roughness inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which irradiation light L2 is transmitted through an inspection target area SF. [Figure 5] 10 is an enlarged view showing an inspection procedure (transmission inspection) of a transparent container PF when irradiating light L2 is transmitted through an inspection target area SF by the roughness inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a photographed image showing the state of an inspection target area SF photographed by transmission inspection using the roughness inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a photographed image showing the state of an inspection target area SF photographed by reflection inspection using the roughness inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]10 is an analysis image of an inspection target area SF captured by reflection inspection using the roughness inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is an analysis image showing an inspection target area SF when a plurality of transparent containers PF are photographed by reflection inspection using the roughness inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A roughness inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of explanation, changes in the optical paths of the irradiated light beams L1 and L2 when they pass through the preform PF and the cylindrical holding portion 110 will be ignored.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, a roughness inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a cylindrical holding portion 110 which is a holding portion that holds a preform PF, which is a transparent container, a turntable 112 that rotates the cylindrical holding portion 110, a reflective light-emitting portion 120a which is a light-emitting portion 120 that irradiates the first irradiation light L1 onto the inspection target area SF, which is the inner surface side of the preform PF, a line scanning camera 121 which is a light-receiving portion that receives the inspection light Lc, a control portion 122, and an output screen 123.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the preform PF has a test-tube-like cylindrical shape having a mouth portion Pa, a body portion Pb connected to the lower part of the mouth portion Pa, and a bottom portion Pc connected to the lower part of the body portion Pb, and a flange Pd protruding radially outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the mouth portion Pa. The mouth portion Pa has an outer peripheral surface formed with a male thread portion Pe.

[0019] The cylindrical holding portion 110 can insert and hold the preform PF in the holding hole 111, and the upper end of the cylindrical holding portion 110 supports and holds the lower surface of the flange Pd, and the inner diameter of the holding hole 111 is approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the body portion Pb of the preform PF. The turntable 112 carries the cylindrical holding portion 110 so that it can rotate around the central axis of the holding hole 111 as the center of rotation, so that the preform PF inserted and held in the holding hole 111 can be rotated together with the cylindrical holding portion 110 around the central axis of the preform PF as the center of rotation. The cylindrical holding portion 110 is made of a transparent material.

[0020] The reflective light-emitting part 120a is disposed at a position where it can irradiate the first irradiation light L1, which passes through the cylindrical holder 110 and the preform PF, towards the inspection target area SF. In addition, in Figure 1, the reflective light-emitting unit 120a is arranged to irradiate the first irradiation light L1 toward the inspection target area SF at a first angle r1, and to have the line scanning camera 121 receive the inspection light Lc, which is reflected light reflected at the inspection light angle rc. The first angle r1 is the angle between a perpendicular line extending from the inspection target area SF and the optical axis of the first irradiation light L1, and the inspection light angle rc is the angle between a perpendicular line extending from the inspection target area SF and the optical axis of the inspection light Lc.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the light emitting unit 120 may be arranged as a transmission light emitting unit 120b that irradiates the second irradiation light L2 as transmitted light from the back side of the inspection target area SF. In this case, the transmission light emitting unit 120b is arranged to irradiate the second irradiation light L2 toward the inspection target area SF at a second angle r2, and to cause the line scanning camera 121 to receive the inspection light Lc, which is transmitted light that passes through the inspection target area SF at an inspection light angle rc. The second angle r2 is the angle between a perpendicular line extending from the inspection target area SF and the optical axis of the second irradiation light L2. Furthermore, when inspecting the distribution of recesses HA of a predetermined size (described later) on the inner surface of the mouth portion Pa of the preform PF, it is preferable to position the line scanning camera 121 so that the angle rc of the inspection light Lc is 10° to 70°, and to position the line scanning camera 121 so that it receives the light in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the inspection light Lc, in order to accurately identify the recesses HA of the predetermined size.

[0022] In particular, when the light emitting section for reflection 120a is used, the angle rc of the inspection light is more preferably 50 to 60°, and when the light emitting section for transmission 120b is used, the angle rc of the inspection light is more preferably 20 to 30°. The light emitting unit 120 is disposed on the opposite side of the line scanning camera 121 across a perpendicular line extending from the inspection target area SF. After the angle rc of the inspection light is set, the first angle r1 and the second angle r2 are appropriately adjusted and set so that the shadows of the recesses in the inspection target area SF appear clearly.

[0023] The control unit 122 is configured to be able to control the rotation of the turntable 112 and the timing of the image capture by the line scanning camera 121, analyzes the image captured by the line scanning camera 121, identifies the roughness from the distribution of recesses HA of a predetermined size within the inspection target area SF, and determines whether the product is good or defective. In this invention, "roughness" refers to the "total area of ​​recesses HA of a predetermined size within the inspection area SF," and whether a product is good or bad is determined by the size of the "roughness." The system is also configured to be able to output the images captured by the line scanning camera 121, the analysis results, and the results of determining whether the product is good or bad on an output screen 123.

[0024] Next, a procedure for inspecting the mouth of a preform PF using the roughness inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0025] First, the difference between the captured images of the inspection area SF using the light emitting section for reflection 120a and the light emitting section for transmission 120b will be described. The transmissive light emitting unit 120b irradiates the second irradiation light L2 from the back side of the inspection target area SF, and the second irradiation light L2 that has passed through the opening Pa passes through the inspection target area SF to become the inspection light Lc. The inspection light Lc is then photographed (received) by the line scanning camera 121, and a photographed image of the inspection target area SF is generated (transmission inspection). In addition, by rotating the turntable 112, the range of the inspection target area SF can be expanded, and by stitching together images captured by the line scanning camera 121 in the control unit 122, it is possible to generate a captured image of a wide range of the inspection target area SF in the rotation direction of the preform PF, as shown in Figure 6.

[0026] As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), a male thread portion Pe is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion Pa of the preform PF, so the second irradiation light L2 emitted from the transmitted light emitting portion 120b is blocked by the male thread portion Pe, causing a shadow in the captured image of the inspection target area SF, resulting in areas where the surface condition cannot be confirmed. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(b), if there are minute streaks or irregularities on the outer peripheral surface of the preform PF, these will similarly cast shadows in the captured image of the inspection target area SF, resulting in areas where the surface condition cannot be confirmed.

[0027] The reflective light-emitting part 120a irradiates the front side of the inspection target area SF with the first irradiation light L1, and the first irradiation light L1 is irradiated by passing through the trunk part Pb at a position facing the inspection target area SF. The first irradiation light L1 that reaches the inspection target area SF is reflected to become inspection light Lc, which is then photographed (received) by the line scanning camera 121 to generate a photographed image of the inspection target area SF (reflection inspection). Because the preform PF is transparent, the first irradiation light L1 is reflected not only by the surface of the inspection target area SF but also by the male thread portion Pe on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion Pa. However, in the photographed image of the inspection target area SF, the shape of the male thread portion Pe is shown faintly as shown in Figure 7, and the condition of the entire photographed range of the surface of the inspection target area SF can be confirmed.

[0028] Next, a method for analyzing a recess HA of a predetermined size will be described. The captured image to be analyzed is obtained by capturing the inspection light Lc that is the first irradiation light L1 from the reflection light-emitting part 120a and reflected off the inspection target area SF. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the black dots scattered in the upper center of the photographed image are recesses HA of a predetermined size, which are caused by oligomers adhering to the molding die. If the recesses HA of a specified size are distributed over a wide area within the inspection area, the roughness of the surface of the preform PF will increase, and even if a PET bottle blown from the preform PF is filled with liquid and capped, the recesses HA of a specified size distributed over a wide area will become tiny flow paths, causing the liquid to leak. It should be noted that the numerous fine linear scratches MF formed near the bottom of both sides of the photographed image are minute scratches that occur during the normal molding process and do not cause liquid leakage.

[0029] The analysis performed by the control unit 122 to identify the distribution of recesses HA of a predetermined size involves analyzing the captured image using a threshold value to determine the changes in shading and intensity of the captured image, which vary depending on the depth and size of the scratches or recesses, and identifying recesses HA of a predetermined size. The analysis results differ depending on the threshold value. As shown in Figure 8(b), analysis using threshold value S1 recognizes small scratches MF other than recesses HA of the specified size in the same way as recesses HA of the specified size, whereas analysis using threshold value S2 was able to almost exclusively identify recesses HA of the specified size, as shown in Figure 8(c). The threshold value is set appropriately while observing the photographed image and the surface condition of the preform PF so that small scratches MF are not identified as recesses HA of a predetermined size.

[0030] Next, the method for evaluating the roughness of the inner surface of the mouth part Pa and its relationship to the measured values ​​by the Contracer will be explained by comparing the analytical images (Figure 9) of specimens C, D, and E, which have different distributions of recesses HA of a specified size. The threshold value used is the same and is set so that only recesses HA of a predetermined size can be identified.

[0031] As shown in Figure 9, the analysis image of specimen C (Figure 9(a)) contains almost no areas that are determined to be recesses HA of the specified size, while the analysis images of specimens D and E (Figures 9(b) and (c)) contain areas that are determined to be recesses HA of the specified size distributed in the left half of the image, and each is highlighted. It is also apparent that sample E has a wider distribution range of recesses HA of a given size than sample D. In other words, it can be objectively understood that the condition of the inspection target area SF is best for specimen C, with the least amount of oligomer adhesion to the molding die for the preform PF, and that the amount of oligomer adhesion to the molding die for the preform PF gradually increases in the order of specimen D and specimen E.

[0032] Table 1 shows the relationship between the state of the inspection area SF of specimens C, D, and E, the measured value (maximum cross-sectional height Rt) by the contraster, and the detected value that is the analysis result by the control unit 122 expressed as a numerical value. The detected value is a calculated total area of ​​recesses HA of a predetermined size determined in the analysis image, and is a dimensionless numerical value without units.

[0033] [Table 1]

[0034] As shown in Table 1, the measured values ​​using the Contracer were 0.46 μm for specimen C, 1.79 μm for specimen D, and 2.83 μm for specimen E. The detected values ​​of the analysis results by the control unit 122 were 197 for sample C, 21,819 for sample D, and 96,531 for sample E. This shows that the measured values ​​by the Contraser and the detected values ​​from the analysis results by the control unit 122 show similar trends, and it is possible to identify the roughness from the total area of ​​recesses HA of a predetermined size.

[0035] In this way, by photographing the state of the inspection target area SF with the line scanning camera 121 and performing analysis with the control unit 122, it is possible to easily inspect for defective products that lead to leakage due to deterioration in the surface roughness of the preform PF caused by oligomers adhering to the molding die, and it is also possible to quickly determine the timing for cleaning the molding die. Furthermore, since the condition of the inspection target area can be inspected without contact without inserting any tool into the preform PF, foreign matter will not get mixed into the preform PF and the surface of the preform PF will not be damaged. Furthermore, by positioning the line scanning camera 121 at a position where it can receive the inspection light Lc without transmitting it through the preform PF, the condition of the inspection light Lc received by the line scanning camera 121 can be maintained in good condition, and the condition of the inspection target area SF can be inspected more accurately than when the inspection light Lc is transmitted through the preform PF.

[0036] Furthermore, since the preform PF can be easily prepared for inspecting the state of the inspection target area SF by simply inserting and holding it in the holding hole 111, the time required for inspection per preform PF is shorter than measurements using a contracer, etc., thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, for example, if the roughness inspection device 100 is placed on the line and the control unit 122 is configured to be able to work with a defective product ejection device, the preforms PF on the line can be inspected by the roughness inspection device 100, and preforms PF whose detection value corresponds to a defective product as a result of analysis can be removed from the line by the defective product ejection device.

[0037] Furthermore, the cylindrical holding portion 110 does not have to support the underside of the flange Pd. For example, if the holding hole 111 is formed shallow and the bottom surface of the holding hole 111 directly supports the bottom Pc of the preform PF, the cylindrical holding portion 110 will not block the optical paths of the first irradiation light L1 and the second irradiation light L2 from the light-emitting portion 120, and the freedom of material and shape of the cylindrical holding portion 110 will not be hindered.

[0038] Furthermore, if there is no structure on the back side of the inspection target area SF that interferes with the second irradiation light L2, such as a male screw portion Pe, the inspection target area SF may be inspected using inspection light Lc that is transmitted through the back side of the inspection target area SF by the second irradiation light L2. Furthermore, by changing the threshold value used when analyzing the inspection target area SF, it is possible to investigate not only the distribution of recesses HA of a given size caused by oligomers adhering to the molding die, but also the position and distribution of recesses of various sizes.

[0039] In addition, if the roughness inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured as a method for determining dirt on a molding device for transparent containers (preforms PF), the holding unit (cylindrical holding unit 110), the light emitting unit 120, and the light receiving unit (line scanning camera 121) are used for the roughness inspection process, the control unit 122 is used for the dirt determination process, and the output screen 123 is used as a notification means, then it can be seen that this constitutes a method for determining dirt on a molding device for transparent containers (preforms PF). In other words, the state of contamination of the molding die can be grasped simply by placing the roughness inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention downstream of the molding device or offline and inspecting the transparent container (preform PF) molded by the molding device. If the roughness (total area of ​​recesses HA of a predetermined size) of the inspection target area SF identified by the roughness inspection device 100 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 122 determines that the molding die is dirty and decides that it is time to clean the molding die. Then, the notification means (output screen 123) notifies the worker that it is time to clean the molding die. This eliminates the need to directly inspect the molding dies by periodically stopping the molding equipment or production line while normal production of transparent containers (preforms PF) is being carried out, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing the burden on workers.

[0040] In addition, there is no need to install and constantly monitor mold inspection equipment in the narrow space of the molding device or in areas that become hot when molding the transparent container (preform) PF, which reduces the frequency of maintenance of the molding device and inspection equipment. Furthermore, even if the worker is not constantly monitoring the roughness inspection device, the worker can know the appropriate timing for cleaning the molding die by the notification means, thereby improving work efficiency. It also prevents the worker from misjudging the timing for cleaning the molding die.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, the configuration may be such that an operator checks the roughness information of the transparent container (preform) PF output from the roughness inspection device 100 in accordance with a dirt determination step, thereby determining the state of dirt on the molding die.

[0042] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various design modifications can be made without departing from the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0043] In the above-described embodiment, the holding portion is described as being a cylindrical holding portion, but the shape of the holding portion is not limited to this. For example, multiple cylindrical holding members may be arranged to surround the periphery of the preform, or the holding portion may be formed in the shape of a clip that grips the body of the preform. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit controls the rotation of the turntable, analyzes the captured images acquired by the line scanning camera to identify the distribution of recesses, judges whether the product is good or bad, and displays the judgement on the output screen. However, the configuration of the control unit is not limited to this, and may, for example, only display the captured images on the output screen, or may display only the results of analyzing the captured images, or may be configured to communicate the judgement results on whether the product is good or bad by voice to the worker.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the roughness inspection device has been described as inspecting the inspection target area on the inner surface of the mouth of a preform, but the inspection target of the roughness inspection device is not limited to this, and for example, the outer surface or inner surface of the bottom of a preform may be inspected, or the surface condition of a glass bottle, a transparent plastic cup, or a PET bottle may be inspected. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the light receiving unit is described as being a line scanning camera, but the configuration of the light receiving unit is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a high-speed camera. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 100 ··· Roughness inspection device 110 Cylindrical holding portion (holding portion) 111... Retaining hole 112 ··· Turntable 120 ··· Light-emitting part 120a Reflective light emitting part 120b: Transmitting light emitting part 121 Line scanning camera (light receiving part) 122 Control section 123 Output screen L1... 1st irradiation light L2...Second irradiation light Lc ··· Inspection light r1: First angle (angle of the first irradiation light) r2: Second angle (angle of second irradiation light) rc ··· Inspection light angle PF ··· Preform (transparent container) Pa...mouth Pb Body PC...Bottom Pd ··· Flange Pe Male thread SF: Inspection area HA: Recess of a specified size MF ··· Minor scratches

Claims

1. A roughness inspection device having a holding unit that holds a transparent container, a light emitting unit that irradiates an inspection target area, which is the surface of the transparent container, with irradiation light, a light receiving unit that can receive inspection light that is irradiation light that has transmitted through or reflected from the inspection target area, and a control unit, the light emitting unit is arranged so as to be able to irradiate the irradiation light onto an inspection target area from outside the transparent container; the light receiving unit is disposed so as to be able to receive the inspection light without transmitting the inspection light through a transparent container; The control unit is configured to be able to identify roughness from the distribution of recesses of a predetermined size within the inspection target area based on information about the inspection light received by the light receiving unit.

2. The transparent container is a resin preform, 2. The roughness inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the light receiving unit is arranged so as to be able to receive the inspection light from the opening of the mouth unit.

3. 2. The roughness inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection light is reflected light.

4. 2. The roughness inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit is made of a transparent material that can transmit the irradiated light, and the light emitting unit is positioned at a position where the irradiated light passes through the holding unit.

5. 2. The roughness inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit is configured to be rotatable around a central axis of the transparent container held by the holding unit as a rotation axis.

6. 6. The roughness inspection device according to claim 5, wherein the light receiving unit is a line scanning camera.

7. The roughness inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light receiving unit is positioned so that the angle between a perpendicular line extending from the inspection target area and the optical axis of the inspection light is 10° to 70°, and the light emitting unit is positioned on the opposite side of the perpendicular line from the light receiving unit.

8. The roughness inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is configured to calculate the total area of ​​the recesses of a predetermined size based on information on the distribution state of the recesses of a predetermined size, and to identify the roughness.

9. A method for determining contamination of a molding device, comprising: a roughness inspection step for specifying the roughness of an inspection target area, which is the surface of a container molded by a molding die of the molding device; and a contamination determination step for determining the degree of contamination of the molding die, The method for determining dirt on a molding device is characterized in that the dirt determination process determines the state of dirt on the molding mold based on roughness information of the inspection target area identified in the roughness inspection process, and determines the timing for cleaning the molding mold.

10. 10. The method for determining the contamination of a molding device according to claim 9, wherein the contamination determination step includes a notification means for notifying an operator of the timing of cleaning the molding die depending on the determined state of contamination of the molding die.

11. The roughness inspection step includes a holding means for holding the transparent container, an irradiating means for irradiating an inspection target area, which is the surface of the transparent container, with irradiation light, a light receiving means for receiving the inspection light, which is the irradiation light transmitted through or reflected from the inspection target area, and an inspection means for inspecting the inspection light received by the light receiving means, the irradiating means irradiates the inspection target area with irradiation light from outside the transparent container; the light receiving means receives the inspection light without transmitting it through a transparent container; The method for determining contamination of a molding device described in claim 9, characterized in that the inspection means identifies roughness from the distribution of recesses of a predetermined size within the inspection target area based on information about the inspection light received by the light receiving means.

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