Inspection Equipment

Abstract

To enable an inspection device to operate normally, which can determine the presence of visually determinable abnormality in a filling device, even when the inspection device is located in high-temperature and humid environment.SOLUTION: An inspection device which can inspect an inspection object based on image data, is provided, comprising: a photographing device 2 which can generate image data by photographing the inspection object and; a box body 3 in which the photographing device 2 is housed; and an air supply source 4 capable of supplying air to the box body 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device capable of inspecting a filling device. [Background technology]

[0002] In factories that manufacture beverages and other liquid products, a filling system is commonly used in which multiple fillers are mounted around a rotatable circular rotor. In this type of filling system, the fillers revolve around a track as the rotor rotates, and during this revolution, each filler repeatedly performs three operations: receiving empty containers from the previous process, filling the empty containers with beverage, and handing over the filled containers to the next process.

[0003] If a malfunction occurs in any one of multiple filling machines, that filling machine may continue to produce defective liquid products with each rotation. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the filling machine with the malfunction and take measures such as repairing or replacing the identified filling machine. For example, International Publication No. 2016 / 114062 (Patent Document 1) discloses a filling and sealing device that uses a turret conveyance to associate inspection results related to the fill amount of a filled product with the filling device that filled the product, thereby making it possible to identify the filling device that caused the abnormality in the fill amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 114062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 could not detect defects that did not result in abnormalities in the filling amount. In other words, it could not detect defects such as the detachment or discoloration of parts in the filling device or the adhesion of foreign matter to the filling device. On the other hand, some parts of the filling device may be attached in a manner that could result in contamination of the liquid product if a defect occurs. In some factories, workers visually inspect all of the relevant parts every day to prevent such contamination, and there was a need to reduce the inspection man-hours.

[0006] One possible alternative to visual inspections would be to photograph the filling machine being inspected and determine whether there are any problems based on the image data obtained. However, high-temperature steam is sometimes supplied into the room where the filling machine is installed for sterilization purposes, and the high temperature and humidity caused by the steam could cause malfunctions in the imaging device, making it difficult to apply inspections based on image data.

[0007] Therefore, there is a demand for an inspection device that can determine whether or not there is a visually identifiable abnormality in the filling device, and that can operate normally even when it is placed in a hot and humid environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first inspection device according to the present invention comprises: A beverage filling device having a plurality of filling machines arranged along the circumference of a rotating body and configured to be movable in the height direction. Based on image data Test An inspection device capable of inspecting a The filling machine is fixed at different positions on a support member extending vertically along the longitudinal direction of the filling machine, and one filling machine is photographed in different shooting ranges. Shoot and save the image data each Generable Multiple an imaging device; Multiple The imaging device each Containing Multiple A box body and the Multiple The present invention is characterized in that it comprises an air supply source capable of supplying air to the box body, and that the surface material of the surface of the box body that is present in the shooting range of the shooting device is detachable. A second inspection device according to the present invention comprises: provided along the circumference of the rotating body, It is designed to be movable in the vertical direction MultipleAn inspection device capable of inspecting a beverage filling device having a filling machine based on image data, The filling machine is fixed at different positions on a support member extending vertically along the longitudinal direction of the filling machine, and one filling machine is photographed in different shooting ranges. Shoot and save the image data Generate each possible Multiple an imaging device; Multiple The imaging device each Containing Multiple A box body and the Multiple The imaging device and Multiple a lifting device for moving the box body in a height direction; Multiple an air supply source capable of supplying air to the box body; Multiple and an imaging control device capable of controlling the imaging device, wherein the imaging control device controls the lifting device based on information relating to the height of the filling machine. Multiple The imaging device and the Multiple It is characterized by being able to realize a height control function that moves the box in the height direction.

[0009] these According to the configuration of (1), the imaging device is housed in a box and air can be supplied into the box, so that steam can be prevented from filling the area around the imaging device. This makes it possible to avoid placing the imaging device in a hot and humid environment, and therefore protect the inspection device even if it is placed in a hot and humid environment. Furthermore, beverage filling machines are particularly in need of sterilization, and are therefore frequently placed in high-temperature, high-humidity environments. Therefore, it has sometimes been difficult to install a photography device, but the above configuration makes it possible to install a photography device. In other words, beverage filling machines are machines that would benefit greatly from the application of the inspection device according to the present invention.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described below.

[0011] In one aspect of the inspection device according to the present invention, it is preferable that, of the surfaces of the box, a surface material present in the photographing range of the photographing device is detachable.

[0012] If the entire surface of the imaging device is covered with a box, even if the box is made of a transparent material, the quality of the image data obtained may be impaired. With this configuration, the surface material present in the imaging range can be removed when imaging, preventing the quality of the image data from being reduced due to the box.

[0015] In one aspect, the inspection device of the present invention further includes a storage device capable of storing the image data, and preferably inspects the inspection object at the time the latest image data was generated based on the latest image data and a group of image data stored in the past.

[0016] This configuration makes it possible to manage the inspection history and to discover signs of defects based on changes in image data over time.

[0017] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which is given with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of a filling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a filling machine and an inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a filling device and an inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of an inspection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the inspection device according to the present invention will be described using an inspection device 1 applied to inspect a filling device 100 (an example of an inspection object, an example of a beverage filling device) that fills canned beverages.

[0020] [Configuration of the filling device] Before describing the inspection device 1 according to this embodiment, we will explain the configuration of a filling device 100 to which the inspection device 1 is applied. The filling device 100 includes a rotatable circular rotor 101, a filling control device 102 that can control the driving of the rotor 101, and a plurality of filling machines 103 provided along the circumference of the rotor 101 (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0021] During operation of the filling device 100, the rotor 101 rotates continuously, and each filling machine 103 is continuously transported by the rotation of the rotor 101. As the filling machine 103 makes one revolution around its orbit, it sequentially receives empty cans from the previous process, fills the empty cans with beverage, and delivers the filled cans to the next process. That is, at the receiving point 101a, it receives empty cans transported by the conveyor B1 from the previous process (e.g., empty can washer C), fills the empty cans with beverage in the filling section 101b, and delivers the filled cans to the conveyor B2 that transports them to the next process (e.g., seaming equipment S) at the delivery point 101c (FIG. 1). In addition, an inspection point 101d is set, and the camera 2 of the inspection device 1 is installed in a position that allows it to photograph the filling machine 103 at the inspection point 101d.

[0022] Rotating body 101 is configured such that a circular member is rotated by the drive of a motor (not shown), and a plurality of filling machines 103 are provided along the circumference of rotating body 101. The operation of rotating body 101 (driving and stopping of the motor) is controlled by filling control device 102. Therefore, rotating body 101 and filling control device 102 are electrically connected.

[0023] The filling control device 102 is implemented as a known computer. The filling control device 102 can transmit to the rotating body 101 an electrical signal capable of controlling the operation of the rotating body 101 (driving and stopping the motor). The filling control device 102 is configured to be able to identify the rotation coordinates of the rotating body 101 and to output the rotation coordinates as coordinate data to the imaging control device 5 of the inspection device 1. This configuration can be implemented, for example, using an encoder (not shown) provided on the rotating body 101.

[0024] The filling machines 103 are aligned at equal intervals around the circumference of the rotating body 101 (FIG. 1). In this embodiment, 164 filling machines 103 are provided, and are assigned identification numbers in order from 1 to 164. Each filling machine 103 is electrically connected to the filling control device 102, and the operation of each filling machine 103 is controlled by electrical signals emitted by the filling control device 102.

[0025] The filling control device 102 can identify a point on the rotational coordinates for each of the multiple filling machines 103 based on the rotational coordinates of the rotating body 101. Then, the filling control device 102 opens the valve of the filling machine 103 in the filling section 101b to perform filling. Coordinate data relating to the rotational coordinates of each filling machine 103 is also output to the imaging control device 5.

[0026] The filling machine 103 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. The filling machine 100 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to fill canned beverages of two or more different volumes (for example, 330 mL, 350 mL, and 500 mL), and by moving the filling machine 103 to a height corresponding to the height of the empty cans of each capacity, it is possible to receive two or more types of empty cans of different heights. The movement of the filling machine 103 in the vertical direction is performed in accordance with an electrical signal emitted from the filling control device 102. At this time, the filling control device 102 can also obtain information on which height the filling machine 103 is set to, and can output this information to the imaging control device 5.

[0027] To prevent foreign objects from being mixed into the canned beverages being produced, some of the components that make up the filling device 100 are managed as critically controlled parts. Critically controlled parts are parts that are at particularly high risk of being mixed into canned beverages, and in the filling machine 103, these include nuts 104 that secure the tip member, cap screws 105 that secure the cylindrical part, and gaskets 106 that come into contact with the empty cans when filling them with beverage (Fig. 2). All of the critically controlled parts, including nuts 104, cap screws 105, and gaskets 106, are inspected every day.

[0028] [Configuration of inspection device] The inspection device 1 according to this embodiment is an inspection device capable of inspecting a filling device 100. In particular, the inspection device 1 is a device that facilitates 100% inspection of nuts 104, cap screws 105, and gaskets 106. The inspection device 1 includes an imaging device 2, a box 3, an air supply source 4, an imaging control device 5, a computing device 6, and a storage device 7 (FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0029] The photographing device 2 is configured to be able to photograph the filling machine 103 located at the inspection point 101d and generate image data. Specifically, the photographing device 2 is implemented as a known digital camera, and is able to output the generated image data to the calculation device 6. The timing at which the photographing device 2 generates image data (takes a photograph) is determined according to an electrical signal input from the photographing control device 5. The photographing device 2 is housed in a box 3.

[0030] The material constituting each surface of the box 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can withstand a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, but a transparent hard vinyl chloride plate is preferable. Here, "high-temperature, high-humidity environment" refers to an environment generally applied to sterilization in the field of filling devices. This is because high-temperature steam may be supplied into a room to sterilize all equipment, including the filling device 100, making the room hot and humid, and the box 3 must be able to withstand this. The shape of the box 3 is arbitrary as long as it does not interfere with the imaging device 2 capturing images of the filling machine 103.

[0031] In this embodiment, two imaging devices 2 (2A, 2B) are provided, and two corresponding boxes 3 (3A, 3B) are provided. Imaging device 2A is housed in box 3A with imaging range 21A facing diagonally upward, and imaging range 21A includes nuts 104 and gaskets 106 of filling machine 103 (Figure 4). On the other hand, imaging device 2B is housed in box 3B with imaging range 21B facing horizontally, and imaging range 21B includes cap screws 105 of filling machine 103 (Figure 5). Note that the face material 31 present in imaging range 21 of the face of box 3 is detachable. When inspecting filling device 100, face material 31 is removed to ensure that there are no intervening objects between filling machine 103 and imaging device 2. This allows image data to be obtained that clearly captures the filling machine 103 (especially the nuts 104, cap screws 105, and gaskets 106) without being affected by light reflection from the face material 31 or foreign matter attached to the face material 31.

[0032] An air supply pipe 32 communicating with an air supply source 4 is connected to the bottom surface of the box body 3. Air that enters the inside of the box body 3 from the air supply pipe 32 flows out of the box body 3 through gaps around the face material 31 (when the face material 31 is attached) or through openings created when the face material 31 is removed (when the face material 31 is detached). This allows ventilation around the imaging device 2.

[0033] The camera 2 and the box 3 are installed so that they can be moved in the vertical direction. The height of the filling machine 103 can be selected from two different heights corresponding to the capacity of the canned beverages to be filled, and the heights of the camera 2 and the box 3 can also be selected from two different heights so that each of the two different heights of the filling machines 103 can be included in the shooting range of the camera 2. A specific implementation form for moving the camera 2 and the box 3 in the vertical direction may be a known lifting device 33 driven by air pressure, hydraulics, electricity, or the like, and such lifting device 33 can be controlled by the camera control device 5.

[0034] More specifically, imaging device 2A and box 3A are fixed to the lower side of support member 22, which extends vertically, and imaging device 2B and box 3B are fixed to the upper side. Support member 22 is connected to lifting device 33, allowing support member 22 to move in the vertical direction. Therefore, regardless of the vertical movement of the support member, the relative positional relationship between imaging device 2A and imaging device 2B remains unchanged. This corresponds to the fact that the relative positional relationship between nut 104, cap screw 105, and gasket 106 remains unchanged even when the height of filling machine 103 changes. Regardless of the selected height, imaging range 21A of imaging device 2A includes nut 104 and gasket 106, and imaging range 21B of imaging device 2B includes cap screw 105.

[0035] An industrially widely used air supply source can be used as the air supply source 4. A dedicated air compressor or pump may be provided as the air supply source 4, or air supplied as a utility in the factory where the filling device 100 is installed may be used as the air supply source 4. However, the air supply source 4 is preferably configured to be able to control at least one of the temperature and humidity of the air to be supplied, and more preferably to be able to control both. Therefore, the air supply source 4 is preferably configured to be able to control one or both of a temperature adjustment device and a humidity adjustment device. may be installed alongside.

[0036] As described above, in order to sterilize all equipment, including the filling device 100, high-temperature steam is supplied into the room in which the filling device 100 is installed, which can cause the room to become hot and humid. Such a high-temperature and humid environment may cause malfunction of the electronic devices (such as a digital camera) that make up the image capturing device 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the box 3 and air supply source 4 are provided to constantly ventilate the area around the image capturing device 2, preventing the image capturing device 2 from being exposed to a high-temperature and humid environment. At this time, the face material 31 is left attached.

[0037] That is, by providing the box 3 and the air supply source 4, the imaging device 2 can be protected regardless of the environment outside the box 3. In particular, if the box 3 is configured so that the inside of the box 3 can be made to have a positive pressure, it is preferable because this can prevent fluid from flowing from the outside into the inside of the box. Positive pressure inside the box 3 can be achieved, for example, by setting the supply pressure of the air supply source 4 higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0038] The photography control device 5 is implemented as a known programmable logic controller (PLC) and is configured to be able to control the photography device 2. Specifically, the photography control device 5 can execute a photography control function that determines the timing at which the photography device 2 generates image data (takes a photograph), and a height control function that instructs the elevator device 33 about the height of the photography device 2 and the box body 3.

[0039] The photography control function is a function that determines the timing for causing the photography device 2 to generate image data based on the coordinate data of each filling machine 103 input from the filling control device 102. When the photography control function is being executed, the photography control device 5 sends an electrical signal to cause the photography device 2 to take a photograph so that a photograph is taken the moment any of the filling machines 103 is at the inspection point 101d. This operation is performed for all filling machines 103, and image data of all filling machines 103 is generated while the rotating body 101 makes one rotation.

[0040] More specifically, first, at the moment when filling machine 103 with identification number 1 is at inspection point 101d, image data of filling machine 103 with identification number 1 is generated by photographing device 2. Since two photographing devices 2 (2A, 2B) are provided, two pieces of image data relating to filling machine 103 with identification number 1 are generated simultaneously. In the following description, this pair of image data of two pieces will be referred to as an image data pair.

[0041] Next, the imaging device 2 generates a plurality of image data pairs capturing images of the filling machines 103 with identification numbers 2 and onward. This generates a group of image data pairs starting with the image data pair of the filling machine 103 with identification number 1, and followed by the image data pairs of the filling machines 103 with identification numbers 2 and onward, arranged in order of their identification numbers. In this way, a group of a series of image data pairs arranged in order of the identification numbers of the filling machines 103 is generated, making it easy to manage the inspection results. The generated group of image data pairs is stored in the storage device 7.

[0042] The height control function controls the lifting device 33 based on information relating to the height of the filling machine 103 input from the filling control device 102, to move the camera 2 (and the box 3) in the height direction. More specifically, when the filling machine 103 is at the lower of two heights, the height of the camera 2 is set to the lower height, and when the filling machine 103 is at the higher height, the height of the camera 2 is set to the higher height. This makes it possible to keep the relative position between the filling machine 103 and the camera 2 constant regardless of the height of the filling machine 103, and to keep the angle of view of the image data obtained constant.

[0043] The arithmetic device 6 is implemented as a known computer. The storage device 7 is implemented as a known storage device (such as a hard disk drive or solid-state drive) capable of storing electronic data. The arithmetic device 6 is configured to perform an inspection function for inspecting the filling device 100 based on the image data generated by the imaging device 2. Specifically, the inspection function is a function for inspecting the nuts 104, cap screws 105, and gaskets 106 for abnormalities based on the image data. Examples of abnormalities inspected here include, for example, the detachment of each part or signs thereof (such as loosened fastening), the attachment of foreign matter, discoloration, etc., all of which are visually identifiable abnormalities. The storage device 7 stores the generated image data and other necessary information.

[0044] [Configuration of inspection function] In preparation for executing the inspection function, a group of training data is prepared in advance, in which multiple image data included in a group of image data previously generated and stored in the storage device 7 are labeled as a normal state (nut 104, cap screw 105, and gasket 106 are all normal) or an abnormal state (at least one of nut 104, cap screw 105, and gasket 106 is abnormal). Here, labeling of the normal state and the abnormal state may be performed through a user interface of the calculation device 6 or may be performed using another computer. Note that the group of training data preferably includes at least one training data relating to the normal state and at least one teaching data relating to the abnormal state.

[0045] In this embodiment, inspection is performed using two sets of image data (image data pair) that are simultaneously generated for one filling machine 103. Accordingly, the image data generated by the imaging device 2A (FIG. 4) is labeled based on the presence or absence of abnormalities in the nut 104 and gasket 106, and the image data generated by the imaging device 2B (FIG. 5) is labeled based on the presence or absence of abnormalities in the cap screw 105.

[0046] The image data generated by the imaging device 2A may be labeled separately for the presence or absence of an abnormality in the nut 104 and the gasket 106. In this case, the image data generated by the imaging device 2A may be labeled in four ways: a normal state (both the nut 104 and the gasket 106 are normal), a first abnormal state (an abnormality is found in the nut 104 and the gasket 106 is normal), a second abnormal state (an abnormality is found in the gasket 106 and the nut 104 is normal), and a third abnormal state (an abnormality is found in both the nut 104 and the gasket 106). The following description is based on this example.

[0047] The operation of the computing device 6 to perform the inspection function includes a learning step, an acquiring step, and a determining step.

[0048] The learning step is a step of constructing a classifier based on a group of training data. A known algorithm for constructing a classifier using training data can be used as the algorithm used to construct the classifier. Examples of such algorithms include decision trees, random forests, support vector machines, and neural networks. The constructed classifier is stored in the storage device 7. In this embodiment, a classifier based on the image data generated by the image capture device 2A and a classifier based on the image data generated by the image capture device 2B are constructed separately.

[0049] The acquisition step is a step of acquiring image data to be used in the determination step. Specifically, the calculation device 6 acquires the image data (i.e., the latest image data) generated by the photographing device 2. As described above, two pieces of image data (image data pair) are generated for one filling machine 103, and the calculation device 6 acquires them simultaneously.

[0050] The determination step is a step of determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the nut 104, cap screw 105, and gasket 106 based on the classifier constructed in the learning step and the image data acquired in the acquisition step. Here, for the determination based on the image data generated by the photographing device 2A (FIG. 4), a classifier constructed based on the image data generated by the photographing device 2A is used, and for the determination based on the image data generated by the photographing device 2B (FIG. 5), a classifier constructed based on the image data generated by the photographing device 2B is used. If an abnormal state is determined based on at least one of the image data generated by the photographing device 2A and the image data generated by the photographing device 2B, it is determined that the filling machine 103 associated with the image data pair used for the determination is in an abnormal state. Furthermore, through the above procedure, the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined for each of the nut 104, cap screw 105, and gasket 106 of the filling machine 103.

[0051] Of the above steps, the acquisition step and the determination step are performed for each image data pair. In this embodiment, a group of image data pairs is generated, starting with the image data pair for the filling machine 103 with identification number 1 and followed by the image data pairs for the filling machines 103 with identification numbers 2 and above, arranged in order of their identification numbers. Therefore, the acquisition step and the determination step are repeated sequentially, starting with the image data pair for the filling machine 103 with identification number 1. That is, for each filling machine 103, two pieces of image data are acquired and a determination is made using the acquired data. This determines whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the nuts 104, cap screws 105, and gaskets 106 for all filling machines 103. If it is determined that all filling machines 103 are in a normal state, the filling device 100 is determined to be in a normal state. If it is determined that at least one filling machine 103 is in an abnormal state, the filling device 100 is determined to be in an abnormal state.

[0052] On the other hand, the learning step does not necessarily have to be performed for each image data. That is, the learning step may be performed before the inspection device according to this embodiment is actually put into operation, or may be performed periodically. As an example of the latter, the learning step may be performed once a day prior to each daily inspection. In this case, the classifier constructed based on the image data generated up to two days before is updated using the image data generated the previous day. Therefore, the inspection accuracy gradually improves while the inspection device is actually put into operation. Furthermore, the classifier may be updated once a week, once a month, once a year, or the like. Note that it is not prohibited to perform the learning step for all image data and update the classifier each time, but this may significantly increase the amount of computational processing.

[0053] Between the acquisition step and the determination step, a processing step may be provided to process the image data in a manner suitable for use in the determination step. In this case, for example, the color tone, contrast, resolution, etc. of the image data may be adjusted. When a processing step is provided, the training data group is subjected to similar processing before each algorithm is applied. Furthermore, the learning step may also select a processing method that can improve the accuracy of the determination step. In other words, the learning step in this case is a step of identifying an appropriate processing method for the image data based on the training data group and constructing a classifier based on the training data group to which the processing method has been applied.

[0054] Other Embodiments Finally, other embodiments of the inspection device according to the present invention will be described. Note that the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0055] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the inspection device 1 is equipped with two imaging devices 2 (2A, 2B). However, the inspection device according to the present invention may have one or more imaging devices. The number of imaging devices is appropriately selected depending on the positions and number of objects to be imaged.

[0056] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the face material 31 of the box body 3 is detachable, but when a box body is provided in the present invention, the box body may be configured not to have a detachable face material. In this case, however, it is necessary to provide a see-through surface on the box body so that photography by the photography device is not obstructed.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the image capturing device 2 is installed so as to be movable in the height direction. However, the image capturing device according to the present invention does not have to be movable in the height direction.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example configuration has been described in which a group of image data pairs is generated in which the image data pair of the filling machine 103 with identification number 1 is at the top, and the image data pairs of the filling machines 103 with identification numbers 2 and onwards are arranged in order of their identification numbers. However, in the inspection device according to the present invention, the order in which the image data are generated is not limited. Furthermore, the multiple image data generated may not be associated with each of the multiple filling machines.

[0059] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the timing at which the imaging device 2 generates image data (takes an image) is determined according to an electrical signal input from the imaging control device 5. However, the timing at which the imaging device generates image data does not necessarily have to be controlled. For example, the imaging device may be configured to generate image data at regular time intervals, regardless of the motion of the subject.

[0060] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the filling device 100 is provided with the filling control device 102 as a computer or similar device, and the inspection device 1 is provided with the imaging control device 5 and the arithmetic device 6. However, in the present invention, the entity that executes functions involving arithmetic processing or functions controlling other devices may be single or multiple. For example, as a variation of the above embodiment, the imaging device 2 may be provided with an arithmetic processing function, and may perform some of the functions performed by the imaging control device 5 and the arithmetic device 6 in the above embodiment.

[0061] Regarding other configurations, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative in all respects and that the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. Those skilled in the art will easily understand that appropriate modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, other embodiments modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present invention can be used, for example, to inspect a filling machine that fills canned beverages. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1: Inspection equipment 2: Imaging device 3: Box body 4: Air supply source 5: Shooting control device 6: Arithmetic device 7: Storage device 21: Shooting range 22: Support member 31: Surface material 32: Air supply pipe 33: Lifting device 100: Filling equipment 101: Rotating body 101a: Pick-up point 101b: Filling section 101c: Delivery point 101d: Inspection point 102: Filling control device 103: Filling machine 104: Nut 105: Cap screw 106: Gasket

Claims

1. An inspection device capable of inspecting a beverage filling device having a plurality of filling machines arranged along the circumference of a rotating body and configured to be movable in the vertical direction based on image data, a plurality of photographing devices fixed at different positions on a support member extending vertically along the longitudinal direction of the filling machine, each capable of photographing one filling machine in a different photographing range and generating the image data; a plurality of boxes each containing the plurality of imaging devices; an air supply source capable of supplying air to the plurality of box bodies, An inspection device in which the surface material of the box body that is present within the imaging range of the imaging device is removable.

2. Further comprising a storage device capable of storing the image data, The inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the filling device is inspected when the latest image data was generated based on the latest image data and a group of image data stored in the past.

3. An inspection device capable of inspecting a beverage filling device having a plurality of filling machines arranged along the circumference of a rotating body and configured to be movable in the vertical direction based on image data, a plurality of photographing devices fixed at different positions on a support member extending vertically along the longitudinal direction of the filling machine, each capable of photographing one filling machine in a different photographing range and generating the image data; a plurality of boxes each containing the plurality of imaging devices; an elevator that moves the plurality of photographing devices and the plurality of boxes in a height direction; an air supply source capable of supplying air to the plurality of boxes; an imaging control device capable of controlling the plurality of imaging devices; An inspection device in which the photography control device is capable of realizing a height control function in which the photography control device controls the lifting device based on information regarding the height of the filling machine to move the multiple photography devices and the multiple box bodies in the vertical direction.

Images