JP2007161327A - Inspecting apparatus, container with shrink label, and shrink label - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspecting apparatus capable of surely inspecting an application condition of a shrink label even on a cup-shaped container. <P>SOLUTION: The inspecting apparatus 1 inspects the application condition on the cup-shaped container C of the shrink label L which is applied to a side face 12 and a bottom face 11 of the container C by thermally shrinking in the radial direction of the container C and has an inspection mark 13 provided on the bottom face 11 of the container C. The apparatus includes an imaging device 3 for picking an image of the bottom face 11 of the cup-shaped container C and an image processor 4 for extracting an outline shape of the inspection mark 13 from the image picked up by the imaging device 3 and determining whether or not the application condition of the shrink label L is good from the extracted outline shape of the mark 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, an inspection apparatus for inspecting a mounting state of a shrink label attached to a cup-shaped container by heat shrinking in a radial direction of the cup-shaped container on a side surface portion and a bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container. This relates to the attached container and the shrink label.

  Conventionally, containers that can be filled with beverages or foods have been proposed. Such a container is usually provided with a transparent or opaque label having a pattern representing the contents to be filled therein.

  In Patent Document 1, a so-called shrink label having a pattern representing the contents is attached to a container such as a plastic bottle filled with a beverage, etc., and the shrink label is broken, turned up, and the container with the shrink label. Alternatively, an inspection apparatus for inspecting a height position defect or the like is described.

JP 2005-119706 A

  That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes an illumination device 32 that projects white light or infrared light on a PET bottle (container) 31 as an inspection object, and a container 31 or a shrink label. A CCD camera 34 that captures the light reflected by the camera 33 and an image processing device 35 that processes an image captured by the CCD camera 34 are provided. The image processing apparatus 35 compares the color of the liquid in the container 31, the color of the container 31, or the color of the shrink label 33 with the color of the portion where the shrink label 33 is attached in the image, and shrinks the image. The defect of the label 33 is detected.

  On the other hand, as a container that can be filled with a beverage, food, or the like, for example, a so-called cup-shaped container in which the area of the bottom surface is smaller than the area of the opening surface has been proposed. This cup-shaped container is also provided with a transparent or opaque shrink label having a pattern representing the contents to be filled therein. However, since the cup-shaped container has a tapered shape, it is shrinkable. The label is attached to the side surface portion of the cup-shaped container, and is also bent on the peripheral edge portion of the cup-shaped container and attached to the bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container. That is, the shrink label is attached to almost the entire surface of the cup-shaped container.

  Considering the case where this cup-shaped container is applied to the inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above, in the inspection apparatus of Patent Document 1, the color of the liquid in the container 31 and the shrink label 33 in the image are mounted. Compared with the color of the part, when a shrink label is attached to a cup-shaped container, the shrink label is often attached before filling the contents (referred to as “pre-label”). In such a case, it is impossible to compare the color of the liquid in the cup-shaped container with the color of the shrink label.

  Moreover, in the inspection apparatus of patent document 1, although the color of the container 31 and the color of the part in which the shrink label 33 in the image was mounted | worn are compared, in a cup-shaped container, a shrink label is mounted | worn on the whole surface. In many cases, it is difficult to compare the color of the container and the color of the shrink label.

  Furthermore, in the inspection apparatus of Patent Document 1, the color of the shrink label 33 is compared with the color of the portion where the shrink label 33 is attached in the image, but the cup-shaped container is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. In this case, since the design of the shrink label that can be seen from the angle differs depending on the angle at which the image is taken, it is necessary to register various images taken from all angles. It is possible to pre-register an image viewed from one direction and compare the image with the actually captured image, but when acquiring the actually captured image, the direction when the image was registered in advance, Actually, the direction in which the image is captured must be matched exactly, and a great amount of labor is required for the inspection work.

  As described above, in the cup-shaped container, it is very difficult to apply the inspection apparatus of Patent Document 1 when performing an inspection as to whether or not the shrink label is properly attached to the cup-shaped container.

  The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above, and provides an inspection device that can reliably inspect the mounting state of the shrink label even for a cup-shaped container. Let that be the issue. Moreover, let it be the subject to provide the container with a shrink label applied to the test | inspection apparatus. It is another object of the present invention to provide a shrink label applicable to the container with the shrink label.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

  The inspection device provided by the first aspect of the present invention is attached to the side surface and bottom surface of the cup-shaped container by heat shrinking in the radial direction of the cup-shaped container, and the bottom surface of the cup-shaped container. An inspection apparatus for inspecting a mounting state of a shrink label having an inspection mark on a portion thereof with respect to the cup-shaped container, the imaging means for capturing an image of a bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container, and an image captured by the imaging means An image processing means for extracting a contour shape of the inspection mark from the image obtained, and a determination for determining whether or not the shrink label is attached based on the contour shape of the inspection mark extracted by the image processing means Means. (Claim 1).

  According to this configuration, when the shrink label is attached to the cup-shaped container, the shrink label is attached to the side surface portion and the bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container by thermally shrinking in the radial direction of the cup-shaped container. . At this time, if the inspection mark is provided on the surface of the shrink label that is in close contact with the bottom portion of the cup-shaped container, the inspection mark also contracts as the shrink label is thermally contracted. On the other hand, when the shrink label is attached in a distorted manner, the inspection mark changes as compared with the original shape when attached appropriately. In the inspection apparatus, the image of the bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container is subjected to image processing, and the shape in which the inspection mark changes is extracted. Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably detect whether the shrink label is attached to the cup-shaped container based on the changing shape of the inspection mark.

  Further, as the inspection apparatus of the present invention, the image processing means extracts a contour shape of the inspection mark based on a density level of image data output from each pixel of the imaging means, and the determination means Whether or not the shrink label is attached may be determined based on whether or not the outline shape of the inspection mark extracted by the image processing means is within a predetermined reference shape range.

  Further, as the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit determines whether the distance from the corresponding pixel of the reference shape is within a predetermined threshold range for each pixel constituting the contour shape of the inspection mark. By determining, it is preferable to determine whether or not the contour shape is within a range of a predetermined reference shape.

  Further, as the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, when the determination means determines that the contour shape of the inspection mark is outside the range of a predetermined reference shape, an output for outputting the determination result to another external device Means may be further provided (claim 4).

  The shrink-labeled container provided by the second aspect of the present invention has a shrink label attached to the side surface portion and the bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container by heat shrinking in the radial direction of the cup-shaped container. A label-attached container, characterized in that an inspection mark for inspecting the mounting state of the shrink label on the cup-shaped container is provided on the surface of the shrink label on the bottom surface of the cup-shaped container. (Claim 5).

  Moreover, as a container with a shrink label of the present invention, the inspection mark may be provided in a substantially ring shape along the periphery of the bottom surface of the cup-shaped container.

  Moreover, as a container with a shrink label of the present invention, the inspection mark is composed of a plurality of types of concentric ring-shaped marks, and the ring-shaped marks may be provided with different hues and adjacent to each other ( Claim 7).

  Moreover, as a container with a shrink label according to the present invention, the inspection mark may be a ring mark printed with a paint containing a pigment that can emit light by light in a predetermined wavelength region.

  The shrink label provided by the third aspect of the present invention is a shrink label that is attached to the side surface portion and the bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container by heat shrinking in the radial direction of the cup-shaped container, An inspection mark for inspecting the mounting state of the shrink label on the cup-shaped container is provided at an appropriate position on the surface (Claim 9).

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of an inspection apparatus according to the present invention. This inspection device 1 is for inspecting the quality of a mounted state of a shrink label L mounted on a cup-shaped container C that is an object to be inspected. In other words, the inspection apparatus 1 inspects whether or not the shrink label L attached to the cup-shaped container C is properly attached without being deviated from the normal position.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection device 1 is imaged by an illumination device 2 for irradiating light to the cup-shaped container C, an imaging device 3 for imaging the cup-shaped container C, and the imaging device 3. The image processing apparatus 4 processes the converted image as image data, and determines whether the shrink label L is attached or not, and the display apparatus 5 for displaying an imaging screen of the imaging apparatus 3.

  Although the details will be described later, for example, the inspection device 1 is provided on a transport line 6 for mounting a shrink label L on the cup-shaped containers C while sequentially transporting the plurality of cup-shaped containers C at a predetermined interval. The image processing apparatus 4 is connected to a conveyance control device 7 that comprehensively controls various devices (described later) installed on the conveyance line 6. When the image processing device 4 detects a cup-shaped container C in which the shrink label L is not properly attached, the image processing device 4 outputs the content to the transport control device 7. In the transport control device 7, control for removing the defective cup-shaped container C from the transport line 6 is performed based on the output from the image processing device 4. The cup-shaped container C is transported on the transport line 6 in a posture opposite to a normally used posture, that is, with the bottom surface portion 11 facing upward.

  The illuminating device 2 irradiates, for example, white light from above on the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C. From the fluorescent lamp formed in a substantially donut shape having a diameter larger than the diameter of the cup-shaped container C. Become. In addition, the illuminating device 2 is not restricted to a fluorescent lamp, For example, the illuminating device in which several LED was arranged may be sufficient.

  When the cup-shaped container C transported on the transport line 6 passes below the lighting device 6, the lighting device 2 is approximately centered on the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C with the center of the substantially donut-shaped lighting device 2. It is arranged at the matching position. Therefore, the illuminating device 2 can uniformly irradiate one surface of the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C. The lighting device 2 is controlled by the image processing device 4 to turn on and off (normally on).

  The imaging device 3 is constituted by, for example, a CCD camera, and the imaging direction is determined in a direction in which the central hollow portion of the illumination device 2 formed in a substantially donut shape is looked at, that is, the imaging direction is substantially vertical. It is arranged to face. Thus, the imaging device 3 can reliably image the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C by determining the imaging direction.

  The image processing device 4 processes an image picked up by the image pickup device 3, converts an image pickup signal (analog signal) output from the image pickup device 3 into a digital signal, and then a predetermined image memory (not shown). The image data as a digital signal is stored in the image data, and predetermined digital signal processing such as filter processing is performed on the image data. Further, the image processing device 4 determines whether or not the shrink label L is properly attached to the cup-shaped container C based on the image data subjected to predetermined digital signal processing. This determination process will be described later. When the defective cup-shaped container C to which the shrink label L is not properly attached is detected based on the image data, the image processing device 4 outputs the content to the transport control device 7.

  The display device 5 is for displaying the imaging state of the cup-shaped container C, and is used when the user wants to visually observe the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C. In addition, the display device 5 can also check whether the imaging device 3 and the like are in their original locations as necessary. That is, the display device 5 can confirm whether or not the center of the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C coincides with the imaging center of the imaging device 2.

  The conveyance control device 7 controls the operation of each device (described later) installed on the conveyance line 6 in an integrated manner. The transport control device 7 is configured by a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk device, and the like.

  For example, when receiving information from the image processing device 4 that the cup-shaped container C to be removed from the conveyance line 6 has been detected, the conveyance control device 7 removes the container at the timing when it is conveyed to the position of the container removal device described later. The apparatus is operated to remove the cup-shaped container C to be removed from the transfer line 6.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cup-shaped container C to which the shrink label L is applied, which is applied to the inspection apparatus 1, and the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C is shown facing upward. FIG. 3 is a view of the cup-shaped container C shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the bottom surface portion 11 side.

  This cup-shaped container C is a container in which a liquid such as drinking water or liquor, or a solid such as cup noodles or miso soup can be accommodated. The cup-shaped container C is formed in a substantially cup shape with one surface (the lower end surface shown in FIG. 2) opened, and the material thereof is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. Normally, a lid (not shown) is attached to the lower end opening surface of the cup-shaped container C, and this lid is used by being attached to and detached from the cup-shaped container C by the user as necessary.

  A shrink label L provided so as to cover them is attached to a part of the side surface portion 12 and the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the cup-shaped container C is provided with a substantially cylindrical shrink label L. The inner diameter of the shrink label L is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lower end opening surface of the cup-shaped container C.

After the shrink label L is inserted into the cup-shaped container C, it is thermally shrunk in the radial direction of the cup-shaped container C in a shrinking process described later, whereby the side surface portion 12 and the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C. It is attached in close contact with a part of the surface. For example, the height H of the shrink label L shown in FIG. 4 is formed longer than the height H ₀ of the cup-shaped container C. When the shrink label L is attached to the cup-shaped container C, the shrink label L is In addition to being in close contact with the side surface portion 12 of the cup-shaped container C, it is bent at the upper peripheral edge of the cup-shaped container C and is in close contact with the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a heat-sensitive adhesive 14 made of a solution mainly containing a heat-adhesive resin is applied to the inside of the lower end of the shrink label L in advance. The shrink label L is heat-shrinked and comes into close contact with the cup-shaped container C. However, the heat-sensitive adhesive 14 can make the shrink label L adhere to the cup-shaped container C more reliably.

  The shrink label L is made of, for example, a polyester resin or a polystyrene resin, and is formed of a transparent or translucent film having a thickness of about 20 to 80 μm. On one side of the shrink label L, a portion La (see FIG. 4) extending from the central portion to the lower portion of the shrink label L, that is, a portion that is in close contact with the side surface portion 12 of the cup-shaped container C is accommodated in the cup-shaped container C. A predetermined design is printed to represent the contents. Further, on the one side of the shrink label L, the upper portion Lb (see FIG. 4) of the shrink label L, that is, the portion that is in close contact with the bottom portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C, is the periphery of the bottom portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C. A substantially ring-shaped inspection mark 13 is printed along the line.

  The inspection mark 13 is used to determine whether or not the shrink label L is properly attached to the cup-shaped container C after the shrink label L is attached to the cup-shaped container C. As shown in FIG. 3, the inspection mark 13 is composed of a plurality of concentric rings. The plurality of rings of the inspection mark 13 have different hues and are adjacent to each other. The first ring 13a disposed on the outermost side, the second ring 13b disposed on the inner side thereof, and the first ring disposed on the innermost side. It consists of three rings 13c. In FIG. 3, there is a film portion 15 on which the inspection mark 13 is not printed at a portion inside the third ring 13 c, and the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C is exposed inside.

  The width of each of the rings 13a to 13c is set to, for example, about 1 to 5 mm so that the imaging device 3 can capture an image, and the hue of the first ring 13a is, for example, white, and the second ring 13b is For example, it is black, and the third ring 13c is white, for example. In this way, by providing the inspection mark 13 in which the rings 13a to 13c are configured with colors having greatly different hues, for example, the black second ring 13b is in contrast to the white first ring 13a and the third ring 13c. To be clearly identified and reliably identified.

  That is, the cup-shaped container C to which the shrink label L is attached is picked up by the image pickup device 3 from the bottom surface 11 side, whereby the inspection mark 13 printed on the shrink label L is picked up. The captured image of the inspection mark 13 is output to the image processing device 4 and image processing is performed, but the black second ring 13b is clearer than the white first ring 13a and the third ring 13c. In the image processing apparatus 4, the contour shape of the second ring 13b can be properly recognized as image data.

  Note that the inspection mark is not limited to the combination of three colors such as white, black, and white as described above, and is a color scheme that can determine the mounting state of the shrink label L, that is, the density in the image captured by the image device 3. Various color combinations can be applied as long as they produce a difference. The white, black, and white color schemes are used to make the imaging of the imaging device 3 and the image processing device 4 easier by making the black color of the second ring 13b stand out. Accordingly, for example, even when the white color of the first ring 13a and the third ring 13c is gray and the black color of the second ring 13b is difficult to distinguish visually, the imaging device 3 has high imaging performance and the second ring 13b If it is discriminable, such a color scheme may be used.

  Further, the color scheme such as white, black, and white is such that when the cup-shaped container C is imaged by the imaging device 3, the cup-shaped container C is transparent, for example, so that the transport line 6 and the cup-shaped container are seen through the cup-shaped container C. This is to prevent the color of the jig member 22 (described later) holding C from being indistinguishable. Therefore, for example, if the transport line 6 and the jig member 22 are white, the inspection mark may be provided with one black ring, for example. If the cup-shaped container C is entirely white, for example, the inspection mark may be provided with one black ring, for example.

  Further, the inspection mark may be formed in a ring shape by applying UV ink to the cup-shaped container C, for example. The UV ink can be defined as a paint containing a pigment that emits and emits light by, for example, ultraviolet rays. However, the UV ink is not limited to UV ink as long as it emits and emits light by an electromagnetic wave in a region other than visible light. Absent. In this case, the imaging device 3 needs to be an imaging device capable of sensing UV ink.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image of the inspection mark 13 imaged by the imaging device 3. In the image of the inspection mark 13 by the imaging device 3, as described above, the second ring 13b has a higher density than the first and third rings 13a, 13c, and the second ring 13b, the first and third rings 13a, Since the concentration rapidly changes at the boundary 13c, the second ring 13b is clearly shown. In addition, in the image captured by the imaging device 3 (image output to the display device 5), the lower edge of the cup-shaped container C and the periphery of the bottom surface portion 11 are less likely to be displayed due to the irradiation condition of the lighting device 2 or the like. ing.

  In the image processing device 4, an image picked up by the image pickup device 3 is input and subjected to analog-digital conversion, and then the converted digital signal is temporarily stored in an image memory (not shown) as image data (pixel data). . Thereafter, the contour shape of the inspection mark 13 is extracted by processing the image data stored in the image memory. That is, extraction of pixel data constituting the second ring 13b is performed over the entire circumference of the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C based on the density difference.

  In the extraction of the pixel data, as shown in FIG. 6, the pixel data constituting the second ring 13b may be extracted in the range of the portion A represented by a substantially arc shape. More specifically, among the pixel data stored in the image memory, for example, an angle α ° around the image center O from the reference line K (for example, a line along a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the cup-shaped container C). The pixel data constituting the second ring 13b may be extracted from the pixel data in the range A represented by the substantially arc shape up to (α = 360 ° in the case of the entire circumference).

  The extraction processing of the pixel data constituting the second ring 13b is, for example, when the pixel data has a lower level as the level density is higher, the entire pixel data over the entire circumference of the second ring 13b is compared with a predetermined threshold, Pixel data having a level lower than the threshold is extracted as pixel data constituting the second ring 13b. Needless to say, when the level density of the pixel data is higher, the higher the pixel data, the higher the level than the threshold is extracted as the pixel data constituting the second ring 13b. .

When the pixel data constituting the second ring 13b is extracted, the coordinates (orthogonal coordinates) of the pixel position of the pixel data are converted into polar coordinates. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, in the conversion from the orthogonal coordinates to the polar coordinates, when the coordinates of the point P with respect to the coordinate center O are (x, y), the distance L is calculated by √ (x ² + y ² ), The angle θ is calculated by cos ⁻¹ (y / L). Therefore, in FIG. 6, if the pixel position of the image center O is (xo, yo) and the pixel position of arbitrary pixel data (point P) constituting the second ring 13b is (xp, yp), the distance L is , √ [(xp−xo) ² + (yp−yo) ² ], and the angle θ is calculated by cos ⁻¹ [(yp−yo) / L].

  In the image processing device 4, the pixel data of the second ring 13 b from which the contour shape has been extracted has an angle θ from the reference line K on the horizontal axis and a distance from the image center O on the vertical axis, as shown in FIG. 8. It is represented on the graph indicated by L.

  Based on this graph, the image processing device 4 determines whether or not the distance L from the image center O at the point P on the second ring 13b is within a predetermined allowable width W (see FIG. 8). . That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when the distance L ′ from the image center O at the point P ′ is slightly smaller than the allowable width W (when the distance L ′ is less than or equal to the lower limit value defining the allowable width W). Alternatively, although not shown in FIG. 9, when the distance L is greatly deviated from the allowable width W (when the distance L ′ is equal to or greater than the upper limit value defining the allowable width W), the image processing apparatus 4 determines that it is defective. Is done.

  That is, the shrink label L is heat-shrinked and is in close contact with the side surface portion 12 of the cup-shaped container C, and is bent at the peripheral edge portion of the bottom surface portion 11 (see FIG. 5), and is also in close contact with the bottom surface portion 11. At this time, when the shrink label L is not properly attached to the cup-shaped container C, for example, when the shrink label L is not properly attached from the lower end of the cup-shaped container C as shown in FIG. The diameter of the work mark 13 is smaller than that of the regular inspection mark.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, when the shrink label L is deeply attached to the cup-shaped container C, the diameter of the inspection mark 13 is larger than that of the regular inspection mark. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, when the shrink label L is distorted and attached to the cup-shaped container C, the inspection mark 13 does not become a perfect circle, for example, has a substantially elliptical shape, and any one of the peripheral edges. To become biased. The form in which the inspection mark 13 deviates from the regular inspection mark is not limited to these forms.

  As described above, when the shrink label L is not properly attached to the cup-shaped container C, the inspection mark 13 is smaller, larger, or distorted than the regular inspection mark. The shape changes. In such a case, it is determined that the point P in the pixel data of the second ring 13b from which the contour shape has been extracted is outside the allowable width W, and the shrink label L has not been properly attached to the cup-shaped container C. Then, the cup-shaped container C is detected as a defective product. Therefore, by performing image processing on the image of the inspection mark 13 on the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C, whether or not the shrink label L is attached to the cup-shaped container C based on the changing shape of the inspection mark 13 is determined. Can be detected easily and reliably.

  In the image processing described above, the discrimination processing is performed using the pixel data of the entire circumference of the inspection mark 13 in the image of the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C, but as described above, from the reference line K A substantially arc-shaped portion A up to a range of a predetermined angle α ° may be extracted and converted into pixel data for image processing. According to this image processing, there is an advantage that the control becomes easier as compared with the case where the entire circumference of the inspection mark 13 is converted into image data. However, in this case, it is necessary to determine whether or not the shrink label L is not properly attached to the cup-shaped container C using only the substantially arc-shaped portion A.

  In addition, the condition that the cup-shaped container C is defective is not limited to the above-described condition. For example, among the pixel data of the second ring 13b from which the contour shape is extracted, pixel data of a predetermined ratio has the allowable width W. It may be a case where it comes off.

  Next, the mounting process in which the shrink label L is mounted on the cup-shaped container C will be described with reference to the schematic diagram shown in FIG.

  The cup-shaped container C with the shrink label is attached with the shrink label L in the procedure shown in FIG. In this mounting step, a transport conveyor 21 is used for sequentially transporting the plurality of cup-shaped containers C at a constant transport speed and at a predetermined interval. The transport conveyor 21 is configured to transport the cup-shaped containers C in a row continuously, and the transport conveyor 21 is provided with a plurality of jig members 22 for fitting and holding the cup-shaped containers C. The jig member 22 is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape so that the cup-shaped container C can be easily held, and has a flange portion 22 a that abuts and supports the cup-shaped container C on the lower periphery. In addition, although not shown in figure, the conveyance conveyor 21 is formed in cyclic | annular form, for example.

  This mounting step is a container fitting step (see FIGS. 13A and 13B) in which the cup-shaped container C is fitted into the jig member 22 in the conveyance path from the upstream side to the downstream side of the conveyance conveyor 21. A label insertion process for inserting the shrink label L into the cup-shaped container C (see FIG. 13C), a shrinking process for thermally shrinking the shrink label L and closely contacting the cup-shaped container C (see FIG. 13D) , An inspection process for inspecting the mounting state of the shrink label L on the cup-shaped container C (see FIG. 13E), and a defect removing process for removing the defective cup container C with the shrink label from the conveyor 21 (FIG. 13). (See (f)), and a discharging process (not shown) for discharging the cup-shaped container C with a good shrink label from the conveyor 21.

  When the cup-like container C in which the shrink label L is heat-shrinked and attached in the label insertion process and the shrinking process is inspected in the inspection process and the defective cup-like container C is detected. Then, it is removed from the conveyor 21 in the defect removal step. On the other hand, when a non-defective cup-shaped container C is detected in the inspection step, the non-illustrated next step (for example, a packing step) is discharged from the conveyor 21 in the discharge step. Hereinafter, the mounting process of the shrink label L will be described with reference to the schematic diagram shown in FIG.

  First, the cup-shaped container C to which the shrink label L is not attached is sequentially supplied to the jig member 22 provided on the conveyor 21 in the container insertion process shown in FIGS. The cup-shaped container C supplied to the jig member 22 in the container insertion process is transported by the transport conveyor 21, and the shrink label L is inserted in the label insertion process shown in FIG. The shrink label L is formed in a cylindrical shape by cutting a long member (not shown), to which a plurality of shrink labels L are continuously connected, every predetermined length.

  In the label insertion process, after the shrink label L is inserted into the cup-shaped container C, a pressing mechanism for pressing the shrink label L downward and securely inserting the shrink label L into the cup-shaped container C. May be provided.

  The cup-shaped container C in which the shrink label L is inserted in the label insertion process is further conveyed by the conveyor 21 and the shrink label L is brought into close contact in the contraction process shown in FIG. That is, in the shrinking process, hot air is blown to the rotating mechanism (not shown) that rotates while conveying the jig member 22 and the cup-shaped container C that is held by the jig member 22 and into which the shrink label L is inserted. A hot air heater (steam heater, not shown) to be supplied is provided.

  The hot air heater heats the cup-shaped container C while supplying hot air to the cup-shaped container C by the heat gun 16, and the heat gun 16 moves upward while supplying hot air to the cup-shaped container C. ing. The shrink label L inserted into the cup-shaped container C is heated from the lower part to the upper part by the heat gun 16 while being rotated by the rotating mechanism. Therefore, the shrink label L is gradually heated from the lower part of the side part 12 of the cup-shaped container C to the bottom part 11 through the upper part, and is thermally contracted.

  The figure shown in FIG.13 (d) has shown the state which the shrink label L in the side part 12 of the cup-shaped container C is heated, and is thermally contracted. In FIG. 13D, the heat gun 16 is described as being provided in front of and behind the cup-shaped container C in the conveying direction of the cup-shaped container C, but actually, the heat gun 16 is orthogonal to the conveying direction. The hot air is supplied from the left and right sides of the cup-shaped container C.

  Since the heat-sensitive adhesive 14 is preliminarily applied to the inside of the lower end of the shrink label L, the shrink label L is more reliably cupped by the heat-sensitive adhesive 14 when thermally contracted in the shrinking process. In close contact with the container C.

  The shrink label L that is in close contact with the cup-shaped container C in the shrinking process is inspected for the mounting state with respect to the cup-shaped container C in the inspection process shown in FIG. That is, it is inspected whether or not the shrink label L adhered to the cup-shaped container C is attached to the cup-shaped container C without being displaced in the contraction process. In the inspection process, the above-described inspection device 1 (see FIG. 1) is provided, and the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C is irradiated with light by the illumination device 2 and imaged by the imaging device 3.

  Here, since the cup-shaped container C is continuously transported by the transport conveyor 21, when the center of the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C coincides with the imaging center of the imaging apparatus 3, the cup is captured by the imaging apparatus 3. It is necessary to take an image of the container C and capture the image by the image processing device 4.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state when the image processing device 4 captures an image. The cup-shaped container C is conveyed and the center of the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C and the display center (imaging) of the display device 5 are illustrated. It is shown that the image processing apparatus 4 captures an image when it corresponds to the imaging center of the apparatus 3. 14A shows a state where the cup-shaped container C is not within the display range S of the display device 5 (within the imaging range of the imaging device 3), and FIG. FIG. 14C shows a state where the container C has been transported and has entered the display range S of the display device 5, and FIG. 14C shows that the cup-shaped container C is further transported and enters the display range S of the display device 5. The state when the center of the bottom face part 11 of the cup-shaped container C and the display center of the display device 5 coincide is shown.

  A position sensor (not shown) for detecting a state when the center of the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C and the display center of the display device 5 coincide with each other is provided at an appropriate position on the conveyor 21. Based on the output of the position sensor, the image processing device 4 captures an image captured by the imaging device 3 when the center of the bottom surface portion 11 of the cup-shaped container C matches the display center of the display device 5. I have to.

  The image captured by the image processing device 4 is converted into image data and then subjected to image processing, and it is determined whether or not the shrink label L is properly attached to the cup-shaped container C. When the defective cup-shaped container C to which the shrink label L is not properly attached is detected based on the image data, the image processing device 4 outputs the content to the transport control device 7.

  Of the cup-shaped containers C imaged by the image processing apparatus 3 and transported by the transport conveyor 21, the cup-shaped container C determined to be defective by the image processing apparatus 3 is transported in the defect removal step shown in FIG. It is removed from the conveyor 21. That is, when the conveyance control device 7 receives from the image processing device 4 that the cup-shaped container C to be removed from the conveyance conveyor 21 has been detected, the jig member 22 holding the cup-shaped container C removes the container. The container removing device is operated at the timing when it is transported to the position of the device (not shown), and the defective cup-shaped container C is removed from the transport conveyor 21. The container removing device is composed of, for example, a suction device for sucking the cup-shaped container C held by the jig member 2.

  On the other hand, among the cup-shaped containers C imaged by the image processing apparatus 3 and transported by the transport conveyor 21, the cup-shaped containers C that are not determined to be defective by the image processing apparatus 3 are not removed by the container removing apparatus and are discharged. It is discharged from the conveyor 21 in the process.

  Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the cup-shaped container C is exemplified as a substantially cylindrical one. However, the cup-shaped container C applied to the inspection apparatus 1 according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described shape. A cup-shaped container C of a mold may be employed. In this case, as a determination criterion in the determination process of whether or not it is defective, a determination criterion corresponding to the rectangular cup-shaped container C may be adopted.

It is a lineblock diagram showing an outline of an inspection device concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view of the container with which the shrink label applied with the inspection apparatus was mounted | worn. It is the figure seen from the bottom face part side of the container shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a state when a shrink label is inserted by the container. It is a figure which shows a state when a shrink label adheres to a container. It is a figure which shows an example of the image imaged with an imaging device. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the distance of P point in image data and the image center is calculated. It is a figure which shows the graph showing the distance from the image center of image data. It is a figure which shows the graph showing the distance from the image center of image data, and shows when the image data is out of a predetermined allowable range. It is a figure which shows an example in the state in which the shrink label is not suitably mounted | worn with respect to the container. It is a figure which shows the other example of the state by which the shrink label is not mounted | worn appropriately with respect to the container. It is a figure which shows the other example of the state by which the shrink label is not mounted | worn appropriately with respect to the container. It is a figure explaining the mounting process by which a shrink label is mounted | worn with respect to a container, (a), (b) shows a container insertion insertion process, (c) shows a label insertion insertion process, (d) is shrinkage | contraction. (E) shows an inspection process, (f) shows a defect removal process, respectively. It is a figure which shows a mode when an image processing apparatus takes in an image, (a) shows the state where the container is not in the display range of a display apparatus, (b) is a container conveyed and a state of a display apparatus. The state which entered the display range is shown, (c) shows the state when the container is further conveyed and enters the display range of the display device. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the conventional inspection apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inspection apparatus 2 Illumination apparatus 3 Imaging apparatus 4 Image processing apparatus 5 Display apparatus 6 Conveyance line 7 Conveyance control apparatus 11 Bottom face part 12 Side face part 13 Inspection mark 13a 1st ring 13b 2nd ring 13c 3rd ring 14 Thermosensitive adhesive 21 Conveyor 22 Jig member C Container L Shrink label W Allowable width

Claims (9)

The cup of the shrink label, which is attached to the side surface portion and the bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container by heat shrinking in the radial direction of the cup-shaped container, and the inspection mark is provided on the bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container. An inspection device for inspecting the mounting state of the container,
Imaging means for capturing an image of the bottom surface of the cup-shaped container;
Image processing means for extracting a contour shape of the inspection mark from an image picked up by the image pickup means;
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the shrink label is attached based on the contour shape of the inspection mark extracted by the image processing means;
An inspection apparatus comprising: The image processing means includes
Extracting the contour shape of the inspection mark based on the density level of the image data output from each pixel of the imaging means;
The discrimination means includes
2. The quality of the mounted state of the shrink label is determined based on whether or not a contour shape of the inspection mark extracted by the image processing unit is within a predetermined reference shape range set in advance. Inspection equipment. The discrimination means includes
For each pixel constituting the contour shape of the inspection mark, by determining whether the distance from the corresponding pixel of the reference shape is within a predetermined threshold range, the contour shape is a predetermined reference shape. The inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not it is within a range.   3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an output unit that outputs the determination result to another external device when the determination unit determines that the contour shape of the inspection mark is outside the range of the predetermined reference shape. The inspection device described. A shrink-labeled container in which a shrink label is attached by heat shrinking in the radial direction of the cup-shaped container on the side surface and bottom surface of the cup-shaped container,
A container with a shrink label, characterized in that an inspection mark for inspecting the mounting state of the shrink label on the cup-shaped container is provided on the surface of the shrink label on the bottom surface of the cup-shaped container. The inspection mark is
The container with a shrink label according to claim 5, wherein the container is provided in a substantially ring shape along a peripheral edge of a bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container. The inspection mark comprises a plurality of types of concentric ring-shaped marks,
The container with a shrink label according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the ring-shaped marks have different hues and are provided adjacent to each other. The inspection mark is
The container with a shrink label according to claim 6, comprising a ring-shaped mark printed with a paint containing a pigment that can emit light by light in a predetermined wavelength region. A shrink label that is attached to the side surface portion and the bottom surface portion of the cup-shaped container by heat shrinking in the radial direction of the cup-shaped container,
A shrink label, wherein an inspection mark for inspecting a mounting state of the shrink label on the cup-shaped container is provided at an appropriate position on the surface.

Images