JP2007021308A - Article inspection system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article inspection system capable of stabilizing a posture of an article to be inspected even after its reversion, preventing cracking and chipping of the article during its transfer, and easily inspecting not only a top surface and backside of the article but also respective side surfaces. <P>SOLUTION: There is provided the article inspection system in which an exposed portion of an electronic component M that is housed in a housing groove 20 on one side of a transfer belt 12 is imaged with a first CCD camera 40, and appearance quality of the article is determined by an image inspection apparatus 48 according to the imaging result; the transfer belt 12 is folded into a folding groove 18 by a reverse guide rail 38, the transfer belt 12 is reversed in a state where the housing groove 20 on the one side of the transfer belt 12 in a width direction that houses the electronic component M therein is covered with a housing groove 22 on the other side of the transfer belt 12 in the width direction, and after reversing the transfer belt 12, one side 12X of the transfer belt 12 in the width direction is expanded; and when the electronic component M is housed in the housing groove 22 on the other side of the transfer belt 12 in the width direction, the exposed portion of the electronic component M is imaged with a second CCD camera 44, and appearance quality of the article is determined by the image inspection apparatus 48 according to the imaging result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an article inspection apparatus that inspects an appearance of an article such as an electronic component while it is being conveyed.

  As a conventional article inspection apparatus, it is provided with a carry-in side belt conveyor that feeds articles and a carry-out side belt conveyor that sends out articles, and both belts of the carry-in side belt conveyor and the carry-out side belt conveyor are hung on the outer periphery of one dual-purpose roller. A substantially horizontal straight line is formed by forming a reverse semicircular arc-shaped reversal conveying part that sandwiches and reverses the article between both belts, and the article fed into the reverse conveying part and reversed is placed on the carry-out side belt conveyor. There is a known track that is separated from the carry-in side belt conveyor and sent out (see Patent Document 1 below).

As another article inspection apparatus, an endless V-shaped belt having a V-shaped cross-section and small holes formed at a predetermined pitch is wound downstream of the rotary parts feeder, and the surface is in contact with the side wall of the V-shaped belt. An optical sensor for detecting the front and back of the chip resistor R to be conveyed, and an air jet for reversing it to the other side when it is detected to face up are provided. Further, there is known one in which a front and back alignment belt conveyor is connected and a linear parts feeder having a confluence track is connected to the downstream end in the vicinity thereof (see Patent Document 2 below).
JP 2003-155113 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-285651

  However, in the article inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the article is sandwiched and reversed by both belts in the reversing conveyance unit, the article holding force when the article is reversed is relatively weak, and There is a problem that the posture varies and the posture is not stable. In addition, since the article is sandwiched between the two belts at a predetermined pressure and reversed, there is a problem in that cracking of the article occurs when the easily broken article is reversed. Furthermore, since the back surface and the front surface of the article are exposed to the outside due to inversion, the back surface and the front surface can be imaged by an imaging means such as a CCD camera, but there is a problem that imaging of the side surface of the article is still difficult.

  Moreover, in the article inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the front and back of an article are determined using an optical sensor on a V-shaped belt, and the compressed air is linked to a determination signal to perform front and back alignment. In order to improve accuracy, there is a problem that an article reversing mechanism using a plurality of optical sensors and compressed air is required. As a result, there is a problem when the apparatus is increased in size and the manufacturing cost of the apparatus is increased.

  Therefore, the present invention can reduce the manufacturing cost by simplifying the apparatus in consideration of the above circumstances, and can stabilize the posture of the article even after the article to be inspected is reversed, while the article is being conveyed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an article inspection apparatus capable of easily inspecting not only the front and back surfaces of an article but also each side face.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an article inspection apparatus that inspects the appearance of the article while conveying the article, and is formed so as to be foldable at a center line extending in a longitudinal direction at a substantially central portion in the width direction, A conveyor belt that is stored so that a part of the article is exposed at a position that is substantially symmetric in the width direction with respect to the center line, and a plurality of storage portions are arranged along the longitudinal direction, and the conveyor belt in the longitudinal direction A belt drive section that feeds toward the center, and a width direction that is symmetrical with respect to the center line with respect to the storage section on one side in the width direction with respect to the center line in which the article is stored by bending the conveyor belt with respect to the center line The conveyor belt is reversed with the other storage section covered and the other storage section on the other side in the width direction covered with the other storage section on the other side in the width direction. A conveying belt reversing mechanism that expands the storage portion on one side in the width direction with respect to the center line and stores the article so that a part of the storage portion is exposed in the storage portion on the other side in the width direction; A first imaging unit that images an exposed part of the article stored in the storage part on the side, and an exposed part of the article stored in the storage part on the other side in the width direction after inversion. A second image pickup unit that picks up an image; and a quality determination unit that determines the quality of the appearance of the article based on the imaging results captured by the first image pickup unit and the second image pickup unit. Features.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the article inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage portion is a through-hole penetrating the conveyance belt.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the article inspection apparatus according to the second aspect, a groove having a shape corresponding to a protruding portion of the article protruding from the lower side of the conveyor belt is formed below the conveyor belt. A guide rail is arranged.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the article inspection apparatus according to the third aspect, the article is sucked into the groove of the guide rail.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the article inspection apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the article has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the storage portion stores the article in a state where the article is stored. The article is stored so that the two side surfaces are exposed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the article inspection apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are arranged at positions where two side surfaces of the article can be simultaneously imaged. Features.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the article inspection apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are opposed to the exposed side surface of the article. It is arrange | positioned in the position which carries out.

  The invention described in claim 8 is the article inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein compressed air is applied to the article stored in the storage unit from below the storage unit. An external force acting part that causes the compressed air to act, and a discharge part that takes out the article from which the compressed air is applied from the storage part.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the article inspection apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the discharge unit changes a discharge location of the article based on a pass / fail determination result of the pass / fail determination unit.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the conveyor belt is sent out in the longitudinal direction by the belt driving unit. An article is accommodated in the accommodating part on one side in the width direction with respect to the center line of the conveyor belt so that a part of the article is exposed, and the exposed part is imaged by the first imaging part. Based on the imaging result of the first imaging unit, the quality determination unit determines the quality of the appearance of the article. When imaging by the first imaging unit is completed, the conveyor belt is bent with respect to the center line by the conveyor belt reversing mechanism. When the conveyance belt is bent with respect to the center line, the storage portion on the other side in the width direction is covered with respect to the storage portion on the one side in the width direction with respect to the center line in which the articles are stored. Then, the conveying belt is reversed with the accommodating portion on the one side in the width direction covered with the accommodating portion on the other side in the width direction, and the accommodating portion on the one side in the width direction of the conveying belt is developed with respect to the center line. Accordingly, the article is stored such that a part of the article is exposed in the storage section on the other side in the width direction. When the article is stored such that a part of the article is exposed in the storage section on the other side in the width direction, the exposed portion is imaged by the second imaging unit. Based on the imaging result of the second imaging unit, the quality determination unit determines the quality of the appearance of the article.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since an article reversing mechanism for supplying a plurality of optical sensors and compressed air is not required, the configuration of the article inspection apparatus can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Can do. Further, by using the conveyance belt reversing mechanism having the above-described function, the posture of the article can be stabilized even after the article is reversed, and the article can be prevented from being broken and chipped during the reversal of the article.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the storage portion is a through-hole penetrating the conveyance belt, a pressing force can be applied to an article stored in the storage portion from below the storage portion. . Thereby, the articles stored in the storage unit can be easily taken out from the storage unit. In addition, by applying a suction force to the article stored in the storage unit from below the storage unit, the posture of the article being conveyed can be more reliably and stably maintained.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the guide rail in which the groove having the shape corresponding to the protruding portion of the article protruding from the lower side of the conveyor belt is disposed below the conveyor belt, the storage portion The article can be conveyed while the posture of the article stored in the container is stabilized.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the article is sucked into the groove of the guide rail, the article stored in the storage unit can be conveyed in a more stable state.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the storage unit stores the article so that the two side surfaces of the article are exposed in a state where the substantially rectangular parallelepiped article is stored. A single imaging unit can simultaneously image two side surfaces of the article.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are arranged at positions where the two side surfaces of the article can be simultaneously imaged, the two side surfaces of the article can be simultaneously imaged by each imaging unit. Can do. Thereby, it is possible to simultaneously image the two side surfaces of the article with a single imaging unit.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are disposed at positions facing the exposed side surface of the article, each imaging unit images the side surface of the article from the front. can do. Thereby, the imaging accuracy of each imaging unit can be improved.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, compressed air is applied to the article stored in the storage section from below the storage section by the external force application section, and the article on which the compressed air is applied is stored in the storage section by the discharge section. Taken from. Thereby, an article can be easily taken out from the storage unit.

  According to the invention described in claim 9, since the discharge location of the article by the discharge unit is changed based on the pass / fail determination result of the pass / fail determination section, it is possible to sort the pass / fail of the article and efficiently discharge the article. .

  Next, an article inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a configuration in which an article to be inspected is applied to an electronic component will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to an electronic component, and other articles may be used as long as the appearance of each side is to be inspected. The configuration may be acceptable.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the article inspection apparatus 10 includes a conveyance belt 12. The conveyor belt 12 is an endless belt and is stretched between two conveyor rollers 14 and 16. A folding groove (center line) 18 is formed in a straight line along the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 12 spanned between the two conveyor rollers 14 and 16 at a substantially central position in the width direction.

  A plurality of one-side storage grooves 20 are formed at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 12 on one side in the belt width direction (the arrow X direction side in FIG. 1) with respect to the folding groove 18 of the conveyor belt 12. ing. This one side accommodation groove | channel 20 is comprised by the through-hole penetrated in the thickness direction. The one-side storage groove 20 is formed in such a shape that a part thereof is exposed in a state where the electronic component M is stored. In particular, the one-side storage groove 20 is preferably formed in such a shape that its two side surfaces M1 and M2 are exposed in a state where the electronic component M is stored.

  Further, on the other side in the belt width direction (the arrow Y direction side in FIG. 1) with respect to the folding groove 18 of the conveying belt 12, and at a position symmetrical to the one side storage groove 20 with respect to the folding groove 18 in the belt width direction, A plurality of the other-side storage grooves 22 are formed at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the transport belt 12. The other-side storage groove 22 is a through-hole that penetrates in the thickness direction. The other storage groove 22 is formed in such a shape that a part thereof is exposed in a state in which the electronic component M is stored. In particular, the other-side storage groove 22 is preferably formed in a shape such that the two side surfaces M3 and M4 are exposed in a state where the electronic component M is stored.

  A driving motor 24 is connected to one of the two conveying rollers 14 and 16, and is driven to rotate by the driving force of the driving motor 24. The other transport roller 14 of the two transport rollers 14 and 16 is a driven roller. Further, a tension roller 26 for applying a predetermined tension to the conveyor belt 12 is in contact with the conveyor belt 12. The drive motor 24 is driven and controlled by the control unit 28.

  A guide guide 30 is disposed below the conveyor belt 12 so as to face the conveyor belt 12. A guide groove 32 having a shape corresponding to the protruding portion of the electronic component M protruding from the lower side of the conveyor belt 12 is continuously formed along the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the guide guide 30 facing the conveyor belt 12. Yes. A suction hole (not shown) is formed in the groove bottom of the guide groove 32. The guide groove 32 is formed at a position corresponding to each of the electronic component M stored in the one-side storage groove 20 of the transport belt 12 and the electronic component M stored in the other-side storage groove 22 of the transport belt 12. Has been. Thus, by forming the guide grooves 32 at positions symmetrical with respect to the folding groove 18 of the conveyor belt 12 in the belt width direction, the conveyor belt 12 is advanced in the reverse direction, and the electronic component M is moved to the other side storage groove 22. The same guide 30 can be used as it is even when moving from one side to the other storage groove 20.

  The guide guide 30 is connected to a pump 36 capable of sucking air or supplying compressed air under the control of the electromagnetic valve 34, so that air is sucked from the groove bottom of the guide groove 32 to the guide groove 32. On the other hand, compressed air can be supplied. In particular, when the electronic component M is transported and simultaneously sucked by the pump 36, the posture of the electronic component M transported by the transport belt 12 can be reliably maintained stably. Further, by supplying the compressed air to the guide groove 32 by the pump 36, the compressed air can be applied to the electronic component M stored in the other side storage groove 22 from below, and the electronic component M is stored in the other side. It can be easily taken out from the groove 22. The pump 36 and the electromagnetic valve 34 are driven and controlled by the control unit 28. The electromagnetic valve 34 may be driven and controlled by an image inspection device 48 described later. Further, instead of forming a suction hole (not shown) in the groove bottom of the guide groove 32, a porous plate may be provided so that air suction and compressed air supply can be made.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a reversing guide rail 38 is disposed at a reversing point P <b> 3 in the vicinity of the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the transport belt 12. The reverse guide rail 38 is configured to bend the belt belt one side 12 </ b> X or the belt width other side 12 </ b> Y around the folding groove 18. Specifically, the reversing guide rail 38 corresponds to the one-side storage groove 20 in which the electronic article M is stored in a state where the two side surfaces M1 and M2 are exposed in the process in which the conveyance belt 12 advances. The other side 12Y in the belt width direction of the conveyor belt 12 is folded with respect to the folding groove 18 so as to cover the other side storage groove 22, and the one side storage groove 20 is covered with the other side storage groove 22 (that is, the electronic component M is mounted). The conveyor belt 12 is reversed in a state where the conveyor belt 12 is sandwiched between the belt width direction one side 12X and the belt width direction other side 12Y, and after the reversal, the belt width direction one side 12X of the conveyor belt 12 is folded into the groove 18 for folding. The electronic article M is stored in the other storage groove 22 so that the two side surfaces M3 and M4 are exposed.

  A first CCD camera 40 for imaging the appearance of the electronic component M housed in the one-side housing groove 20 is disposed at the first imaging point P2 on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the reversal point P3 of the transport belt 12. Has been. In detail, two first CCD cameras 40 are arranged, and each side surface M1 where the lens surface of each first CCD camera 40 is exposed from the one side storage groove 20 of the electronic component M stored in the one side storage groove 20; It arrange | positions so that M2 may each be opposed. In this way, each first CCD camera 40 is disposed so as to face the two side surfaces M1 and M2 of the electronic component M, respectively. Further, in the vicinity of each first CCD camera 40, an illumination lamp 42 for irradiating light to the electronic component M imaged by each first CCD camera 40 is disposed. Each first CCD camera 40 and illumination lamp 42 are controlled by an image inspection device 48.

  A second CCD camera 44 for imaging the appearance of the electronic component M stored in the other storage groove 22 is disposed at the second imaging point P4 on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the inversion point P3 of the transport belt 12. Has been. Specifically, two second CCD cameras 44 are arranged, and each side surface M3 of the lens surface of each second CCD camera 44 exposed from the other storage groove 22 of the electronic component M stored in the other storage groove 22 is provided. It is arranged so as to face M4. In this way, each second CCD camera 44 is disposed so as to face the two side surfaces M3 and M4 of the electronic component M. Further, in the vicinity of each second CCD camera 44, an illumination lamp 46 for irradiating light to the electronic component M imaged by each second CCD camera 44 is disposed. Each second CCD camera 44 and illumination lamp 46 are controlled by an image inspection device 48.

  In addition, each 1st CCD camera 40 and each 2nd CCD camera 44 are not restricted to the structure arrange | positioned so that each side M1, M2, M3, M4 of the electronic component M may be directly opposed, For example, the electronic component M A configuration may be adopted in which the lens surfaces of the first CCD camera 40 and the second CCD camera 44 are opposed to the ridge line portion. With such a configuration, the two side surfaces M1 and M2 (M3 and M4) exposed from the storage grooves 20 (22) of the electronic component M stored in the storage grooves 20 (22) can be obtained only by arranging one CCD camera. ) At the same time.

  Further, the article inspection device 10 includes an image inspection device 48. Imaging data captured by each first CCD camera 40 and each second CCD camera 44 is transmitted to the image inspection device 48, and the image inspection device 48 determines the quality of the electronic component M based on the imaging data.

  An electronic component discharge for taking out the electronic component M stored in the other storage groove 22 from the other storage groove 22 at a discharge point P5 on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the second imaging point P4 of the transport belt 12. A mechanism 50 is arranged. The electronic component discharge mechanism 50 is, for example, a robot arm type, and is driven and controlled by the control unit 28 based on the inspection result of the image inspection apparatus 48. For example, the electronic component M determined to be good by the image inspection device 48 is discharged to a superior electronic component discharge area (not shown) by the control of the control unit 28, and the electronic component M determined to be defective by the image inspection device 48 is controlled. It is discharged to a defective electronic component discharge area (not shown) under the control of the unit 28. When the electronic component M is taken out from the other storage groove 22 by the electronic component discharge mechanism 50, the pump 36 is controlled by the control unit 28, and the compressed air is applied from below to the electronic component M from the other storage groove 22. Is supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic component supply mechanism for supplying the electronic component M to the one-side storage groove 20 is provided at the supply point P1 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the first imaging point P2 of the conveyance belt 12. (The illustration is omitted) and a surplus electronic component removal mechanism 52 for removing the surplus electronic component M is disposed.

  Next, the operation of the article inspection apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the drive motor 24 is driven and controlled by the control unit 28, the two rollers 14 and 16 rotate, and the transport belt 12 advances in a predetermined direction. Then, the electronic component M is supplied to the one side storage groove 20 of the conveyor belt 12 at the supply point P1. The electronic component M is supplied by, for example, an electronic component supply mechanism (not shown). As a result, the electronic component M is stored in the one-side storage groove 20 so that the two side surfaces M1 and M2 are exposed from the one-side storage groove 20.

  When the electronic component M is stored in the one-side storage groove 20, the electronic component M is transported in the traveling direction by the transport belt 12, and eventually reaches the first imaging point P2. When the electronic component M reaches the first imaging point P2, the first CCD camera 40 and the illumination lamp 42 are driven and controlled by the control unit 28 via the image inspection device 48, and the two side surfaces M1 of the electronic component M being conveyed are conveyed. , M2 is imaged.

  Imaging data relating to the two side surfaces M1 and M2 of the electronic component M captured by each first CCD camera 40 is transmitted to the image inspection device 48, and the quality is determined. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether the two side surfaces of the electronic component M are excellent or defective.

  Further, when the electronic component M passes through the first imaging point P2, it eventually reaches the inversion point P3. As shown in FIG. 3, at the reversal point P3, the conveyance belt 12 is folded with respect to the folding groove 18 by the reversal guide rail 38 so that the other side 12Y of the conveyance belt 12 in the belt width direction faces the one side 12X in the belt width direction. It is. Then, the conveyor belt is folded by the reverse guide rail 38 until the other side 12Y in the belt width direction faces the one side 12X in the belt width direction. At this time, the one-side storage groove 20 in which the electronic component M is stored is covered with the other-side storage groove 22 formed at a position symmetric with respect to the folding groove 18 in the belt width direction. The electronic component M is sandwiched between the one side 12X and the other side 12Y in the belt width direction. Further, the conveyance belt 12 is reversed by approximately 180 degrees by the reversing guide rail 38 in a state where the electronic component M is sandwiched between the belt width direction one side 12X and the belt width direction other side 12Y. Thereafter, one side 12 </ b> X in the belt width direction of the conveyor belt 12 is developed about 180 degrees with respect to the folding groove 18 by the reverse guide rail 38. As a result, the electronic component M stored in the one-side storage groove 20 is moved to the other-side storage groove 22. The inversion of the conveyor belt 12 described above is performed while the conveyor belt 12 is moving.

  When the electronic component M is stored in the other storage groove 22, the electronic component M stored in the other storage groove 22 eventually reaches the second imaging point P4. When the electronic component M reaches the second imaging point P4, the second CCD camera 44 and the illumination lamp 46 are driven and controlled by the control unit 28 via the image inspection device 48, and the two side surfaces M3 of the electronic component M being conveyed. , M4 is imaged.

  Imaging data regarding the two side surfaces M3 and M4 of the electronic component M captured by each second CCD camera 44 is transmitted to the image inspection device 48, and the quality is determined. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether the two side surfaces of the electronic component M are excellent or defective.

  Further, when the electronic component M passes the second imaging point P4, it eventually reaches the discharge point P5. When the electronic component M reaches the discharge point P5, the electronic component discharge mechanism 50 is driven and controlled by the control unit 28 based on the inspection result of the image inspection apparatus 48, and the electronic component M is discharged to a predetermined area. Specifically, the electronic component M determined to be good by the image inspection device 48 is discharged to a superior electronic component discharge area (not shown) under the control of the control unit 28, and the electronic component determined to be defective by the image inspection device 48. M is discharged to a defective electronic component discharge area (not shown) under the control of the control unit 28. Here, when the electronic component M is taken out from the other storage groove 22 by the electronic component discharge mechanism 50, the control unit 28 controls the pump 36 and compresses the electronic component M from the other side storage groove 22 from below. Since air is supplied, the electronic component M is easily taken out from the other-side storage groove 22.

  As described above, according to the article inspection apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, an article inversion mechanism that supplies a plurality of optical sensors and compressed air to invert the electronic component M becomes unnecessary. The configuration can be simplified and downsized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, by using the reversing guide rail 38 having the above-described function, the posture of the electronic component M can be stabilized even after the electronic component M is reversed, and the electronic component M is cracked and chipped during the reversing of the electronic component M. Can be prevented.

  A guide rail 30 having a guide groove 32 having a shape corresponding to the protruding portion of the electronic component protruding from the lower side of the conveyor belt 12 is disposed below the conveyor belt 12. The electronic component M can be transported while stabilizing the posture of the electronic component M housed in the container.

  In addition, since each of the storage grooves 20 and 22 is a through-hole penetrating the conveyance belt 12, in particular, by sucking air from the guide groove 32 by the pump 36, a suction force is applied to the electronic component M being conveyed. Can act. Thereby, the attitude | position of the electronic component M conveyed can be stably maintained more reliably.

  Further, compressed air (pressing force) can be applied to the electronic component M stored in each of the storage grooves 20 and 22 from below the storage grooves 20 and 22 by the pump 36. Thereby, the electronic component M accommodated in the other side accommodation groove 22 can be easily taken out from the other side accommodation groove 22 at the discharge point P5.

  Further, since the first CCD camera 40 (second CCD camera 44) is disposed at a position facing each of the side surfaces M1, M2 (M3, M4) where the electronic component M is exposed, the first CCD camera 40 (second CCD camera) is arranged. 44), the side surface of the electronic component M can be imaged from the front. Thereby, the imaging accuracy of each CCD camera 40 and 44 can be improved.

  On the other hand, the first CCD camera 40 (second CCD camera 44) is arranged at a position where the two side surfaces M1, M2 (M3, M4) of the electronic component M can be simultaneously imaged, so that the first CCD camera 40 (second CCD camera 44) The two side surfaces M1 and M2 (M3 and M4) of the electronic component M can be imaged simultaneously. Accordingly, the two side surfaces M1 and M2 (M3 and M4) of the electronic component M can be simultaneously imaged by one CCD camera.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the longitudinal direction of each of the storage grooves 20 and 22 formed in the transport belt 12 is configured along the traveling direction of the transport belt 12 has been described as an example. The longitudinal direction may be configured along a direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the conveyor belt. In addition, the configuration in which the two side surfaces M1, M2 (M3, M4) of the electronic component M are exposed in a state where the electronic component M is stored in each storage groove 20 (22) has been described as an example. The electronic component may be stored in each storage groove so that only one side surface is exposed.

(A) is a top view of the article inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, (B) is a side view thereof, and (C) is a partial sectional view thereof. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the article inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the shape change of the conveyance belt which comprises the article inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment, (A) is the top view, (B) is a fragmentary sectional view, (C ) Is a side view thereof.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Article inspection apparatus 12 Conveyance belt 16 Conveyance roller (belt drive part)
18 Folding groove (center line)
20 One side storage groove (storage part)
22 Other side storage groove (storage part)
24 Drive motor (belt drive unit)
30 Guide Guide (Guide Rail)
32 Guide groove (groove)
34 Solenoid valve (external force acting part)
36 Pump (External force acting part)
38 Reverse guide rail (Conveyor belt reverse mechanism)
40 1st CCD camera (1st imaging part)
44 Second CCD camera (second imaging unit)
48 Image inspection device (good or bad judgment unit)
50 Electronic component discharge mechanism (discharge unit)
M Electronic parts (articles)

Claims (9)

An article inspection apparatus for inspecting the appearance of the article while conveying the article,
A substantially central portion in the width direction is formed so as to be foldable by a center line extending in the longitudinal direction, and is stored so that a part of the article is exposed at a position that is substantially symmetrical in the width direction with respect to the center line, and in the longitudinal direction. A conveyor belt formed with a plurality of storage sections arranged along the
A belt drive unit for feeding the conveyor belt in the longitudinal direction;
The conveyor belt is bent with respect to the center line, and the storage portion on the other side in the width direction is covered with the storage portion on the one side in the width direction with respect to the center line on which the article is stored. The conveyor belt is reversed while the storage section on the other side in the width direction is covered with the storage section on the one side in the width direction, and the storage section on the one side in the width direction of the transport belt is centered after the reversal. A conveyor belt reversing mechanism that unfolds the wire and stores the article so that a part of the article is exposed in the storage portion on the other side in the width direction;
A first imaging unit that images an exposed part of the article stored in the storage unit on one side in the width direction;
A second imaging unit that images the exposed part of the article stored in the storage unit on the other side in the width direction after inversion;
A quality determination unit that determines quality of the appearance of the article based on an imaging result captured by the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit;
An article inspection apparatus comprising:   The article inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion is a through-hole penetrating the conveyance belt.   The article according to claim 2, wherein a guide rail having a groove formed in a shape corresponding to a protruding portion of the article protruding from below the conveyor belt is disposed below the conveyor belt. Inspection device.   The article inspection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the article is sucked into the groove of the guide rail. The article has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape,
5. The article inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the article such that two sides of the article are exposed in a state where the article is stored.   The article inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are arranged at positions where two side surfaces of the article can be simultaneously imaged.   The article inspection according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are arranged at positions facing the exposed side surfaces of the article. apparatus.   An external force acting unit that applies compressed air to the article stored in the storage unit from below the storage unit; and a discharge unit that extracts the article on which the compressed air is applied from the storage unit. The article inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7. 9. The article inspection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the discharge unit changes a discharge place of the article based on a pass / fail determination result of the pass / fail determination unit.

Images