Flap inspection device and flap inspection method

Abstract

The present invention provides a flap inspection device and a flap inspection method that can detect the separation of the outer flap from the inner flap with high precision. [Solution] A flap inspection device 10 according to one embodiment inspects a packaged body C having an inner flap that covers a part of the opening, and an outer flap that covers a part of the opening not covered by the inner flap and a part of the inner flap. The flap inspection device 10 includes a step detection sensor 13 that detects the step difference between the surface of the outer flap and the surface of the inner flap, and an abnormality determination unit 21 that determines that there is an abnormality if the value of the step detected by the step detection sensor 13 is greater than or equal to a threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flap inspection device and a flap inspection method for inspecting a package.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a flap inspection device and a flap inspection method for detecting abnormalities in flaps. The flap inspection device inspects the first flap and the second flap of a package. The flap inspection device includes a sensor that detects a step between the surface of the first flap and the surface of the second flap, and a control unit. When the value of the step detected by the sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the control unit determines that the first flap and the second flap are abnormal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a package having an inner flap and an outer flap, the outer flap is pasted to the inner flap, and the pasted package is conveyed in a conveyance path. Sometimes the pasting peels off while the packaging material is being conveyed, and the outer flap may peel off from the inner flap.

[0005] However, since the outer flap is arranged to overlap the inner flap, even if the outer flap has peeled off from the inner flap, this peeling may not be detected on the conveyance path. If the peeling cannot be detected on the conveyance path and is discovered afterwards, it is difficult to specify the affected area, so it may be necessary to inspect the packaging material again. Therefore, it is required to detect the peeling of the outer flap from the inner flap with high accuracy.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a flap inspection device and a flap inspection method that can detect the separation of the outer flap from the inner flap with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The flap inspection device according to the present disclosure inspects a package comprising an inner flap that covers a part of the opening, and an outer flap that covers a part of the opening not covered by the inner flap and a part of the inner flap. The flap inspection device comprises a step detection sensor that detects a step difference between the surface of the outer flap and the surface of the inner flap, and an abnormality determination unit that determines that there is an abnormality if the value of the step difference detected by the step detection sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0008] This flap inspection device inspects packaging materials in which an inner flap covers a portion of the opening, and an outer flap covers a portion of the opening not covered by the inner flap, as well as a portion of the inner flap. The flap inspection device is equipped with a step detection sensor and an abnormality determination unit. The step detection sensor detects the step difference between the surface of the outer flap and the surface of the inner flap. Since the step detection sensor can detect the height of the outer flap surface relative to the inner flap surface, it can detect the separation of the outer flap from the inner flap. The abnormality determination unit determines that an abnormality exists if the step value detected by the step detection sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold. Therefore, by determining an abnormality when the height of the outer flap surface relative to the inner flap surface is greater than or equal to a threshold, the separation of the outer flap from the inner flap can be detected with high accuracy.

[0009] (2) In (1) above, the step detection sensor may detect steps at multiple locations on one surface of the packaging, and the abnormality determination unit may determine that there is an abnormality if the step value at at least one of the multiple locations is greater than or equal to a threshold. In this case, steps are detected at multiple locations on one surface of the packaging, and if the step value at even one of the multiple locations is greater than or equal to a threshold, it is determined that there is an abnormality. Therefore, peeling of the outer flap on one surface of the packaging can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0010] (3) In (1) or (2) above, the packaging body may have multiple surfaces, and the step detection sensor may detect steps on multiple surfaces. The abnormality determination unit may determine that there is an abnormality if the step value is greater than or equal to a threshold on at least one of the multiple surfaces. In this case, step detection is performed on multiple surfaces of the packaging body, and if the step value is greater than or equal to a threshold on at least one surface, it is determined that there is an abnormality. Therefore, the peeling of flaps on packaging bodies having multiple surfaces can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0011] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the package may be transported along the transport path from the caser that packs the object to be packaged in the package, and the step detection sensor may be positioned at a certain distance from the caser in the transport path. In this case, because the step detection sensor is positioned at a certain distance from the caser, it is possible to determine that an abnormality has occurred even if the outer flap peels off while being transported along the transport path. Therefore, peeling of the outer flap can be detected with even higher accuracy.

[0012] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the step detection sensor may include a camera that acquires images of the outer and inner flaps of the package being transported along the transport path. In this case, images of the outer and inner flaps are acquired by the camera of the step detection sensor. Therefore, the condition of the outer and inner flaps of the package along the transport path can be visually confirmed, and whether or not the outer flap has peeled off can be confirmed by visual inspection.

[0013] (6) The flap inspection method relating to this disclosure inspects a package comprising an inner flap that covers a portion of an opening, and an outer flap that covers a portion of the opening not covered by the inner flap and a portion of the inner flap. The flap inspection method comprises the steps of detecting a step difference between the surface of the outer flap and the surface of the inner flap, and determining that there is an abnormality if the value of the step difference is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0014] This flap inspection method inspects a package comprising an inner flap that covers a portion of the opening, and an outer flap that covers a portion of the opening not covered by the inner flap and a portion of the inner flap. By detecting the difference in height between the surface of the outer flap and the surface of the inner flap, the height of the outer flap relative to the surface of the inner flap can be detected, and the separation of the outer flap from the inner flap can be detected. Furthermore, similar to the flap inspection device described above, if the detected height difference value is above a threshold, it is determined to be abnormal, thereby enabling highly accurate detection of the separation of the outer flap from the inner flap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this disclosure, the separation of the outer flap from the inner flap can be detected with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a package conveying system equipped with a flap inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a flap inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing a flap inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the setting of the minimum and maximum heights for the outer and inner flaps of the packaging. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the screen that indicates the measurement points for height differences in the packaging. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps of the flap inspection method according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIGS. 7(a), 7(b), and 7(c) are plan views showing an overview of the inspection of the flap by the flap inspection apparatus. Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the flap inspection apparatus and the flap inspection method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be drawn with some parts simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those described in the drawings.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the "flap" refers to a portion that serves as a lid covering the opening of the package. The "flap" includes an outer flap and an inner flap. The "package" refers to a box for packaging the object to be packaged. The "package" may be, for example, a cardboard box or a cardboard box other than a cardboard box. The "object to be packaged" refers to an object to be packaged in the package. Examples of the "object to be packaged" include beverage containers such as cans such as beverage cans, plastic bottles, or bottles. The object to be packaged is, for example, a 350 mL can or a 500 mL can.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a package conveying facility 1 including a flap inspection apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the package conveying facility 1 includes, for example, a case sealer 2 for packaging an object to be packaged in a package C (see FIGS. 3 and the like), a conveying path 3 that is a path for conveying the package C from the case sealer 2, a flap inspection apparatus 10 for inspecting the package C conveyed in the conveying path 3, and a palletizer 4 for stacking a plurality of conveyed packages C.

[0020] The case sealer 2 is a device that, for example, takes out a package C such as a cardboard box, accommodates a plurality of objects to be packaged in the package C, and packages the objects to be packaged by forming the package C. The case sealer 2 includes, for example, a conveying line for conveying the taken-out package C and the objects to be packaged, and forms the package C while conveying the package C and the objects to be packaged along the conveying line. The package C in which the objects to be packaged are packaged by the case sealer 2 is conveyed to the flap inspection device 10 via the conveying path 3.

[0021] The palletizer 4 stacks the packages C inspected by the flap inspection device 10 on a pallet. The palletizer 4 stacks, for example, a plurality (e.g., 8) of packages C on a pallet. In this case, the palletizer 4 lowers the pallet on which the plurality of packages C are stacked, and further stacks a plurality of packages C on the plurality of packages C of the lowered pallet. Thus, the palletizer 4 stacks a plurality of tiers of packages C on the pallet.

[0022] The flap inspection device 10 is disposed at a position a certain distance away from the case sealer 2 in the conveying path 3. For example, the distance from the case sealer 2 to the flap inspection device 10 is longer than the distance from the flap inspection device 10 to the palletizer 4. For example, the distance from the case sealer 2 to the flap inspection device 10 in the conveying path 3 is 10 m or more and 100 m or less (e.g., 57 m).

[0023] The package C has a plurality of flaps. For example, the plurality of flaps include an outer flap F1 (see FIG. 4) and an inner flap F2. In the case sealer 2, for example, the outer flap F1 is glued to the inner flap F2 of the package C. However, in the package C, the outer flap F1 may be peeled off from the inner flap F2 while being conveyed in the conveying path 3. For example, the peeling of the outer flap F1 may occur at a position a certain distance away from the case sealer 2 in the conveying path 3. The flap inspection device 10 detects, for example, the peeling of the outer flap F1. The package C is conveyed from the case sealer 2 along the conveying path 3.

[0024] The distance from the flap inspection device 10 to the palletizer 4 in the transport path 3 is 1 m or more and 10 m or less (for example, 4.5 m). The flap inspection device 10 is positioned, for example, immediately before the palletizer 4 in the transport path 3. In this case, even if the outer flap F1 peels off while the package C is being transported in the transport path 3, the peeling of the outer flap F1 can be reliably detected before it enters the palletizer 4.

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the flap inspection device 10. Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing the flap inspection device 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flap inspection device 10 includes, for example, a guide 11, a trigger sensor 12, a step detection sensor 13, a sensor support 14, and a conveyor belt 15.

[0026] The transport path 3 extends, for example, in a first direction D1, and the packaged object C is transported in the first direction D1 along the transport path 3. The transport path 3 is, as an example, a roller conveyor. In this case, the transport path 3 has a pair of rail sections 3b extending in the first direction D1 and a plurality of roller sections 3c arranged along the first direction D1.

[0027] A pair of rail sections 3b are aligned along a second direction D2 that intersects a first direction D1. Multiple roller sections 3c extend in the second direction D2 and are rotatably supported on the rail sections 3b about an axis extending in the second direction D2. The packaged body C is conveyed in the first direction D1 on the rotating multiple roller sections 3c.

[0028] Guides 11 are provided to align the orientation of the packaged object C in a plan view. Guides 11 are positioned at each end of the second direction D2 in the transport path 3. A pair of guides 11 are aligned along the second direction D2. For example, the distance between a pair of guides 11 decreases as you move towards the first direction D1.

[0029] As the package C being transported along the transport path 3 passes between a pair of guides 11, the orientation of the package C in a plan view is aligned. For example, in a plan view, the package C is rectangular in shape. The guides 11 align the orientation of the package C in a plan view so that the sides of the package C are parallel to or perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0030] The conveyor belt 15 is positioned downstream of the guide 11 in the transport path 3 (for example, on the palletizer 4 side). For example, the conveyor belt 15 is positioned between a pair of trigger sensors 12 and between a pair of step detection sensors 13 in a plan view. Therefore, as the packaged object C passes over the conveyor belt 15 between the pair of trigger sensors 12 and the pair of step detection sensors 13, detection by the trigger sensors 12 and step detection sensors 13 is possible for the packaged object C to be transported stably.

[0031] The trigger sensor 12 detects, for example, a packaged object C placed on the conveyor belt 15. For example, the trigger sensor 12 detects when the packaged object C is in front of the step detection sensor 13 in the transport path 3. As an example, the pair of trigger sensors 12 are optical sensors or laser sensors. However, the type of trigger sensor 12 is not particularly limited.

[0032] The sensor support section 14 supports the trigger sensor 12 and the step detection sensor 13. The flap inspection device 10 has, for example, a pair of sensor support sections 14 aligned along a second direction D2. The trigger sensor 12 and the step detection sensor 13 are supported on each of the pair of sensor support sections 14.

[0033] The sensor support section 14 includes, for example, a pair of first rod-shaped members 14b extending upward from the transport path 3 (rail section 3b), a pair of second rod-shaped members 14c extending from the upper portion of each first rod-shaped member 14b toward the opposite side from the conveyor belt 15, and a third rod-shaped member 14d connecting the pair of second rod-shaped members 14c to each other.

[0034] For example, a pair of first rod-shaped members 14b are aligned along a first direction D1. A second rod-shaped member 14c extends in a second direction D2. A pair of second rod-shaped members 14c are aligned along the first direction D1. A third rod-shaped member 14d extends in the first direction D1 at the end of each second rod-shaped member 14c opposite to the first rod-shaped member 14b.

[0035] The trigger sensor 12 is located, for example, at the lower part of the first rod-shaped member 14b, and the step detection sensor 13 is supported by the third rod-shaped member 14d. However, the positions in which the trigger sensor 12 and the step detection sensor 13 are supported, and the configuration of the sensor support portion 14 are not limited to the above example.

[0036] Next, the packaging body C will be described. As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the packaging body C is, for example, shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. The packaging body C extends, for example, in the short direction A1, the long direction A2 intersecting the short direction A1, and the height direction A3 intersecting both the short direction A1 and the long direction A2. The packaging body C has multiple faces. The multiple faces of the packaging body C include a first face C1 and a second face C2 extending in the short direction A1 and the height direction A3.

[0037] The flap inspection device 10 inspects a packaged body C which has an inner flap F2 that covers a portion of the opening F5, and an outer flap F1 that covers a portion of the opening F5 not covered by the inner flap F2 and a portion of the inner flap F2. The outer flap F1 and inner flap F2 are formed on a first surface C1 of the packaged body C that extends in the short direction A1 and the height direction A3.

[0038] The inner flaps F2 are folded portions extending from each of the pair of sides C3 of the packaging body C, which are aligned along the shorter direction A1. A pair of inner flaps F2 are arranged along the shorter direction A1. The inner flaps F2 are, for example, rectangular in shape, with a longer side extending in the height direction A3 and a shorter side extending in the shorter direction A1.

[0039] The outer flap F1 is the portion folded from the top surface C4 and the bottom surface C5 of the packaging body C. The outer flap F1 is located outside the inner flap F2. A pair of outer flaps F1 are arranged along the height direction A3. The outer flap F1 is, for example, rectangular in shape, with a long side extending in the short direction A1 and a short side extending in the height direction A3.

[0040] The packaging body C has an outer flap F3 and an inner flap F4 on a second surface C2 opposite to the first surface C1. For example, the shapes of the outer flap F3 and inner flap F4 are different from the shapes of the outer flap F1 and inner flap F2. The inner flap F4 is a portion folded from each of the pair of sides C3 of the packaging body C. The pair of inner flaps F4 are arranged along the shorter direction A1. For example, the arrangement of the outer flap F3 relative to the inner flap F4 is the same as the arrangement of the outer flap F1 relative to the inner flap F2.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flap inspection device 10 includes, for example, a step detection sensor 13 and a control unit 20 that controls various parts of the flap inspection device 10. The control unit 20 includes an abnormality determination unit 21 that determines that there is an abnormality if the step value detected by the step detection sensor 13 is above a threshold, and an image display unit 22 that displays images of the outer flaps F1, F3 and the inner flaps F2, F4.

[0042] In this embodiment, "step" refers to the difference between the maximum distance from the step detection sensor 13 to the inner flaps F2 and F4 (the most recessed part of the inner flaps F2 and F4) and the minimum distance from the step detection sensor 13 to the outer flaps F1 and F3 (the most protruding part of the outer flaps F1 and F3). Hereinafter, the height of the most recessed part of the inner flaps F2 and F4 may be referred to as the minimum height, and the height of the most protruding part of the outer flaps F1 and F3 may be referred to as the maximum height. "Threshold" refers to the allowable value of the step; if the step value is not equal to or greater than the threshold, it is judged as normal, and if the step value is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is judged as abnormal.

[0043] For example, the step detection sensor 13 detects steps by irradiating the package C with infrared light L (see Figure 7). The step detection sensor 13 irradiates, for example, infrared light L along a line R extending in the height direction A3 of the package C. The step detection sensor 13 detects the difference between the maximum height and the minimum height along the infrared light L line R as the step.

[0044] The step detection sensor 13 detects steps on the first surface C1 and the second surface C2 (multiple surfaces). The step detection sensor 13 detects a step between the surface of the outer flap F1 and the surface of the inner flap F2 on the first surface C1 of the packaging body C. Similarly, the step detection sensor 13 detects a step between the surface of the outer flap F3 and the surface of the inner flap F4 on the second surface C2 of the packaging body C. "Surface" refers to a surface exposed to the outside.

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the locations where the step detection sensor 13 detects steps. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the step detection sensor 13 detects steps at multiple locations P1 on one first surface C1 (or second surface C2) of the packaging C. For example, the step detection sensor 13 detects steps at multiple locations P1 aligned along the short side A1 of the packaging C.

[0046] The step detection sensor 13 may detect steps at multiple locations P1 aligned along the height direction A3 of the packaging C. For example, the step detection sensor 13 may detect steps at locations P1 located in the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right of the first surface C1 of the packaging C.

[0047] The step detection sensor 13 allows setting a first detection range A for the maximum height and a second detection range B for the minimum height at the point P1 where the step is detected. In other words, the length of the first detection range A and the length of the second detection range B can be changed. The height of the part of the first detection range A closest to the step detection sensor 13 is detected as the maximum height, and the height of the part of the second detection range B furthest from the step detection sensor 13 is detected as the minimum height. The first detection range A and the second detection range B are located, for example, on a line R extending in the height direction A3. The length of the first detection range A and the length of the second detection range B can be set for each point P1.

[0048] For example, the step detection sensor 13 includes a camera 13b that acquires images of the outer flaps F1, F3 and inner flaps F2, F4 of the package C being transported along the transport path 3. The image display unit 22 displays the images captured by the camera 13b. For example, the image display unit 22 displays images of the outer flap F1 and inner flap F2 (or outer flap F3 and inner flap F4) on the display V.

[0049] The image display unit 22 may display the step height value detected by the step height detection sensor 13 on the display V. The image display unit 22 may also display a threshold value, which is an acceptable value for the step height, on the display V, and the threshold value may be changeable on the display V. For example, the threshold value is 5.0 mm or more and 10.0 mm or less (7.5 mm as an example). The threshold value may be 5.5 mm or more, 6.0 mm or more, 6.5 mm or more, or 7.0 mm or more. The threshold value may be 9.5 mm or less, 9.0 mm or less, 8.5 mm or less, or 8.0 mm or less. However, the value of the threshold value is not particularly limited.

[0050] For example, the first detection range A and the second detection range B can be set while viewing the outer flap F1 and inner flap F2 displayed on the display V. This allows the difference in height between the outer flap F1 and the minimum height of the inner flap F2 to be detected at each location P1, thus reliably detecting the detachment of the outer flap F1 from the inner flap F2.

[0051] The abnormality detection unit 21 determines that there is an abnormality if, for example, the step height value at at least one of the multiple locations P1 is greater than or equal to a threshold. The abnormality detection unit 21 also determines that there is an abnormality if the step height value at least one of the first surface C1 and the second surface C2 is greater than or equal to a threshold. When the abnormality detection unit 21 determines that there is an abnormality, for example, the control unit 20 stops the transport of the packaged body C along the transport path 3. At this time, the control unit 20 may output an alarm.

[0052] Next, the steps of the flap inspection method according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the steps for inspecting the flaps of a packaged body C in a packaged body transporting equipment 1 equipped with a flap inspection device 10. First, the packaged items, such as beverage cans, are transported, and the caser 2 packs (packages) the packaged items (step S1).

[0053] As an example, the caser 2 takes out a cardboard box and transports the removed cardboard box to a conveyor line. The caser 2 then folds the cardboard box to form a box-shaped packaging body C, and pushes the items to be packaged (for example, multiple beverage cans) into the packaging body C to package the items. The caser 2 applies adhesive to the outer surface of the inner flap F2 of the packaging body C, folds a pair of outer flaps F1 inward of the packaging body C, and adheres the pair of outer flaps F1 to the outer surface of the inner flap F2.

[0054] Subsequently, the packaged body C is transported from the caser 2 through the transport path 3 to the flap inspection device 10 (step S2). As shown in Figure 7(a), the trigger sensor 12 detects that the packaged body C has been transported to the flap inspection device 10 (step S3). For example, a few seconds after the trigger sensor 12 detects the packaged body C, the step detection sensor 13 inspects the first surface C1 and the second surface C2 of the packaged body C (step S4).

[0055] As shown in Figures 7(b) and 7(c), for example, the step detection sensor 13 irradiates infrared light L to detect steps at the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right locations P1 on the first surface C1. For example, the step detection sensor 13 irradiates infrared light L to detect steps at the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right locations P1 on the second surface C2. In this way, the step detection sensor 13 irradiates infrared light L at each location P1 to detect steps at each location P1. Then, the abnormality determination unit 21 makes an abnormality determination (step S5).

[0056] The abnormality detection unit 21 performs abnormality processing (step S6) if there is a location P1 where the step height is greater than or equal to a threshold (YES in step S5). During abnormality processing, for example, an alarm is output and the transport of the package C is stopped. On the other hand, if there is no location P1 where the step height is greater than or equal to a threshold (NO in step S5), the series of steps of the flap inspection method is completed. If the abnormality detection unit 21 determines that there is no abnormality, the package C is transported to the palletizer 4 located immediately after the flap inspection device 10 in the transport path 3. As described above, the palletizer 4 stacks multiple layers of package C on a pallet. The multiple stacked package C on the pallet are transported to a warehouse or the like by a transport means such as a forklift and stored.

[0057] Next, the effects and advantages obtained from the flap inspection device 10 and flap inspection method according to this embodiment will be described. The flap inspection device 10 and flap inspection method according to this embodiment inspect a packaged body C in which an inner flap F2 covers a part of the opening F5, and an outer flap F1 covers a part of the part of the opening F5 not covered by the inner flap F2 and a part of the inner flap F2. The flap inspection device 10 is equipped with a step detection sensor 13 and an abnormality determination unit 21, and the step detection sensor 13 detects the step between the surface of the outer flap F1 and the surface of the inner flap F2. Since the step detection sensor 13 can detect the height of the surface of the outer flap F1 relative to the surface of the inner flap F2, it is possible to detect the peeling of the outer flap F1 from the inner flap F2.

[0058] The abnormality determination unit 21 determines that an abnormality exists if the step height detected by the step height detection sensor 13 is greater than or equal to a threshold. Therefore, when the height of the surface of the outer flap F1 relative to the surface of the inner flap F2 exceeds the threshold, the abnormality determination unit 21 determines that an abnormality exists, thereby enabling highly accurate detection of the separation of the outer flap F1 from the inner flap F2.

[0059] As described above, the step detection sensor 13 may detect steps at multiple locations P1 on one surface of the packaging body C (for example, the first surface C1 or the second surface C2), and the abnormality determination unit 21 may determine that there is an abnormality if the step value at at least one of the multiple locations P1 is greater than or equal to a threshold. In this case, step detection is performed at multiple locations P1 on one surface of the packaging body C, and if the step value at even one of the multiple locations P1 is greater than or equal to a threshold, it is determined that there is an abnormality. Therefore, the peeling of the outer flaps F1 and F3 on one surface of the packaging body C can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0060] As mentioned above, the packaging body C may have multiple surfaces (for example, a first surface C1 and a second surface C2), and the step detection sensor 13 may detect steps on multiple surfaces. The abnormality determination unit 21 may determine that there is an abnormality if the step value is greater than or equal to a threshold on at least one of the multiple surfaces. In this case, step detection is performed on multiple surfaces of the packaging body C, and if the step value is greater than or equal to a threshold on at least one surface, it is determined that there is an abnormality. Therefore, the peeling of the flap on the packaging body C having multiple surfaces can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0061] As mentioned above, the packaging body C may be transported along the transport path 3 from the caser 2 that packs the object to be packaged in the packaging body C, and the step detection sensor 13 may be positioned at a certain distance from the caser 2 along the transport path 3. In this case, because the step detection sensor 13 is positioned at a certain distance from the caser 2, it can be determined as an abnormality even if the outer flap F1 peels off while being transported along the transport path 3. Therefore, the peeling off of the outer flap F1 can be detected with even higher accuracy.

[0062] As mentioned above, the step detection sensor 13 may include a camera 13b that acquires images of the outer flap F1 and inner flap F2 of the package C being transported along the transport path 3. In this case, the camera 13b of the step detection sensor 13 acquires images of the outer flap F1 and inner flap F2 being transported. Therefore, the condition of the outer flap F1 and inner flap F2 of the package C along the transport path 3 can be visually confirmed, and whether or not the outer flap F1 has peeled off can be confirmed visually.

[0063] Embodiments of the flap inspection apparatus and flap inspection method relating to this disclosure have been described above. However, the flap inspection apparatus and flap inspection method relating to this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified within the scope of the gist described in the claims. The configuration, function, shape, size, material, number and arrangement of each part of the flap inspection apparatus, as well as the content and sequence of the steps of the flap inspection method, can be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist described above.

[0064] For example, in the embodiment described above, an example was described in which a flap inspection device 10 is provided immediately before the palletizer 4 in the transport path 3. However, the location where the flap inspection device 10 is provided is not limited to the above example and can be changed as appropriate. Also, in the embodiment described above, beverage cans were used as an example of the items to be packaged. However, the items to be packaged may be other than beverage cans, and the type of items to be packaged can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the packaging body C is a corrugated cardboard box. However, the packaging body may be other than corrugated cardboard, and the type and material of the packaging body can also be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1...Packaging transport equipment, 2...Caser, 3...Transportation path, 3b...Rail section, 3c...Roller section, 4...Palletizer, 10...Flap inspection device, 11...Guide, 12...Trigger sensor, 13...Step detection sensor, 13b...Camera, 14...Sensor support section, 14b...First rod-shaped member, 14c...Second rod-shaped member, 14d...Third rod-shaped member, 15...Conveyor belt, 20...Control unit, 21...Anomaly detection unit, 22... Image display unit, A...First detection range, A1...Short side direction, A2...Long side direction, A3...Height direction, B...Second detection range, C...Packaging body, C1...First side, C2...Second side, C3...Side, C4...Top, C5...Bottom, D1...First direction, D2...Second direction, F1...Outer flap, F2...Inner flap, F3...Outer flap, F4...Inner flap, F5...Opening, L...Infrared, P1...Location, R...Line, V...Display.

Claims

1. A flap inspection device for inspecting a package, comprising an inner flap that covers a portion of the opening, and an outer flap that covers a portion of the opening not covered by the inner flap and a portion of the inner flap, A step detection sensor for detecting the step difference between the surface of the outer flap and the surface of the inner flap, An abnormality determination unit determines that an abnormality exists if the value of the step detected by the step detection sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold, Equipped with, Flap inspection device.

2. The step detection sensor detects the step at multiple locations on one surface of the packaging body. The abnormality determination unit determines that there is an abnormality if the value of the step at at least one of the plurality of locations is equal to or greater than the threshold. The flap inspection device according to claim 1.

3. The packaging body has multiple surfaces, The step detection sensor detects the step difference on multiple surfaces, The abnormality determination unit determines that there is an abnormality if the step difference value is greater than or equal to the threshold value on at least one of the multiple surfaces. A flap inspection device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The packaging body is transported along a transport path from the caser that packs the object to be packaged into the packaging body. The step detection sensor is positioned at a certain distance from the caser in the transport path. A flap inspection device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The step detection sensor includes a camera that acquires images of the outer flap and inner flap of the package being transported along the transport path. The flap inspection device according to claim 4.

6. A flap inspection method for inspecting a package comprising an inner flap that covers a portion of an opening, and an outer flap that covers a portion of the opening not covered by the inner flap and a portion of the inner flap, A step of detecting the difference in height between the surface of the outer flap and the surface of the inner flap, A step of determining that an abnormality exists if the value of the step is greater than or equal to a threshold, Equipped with, Flap examination method.

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