JP2011237251A - Optical inspection device and optical inspection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical inspection device that can not only excellently discriminate a defective seal or the like caused by biting of a film packaging bag for packing a food product or a wrinkle thereof but also can be easily installed on an existing facility later.SOLUTION: The optical inspection device comprises: an illumination section 2 that irradiates an inspection object 1 to be conveyed by a conveying mechanism with illumination light in a gap part provided in the conveying mechanism; an imaging section 3 that images the inspection object 1 in the gap part; an image processing section that processes an image based upon imaging data of the inspection object 1 imaged by the imaging section 3; and a quality-determination section that determines quality based upon a result of the image processing. A passage detecting section 6, which can detect a passage of the inspection object 1 passing through the gap part, is provided in such a manner that an optical axis of the passage detecting section passes through the gap part in a tilted state in a width direction of the conveying mechanism.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical inspection apparatus.

  Conventionally, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Literature 1, an optical inspection apparatus configured to detect a foreign object based on a near-infrared transmission image transmitted through packaged food using near-infrared light transmitted through the packaged food as illumination light has been used. It has been.

  However, in Patent Document 1, a belt that diffuses light or a belt that transmits light is used as a belt of the belt conveyor, and the receiving plate of the conveyor needs to be configured to transmit light. The structure is complicated and expensive parts are required.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, for example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, an optical inspection apparatus that transmits and illuminates an object to be inspected that passes a gap between a carry-out conveyor and a carry-in conveyor. Has been proposed.

JP 2009-162685 A JP 2004-245695 A JP 2004-333177 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation. For example, it is possible to satisfactorily determine whether a film-like packaging bag for packaging foods has a bite or a seal failure due to wrinkles. The present invention provides an optical inspection device with excellent practicality that can be easily retrofitted to existing facilities by effectively utilizing the above.

  The gist of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  An illumination unit 2 that irradiates the inspection object 1 conveyed by the conveyance mechanism in the gap provided in the conveyance mechanism, an imaging unit 3 that images the inspection object 1 in the gap, and the imaging unit An image processing unit that performs image processing based on the imaging data of the inspection object 1 captured in step 3, and a pass / fail determination unit that performs pass / fail determination based on the result of the image processing performed by the image processing unit. An optical inspection apparatus, wherein the optical axis passes through the gap portion in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism, through a passage detection portion 6 capable of detecting passage of the inspection object 1 passing through the gap portion. The present invention relates to an optical inspection apparatus provided as described above.

  2. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the passage detection unit 6 is provided so that an optical axis thereof intersects with a conveyance direction of the conveyance mechanism substantially at a right angle.

  Further, the passage detection unit 6 is provided such that its optical axis is located upstream of the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the transport direction of the transport mechanism or at the same position as the optical axis of the imaging unit 3. The optical inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the optical inspection apparatus includes:

  In addition, an image storage unit that stores the imaging data of the inspection object 1 imaged by the imaging unit 3, and the imaging data is always acquired from the imaging unit 3 regardless of whether the inspection object 1 passes or not and the image storage is performed. 3. A storage unit for storing data in a storage unit, and an image reading unit for reading imaging data from the image storage unit based on a signal detected by the passage detection unit 6. This relates to the optical inspection apparatus described in item 1.

  Further, the passage detection unit 6 having the rectangular light emitting unit 7 is provided so that the long side of the light emitting unit is not parallel to the transport direction of the transport mechanism but intersects the transport direction. The optical inspection apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4 is concerned.

  The inspection object 1 is an optical inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the object to be inspected is packaged in a film-like packaging bag.

  The optical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a defective product discharge unit that discharges the inspection object 1 determined to be defective by the pass / fail determination unit from a normal conveyance line. This relates to an inspection apparatus.

  8. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the defective product discharge portion is configured to blow and discharge air to the inspection object 1 determined to be defective.

  Moreover, the foreign substance which removes a foreign material by blowing air on the said illumination part 2, the light emission part 7 of the said passage detection part 6, the light-receiving part of the said passage detection part 6, the reflecting plate 8 of the said passage detection part 6, or the said imaging part 3 The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a removing unit 9.

  10. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the foreign matter removing unit 9 is configured to intermittently blow air.

  11. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the foreign matter removing unit 9 is configured so that air is blown when the pass / fail determination unit makes a failure determination.

  In addition, the foreign matter removal is performed so that air is blown when the defective product discharge unit that blows air to the inspection object 1 determined to be defective by the pass / fail determination unit and discharges it from a normal conveyance line is not blowing air. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the unit 9 is configured.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, for example, it is possible to satisfactorily determine the biting of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food or a seal failure due to wrinkles. Therefore, the optical inspection apparatus can be easily retrofitted to existing facilities and has excellent practicality.

It is a composition outline explanation perspective view of a present Example. It is a schematic explanatory side view of a present Example. It is a schematic explanatory side view explaining the passage detection part of a present Example. It is a processing flow figure of a present Example.

  An embodiment of the present invention which is considered to be suitable will be briefly described with reference to the drawings showing the operation of the present invention.

  For example, when the inspected object 1 is a packaged food that is transported by the transport mechanism, for example, is a packaged food packaged in a film-shaped packaging bag, when passing through a gap between the plurality of transport conveyors 4 and 5 constituting the transport mechanism, for example. The illumination unit 2 illuminates and is imaged by the imaging unit 3. The captured image is analyzed by, for example, the density of the captured image in the pass / fail determination unit, and the number of packages (food items) to be packaged or broken, Judgment, wrinkles, and the like are detected to determine whether or not the product is good. For example, the inspection object 1 determined to be defective is discharged from a normal conveyance line by the defective product discharge unit. At this time, the imaging unit 3 can capture an image by detecting the passage (start) of the gap portion of the inspection object 1 by the passage detection unit 6 and acquire a captured image for each inspection object 1.

  Further, for example, the detection area of the passage detection unit 6 is increased by configuring the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 composed of, for example, a laser sensor or a photoelectric sensor to pass through the gap in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism. However, it is possible to perform detection at a position that is not affected by reflected light, and variations in detection timing are unlikely to occur, thus making it possible to accurately determine whether the product is good or bad.

  That is, for example, when the passage detection unit 6 is provided with its optical axis parallel to the plane direction of the inspection object 1 (ear part of the inspection object 1), the entire ear part can be used as a detection region. However, it can be detected only by the thickness of the ear part, the detection area becomes small, and the detection timing varies depending on whether or not the ear part is bent. On the other hand, the optical axis of the passage detection part 6 is set in the plane direction of the inspection object ( When provided perpendicular to the ear portion of the object 1 to be inspected, the entire ear portion cannot be used as a detection region, and therefore the detection timing varies due to bending of the detection surface or reflected light is detected. The possibility of adverse effects increases.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, for example, it is possible to satisfactorily discriminate between a bite of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food, a seal failure due to wrinkles, etc. It can be easily applied to equipment as well.

  Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In this embodiment, an illuminating unit 2 that irradiates the inspection object 1 conveyed by the conveying mechanism with illumination light, and the illuminating unit 2 and the conveying mechanism are provided in an opposed state so as to image the inspection object 1. An imaging unit 3, an image processing unit that performs image processing based on imaging data captured by the imaging unit 3, and a pass / fail determination unit that performs pass / fail determination based on a result of image processing performed by the image processing unit The illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 are moved by the illumination light passing through a gap provided between the first transport conveyor 4 on the transport upstream side and the second transport conveyor 5 on the transport downstream side. An optical inspection apparatus provided at each position where the object to be inspected 1 can be imaged, and a passage detection unit 6 comprising a laser sensor capable of detecting the passage of the one object 1 passing through the gap, Its optical axis intersects with the transport direction of the transport mechanism at a substantially right angle and Provided so as to pass through the section, the optical axis of the passage detection section 6 is one that is configured to pass through the inclined state the gap portion in the width direction of the conveying mechanism.

  Specifically, the present embodiment inspects the inspected object 1 which is a thin product in which food (packaged goods) such as confectionery is packaged in a film-like packaging bag, and the apparatus is inspected. The product 1 is packed in a packaging machine located upstream of the transport conveyors 4 and 5 (after the food is introduced from the opening of the bag, the opening (ear) is closed by heat sealing) in the thickness direction It is carried in the flat state with up and down.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as the illumination part 2, A well-known illuminating device is employable. In this embodiment, LEDs are employed. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the light source which light-emits in a line form.

  A known camera can be used as the imaging unit 3, and a line sensor camera (synthesizes imaging data transmitted from the light receiving unit 10 and the light receiving unit 10 in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged linearly along the longitudinal direction of the gap). In this case, an area image (captured image) may be acquired by combining a plurality of line data captured one row at a time with an image compositing unit that creates a captured image or that is provided separately. Then, a plurality of rows may be taken with an area sensor camera (CCD camera), which may be directly acquired as an area image, or may be combined to acquire an area image.

  In the present embodiment, the illumination unit 2 is placed between the transport conveyors 4 and 5 constituting the transport mechanism (of the gap portion) so that the optical axis of the illumination unit 2 and the optical axis (imaging region) of the imaging unit 3 are aligned. ) It is provided at a lower position, and the imaging unit 3 is provided at an upper position between the conveyors 4 and 5 (at the gap). The positions of the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 may be upside down. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a cover body that protects the camera, 12 denotes a camera attachment part for attaching the imaging unit 3, 13 denotes an LED attachment part for attaching the illumination part 2, and 14 denotes a foreign substance removal part 9 described later. This is an air shooter mounting portion.

  The conveyors 4 and 5 are general belt conveyors composed of belts and rollers for transferring the belts, and the belts are made of inexpensive non-transparent synthetic resin.

  The imaging data acquired in the imaging unit 3 is transmitted to the image processing unit. In the image processing unit, the density (threshold value) of the captured image is analyzed, or compared with a comparison image. Wrinkles and the like are detected, and the pass / fail determination unit determines pass / fail. The determination result is displayed on the display unit.

  When the pass / fail judgment unit determines that the test object 1 is defective, a defective product discharge signal indicating that the test object 1 is a defective product causes the test object 1 determined to be defective by the pass / fail determination unit to air from the normal conveyance line. Is sent to a known defective product discharge unit (for example, sent to a defective product collection unit) and discharged by the defective product discharge unit. Along with the transmission of the defective product discharge signal, a light source cleaning signal is transmitted to the foreign matter removing unit 9 described later.

  The passage detection unit 6 employs a known (semiconductor) laser sensor including a light emitting unit 7 (light emitting / receiving device) and a reflecting plate 8. The light emitting unit 7 and the reflector 8 are inspected so that their optical axes pass through the gap in an inclined state (about 10 to 45 °) with respect to the ears of the inspected object 1 in the width direction of the transport mechanism. They are provided at different heights at the left and right positions in the transport direction so as to sandwich the object 1 (passage area). Specifically, a detection area that is as wide as possible can be obtained by providing a maximum inclination within a range in which the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 are not in contact with each other. Note that a (semiconductor) laser sensor including a pair of light emitting portions and light receiving portions may be employed. Further, the sensor is not limited to the (semiconductor) laser sensor, and other sensors such as a photoelectric sensor may be employed.

  That is, for example, when the passage detection unit 6 is provided with its optical axis parallel to the plane direction of the inspection object 1 (ear part of the inspection object 1), the entire ear part can be used as a detection region. However, it can be detected only by the thickness of the ear part, the detection area becomes small, and the detection timing varies depending on whether or not the ear part is bent. On the other hand, the optical axis of the passage detection part 6 is set in the plane direction of the inspection object ( When provided perpendicular to the ear portion of the object 1 to be inspected, the entire ear portion cannot be used as a detection region, and therefore the detection timing varies due to bending of the detection surface or reflected light is detected. The possibility of adverse effects increases.

  In this regard, in this embodiment, the detection area of the passage detection unit 6 is reduced by configuring the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 to pass through the entire ear portion in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism. While increasing the size, detection can be performed at a position that is not affected by reflected light, and variations in detection timing are unlikely to occur, thus making it possible to accurately determine whether a product is good or bad.

  The laser sensor detects passage of the inspection object 1 through the gap and transmits a detection signal to the imaging unit 3 to acquire a captured image. In this embodiment, the laser sensor detects the start of passage and the end of passage of the gap portion of the inspection object 1 and transmits these detection signals to the imaging unit 3 (image composition unit), respectively. In the received image pickup unit 3 (image composition unit), the imaged data is synthesized between them to create a captured image. For example, the captured image may be created by combining the captured data during a predetermined time (the time during which the entire one inspection object 1 is just fit) after receiving the detection signal of the start of passage.

  The passage detection unit 6 is provided such that its optical axis is slightly (several mm to several cm) upstream of the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the transport direction of the transport conveyors 4 and 5. Therefore, it is possible to acquire a captured image using only the imaging data after the passage is detected by the passage detection unit 6 without always storing the imaging data in the memory of the imaging unit 3.

  The passage detection unit 6 may be provided so that its optical axis is at the same position as the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the transport direction of the transport conveyors 4 and 5. The captured image is always stored in the memory, and the captured image is acquired using the captured data stored in accordance with the detection signal from the passage detection unit 6.

  Further, as an image synthesis unit, an image storage unit (ring buffer) that is conceptually arranged in a ring shape, and always acquires image data from the imaging unit 3 regardless of whether or not the inspection object 1 has passed, and sends it to the image storage unit. You may employ | adopt the structure provided with the preservation | save means to preserve | save, and the image reading means which reads an image from the said image preservation | save part based on the signal detected by the said passage detection part 6, and acquires a predetermined captured image, In this case, the position of the passage detection unit 6 can be freely set by always outputting the image data from the camera and storing it in the ring buffer regardless of the presence or absence of the inspection object 1.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the passage detection unit 6 having the rectangular light emitting unit 7 is arranged so that the long side of the light emitting unit intersects the conveyance direction at a substantially right angle, not parallel to the conveyance direction of the conveyors 4 and 5. Provided. Therefore, the detection area can be further expanded. In the present embodiment, the width and the inclination angle of the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 are set so as to pass through the optical axis (detection region) when passing through any part of the assumed transport region of the transported object 1. is doing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, foreign matter is removed by blowing air intermittently on the illumination unit 2, the light emitting unit 7 of the passage detection unit 6 (the light receiving unit of the passage detection unit 6), and the reflection plate 8 of the passage detection unit 6. A foreign matter removing unit 9 (air shooter) is provided. Note that when the imaging unit 3 is provided below the transport mechanism, air may be blown to the imaging unit 3. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent dust and the like from accumulating in the illumination unit 2 and the passage detection unit 6 that are light sources. The foreign matter removing unit 9 may be configured to move to the position facing the target (nozzle tip) according to the spray target, or may be provided for each spray target. The foreign matter removing unit 9 shares the compressor with the defective product discharging unit.

  When the foreign matter removing unit 9 receives a light source cleaning signal transmitted when a defect is determined by the pass / fail determining unit, the foreign matter removing unit 9 blows air onto the illumination unit 2, the light emitting unit 7 of the passage detecting unit 6, and the reflecting plate 8. The shooter is turned on and off), but only when the defective product discharger is not blowing air (specifically, after the air shooter of the defective product discharger is turned off) ), Air is blown sequentially. This is because the failure determination means that there is a sealing failure, etc., and there is a possibility that the package is spilled from the gap, so air is blown only in this situation. This is because the pressure drop of the compressor shared with the non-defective product discharge unit is suppressed so that the discharge by the defective product discharge unit is not hindered.

  Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 4, when the object 1 to be conveyed passes through the gap, the passage detector 6 detects the passage of the object 1 (pass sensor). Line data (imaging data) is sequentially acquired by the imaging unit 3, and a plurality of line data are synthesized at a predetermined timing to form an area image, and the image processing unit performs image processing. Judgment is performed, and the pass / fail judgment result is displayed on the display unit. In the case of a non-defective product, the inspected object 1 proceeds on a normal conveyance line, and in the case of a defective product, a defective product discharge signal is output to the defective product discharge unit. As a result, the defective product is discharged, and a light source cleaning signal is output to the foreign matter removing unit 9 to remove foreign matter from the light source.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to satisfactorily discriminate between a bite of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food and a seal failure caused by wrinkles, and the existing gaps are effectively utilized by utilizing a slight gap of the transport mechanism. It is extremely practical and can be easily retrofitted to equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inspection object 2 Illumination part 3 Imaging part 6 Passing detection part 7 Light emission part 8 Reflector 9 Foreign substance removal part

The present invention relates to an optical inspection apparatus and an optical inspection method .

  Conventionally, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Literature 1, an optical inspection apparatus configured to detect a foreign object based on a near-infrared transmission image transmitted through packaged food using near-infrared light transmitted through the packaged food as illumination light has been used. It has been.

  However, in Patent Document 1, a belt that diffuses light or a belt that transmits light is used as a belt of the belt conveyor, and the receiving plate of the conveyor needs to be configured to transmit light. The structure is complicated and expensive parts are required.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, for example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, an optical inspection apparatus that transmits and illuminates an object to be inspected that passes a gap between a carry-out conveyor and a carry-in conveyor. Has been proposed.

JP 2009-162685 A JP 2004-245695 A JP 2004-333177 A

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation. For example, it is possible to satisfactorily determine whether a film-like packaging bag for packaging foods has a bite or a seal failure due to wrinkles. The present invention provides an optical inspection device and an optical inspection method that are excellent in practicality and can be easily retrofitted to existing facilities by effectively utilizing the above.

  The gist of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An illuminating unit 2 for irradiating an object to be inspected 1 in which an object to be packaged conveyed by the conveying mechanism is wrapped with a film-shaped packaging bag in a gap provided in the conveying mechanism, and the object to be inspected in the gap. An image processing unit 3 that captures the image 1, an image processing unit that performs image processing based on the imaging data of the inspection object 1 captured by the image capturing unit 3, and a result of the image processing performed by the image processing unit. And a pass / fail judgment unit that performs pass / fail judgment, and a passage detection unit 6 that can detect the passage of the inspection object 1 passing through the gap, the optical axis of which is the gap The optical inspection apparatus is characterized by being provided so as to pass through the section in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism and cross the optical axis of the imaging section 3 when viewed in the transport direction .

  2. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the passage detection unit 6 is provided so that an optical axis thereof intersects with a conveyance direction of the conveyance mechanism substantially at a right angle.

Moreover, the passage detecting section 6, according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical axis is provided such that the conveyor upstream position location from the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism The optical inspection apparatus according to any one of the above items.

  In addition, an image storage unit that stores the imaging data of the inspection object 1 imaged by the imaging unit 3, and the imaging data is always acquired from the imaging unit 3 regardless of whether the inspection object 1 passes or not and the image storage is performed. 3. A storage unit for storing data in a storage unit, and an image reading unit for reading imaging data from the image storage unit based on a signal detected by the passage detection unit 6. This relates to the optical inspection apparatus described in item 1.

  Further, the passage detection unit 6 having the rectangular light emitting unit 7 is provided so that the long side of the light emitting unit is not parallel to the transport direction of the transport mechanism but intersects the transport direction. The optical inspection apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4 is concerned.

The optical according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that with the quality determination unit defective discharging portion for discharging the object to be inspected 1 from normal transfer line determined to be defective by This relates to an inspection apparatus.

7. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the defective product discharge unit is configured to blow and discharge air to the inspection object 1 determined to be defective.

Moreover, the foreign substance which removes a foreign material by blowing air on the said illumination part 2, the light emission part 7 of the said passage detection part 6, the light-receiving part of the said passage detection part 6, the reflecting plate 8 of the said passage detection part 6, or the said imaging part 3 those of the optical inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that with a removal unit 9.

9. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the foreign matter removing section is configured to intermittently blow air.

Further, it relates to an optical inspection apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it constitutes the foreign substance removing unit 9 to perform the blowing air when it is the defective judgment in the quality determining unit.

In addition, the foreign matter removal is performed so that air is blown when the defective product discharge unit that blows air to the inspection object 1 determined to be defective by the pass / fail determination unit and discharges it from a normal conveyance line is not blowing air. those of the optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1 0, wherein the configuring the part 9.

Moreover, the optical inspection characterized by performing the quality determination of the to-be-inspected object 1 which wrapped the to-be-packaged object with the film-shaped packaging bag using the optical inspection apparatus of any one of Claims 1-11. It concerns the method.

Since the present invention is configured as described above, for example, it is possible to satisfactorily determine the biting of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food or a seal failure due to wrinkles. Thus, the optical inspection apparatus and the optical inspection method are excellent in practicality and can be easily retrofitted to existing facilities.

It is a composition outline explanation perspective view of a present Example. It is a schematic explanatory side view of a present Example. It is a schematic explanatory side view explaining the passage detection part of a present Example. It is a processing flow figure of a present Example.

  An embodiment of the present invention which is considered to be suitable will be briefly described with reference to the drawings showing the operation of the present invention.

  For example, when the inspected object 1 is a packaged food that is transported by the transport mechanism, for example, is a packaged food packaged in a film-shaped packaging bag, when passing through a gap between the plurality of transport conveyors 4 and 5 constituting the transport mechanism, for example. The illumination unit 2 illuminates and is imaged by the imaging unit 3. The captured image is analyzed by, for example, the density of the captured image in the pass / fail determination unit, and the number of packages (food items) to be packaged or broken, Judgment, wrinkles, and the like are detected to determine whether or not the product is good. For example, the inspection object 1 determined to be defective is discharged from a normal conveyance line by the defective product discharge unit. At this time, the imaging unit 3 can capture an image by detecting the passage (start) of the gap portion of the inspection object 1 by the passage detection unit 6 and acquire a captured image for each inspection object 1.

  Further, for example, the detection area of the passage detection unit 6 is increased by configuring the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 composed of, for example, a laser sensor or a photoelectric sensor to pass through the gap in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism. However, it is possible to perform detection at a position that is not affected by reflected light, and variations in detection timing are unlikely to occur, thus making it possible to accurately determine whether the product is good or bad.

  That is, for example, when the passage detection unit 6 is provided with its optical axis parallel to the plane direction of the inspection object 1 (ear part of the inspection object 1), the entire ear part can be used as a detection region. However, it can be detected only by the thickness of the ear part, the detection area becomes small, and the detection timing varies depending on whether or not the ear part is bent. On the other hand, the optical axis of the passage detection part 6 is set in the plane direction of the inspection object ( When provided perpendicular to the ear portion of the object 1 to be inspected, the entire ear portion cannot be used as a detection region, and therefore the detection timing varies due to bending of the detection surface or reflected light is detected. The possibility of adverse effects increases.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, for example, it is possible to satisfactorily discriminate between a bite of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food, a seal failure due to wrinkles, etc. It can be easily applied to equipment as well.

  Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In this embodiment, an illuminating unit 2 that irradiates the inspection object 1 conveyed by the conveying mechanism with illumination light, and the illuminating unit 2 and the conveying mechanism are provided in an opposed state so as to image the inspection object 1. An imaging unit 3, an image processing unit that performs image processing based on imaging data captured by the imaging unit 3, and a pass / fail determination unit that performs pass / fail determination based on a result of image processing performed by the image processing unit The illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 are moved by the illumination light passing through a gap provided between the first transport conveyor 4 on the transport upstream side and the second transport conveyor 5 on the transport downstream side. An optical inspection apparatus provided at each position where the object to be inspected 1 can be imaged, and a passage detection unit 6 comprising a laser sensor capable of detecting the passage of the one object 1 passing through the gap, Its optical axis intersects with the transport direction of the transport mechanism at a substantially right angle and Provided so as to pass through the section, the optical axis of the passage detection section 6 is one that is configured to pass through the inclined state the gap portion in the width direction of the conveying mechanism.

  Specifically, the present embodiment inspects the inspected object 1 which is a thin product in which food (packaged goods) such as confectionery is packaged in a film-like packaging bag, and the apparatus is inspected. The product 1 is packed in a packaging machine located upstream of the transport conveyors 4 and 5 (after the food is introduced from the opening of the bag, the opening (ear) is closed by heat sealing) in the thickness direction It is carried in the flat state with up and down.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as the illumination part 2, A well-known illuminating device is employable. In this embodiment, LEDs are employed. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the light source which light-emits in a line form.

  A known camera can be used as the imaging unit 3, and a line sensor camera (synthesizes imaging data transmitted from the light receiving unit 10 and the light receiving unit 10 in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged linearly along the longitudinal direction of the gap). In this case, an area image (captured image) may be acquired by combining a plurality of line data captured one row at a time with an image compositing unit that creates a captured image or that is provided separately. Then, a plurality of rows may be taken with an area sensor camera (CCD camera), which may be directly acquired as an area image, or may be combined to acquire an area image.

  In the present embodiment, the illumination unit 2 is placed between the transport conveyors 4 and 5 constituting the transport mechanism (of the gap portion) so that the optical axis of the illumination unit 2 and the optical axis (imaging region) of the imaging unit 3 are aligned. ) It is provided at a lower position, and the imaging unit 3 is provided at an upper position between the conveyors 4 and 5 (at the gap). The positions of the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 may be upside down. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a cover body that protects the camera, 12 denotes a camera attachment part for attaching the imaging unit 3, 13 denotes an LED attachment part for attaching the illumination part 2, and 14 denotes a foreign substance removal part 9 described later. This is an air shooter mounting portion.

  The conveyors 4 and 5 are general belt conveyors composed of belts and rollers for transferring the belts, and the belts are made of inexpensive non-transparent synthetic resin.

  The imaging data acquired in the imaging unit 3 is transmitted to the image processing unit. In the image processing unit, the density (threshold value) of the captured image is analyzed, or compared with a comparison image. Wrinkles and the like are detected, and the pass / fail determination unit determines pass / fail. The determination result is displayed on the display unit.

  When the pass / fail judgment unit determines that the test object 1 is defective, a defective product discharge signal indicating that the test object 1 is a defective product causes the test object 1 determined to be defective by the pass / fail determination unit to air from the normal conveyance line. Is sent to a known defective product discharge unit (for example, sent to a defective product collection unit) and discharged by the defective product discharge unit. Along with the transmission of the defective product discharge signal, a light source cleaning signal is transmitted to the foreign matter removing unit 9 described later.

  The passage detection unit 6 employs a known (semiconductor) laser sensor including a light emitting unit 7 (light emitting / receiving device) and a reflecting plate 8. The light emitting unit 7 and the reflector 8 are inspected so that their optical axes pass through the gap in an inclined state (about 10 to 45 °) with respect to the ears of the inspected object 1 in the width direction of the transport mechanism. They are provided at different heights at the left and right positions in the transport direction so as to sandwich the object 1 (passage area). Specifically, a detection area that is as wide as possible can be obtained by providing a maximum inclination within a range in which the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 are not in contact with each other. Note that a (semiconductor) laser sensor including a pair of light emitting portions and light receiving portions may be employed. Further, the sensor is not limited to the (semiconductor) laser sensor, and other sensors such as a photoelectric sensor may be employed.

  That is, for example, when the passage detection unit 6 is provided with its optical axis parallel to the plane direction of the inspection object 1 (ear part of the inspection object 1), the entire ear part can be used as a detection region. However, it can be detected only by the thickness of the ear part, the detection area becomes small, and the detection timing varies depending on whether or not the ear part is bent. On the other hand, the optical axis of the passage detection part 6 is set in the plane direction of the inspection object ( When provided perpendicular to the ear portion of the object 1 to be inspected, the entire ear portion cannot be used as a detection region, and therefore the detection timing varies due to bending of the detection surface or reflected light is detected. The possibility of adverse effects increases.

  In this regard, in this embodiment, the detection area of the passage detection unit 6 is reduced by configuring the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 to pass through the entire ear portion in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism. While increasing the size, detection can be performed at a position that is not affected by reflected light, and variations in detection timing are unlikely to occur, thus making it possible to accurately determine whether a product is good or bad.

  The laser sensor detects passage of the inspection object 1 through the gap and transmits a detection signal to the imaging unit 3 to acquire a captured image. In this embodiment, the laser sensor detects the start of passage and the end of passage of the gap portion of the inspection object 1 and transmits these detection signals to the imaging unit 3 (image composition unit), respectively. In the received image pickup unit 3 (image composition unit), the imaged data is synthesized between them to create a captured image. For example, the captured image may be created by combining the captured data during a predetermined time (the time during which the entire one inspection object 1 is just fit) after receiving the detection signal of the start of passage.

  The passage detection unit 6 is provided such that its optical axis is slightly (several mm to several cm) upstream of the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the transport direction of the transport conveyors 4 and 5. Therefore, it is possible to acquire a captured image using only the imaging data after the passage is detected by the passage detection unit 6 without always storing the imaging data in the memory of the imaging unit 3.

  The passage detection unit 6 may be provided so that its optical axis is at the same position as the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the transport direction of the transport conveyors 4 and 5. The captured image is always stored in the memory, and the captured image is acquired using the captured data stored in accordance with the detection signal from the passage detection unit 6.

  Further, as an image synthesis unit, an image storage unit (ring buffer) that is conceptually arranged in a ring shape, and always acquires image data from the imaging unit 3 regardless of whether or not the inspection object 1 has passed, and sends it to the image storage unit. You may employ | adopt the structure provided with the preservation | save means to preserve | save, and the image reading means which reads an image from the said image preservation | save part based on the signal detected by the said passage detection part 6, and acquires a predetermined captured image, In this case, the position of the passage detection unit 6 can be freely set by always outputting the image data from the camera and storing it in the ring buffer regardless of the presence or absence of the inspection object 1.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the passage detection unit 6 having the rectangular light emitting unit 7 is arranged so that the long side of the light emitting unit intersects the conveyance direction at a substantially right angle, not parallel to the conveyance direction of the conveyors 4 and 5. Provided. Therefore, the detection area can be further expanded. In the present embodiment, the width and the inclination angle of the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 are set so as to pass through the optical axis (detection region) when passing through any part of the assumed transport region of the transported object 1. is doing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, foreign matter is removed by blowing air intermittently on the illumination unit 2, the light emitting unit 7 of the passage detection unit 6 (the light receiving unit of the passage detection unit 6), and the reflection plate 8 of the passage detection unit 6. A foreign matter removing unit 9 (air shooter) is provided. Note that when the imaging unit 3 is provided below the transport mechanism, air may be blown to the imaging unit 3. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent dust and the like from accumulating in the illumination unit 2 and the passage detection unit 6 that are light sources. The foreign matter removing unit 9 may be configured to move to the position facing the target (nozzle tip) according to the spray target, or may be provided for each spray target. The foreign matter removing unit 9 shares the compressor with the defective product discharging unit.

  When the foreign matter removing unit 9 receives a light source cleaning signal transmitted when a defect is determined by the pass / fail determining unit, the foreign matter removing unit 9 blows air onto the illumination unit 2, the light emitting unit 7 of the passage detecting unit 6, and the reflecting plate 8. The shooter is turned on and off), but only when the defective product discharger is not blowing air (specifically, after the air shooter of the defective product discharger is turned off) ), Air is blown sequentially. This is because the failure determination means that there is a sealing failure, etc., and there is a possibility that the package is spilled from the gap, so air is blown only in this situation. This is because the pressure drop of the compressor shared with the non-defective product discharge unit is suppressed so that the discharge by the defective product discharge unit is not hindered.

  Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 4, when the object 1 to be conveyed passes through the gap, the passage detector 6 detects the passage of the object 1 (pass sensor). Line data (imaging data) is sequentially acquired by the imaging unit 3, and a plurality of line data are synthesized at a predetermined timing to form an area image, and the image processing unit performs image processing. Judgment is performed, and the pass / fail judgment result is displayed on the display unit. In the case of a non-defective product, the inspected object 1 proceeds on a normal conveyance line, and in the case of a defective product, a defective product discharge signal is output to the defective product discharge unit. As a result, the defective product is discharged, and a light source cleaning signal is output to the foreign matter removing unit 9 to remove foreign matter from the light source.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to satisfactorily discriminate between a bite of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food and a seal failure caused by wrinkles, and the existing gaps are effectively utilized by utilizing a slight gap of the transport mechanism. It is extremely practical and can be easily retrofitted to equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inspection object 2 Illumination part 3 Imaging part 6 Passing detection part 7 Light emission part 8 Reflector 9 Foreign substance removal part

  The present invention relates to an optical inspection apparatus and an optical inspection method.

  Conventionally, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Literature 1, an optical inspection apparatus configured to detect a foreign object based on a near-infrared transmission image transmitted through packaged food using near-infrared light transmitted through the packaged food as illumination light has been used. It has been.

  However, in Patent Document 1, a belt that diffuses light or a belt that transmits light is used as a belt of the belt conveyor, and the receiving plate of the conveyor needs to be configured to transmit light. The structure is complicated and expensive parts are required.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, for example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, an optical inspection apparatus that transmits and illuminates an object to be inspected that passes a gap between a carry-out conveyor and a carry-in conveyor. Has been proposed.

JP 2009-162685 A JP 2004-245695 A JP 2004-333177 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the current situation as described above. For example, it is possible to satisfactorily discriminate between a bite of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food, a seal failure due to wrinkles, and the like. The present invention provides an optical inspection apparatus and an optical inspection method that are excellent in practicality and can be easily retrofitted to existing facilities by effectively utilizing the above.

  The gist of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An illuminating unit 2 for irradiating an object to be inspected 1 in which an object to be packaged conveyed by the conveying mechanism is wrapped with a film-shaped packaging bag in a gap provided in the conveying mechanism, and the object to be inspected in the gap. An image processing unit 3 that captures the image 1, an image processing unit that performs image processing based on the imaging data of the inspection object 1 captured by the image capturing unit 3, and a result of the image processing performed by the image processing unit. And a pass / fail detection unit that performs pass / fail determination, and a passage detection unit 6 that can detect the passage of the inspection object 1 passing through the gap is disposed outside the width of the transport mechanism. Are provided separately from the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3, and the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 passes through the gap portion in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism and the imaging in the transport direction view. Provided to intersect the optical axis of section 3 It relates to an optical inspection apparatus according to claim.

  2. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the passage detection unit 6 is provided so that an optical axis thereof intersects with a conveyance direction of the conveyance mechanism substantially at a right angle.

  Further, the passage detection unit 6 is provided such that its optical axis is positioned upstream of the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the transport direction of the transport mechanism. This relates to the optical inspection apparatus described in item 1.

  In addition, an image storage unit that stores the imaging data of the inspection object 1 imaged by the imaging unit 3, and the imaging data is always acquired from the imaging unit 3 regardless of whether the inspection object 1 passes or not and the image storage is performed. 3. A storage unit for storing data in a storage unit, and an image reading unit for reading imaging data from the image storage unit based on a signal detected by the passage detection unit 6. This relates to the optical inspection apparatus described in item 1.

  Further, the passage detection unit 6 having the rectangular light emitting unit 7 is provided so that the long side of the light emitting unit is not parallel to the transport direction of the transport mechanism but intersects the transport direction. The optical inspection apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4 is concerned.

  The optical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a defective product discharge unit that discharges the inspection object 1 determined to be defective by the pass / fail determination unit from a normal conveyance line. This relates to an inspection apparatus.

  7. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the defective product discharge unit is configured to blow and discharge air to the inspection object 1 determined to be defective.

  Moreover, the foreign substance which removes a foreign material by blowing air on the said illumination part 2, the light emission part 7 of the said passage detection part 6, the light-receiving part of the said passage detection part 6, the reflecting plate 8 of the said passage detection part 6, or the said imaging part 3 The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a removing unit 9.

  9. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the foreign matter removing section is configured to intermittently blow air.

  The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the foreign matter removing unit 9 is configured so that air is blown when a defect is determined in the pass / fail determination unit.

  In addition, the foreign matter removal is performed so that air is blown when the defective product discharge unit that blows air to the inspection object 1 determined to be defective by the pass / fail determination unit and discharges it from a normal conveyance line is not blowing air. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the unit 9 is configured.

  Moreover, the optical inspection characterized by performing the quality determination of the to-be-inspected object 1 which wrapped the to-be-packaged object with the film-shaped packaging bag using the optical inspection apparatus of any one of Claims 1-11. It concerns the method.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, for example, it is possible to satisfactorily determine the biting of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food or a seal failure due to wrinkles. Thus, the optical inspection apparatus and the optical inspection method are excellent in practicality and can be easily retrofitted to existing facilities.

It is a composition outline explanation perspective view of a present Example. It is a schematic explanatory side view of a present Example. It is a schematic explanatory side view explaining the passage detection part of a present Example. It is a processing flow figure of a present Example.

  An embodiment of the present invention which is considered to be suitable will be briefly described with reference to the drawings showing the operation of the present invention.

  For example, when the inspected object 1 is a packaged food that is transported by the transport mechanism, for example, is a packaged food packaged in a film-shaped packaging bag, when passing through a gap between the plurality of transport conveyors 4 and 5 constituting the transport mechanism, for example. The illumination unit 2 illuminates and is imaged by the imaging unit 3. The captured image is analyzed by, for example, the density of the captured image in the pass / fail determination unit, and the number of packages (food items) to be packaged or broken, Judgment, wrinkles, and the like are detected to determine whether or not the product is good. For example, the inspection object 1 determined to be defective is discharged from a normal conveyance line by the defective product discharge unit. At this time, the imaging unit 3 can capture an image by detecting the passage (start) of the gap portion of the inspection object 1 by the passage detection unit 6 and acquire a captured image for each inspection object 1.

  Further, for example, the detection area of the passage detection unit 6 is increased by configuring the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 composed of, for example, a laser sensor or a photoelectric sensor to pass through the gap in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism. However, it is possible to perform detection at a position that is not affected by reflected light, and variations in detection timing are unlikely to occur, thus making it possible to accurately determine whether the product is good or bad.

  That is, for example, when the passage detection unit 6 is provided with its optical axis parallel to the plane direction of the inspection object 1 (ear part of the inspection object 1), the entire ear part can be used as a detection region. However, it can be detected only by the thickness of the ear part, the detection area becomes small, and the detection timing varies depending on whether or not the ear part is bent. On the other hand, the optical axis of the passage detection part 6 is set in the plane direction of the inspection object ( When provided perpendicular to the ear portion of the object 1 to be inspected, the entire ear portion cannot be used as a detection region, and therefore the detection timing varies due to bending of the detection surface or reflected light is detected. The possibility of adverse effects increases.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, for example, it is possible to satisfactorily discriminate between a bite of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food, a seal failure due to wrinkles, etc. It can be easily applied to equipment as well.

  Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In this embodiment, an illuminating unit 2 that irradiates the inspection object 1 conveyed by the conveying mechanism with illumination light, and the illuminating unit 2 and the conveying mechanism are provided in an opposed state so as to image the inspection object 1. An imaging unit 3, an image processing unit that performs image processing based on imaging data captured by the imaging unit 3, and a pass / fail determination unit that performs pass / fail determination based on a result of image processing performed by the image processing unit The illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 are moved by the illumination light passing through a gap provided between the first transport conveyor 4 on the transport upstream side and the second transport conveyor 5 on the transport downstream side. An optical inspection apparatus provided at each position where the object to be inspected 1 can be imaged, and a passage detection unit 6 comprising a laser sensor capable of detecting the passage of the one object 1 passing through the gap, Its optical axis intersects with the transport direction of the transport mechanism at a substantially right angle and Provided so as to pass through the section, the optical axis of the passage detection section 6 is one that is configured to pass through the inclined state the gap portion in the width direction of the conveying mechanism.

  Specifically, the present embodiment inspects the inspected object 1 which is a thin product in which food (packaged goods) such as confectionery is packaged in a film-like packaging bag, and the apparatus is inspected. The product 1 is packed in a packaging machine located upstream of the transport conveyors 4 and 5 (after the food is introduced from the opening of the bag, the opening (ear) is closed by heat sealing) in the thickness direction It is carried in the flat state with up and down.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as the illumination part 2, A well-known illuminating device is employable. In this embodiment, LEDs are employed. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the light source which light-emits in a line form.

  A known camera can be used as the imaging unit 3, and a line sensor camera (synthesizes imaging data transmitted from the light receiving unit 10 and the light receiving unit 10 in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged linearly along the longitudinal direction of the gap). In this case, an area image (captured image) may be acquired by combining a plurality of line data captured one row at a time with an image compositing unit that creates a captured image or that is provided separately. Then, a plurality of rows may be taken with an area sensor camera (CCD camera), which may be directly acquired as an area image, or may be combined to acquire an area image.

  In the present embodiment, the illumination unit 2 is placed between the transport conveyors 4 and 5 constituting the transport mechanism (of the gap portion) so that the optical axis of the illumination unit 2 and the optical axis (imaging region) of the imaging unit 3 are aligned. ) It is provided at a lower position, and the imaging unit 3 is provided at an upper position between the conveyors 4 and 5 (at the gap). The positions of the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 may be upside down. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a cover body that protects the camera, 12 denotes a camera attachment part for attaching the imaging unit 3, 13 denotes an LED attachment part for attaching the illumination part 2, and 14 denotes a foreign substance removal part 9 described later. This is an air shooter mounting portion.

  The conveyors 4 and 5 are general belt conveyors composed of belts and rollers for transferring the belts, and the belts are made of inexpensive non-transparent synthetic resin.

  The imaging data acquired in the imaging unit 3 is transmitted to the image processing unit. In the image processing unit, the density (threshold value) of the captured image is analyzed, or compared with a comparison image. Wrinkles and the like are detected, and the pass / fail determination unit determines pass / fail. The determination result is displayed on the display unit.

  When the pass / fail judgment unit determines that the test object 1 is defective, a defective product discharge signal indicating that the test object 1 is a defective product causes the test object 1 determined to be defective by the pass / fail determination unit to air from the normal conveyance line. Is sent to a known defective product discharge unit (for example, sent to a defective product collection unit) and discharged by the defective product discharge unit. Along with the transmission of the defective product discharge signal, a light source cleaning signal is transmitted to the foreign matter removing unit 9 described later.

  The passage detection unit 6 employs a known (semiconductor) laser sensor including a light emitting unit 7 (light emitting / receiving device) and a reflecting plate 8. The light emitting unit 7 and the reflector 8 are inspected so that their optical axes pass through the gap in an inclined state (about 10 to 45 °) with respect to the ears of the inspected object 1 in the width direction of the transport mechanism. They are provided at different heights at the left and right positions in the transport direction so as to sandwich the object 1 (passage area). Specifically, a detection area that is as wide as possible can be obtained by providing a maximum inclination within a range in which the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 are not in contact with each other. Note that a (semiconductor) laser sensor including a pair of light emitting portions and light receiving portions may be employed. Further, the sensor is not limited to the (semiconductor) laser sensor, and other sensors such as a photoelectric sensor may be employed.

  That is, for example, when the passage detection unit 6 is provided with its optical axis parallel to the plane direction of the inspection object 1 (ear part of the inspection object 1), the entire ear part can be used as a detection region. However, it can be detected only by the thickness of the ear part, the detection area becomes small, and the detection timing varies depending on whether or not the ear part is bent. On the other hand, the optical axis of the passage detection part 6 is set in the plane direction of the inspection object ( When provided perpendicular to the ear portion of the object 1 to be inspected, the entire ear portion cannot be used as a detection region, and therefore the detection timing varies due to bending of the detection surface or reflected light is detected. The possibility of adverse effects increases.

  In this regard, in this embodiment, the detection area of the passage detection unit 6 is reduced by configuring the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 to pass through the entire ear portion in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism. While increasing the size, detection can be performed at a position that is not affected by reflected light, and variations in detection timing are unlikely to occur, thus making it possible to accurately determine whether a product is good or bad.

  The laser sensor detects passage of the inspection object 1 through the gap and transmits a detection signal to the imaging unit 3 to acquire a captured image. In this embodiment, the laser sensor detects the start of passage and the end of passage of the gap portion of the inspection object 1 and transmits these detection signals to the imaging unit 3 (image composition unit), respectively. In the received image pickup unit 3 (image composition unit), the imaged data is synthesized between them to create a captured image. For example, the captured image may be created by combining the captured data during a predetermined time (the time during which the entire one inspection object 1 is just fit) after receiving the detection signal of the start of passage.

  The passage detection unit 6 is provided such that its optical axis is slightly (several mm to several cm) upstream of the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the transport direction of the transport conveyors 4 and 5. Therefore, it is possible to acquire a captured image using only the imaging data after the passage is detected by the passage detection unit 6 without always storing the imaging data in the memory of the imaging unit 3.

  The passage detection unit 6 may be provided so that its optical axis is at the same position as the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the transport direction of the transport conveyors 4 and 5. The captured image is always stored in the memory, and the captured image is acquired using the captured data stored in accordance with the detection signal from the passage detection unit 6.

  Further, as an image synthesis unit, an image storage unit (ring buffer) that is conceptually arranged in a ring shape, and always acquires image data from the imaging unit 3 regardless of whether or not the inspection object 1 has passed, and sends it to the image storage unit. You may employ | adopt the structure provided with the preservation | save means to preserve | save, and the image reading means which reads an image from the said image preservation | save part based on the signal detected by the said passage detection part 6, and acquires a predetermined captured image, In this case, the position of the passage detection unit 6 can be freely set by always outputting the image data from the camera and storing it in the ring buffer regardless of the presence or absence of the inspection object 1.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the passage detection unit 6 having the rectangular light emitting unit 7 is arranged so that the long side of the light emitting unit intersects the conveyance direction at a substantially right angle, not parallel to the conveyance direction of the conveyors 4 and 5. Provided. Therefore, the detection area can be further expanded. In the present embodiment, the width and the inclination angle of the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 are set so as to pass through the optical axis (detection region) when passing through any part of the assumed transport region of the transported object 1. is doing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, foreign matter is removed by blowing air intermittently on the illumination unit 2, the light emitting unit 7 of the passage detection unit 6 (the light receiving unit of the passage detection unit 6), and the reflection plate 8 of the passage detection unit 6. A foreign matter removing unit 9 (air shooter) is provided. Note that when the imaging unit 3 is provided below the transport mechanism, air may be blown to the imaging unit 3. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent dust and the like from accumulating in the illumination unit 2 and the passage detection unit 6 that are light sources. The foreign matter removing unit 9 may be configured to move to the position facing the target (nozzle tip) according to the spray target, or may be provided for each spray target. The foreign matter removing unit 9 shares the compressor with the defective product discharging unit.

  When the foreign matter removing unit 9 receives a light source cleaning signal transmitted when a defect is determined by the pass / fail determining unit, the foreign matter removing unit 9 blows air onto the illumination unit 2, the light emitting unit 7 of the passage detecting unit 6, and the reflecting plate 8. The shooter is turned on and off), but only when the defective product discharger is not blowing air (specifically, after the air shooter of the defective product discharger is turned off) ), Air is blown sequentially. This is because the failure determination means that there is a sealing failure, etc., and there is a possibility that the package is spilled from the gap, so air is blown only in this situation. This is because the pressure drop of the compressor shared with the non-defective product discharge unit is suppressed so that the discharge by the defective product discharge unit is not hindered.

  Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 4, when the object 1 to be conveyed passes through the gap, the passage detector 6 detects the passage of the object 1 (pass sensor). Line data (imaging data) is sequentially acquired by the imaging unit 3, and a plurality of line data are synthesized at a predetermined timing to form an area image, and the image processing unit performs image processing. Judgment is performed, and the pass / fail judgment result is displayed on the display unit. In the case of a non-defective product, the inspected object 1 proceeds on a normal conveyance line, and in the case of a defective product, a defective product discharge signal is output to the defective product discharge unit. As a result, the defective product is discharged, and a light source cleaning signal is output to the foreign matter removing unit 9 to remove foreign matter from the light source.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to satisfactorily discriminate between a bite of a film-like packaging bag for packaging food and a seal failure caused by wrinkles, and the existing gaps are effectively utilized by utilizing a slight gap of the transport mechanism. It is extremely practical and can be easily retrofitted to equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inspection object 2 Illumination part 3 Imaging part 6 Passing detection part 7 Light emission part 8 Reflector 9 Foreign substance removal part

An illuminating unit 2 for irradiating an object to be inspected 1 in which an object to be packaged conveyed by the conveying mechanism is wrapped with a film-shaped packaging bag in a gap provided in the conveying mechanism, and the object to be inspected in the gap. An image processing unit 3 that captures the image 1, an image processing unit that performs image processing based on the imaging data of the inspection object 1 captured by the image capturing unit 3, and a result of the image processing performed by the image processing unit. And a pass / fail detection unit that performs pass / fail determination, and a pass detection unit 6 capable of detecting the pass of the test object 1 passing through the gap is provided as the test object of the transport mechanism . The illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 are provided outside the passage region width of the inspection object 1 so as to sandwich one passage region, and the optical axis of the passage detection unit 6 is the gap portion. While passing in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism Those of optical inspection apparatus being characterized in that provided so as to intersect the optical axis of the imaging unit 3 in the feeding direction as viewed.

Claims (12)

  An illumination unit that irradiates the inspection object conveyed by the conveyance mechanism in the gap provided in the conveyance mechanism, an imaging unit that images the inspection object in the gap, and the image captured by the imaging unit An optical inspection apparatus including an image processing unit that performs image processing based on imaging data of an object to be inspected, and a pass / fail determination unit that performs pass / fail determination based on the result of image processing performed by the image processing unit. A passage detection unit capable of detecting the passage of the inspection object passing through the gap so that its optical axis passes through the gap in an inclined state in the width direction of the transport mechanism. Optical inspection device.   The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the passage detection unit is provided so that an optical axis thereof intersects with a conveyance direction of the conveyance mechanism at a substantially right angle.   The passage detection unit is provided such that its optical axis is located upstream of the optical axis of the imaging unit in the transport direction of the transport mechanism or at the same position as the optical axis of the imaging unit. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1.   An image storage unit that stores imaging data of the inspection object imaged by the imaging unit, and a storage unit that always acquires imaging data from the imaging unit and stores it in the image storage unit regardless of whether the inspection object passes or not The optical inspection according to claim 1, further comprising: an image reading unit that reads out image data from the image storage unit based on a signal detected by the passage detection unit. apparatus.   5. The passage detection unit having a rectangular light emitting unit is provided so that a long side of the light emitting unit is not parallel to the transport direction of the transport mechanism but intersects the transport direction. The optical inspection apparatus according to any one of the above.   The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object to be inspected is an object to be packaged packaged in a film-shaped packaging bag.   The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a defective product discharge unit that discharges an inspection object determined to be defective by the quality determination unit from a normal conveyance line.   8. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the defective product discharge unit is configured to blow and discharge air to an inspection object determined to be defective.   The illumination unit, the light emitting unit of the passage detection unit, the light receiving unit of the passage detection unit, the reflection plate of the passage detection unit, or a foreign matter removal unit that blows air to the imaging unit and removes foreign matter. The optical inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the foreign substance removing unit is configured to intermittently blow air.   The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the foreign matter removing unit is configured to perform air blowing when a defect is determined in the quality determining unit.   The foreign matter removing unit is configured to blow air when the defective product discharge unit that blows air from the normal conveyance line by blowing air to the inspection object determined to be defective by the pass / fail determination unit is not blowing air. The optical inspection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein

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