JP2023014080A - Container inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that vibrations that a machine base generates as a star wheel rotates intermittently at a high speed may influence imaging at an inspection part.

SOLUTION: A container inspection device 1 comprises: a star wheel which comprises a plurality of housing parts 16 housing containers 3 at a peripheral edge and rotates intermittently; a machine base 2 which supports the star wheel rotatably; a frame 110 which is arranged apart from the machine base 2; light emission parts 27 which are hung from the frame 110 and emits light to the containers 3; imaging parts 28 which are hung from the frame 110 and image the containers 3 irradiated with the light from the light emission parts 27; and an elevation part 100 which elevates the light emission parts 27 and imaging parts 28 relative to the containers 3.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a container inspection apparatus that intermittently rotates and conveys containers.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a container inspection apparatus, there is an apparatus that uses an intermittently rotating star wheel disclosed in Patent Literature 1 to convey a container to a plurality of inspection sections.

International Publication No. 2009/025038

In such a container inspection apparatus, there is a demand for efficiency improvement by improving processing capacity. In particular, since it is necessary to transfer the container from the star wheel to the conveyer for carrying out at the discharge section, shortening the stop time of the star wheel at the discharge section has been an issue.

In addition, the vibration of the machine base due to the intermittent rotation of the star wheel at high speed sometimes affected the imaging in the inspection section.

The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be implemented as the following aspects or application examples.

[1] One aspect of the container inspection device according to the present invention is
An intermittently rotating star wheel having a plurality of storage units for storing containers on the periphery;
a discharge unit arranged at a position where the storage unit stops;
a holding mechanism for holding the container in the storage section at the discharge section;
a push-out mechanism for pushing out the container from the discharge unit in a discharge direction;
a machine base that rotatably supports the star wheel and supports the holding mechanism and the pushing mechanism at predetermined positions;
with
The holding mechanism includes an arm capable of coming into contact with the side surface of the container conveyed to the discharge section by rotation of the star wheel, and an electric motor rotating the arm to switch the holding mechanism between a closed state and an open state. , and
In the closed state, the arm contacts the side surface and restricts movement of the container in the discharge direction;
The open state is characterized in that the arm rotates to release contact with the side surface.

According to the container inspection device, the arm can be opened and closed at high speed by the electric motor. Further, according to the above-mentioned container inspection apparatus, the holding mechanism and the push-out mechanism are supported at predetermined positions on the machine base. Therefore, even if the container inspection apparatus is operated at high speed, shaking of the mechanism can be suppressed and the container can be discharged stably.

[2] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The holding mechanism includes two rotating shafts erected at a first interval wider than the full width of the container, the arms fixed to each of the rotating shafts, and an electric motor rotating the rotating shafts. prepared,
The arm has a fixed end fixed to the rotating shaft and a free end opposite to the fixed end,
The free end of the arm fixed to one of the rotating shafts and the free end of the arm fixed to the other rotating shaft may extend toward each other from the respective fixed ends. can.

According to the above-described container inspection apparatus, the arms fixed to the two rotating shafts are opened and closed like double doors, so that the containers conveyed from the discharge section onto the conveyor can be moved quickly. As a result, according to the above container inspection device, it is possible to shorten the stop time of the star wheel in the discharge section. In addition, since the arm opens in the discharge direction, the movement of the container is not hindered, and even if the container has a shape that is easily shaken, the self-standing stability of the container during high-speed discharge can be improved.

[3] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The two arms are arranged on each of the rotating shafts with a second vertical spacing,
The two arms are composed of a first arm positioned higher than 1/2 of the total height of the container and a second arm positioned lower than 1/2 of the total height of the container,
The pushing mechanism can push the container in the discharge direction between the height of the first arm and the height of the second arm.

According to the above-mentioned container inspection device, the two arms arranged vertically can support the side surface of the container at two places, the upper and lower sides. It is possible to improve the self-supporting stability of the container when discharging at high speed. Further, according to the container inspection device, the first arm located at the upper half of the container height and the second arm located at the lower half of the total height of the container ensure the self-supporting stability of the container, and the push-out mechanism moves to the first position. By pushing the container between the first arm and the second arm, the container can be reliably moved onto the conveyor.

[4] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The arm has a fixed end fixed to the rotating shaft of the electric motor and a free end opposite to the fixed end,
By swinging the arm upward about the rotating shaft, the free end moves upward while moving away from the discharge section, and the holding mechanism changes from the closed state to the open state. be able to.

According to the above container inspection apparatus, the opening and closing of the arm can be speeded up while the configuration is simple. In addition, by moving the free end in a direction away from the discharge part instead of simply moving it upward, the force for lifting the container upward can be suppressed, and the self-standing stability of the container can be improved.

[5] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The free end may be closer to the accommodating portion stopped at the discharge portion than the fixed end.

According to the above container inspection device, the free end of the arm is located near the container, so that the container in the container can be held more reliably.

[6] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The pushing mechanism has a pushing plate that contacts the container of the discharge section,
The push plate is always biased in the discharge direction,
The holding mechanism comes into contact with the container conveyed to the discharge section in the closed state, and the pushing plate retreats, and when the holding mechanism is in the open state, the pushing plate advances in the discharging direction. can be used to push the container out of the container.

According to the above-mentioned container inspection device, the push plate constantly urges the container in the discharge direction, so that the container can be discharged quickly.

[7] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The star wheel includes a first star wheel and a second star wheel that have the same center of rotation and are vertically spaced apart,
The first star wheel is formed with a first through hole penetrating vertically including the center of rotation,
The second star wheel is formed with a second through hole penetrating vertically including the center of rotation,
The push-out mechanism includes a support portion that penetrates the first through hole and the second through hole and is erected on the machine base, and the container that is supported by the support portion and stops at the discharge portion. and a push plate that moves back and forth.

According to the above container inspection device, the use of the two star wheels allows the container to be stably conveyed, and the push plate of the push mechanism is supported by the support portion, so that the forward and backward movement of the push plate is stabilized. , the self-standing stability of the container can be improved.

[8] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The container inspection device further includes an inspection unit including an imaging unit that images the container,
The imaging unit may be fixed to a frame spaced apart from the machine base.

According to the above container inspection apparatus, since the frame is separated from the machine base where vibration is generated by the rotation of the star wheel or the like, the imaging section can pick up an image with high accuracy.

[9] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The container inspection device is
a lifting unit;
an inspection unit comprising: a light emitting unit that emits light to the container; and an imaging unit that captures an image of the container irradiated with the light from the light emitting unit;
further comprising
The elevating unit can elevate the light emitting unit and the imaging unit to an inspection position that matches the height of the container conveyed by the star wheel, and a maintenance position above the inspection position. .

According to the above-described container inspection apparatus, unlike the conventional art, the light emitting unit and the imaging unit do not have to be removed each time maintenance work is performed. Therefore, the work time required to return the light emitting unit and the imaging unit to their predetermined positions after maintenance can be shortened. .

[10] One aspect of the container inspection device is
An intermittently rotating star wheel having a plurality of storage units for storing containers on the periphery;
a machine base that rotatably supports the star wheel;
a frame spaced apart from the machine base;
a light-emitting part suspended from the frame and emitting light to the container;
an image capturing unit that captures an image of the container suspended from the frame and irradiated with light from the light emitting unit;
an elevating unit that elevates the light emitting unit and the imaging unit with respect to the container;
characterized by comprising

According to the above container inspection apparatus, since the frame is separated from the machine base where vibration is generated by the rotation of the star wheel or the like, the imaging section can pick up an image with high accuracy. Moreover, according to the container inspection apparatus, unlike the conventional art, the light emitting unit and the imaging unit do not have to be removed each time maintenance work is performed. can be shortened.

According to one aspect of the container inspection apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to shorten the stop time of the star wheel in the discharge section. According to one aspect of the container inspection apparatus according to the present invention, since the frame is separated from the machine base in which vibration occurs, the imaging section can capture an image with high accuracy.

1 is a plan view of a container inspection device according to this embodiment; FIG. It is a front view of the 1st discharge part of the container inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. 1 is a partially enlarged view of a plan view of a container inspection device according to this embodiment; FIG. It is the elements on larger scale of the top view of the container inspection apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a side view of the container inspection apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a rear view of the 1st discharge part of the container inspection apparatus which concerns on a modification. 1 is a front view of a container inspection device with an imaging unit according to the present embodiment at an inspection position; FIG. 1 is a front view of a container inspection device in which an imaging unit according to the present embodiment is at a maintenance position; FIG. It is a top view of a raising/lowering part.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the scope of the invention described in the claims. Moreover, not all the configurations described below are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

A container inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a star wheel that intermittently rotates and has a plurality of storage units for storing containers on its periphery, a discharge unit that is arranged at a position where the storage unit stops, and a A holding mechanism that holds the container, a push-out mechanism that pushes the container from the discharge section in the discharge direction, and a machine that rotatably supports the star wheel and supports the holding mechanism and the push-out mechanism at a predetermined position. a base, wherein the holding mechanism includes an arm capable of coming into contact with the side surface of the container conveyed to the discharge section by rotation of the star wheel; and an electric motor for switching between and, wherein the arm contacts the side surface in the closed state to restrict movement of the container in the discharge direction, and the arm rotates in the open state. and release the contact with the side surface.

A container inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a star wheel that intermittently rotates and has a plurality of housing units for housing containers on its periphery; a machine base that rotatably supports the star wheel; a light emitting unit that hangs down from the frame and emits light to the container; and an imaging unit that hangs down from the frame and picks up an image of the container irradiated with the light from the light emitting unit. and an elevating unit that elevates the light emitting unit and the imaging unit with respect to the container.

1. Overall Configuration of Container Inspection Apparatus The overall configuration of a container inspection apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a container inspection device 1 according to this embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of a first discharge section 30 of the container inspection device 1 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of the container inspection device 1. FIG. In FIG. 3 , the first star wheel 10 is omitted in order to explain the first pushing mechanism 60 and the second pushing mechanism 62 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the container inspection apparatus 1 includes a first star wheel 10 having a plurality of storage units 16 for storing containers 3 on the peripheral edge 14, and an inspection unit 20 arranged at a position where the storage units 16 stop. , a first ejection section 30 and a second ejection section 32 . The second ejection section 32 is adjacent to the first ejection section 30, but may have other stop positions in between. The container inspection apparatus 1 includes a first conveyor 40 arranged facing the first discharge section 30 and a second conveyor 42 arranged facing the second discharge section 32 . If a mechanism such as a shooter that does not require the container 3 to stand on its own is provided instead of the second conveyor 42, the second discharge section 32 may not be provided with the second holding mechanism 52. FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the container inspection apparatus 1 has the same center of rotation 5 as the first starwheel 10 under the first starwheel 10, and is vertically spaced from the first starwheel 10. a second starwheel 12 spaced apart. Since the container 3 can be held vertically by using two star wheels, it can be transported stably.

The first discharge unit 30 discharges the containers 3 that have been determined as non-defective products by the inspection by the inspection unit 20 to the first conveyor 40, and the second discharge unit 32 is configured to discharge the containers 3 that have been determined to be defective products by the inspection by the inspection unit 20. to the second conveyor 42. According to the container inspection device 1, the self-supporting stability of the non-defective container 3 and the defective container 3 can be improved. The container 3 discharged from the first discharge section 30 stands on the first conveyor 40 outside the peripheral edge 14 by itself. The container 3 discharged from the second discharge section 32 stands on the second conveyor 42 outside the peripheral edge 14 by itself.

Container 3 is, for example, a glass bottle. The container 3 is a reverse-tapered bottle that has relatively poor self-standing stability on the first conveyor 40 and the second conveyor 42 and has a body diameter that tapers from the neck to the bottom, or a body diameter that increases from the neck to the bottom. It may be a tapered bottle in which the center of gravity of the container 3 is at a high position. In particular, many glass bottles are heavier than containers 3 made of other materials, and the design of the container 3 tends to cause an imbalance in the weight balance between the top and bottom. improvement is desired.

The container inspection device 1 includes a control device 7 . The control device 7 is a device that performs various calculations and controls, and includes a CPU that performs calculations and controls, memory (RAM, ROM), and an external storage device, as well as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and interface. can be done. The control device 7 includes at least a control unit 70, a storage unit 72, and a calculation unit 74 as functional configurations. The calculation unit 74 performs preset calculations using programs, data, etc., taken out from the storage unit 72 and data, etc., taken in from the inspection unit 20 . The calculation unit 74 determines whether all the containers 3 supplied to the container inspection apparatus 1 are non-defective or defective based on the calculation result. The control unit 70 outputs an instruction to discharge the container 3 determined as non-defective from the first discharge unit 30 to the first conveyor 40 , and discharges the container 3 determined as defective from the second discharge unit 32 to the second conveyor 42 . Outputs instructions to eject to

In addition, the container inspection apparatus 1 includes a first holding mechanism 50 that holds the container 3 in the container 16 with the first discharge unit 30 and a second holding mechanism 50 that holds the container 3 in the container 16 with the second discharge unit 32 . a mechanism 52, a first pushing mechanism 60 for pushing out the container 3 from the first discharging portion 30 in the first direction D1 which is the discharging direction, and a second pushing mechanism 60 for pushing out the container 3 from the second discharging portion 32 in the second direction D2 which is the discharging direction. 2 pushing mechanism 62;

A container inspection device 1 includes a machine base 2 . The machine base 2 rotatably supports the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12, and has a first holding mechanism 50, a second holding mechanism 52, a first pushing mechanism 60 and a second pushing mechanism 62. support in position. Since the first holding mechanism 50, the second holding mechanism 52, the first pushing mechanism 60, and the second pushing mechanism 62 are supported at predetermined positions on the machine base 2, even if the speed of the container inspection apparatus 1 is increased, the shaking of the mechanism can be prevented. The container 3 can be discharged stably by suppressing it. The machine base 2 includes a portion that supports the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12, a portion that supports the first holding mechanism 50 and the first pushing mechanism 60, a second holding mechanism 52 and the second pushing mechanism. 62 may be provided separately, or they may be integrated by connecting them.

The first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12 intermittently rotate in the horizontal plane to convey the container 3 accommodated in the accommodation unit 16 from the inspection unit 20 to the first discharge unit 30 . The center of rotation 5 of the first starwheel 10 and the second starwheel 12 extends vertically from the machine base 2 . In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 14 has eight storage portions 16, and the storage portions 16 each hold the container 3 and convey it to eight stop positions. The number of storage units 16 and the number of stop positions are not limited to eight, and can be appropriately set according to the throughput of the container inspection apparatus 1 . Since the second discharge part 32 discharges the containers 3 that have not been discharged onto the first conveyor 40 by the first discharge part 30, the containers 3 are contained in the container part 16 of the second discharge part 32 in FIGS. not. The accommodating portion 16 is a notch curved from the peripheral edge 14 of the disk-shaped first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12 toward the rotation center 5 . Each housing portion 16 of the first star wheel 10 is provided with a pair of support rings 17 that support the rotation of the neck of the container 3 and prevent the container 3 from floating.

At the stop position of the storage unit 16, there are provided a supply unit 18 for supplying the container 3 to the container inspection apparatus 1, and an inspection unit including a first inspection unit 22, a second inspection unit 24, and a third inspection unit 26 for inspecting the container 3. 20, a first ejection section 30 and a second ejection section 32 are provided. The supply section 18 may be provided with a screw conveyor that sequentially feeds the containers 3 to the storage section 16 that stops at the supply section 18 . Various inspections are performed while the container 3 stopped at each stop position of the inspection unit 20 rotates around the central axis of the container 3 .

The first conveyor 40 conveys the container 3 pushed out from the storage section 16 by the first pushing mechanism 60 in the first discharge section 30 in the first direction D1 away from the first discharge section 30 in a self-sustaining state. The first direction D1 is the discharge direction of the container 3 . The second conveyor 42 conveys the container 3 pushed out from the container 16 by the second pushing mechanism 62 in the second discharge section 32 in the second direction D2 away from the second discharge section 32 in a self-sustaining state. The second direction D2 is the discharge direction of the container 3 . The first conveyor 40 and the second conveyor 42 can be belt conveyors that intermittently or continuously circulate endless belts, and in this embodiment, they circulate continuously. The 1st conveyor 40 and the 2nd conveyor 42 convey the container 3 in the state which became independent on the upper surface. A first conveyor 40 extends from directly under the receiving portion 16 at the first discharge portion 30 to outside the peripheral edge 14 and a second conveyor 42 extends from directly under the receiving portion 16 at the second discharging portion 32 to outside the peripheral edge 14 .

The containers 3 are arranged on the first conveyor 40 by being conveyed to the first discharge section 30, and the containers 3 are arranged on the second conveyor 42 by being conveyed to the second discharge section 32. Deploy. In this embodiment, the first conveyor 40 extends to the bottom of the containers 3 stopped at the first discharge section 30, but by arranging the first conveyor 40 so as to face the first discharge section 30, the pushed-out containers 3 can be transported. For example, the first conveyor 40 may extend in the first direction D<b>1 from the outside of the peripheral edge 14 . The second conveyor 42 may similarly extend in the second direction D2 from outside the rim 14, for example.

Since the first conveyor 40 and the second conveyor 42 move the container 3 while being self-supporting, the container 3 may be shaken by being pushed by the first pushing mechanism 60 and the second pushing mechanism 62, and may lack self-sustaining stability. . If the container 3 overturns on the first conveyor 40 or the second conveyor 42, the container inspection apparatus 1 will be forced to stop urgently, and the throughput per unit time of the container inspection apparatus 1 will be significantly reduced. Therefore, it is important to stabilize the movement of the container 3 from the first discharge section 30 (second discharge section 32) to the first conveyor 40 (second conveyor 42).

2. Holding Mechanism The holding mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. The container inspection apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a first holding mechanism 50 and a second holding mechanism 52 as holding mechanisms. will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first holding mechanism 50 has at least one arm capable of contacting the side surface of the container 3 conveyed to the first discharge section 30 by the rotation of the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12. and an electric motor 57 that rotates the arm to switch the first holding mechanism 50 between the closed state and the open state. In the "closed state", the arm contacts the side surface of the container 3 and restricts the movement of the container 3 in the first direction D1. In the open state, the arm rotates to release the contact with the side surface of the container 3 . An example in which the first holding mechanism 50 of the present embodiment includes a total of four arms vertically and horizontally will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first holding mechanism 50 includes two rotating shafts, a first rotating shaft 53 and a first rotating shaft, erected at a first interval W1 wider than the full width W of the container 3 with the first conveyor 40 interposed therebetween. A first arm 55 and a second arm 56, which are two arms arranged vertically at a second interval W2 on each of the two rotating shafts 54, the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54, and the second rotating shaft 54; and an electric motor 57 that rotationally drives the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 . The electric motor 57 can speed up the opening and closing of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 . Since the upper and lower sides of the container 3 can be held by the vertically arranged first arm 55 and second arm 56, even if the container is shaped to be easily swayed, the first star wheel 10 and second star wheel 12 can be held. The self-standing stability of the container 3 can be improved when it is moved onto the first conveyor 40 . Although two arms are arranged vertically in this embodiment, the arrangement is not limited to this, and one arm may be arranged for each rotating shaft. Further, the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 fixed to the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 respectively open and close like double doors, so that the first discharge section 30 moves onto the first conveyor 40 . The transported container 3 can be moved quickly. As a result, according to the container inspection apparatus 1, the stop time of the star wheel in the first discharge section 30 can be shortened. Further, since the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 are opened in the first direction D1, the movement of the container 3 is not hindered, and even if the container has a shape that tends to sway, the self-standing stability of the container 3 during high-speed discharge is improved. can.

The first direction D<b>1 is the direction in which the container 3 is pushed out from the container 16 by the first pushing mechanism 60 , and is the same as the conveying direction of the first conveyor 40 . The first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 are erected with the first conveyor 40 interposed therebetween. The first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 are connected to the electric motor 57 at their lower ends, extend vertically upward, and are rotatably supported at their upper ends near the height of the neck of the container 3 .

The electric motor 57 is provided on each of the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54, and the output of one electric motor 57 is divided and used to rotate the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54. may The electric motor 57 can reciprocate around the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 at an angle of 90 degrees. Electric motor 57 can be a servo motor. By employing a servo motor, the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 can be rotated at high speed.

The electric motor 57 rotates the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 to rotate the first arm 55
And the second arm 56 can be switched between the closed state and the open state. In the closed state, the contact portions 554 of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 come into contact with the side surface of the container 3 in the first ejection portion 30 to limit the movement of the container 3 in the first direction D1. In the open state, the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 rotate toward the first conveyor 40 to allow the movement of the container 3 from the first discharge section 30 in the first direction D1. The first arm 55 and the second arm 56 rotate about the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 to open and close in a double-door manner in a front view of FIG.

The first arm 55 and the second arm 56 each have a fixed end 550 fixed to the first rotating shaft 53 or the second rotating shaft 54, a free end 552 opposite to the fixed end 550, and an adjacent free end 552. and a contact portion 554 shown in FIG. Free ends 552 of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 fixed to one of the first rotating shafts 53 and free ends 552 of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 fixed to the other second rotating shaft 54 extends from the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 (fixed end 550), which are fixed in the closed state, toward each other. Each of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 is a bent plate-like body made of synthetic resin. The material of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 is desirably made of synthetic resin, which is easy to process. In the container inspection apparatus 1, the members that come into contact with the surface of the container 3 are preferably made of materials that do not scratch like the first arm 55 and the like. can be used.

The first arm 55 is at a first height H<b>1 higher than half the total height H of the container 3 stopped at the first discharge section 30 . The second arm is at a second height H2 which is lower than half the total height H of the container 3. Further, the first pushing mechanism 60 can push the container 3 toward the first conveyor 40 at a height between the first height H1 of the first arm 55 and the second height H2 of the second arm 56. . The first arm 55 located at the upper half of the total height H of the container 3 and the second arm 56 located at the lower half position ensure the self-supporting stability of the container 3, and the first push-out mechanism 60 moves the first arm. Pushing the container 3 between 55 and the second arm 56 ensures that the container 3 is moved out of the rim 14 onto the first conveyor 40 . The height of the ejector plate 65 of the first ejector mechanism 60 is preferably set to the height of the center of gravity of the container 3 in order to enhance the self-standing stability of the container 3 . Moreover, when one arm is provided for each rotating shaft, it is desirable that the first pushing mechanism 60 pushes the container 3 at substantially the same height as the arm.

The free ends 552 of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 are closer to the receiving portion 16 stopped at the first discharging portion 30 than the fixed end 550 in the closed state. In other words, the free end 552 is located on the side of the housing portion 16 stopped at the first discharge portion 30 from the imaginary straight line connecting the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 in the closed state. Since the free end 552 is positioned close to the containing portion 16, the container 3 can be more reliably held within the containing portion 16 in the closed state. Therefore, in the closed state, the fixed end 550 is located farther from the accommodating portion 16 than the free end 552 is. Since the fixed end 550 is located away from the housing portion 16 , the fixed end 550 does not come into contact with the container 3 conveyed by the rotation of the first star wheel 10 .

The first gap W1 can be adjusted by the first gap adjusting mechanism 58 according to the overall width W of the container 3. As shown in FIG. The first spacing adjustment mechanism 58 has a handle 580 and two sets of ball screw mechanisms 582 . The ball screw mechanism 582 has a common screw shaft, and when the handle 580 is turned to rotate the screw shaft, the two electric motors 57 fixed to the nut move toward or away from each other. Therefore, according to the first gap adjusting mechanism 58, the first gap W1 between the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 fixed to the electric motor 57 can be changed.

The second interval W2 can be changed according to the total height H of the container 3 and the weight distribution of the upper and lower portions of the container 3 . A long hole 59 extending in the vertical direction is formed in the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 . A fixed end 550 is fixed to the long hole 59 with a mounting bolt. By loosening the mounting bolt of the fixed end 550 and moving the mounting bolt along the long hole 59 , the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 can be moved along the long hole 59 . For example, if the total height H of the container 3 is increased, the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 are moved upward, and if the total height H of the container 3 is decreased, the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 are moved downward.

The second holding mechanism 52 in the second discharge section 32 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 has basically the same configuration as the first holding mechanism 50, and switches between the closed state and the open state. In the open state, the second pushing mechanism 62 acts on the container 3 on the second discharge section 32 to push the container 3 in the second direction D2 onto the second conveyor 42 . The first rotating shaft 53, the second rotating shaft 54, the first arm 55, the second arm 56, and the electric motor 57 of the second holding mechanism 52 have the same configurations and functions as the members of the first holding mechanism 50. , overlapping explanations will be omitted.

3. Extrusion Mechanism The extrusion mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. The container inspection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first push-out mechanism 60 and a second push-out mechanism 62 as push-out mechanisms, but since the basic configuration is the same, the first push-out mechanism 60 will be mainly described. .

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first push-out mechanism 60 includes a support portion 64 erected on the machine base 2 and a push-out plate 65 supported by the support portion 64. As shown in FIGS. The ejector plate 65 moves forward and backward with respect to the container 3 stopped at the first discharge section 30 . The second push-out mechanism 62 includes a push-out plate 65 supported by the support portion 64 . The ejector plate 65 moves forward and backward with respect to the container 3 stopped at the second discharge section 32 . Since the ejector plate 65 is supported by the support portion 64 , the forward and backward movement of the ejector plate 65 is stabilized, and the self-standing stability of the container 3 can be improved.

The push plate 65 of the first push mechanism 60 contacts the container 3 of the first discharge section 30 . The pushing plate 65 of the first pushing mechanism 60 is always biased in the first direction D1. The first push-out mechanism 60 comes into contact with the container 3 conveyed to the first discharge unit 30 with the first holding mechanism 50 in the closed state, the push-out plate 65 retreats, and the first holding mechanism 50 opens. , the pushing plate 65 advances in the first direction D1 to push the container 3 out of the housing portion 16 . The push-out plate 65 always urges the container 3 in the discharge direction (the first direction D1 and the second direction D2), so that the container 3 can be discharged quickly.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the first star wheel 10 is formed with a first through hole 11 penetrating vertically including the center of rotation 5 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the second star wheel 12 is formed with a second through hole 13 penetrating vertically including the center of rotation 5 . The support portion 64 is a columnar rod erected on the machine base 2 through the first through hole 11 and the second through hole 13 . A lower end of the support portion 64 is fixed to the machine base 2 . The first starwheel 10 and the second starwheel 12 rotate around the support 64 and the support 64 does not rotate.

A horizontally extending mounting plate 69 a is fixed to the support portion 64 . The mounting plate 69a is vertically movable along the support portion 64, and the height of the ejector plate 65 is adjusted by changing the height of the mounting plate 69a. Two slide plates 69b are fixed to the mounting plate 69a. The slide plate 69b can move back and forth on the mounting plate 69a along the long hole provided in the slide plate 69b by turning the knob 69c to loosen the fixing bolt. By moving the slide plate 69b back and forth, it is possible to adjust how much the ejector plate 65 protrudes from the accommodation portion 16. As shown in FIG. The pushing plate 65 is arranged so as to protrude into the housing portion 16 via two pushing arms 68a and 68b extending crosswise from the tip of the slide plate 69b toward the housing portion 16 (container 3).

The pushing plate 65 is always biased in the direction of protruding into the housing portion 16 . The pushing arms 68a and 68b are attached to the slide plate 69b via biasing members 66a and 66b. The biasing member 66a biases the pushing arm 68a against the slide plate 69b in the direction of right rotation in FIG. energize. Therefore, the tips of the pushing arms 68a and 68b are constantly urged toward each other. The tip of the pushing arm 68a is rotatably fixed to the pushing plate 65. As shown in FIG. A long hole 65a is opened in the pushing plate 65. The long hole 65a receives a cam follower 67 provided at the tip of the pushing arm 68b, and the cam follower 67 can move along the long hole 65a.

When the container 3 is not stored in the storage portion 16, as shown by the second discharge portion 32 in FIG. It is extruded into portion 16 .

The ejector plate 65 has a chamfered portion 65b on the side of the ejector plate 65 to which the container 3 is conveyed by the second star wheel 12 . The chamfered portion 65b has a function of contacting the body portion of the transported container 3 and pushing back the ejector plate 65 toward the slide plate 69b. The push-back plate 65 always urges the container 3 in the first direction D1 by the urging members 66a and 66b. Also, the containers 3 are on the first conveyor 40 which is constantly driven in the first direction D1, and the bottoms of the containers 3 are in sliding contact with the first conveyor 40 .

3, the first arm 55 (and the second arm 56) of the first holding mechanism 50 is in the closed state, the contact portion 554 of the first arm 55 contacts the container 3, and the ejector plate The container 3 is held in the container 16 against the pushing force of 65 .

When the first arm 55 moves to the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3 and becomes open, the container 3 is pushed out in the first direction D1 by the pushing plate 65 and is carried on the first conveyor 40 in the first direction D1. move to Since the second arm 56 shown in FIG. 2 arranged below the first arm 55 also operates in the same manner as the first arm 55, the container 3 can be conveyed to the first conveyor 40 while maintaining the self-sustaining state of the container 3 more stably. You can ride on

4. Modification A container inspection apparatus 1a according to a modification will be described. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view of a container inspection apparatus 1a according to a modification, FIG. 5 is a side view of the container inspection apparatus 1a according to the modification, and FIG. 6 is a container inspection apparatus 1a according to the modification. 3 is a rear view of the first discharge section 30; FIG. Here, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those of the container inspection apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. Also, since the second discharge section 32 has the same configuration as the first discharge section 30, only the first discharge section 30 will be described here. 6 omits the first pushing mechanism 600 and the like because the container 3 is viewed from the container side along the first direction D1.

4.1. Holding Mechanism As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the container inspection apparatus 1a according to the modification has a first holding mechanism 500 that faces the first discharge section 30 and is supported by the machine base 2. FIG.

The first holding mechanism 500 includes one arm 560 and an electric motor 570 that swings the arm 560 . Electric motor 570 is, for example, a servo motor. The electric motor 570 is fixed to the machine base 2 .

The arm 560 has a fixed end 561 fixed to the rotary shaft 530 of the electric motor 570 and a free end 562 opposite to the fixed end 561 . Between the fixed end 561 and the free end 562 is a contact portion 564 that contacts the side surface of the container 3 that stops at the first discharge portion 30 . The free end 562 is closer to the receiving portion 16 stopped at the first discharge portion 30 than the fixed end 561 in the closed state.

A rotating shaft 530 of the electric motor 570 is parallel to the first direction D1 in a plan view of FIG. 4, and is inclined upward toward the first discharge section 30 in a side view of FIG. The upward inclination is, for example, about 10 to 20 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. When the electric motor 570 is driven, the rotating shaft 530 rotates, the free end 562 moves in an arc about the fixed end 561, and the arm 560 swings. As shown in FIG. 6, in the closed state the arm 560 is horizontal, and in the open state the arm 560 is vertical when viewed from the back, so the swing angle is 90 degrees. The swing angle can be changed within a range in which the container 3 can be reliably held in the closed state and does not interfere with the container 3 discharged in the open state.

The opening movement of arm 560 is indicated by dashed arrows in FIGS. By driving the electric motor 570 and swinging the arm 560 upward about the rotating shaft 530 , the free end 562 moves upward while moving away from the first discharge section 30 . As a result, the first holding mechanism 500 changes from the closed state to the open state. The first holding mechanism 500 can speed up the opening and closing of the arm 560 while having a simple configuration. In addition, by tilting at least the rotation shaft 530 upward in this way, the free end 562 is not simply moved upward, but is moved away from the first discharge section 30 to open the container 3 . It is possible to reduce the force for lifting the container 3 upward, and to improve the self-supporting stability of the container 3 .

4.2. Extruding Mechanism As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first extruding mechanism 600 includes a mounting plate 690 horizontally fixed to the support portion 64 and a slide capable of moving back and forth on the mounting plate 690 along a long hole 691. A plate 692 and a push plate 650 extending from the slide plate 692 toward the housing portion 16 (container 3) are provided.

The slide plate 692 includes rails 693 extending in a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1 and guides 694 extending along the first direction D1. Rail 693 is formed in a groove. The guide 694 has a plate shape that protrudes from the upper surface of the slide plate 692 and extends along the first direction D1.

The ejector plate 650 has a plate shape extending along the first direction D1, and includes a contact plate 651 at the tip, a slide groove 653 at the rear end, and an urging member 660 on the upper surface.

The contact plate 651 is made of a material that does not damage the container, such as synthetic resin, and has a chamfered portion 652 on the loading side of the container 3 .

The slide groove 653 is a notch groove that opens at the rear end of the ejector plate 650 and is formed extending along the first direction D1. The guide 694 is inserted into the slide groove 653, and the slide groove 653 is in sliding contact with the side surface of the guide 694, whereby the ejector plate 650 advances and retreats along the first direction D1. The ejector plate 650 is sandwiched between the upper surface of the slide plate 692 and a pressing plate 695 fixed on the guide 694 . Therefore, the pushing plate 650 is guided vertically by the slide plate 692 and the pressing plate 695, and is guided by the guide 694 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 to move back and forth.

The biasing member 660 includes a pushing arm 680 biased against the slide plate 692 in the direction of left rotation in FIG. The cam follower 670 is rollingly movable along the rail 693 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Therefore, the biasing member 660 always biases the pushing arm 680 so that the cam follower 670 moves upward in FIG. On the other hand, it is always biased so as to be pushed out in the first direction D1.

The contact plate 651 of the ejector plate 650 is pushed into the housing portion 16 when the container 3 is not housed in the housing portion 16 . When the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12 rotate and the container 3 is carried into the first discharge part 30, the chamfered part 652 first contacts the side surface of the container 3. As shown in FIG. As the container 3 approaches the first discharge portion 30 , the container 3 slides on the chamfered portion 652 and retracts the ejector plate 650 . At this time, the cam follower 670 rolls within the rail 693, and the sliding groove 653 is guided by the guide 694 to the state shown in FIG.

When the electric motor 570 is driven to move the first holding mechanism 500 from the closed state to the open state, the biasing member 660 rotates the pushing arm 680 counterclockwise, and the cam follower 670 rolls upward in FIG. . As a result, the ejector plate 650 is ejected along the guide 694 in the first direction D1, and the contact plate 651 presses the side surface of the container 3 to quickly eject the container 3 onto the first conveyor 40 .

5. Lifting Section The lifting section 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7 to 9. FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view of the container inspection apparatus 1 with the imaging unit 28 according to this embodiment at the inspection position, and FIG. 8 is a front view of the container inspection apparatus 1 with the imaging unit 28 according to this embodiment at the maintenance position. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the lifting section 100. As shown in FIG. 7 and 8 omit the mechanisms on the machine base 2 such as the first starwheel 10 and the second starwheel 12 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the inspection portion 20 is arranged along the peripheral edge 14 of the first starwheel 10 . The frame 110 is arranged so as to surround the machine base 2 . The frame 110 is formed into a frame by welding square steel pipes. The frame 110 is arranged apart from the machine base 2 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the frame 110 is installed on the same installation surface as the machine base 2 and extends upward to a position higher than the height at which the container 3 is conveyed. An elevating unit 100 is provided at the upper end of the frame 110 .

The inspection unit 20 includes a light emitting unit 27 that hangs down from the frame 110 and emits light to the container 3, and an imaging unit that picks up an image of the container 3 hanging down from the frame 110 and irradiated with the light from the light emitting unit 27. a portion 28; The imaging unit 28 is arranged to face the light emitting unit 27 with the container 3 interposed therebetween. When the imaging section 28 captures an image using reflected light from the container 3 , the imaging section 28 may be provided on the light emitting section 27 side.

The light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 are fixed to the frame 110 . The light emitting part 27 hangs down from the frame 110 and emits light to the container 3 . The image capturing unit 28 captures an image of the container 3 suspended from the frame 110 and irradiated with the light from the light emitting unit 27 .

In this way, since the frame 110 is separated from the machine base 2 where vibrations are generated by the rotation of the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12, the vibration of the imaging unit 28 is suppressed, and the imaging unit 28 can be accurately controlled. High resolution images can be captured.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the container inspection apparatus 1 has an elevating section 100 above the conveying path of the containers 3. As shown in FIG. The elevating unit 100 elevates the light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 with respect to the container 3 . The lifting unit 100 includes a lifting motor 120, a ball screw mechanism 124, a belt 121 and a gear box 122 for transmitting the driving force of the lifting motor 120 to the ball screw mechanism 124, and screws of the ball screw mechanism 124. and three guides 126 depending from the frame 110 parallel to the axis 125 . The lift motor 120 is an electric motor.

The lifting unit 100 is positioned between the inspection position shown in FIG. 7 which is aligned with the height of the container 3 conveyed by the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12, and the maintenance position shown in FIG. 8 above the inspection position. The light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 can be moved up and down. The light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 are integrated, and when the screw shaft 125 is rotated by driving the lifting motor 120, the light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 are guided by the guide 126 and lifted. When maintenance is performed with the light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 at the inspection position shown in FIG. The maintenance work of the pushing mechanism 62 is difficult to do. On the other hand, if the light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 are provided at the maintenance position shown in FIG. 8, the workability inside the apparatus is significantly improved.

Conventionally, the light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 were often removed from the container inspection apparatus 1 each time maintenance work was performed. done. Therefore, the work time for returning the light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 to the inspection positions after maintenance can be shortened. In addition, by elevating the light emitting section 27 and the like by the lifting section 100, the operator can easily access the inside of the container inspection apparatus 1, and the operator can easily put in and take out parts and the like. By shortening the time required for maintenance in this way, it is possible to shorten the time during which the production line is stopped, so that the productivity of the container 3 can be improved as a result. Maintenance includes, for example, adjustment of each operation part such as the first push-out mechanism 60, and model change work when the design of the container 3 is changed. Since the type changing work involves exchanging parts related to the handling of the container 3, the work is particularly time consuming. In the type change operation, for example, after removing the support portion 64 from the machine base 2 while the light emitting portion 27 and the like are raised by the lifting portion 100, the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12 are removed together, A new set of first starwheel 10 and second starwheel 12 matching the design of the container 3 after change is installed. After this attachment, the light emitting section 27 and the like are returned to the inspection position by the elevating section 100 again, and the mold change operation is completed. It was also confirmed by experiments conducted by the inventors that the use of the lifting section 100 shortened the time required for the mold change operation to less than half that of a conventional apparatus without the lifting section 100 .

The lifting section 100 may further include a lifting handle 130 . A lifting handle 130 hangs from the frame 110 and is positioned above the container 3 . The lifting handle 130 is connected to the belt 121 via a pulley. By rotating the lifting handle 130, the ball screw mechanism 124 is driven via the belt 121 and the gear box 122, and the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 can be lifted. By having the lifting handle 130 , the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 can be lifted and lowered even when the lifting motor 120 is out of order or when power is not supplied to the lifting motor 120 .

The elevation unit 100 is not limited to the ball screw mechanism 124, and instead of the ball screw mechanism 124, a known direct-acting mechanism that raises and lowers the light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 may be employed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, including substantially the same configurations as those described in the embodiments. Here, the "same configuration" means a configuration with the same function, method, and result, or a configuration with the same purpose and effect. Moreover, the present invention includes configurations in which non-essential portions of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. In addition, the present invention includes a configuration that achieves the same effects or achieves the same purpose as the configurations described in the embodiments. In addition, the present invention includes configurations obtained by adding known techniques to the configurations described in the embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a... Container inspection apparatus, 2... Machine base, 3... Container, 5... Rotation center, 7... Control device, 10...
First star wheel 11 First through hole 12 Second star wheel 13 Second through hole 14 Peripheral edge 16 Storage part 17 Support ring 18 Supply part 20 Inspection part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22... 1st inspection part, 24... 2nd inspection part, 26... 3rd inspection part, 27... Light emission part, 28... Imaging part, 30... 1st discharge part, 32... 2nd discharge part, 40... 1st conveyor , 42... Second conveyor 50, 500... First holding mechanism 52... Second holding mechanism 53... First rotary shaft 530... Rotary shaft 54... Second rotary shaft 55... First arm 550... Fixed end 552 Free end 554 Contact portion 56 Second arm 560 Arm 561 Fixed end 562 Free end 564 Contact portion 57, 570 Electric motor 58 First interval Adjustment mechanism 580 Handle 582 Ball screw mechanism 59 Long hole 60, 600 First extrusion mechanism 62 Second extrusion mechanism 64 Support part 65, 650 Push plate 65a Long hole , 65b... Chamfered portion 651... Contact plate 652... Chamfered portion 653... Sliding groove 66a, 66b, 660... Biasing member 67, 670... Cam follower 68a, 68b, 680... Extruding arm 69a... Mounting Plate 69b Slide plate 69c Knob 690 Mounting plate 691 Long hole 692 Slide plate 693 Rail 694 Guide 695 Holding plate 70 Control unit 72 Storage unit 74 Calculation unit 100 Lifting unit 110 Frame 120 Lifting motor 121 Belt 122 Gear box 124 Ball screw mechanism 125 Screw shaft 126 Guide 130 Lifting handle D1 First direction D2 Second direction H Overall height H1 First height H2 Second height W Overall width W1 First distance W2 Second distance

In such a container inspection apparatus, there is a demand for efficiency improvement by improving processing capacity .

Further, in such a container inspection apparatus, the vibration of the machine base caused by the intermittent rotation of the star wheel at high speed sometimes affects imaging in the inspection section.

[ 1 ] One aspect of the container inspection device is
An intermittently rotating star wheel having a plurality of storage units for storing containers on the periphery;
a machine base that rotatably supports the star wheel;
a frame spaced apart from the machine base;
a light-emitting part suspended from the frame and emitting light to the container;
an image capturing unit that captures an image of the container suspended from the frame and irradiated with light from the light emitting unit;
an elevating unit that elevates the light emitting unit and the imaging unit with respect to the container;
characterized by comprising

According to the above container inspection apparatus, since the frame is separated from the machine base where vibration is generated by the rotation of the star wheel or the like, the imaging section can pick up an image with high accuracy. Moreover, according to the container inspection apparatus, unlike the conventional art, the light emitting unit and the imaging unit do not have to be removed each time maintenance work is performed. can be shortened.
[2] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The frame is arranged to surround the machine base,
The imaging unit may be arranged so as to face the light emitting unit with the container interposed therebetween.
.

According to one aspect of the container inspection apparatus according to the present invention, since the frame is separated from the machine base in which vibration occurs, the imaging section can capture an image with high accuracy.

Claims (10)

An intermittently rotating star wheel having a plurality of storage units for storing containers on the periphery;
a discharge unit arranged at a position where the storage unit stops;
a holding mechanism for holding the container in the storage section at the discharge section;
a push-out mechanism for pushing out the container from the discharge unit in a discharge direction;
a machine base that rotatably supports the star wheel and supports the holding mechanism and the pushing mechanism at predetermined positions;
with
The holding mechanism includes an arm capable of coming into contact with the side surface of the container conveyed to the discharge section by rotation of the star wheel, and an electric motor rotating the arm to switch the holding mechanism between a closed state and an open state. , and
In the closed state, the arm contacts the side surface and restricts the movement of the container in the discharge direction;
The container inspection apparatus, wherein the open state is such that the arm rotates to release contact with the side surface. In claim 1,
The holding mechanism includes two rotating shafts erected at a first interval wider than the full width of the container, the arms fixed to each of the rotating shafts, and an electric motor rotating the rotating shafts. prepared,
The arm has a fixed end fixed to the rotating shaft and a free end opposite to the fixed end,
The free end of the arm fixed to one of the rotating shafts and the free end of the arm fixed to the other rotating shaft extend so as to approach each other from the respective fixed ends. A container inspection device, characterized by: In claim 2,
The two arms are arranged on each of the rotating shafts with a second vertical spacing,
The two arms are composed of a first arm positioned higher than 1/2 of the total height of the container and a second arm positioned lower than 1/2 of the total height of the container,
The container inspection device, wherein the pushing mechanism pushes the container in the discharging direction between the height of the first arm and the height of the second arm. In claim 1,
The arm has a fixed end fixed to the rotating shaft of the electric motor and a free end opposite to the fixed end,
By swinging the arm upward about the rotating shaft, the free end moves upward while moving away from the discharge section, and the holding mechanism changes from the closed state to the open state. A container inspection device characterized by: In any one of claims 2 to 4,
The container inspection device, wherein the free end is located closer to the containing portion stopped at the discharge portion than the fixed end. In the container inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The pushing mechanism has a pushing plate that contacts the container of the discharge section,
The push plate is always biased in the discharge direction,
The holding mechanism comes into contact with the container conveyed to the discharge section in the closed state, and the pushing plate retreats, and when the holding mechanism is in the open state, the pushing plate advances in the discharging direction. and pushing out the container from the container. In the container inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The star wheel includes a first star wheel and a second star wheel that have the same center of rotation and are vertically spaced apart,
The first star wheel is formed with a first through hole penetrating vertically including the center of rotation,
The second star wheel is formed with a second through hole penetrating vertically including the center of rotation,
The push-out mechanism includes a support portion that penetrates the first through hole and the second through hole and is erected on the machine base, and the container that is supported by the support portion and stops at the discharge portion. A container inspection device, comprising: a push plate that moves forward and backward. In the container inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The container inspection device further includes an inspection unit including an imaging unit that images the container,
A container inspection apparatus, wherein the imaging unit is fixed to a frame spaced apart from the machine base. In the container inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The container inspection device is
a lifting unit;
an inspection unit comprising: a light emitting unit that emits light to the container; and an imaging unit that captures an image of the container irradiated with the light from the light emitting unit;
further comprising
The elevating unit is capable of elevating the light emitting unit and the imaging unit between an inspection position that matches the height of the container conveyed by the star wheel and a maintenance position above the inspection position. and a container inspection device. An intermittently rotating star wheel having a plurality of storage units for storing containers on the periphery;
a machine base that rotatably supports the star wheel;
a frame spaced apart from the machine base;
a light-emitting part suspended from the frame and emitting light to the container;
an image capturing unit that captures an image of the container suspended from the frame and irradiated with light from the light emitting unit;
an elevating unit that elevates the light emitting unit and the imaging unit with respect to the container;
A container inspection device comprising:

Images