Inspection equipment

Abstract

To provide an inspection device that can improve productivity or the like.SOLUTION: An inner surface including at least a seal area 2x of a tube container 2 is formed of a material causing no fluorescence by ultraviolet light, and a content S has vaseline. An inspection device 70 irradiates the inner surface of the tube container 2 with the ultraviolet light to capture an image of the ultraviolet light obtained by reflecting the content S through an axicon lens 72 after the tube container 2 is filled with the content S and before an opening of the tube container 2 is sealed. The device then determines quality of the seal area 2x relating to adhesion of the content S based on the image obtained by imaging. Since inspection is made in a stage before the sealing of the opening, which easily causes leakage of the content S, the need for cleaning for removing the leaked content S can be almost eliminated to enhance productivity. The seal area 2x and the content S can be also more clearly discriminated in the image to obtain excellent inspection capability.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus for conducting inspections on tube containers 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, tube containers are known as containers for storing semi-solid contents (e.g., toothpaste, cosmetics, food, etc.). A seal portion formed by sealing the tube container in a flattened state is provided on one end side of the tube container 【0003】 By the way, when contents adhere to the inner surface on one end side (the region to be sealed) of the tube container during the formation of the seal portion, the sealing state of the seal portion becomes inappropriate, and as a result, problems may occur in terms of maintaining the quality of the contents. Therefore, an inspection apparatus for tube containers may be used to inspect the sealing state of the seal portion 【0004】 As such an inspection apparatus, one has been proposed that includes a pressing mechanism for pressing the tube container, a photographing mechanism for photographing the tube container after pressing, and a determination mechanism for determining the state of the seal portion based on an image obtained by the photographing mechanism (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). The determination mechanism determines the quality of the seal portion based on the presence or absence of leakage of the contents in the seal portion 【0005】 Also, an inspection apparatus is known that includes an infrared light heater that emits infrared light to a tube container (test object), an infrared light camera that images the infrared light transmitted through the tube container, and an image processing apparatus that determines the state of the seal portion based on a perspective image obtained by the infrared light camera (see, for example, Patent Document 2, etc.). The image processing apparatus determines the quality of the seal portion by utilizing the difference in the transmittance of infrared light between the locations where the contents are present and the locations where the contents are not present 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0006】 [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-78453 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-64389 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve] 【0007】 However, in the inspection device described in Patent Document 1, the quality of the seal is determined by pressing the tube container and checking whether or not the contents leak from the seal. Therefore, if the seal is defective, the device may be contaminated by the leaked contents. Consequently, cleaning to remove the leaked contents is required each time a seal defect occurs, making it difficult to increase productivity (production capacity). Furthermore, if the leaked contents are not removed, there is a risk of misjudgment caused by the leaked contents. 【0008】 Furthermore, although the inspection device described in Patent Document 2 does not press the tube container, leakage of contents from the seal portion is likely to occur during the formation of the seal portion in the first place. Therefore, similar to the inspection device described in Patent Document 1, contamination of the device by leaked contents may occur. Consequently, the inspection device described in Patent Document 2 may also experience the same malfunctions as the inspection device described in Patent Document 1. 【0009】 This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an inspection device that can improve productivity and the like. [Means for solving the problem] 【0010】 Below, we will describe, in separate sections, each means suitable for achieving the above objectives. Furthermore, we will add notes on the effects and benefits specific to each means as needed. 【0011】 Means 1. An inspection device used when manufacturing a tube product in which a tube container is filled with contents by transporting a plurality of tube containers side by side and performing a filling step in which contents are filled into the tube containers through openings at the ends of the tube containers, and a sealing step in which the openings are sealed, wherein the inspection device is capable of inspecting the sealed area, which is the area on the inner surface of the tube container that is to be sealed in the sealing step, At least the inner surface of the tube container, including the sealing region, is formed of a material that does not fluoresce in response to ultraviolet light, The contents mentioned above contain petrolatum, An irradiation means for irradiating the inner surface of the tube container, including at least the sealing region, with ultraviolet light after the filling step and before the sealing step, UV light irradiated from the aforementioned irradiation means fluorescence An image sensor capable of capturing images, Irradiated from the aforementioned irradiation means Fluorescence produced from the contents by ultraviolet light. An imaging lens that forms an image on the image sensor, The tube container is positioned vertically above the opening of the tube container, between the tube container and the imaging lens, and is irradiated from the irradiation means. Fluorescence produced from the contents by ultraviolet light. an axicon lens configured to convert the optical path of the imaging lens into an optical path along the optical axis of the imaging lens, The system includes a seal area quality determination means capable of determining the quality of the seal area related to the adhesion of contents based on an image obtained by imaging with the aforementioned image sensor, The axicon lens has an inner circumferential surface that forms a cylindrical surface extending in the direction of the optical axis of the axicon lens, while the outer circumferential surface has a central hole frustoconical portion whose outer diameter gradually increases as it moves away from the tube container and forms a frustoconical surface with the optical axis of the axicon lens as its central axis. When the amount of contents filling the tube container is appropriate, the image sensor is configured to obtain an image in which, from the outside to the inside, the outer edge region corresponding to the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the contents, the seal-corresponding region corresponding to the seal region, and the central region corresponding to the central portion of the upper surface of the contents exist in this order. The system includes a filling amount determination means capable of determining the amount of contents to be filled into the tube container based on the outer edge region in the aforementioned image. An inspection device characterized by the following features. 【0012】 According to the above means 1, after the filling process and before the sealing process, ultraviolet light is irradiated by the irradiation means to the inner surface of the tube container, including at least the sealing area, and an image sensor is used to capture the image. Fluorescence produced from the contents by ultraviolet lightAn image based on this is obtained. Then, the seal area quality determination means determines the quality of the seal area related to the adhesion of contents based on the obtained image. Therefore, since the inspection is performed at a stage before sealing the opening of the tube container and forming the seal area, that is, before the formation of the seal area where leakage of contents is likely to occur, it is possible to make it less likely for the equipment to be contaminated by leaked contents. As a result, cleaning to remove leaked contents is almost unnecessary, and productivity (production capacity) can be increased. 【0013】 Furthermore, according to the above means 1, since the contents contain petrolatum, fluorescence can be generated in the contents by ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation means. On the other hand, since the inner surface of the tube container is formed of a material that does not fluoresce in response to ultraviolet light, fluorescence can be prevented from being generated in the sealing area. As a result, the sealing area and the contents adhering to the sealing area can be more clearly distinguished in the image obtained by the image sensor. Consequently, the contents adhering to the sealing area can be detected more reliably, and good inspection capabilities can be obtained. 【0014】 In addition, according to the above-described method 1, by using an axicon lens, the entire circumference of the sealing area can be included in a single image obtained by the image sensor. Therefore, the entire circumference of the sealing area can be inspected with a single image obtained in a single imaging, improving inspection efficiency. Furthermore, improved inspection efficiency makes it possible to further increase productivity (production capacity). 【0015】 Furthermore, by using an axicon lens, it becomes possible to inspect the entire circumference of the seal area without inserting the inspection device into the tube container, thus preventing contact between the inspection device and the contents. This more reliably prevents contamination of the inspection device and the resulting decrease in inspection capability, and helps ensure good quality in tube products. 【0016】 Also,Using the image obtained by the imaging device, the filling amount determination means can determine whether the filling quality of the content in the tube container is good or not. For example, based on the width, area, distance from the reference position, etc. of the content located in the outer edge side region, it can be determined whether the filling amount of the content is appropriate. Therefore, by using one image, not only the inspection of the seal region but also the inspection regarding the filling amount can be performed, so that the efficiency of the inspection can be further improved. 【0017】 Also, compared with the case where an inspection device for inspecting the seal region and an inspection device for inspecting the filling amount of the content are provided separately, the device can be made simpler. As a result, reduction of manufacturing costs and the like can be achieved. 【0018】 Means 2 . It is characterized by comprising a filling presence / absence determination means capable of determining whether the filling of the content in the tube container is good or not based on at least one of the outer edge side region and the central side region in the image. 1 The inspection device according to the above. 【0019】 The above means 2 According to the above means, using the image obtained by the imaging device, the filling presence / absence determination means can determine whether the filling of the content in the tube container is good or not. For example, based on whether there is a part (i.e., the content) that generates fluorescence in the outer edge side region or the central side region, the presence / absence of the filling of the content can be determined. Therefore, the inspection of the seal region and the inspection regarding the presence / absence of the filling of the content can be performed at once with one image, and the efficiency of both inspections can be improved. 【0020】 Also, compared with the case where an inspection device for inspecting the presence / absence of the filling of the content is provided separately, the device can be further simplified, and reduction of manufacturing costs and the like can be achieved more effectively. 【0021】 Means 3A means characterized by comprising a brightness monitoring means for monitoring the brightness of the central region in the image. 1 or 2 The inspection device described above. 【0022】 The above means of transportation 3 According to the system, the brightness of the central region of the image is monitored by a brightness monitoring means. Normally (unless there is an abnormality in the inspection device or contents, etc.), the brightness of the central region of the image hardly changes. Therefore, by monitoring the brightness of the central region, abnormalities in the inspection device, etc., can be detected early. This makes it possible to respond to abnormalities (for example, by adjusting or repairing the irradiation means) at an earlier stage. 【0023】 means 4 The means is characterized by comprising an abnormality response means that automatically takes action to correct an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the brightness monitored by the brightness monitoring means. 3 The inspection device described above. 【0024】 The above means of transportation 4 According to the system, if an anomaly occurs in the brightness of the central region, the anomaly response mechanism automatically takes action to correct the anomaly. For example, if the brightness of the central region falls below a predetermined brightness threshold, the system automatically adjusts the camera gain, shutter speed, illumination power, etc., to normalize the brightness in the image. Therefore, the reduction in inspection capability due to the occurrence of anomalies can be suppressed, and excellent inspection capabilities can be maintained more reliably. In addition, since the correction of anomalies is performed automatically, the time and effort required for anomaly response can be reduced. 【0025】 means 5 The inspection apparatus according to means 1, characterized in that the imaging lens is an object-side telecentric lens. 【0026】 The above means of transportation 5 According to this method, the resolution in the depth direction of the tube container can be kept constant in the obtained image, thereby improving inspection capability (inspection accuracy). 【0027】 Furthermore, the technical aspects related to each of the above means may be combined as appropriate. Therefore, for example, the above means 1 or 2 Regarding the technical matters related thereto, the above means 5 Technical matters related to these may be combined. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0028】 [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of tube products. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the tube product with the tube container and cap separated. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the manufacturing equipment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the inspection device. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view showing the general configuration of the inspection device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-section view showing the general configuration of the inspection device. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional diagram showing the passage positions of ultraviolet light in an axicon lens for ultraviolet light corresponding to the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the contents, ultraviolet light corresponding to the central portion of the upper surface, and ultraviolet light corresponding to the inner surface of the tube container. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the central region, seal-corresponding region, and outer edge region in the image. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing an image where there are no problems with the seal area or contents. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a situation where the amount of contents filled is insufficient. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the case where the amount of contents filled is excessive. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing an image of what happens when contents adhere to the seal area. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing an image of a container that is not filled with contents. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of a tube product in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0029】 An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a tube product having a tube container will be described. 【0030】 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tube product 1 is filled with a predetermined contents S (see Figures 5 and 6, etc.) and comprises a tube container 2 and a cap 3. The contents S are semi-solid (gel-like) substances such as topical pharmaceuticals or cosmetic creams, and contain petrolatum. In this embodiment, petrolatum is used as a base material in the contents S. 【0031】 The tube container 2 is cylindrical with one end closed and is equipped with a sealing portion 21, a shoulder portion 22, and an outlet portion 23. 【0032】 The sealing portion 21 is the part that closes and seals the opening at one end of the tube container 2. The sealing portion 21 is formed by sealing the opening at one end of the tube container 2 in a flattened state, for example, by using thermocompression with high-temperature air. 【0033】 The shoulder portion 22 is provided on the other end of the tube container 2 and is a tapered portion in which the outer diameter gradually decreases toward the other end of the tube container 2. The shoulder portion 22 is configured to guide the contents S toward the outlet portion 23 when the side surface of the tube container 2 is pressed. 【0034】 The outlet portion 23 is cylindrical and continuous with the other end of the shoulder portion 22. It constitutes the outlet for the contents S contained in the tube container 2 and functions as a target for the cap 3. In this embodiment, a spiral male thread portion 23a is formed on the outer circumference of the outlet portion 23, and the cap 3 is attached to the outlet portion 23 by screwing it in using this male thread portion 23a. However, a method other than screwing (for example, a method of fitting the cap 3 onto the outlet portion 23 from the outside) may also be used as a method for attaching the cap 3. 【0035】 In this embodiment, the tube container 2 is a so-called laminated tube. That is, the tube container 2 is formed by cutting a laminated multilayer sheet having gas barrier properties or water vapor barrier properties to a predetermined size, overlapping and joining both ends to form a cylindrical body, and then heat-fusing the parts constituting the shoulder portion 22 and the outlet portion 23 to the cylindrical body. Note that a container other than a laminated tube may be used as the tube container 2. For example, a resin tube in which the cylindrical body, shoulder portion 22 and outlet portion 23 are integrally molded by injection molding or the like may be used as the tube container 2. 【0036】 Furthermore, at least the inner surface of the tube container 2, including the sealing region 2x (the region with the scattered dot pattern in Figures 5 and 6), is formed of a material that does not fluoresce in response to ultraviolet light (for example, polyethylene). In this embodiment, the entire inner surface of the tube container 2 is formed of a material that does not fluoresce in response to ultraviolet light. 【0037】 Next, the manufacturing apparatus 40 for producing the tube product 1 described above will be explained. As shown in Figure 3, the manufacturing apparatus 40 includes a conveying device 50, a filling device 60, an inspection device 70, a discharge device 80, a heating device 90, a sealing device 100, and a trimming device 110. 【0038】 The conveying device 50 sequentially conveys tube containers 2, each with a cap 3 attached to its outlet 23, to the respective devices 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110. The conveying device 50 includes a plurality of holders 51 capable of holding the tube containers 2 with one end facing upward, and a drive device (not shown) for moving these holders 51 along a fixed path. By moving the holders 51 with the drive device, the plurality of tube containers 2 set in the holders 51 are intermittently conveyed to the respective devices 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 in a single line. The drive device also has a function to move the holders 51 up and down at predetermined positions, and this function causes the tube containers 2 to move up and down at the positions where the filling device 60, heating device 90, etc. are located. Note that the tube containers 2 held by the holders 51 at the uppermost upstream end do not yet have a seal portion 21 formed, and one end is open upward. 【0039】 The filling device 60 fills the tube container 2 with contents S through its opening at one end. The filling device 60 is equipped with an injection tube 61 from which the contents S can be discharged. In the filling device 60, the injection tube 61 is inserted into the tube container 2 by raising the holder 51, and then the holder 51 is lowered while injecting the contents S into the tube container 2 from the injection tube 61, thereby withdrawing the injection tube 61 from the opening at one end of the tube container 2 and filling the tube container 2 with a predetermined amount of contents S. In this embodiment, the process of filling the tube container 2 with contents S using the filling device 60 corresponds to the "filling process". Note that when filling with contents S, the contents S may adhere to the seal area 2x of the tube container 2, which will be described below. 【0040】 The inspection device 70 inspects the adhesion of contents S to the inner surface of the tube container 2, particularly to the sealing region 2x, and also inspects the presence or absence of contents S and the amount filled. The sealing region 2x refers to the area on the inner surface of the tube container 2 that is fused when the sealing device 100 seals the opening at one end of the tube container 2 to form a seal portion 21, that is, the area that is to be sealed. Details of the inspection device 70 will be described later. 【0041】 The discharge device 80 discharges the tube container 2 that has been determined to be defective by the inspection device 70 to outside the system (outside the transport path). By providing the discharge device 80, adverse effects caused by the tube container 2 being sent to devices located downstream of the discharge device 80 (such as the heating device 90) (for example, the contents S leaking from the tube container 2 being determined to be defective adhering to the heating device 90, etc.) can be prevented more reliably. 【0042】 The heating device 90 heats at least the seal area 2x in the tube container 2, for example, by using high-temperature air. The heating device 90 has a heating section 91 that can eject high-temperature air (shown by the black arrow in Figure 3) from the side, and the heating section 91 is positioned inside the tube container 2 by the rise of the holder 51. With the heating section 91 positioned inside the tube container 2, the resin in at least the seal area 2x is heated and melted by the ejection of high-temperature air from the heating section 91. After the seal area 2x has been heated and melted, the heating section 91 is withdrawn from the tube container 2 by the lowering of the holder 51. 【0043】 The sealing device 100 seals the opening at one end of the tube container 2 by forming a seal portion 21 at one end. The sealing device 100 is equipped with a pressing portion 101 that can clamp onto one end of the tube container 2. The pressing portion 101 clamps onto the heated and melted sealing area 2x and flattens it, pressing the inner surfaces of the sealing areas 2x together to form the seal portion 21. The sealing device 100 may also be equipped with a heating function. In this embodiment, the step of sealing the opening at one end of the tube container 2 with the sealing device 100 corresponds to the "sealing step". 【0044】 The trimming device 110 performs a trimming process to cut off any excess portion of the formed seal portion 21. The tube product 1 obtained through the trimming process is then packaged in individual packaging boxes or shrink film, and then packed into cardboard boxes for shipment. 【0045】 Next, the inspection device 70 will be described. The inspection device 70 performs inspections such as checking for adhesion of the contents S to the seal area 2x after the contents S has been filled by the filling device 60 and before the seal portion 21 has been formed by the sealing device 100. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the inspection device 70 includes an illumination device 71, an axicon lens 72, an imaging lens 73, a camera 74, and an image processing device 75. In this embodiment, the illumination device 71 constitutes the "irradiation means". 【0046】 The illumination device 71 is for irradiating the inner surface of the tube container 2, including the sealing area 2x, and the upper surface of the filled contents S with ultraviolet light. The illumination device 71 is composed of an annular ring illumination in plan view and is positioned above the tube container 2 and, when viewed from above, surrounds the opening at one end of the tube container 2. As long as the amount of contents S filling the tube container 2 is appropriate, the illumination device 71 irradiates the entire inner circumferential surface of one end (upper end) of the tube container 2 and the entire upper surface of the contents S with ultraviolet light from diagonally above the tube container 2. As for the ultraviolet light, for example, light having a peak wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 400 nm can be used. 【0047】 The axicon lens 72 is positioned vertically above the opening at one end of the tube container 2, between the tube container 2 and the imaging lens 73, and is illuminated by the illumination device 71. Fluorescence produced from the contents S by ultraviolet light. The optical path is converted into an optical path along the optical axis OA2 direction of the imaging lens 73. The axicon lens 72 has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the opening at one end of the tube container 2 and is provided so as to cover the opening at one end from above. The axicon lens 72 is also provided in the immediate vicinity of the tube container 2 (for example, within 15 to 30 mm from the upper end of the tube container 2). Furthermore, the axicon lens 72 has a frustoconical portion 72a with a central hole on the tube container 2 side. 【0048】 The central hole frustoconical portion 72a has an inner circumferential surface that forms a cylindrical surface extending in the direction of the optical axis OA1 of the axicon lens 72, while its outer circumferential surface gradually increases in diameter as it moves away from the tube container 2, forming a frustoconical surface with the optical axis OA1 as its central axis. More simply, the central hole frustoconical portion 72a has a shape in which a circular hole is provided in the center of a cone when viewed from above. The inner diameter of the central hole frustoconical portion 72a (the inner diameter of the hole provided in the center) is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of the opening at one end of the tube container 2. 【0049】 Furthermore, by configuring the axicon lens 72 in relation to the tube container 2 as described above, and by appropriately setting the inclination angle of the frustoconical surface with respect to the optical axis OA1, when the amount of contents S filling the tube container 2 is appropriate, ultraviolet light corresponding to the outer edge portion of the upper surface of contents S reaches the camera 74 (image sensor 74a, described later) in the following manner. That is, ultraviolet light corresponding to the outer edge portion of the upper surface of contents S etc. The outer circumference of the frustoconical surface in the central hole frustoconical portion 72a is exposed to ultraviolet light corresponding to the inner surface of the tube container 2 including the sealing region 2x. etc. The inner circumference of the frustum surface corresponds to the ultraviolet light of the central portion on the upper surface of the contents S. etc. These wires pass through the central hole portion of the central hole frustoconical section 72a and reach the camera 74 (image sensor 74a, described later) (see Figure 7). 【0050】 As a result, the image obtained by the camera 74 (image sensor 74a, described later) has the outer edge region AS1, the seal-corresponding region Ax, and the central region AS2 in this order from the outside to the inside (see Figure 8). 【0051】 The outer edge region AS1 is the region corresponding to the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the contents S filled in the tube container 2 (the region with a grid pattern in Figure 8). The outer edge region AS1 is used to determine the quality of the amount of contents S filled into the tube container 2. 【0052】 The seal corresponding region Ax is a region corresponding to the seal region 2x in the tube container 2 (the region marked with a scatter pattern in FIG. 8). The seal corresponding region Ax is used to determine the quality of the adhesion of the content S to the seal region 2x. 【0053】 The central side region AS2 is a region corresponding to the central side portion on the upper surface of the content S filled in the tube container 2 (the region marked with slashes in FIG. 8). The central side region AS2 is used to determine the quality of the filling of the content S in the tube container 2. 【0054】 In this way, by using the axicon lens 72, a single image obtained by the camera 74 (image pickup element 74a described later) includes a plurality of regions used for inspecting the tube container 2 and the content S. 【0055】 The imaging lens 73 is irradiated from the illumination device 71, reflects the content S, and passes through the axicon lens 72 、 ultraviolet light fluorescence to form an image on the image pickup element 74a of the camera 74 described later. The imaging lens 73 is disposed between the axicon lens 72 and the camera 74, and the optical axis OA2 of the imaging lens 73 is in a state of coinciding with the optical axis OA1 of the axicon lens 72. 【0056】 Also, the imaging lens 73 is configured to be an object-side telecentric optical system. That is, the imaging lens 73 is configured such that the optical axis OA2 and the chief ray are parallel on the tube container 2 side. 【0057】 The camera 74 is disposed vertically above the imaging lens 73 and is composed of a camera (for example, a CCD camera or a CMOS camera etc.) sensitive to at least the ultraviolet light irradiated from the illumination device 71 fluorescence The camera 74 is configured to be remotely controllable in terms of shutter speed and camera gain. Also, the camera 74 includes an image pickup element 74a. Incidentally, the camera 74 is the ultraviolet light that enters the image pickup element 74a from the imaging lens 73 fluorescenceBy limiting the amount of ultraviolet light that is imaged on the image sensor 74a, fluorescence It may also have an aperture for adjustment. 【0058】 The image sensor 74a is composed of, for example, a CCD area sensor or a CMOS sensor, and receives ultraviolet light irradiated from the illumination device 71. fluorescence The image sensor 74a captures an image. The image sensor 74a has a light-receiving surface in which multiple light-receiving elements are arranged in a matrix in a two-dimensional manner, and the light-receiving surface is set to be perpendicular to the optical axis OA2. When the camera 74 performs imaging processing, an image (image data) is acquired by the image sensor 74a. The acquired image (image data) is sent to the image processing device 75. 【0059】 The image (image data) obtained by the camera 74 (image sensor 74a) is luminance image data that contains information about the brightness of each pixel. As described above, since the contents S contain petrolatum, the contents S fluoresce in the presence of ultraviolet light. On the other hand, the inner surface of the tube container 2 including the sealing region 2x is made of a material that does not fluoresce in the presence of ultraviolet light, so the inner surface does not fluoresce in the presence of ultraviolet light. 【0060】 Therefore, if there is no problem with the amount of contents S filled, the outer edge region AS1 of the obtained luminance image data will contain a high-luminance portion BA1 with a luminance of a predetermined value or higher due to fluorescence generated on the upper outer edge of the contents S (see Figure 9. In Figure 9, the high-luminance portion BA1 is shown as white, and the low-luminance portion is shown as a scattered dot pattern). Furthermore, this high-luminance portion BA1 will have a distance K1 from a predetermined reference position (for example, the center of the central region AS2) that falls within a predetermined range. 【0061】 Furthermore, if there are no issues regarding the adhesion of contents S to the seal area 2x, such as when contents S do not adhere to the seal area 2x, the seal-corresponding area Ax of the luminance image data will not contain any high-luminance areas exceeding a predetermined area, and the low-luminance area Dx will extend across almost the entire area (see Figure 9). 【0062】 Furthermore, when the contents S are filled, the central region AS2 of the luminance image data will have a roughly circular high-luminance area BA2 with a luminance of a predetermined value or higher due to fluorescence generated on the upper central side of the contents S (see Figure 9). 【0063】 On the other hand, if the amount of contents S is excessively small or large, that is, if there is a problem with the amount of contents S, the distance K1 from a predetermined reference position (for example, the center of the central region AS2) to the high-luminance portion BA1 will be excessively large or small in the outer edge region AS1 of the luminance image data (see Figures 10 and 11). The state in which the distance K1 from the reference position to the high-luminance portion BA1 is excessively large (shown in Figure 10) indicates that the contents S is excessively far from the opening at one end of the tube container 2, and that the amount of contents S is insufficient. On the other hand, the state in which the distance from the reference position to the high-luminance portion BA1 is excessively small (shown in Figure 11) indicates that the contents S is excessively close to the opening at one end of the tube container 2, and that the amount of contents S is excessive. 【0064】 Furthermore, if the contents S adhere to the seal area 2x, the seal-corresponding area Ax of the luminance image data will show a state in which a high-luminance area Bx of a predetermined size or larger stands out within the low-luminance area Dx due to the fluorescence generated by the adhered contents S (see Figure 12). 【0065】 In addition, if the contents S are not filled, the central region AS2 of the luminance image data does not have a high-luminance portion BA2, and the entire central region AS2 becomes low-luminance (see Figure 13). 【0066】 In this embodiment, the tube container 2 has a bonding line 2h (see Figure 5) formed by overlapping and joining the ends of the laminate multilayer sheet. However, since the inner surface of the tube container 2 is made of a material that does not fluoresce under ultraviolet light, this bonding line 2h is not visible in the image at all or barely visible. Therefore, forming the inner surface of the tube container 2 with a material that does not fluoresce under ultraviolet light is also effective in preventing a decrease in inspection accuracy due to the bonding line 2h. 【0067】 The image processing device 75 consists of a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs predetermined calculations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and fixed value data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores various data when various calculations are performed, and peripheral circuits for these components. 【0068】 As shown in Figure 4, the image processing device 75 functions as various functional units, such as the main control unit 751, lighting control unit 752, camera control unit 753, display control unit 754, image acquisition unit 755, determination unit 756, brightness monitoring unit 757, and anomaly response unit 758, which will be described later, as the CPU operates according to various programs. In this embodiment, the brightness monitoring unit 757 constitutes the "brightness monitoring means," and the anomaly response unit 758 constitutes the "anomaly response means." 【0069】 However, the various functional units described above are realized through the cooperation of various hardware components such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM, and there is no need to clearly distinguish between functions realized in hardware and functions realized in software. Some or all of these functions may be realized by hardware circuits such as ICs. 【0070】 Furthermore, the image processing device 75 includes an input unit 75a consisting of a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., a display unit 75b consisting of a liquid crystal display, etc., and equipped with a display screen capable of displaying various information, a storage unit 75c capable of storing various data, programs, calculation results, inspection results, etc., and a communication unit 75d capable of sending and receiving various data with the outside. 【0071】 First, before describing the various functional units that make up the image processing device 75, we will explain the display unit 75b, the storage unit 75c, and the communication unit 75d. 【0072】 The display unit 75b is configured to display various information stored in the storage unit 75c. Therefore, the display unit 75b can display images obtained by the camera 74, thresholds used for pass / fail judgment (for example, thresholds L1, S1, D1, etc., described later), pass / fail judgment results, and so on. 【0073】 The memory unit 75c is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores, for example, images (image data) and pass / fail judgment results. The memory unit 75c also stores thresholds used for pass / fail judgment, such as luminance thresholds L1 and L2, area threshold S1 and distance thresholds D1 and D2, as well as information for identifying the respective regions AS1, AS2, and Ax. <L2であり、D1<D2である。 【0074】 The communication unit 75d is equipped with a wireless communication interface conforming to communication standards such as wired LAN (Local Area Network) or wireless LAN, and is configured to send and receive various data with the outside. For example, the pass / fail judgment result performed by the seal area pass / fail judgment unit 756a, which will be described later, is output to the outside (for example, the discharge device 80) via the communication unit 75d. 【0075】 Next, the various functional units that make up the image processing device 75 will be described in more detail. 【0076】 The main control unit 751 is a functional unit that controls the entire inspection device 70 and is configured to send and receive various signals with other functional units such as the lighting control unit 752 and the camera control unit 753. 【0077】 The lighting control unit 752 is a functional unit that controls the lighting device 71 based on command signals from the main control unit 751. 【0078】 The camera control unit 753 is a functional unit that controls the camera 74, and controls the imaging timing, camera gain, and shutter speed of the camera 74 based on command signals from the main control unit 751. 【0079】 The display control unit 754 controls the display content on the display unit 75b based on the information stored in the storage unit 75c. 【0080】 The image acquisition unit 755 is a functional unit for capturing images (luminance image data) captured and acquired by the camera 74. 【0081】 The determination unit 756 is a functional unit that determines the quality of the adhesion of contents S to the seal area 2x, as well as the amount and presence of contents S, based on luminance image data obtained by the camera 74. The determination unit 756 comprises a seal area quality determination unit 756a, a filling amount determination unit 756b, and a filling presence / absence determination unit 756c. In this embodiment, the seal area quality determination unit 756a constitutes the "seal area quality determination means," similarly, the filling amount determination unit 756b constitutes the "filling amount determination means," and the filling presence / absence determination unit 756c constitutes the "filling presence / absence determination means." 【0082】 The seal area quality determination unit 756a determines the quality of the seal area 2x related to the adhesion of contents S based on the image obtained by the camera 74 (image sensor 74a). More specifically, the seal area quality determination unit 756a identifies the seal-corresponding area Ax in the image based on the information stored in the storage unit 75c, and also identifies the high-luminance portion Bx within the seal-corresponding area Ax that has a luminance higher than the luminance threshold L1 (i.e., the portion corresponding to the adhered contents S). Then, if the area (number of pixels) of the identified high-luminance portion Bx is less than the area threshold S1, the seal area quality determination unit 756a determines that there is no problem with the adhesion of contents S to the seal area 2x and determines the seal area 2x to be "good". On the other hand, if the area (number of pixels) of the high-luminance portion Bx is equal to or greater than the area threshold S1, the seal area quality determination unit 756a determines that contents S are adhering to the seal area 2x and determines the seal area 2x to be "bad". 【0083】 If the seal area 2x is determined to be "defective," a signal indicating that a defect has been determined is sent from the image processing device 75 to the discharge device 80 via the communication unit 75d. Upon receiving this signal, the discharge device 80 discharges the tube container 2 related to the defect from the system. 【0084】 The filling amount determination unit 756b determines the amount of contents S to be filled into the tube container 2 based on the outer edge region AS1 in the image. More specifically, the filling amount determination unit 756b identifies the outer edge region AS1 in the image based on the information stored in the storage unit 75c, and also identifies the high-luminance portion BA1 (i.e., the portion corresponding to the contents S) within the outer edge region AS1 that has a luminance higher than the luminance threshold L1. Then, the filling amount determination unit 756b calculates a value (distance correspondence value) corresponding to the distance K1 from a predetermined reference position (for example, the center of the central region AS2) to the high-luminance portion BA1. In this embodiment, the average distance of distance K1 is calculated as the distance correspondence value. Alternatively, the maximum distance or minimum distance from the reference position to the high-luminance portion BA1 may be calculated as the distance correspondence value. Of course, values ​​related to the area or width of the high-luminance portion BA1 may also be calculated as the distance correspondence value. Furthermore, the opening at one end of the tube container 2 may be used as the reference position. 【0085】 Based on this, the filling amount determination unit 756b determines that the filling amount of contents S is appropriate and judges the filling amount of contents S as "good" if the calculated distance correspondence value is greater than or equal to the distance threshold D1 and less than or equal to the distance threshold D2. 【0086】 On the other hand, if the calculated distance correspondence value is less than the distance threshold D1, the filling amount determination unit 756b determines that the filling amount of contents S is excessive and judges the filling amount of contents S as "defective". Also, if the calculated distance correspondence value is greater than the distance threshold D2, the filling amount determination unit 756b determines that the filling amount of contents S is insufficient and judges the filling amount of contents S as "defective". When the filling amount of contents S is determined to be "defective", a signal indicating that a defect has been determined is sent from the image processing device 75 to the discharge device 80, and the discharge device 80 discharges the tube container 2 related to the defect determination from the system. 【0087】 The filling presence / absence determination unit 756c determines whether or not the contents S are filled into the tube container 2 based on the central region AS2 in the image. More specifically, the filling presence / absence determination unit 756c identifies the central region AS2 in the image based on the information stored in the storage unit 75c, and determines whether or not there is a high-luminance portion BA2 (i.e., a portion corresponding to the contents S) within the central region AS2 that has a luminance higher than the luminance threshold L1. 【0088】 The filling presence / absence determination unit 756c determines that the contents S are filled if a high-luminance portion BA2 exists within the central region AS2, and therefore determines that the contents S are filled as "good". On the other hand, if a high-luminance portion BA2 does not exist within the central region AS2, the filling presence / absence determination unit 756c determines that the contents S are not filled, and therefore determines that the contents S are not filled as "bad". If the contents S are determined to be filled as "bad", a signal indicating that a defect has been made is sent from the image processing device 75 to the discharge device 80, and the discharge device 80 discharges the tube container 2 that was determined to be defective out of the system. 【0089】 Furthermore, the discharge destination of the tube container 2 by the discharge device 80 may be configured to differ depending on the type of defect (i.e., depending on whether the defect is related to the adhesion of contents S to the seal area 2x, the amount of contents S filled, or whether or not contents S are filled). In addition, if the defect is related to the adhesion of contents S to the seal area 2x or the amount of contents S filled, the discharged tube container 2 may be held upright with one end opening facing upwards (i.e., the tube container 2 is maintained in the same state as during inspection). 【0090】 The luminance monitoring unit 757 monitors the luminance of the central region AS2 in the image. In this embodiment, the luminance monitoring unit 757 measures the luminance (highest luminance) of the central region AS2 (i.e., the high-luminance portion BA2) in the image and determines whether the measured luminance is equal to or greater than the luminance threshold L2. If the measured luminance is equal to or greater than the luminance threshold L2, the luminance monitoring unit 757 determines that there is no abnormality in the luminance. 【0091】 On the other hand, the luminance monitoring unit 757 determines that there is an abnormality in the luminance if the measured luminance is below the luminance threshold L2 for a predetermined number of tube containers 2 consecutively, for example, due to a decrease in the output of the lighting device 71. When the luminance monitoring unit 757 determines that there is an abnormality in the luminance, it sends a signal to that effect (luminance abnormality signal) to the abnormality response unit 758. Here, as described above, the luminance threshold L2 is set to be greater than the luminance threshold L1, so even if the measured luminance is slightly below the luminance threshold L2, it does not fundamentally hinder the pass / fail judgment by each judgment unit 756a, 756b, and 756c. 【0092】 Furthermore, the brightness monitoring unit 757 may be configured to notify an external party, for example, using a display unit 75b, if it determines that there is an abnormality in brightness. In this configuration, it is not necessarily required to provide an abnormality response unit 758, nor is it necessary to send a brightness abnormality signal from the brightness monitoring unit 757 to the abnormality response unit 758. 【0093】 The abnormality response unit 758 automatically takes action to correct an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the brightness monitored by the brightness monitoring unit 757 (in this embodiment, when a brightness abnormality signal is received). In this embodiment, when the abnormality response unit 758 receives a brightness abnormality signal, it performs a predetermined abnormality response process. Examples of abnormality response processes include increasing the output (lighting power) of the lighting device 71 via the main control unit 751 and the lighting control unit 752, and increasing the camera gain or slowing down the shutter speed of the camera 74 via the main control unit 751 and the camera control unit 753. 【0094】 As described in detail above, according to this embodiment, inspection is performed at a stage before sealing the opening at one end of the tube container 2 to form the seal portion 21, that is, before the formation of the seal portion 21 where leakage of the contents S is likely to occur. Therefore, contamination of the inspection device 70 by the leaked contents S is less likely to occur. As a result, cleaning to remove the leaked contents S is almost unnecessary, and productivity (production capacity) can be increased. 【0095】 Furthermore, while the contents S contain petrolatum, the inner surface of the tube container 2 is made of a material that does not fluoresce in response to ultraviolet light. Therefore, fluorescence can be generated in the contents S by ultraviolet light irradiated from the illumination device 71, while fluorescence can not be generated in the sealing region 2x. As a result, the sealing region 2x and the contents S can be more clearly distinguished in the image obtained by the image sensor 74a. Consequently, the contents S adhering to the sealing region 2x can be detected more reliably, and good inspection capabilities can be obtained. 【0096】 In addition, by using the axicon lens 72, the entire circumference of the seal area 2x can be included in a single image obtained by the image sensor 74a. Therefore, the entire circumference of the seal area 2x can be inspected with a single image obtained in one imaging, improving inspection efficiency. Furthermore, improved inspection efficiency makes it possible to further increase productivity (production capacity). 【0097】 Furthermore, by using the axicon lens 72, it becomes possible to inspect the entire circumference of the seal area 2x without inserting the inspection device 70 into the tube container 2, thus preventing contact between the inspection device 70 and the contents S. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent contamination of the inspection device 70 and the resulting decrease in inspection capability, and also ensures good quality in the tube product 1. 【0098】 In addition, the filling amount determination unit 756b can use the image obtained by the image sensor 74a to determine whether the amount of contents S filled into the tube container 2 is good or bad. Therefore, since not only the sealing area 2x but also the filling amount can be inspected with a single image, the efficiency of the inspection can be further increased. 【0099】 In addition, the filling presence / absence determination unit 756c can use the image obtained by the image sensor 74a to determine whether or not the contents S are filled into the tube container 2. Therefore, inspection of the seal area 2x and inspection of whether or not the contents S are filled can be performed at once with a single image, thereby increasing the efficiency of both inspections. 【0100】 Furthermore, compared to the case where separate inspection devices are provided for inspecting the seal area 2x, inspecting the amount of contents S filled, and inspecting whether or not contents S is filled, the apparatus (manufacturing apparatus 40) can be further simplified. This makes it possible to effectively reduce manufacturing costs. 【0101】 Furthermore, the brightness monitoring unit 757 monitors the brightness of the central region AS2 in the image. Normally (unless there is an abnormality in the inspection device 70 or the contents S), the brightness of the central region AS2 hardly changes. Therefore, by monitoring the brightness of the central region AS2, abnormalities in the inspection device 70, etc., can be detected early. This makes it possible to respond to abnormalities (for example, by adjusting or repairing the lighting device 71, etc.) at an earlier stage. 【0102】 In addition, in this embodiment, if an abnormality occurs in the brightness of the central region AS2, the abnormality response unit 758 automatically takes action to correct the abnormality. Therefore, the decrease in inspection capability due to the occurrence of abnormalities can be suppressed, and excellent inspection capability can be maintained more reliably. Furthermore, since the correction of abnormalities is performed automatically, the time and effort required for abnormality response can be reduced. 【0103】 Furthermore, since the imaging lens 73 is an object-side telecentric lens, the resolution in the depth direction of the tube container 2 can be kept constant in the obtained image. As a result, the inspection capability (inspection accuracy) can be further improved. 【0104】 Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the description above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible. 【0105】 (a) In the above embodiment, the filling presence / absence determination unit 756c determines whether or not the contents S are filled into the tube container 2 based on the central region AS2, but it may also determine whether or not the contents S are filled into the tube container 2 based on the outer edge region AS1. For example, the filling presence / absence determination unit 756c may determine whether or not the contents S are filled into the tube container 2 based on whether or not there is a region with a brightness higher than the brightness threshold L1 within the outer edge region AS1. Of course, the filling presence / absence determination unit 756c may also determine whether or not the contents S are filled into the tube container 2 based on both the central region AS2 and the outer edge region AS1. 【0106】 (b) In the above embodiment, the seal portion 21 of the tube container 2 is formed by sealing the open end on one side of the tube container 2 in a flattened state. In contrast, as shown in Figure 14, the seal portion 21 of the tube container 2 may be formed by bending the opening on one side of the tube container 2. 【0107】 (c) In the above embodiment, the heating device 90 is configured to heat and melt the tube container 2 with high-temperature air, but the heating and melting of the tube container 2 may be performed by means other than high-temperature air. Therefore, the heating device 90 may heat and melt the tube container 2 using, for example, ultrasound. 【0108】 (d) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 756 includes a filling amount determination unit 756b and a filling presence / absence determination unit 756c, but it may also include only one of the two determination units 756b and 756c. Alternatively, the determination unit 756 may not include both determination units 756b and 756c, but may only include a seal area quality determination unit 756a. 【0109】 (e) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 756 is equipped with determination units 756b and 756c for inspecting the amount of contents S filled and whether or not they are filled. In addition to these, it may also be equipped with a foreign matter adhesion determination unit that determines the quality of foreign matter (especially those that do not fluoresce in ultraviolet light) adhering to the upper surface of the contents S based on an image obtained by imaging with the image sensor 74a. In this case, inspection of the seal area 2x and contents S, as well as inspection of foreign matter adhesion, can be performed based on a single image. This can further improve inspection efficiency and simplify the manufacturing apparatus 40. The foreign matter adhesion determination unit may be provided in place of at least one of the determination units 756b and 756c. 【0110】 (f) In the above embodiment, the contents S are semi-solid, but the contents S may be liquid. 【0111】 (g) The inspection device 70 may be equipped with a pre-pressing section that can clamp one end of the tube container 2 in the same way as when the seal portion 21 is formed, after the contents S has been filled by the filling device 60 and before imaging by the camera 74 (image sensor 74a). The device may be configured to temporarily clamp one end of the tube container 2 with the pre-pressing section, and then, with the one end of the tube container 2 open again, imaging by the camera 74 (image sensor 74a) may be performed. 【0112】 By clamping the tube container 2 with the pre-pressing section, it becomes possible to inspect the adhesion of the contents S to the seal area 2x, taking into account the spreading (movement) of the contents S when forming the seal area 21. This allows for improved inspection accuracy. [Explanation of symbols] 【0113】 1...Tube product, 2...Tube container, 2x...Seal area, 21...Seal part, 70...Inspection device, 71...Illumination device (irradiation means), 72...Axicon lens, 72a...Frusted cone part of the central hole, 73...Imaging lens, 74a...Image sensor, 756a...Seal area quality determination unit (seal area quality determination means), 756b...Filling amount determination unit (filling amount determination means), 756c...Filling presence / absence determination unit (filling presence / absence determination means), 757...Brightness monitoring unit (brightness monitoring means), 758...Anomaly response unit (anomaly response means), AS1...Outer edge area, AS2...Center area, Ax...Seal response area, S...Contents.

Claims

[Claim 1] An inspection device used in manufacturing a tube product in which a tube container is filled with contents by transporting multiple tube containers side by side and performing a filling step in which contents are filled into the tube containers through openings at the ends of the tube containers, and a sealing step in which the openings are sealed, wherein the inspection device is capable of inspecting the sealed area, which is the area on the inner surface of the tube container that is to be sealed in the sealing step, At least the inner surface of the tube container, including the sealing region, is formed of a material that does not fluoresce in response to ultraviolet light, The contents mentioned above contain petrolatum, An irradiation means for irradiating the inner surface of the tube container, including at least the sealing region, with ultraviolet light after the filling step and before the sealing step, An image sensor capable of capturing fluorescence caused by ultraviolet light irradiated from the aforementioned irradiation means, An imaging lens that forms an image of fluorescence generated from the contents by ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation means onto the image sensor, An axicon lens is positioned vertically above the opening of the tube container and between the tube container and the imaging lens, and is configured to convert the optical path of fluorescence generated from the contents by ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation means into an optical path along the optical axis of the imaging lens. The system includes a seal area quality determination means capable of determining the quality of the seal area related to the adhesion of contents based on an image obtained by imaging with the aforementioned image sensor, The axicon lens has an inner circumferential surface that forms a cylindrical surface extending in the direction of the optical axis of the axicon lens, while the outer circumferential surface has a central hole frustoconical portion whose outer diameter gradually increases as it moves away from the tube container and forms a frustoconical surface with the optical axis of the axicon lens as its central axis. When the amount of contents filling the tube container is appropriate, the image sensor is configured to obtain an image in which, from the outside to the inside, the outer edge region corresponding to the outer edge portion of the upper surface of the contents, the seal-corresponding region corresponding to the seal region, and the central region corresponding to the central portion of the upper surface of the contents exist in this order. An inspection device characterized by comprising a filling amount determination means capable of determining the amount of contents filled into the tube container based on the outer edge region in the aforementioned image. [Claim 2] The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filling presence determination means capable of determining whether or not the tube container is filled with contents based on at least one of the outer edge region and the central region in the aforementioned image. [Claim 3] The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a brightness monitoring means for monitoring the brightness of the central region in the image. [Claim 4] The inspection apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an abnormality response means that automatically takes action to correct an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the brightness monitored by the brightness monitoring means. [Claim 5] The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging lens is an object-side telecentric lens.

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