Inspection calibration device

Abstract

To properly position a sample for inspection and calibration with respect to a colorimetric device.SOLUTION: The inspection calibration device 10 which is attachable to and detachable from a colorimetric device 100 and used for inspecting and calibrating the colorimetric device 100 includes at least one inspection calibration sample 31 to be colorimetrically measured when the colorimetric device 100 is inspected and calibrated, and a positioning part 233 for positioning the inspection calibration device 10 with respect to the colorimetric device 100 so that the inspection calibration sample 31 is arranged at a colorimetrically measurable position when the inspection calibration device 10 is attached to the colorimetric device 100. The colorimetric device 100 is provided with a positioning hole 104 for properly positioning the inspection and calibration sample 31 of the inspection and calibration device 10 with respect to the colorimetric device 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting and calibrating a color measurement device. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to maintain a certain level of detection accuracy, a colorimetric device that measures the external color of a target specimen undergoes inspection and calibration of the detection results at a predetermined frequency using an inspection and calibration device. The inspection and calibration device has a sample with a detection target portion made of a color whose ideal detection value is known. The colorimetric device measures the color of the sample in the inspection and calibration device, and the detection result by the colorimetric device is compared with the ideal value to inspect and calibrate the colorimetric device.

[0003] For example, in the color measurement device of Patent Document 1, a spectrodensitometer that performs color measurement reads color patches. When performing inspection and calibration, the spectrodensitometer is changed from its posture during color measurement to an inclined posture. Then, a white panel is slid in front of the white light outlet of the spectrodensitometer to perform color measurement for inspection and calibration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-212001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When measuring colors for inspection and calibration of a color measurement device, it is required that the positional relationship between the color measurement device and the object is appropriate. However, in conventional color measurement devices, when inspecting or calibrating, the spectrodensitometer is tilted and the white panel is slid and positioned in front of the spectrodensitometer. In this way, both the spectrodensitometer and the white panel are moved significantly before color measurement can be performed. This creates the problem of errors easily occurring in the positional relationship between the color measurement device and the object.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an inspection and calibration device that properly performs color measurement for inspection and calibration of a color measurement device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: An inspection and calibration device that is detachable from a colorimetric device that measures the color of an object to be measured and is used when inspecting and calibrating the colorimetric device, At least one calibration sample to be measured during calibration of the color measurement device; a positioning unit that positions the inspection / calibration sample relative to the color measurement device so that the sample can be measured when the inspection / calibration device is attached to the color measurement device; The configuration has the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inspection and calibration device that properly performs color measurement for inspection and calibration of a color measurement device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an inspection and calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which an inspection / calibration device is installed on a color measurement device for inspection / calibration. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inspection and calibration device with a portion of the configuration omitted. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inspection and calibration device as seen from another direction with some components omitted. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inspection and calibration device as seen from another direction with some components omitted. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sample for inspection and calibration and a holder member. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway left side view of the inspection and calibration sample and holder member when measuring color. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0011] [Outline of inspection and calibration equipment] An inspection and calibration device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for inspecting and calibrating a color measurement device. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a color measurement device 100, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inspection / calibration device 10, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inspection / calibration device 10 is installed on the color measurement device 100 for inspection / calibration. In the following description, "inspection" refers to the act of knowing the state of the color measurement device at a certain point in time. Specifically, it is the process of measuring the color of an inspection / calibration sample and identifying any deviation from the ideal value. "Inspection" is performed prior to the actual color measurement work. "Calibration" refers to the process of making corrections or adjustments to reduce deviations from ideal values ​​when the deviation exceeds the allowable range. "Calibration" is performed during the actual color measurement process.

[0012] [Color measurement device] The color measurement device 100 includes a housing 101, a mask 102, an optical system for incident light (not shown), an internal illumination device, a spectrophotometer, a calculation unit, and the like. The housing 101 has a circular mask 102 arranged on the front surface, and houses the other components of the color measurement device 100. The mask 102 protrudes in a circular shape from the front surface of the housing 101, and is adapted to fit into a circular recess formed in the front surface of the inspection / calibration device 10. A circular opening 103 is provided in the center of the mask 102, and an inspection / calibration sample (described later) or an object to be measured for color measurement is placed outside the opening 103. The internal illumination device indirectly irradiates illumination light from inside the device onto the inspection / calibration sample, etc., placed outside the opening 103 by utilizing diffuse reflection or the like. A spectrophotometer receives reflected light from an inspection / calibration sample or the like that is irradiated with illumination light through an incident light optical system, and performs spectroscopic measurement. The mask 102 and the opening 103 are arranged concentrically.

[0013] A spectrophotometer outputs the light intensity (spectral reflectance) of received light for each wavelength of minute unit width within a specified wavelength range. The calculation unit controls the operation of each unit when performing color measurement. Furthermore, errors may occur in the spectral reflectance output by the spectrophotometer during color measurement due to individual differences, etc. Therefore, the calculation unit performs a calibration process to correct the spectral reflectance output by the spectrophotometer. The calculation unit is configured as an external device such as a PC externally connected to the colorimetric device 100. However, the calculation unit may also be built into the colorimetric device.

[0014] As described above, the calculation unit of the color measuring device 100 calibrates the spectral reflectance output by the spectrophotometer. For this reason, the color measuring device 100 needs to acquire correction values ​​for performing the calibration. Therefore, the inspection and calibration device 10 is connected to the color measurement device 100. Then, an inspection operation is performed in which color measurement is performed on an inspection and calibration sample 31 (described later) whose accurate spectral reflectance (ideal value) is known. As a result, the external device, which is the calculation unit, calculates the difference between the spectral reflectance obtained by colorimetry of the inspection / calibration sample and the known accurate spectral reflectance, and then calculates a correction value based on the difference and stores it as the correction value to be used during calibration.

[0015] [Inspection and calibration equipment] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the inspection and calibration device 10 with some of the configuration omitted, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the inspection and calibration device 10 viewed from another direction with further configuration omitted, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the inspection and calibration device 10 viewed from another direction with further configuration omitted from Fig. 5. The inspection / calibration device 10 can be attached to the color measurement device 100 in a state where it faces the color measurement device 100. The inspection / calibration device 10 can also be detached from the color measurement device 100. Hereinafter, when the inspection / calibration device 10 is placed on a horizontal surface, the direction directly facing the color measurement device 100 will be referred to as "front," and the opposite direction will be referred to as "rear." Furthermore, when the inspection / calibration device 10 is placed on a horizontal surface, the left-hand side when facing forward will be referred to as "left," and the opposite direction will be referred to as "right." When the inspection / calibration device 10 is placed on a horizontal surface, "front," "rear," "left," and "right" are all horizontal. Furthermore, when the inspection / calibration device 10 is placed on a horizontal surface, the vertically upward direction will be referred to as "up," and the vertically downward direction will be referred to as "down." When directions are referred to in the following description of the inspection and calibration apparatus 10, they are defined as above.

[0016] The inspection and calibration apparatus 10 includes a housing 20, calibration samples 31 and 32, a zero calibration member 35, and holder members 41 and 42. The inspection and calibration apparatus 10 further includes a holder 50, a stage device 70, a thermometer 90, and a control device (not shown).

[0017] [Case] The housing 20 houses the entire configuration of the inspection / calibration device 10. The housing 20 has a bottom plate 21, a main body cover 22, a front plate 23, a rear plate 24, and a box-shaped storage section 25. 4, the bottom plate 21 is a rectangular flat plate that is aligned in the front-rear and left-right directions. The left and right ends of the bottom plate 21 are parallel to the front-rear direction, and the front and rear ends are parallel to the left-right direction.

[0018] The front panel 23 is a rectangular flat plate extending in the up-down and left-right directions, and stands upright from the front end of the bottom panel 21. The left and right corners of the upper end of the front panel 23 are rounded. 2, a circular recess 231 into which the mask 102 of the colorimetric device 100 described above fits is formed in the center of the front surface of the front panel 23. Furthermore, a rectangular opening 232 penetrating from front to back is formed in the center of the circular recess 231.

[0019] Furthermore, positioning pins 233 protruding forward are provided on both the left and right sides of the circular recess 231 on the front surface of the front panel 23. These positioning pins 233 function as positioning units. The positioning units have the function of positioning the inspection and calibration device 10 with respect to the colorimetric device 100 so that the calibration samples 31 and 32 selected when the inspection and calibration device 10 is attached to the colorimetric device 100 are positioned at positions where the colors can be measured. Each positioning pin 233 can be inserted into a positioning hole 104 provided on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the housing 101 of the colorimetric device 100. That is, when the inspection and calibration device 10 is attached to the colorimetric device 100, each positioning pin 233 of the inspection and calibration device 10 is individually inserted into each positioning hole 104 of the colorimetric device 100. This allows any calibration samples 31, 32 of the inspection / calibration device 10 at the color measurement position described later to be properly positioned in the vertical and horizontal directions. The appropriate position refers to color measurement in a state where the calibration samples 31 and 32 at the color measurement positions face the front of the color measurement device 100 directly.

[0020] The number of the positioning pins 233 is arbitrary, but it is preferable that the number is two or more. Furthermore, the positioning portion is not limited to a pin structure. Any structure may be used as long as it does not cause misalignment along a plane perpendicular to the facing direction when the color measurement device 100 and the inspection / calibration device 10 are connected in a facing state. For example, a structure in which a concave-convex structure is provided on the facing surfaces of the color measurement device 100 and the inspection / calibration device 10, so that misalignment does not occur due to fitting, is preferable.

[0021] 4 and 5, a contact detection sensor 11 is provided on the rear side of the front panel 23. The contact detection sensor 11 detects that the front surface of the housing 101 of the colorimetric device 100 is tightly connected to the front surface of the front panel 23 of the inspection / calibration device 10. The contact detection sensor 11 has a photointerrupter consisting of a light source and a light-receiving element. A detection target 105 is attached to the front surface of the housing 101 of the colorimetric device 100 (not shown in FIG. 1). The detection target 105 has a detection piece that extends rearward. An insertion opening (not shown) is formed in the front surface of the front panel 23 of the inspection / calibration device 10. When the colorimetric device 100 and the inspection / calibration device 10 are properly connected, the detection target piece of the detection target 105 is inserted into the insertion opening of the inspection / calibration device 10. The detection target 105 is detected when the tip of the detection piece enters between the light source and the light-receiving element of the contact detection sensor 11. That is, the contact detection sensor 11 properly positions the calibration samples 31 and 32 in the front-rear direction when the color measurement device 100 and the inspection / calibration device 10 are attached. That is, the contact detection sensor 11 also functions as a positioning unit. The contact detection sensor 11 is not limited to a photointerrupter, but may be a mechanical contact sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, or any other sensor that functions in the same way.

[0022] The detection signal of the contact detection sensor 11 is input to the control device of the inspection and calibration device 10. When the contact detection sensor 11 detects that the color measuring device 100 and the inspection and calibration device 10 are properly positioned, the control device permits the execution of inspection and calibration.

[0023] 4, the rear panel 24 is a rectangular flat plate extending in the up-down and left-right directions, and stands upright from the rear end of the bottom panel 21. The rear panel 24 has the same shape and dimensions as the front panel 23. A rectangular opening is formed penetrating in the front-to-rear direction in the center of the rear panel 24. A box-shaped storage section 25 is attached to the center of the rear surface of the rear panel 24, and the opening leads to the interior of the storage section 25. A thermometer 90 is stored in the storage section 25.

[0024] 2, the body cover 22 constitutes the top surface and left and right side surfaces of the housing 20. The left lower portion of the body cover 22 is connected to the left end portion of the bottom plate 21, and the right lower portion of the body cover 22 is connected to the right end portion of the bottom plate 21. In addition, the front end portion of the body cover 22 is connected to the front plate 23, and the rear end portion of the body cover 22 is connected to the rear plate 24. Furthermore, a handle (not shown) is provided on the top surface of the main body cover 22.

[0025] The bottom plate 21, main body cover 22, front plate 23, rear plate 24, and storage section 25 are all made of a non-transparent material. Furthermore, the connecting portions of these parts are tightly connected to each other so that no gaps are formed. This blocks the entry of light from the outside into the interior of the housing 20, except for the opening 232 in the front plate 23.

[0026] [Thermometer] The thermometer 90 measures the temperature of the inspection / calibration sample 31 immediately before the color measurement by the color measurement device 100 in order to correct the influence of thermochromism. As described above, an ideal value, which is an accurate spectral reflectance, is prepared for the inspection and calibration sample 31. This ideal value, which is the spectral reflectance, is a value obtained when color measurement is performed at a predetermined temperature. Therefore, even if the colorimetric device 100 is an ideal colorimetric device that does not generate errors, temperature-related errors will occur when color measurement is performed at a temperature other than the predetermined temperature. Therefore, during inspection, the inspection and calibration device 10 measures the surface temperature of the inspection and calibration sample 31 to be measured using the thermometer 90. Then, the calculation unit of the inspection and calibration device 10, or an external device functioning as the calculation unit, performs the following calculation based on the measured temperature. The external device performs correction on the spectral reflectance obtained by the colorimetric device 100 measuring the color of the inspection and calibration sample 31. The external device performs temperature correction so that the temperature conditions are the same as the predetermined temperature set for the ideal value of the spectral reflectance, and then calculates the difference from the accurate ideal value of the spectral reflectance.

[0027] The thermometer 90 is a non-contact thermometer and is installed on the transport path of the multiple inspection and calibration samples 31. The inspection and calibration samples 31 to be measured for colorimetry are transported to the colorimetry position after their temperature is measured via the measurement position of the thermometer 90.

[0028] [Inspection and calibration samples and holder materials] The calibration device 10 has a plurality of color calibration samples 31 and two white calibration samples 32 . The calibration samples 31 and 32 also have corresponding holder members 41 and 42, respectively.

[0029] The inspection and calibration samples 31 are prepared individually for 16 different colors, but the number is not limited and can be increased or decreased. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the inspection and calibration sample 31 and the holder member 41. Fig. 8 is a partially cutaway left side view of the inspection and calibration sample 31 and the holder member 41 during color measurement.

[0030] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each inspection and calibration sample 31 is made of a square plate. The front surface of each inspection and calibration sample 31 is colored with a color whose accurate spectral reflectance is known as described above. The front surface of each inspection and calibration sample 31 is smooth.

[0031] 7 and 8, the holder members 41 that individually hold the inspection and calibration samples 31 are narrow, vertically long, rectangular plate members. The width of the holder members 41 is approximately equal to the width of the inspection and calibration samples 31. The inspection and calibration sample 31 is fixedly attached to a recess 411 formed in the vertical middle position of the front surface of the holder member 41. The back surface of the inspection and calibration sample 31 is fixed to the front surface of the recess 411 of the holder member 41 by a method such as adhesion or bonding. Note that the inspection and calibration sample 31 may be attached to the holder member 41 by any other method as long as sufficient attachment strength is obtained.

[0032] 8, the holder member 41 is supported by the holding unit 50 with its longitudinal direction facing up and down. The holder member 41 is held by the holding unit 50 and the stage device 70 with its front surface parallel to the up, down, left, and right directions and facing forward when the color measurement device 100 measures colors. The position and orientation of each inspection and calibration sample 31 and each holder member 41 are changed by the stage device 70. However, when describing with reference to Figure 8, the position and orientation of each part will be described on the assumption that the inspection and calibration sample 31 and the holder member 41 are in the position and orientation during color measurement.

[0033] The front surface of the holder member 41 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 412 that protrude forward beyond the front surface of the inspection / calibration sample 31. There may be one protrusion 412, but three or more are preferred. In this embodiment, a holder member 41 provided with three protrusions 412 is exemplified. The protrusions 412 are not positioned on one side of the inspection / calibration sample 31 in the longitudinal direction of the holder member 41, but are distributed on both sides. That is, in this example, two protrusions 412 are positioned above the inspection / calibration sample 31, and one protrusion is positioned below the inspection / calibration sample 31. All of the protrusions 412 protrude forward from the front surface of the inspection / calibration sample 31, and all of them protrude by the same protrusion length. Note that the protrusion lengths of the protrusions 412 may be such that the tips of the protrusions are flush with the front surface of the inspection / calibration sample 31 in the front-rear direction. During color measurement, each convex portion 412 comes into contact with the opposing surface (rear surface in FIG. 8 ) on the front side of the mask 102 of the colorimetric device 100, avoiding the opening 103. As a result, each convex portion 412 maintains the front surface of the inspection / calibration sample 31 at a predetermined distance from the front of the colorimetric device 100, and maintains the orientation of the front surface of the colorimetric device 100 facing directly. The protrusion amount of each convex portion 412 is set so that the distance from the front surface of the mask 102 to the front surface of the inspection and calibration sample 31 is the appropriate distance for colorimetry. This allows the colorimetric device 100 to perform appropriate colorimetry under uniform conditions for the inspection and calibration sample 31 of each color.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the two white calibration samples 32 each consist of a circular plate. The front surface of each calibration sample 32 is colored white, the precise spectral reflectance of which is known as described above. However, the precise spectral reflectances of the two white calibration samples 32 are different. In other words, the color of the front surface of each of the two white calibration samples 32 is white, but the hue is different. Furthermore, the calibration sample 32 is significantly larger than the inspection / calibration sample 31 described above. The calibration sample 32 is equal to or slightly larger than the opening 103 of the mask 102 of the colorimetric device 100. When measuring the color of white, it is easily affected by ambient light. For this reason, the size of the calibration sample 32 is set large so as to suppress the incidence of light other than that of the calibration sample 32 through the opening 103.

[0035] The holder member 42 that holds the calibration sample 32 is a rectangular plate member that is wider and longer in the vertical direction than the holder member 41. The width of the holder member 42 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the calibration sample 32. The calibration sample 32 is fixedly attached to a circular recess formed in the vertical center position of the front surface of the holder member 42. The calibration sample 32 is fixed in the same manner as the inspection and calibration sample 31.

[0036] The holder member 42 is also supported by the holding unit 50 with its longitudinal direction facing the up-down direction. The holder member 42 is also held by the holding unit 50 and the stage device 70 with its front surface parallel to the up-down and left-right directions and facing left when the color measurement device 100 measures colors. The following description of the direction and position of each part of the calibration sample 32 and holder member 42 will be given assuming that they are also in the orientations used for the colorimetry. The position and orientation of each calibration sample 32 and each holder member 42 are also changed by the stage device 70. However, as in the case of Fig. 8, the position and orientation of each part will be explained on the assumption that the calibration sample 32 and the holder member 42 are in the position and orientation during color measurement.

[0037] Three protrusions 422 are also provided on the front surface of the holder member 42 with equal protrusion amounts, protruding forward further than the front surface of the calibration sample 32. The number, arrangement, and protrusion amounts of the protrusions 422 are the same as those of the protrusions 412. In other words, the protrusions 422 are also disposed above and below the calibration sample 32 in a dispersed manner. During color measurement, each convex portion 422 comes into contact with the front surface of the mask 102 of the colorimetric device 100, avoiding the opening 103. Each convex portion 422 maintains the front surface of the calibration sample 32 at a predetermined distance from the front of the colorimetric device 100, and maintains the front surface of the calibration sample 32 facing directly to the front of the colorimetric device 100. That is, each convex portion 422 allows the calibration sample 32 to be properly measured in the same conditions as the inspection and calibration sample 31 of each color.

[0038] [Zero calibration material] The zero calibration member 35 has a configuration equivalent to a black calibration sample. The zero calibration member 35 has a configuration that prevents almost all reflected light from the colorimetric device 100 side from entering the colorimetric device 100 .

[0039] The zero calibration member 35 is also adjusted to an appropriate position and orientation by the holding unit 50 and the stage device 70 when the color measurement device 100 performs color measurement. The following describes the direction and position of each part of the zero calibration member 35 when it is adjusted to the correct position and orientation. The zero calibration member 35 will be described with reference to FIG. 5, but the zero calibration member 35 in FIG. 5 is shown in a state where it is not in the correct position or orientation.

[0040] The zero calibration member 35 has a reflecting plate 351 that reflects light from the color measurement device 100 side, and a box-shaped member 352 that attenuates the light reflected by the reflecting plate 351. The reflecting plate 351 is disposed at an angle so as to reflect light from the colorimetric device 100 into the box-shaped member 352 when the zero calibration member 35 is in the correct position and orientation. The reflecting plate 351 has a black reflective surface that reflects light. The reflective surface may have low light reflectivity and high light absorption. The box-shaped member 352 is a hollow rectangular box with only one side open. The remaining five inner surfaces of the box-shaped member 352 are all black, which causes almost no light reflection. The reflector 351 is arranged with a part of it inserted into the open side of the box-shaped member 352 and with the reflecting surface tilted obliquely upward and rearward. The illumination light from the internal illumination device incident from the colorimetric device 100 side is reflected into the box-shaped member 352 by the reflector 351, and is repeatedly reflected on each inner surface of the box-shaped member 352. This attenuates the light, and almost no reflected light of the illumination light from the colorimetric device 100 leaks outside the box-shaped member 352. The reflecting surface of the reflector 351 may be a black surface that hardly reflects light, similar to the inner surface of the box-shaped member 352 . As a result, when the colorimetric device 100 measures the color of the zero calibration member 35, almost no light is incident from the side of the zero calibration member 35. Therefore, the colorimetric device 100 can obtain a state in which the detection value of the incident light is close to 0.

[0041] [Holding part] The holding unit 50 is a rotatable wheel-shaped frame that holds the above-mentioned multiple holder members 41, 42, the zero calibration member 35, and the open / close lid 45. By rotating, the holding unit 50 selectively orients each of the calibration samples 31, 32 or the zero calibration member 35 held by each of the holder members 41, 42 in a predetermined direction. That is, by rotating, the holding unit 50 selectively orients each of the calibration samples 31, 32 or the zero calibration member 35 in an orientation suitable for colorimetry by the colorimetric device 100. Furthermore, by rotating, the holding unit 50 moves the open / close lid 45 to a position where it can close the opening 232.

[0042] 4 and 5, the holding portion 50 has an upper rotating plate 51, a lower rotating plate 52, and support plates 53 and 54. Note that the opening / closing lid 45 is not shown in FIG. The upper rotating plate 51 is circular, and is supported by the stage device 70 so as to be rotatable about its central axis with its central axis facing in the vertical direction. The upper rotating plate 51 has the same outer diameter as the lower rotating plate 52, and is arranged so as to be concentric with the lower rotating plate 52.

[0043] The lower rotating plate 52 is circular, and is connected to the output portion of a rotary motor 75 (described later) of the stage device 70 with its central axis facing up and down. The lower rotating plate 52 can be rotated around its central axis by the rotary motor 75. The rotary motor 75 is a motor, such as a stepping motor, whose axial position can be arbitrarily controlled, and the lower rotating plate 52 can be positioned in any orientation.

[0044] A plurality of support plates 53, 54 are arranged between the lower surface of the upper rotating plate 51 and the upper surface of the lower rotating plate 52, near their outer peripheries. The plurality of support plates 53 individually support the plurality of holder members 41, 42 from behind. The support plate 54 supports the opening / closing lid 45 from behind. The plurality of support plates 53, 54 also function to connect the upper rotating plate 51 and the lower rotating plate 52.

[0045] Each support plate 53 is a rectangular flat plate that is long in the vertical direction, and supports the holder members 41 and 42 so that the front surface thereof faces the rear surface of the holder members 41 and 42 . The sixteen support plates 53 that support each holder member 41 are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the circumferential direction near the outer peripheries of the upper and lower rotary plates 51, 52. Each support plate 53 is fixed to the rotary plates 51, 52 with its plate surface oriented perpendicular to a straight line extending radially outward from the rotation center of the upper and lower rotary plates 51, 52.

[0046] The two support plates 53 supporting each holder member 42 are arranged at a wider interval than the support plates 53 of each holder member 41. When viewed from above, the two support plates 53 are arranged side by side clockwise downstream of the sixteen support plates 53 of each holder member 41. These support plates 53 are also fixed to the upper and lower rotating plates 51, 52 with their plate surfaces oriented perpendicular to a straight line extending radially outward from the rotation center of the upper and lower rotating plates 51, 52.

[0047] The support structure of the holder members 41 and 42 by each support plate 53 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Here, holder member 41 is illustrated as an example, but the same support structure applies to holder member 42. The directions in the following description are those in the position shown in Fig. 8. In other words, it is assumed that the plate surfaces of holder member 41 and support plate 53 are both parallel in the up-down and left-right directions.

[0048] Two through holes 531 are drilled in the front-rear direction, one above the other, in the support plate 53. Each through hole 531 has a counterbore formed on the front side. A support rod 532 having a head with a large outer diameter at its rear end is inserted into each through hole 531. The front end of the support rod 532 is fixed to the back surface of the holder member 41. The support rod 532 may be fixed by forming a male thread at its tip and fastening it to a screw hole provided in the holder member 41. Alternatively, the tip of the support rod 532 may be tightly fitted into a blind hole provided in the holder member 41. Alternatively, the tip of the support rod 532 may be joined to the back surface of the holder member 41.

[0049] The outer diameter of the shaft of support rod 532 is small enough to allow sliding relative to the inner diameter of through-hole 531, but large enough to prevent support rod 532 from tilting. In addition, the outer diameter of the head of support rod 532 is larger than the inner diameter of through-hole 531, preventing support rod 532 from slipping out forward. As a result, the holder member 41 is supported so as to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the support plate 53. Furthermore, the support rod 532 supports a coil spring 533 that passes through it. The front end of the coil spring 533 is in pressure contact with the back surface of the holder member 41, and the rear end of the coil spring 533 is in pressure contact with the inner bottom of the countersunk hole of the through hole 531. Therefore, the holder member 41 is supported and pressed forward against the support plate 53. Note that a spring or elastic body other than the coil spring 533 may be used as long as it can press the holder member 41 forward against the support plate 53.

[0050] The support plate 53 can be moved arbitrarily in the front-to-rear direction together with the upper and lower rotating plates 51 and 52 by a stage device 70 (described later). The stage device 70 can press the holder member 41 or 42 supported in front of the support plate 53 against the front surface of the mask 102 of the colorimetric device 100. This allows the holder member 41 or 42 to press all three convex portions 412 or 422 against the front surface of the mask 102. Therefore, the front surface of the calibration sample 31 or 32 on the holder member 41 or 42 can be adjusted to an appropriate distance from the colorimetric device 100. In addition, the front surface can be oriented to face the front of the colorimetric device 100 with high accuracy.

[0051] 4, the opening / closing lid 45 is a rectangular flat plate that can close the opening 232 provided in the front panel 23 of the housing 20 from behind. The opening / closing lid 45 is slightly larger than the vertical and horizontal widths of the rectangular opening 232. Additionally, a rectangular frame-shaped seal member 451 made of an elastic material is attached to the outer periphery of the front surface of the opening / closing lid 45. This allows the seal member 451 to fit tightly around the periphery of the opening 232, and the opening / closing lid 45 can close the opening 232 without any gaps. This prevents external light from entering and makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the calibration samples 31 and 32.

[0052] The support plate 54 of the opening / closing cover 45 is a rectangular flat plate that is equal in height to the support plate 53 described above, wider in width, and thicker in thickness. The support plate 54 fixes and supports the opening / closing cover 45 with its front surface in close contact with the rear surface of the opening / closing cover 45 . The support plate 54 is arranged next to the upper and lower rotary plates 51, 52 near their outer peripheries, when viewed from above, on the clockwise downstream side of the support plate 53 that supports the holder member 42. The support plate 54 is fixed to the rotary plates 51, 52 with its plate surface oriented perpendicular to a straight line extending radially outward from the rotation center of the upper and lower rotary plates 51, 52.

[0053] The zero calibration member 35 is fixedly supported on the upper surface of the lower rotating plate 52. The zero calibration member 35 is disposed circumferentially between the support plate 53, which is disposed on the most upstream side in the clockwise direction when viewed from above, and the support plate 54 of the opening / closing lid 45. The zero calibration member 35 is arranged radially outward of the lower rotating plate 52 with the open end of the box-shaped member 352 facing that direction.

[0054] [Stage equipment] The stage device 70 functions as a transport unit that applies rotational motion and back-and-forth movement motion to the holder 50 and transports the calibration samples 31, 32 to the color measurement position. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the stage device 70 has a back-and-forth movement stage 71, an erection portion 72, a support arm portion 73, and a slide guide 74. The stage device 70 also has a rotation motor 75 and a linear actuator 76. The rotation motor 75 functions as a first actuator, and the linear actuator 76 functions as a second actuator.

[0055] The forward / backward moving stage 71 is a frame-like body that is rectangular in plan view, and has a leg 711 hanging down from the right end. A plurality of wheels 712 are provided at the lower end of the leg 711, aligned in the front-rear direction. The left end of the front-rear moving stage 71 is mounted and supported by a slide guide 74 provided on the underside thereof so that it can move forward and backward. This allows the front-rear moving stage 71 to slide forward and backward on the bottom plate 21 of the housing 20.

[0056] An erected portion 72 is erected at the rear end of the forward / backward moving stage 71. The erected portion 72 is in the shape of a rectangular plate, and the rear end of a support arm portion 73 is connected to the upper end thereof. The support arm 73 is a rectangular flat plate extending forward from the upper end of the standing portion 72. The lower surface of the front end of the support arm 73 closely faces the upper surface of the upper rotating plate 51 of the holding portion 50. The front end of the support arm 73 is connected to the upper rotating plate 51 via a bearing (not shown). The upper rotating plate 51 is supported by the support arm 73 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis that passes through the center of the upper rotating plate 51 and extends in the up-down direction.

[0057] A rotation motor 75 is mounted on the upper surface of the forward / backward moving stage 71. The rotation motor 75 has an output section that drives rotation facing upward, and this output section is connected to the lower surface of the lower rotating plate 52 of the holding unit 50. The output section of the rotation motor 75, the lower rotating plate 52, and the upper rotating plate 51 are all arranged concentrically. The rotation motor 75 can arbitrarily control the shaft angle, and can orient any of the holder members 41, 42 supported by the holding portion 50 forward.

[0058] The front left end of the forward / backward movement stage 71 is connected to the output shaft of a linear actuator 76 via a bracket 761. The linear actuator 76 is driven by a motor (not shown), and moves the output shaft forward and backward in the forward / backward direction via a ball screw mechanism or the like. The motor of the linear actuator 76 is a motor whose rotational movement amount can be controlled as desired, and the output shaft can be positioned as desired in the forward / backward direction. Therefore, the stage device 70 can arbitrarily move any of the holder members 41 and 42 supported by the holding unit 50 on the forward / backward moving stage 71 forward / backward. The linear actuator 76 is not limited to the above configuration as long as it can impart linear motion to the forward / backward moving stage 71. For example, other motion conversion mechanisms such as a rack-and-pinion mechanism that can convert motor rotation into linear motion may be used. Also, linear motion actuators such as linear motors and voice coil motors may be used.

[0059] [Control device] The control device (not shown) has a control circuit for the rotary motor 75 and the motor of the linear actuator 76, a communication unit for communicating with external devices, and a calculation unit. The calculation unit of the inspection and calibration device 10 receives commands from an external device such as a PC, which is the calculation unit of the colorimetric device 100, via the communication unit. Then, the calculation unit of the inspection and calibration device 10 controls the operation of the rotary motor 75 and the linear actuator 76. The communication unit communicates with the calculation unit of the colorimetric device 100. The communication unit may be either wired or wireless.

[0060] [Calibration operation] The inspection and calibration operation of the inspection and calibration device 10 performed by the calculation unit of the control device will be described. First, the positioning pins 233 of the inspection / calibration device 10 are inserted into the positioning holes 104 of the colorimetric device 100, and the inspection / calibration device 10 and the colorimetric device 100 are connected in a facing-to-face state. The contact detection sensor 11 detects the proper positioning of the colorimetric device 100 and the inspection / calibration device 10. This makes it possible to properly position the calibration samples 31 and 32 relative to the colorimetric device 100. In addition, an external device such as a PC, which is a calculation unit of the color measuring device 100, is connected to the inspection / calibration device 10 in a state in which communication is possible. It is assumed that the inspection / calibration device 10 is initially in a state in which the opening / closing cover 45 covers the opening 232 of the front panel 23 from behind.

[0061] The calculation unit of the inspection / calibration device 10 stores the shaft angles of the open / close lid 45, the holder members 41 and 42 of each color, and the rotation motor 75 of the zero calibration member 35. Therefore, the open / close lid 45, the holder members 41 and 42 of each color, and the zero calibration member 35 can be positioned at the color measurement position and the measurement position of the thermometer 90. When a command to start inspection and calibration is input from an external device, the calculation unit of the inspection and calibration device 10 controls the linear actuator 76 to open the opening and closing lid 45 . Next, the calculation unit of the inspection / calibration device 10 transports the zero calibration member 35 to the measurement position of the thermometer 90 to measure the temperature. Then, the calculation unit transmits the detected temperature to an external device, and causes the colorimetric device 100 to perform zero calibration. Similarly, the calculation unit of the inspection / calibration device 10 transports the white calibration sample 32 to the measurement position of the thermometer 90 and measures the temperature. Then, the calculation unit transmits the detected temperature to an external device, causing the colorimetric device 100 to perform white calibration.

[0062] Furthermore, when a color to be inspected and calibrated is specified from an external device, the calculation unit positions the target inspection and calibration sample 31 at the measurement position of the thermometer 90. The calculation unit measures the temperature of the inspection and calibration sample 31 and transmits the detected temperature to the external device.

[0063] Then, the calculation unit transports the inspection / calibration sample 31 to the color measurement position, and controls the linear actuator 76 to move the holding unit 50 forward. The amount of forward movement in this case is set to be slightly forward of the position where the convex portion 412 of the holder member 41 reaches the front surface of the mask 102 of the colorimetric device 100. As a result, the convex portions 412 of the holder member 41 come into contact with the mask 102. Then, the holder member 41 is pushed backward against the coil spring 533. For example, even if the holder member 41 is tilted, the three convex portions 412 come into contact with the mask 102. Therefore, the inspection / calibration sample 31 faces the front of the colorimetric device 100, and the distance and orientation from the colorimetric device 100 are correct. Note that the same operational control is performed when measuring the color of the white calibration sample 32 described above. In this state, the external device inputs a command to perform colorimetry to the colorimetry device 100. The colorimetry device 100 performs colorimetry on the selected inspection / calibration sample 31. Then, the spectral reflectance, which is the result of the colorimetry, is input to the external device.

[0064] In the above example, the operation when any color is selected is described, but the same operation is performed when zero calibration is selected. However, the zero calibration member 35 is positioned so that it does not come into contact with the mask 102 even when it moves forward.

[0065] The external device performs temperature correction when it acquires the spectral reflectance of the inspection and calibration sample 31 through color measurement by the colorimetric device 100. Then, it calculates the difference between the spectral reflectance after temperature correction and the ideal spectral reflectance, and calculates a correction value for calibration from the difference value. As a result, the colorimetric device 100 acquires correction values ​​for the colorimetric detection values ​​used during calibration. Meanwhile, when the end of colorimetry for inspection and calibration is input from an external device, the inspection and calibration device 10 controls the rotary motor 75 and the linear actuator 76. As a result, the opening 232 is closed by the open / close lid 45, and the operation is terminated.

[0066] Note that a part or all of the processing that has been performed by an external device may be performed by a calculation unit of the colorimetric device 100. Also, a part or all of the processing that has been performed by an external device may be performed by a calculation unit built into the colorimetric device 100. In these cases, no external device is required, and color measurement for inspection and calibration is performed by communication between the color measurement device 100 and the inspection and calibration device 10.

[0067] [Technical Effects of the Embodiments of the Invention] The inspection and calibration device 10 has a positioning pin 233 that positions the inspection and calibration device 10 relative to the colorimetric device 100 so that, when the inspection and calibration device 10 is attached to the colorimetric device 100, the calibration samples 31 and 32 are positioned in the appropriate positions for color measurement. Therefore, the calibration samples 31 and 32 can be aligned to the correct positions with respect to the color measurement device 100, and color measurement for inspection and calibration can be performed properly. Similarly, the inspection and calibration device 10 has a contact detection sensor 11 that detects proper connection with the colorimetric device 100. This allows the calibration samples 31 and 32 to be aligned in proper positions with respect to the colorimetric device 100, making it possible to perform proper color measurement during inspection and calibration.

[0068] The inspection and calibration device 10 has a holding unit 50 that holds a plurality of calibration samples 31, 32. This makes it possible to continuously perform colorimetry for inspection and calibration of a plurality of colors.

[0069] The inspection and calibration device 10 has a stage device 70 that transports any one of the calibration samples 31, 32 held in the holder 50 to a color measurement position. This makes it possible to smoothly and quickly perform color measurements for inspection and calibration of multiple colors.

[0070] The holder 50 is wheel-shaped, and the multiple calibration samples 31, 32 are arranged side by side on the outer periphery of the holder 50. This allows for smooth selection and switching of the calibration samples 31, 32. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the size of the device while arranging a large number of calibration samples 31 and 32 in a concentrated manner.

[0071] The stage device 70 rotates the holder 50 using a rotary motor 75, making it possible to position any of the calibration samples 31 and 32 at the color measurement position. This makes it possible to smoothly select and switch between the calibration samples 31 and 32, and to easily realize automation through control.

[0072] The stage device 70 has a linear actuator 76 that moves the holder 50 closer to and farther away from the colorimetric device 100. This makes it possible to adjust the selected calibration samples 31 and 32 to an appropriate distance from the colorimetric device 100. This makes it possible to perform colorimetry for more appropriate calibration.

[0073] The holder members 41 and 42 have convex portions 412 and 422 that maintain a constant distance between the color measurement device 100 and the calibration samples 31 and 32. This makes it possible to adjust the calibration samples 31 and 32 to a more appropriate distance from the color measurement device 100. This makes it possible to perform more appropriate color measurement for inspection and calibration.

[0074] The holding portion 50 elastically supports the holder members 41 and 42 in the direction of moving toward and away from the colorimetric device 100. Therefore, by pressing the holder members 41 and 42 against the colorimetric device 100, the distance of the convex portion 412 to the colorimetric device 100 can be optimized.

[0075] In the stage device 70, the linear actuator 76 moves the holder members 41 and 42 closer together, causing the convex portions 412 and 422 to come into contact with the colorimetric device 100. At this time, with the convex portions 412 and 422 in contact, the holder members 41 and 42 are pushed back against the coil spring 533. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the distance of the calibration samples 31 and 32 relative to the colorimetric device 100 without relying on the operating accuracy of the linear actuator 76.

[0076] In the inspection and calibration device 10, the holder 50 holds the zero calibration member 35. This allows for zero calibration. Furthermore, because the holder 50 holds the zero calibration member 35, it is possible to sequentially and selectively perform zero calibration on the zero calibration member 35, just like the other calibration samples 31 and 32. This improves workability and allows for smooth zero calibration.

[0077] Furthermore, the zero calibration member 35 has a black reflector 351 and a box-shaped member 352 with a black interior. Therefore, it is easier to bring the detection value closer to zero than when a black calibration sample is used, and zero calibration can be performed with high accuracy.

[0078] [others] The above describes various embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the embodiments, a component integrally formed from a single member may be replaced with a component divided into multiple members that are connected or fixed to each other. Furthermore, a component formed by connecting multiple members may be replaced with a component integrally formed from a single member. In addition, the details shown in the embodiments may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0079] For example, the inspection and calibration device 10 described above holds a plurality of inspection and calibration samples 31, but only needs to hold a minimum of one inspection and calibration sample. In the case of such an inspection and calibration device, the holder 50 for holding a plurality of inspection and calibration samples and the stage device 70 for transporting them are not required. However, the inspection and calibration sample 31 can be positioned in the colorimetric device 100 using the positioning pin 233, eliminating the need for complex control.

[0080] Furthermore, the holder 50 is wheel-shaped and configured to hold a plurality of calibration samples 31, 32 arranged in the circumferential direction, but is not limited to this. For example, the holder may be configured to arrange a plurality of calibration samples horizontally in a line and slide to select a specific calibration sample.

[0081] Furthermore, the holder 50 holds the open / close lid 45, which is opened and closed by the stage device 70, thereby eliminating the need for an extra operating mechanism and simplifying inspection and calibration. However, the open / close lid 45 may not be mounted on the holder 50, and may be replaced by a shutter device provided adjacent to the opening 232. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10 Inspection and calibration equipment 11 Contact detection sensor 20 Case 23 Front plate 231 recess 232 Opening 233 Locating pin (locating part) 31 Inspection and calibration samples 32 White Calibration Samples 35 Zero calibration material 351 Reflector 352 Box-shaped member 41, 42 Holder member 411 recess 412 Convex part 422 Convex part 45 Opening and Closing Lid 451 Sealing material 50 Holding part 51 Upper rotating plate 52 Lower rotating plate 53,54 Support plate 533 Coil Spring 70 Stage Equipment 75 RPM motor 76 Linear Actuator 90 Thermometer 100 Colorimetric device 102 Mask 103 Opening 104 Positioning hole

Claims

1. An inspection and calibration device that is detachable from a colorimetric device and is used when inspecting and calibrating the colorimetric device, At least one calibration sample to be measured during calibration of the color measurement device; a positioning unit that positions the inspection / calibration sample relative to the color measurement device so that the sample can be measured when the inspection / calibration device is attached to the color measurement device; An inspection and calibration device having:

2. The positioning unit is The inspection and calibration device according to claim 1, further comprising a contact detection sensor that detects that the inspection and calibration device is attached to the color measurement device with the inspection and calibration sample positioned at a position where the color measurement device can measure the color of the inspection and calibration sample.

3. 2. The inspection / calibration device according to claim 1, further comprising a thermometer for correcting thermochromism of the inspection / calibration sample.

4. 2. The inspection / calibration device according to claim 1, further comprising a holder for holding a plurality of said inspection / calibration samples.

5. a transport means for transporting any one of the plurality of inspection and calibration samples held in the holding unit to a color measurement position where the color measurement device measures the color; 5. The inspection and calibration device according to claim 4.

6. the holding portion is wheel-shaped, The plurality of inspection and calibration samples are arranged on the outer periphery of the holder.

6. The inspection and calibration device according to claim 5.

7. The holding portion is rotated by a first actuator, By rotating the holder, any of the inspection and calibration samples can be positioned at the color measurement position.

7. The inspection and calibration device according to claim 6.

8. a second actuator that moves the holding portion toward and away from the color measurement device while the inspection / calibration device is attached to the color measurement device; 8. The inspection and calibration device according to claim 7.

9. The inspection / calibration sample is held by a holder member, The holder member is provided with a convex portion for maintaining a constant distance between the color measurement device and the inspection / calibration sample.

9. The inspection and calibration apparatus of claim 8.

10. The holder member is elastically supported in the direction in which the holder member moves toward and away from the holder member.

10. The inspection and calibration apparatus of claim 9.

11. When the second actuator moves the holder member closer, the convex portion of the holder member facing the color measurement device comes into contact with the opposing surface of the color measurement device.

11. The inspection and calibration apparatus of claim 10.

12. The holding portion holds a zero calibration member.

5. The inspection and calibration device according to claim 4.

13. The zero calibration member has a black reflector and a box-shaped member with a black interior.

13. The inspection and calibration apparatus of claim 12.

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