JP2003346125A - Wire-like material counting method, and photocatalyst filter strand counting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wire-like material counting method for reducing a man- hour by omitting an adhering and grinding step to perform the counting and a cutting and removing step after the counting, and a photocatalyst filter strand counting method. <P>SOLUTION: In the wire-like material counting method and the photocatalyst filter strand counting method, the number of wire-like assemblies 1 with a number of light-transmission wire-like materials 1a having one end part 1b and the other end part 1c collected while arranging one end parts 1b and the other end parts 1c, respectively. The light radiated from a lamp 3 is incident on the wire-like assemblies 1 while supporting the wire-like assemblies standing together in large numbers by an appliance 6 for standing together in large numbers by a light-transmission supporting plate 5, and the light is transmitted through the inside of the wire-like materials 1a. The outgoing light from one end parts 1b is received by an image processor 4 to count the number of the wire-like materials 1a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a method of counting a large number of light-transmitting linear objects and a method of counting a large number of photocatalytic filter wires.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Photocatalysis is the act of irradiating light to a photocatalyst to excite functions such as decomposition, disinfection, deodorization, and antifouling. A strong oxidation and reduction reaction occurs on the surface of titanium dioxide, decomposing and removing substances in contact with the surface. For example, when this substance is an organic substance, the organic substance is decomposed into carbon dioxide and water. Attempts have been made to use such an effect in a filter to apply it to the treatment of a fluid to be treated such as various liquids and gases, and to purify the environment.

Conventionally, in order to supply a high-performance and inexpensive photocatalytic filter device, a large number of light-transmitting particles are adhered to the outer surface of a light-transmitting linear object to form projections. A photocatalyst filter assembly is formed by forming a photocatalyst layer on the outer side surface and the surface of the projection to produce a large number of photocatalyst filter wires, and bundling a large number of these bundles. The photocatalyst filter element wires are bundled in a large number, so that a large number of projections of adjacent element wires serve as a base, and a gap corresponding to the number and size of these projections is formed on the outer surface of each element wire. . This gap is used as a flow path for the fluid to be treated in the photocatalytic filter device.

In the manufacturing process of a light-transmitting linear object including the photocatalytic filter element wire, there is a method of controlling the weight of the linear object as an inspection method for quality control. In particular, the manufacturing process of the photocatalyst filter strand is a spinning step of spinning a glass strand from a glass lump as a material, a projection forming step of forming a projection by adhering a large number of particles to the outer surface of the glass strand, and There are various processes such as a photocatalyst application process of applying a photocatalyst to the outer surface and the surface of the granular material. As one of the methods for inspecting whether the photocatalyst filter element wire after each process falls within a predetermined quality range, these weight values are measured, and the weight before and after the process to be inspected is measured. There is a method of inspecting the quality of a product that has gone through this process according to the change of the product.

[0005] In general, the photocatalyst filter element wire has an extremely small outer diameter, and the weight of one piece cut at a target length is extremely small. For example, the weight of a single photocatalyst filter wire having an outer diameter of 125 μm and a length of 260 mm is 8 mg, and it is difficult to accurately measure the minute weight of this single photocatalyst filter wire in the manufacturing process. Is also difficult in terms of man-hours. However, in practical use, a large number of the photocatalyst filter wires are assembled and used as a photocatalyst filter assembly. Therefore, a weight value obtained by measuring the weight of the photocatalyst filter assembly is compared with the number and length of the assembly. Then, by confirming these qualities, it is possible to substitute for measuring the weight of one photocatalytic filter element wire. For this reason, it is necessary to count the number of photocatalyst filter assemblies.

Next, a conventional method of counting light-transmitting linear objects will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the linear object is the photocatalytic filter element wire 1a. FIG. 8A is an explanatory view showing a longitudinal configuration of the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 that has undergone a counting adhesive polishing step in order to perform counting. One end 1b of the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 is assembled with the ends of the photocatalyst filter wires 1a approximately aligned, and is covered and bound by the heat-shrinkable tube 2 except for a portion 20 mm from both ends. ing. One end 1b of the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 is impregnated with an adhesive, cured, and the end 1b is optically polished.

FIG. 8B is a schematic view showing a method of counting the number of photocatalyst filter wires 1a included in the obtained photocatalyst filter assembly 1. Light from the lamp 3 is made incident on the other end 1c of the photocatalyst filter assembly 1, propagates inside each photocatalyst filter element wire 1a, and is emitted from one end 1b. This light is received by the image processing device 4 having the imaging lens 4a and the CCD camera 4b, and arithmetic processing is performed, and the number of the photocatalytic filter element wires 1a included in the one end 1b is counted. After performing this counting, as a cutting and removing step, the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 has one end 1
b at a location about 30 mm inward in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 8 (A) y
-Y 'line), and the portion including one end 1b is discarded. A part of the remaining photocatalyst filter assembly 1 has the heat-shrinkable tube 2 removed, and proceeds to the final inspection step.

[0008] In this method, the image processing apparatus 4 starts from one end 1 b of the polished photocatalyst filter assembly 1.
Can obtain light with a clear pattern, so that the number of photocatalytic filter wires 1a can be accurately counted.

However, the above-described method of counting the linear objects 1a still has a problem to be solved. That is, first, as a counting adhesive polishing step for counting the linear objects 1a, one end 1b is bonded and polished, and after the counting, bonding is performed as a cutting and removing step. It is necessary to cut off the portion including the one end 1b and remove the heat-shrinkable tube, which requires many man-hours. Secondly, the portion including the one cut end 1b has to be discarded, leaving room for improvement in the material yield.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first object of the present invention is to provide a method for counting linear objects which can reduce man-hours by eliminating the need for the adhesive polishing step for counting and the cutting and removing step. , And a method of counting the photocatalyst filter element wires.

The second problem is to reduce the amount of material to be discarded,
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for counting linear objects and a method for counting photocatalytic filter wires, which can improve the material yield.

[0012]

In order to solve such a problem, an invention according to claim 1 has a predetermined length and an outer surface, and has a light transmitting portion having one end and the other end. In the method of counting the number of linear object aggregates that have been assembled by aligning one end and the other end of the linear object, the linear object aggregates are established in the longitudinal direction. A forestry tool, a light-transmissive support plate having a support surface for supporting one end of the linear object assembly, and a lamp for emitting light toward the linear object assembly And, an image processing apparatus that performs an image processing operation by imaging transmitted light transmitted through the inside of the linear object by the incidence of the light is prepared, and the linear object aggregate that is established is supported by the support plate. In this state, the light emitted from the lamp is made incident on the linear object assembly, Parts passes through the, by received by the image processing device emitted light emitted from said one end, a counting method for one-dimensional object, characterized by counting the number of the linear material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the linear object counting method according to the first aspect, at least one of the forestry tool and the support plate is vibrated. This is a counting method.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the linear object counting method according to the first or second aspect, the support surface of the support plate and the one end of the linear object assembly are provided. A refractive index adjusting medium having a refractive index whose difference is smaller than the refractive index of air with respect to the respective refractive indexes of the support plate and one end of the linear object assembly. This is a method for counting linear objects.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the method for counting linear objects according to any one of the first to third aspects, the image processing apparatus is provided with the one end of the linear object from the one end. A linear object counting method, wherein a light-shielding plate for allowing only the above-mentioned light to enter is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the linear object counting method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a light-transmissive projection is formed on an outer surface of the linear object. A photocatalyst layer is formed on the outer surface and the surface of the projection to form a photocatalyst filter wire, and the linear object assembly is a photocatalyst filter assembly in which a large number of the photocatalyst filter wires are assembled. This is a method for counting the photocatalytic filter element wires.

The above-mentioned “light-transmitting linear object” is made of a material selected from multi-component glass, quartz glass, plastics, and the like, and has a light-transmitting property with respect to a required light wavelength. The transmittance of the linear substance alone is preferably 90% or more. This linear object is cut into a predetermined length and approximately the same size based on a design value of a target product, and has a linear shape in the longitudinal direction, an outer surface, and a vertical cross section in the longitudinal direction. Is circular and has one and the other ends at both ends. As a preferable outer diameter, 30 μm to
It is possible to use one within the range of 10 mm.

The above-mentioned "linear object aggregate" is formed by assembling a large number of the light-transmitting linear objects in the longitudinal direction, and the number of these linear objects is not particularly limited. Depending on the purpose, the number is in the range of several tens to several tens of thousands, and may be any number. The outer shape of the linear assembly has a substantially cylindrical shape, and has an outer surface and ends at both ends. When both ends are counted, when counting the linear object, one end is used as an emission surface for emitting light, and the other end is used as an incidence surface for receiving light. The light incident surface may be the outer surface, and light may be incident from both the other end and the outer surface.

Both ends of this linear object assembly are assembled with their both ends substantially aligned when each linear object is cut to a predetermined length. About 0.1 mm to 5 mm at each end of the linear object
Some irregularities are generated.

The above-mentioned "light-transmitting supporting plate" is made of a material selected from multi-component glass, quartz glass, plastics and the like, has a light transmitting property with respect to a required light wavelength, and has a light transmitting property. The transmittance of the plate alone is preferably 90% or more. Having a support surface in contact with the convex portion of the one end of the linear object aggregate that was established by a forestry tool described below,
This support surface has a function of supporting the linear object aggregate,
Preferably, it is arranged horizontally.

The above-mentioned "forestry tool" is a tool for arranging the linear assembly in the longitudinal direction. In other words, this forestry tool prevents the part of the linear material constituting the linear material aggregate from being loosened by virtue of the linear material aggregate being erected in a substantially vertical direction. The concave portion other than the most protruding convex portion of the end of the linear object falls downward due to the weight of the linear object, and most of one end of the linear object is aligned on the support surface of the support plate, Can be in contact.

The shape of this forestry tool is such that its cross section is circular,
It is possible to use a polygonal cylindrical body and a plurality of annular bodies arranged on the same axis. The material of this forestry tool is
Although not particularly limited, glass, stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, and the like can be used. Furthermore, by adopting a transparent material such as glass or plastics, the form of the linear object aggregate in the forestry
It is possible to confirm it, which is more preferable.

When the forestry tool has a cylindrical shape, its longitudinal dimension is at least 10 mm shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the linear assembly, and its inner diameter is, for example, an outer shape. In the case of a cylindrical shape, the dimensional ratio with respect to the outer diameter of the linear object assembly is preferably within a range of 1.5 times or more and about 5 times the outer diameter. When the inner diameter of the cylindrical body is smaller than 1.5 times, insertion of the linear object assembly becomes slightly difficult, and furthermore, the linear material in the concave portion at the one end has its own weight. This hinders the action of falling down. If the inner diameter of the cylindrical body is more than 5 times the outer diameter of the linear aggregate, the form of the linear aggregate cannot be maintained. Becomes difficult.

As the above-mentioned "lamp", a lamp which emits light including the required light wavelength can be used. Practically, it is possible to use a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a mercury xenon lamp, an LED and the like.

The above-mentioned "image processing apparatus" takes an image of light emitted from one end of the linear object assembly and transmitted through the support plate, and performs an arithmetic processing on an obtained image signal to calculate the image signal. This is a device for counting linear objects. This image processing device
An imaging lens that receives the light and focuses on a solid-state image sensor of a CCD camera described later; a CCD camera that photoelectrically converts incident light with the solid-state image sensor and outputs an image signal to an arithmetic circuit; And a processing device for performing arithmetic processing of the obtained image signal and outputting the result. This imaging lens is preferably disposed such that its optical axis is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the linear object assembly. If necessary, a mirror or a prism can be provided on the optical path of the imaging lens.

As this image processing apparatus, a commercial product can be used in practical use. The model is not particularly limited. For example, a CCD camera is an XCD manufactured by Sony Corporation.
-SX900, imaging lens is HOYA-SCHOTT
TV Micro Lens CML140Z manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Technology Co., Ltd.
For example, a personal computer (FMV6500DX3 manufactured by Fujitsu Limited) having image processing software built therein can be used.

The above-mentioned "refractive index adjusting medium" means a refractive index in which the difference between the refractive indexes of the support plate and the one end of the linear assembly is smaller than that of air. a medium having, for example, when the support plate and the linear product assemblies were both glass (refractive index n _{d =} 1.56), with respect to the refractive index of these support plates and the linear product aggregate Water (refractive index n _d = refraction index n _d = 1.00)
1.32), alcohols (eg, ethyl alcohol,
Refractive index _n d = 1.36), esters (e.g., acetate -n
- butyl, refractive index _n d = 1.39) refers to such.

The above-mentioned "light-shielding plate" allows only the light emitted from the one end of the linear assembly to be incident on the imaging lens among the light emitted from the lamp.
That is, it is a plate-like body that is arranged to shield a part of the light from being directly incident on the imaging lens by blocking the light, and to be disposed near and above the support surface of the support plate in parallel with the support surface. . This plane has a through hole having a size larger than the outer diameter of the linear object aggregate and smaller than the inner diameter of the forestry tool, and the linear object aggregate is inserted through the hole. And place it. It is preferable that the size of the through hole is equal to the outer diameter of the linear object aggregate as much as possible from the viewpoint of light shielding properties. Somewhat larger than the diameter facilitates its insertion. The material of the light-shielding plate is made of a material having a light-shielding property for light emitted from the lamp, and is made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, vinyl chloride,
It is possible to use plastics such as acrylic and polyethylene.

The light-shielding plate includes an optical component, an iris diaphragm capable of adjusting the size of a through-hole, and two plate-shaped members having U-shaped notches on the surface. It is also possible to use a slit or the like capable of adjusting the area of the through hole by arranging the notches horizontally so as to face each other and adjusting the degree to which the notches approach each other in the horizontal direction. Further, it is preferable that the surface of the light shielding plate is subjected to an antireflection surface treatment for reducing scattering of light applied to the surface.

The above-mentioned "light-transmitting protrusions" have a light-transmitting property with respect to a wavelength of light for activating the photocatalyst layer described later, and are preferably spherical particles. As the material of the projection, multi-component glass, quartz glass, plastics, or the like can be used, and a large number of the projections are formed on the outer surface of the linear object. Also, the size of this granular material is
It is designed in consideration of the outer diameter of the linear object.

Here, a preferred method of forming the projection on the outer surface of the linear object will be described below. (1) A method in which a coating solution prepared by mixing, dispersing, or suspending particles in a binder component is applied to the outer surface of a linear material to form projections. (2) A method in which a binder component is applied to the outer surface of a linear object, and particles are attached to form a projection before the binder component is solidified. (3) A method in which particles are thermally fused to the outer surface of a linear object to form projections. In this case, both can be heated together, and it is also possible to spray the particles on the outer surface of the heated linear object. Alternatively, it is possible to spray heated or molten particles on the outer surface of the linear object. (4) A method of spraying or spraying a liquid that forms particles after solidification on the outer surface of the linear object, and then solidifying the particles to form particles and forming projections. (5) A method in which the outer surface of the linear object is transformed into a sticky material with a reagent or the like, and the particles are adhered, solidified, the particles are adhered, and projections are formed. Specifically, for example, after dissolving the surface of an organic resin such as acrylic with an organic solvent (solvent), particles are adhered and solidified.

As the above-mentioned "photocatalyst layer", a typical example of the material is titanium dioxide. In addition, barium titanate, strontium titanate, sodium titanate, zirconium dioxide, cadmium sulfide, α-
Fe ₂ O ₃ or the like can be used.

Here, a preferable method for forming the photocatalyst layer on the outer surface of the linear object and the surface of the protrusion is a dipping method, a sol-gel method, aerosol method, a wash coat method, a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, A thermal decomposition method, a metal oxidation method, or the like can be employed, and one or a combination of two or more thereof can be used. The thickness of the photocatalyst layer is
The thickness is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment relates to a method for counting the photocatalytic filter element wires. First, a photocatalytic filter element wire, an assembly thereof, and a photocatalytic filter device using the same according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section in the longitudinal direction of two adjacent photocatalytic filter wires 1a. The photocatalyst filter element wire 1a uses a multi-component glass fiber 12 having an outer diameter of about 125 .mu..mu.m, which is transparent to light capable of activating a titanium dioxide layer 11 described later. A large number of silica glass granules 13 having an average particle diameter of 50 μm are distributed as protrusions on the outer surface of the multi-component glass fiber 12 and bonded and fixed with an inorganic adhesive containing silica as a main component. Further, a 2 μm-thick titanium dioxide layer 11 as a photocatalyst layer is applied to the surface of the granular material 13 and the outer surface of the multi-component glass fiber 12 by a dipping method, and is baked. The diameter is about 200 μm.

When a large number of such photocatalyst filter wires 1a are bundled, a large number of particulates 13 formed on the outer surface of the photocatalyst filter wire 1a serve as a base and flow between adjacent wires 1a. A passage 14 is formed, and in the photocatalytic filter device described later, the passage 14 serves as a passage for the fluid to be treated. In addition, since FIG. 6 shows one cross section, each flow path 14 is shown as being closed, but communicates with other cross sections.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the photocatalytic filter device 20. This photocatalyst filter device 20 collects about 70,000 photocatalyst filter strands 1a cut to a predetermined length, and aligns one end 1b and the other end 1c to form a photocatalyst filter assembly 1. Container 1 surrounding assembly 1
5 housed. The container 15 has an inlet 22 for introducing the fluid 21 to be treated, and an outlet 23 for discharging the treated fluid 21a to the outside. Further, quartz glass plates 24, 24 are provided at one end 1b and the other end 1c of the photocatalytic filter assembly 1 as light receiving windows for allowing light to enter. Further, 15 W black light fluorescent lamps 3 and 3 are provided as lamps for allowing light to be incident on each of the one end 1 b and the other end 1 c via the quartz glass plates 24 and 24. ing.

The fluid to be treated 21 containing an organic substance is introduced into the inlet 22.
And the lamps 3 and 3 are turned on at the same time, and the emitted light is made to enter from one end 1b and the other end 1c of the photocatalytic filter assembly 1. The light incident on each photocatalytic filter element wire 1a leaks into the titanium dioxide layer 11 while propagating inside the element wire 1a as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 11
To activate photocatalysis. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a large number of the granular substances 13 formed on the outer surface of each of the photocatalytic filter wires 1a are used as a matrix, as shown by the outline arrows in FIG. It flows through the formed flow path 14. The fluid to be treated 21 contacts the titanium dioxide layer 11 formed on the surface of the flow path 14, that is, the outer surface of the photocatalytic filter element wire 1a, and the surface of the granular material 13, and activated by the leaked light. By doing so, the organic matter contained in the fluid to be treated 21 is captured, decomposed, and removed. The treated fluid 21a is
It is discharged from the discharge port 23 to the outside.

The effect of the photocatalyst filter device 20 is as follows. The number of the photocatalyst filter wires 1a included in the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 constituting the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 and the predetermined number of particulate matter on the outer surface of the photocatalyst filter wires 1a 13 is formed, and the titanium dioxide layer 11 having a predetermined thickness is formed on the surface of the granular material 13 and the outer surface of the photocatalytic filter element wire 1a. As described above, since it is difficult to measure the weight of one photocatalyst filter wire 1a in the manufacturing process, the number of the photocatalyst filter wires 1a included in the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 is counted, and the weight and length are measured. It is necessary to perform quality control in each process by comparing the above.

An embodiment of the counting method of the photocatalyst filter element wires according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. A large number of photocatalyst filter wires 1a used in the present embodiment are made of multi-component glass, have an outer diameter of approximately 200 μm, a length of approximately 260 mm, and are cut to approximately the same dimensions, and one end 1b is provided at both ends. And the other end 1c. These ends 1
Since b and 1c are both cut using a blade, their cut surfaces show various forms. FIG.
Exemplifies the shapes of these cut surfaces by classifying them into five types. That is, the one cut at a right angle to the substantially longitudinal axis shown in (A), the one cut obliquely to the longitudinal axis shown in (B), and the cut surface shown in (C) Some are cut diagonally. The cut surface shown in (D) is cleaved, and the cut surface shown in (E) is hollow.

The photocatalyst filter assembly 1 is formed by taking out an arbitrary quantity from a large number of photocatalyst filter wires 1a arranged side by side at a predetermined storage position in the manufacturing process and simply assembling them. One of these ends 1
The b and the other end 1c are substantially aligned, but when observed in detail, have an uneven portion of about 0.1 to 5 mm. The outer diameter of the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 is about 3.2φ.
mm.

As the support plate, a transparent flat plate 5 made of glass was used, and its size was 76 mm × 52 mm × 1 mm.
The upper surface is the support surface 5a. The forestry tool is a glass cylindrical glass tube 6 having an outer diameter of 12 mm,
It has an inner diameter of 9.5 mm and a length of 200 mm.

The transparent plate 5 has one end sandwiched between grips 7a, and is fixed horizontally to the fixed base 7 and arranged.
A part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass tube 6 is sandwiched by a grip 7b, and the center of the transparent plate 5 and the axis in the longitudinal direction of the glass tube 6 substantially overlap with each other, and the support surface 5a of the transparent plate 5 The lower end 6b is located at a position 30 mm above.

Further, the support surface 5a of the transparent flat plate 5
The light shielding plate 8 is horizontally arranged between the glass tube 6 and the lower end 6b. This light-shielding plate 8 is also fixed by a grip 7c connected to the fixing base 7 like the transparent flat plate 5.
This light shielding plate 8 has dimensions of 100 mm × 100 mm × 1 m
m, a matte black acrylic flat plate, and a through hole 8a having a diameter of 6 φmm is formed substantially at the center of the plane, and the center of the through hole 8a and the axis in the longitudinal direction of the photocatalytic filter assembly 1 are substantially coaxial. It is arranged to be.

The photocatalyst filter assembly 1 has an end 1 b
Is inserted from the upper end 6 a of the glass tube 6, and is disposed so as to be in contact with the support surface 5 a of the transparent flat plate 5 through the through hole 8 a of the light shielding plate 8. Both ends 1 of this photocatalyst filter assembly 1
Portions of about 30 mm each of b and 1c protrude from both ends 6a and 6b of the glass tube 6.

The lamp 3 is a light source having a built-in 100 W halogen lamp (Medium manufactured by HOYA-SCHOTT Co., Ltd.).
gaLight100) and a light guide (HOYA-SCHOTT F) for guiding the light from the lamp 3 to the other end 1c of the photocatalytic filter assembly 1 outside.
GS6F1000).

The image processing device 4 includes an imaging lens 4a (HO
YA-SCHOTT TV Micro Lens CM
L140Z), a CCD camera 4b (XCD-SX900 manufactured by Sony Corporation), and a processing device 4c. The processing device 4c includes a personal computer (FMV6500DX3 manufactured by Fujitsu Limited) and image processing software (Particle Analysis I manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Technology Co., Ltd.)
I). The imaging lens 4a and the CCD camera 4b are optically coupled, and are arranged such that the optical axis is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the photocatalytic filter assembly 1. CCD camera 4b and processing unit 4c
Are connected by a camera cable 4d.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. A part of one end 1 b of the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 is supported in contact with the support surface 5 a of the transparent flat plate 5. At the same time, the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 is inserted into a glass tube 6 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the assembly 1 so that the outer periphery of the The wire 1a located at the portion is supported in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the glass tube 6, and this aggregate 1 is slightly disaggregated along the inner peripheral surface of the glass tube 6, and stands inside the glass tube 6. are doing. Also, the wires 1a inside the aggregate 1 are in contact with each other and partially support the outer surfaces of the respective wires 1a to support each other, and stand in the glass tube 6. On the other hand, on the support surface 5a of the transparent flat plate 5, of the end 1b of each of the photocatalytic filter element wires 1a having the above-mentioned uneven portions,
Most of the element wire 1a of the concave portion falls downward due to its own weight, and comes into contact with the support surface 5a of the transparent flat plate 5 so that the one end portion 1b
Are aligned.

Further, by vibrating or applying a slight impact to the transparent flat plate 5 in the vertical and horizontal directions, it is possible to promote the depression of the concave portion below the element wire 1a. In this embodiment, this effect was confirmed by applying a light impact several times by hand.

Next, the lamp 3 is turned on.
The light emitted from the end portion 1c of the photocatalyst filter assembly 1
From the end 1b. This light is transmitted through the transparent flat plate 5 and the imaging lens 4
The light enters the CCD camera 4b through a. On the other hand, of the light emitted from the lamp 3, the remaining light not incident on the end 1 c is shielded by the light shielding plate 8. CCD
The light incident on the camera 4b is photoelectrically converted by a solid-state image pickup device built in the CCD camera 4b, and processes an image signal indicating the form of the photocatalytic filter element wire 1a included in the end 1b of the photocatalytic filter assembly 1. Output to the device 4c.

The image signal input to the processing device 4c is subjected to a density inversion process, an automatic binarization process, and an unnecessary particle removal process according to a preset sequence of image processing software. The number of the photocatalyst filter wires 1a included in the end 1b is analyzed, and the calculation result is displayed on the display device of the personal computer. End 1b of photocatalyst filter assembly 1 obtained
The value of the number of the photocatalyst filter wires 1a included in the number was 84, and it was confirmed that the value matched the actual number.

Next, an embodiment of the method for counting linear objects according to claim 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The path of light incident on the photocatalyst filter element wire 1a is shown in a simplified manner by arrows in the figure. FIG. 3A shows that one end 1 b of the photocatalyst filter element wire 1 a is connected to the support surface 5 a of the transparent flat plate 5.
Is shown using a microscopic form that is cut obliquely to the longitudinal axis of FIG. 2B.
This photocatalyst filter element wire 1a is erected and the support surface 5a
, A minute gap, that is, an air layer 19 is generated between the end 1b and the support surface 5a. The air layer 19 emits light incident on the photocatalytic filter element wire 1a from one end 1b and, when it is incident on the transparent flat plate 5, generates diffused light at the end 1b and the support surface 5a. It is a factor that causes this.

[0052] In general, when light passes through the two media of different refractive index to each other (n _d), in accordance with some differences in their refractive index, resulting in irregular reflection light at the interface. That element wire _1a (n d = 1.56) and the air layer 19 _(n d =
1.00), the air layer 19 and the transparent flat plate 5 (n
_At the interface with ( _d = 1.56), diffusely reflected light corresponding to the difference between the refractive indices is generated. The irregularly reflected light is not only unnecessary for performing the counting, but also complicates the arithmetic processing for performing the counting in the processing device 4c. Therefore, reducing the irregularly reflected light is effective in obtaining a better image signal when performing counting.

Here, FIG. 3B shows this end 1b,
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a form in which about 2 cc of water 9 is dropped on an air layer 19 between the transparent flat plate 5 and a support surface 5a. FIG.
(C) is an image received by the image processing device 4 with the water 9 dropped as described above using the configuration of FIG. 1.
According to this, the light emitted from the end 1b is the water 9 (n
_d = 1.32), the above-described difference in the refractive index is reduced, and the interface between the wire 1a and the water 9 and the water 9 and the transparent plate 5 It was also confirmed that the irregularly reflected light at the interface with the substrate also decreased, and that a clearer image could be obtained. Therefore, the processing device 4c can more easily perform the arithmetic processing for counting based on the clear image signal. Further, in this embodiment, although the air layer 19 is interposed water as refractive index adjusting medium, alcohols (e.g., ethyl _alcohol, n d = 1.36), esters (e.g., acetate -n- butyl, it is also possible to use n _d = 1.39) equivalents such.

Next, the degree of man-hour reduction by the linear object counting method of the present invention will be described in comparison with the above-mentioned conventional technology. According to the linear object counting method of the present invention, the counting adhesive polishing step and the cutting / removing step required in the related art are unnecessary, and the time required for counting an arbitrary number of photocatalyst filter assemblies 1 is eliminated. Is about 3 minutes. This proved to be 1/20 of the counting method according to the prior art.

Next, the degree of improvement in the material yield by the linear object counting method of the present invention will be described in comparison with the above-mentioned conventional technology. According to the linear object counting method of the present invention, the photocatalyst filter element wire 1a is only cut once to a predetermined length, and does not require disposal. On the other hand, in the conventional technique, it is necessary to cut one end 1b of the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 by about 30 mm and discard it for one count. This waste is used as the photocatalyst filter element wire 1 of the present embodiment.
This corresponds to about 12% when compared to the total length of 260 mm. In the actual manufacturing process, it is necessary to perform this counting at least three times or more, so that about 35% or more of the material need not be discarded as compared with the conventional counting method. Therefore, it was confirmed that the material yield was significantly improved by the counting method of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the light from the lamp 3 shown in FIG. 1 is made incident on the other end 1c of the photocatalyst filter assembly 1, but it is also possible to make it incident from this outer surface. It is also possible to make the light incident on both the end 1c and the outer surface.

It is also possible to dispose an optical component such as a prism or a reflecting mirror on the optical path between the transparent flat plate 5 and the imaging lens 4a. FIG. 4A shows a transparent flat plate 5.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a mode in which a prism 17 is provided on an optical path between the camera and an imaging lens 4a. FIG. 4 (B)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which two reflecting mirrors 18 are provided on an optical path between a transparent flat plate 5 and an imaging lens 4a. According to these, the photocatalyst filter aggregate 1 for performing counting,
The degree of freedom of arrangement with the CCD camera 4b is increased.

In the present embodiment, the light shielding plate 8 is made of an acrylic flat plate. However, as shown in FIG. 5A, an iris diaphragm 16 which is an optical component can be used. . In this case, with the iris diaphragm 16 opened,
After the photocatalyst filter assembly 1 is inserted from one end 1b thereof, the iris diaphragm 16 is squeezed in accordance with the outer diameter of the assembly 1 so that the outer diameter and the size of the through-hole 8a are roughly reduced. It is possible to make them the same, and the light-shielding property is improved. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, two metal plates 17a and 17b each having a U-shaped notch on the surface are horizontally arranged such that the notches are opposed to each other, and the two are horizontally aligned with each other. By adjusting the degree of approach in the direction,
For example, a slit 17 whose area can be adjusted can be used. In this case, any number of photocatalyst filter assemblies 1 can be shared by one type of light shielding plate in the linear object counting method of the present invention.

Although the linear object in the present embodiment is a photocatalytic filter element wire, the linear object used in the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and may be a multi-component glass fiber, a quartz fiber, or the like. Intermediate products of the photocatalytic filter element wire can be mentioned, and it is effective as a method for counting these.

[0060]

As described above in detail, according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, first, a counting for counting the light-transmitting linear object and the photocatalytic filter element wire is performed. By eliminating the need for the adhesive polishing step and the cutting and removing step, it is possible to provide a method of counting linear objects and a method of counting photocatalytic filter wires, which can reduce the number of steps. Second
In addition, it is possible to provide a method for counting a light-transmitting linear object and a method for counting a photocatalytic filter element wire, which can reduce the amount of material to be discarded and improve the material yield.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a method of counting photocatalytic filter wires according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A to 2E are schematic diagrams in which the appearance of a photocatalyst filter element wire 1a and the form of each cross section are classified.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a form of a gap formed between a supporting surface 5a of a transparent flat plate 5 and one end 1b of a photocatalytic filter element wire 1a, and a form in which water is interposed in the gap. FIG.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a transparent flat plate 5 and an imaging lens 4;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which a prism and two reflecting mirrors are provided on an optical path between the prism and a.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top views showing an iris diaphragm 16 and a slit 17 that can be used for a light shielding plate.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a form of two photocatalytic filter wires 1a in a longitudinal direction.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a photocatalytic filter device.

8 (A) and 8 (B) are cross-sectional views showing a longitudinal configuration of a photocatalyst filter assembly 1 having undergone an adhesive polishing step for counting used in a conventional counting method, and a conventional counting method using the same. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photocatalyst filter assembly 1a ... Photocatalyst filter wire 1b ... Photocatalyst filter assembly and one end 1c of photocatalyst filter wire 1 ... Photocatalyst filter assembly and photocatalyst filter wire The other end 3 Lamp 4 Image processing device 5 Transparent flat plate 5a Support surface 6 Glass tube 8 Light shielding plate 9 Water 11 Dioxide Titanium layer 12 Multi-component glass fiber 13 Granular material

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A large number of light-transmitting linear objects having a predetermined length and an outer surface and having one end and the other end are aligned at one end and the other end. In a method for counting the number of assembled linear object aggregates, a forestation tool for growing the linear object aggregates in the longitudinal direction thereof, and for supporting one end of the linear object aggregates A light-transmitting supporting plate having a supporting surface, a lamp for emitting light toward the linear object assembly, and imaging of transmitted light transmitted through the linear object by the incidence of the light. And an image processing apparatus for performing an arithmetic process. The light emitted from the lamp is incident on the linear object aggregate in a state where the linear object aggregate is supported by the support plate. Then, the light that has passed through the inside of the linear object and exits from the one end is subjected to the image processing. By receiving the location, counting method for one-dimensional object, characterized by counting the number of the linear material. 2. The method for counting linear objects according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the forestry tool and the support plate is vibrated. 3. The method for counting linear objects according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting surface of the support plate and the one end of the linear object assembly are disposed between the support surface and the one end of the linear object assembly. It is characterized in that a refractive index adjusting medium having a refractive index whose difference is smaller than the refractive index of air with respect to the respective refractive indexes of the support plate and one end of the linear object assembly is interposed. How to count linear objects. 4. The linear object counting method according to claim 1, wherein only the light from the one end of the linear object is incident on the image processing apparatus. A method for counting linear objects, comprising disposing a plate. 5. The linear object counting method according to claim 1, wherein a light-transmissive projection is formed on an outer surface of the linear object, and the outer surface and the projection are formed. A photocatalyst filter element, wherein a photocatalyst layer is provided on the surface to form a photocatalyst filter element, and the linear object assembly is a photocatalyst filter element in which a large number of the photocatalyst element elements are assembled. Counting method.