Lighting device

Abstract

A lighting device that can resolve the issue of poor visibility of the sides of the area being observed. [Solution] An illumination device 1 for illuminating the part to be observed 210 of an object 200 when observing the part to be observed 210 from above, comprising a plurality of light sources 30, 31, and a reflective surface 10a to which light from the plurality of light sources 30, 31 is irradiated, and the reflective surface 10a illuminates the part to be observed 210 of the object 200 supported by a support surface 20 using the light, wherein the reflective surface 10a has a lower portion 11 located below the support surface 20 and an upper portion 12 located above the lower portion 11, and the lower portion 11 is curved to surround the part to be observed 210.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for observing a crimp terminal, which is an observation target, from above while irradiating light onto the upper surface of the crimp terminal using a reflecting mirror and irradiating light from a diffusion plate that diffuses light and is disposed directly below the crimp terminal onto the lower surface of the crimp terminal. For example, refer to Patent Document 1. [[ID=...]

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a lighting device, often only the upper surface of the observation target becomes bright, and the vicinity of the side surface of the observation target cannot be seen well. There is a demand for a lighting device capable of eliminating such a state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a lighting device that illuminates an observation target of an object when observing the observation target from above, including a plurality of light sources and a reflecting surface irradiated with light from the plurality of light sources, the reflecting surface using the light to illuminate the observation target of the object supported by a support surface, the reflecting surface having a lower portion disposed below the support surface and an upper portion above the lower portion, the lower portion being curved so as to surround the observation target.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the lighting device of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of this embodiment, perpendicular to the X-axis. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of this embodiment, perpendicular to the Y-axis. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of this embodiment, perpendicular to the Y-axis. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the image of the light ray trajectory of the lighting device of this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the Y-axis of a first modified example of the lighting device of this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the X-axis of a second modified example of the lighting device of this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the X-axis of a third modified example of the lighting device of this embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the lighting system using the lighting device of this embodiment, viewed from the X-axis direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] An embodiment of the lighting device 1 will be described below with reference to the figures. As shown in Figure 1, the lighting device 1 comprises a substantially cylindrical reflective member 10 with a portion (lower side) cut off in the circumferential direction, and a support surface 20 positioned in the direction facing the reflective surface 10a, which is the inner surface of the reflective member 10, that is, in the space S covered by the reflective member 10. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the observed portion 210 of the object 200 supported by the support surface 20 is observed using a visual sensor 100 such as a two-dimensional camera or a three-dimensional camera, which is positioned outside the reflective member 10. For this observation, an observation window 13 is provided in the reflective member 10, and the observed portion 210 is observed using the visual sensor 100 through the observation window 13. Observation may be performed using other sensors instead of the visual sensor 100, or observation may be performed by the human eye.

[0008] In this embodiment, an example of the object 200 is a drill bit, and the part to be observed 210 is the tip side of the drill bit. Therefore, the supported part on the base end side of the object 200 is cylindrical, prismatic, etc., and in order to support it, the support surface 20 has multiple surfaces 21 that extend in the direction along the X axis (X direction) as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the X axis passes through the part to be observed 210. When the lighting device 1 of this embodiment is placed on a horizontal surface, or when the lighting device 1 of this embodiment is attached to the mounting position used in operation, the support surface 20 and the supported part on the support surface 20 extend in a horizontal direction or in a substantially horizontal X direction.

[0009] In this embodiment, a substantially horizontal direction means an angle of 15° or less with respect to the horizontal direction. In this case, the object 200 is easily and reliably supported by the support surface 20. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the reflective surface 10a also extends in a direction along the X-axis. When the reflective surface 10a extends in a certain direction as in this embodiment, the direction of the X-axis can be determined by referring only to the direction in which the support surface 20 and / or the supported part extends, or by referring to the direction in which the reflective surface 10a extends in addition to the direction in which the support surface 20 and / or the supported part extends, or by referring only to the direction in which the reflective surface 10a extends. In any case, the effects described later in this embodiment or equivalent effects can be achieved.

[0010] Unlike this embodiment, the lighting device 1 may be mounted such that the X-axis and the Y-axis (described later) extend vertically. In this case, for example, the support surface 20 supports the object 200 by magnetic force or the like. Even in this case, in this embodiment, the X-direction and the Y-direction (described later) are defined as the horizontal direction of the lighting device 1, and the direction intersecting the plane containing the X-axis and Y-axis is defined as the vertical direction of the lighting device 1.

[0011] In this embodiment, the support surface 20 is arranged in a V-shape with two surfaces 21 at an angle of 170° or less to each other, and the two surfaces 21 support the base end of the drill bit from at least below. In other words, the two surfaces 21 support the base end of the drill bit in the direction along the Z axis (Z direction). This restricts the movement of the base end of the object 200 in the direction along the Y axis (Y direction). The Y axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the Z axis and X axis and extends horizontally or substantially horizontally. A mechanism is provided to change the distance between the two surfaces 21 in the Y direction, and this mechanism may cause the two surfaces 21 to sandwich the base end of the drill bit in the Y direction, etc. When a shape that restricts the movement of the drill bit in the Y direction is not necessary, a single surface extending horizontally, etc., can serve as the support surface 20.

[0012] If the supported portion at the base end of the object 200 has a shape that extends along the central axis, such as a cylindrical shape, the object 200 is efficiently supported by the two surfaces 21 of the support surface 20 in a manner that makes it difficult for the object 200 to move.

[0013] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the visual sensor 100 is positioned so that its optical axis passes approximately through the center of the observation window 13. In this embodiment, the Z-axis, which is perpendicular to the X-axis, passes through the observed portion 210 of the object 200 supported on the support surface 20, and the Z-axis also passes through the observation window 13. In the cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis shown in Figure 3, in a typical example, the Z-axis passes through the center of the observation window 13. Alternatively, in the cross-section perpendicular to the Y-axis shown in Figure 4, in a typical example, the Z-axis passes through the center of the observation window 13. In one or both of the cross-sections perpendicular to the X-axis and the cross-section perpendicular to the Y-axis, the Z-axis may not pass through the center of the observation window 13, but even in this case, the effects of this embodiment described later will be achieved. In other examples, the optical axis of the visual sensor 100 can be considered to coincide with the Z-axis, and in this case as well, the effects of this embodiment will be achieved.

[0014] As described above, in this embodiment, the direction intersecting the plane containing the X and Y axes is the vertical direction of the lighting device 1. In other words, the visual sensor 100 observes the observed part 210 from above. However, if the observation window 13 is large and the optical axis of the visual sensor 100 does not perfectly coincide with the Z axis as shown in Figure 5, the observed part 210 may be observed from a range AR of 45° or less with respect to the Z axis, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 5. The range AR in Figure 5 is a conical range. In this example, the observation window 13 is a notch shape opening at the X-direction end of the reflective member 10. In some cases, the observation window 13 may be a slit shape extending from one end to the other in the X-direction of the reflective member 10, and in some cases, the observed part 210 may be observed from the range AR without a clearly defined observation window 13. In this embodiment, even when the observed part 210 is observed from the range AR, it is assumed that the observed part 210 is being observed from above.

[0015] The lighting device 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of light sources 30 arranged at equal intervals in the X direction on the lower side of the support surface 20, and a plurality of light sources 31 similarly arranged at equal intervals in the X direction on the lower side of the support surface 20. In this embodiment, each light source 30, 31 is an LED, and known LEDs such as LED elements and LED elements with lenses attached can be used as LEDs. It is also possible to use light-emitting elements other than LEDs for each light source 30, 31. Optical elements such as lenses may be used for the light-emitting elements as appropriate. Furthermore, each of the plurality of light sources 30 may be one end of an optical fiber, and the same applies to the plurality of light sources 31. In this case, light enters each optical fiber from the other end.

[0016] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from the vision sensor 100, the light emitting surfaces 30a, 31a of the respective light sources 30, 31 are arranged on the opposite side of the support surface 20, the object 200 supported by the support surface 20, and / or other members arranged in the space S. For this reason, in the image obtained by the vision sensor 100, the respective light sources 30, 31 are prevented from being directly visible. The other members are members having the support surface 20 on the upper side, members for supporting the respective light sources 30, 31, and the like. In the present embodiment, the light emitting surfaces 30a, 31a of the respective light sources 30, 31 are arranged below the support surface 20.

[0017] Typically, as shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting surfaces 30a, 31a of the respective light sources 30, 31 are arranged inside the range of existence of the support surface 20 in the Y direction, the range of existence of the object 200 supported by the support surface 20 in the Y direction, and / or the range of existence of the other members arranged in the space S in the Y direction.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the plurality of light sources 30 are arranged in the X direction and emit light in a direction intersecting the plane including the X axis and the Z axis, and the plurality of light sources 31 are arranged in the X direction and emit light in a direction intersecting the plane including the X axis and the Z axis. In the present embodiment, the optical axes of the respective light sources 30, 31 are substantially parallel to the Y axis. Typically, the angle formed by the optical axes of the respective light sources 30, 31 and the Y axis is 45 ° or less, but depending on the specifications of the illumination device 1 and the object 200, the angle may exceed 45 °.

[0019] The reflecting member 10 of the present embodiment is made of a metal material, plastic, or the like, and the inner surface facing the space S functions as a reflecting surface 10a. The reflecting surface 10a is, for example, a white reflecting surface formed on the inner surface. In the present embodiment, the reflecting member 10 is made of a metal material, and the reflecting surface 10a is formed by applying an acrylic-based white paint to the inner surface of the reflecting member 10. In the present embodiment, a matte finish paint is used as the white paint, which is suitable for illuminating the observed object 210 with uniform brightness, but a glossy finish paint can also be used as the white paint.

[0020] Furthermore, it is possible to blast-coat the inner surface of the metal reflective member 10 to create a reflective surface 10a that diffuses light. The reflective member 10 itself can also be formed from a bright-colored resin such as white, in which case the white resin forming the inner surface of the reflective member 10 becomes the reflective surface 10a. In this embodiment, the reflective surface 10a diffuses light from each light source 30, 31 at least in the X direction, but the reflective surface 10a can also diffuse light in other directions. This makes it less likely for the strong light at the center of each light source 30, 31 to interfere with observation by the visual sensor 100, etc. Furthermore, depending on the conditions, the reflective surface 10a can be made into a glossy surface that does not diffuse light or diffuses it almost completely, and such a reflective surface 10a can be formed by polishing the inner surface, applying a metal coating to the inner surface, etc.

[0021] As described above, when the visual sensor 100 observes the observed part 210 from above, a portion of the reflective surface 10a is positioned below the support surface 20. Thus, the area below the support surface 20 is the lower portion 11 of the reflective surface 10a, and in this embodiment, in the cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis shown in Figure 3, the range of the lower portion 11 as seen from the observed part 210 is 85° or less from the Z-axis. In other embodiments, the lower portion 11 may be in a range of 80° or less, or in a range of 75° or less. In this embodiment, the range of the lower portion 11 is approximately 30° or more from the Z-axis, but it may be in other angular ranges. Note that even outside the above angular range, the lower portion 11 may be positioned below the support surface 20.

[0022] Preferably, the range of the lower portion 11 includes a range of 50°±5°, 45°±5°, 40°±5°, or 35°±5° from the Z-axis. In this case, the illumination described later will be performed more effectively.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the lower portion 11 is curved to surround the X-axis passing through the observed portion 210. It is not necessary for the observed portion 210 to be at the center of the curvature of this curve. Therefore, the light from each light source 30, 31 that is reflected by the lower portion 11 is efficiently irradiated onto the observed portion 210. Depending on the conditions, the lower portion 11 in this embodiment can be a surface of other shapes, such as a surface made up of multiple continuous planes, and even in this case, the lower portion 11 is curved to surround the X-axis. In other words, if the lower portion 11 is positioned to surround the observed portion 210 and the lower portion 11 as a whole has a concave shape that is recessed away from the observed portion 210, then the lower portion 11 is curved to surround the observed portion 210. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the light from the optical axis of each light source 30, 31 at an angle of, for example, 50° or less, is irradiated onto the lower portion 11.

[0024] Each light source 30, 31, such as an LED, generally emits a large amount of light at an angle of 50° or less from its optical axis. Thus, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the light within a predetermined angular range from the optical axis of each light source 30, 31 irradiates the lower portion 11, and the predetermined angular range is the range in which strong light is emitted from each light source 30, 31. The predetermined angular range is, for example, the range in which light with an intensity of 30% or more of the light intensity at the optical axis position is emitted, more preferably the range in which light with an intensity of 40% or more is emitted, and even more preferably the range in which light with an intensity of 50% or more is emitted. As a result, the illumination of the lower portion of the observed area 210, as described later, is performed more effectively.

[0025] In this embodiment, all of the light sources 30 and 31 are oriented horizontally. However, there may be cases where the optical axes of the light sources 30 are not all oriented in the same direction, where the light sources 30 are arranged in multiple rows, or where the optical axes of the light sources 30 are oriented diagonally downward or diagonally upward. Even in these cases, it is sufficient that a portion of the light within a predetermined angular range from at least some of the light sources 30 illuminates the lower portion 11. Preferably, this portion is 20% or more, and more preferably 30% or more, but it is not limited to these values. Alternatively, the light from the multiple light sources 30 may be sufficiently illuminated onto the lower portion 11 for the illumination described below by other means. For example, if the conditions are right, it is possible that light outside the predetermined range may illuminate the lower portion 11, and the reflected light may provide the illumination described later. The same applies to the multiple light sources 31.

[0026] In this embodiment, the reflective surface 10a has an upper portion 12 positioned above the lower portion 11, and typically the lower end of the upper portion 12 and the upper end of the lower portion 11 form a continuous surface. In this embodiment, in the cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis shown in Figure 3, the range of the upper portion 12 as seen from the observed portion 210 is the range exceeding 85° from the Z-axis (the portion above the lower portion 11). In this embodiment, when the cross-section in Figure 3 is divided left and right along the Z-axis, for one side, the range of the upper portion 12 is the range exceeding 85° from the Z-axis and not exceeding 180°, or the range exceeding 85° from the Z-axis and extending to the observation window 13, however, the upper limit angle of the range may be any other angle.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the upper portion 12 is curved to surround the X-axis passing through the observed portion 210. It is not necessary for the observed portion 210 to be at the center of the curvature of this curve. The meaning of this curve is the same as that of the lower portion 11. Therefore, light from each light source 30, 31 and light reflected by the lower portion 11 are irradiated onto the upper portion 12, and the light reflected by the upper portion 12 is efficiently irradiated onto the observed portion 210. Depending on the conditions, the upper portion 12 can also be a flat surface, a surface made up of multiple continuous planes, or other shapes.

[0028] In this embodiment, the upper range of the observed portion 210 that is visible to the visual sensor 100 is observed. Alternatively, the upper range of the observed portion 210 that is visible to the eye of a person positioned at the location of the visual sensor 100 is observed. In this way, the upper range of the observed portion 210 is observed, while the lower range of the observed portion 210 remains unobserved. Here, both sides of the upper range in the Y direction are at the boundary with the lower range, or near the boundary with the lower range. Since these are both sides of the observed portion 210 in the Y direction, they will be referred to as the lateral range of the observed portion 210 in the following explanation.

[0029] When the upper area is brightly illuminated, if the side area is not sufficiently illuminated, the difference in brightness between the upper and side areas becomes large, often making it difficult to observe the side area. This problem is particularly likely to occur when observing with the visual sensor 100.

[0030] In this embodiment, the lower and side areas are illuminated by reflected light from the lower portion 11. The lower portion 11 is positioned below the support surface 20, and specifically, in the cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis shown in Figure 3, the lower portion 11 is located within a range of 85° or less from the Z-axis passing through the observed portion 210. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, light from the lower portion 11 is reflected by the side area, and this reflected light tends to be directed towards the position of the visual sensor 100. Figure 6 shows, as an example, the ray trajectory when the surface of the side area of ​​the cylindrical observed portion 210 is a mirror surface, and light from the lower portion 11 is specularly reflected by the mirror surface. Even if the shape and surface condition of the surface of the observed portion 210 are different, the reflected light from light irradiated onto the side area from diagonally below tends to be directed upward, as shown in Figure 6.

[0031] For example, if you shine light from directly to the side on the outer surface of a cylinder or cylindrical object and look at the aforementioned side area from directly above, it will not appear very bright. However, if you shine light from diagonally below on the outer surface in the same state and look at the aforementioned side area from directly above, it will appear bright.

[0032] As described above, the illumination device 1 of this embodiment illuminates the observed portion 210 of the object 200 when it is observed from above. In the illumination device 1, the reflective surface 10a, which is irradiated with light from multiple light sources 30, 31, reflects the light and illuminates the observed portion 210 of the object 200 supported by the support surface 20. The reflective surface 10a has a lower portion 11 below the support surface 20 and an upper portion 12 above the lower portion 11, and the lower portion 11 is curved to surround the observed portion 210.

[0033] Therefore, the reflected light from the lower portion 11 tends to strike the observed portion 210, particularly the side area, and then move towards the position of the visual sensor 100, etc. (observation position). In other words, the side area of ​​the observed portion appears bright to the visual sensor 100, eye, etc., at the observation position, which contributes to improving the observation accuracy of the observed portion 210. Light is also irradiated from the upper portion 12, etc., to the central side in the Y direction of the upper area. Preferably, the amount of light from the upper portion 12 is adjusted by the direction of the optical axis of each light source 30, 31, etc. As a result, the area of ​​the observed portion 210 visible from the observation position appears bright overall. Appearing bright overall helps to minimize the dark areas on the surface of the observed portion 210 when viewed, for example, by the visual sensor 100.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper portion 12 is also curved to surround the observed portion 210. This configuration is useful for efficiently irradiating light to both the central and lateral areas of the upper range of the observed portion 210.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reflective surface 10a is substantially continuous from the lower portion 11 to the upper portion 12 and is arranged to surround the observed portion 210. As a result, the observed portion 210 is brightly illuminated with minimal unevenness from the side area to the center of the upper area. This configuration contributes to improving the observation accuracy of the observed portion 210.

[0036] A substantially continuous state includes a state in which the upper end of the lower portion 11 and the lower end of the upper portion 12 form a continuous surface, as shown in Figure 3. The observed portion 210 may be a long-shaped object, including cylindrical or prismatic shapes, and its outer surface may be glossy. The observed portion 210 may be the tip of a tool, such as a drill bit or an end mill blade. In these cases, if a joint, gap, etc., between the upper end of the lower portion 11 and the lower end of the upper portion 12 is visible on the outer surface of the long-shaped object or tool when viewed from the observation position, the accuracy and ease of observation may decrease. Therefore, a state in which the area between the upper end of the lower portion 11 and the lower end of the upper portion 12 is configured such that the joint, gap, etc., is not visible on the outer surface when viewed from the observation position is considered a substantially continuous state.

[0037] In this embodiment, the upper end of the lower portion 11 and the lower end of the upper portion 12 of the reflective surface 10a form a continuous concave curved surface, and this configuration is useful in preventing or reducing the reflection of discontinuous parts such as seams in the reflective surface 10a onto the observed portion 210. Furthermore, when the reflective surface 10a is a diffuse reflective surface as in this embodiment, discontinuous parts such as seams, changes in curvature, and uneven parts in the reflective surface 10a are less likely to be reflected onto the observed portion 210. In addition, when the reflective surface 10a is a diffuse reflective surface as in this embodiment, light can more easily reach the recesses of the observed portion 210, such as a drill bit or an end mill blade.

[0038] In this embodiment, the support surface 20 supports the part to be observed 210 so that its longitudinal side is positioned in the X direction, and the reflective surface 10a extends in the X direction. This configuration makes it possible to improve the accuracy and ease of observing the entire part to be observed 210, which is long in the X direction. In this embodiment, the reflective surface 10a diffuses light in at least the X direction. Therefore, even when grooves, protrusions, etc., extending in the circumferential direction are formed on the part to be observed 210, such as drill bits, end mill bits, and male screws, it is possible to improve the accuracy and ease of observation. The circumferential direction also includes the spiral direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, the multiple light sources 30 and 31 are positioned below the support surface 20. This configuration makes it easy to ensure that the multiple light sources 30 and 31 are not visible from the observation position, and also contributes to miniaturization and simplification of the lighting device 1. Furthermore, a configuration in which the multiple light sources 30 and 31 emit light outward in the Y direction, as in this embodiment, also contributes to miniaturization and simplification of the lighting device 1.

[0040] In this embodiment, the portion 210 of the object 200 to be observed protrudes in the X direction relative to the support surface 20. Since the support surface 20 supports the object 200 except for the portion 210 to be observed, the portion 210 to be observed is in a floating state. This configuration is useful for effectively performing the illumination by the lower portion 11. Depending on the shape of the object 200 including the portion 210 to be observed, the shape of the reflective surface 10a, etc., the portion 210 to be observed may protrude in another predetermined direction relative to the support surface 20, thereby causing the portion 210 to be in a floating state. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, V-shaped support surfaces 20 are provided at multiple locations (2 locations) that are separated from each other in the X direction. Therefore, the user can select the support surface 20 to support the object 200.

[0041] In this embodiment, the reflective member 10 is a curved plate, and one end of it is fixed to the base member 40. The substrate on which the reflective surface 10a and light sources 30 and 31 are mounted is supported by a member 41 that extends upward from the base member 40.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, a portion of the reflective member 10 in the circumferential direction may be configured to swing vertically by a swing support member 50 such as a hinge. In Figure 3, the portion of the reflective member 10 that has swung upward is shown by a dashed line. In this embodiment, the swing support member 50 swingably supports the portion of the reflective member 10 to the other circumferential portion, but the swing support member 50 may swingably support the portion to another member such as a base member 40. This configuration is useful for the user to easily replace the object 200 on the support surface 20.

[0043] Unlike this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, multiple support surfaces 20 may be moved in the X direction by the conveyor 300, and observation by a visual sensor 100 or the like may be performed when the part to be observed 210 of the support surface 20 below the observation window 13 is positioned.

[0044] Depending on the shape of the observed portion 210, the material of the observed portion 210, the properties of the observed portion 210 regarding light reflection, and the required observation accuracy, a part of the upper portion 12 may be separate from the lower portion 11, as shown in Figure 8. Even in this case, the lower portion 11 will perform the above effect, and the upper portion 12 will also perform the above effect. Furthermore, depending on the shape of the observed portion 210, the material of the observed portion 210, and the required observation accuracy, the upper portion 12 may be a flat surface, as shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, a different illumination device may be placed on the upper portion 12 instead of the reflective surface 10a. In these cases as well, the lower portion 11 will perform the above effect. Note that in Figures 8 and 9, the entire upper portion 12 may be separate from the lower portion 11. Even in these cases, the reflective surface 10a is arranged to surround the observed portion 210 from the lower portion 11 to the upper portion 12.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower portion 11 is a diffuse reflecting surface that diffuses light in at least the X direction. This configuration can contribute to improving observation accuracy. For example, if the outer surface of the part to be observed 210 is glossy, it prevents multiple light sources 30, 31 from being reflected on the outer surface of the part to be observed 210.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower portion 11 of the reflective surface 10a is positioned such that it is at a distance of 20 mm or more from the observed portion 210, preferably 25 mm or more, and more preferably 30 mm or more. When this distance is set and the lower portion 11 is a diffuse reflective surface, it helps to prevent multiple light sources 30, 31 from being reflected on the outer surface of the observed portion 210.

[0047] It is also possible that multiple light sources 31 may not be provided. In this case, the side area will be illuminated using only the multiple light sources 30. Depending on the shape of the part to be observed 210, the requirements for observation, etc., the configuration of the light sources 30 can be varied in this way. Furthermore, the light sources 30 and 31 can be placed inside the base member 40, or they can be placed in other locations. Depending on the conditions, it may also be possible to place the light sources 30 and 31 above the support surface 20.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, it is also possible to use another illuminator 60 in conjunction with the first illuminator. Light from the second illuminator 60 is directed onto the observed section 210 in the same direction as the optical axis of the visual sensor 100 by another reflective member 61, such as a half-mirror. This is sometimes referred to as coaxial incident illumination. The other reflective member 61 transmits light from the observed section 210 towards the visual sensor 100. Using such an illumination system, the upper surface of the observed section 210 corresponding to the observation window 13 can also be sufficiently illuminated, further reducing uneven illumination.

[0049] Depending on the shape of the observed portion 210 of the object 200, the reflective surface 10a may be hemispherical, spherical, or the like. In this case, the lower portion 11 will be hemispherical, a part of a hemisphere, or a shape close to these, and will be a concave curved shape surrounding the observed portion 210. In this case, the axis passing through the observed portion 210 and the visual sensor 100, the axis passing through the observed portion 210 and the observation window 13, etc. will be the Z-axis, the direction along the Z-axis will be the vertical direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis will exist in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the Z-axis. Even in this case, if the lower portion 11 is positioned below the observed portion 210 and the support surface 20 and curved to surround the observed portion 210, as in the above embodiments, and the reflective surface 10a has the same upper portion 12 as in the above embodiments, the same effects as in the above embodiments can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1: Lighting device, 10: Reflective member, 10a: Reflective surface, 11: Lower part, 12: Upper part, 13: Observation window, 20: Support surface, 21: Surface, 30: Light source, 31: Light source, 50: Swiveling support member, 60: Illuminator, 61: Another reflective member, 100: Visual sensor, 200: Object, 210: Observed part, 300: Conveyor, AR: Range, S: Space

Claims

1. An illumination device for illuminating the part of an object to be observed when observing the part of the object to be observed from above, Multiple light sources, The reflective surface is irradiated with light from the plurality of light sources, and the reflective surface uses the light to illuminate the observed portion of the object supported by the support surface, The reflective surface has a lower portion positioned below the support surface and an upper portion positioned above the lower portion, and the lower portion is curved to surround the observed portion. Lighting device.

2. The aforementioned upper portion is also curved to surround the observed portion. The lighting device according to claim 1.

3. The reflective surface is substantially continuous from the lower portion to the upper portion, and the reflective surface is curved from the lower portion to the upper portion so as to surround the observed portion. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The support surface supports the observed portion such that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the X-axis. The reflective surface extends in a direction along the X-axis. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned lower portion is a diffuse reflecting surface. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned plurality of light sources are positioned below the support surface. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The support surface supports the object such that the part to be observed is in a floating state. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images