JP2018084496A - Visual inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a visual inspection device capable of integrating constituents necessary for an inspection, without deteriorating an inspection accuracy, while downsizing an installation space in comparison to conventional ones.SOLUTION: A visual inspection device includes: a first imaging camera 3 configured to photograph a content N inside a first inspection region R1, a first upper transmission illumination 5, a first transmission-purpose polarizing plate 10, etc.; a first illumination mechanism 4 configured to illuminate the content N inside the first inspection region R1, a first lower reflection illumination 17, a first upper reflection illumination 18, a first reflection-purpose reflector 19, first reflection-purpose polarizing plate 21, etc.; and a second illumination mechanism 15 configured to illuminate the content N inside the first inspection region R1. The first transmission-purpose polarizing plate 10 and the first reflection-purpose polarizing plate 21 have their polarization axes intersecting with each other. The first illumination mechanism 4 and the second illumination mechanism 15 operate with timings different from each other. The first imaging camera 3 operates in sync with a timing at which the illumination mechanisms 4, 15 are operated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an appearance inspection apparatus attached to an apparatus for manufacturing a PTP sheet in which contents are stored in a pocket and inspecting the appearance of the contents and the packaging film.

  A PTP (Press Through Package) sheet is formed by forming a plurality of pockets opened on the surface of a belt-shaped packaging film by vacuum forming, and the contents (tablets, capsules, etc.) are accommodated in the formed pockets. Thereafter, an aluminum film coated with a resin or the like is bonded to the packaging film so as to close the opening of the pocket, and is cut into a predetermined dimension.

  By the way, when manufacturing a PTP sheet as described above, for example, the contents are not accommodated in some pockets, or the contents accommodated in the pockets are chipped, or the pockets There may be a situation in which foreign matter is mixed in. Therefore, in general, an apparatus for manufacturing a PTP sheet (PTP manufacturing machine) is an appearance inspection apparatus for in-line inspection of the presence / absence of contents in a pocket, the shape of the contents, and the presence / absence of foreign substances in the pocket. Is attached.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an appearance inspection apparatus attached to the PTP manufacturing machine. As shown in the figure, the appearance inspection apparatus 100 has six types of inspections on the inspection target T in which the contents N are accommodated in the pocket P and are conveyed in a predetermined direction (the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 13). The first to sixth inspection units 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130 and the control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of each inspection unit 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130. And a determination unit (not shown) for determining the presence or absence of an appearance defect.

  The first to fourth inspection units 105, 110, 115, 120 are set in order from the upstream side in the transport path upstream of the position where the aluminum film AF is bonded to the packaging film PF by the film bonding mechanism 101. Is an inspection unit for inspecting the inspection object T in the inspection regions R5, R6, R7, R8, and the inspection object 105, 110, 115, 120 is inspected by the packaging film PF. Content part N. Further, the fifth and sixth inspection units 125 and 130 inspect the inspection target T in the inspection regions R9 and R10 set in order from the upstream side in the transport path downstream in the transport direction from the bonding position. The object T to be inspected by these inspection parts 125 and 130 is the packaging film PF, the contents N, and the aluminum film AF. Each of the inspection regions R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 has a predetermined length along the width direction and the length direction of the packaging film PF so that the double row and double row pockets P are accommodated in the region. It is set with a spread.

  The first inspection unit 105 illuminates the inspection target T in the inspection region R5 from the opposite side of the opening of the pocket P by the illumination mechanism 107 and takes an image of the inspection target T from the pocket P opening side. The camera 106 is configured to capture an image. The image captured by the first inspection unit 105 is transmitted to the determination unit, and the determination unit determines the presence or absence of foreign matter on the packaging film PF or the content N in the pocket P based on the captured image. Is done.

  The second inspection unit 110 illuminates the inspection target T in the inspection region R6 from the opening side of the pocket P by the illumination mechanism 112, and the image of the inspection target T is captured by the imaging camera 111 from the pocket P opening side. Configured to image. The image captured by the second inspection unit 110 is also transmitted to the determination unit, and the determination unit determines the presence or absence of foreign matter on the contents N based on the captured image.

  Further, the third inspection unit 115 illuminates the inspection target T in the inspection region R7 by irradiating light from the upstream and downstream sides in the transport direction toward the opening side of the pocket P by the illumination mechanism 117, and The image of the inspection object T is configured to be captured by the imaging camera 116 from the side opposite to the opening side of the pocket P, and the fourth inspection unit 120 is urged by the illumination mechanism 122 from the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction. Light is applied to the opposite side of the opening to illuminate the inspection target T in the inspection region R8, and an image of the inspection target T is captured by the imaging camera 121 from the pocket P opening side. Is done. The images picked up by these inspection units 115 and 120 are transmitted to the determination unit, and the determination unit determines the presence or absence of chipping (chipping) of the edge portion of the content N based on these images.

  Further, the fifth inspection unit 125 illuminates the inspection target T in the inspection region R9 from the opposite side of the opening of the pocket P by the illumination mechanism 127, and displays an image of the inspection target T on the pocket P opening side. The imaging camera 126 is configured to capture an image from the opposite side. The captured image is also transmitted to the determination unit, and the determination unit determines the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the packaging film PF and the aluminum film AF and the foreign matter in the contents N based on the image.

  The sixth inspection unit 130 irradiates the inspection target T in the inspection region R10 with infrared light from the opposite side of the opening of the pocket P by the illumination mechanism 132, and displays an image of the inspection target T in the pocket P. The imaging camera 131 is configured to capture an image from the opposite side of the opening, and the captured image is transmitted to the determination unit. Then, the determination unit determines the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the packaging film PF or the aluminum film AF and the foreign matter of the contents N based on the captured image.

  According to the appearance inspection apparatus 100 including the six inspection units 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130, the appearance of the contents N, the packaging film PF, and the aluminum film AF in the PTP sheet manufacturing process. Defects can be inspected.

  However, the conventional visual inspection apparatus requires an installation space for providing six inspection units, and the installation space for the visual inspection apparatus occupying the entire PTP manufacturing machine inevitably increases. There was a problem that it could not be miniaturized.

  In recent years, in order to solve the above problem, attempts have been made to reduce the installation space of the appearance inspection apparatus by consolidating the inspection units. For example, JP 2007-271351A (Patent Document 1) discloses a packaging sheet. An apparatus is disclosed in which a transmission light source and a reflection light source are arranged to face each other with a conveyance path therebetween, and a transmission / reflection combined camera is installed directly above the reflection light source.

  In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the light source for transmission and the light source for reflection are arranged to face each other, the light source for transmission and the light source for reflection are turned on at different timings, and the light from the light source for transmission is used. The image based on the light from the light source for reflection and the image based on the light from the reflection light source are captured by one camera, that is, the mechanism for performing the two inspections is integrated into one. The installation space can be reduced, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size.

JP 2007-271351 A

  By the way, when integrating the inspection units of the appearance inspection apparatus, it is necessary to appropriately set the arrangement of the illumination mechanism, the light irradiation direction, and the like so that an image necessary for the inspection is captured in each inspection unit.

  The inventors of the present application aimed at further integration of the inspection units of the appearance inspection apparatus, and as a result of intensive research on the arrangement of the illumination mechanism when consolidating the inspection units, the conventional second inspection unit 110 and fourth of the conventional inspection unit. It has been found that when the inspection unit 120 is integrated, the following problems occur. Hereinafter, this problem will be described.

  First, a schematic configuration of the conventional second inspection unit 110 and the fourth inspection unit 120 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14A is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the second inspection unit 110, and FIG. 14B is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the fourth inspection unit 120.

  As shown to Fig.14 (a), the 2nd test | inspection part 110 is the imaging camera 111 arrange | positioned by the pocket P opening part side of the packaging film PF so that it may oppose the test | inspection area | region R6, and the imaging camera 111 and test | inspection. It is comprised from the illumination mechanism 112 arrange | positioned between area | region R6.

  The illumination mechanism 112 includes a pair of first line illuminations 112a disposed upstream and downstream in the transport direction from the inspection region R6, and a pair of second line illuminations disposed above the first line illuminations 112a. A line illumination 112b and a pair of reflectors 112c disposed above the second line illuminations 112b are provided, and the reflectors 112c have reflective surfaces that face each other.

  The first line illumination 112a irradiates light toward the inspection object T in the inspection region R6, the second line illumination 112b irradiates light toward the reflection surface of the reflection plate 112c, and the reflection plate 112c The light emitted from the second line illumination 112b is reflected toward the inspection region R6. Note that a diffusion plate is disposed between each first line illumination 112a and the inspection region R6, and light emitted from the first line illumination 112a is diffused.

  On the other hand, the fourth inspection unit 120 is located at a position facing the imaging camera 121 across the inspection region R8 and the imaging camera 121 disposed on the opposite side of the pocket P opening side so as to face the inspection region R8. The illumination mechanism 122 is arranged.

  The illumination mechanism 122 includes a pair of line illuminations 122a disposed upstream and downstream in the transport direction from the inspection region R8. The pair of line illuminations 122a is an inspection object in the inspection region R8. Irradiate light toward T. Note that a diffusion plate is disposed between each line illumination 122a and the inspection region R8 so that light emitted from the line illumination 122a is diffused.

  In the fourth inspection unit 120, the inspection target T is illuminated obliquely downward with the light emitted from the line illumination 122a, and an image of the inspection target T is captured by the imaging camera 121 from the pocket P opening side. .

  In the inspection by the fourth inspection unit 120, if the chipped portion N1 is present at the edge portion on the opening side of the pocket P of the contents N, the light irradiated from the line illumination 122a is reflected by the chipped portion N1, and this reflected light Enters the imaging camera 121. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16A, the captured image has a difference in contrast between the missing portion N1 and a portion other than the missing portion. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the content N is missing based on the contrast difference.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the second and fourth inspection units 110 and 120 have the illumination mechanism 112 disposed on the pocket P opening side and the illumination mechanism 122 so as to face the illumination mechanism 112. By arranging the imaging camera 140 above the illumination mechanism 112, it can be aggregated in appearance.

  However, when the second and fourth inspection units 110 and 120 are aggregated as described above, the light irradiated from the line illumination 122a and transmitted through the packaging film PF is incident on the reflection plate 112c, and this is directed toward the inspection region. And the surface of the contents N is illuminated (see FIG. 15). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16B, the image captured by the imaging camera 140 has a small contrast difference between the missing portion N1 and a portion other than the missing portion. Therefore, when the 2nd and 4th test | inspection parts 110 and 120 are collected as mentioned above, the problem that the presence or absence of the lack of the content N cannot be determined correctly arises.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an appearance inspection apparatus that can consolidate the configuration necessary for inspection without deteriorating inspection accuracy and can reduce the installation space as compared with the prior art. .

The present invention for solving the above problems is as follows.
The packaging film accommodates contents in a pocket formed in a translucent packaging film, conveys the packaging film in a predetermined direction, and closes the opening of the pocket at a predetermined position in the conveying direction. An appearance inspection apparatus for inspecting the appearance of the contents, attached to an apparatus for manufacturing a PTP sheet by bonding a cover film to
It is disposed on the opening side of the pocket so as to face the first inspection area set in advance in the conveyance path upstream of the position where the cover film is adhered, and in the first inspection area. A first imaging mechanism for imaging the content from the opening side of the pocket;
A first illumination mechanism disposed on the opposite side of the pocket opening so as to face the first inspection area, and illuminating the contents in the first inspection area from the opposite side of the pocket opening;
A second illumination mechanism that is disposed between the first imaging mechanism and the first inspection region and illuminates the contents in the first inspection region from the opening side of the pocket;
A control device that controls operations of the first imaging mechanism, the first illumination mechanism, and the second illumination mechanism;
The first illumination mechanism includes:
A first irradiation unit configured to irradiate light from the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first inspection region;
A first polarizing plate disposed between the first irradiation unit and the first inspection region,
The second illumination mechanism includes:
A second irradiation unit configured to irradiate light from the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first inspection region;
A reflector disposed between the second irradiation unit and the first imaging mechanism;
A third irradiator disposed between the second irradiator and the reflector, and irradiating light toward the reflector;
A second polarizing plate disposed between the reflector and the first inspection region,
The reflector is arranged to reflect the light emitted from the third irradiation unit toward the first inspection region,
The polarization axis of the second polarizing plate intersects the polarization axis of the first polarizing plate,
The control device operates the first illumination mechanism and the second illumination mechanism so that the timing of irradiating light from the first irradiation unit and the timing of irradiating light from the second irradiation unit and the third irradiation unit are different. And an appearance inspection apparatus that operates the first imaging mechanism at a timing when light is emitted from each of the irradiation units.

  According to the appearance inspection apparatus, when the first illumination mechanism is operated and light is irradiated from the first irradiation unit toward the first inspection region, the contents in the first inspection region are irradiated from the first irradiation unit. When there is a chip in the edge portion on the pocket opening side of the contents, the light irradiated from the first irradiation unit is reflected by the chip of the contents and reflected Light enters the first imaging mechanism, and an image of the contents is captured. According to the image captured in this manner, it is possible to determine whether or not the contents are missing from the edge portion on the pocket opening side. Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as “first chipping inspection”.

  Further, the operation and timing of the first illumination mechanism are shifted, the second illumination mechanism is operated, light is emitted from the second irradiation unit toward the first inspection region, and the third irradiation unit is directed toward the reflector. When the light is irradiated, the content in the first inspection region is illuminated by the light irradiated from the second irradiation unit and the light reflected by the reflector, and the light reflected by the surface of the content is applied to the first imaging mechanism. Incident light and an image of the contents are captured. According to the image thus captured, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of foreign matter on the contents or the packaging film. Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as “pre-adhesion reflection inspection”.

  Here, in this appearance inspection apparatus, the first polarizing plate is provided between the first irradiation unit and the first inspection region, and the second polarizing plate is provided between the reflector and the first inspection region. The polarizing plates of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate intersect each other. Therefore, the light irradiated from the first irradiation unit and polarized by the first polarizing plate illuminates the contents and passes through the packaging film, and the transmitted light passes through the second polarized light before entering the reflecting plate. Passing through the plate, the amount of light is greatly attenuated. In addition, since the light that has passed through the second polarizing plate and reflected by the reflecting plate will pass through the second polarizing plate again, the light that is reflected by the reflecting plate and reaches the surface of the contents is its light quantity. Is so low that it can be ignored.

  Therefore, there is a large difference in the amount of light between the light reflected by the chipped portion of the contents and the light reflected by a portion other than the chipped portion. For this reason, in the captured image, there is a difference in contrast between the chipped portion and a portion other than the chipped portion, and it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the content edge portion is chipped based on the difference in contrast.

  Further, in this appearance inspection apparatus, the first illumination mechanism and the second illumination mechanism are disposed so as to face the first inspection region, and the illumination mechanisms are operated at different timings so that light is emitted from each irradiation unit. The first imaging mechanism is operated in accordance with the irradiation timing so that images necessary for the first chipping inspection and the pre-adhesion reflection inspection can be taken on the contents in one inspection region. The mechanisms required for each inspection are consolidated. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the installation space for the appearance inspection apparatus in the entire PTP manufacturing machine, and to reduce the size of the entire apparatus.

  Moreover, the said external appearance inspection apparatus WHEREIN: The said 1st illumination mechanism is further equipped with the 4th irradiation part which irradiates red light toward the said 1st test | inspection area | region, The said control apparatus is light from the said 1st irradiation part. The first illumination mechanism and the first illumination mechanism are different from each other so that the timing of irradiating light from the second irradiating unit and the third irradiating unit differs from the timing of irradiating red light from the fourth irradiating unit. The two illumination mechanisms may be operated, and the first imaging mechanism may be operated at a timing when light is emitted from each of the irradiation units.

  In the appearance inspection apparatus configured as described above, when the first illumination mechanism is operated and the red light is emitted from the fourth irradiation unit toward the first inspection region, the red emitted from the fourth irradiation unit. The light illuminates the contents in the first inspection region, and part of the light passes through the packaging film and enters the first imaging mechanism, and an image of the contents is captured. According to the image obtained in this way, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of contents in the pocket. Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as “transmission inspection”.

  That is, in this appearance inspection apparatus, the first illumination mechanism having the first and fourth irradiation units and the second illumination mechanism having the second and third irradiation units are arranged so as to face the first inspection region. The images required for the first chipping inspection, the pre-adhesion reflection inspection, and the transmission inspection are performed by shifting the operation timing of each illumination mechanism and operating the first imaging mechanism in accordance with the timing of irradiating light from each irradiation unit. The mechanisms necessary for each inspection are integrated so that the imaging can be performed on the contents in one inspection region. Therefore, the installation space for the appearance inspection apparatus in the entire PTP manufacturing machine can be further reduced, and the entire apparatus can be made more compact.

  In the appearance inspection apparatus, the first illumination mechanism further includes a fourth irradiation unit that selectively irradiates red light and white light toward the first inspection region, and the control device includes Timing of irradiating light from the first irradiating unit, irradiating white light from the fourth irradiating unit, timing of irradiating light from the second irradiating unit and the third irradiating unit, and red light from the fourth irradiating unit In addition to operating the first illumination mechanism and the second illumination mechanism, the first imaging mechanism may be operated at a timing when light is emitted from each of the irradiation units. good.

  In this case, if the first illumination mechanism is operated to irradiate light from the first irradiation unit toward the first inspection region and irradiate white light from the fourth irradiation unit toward the first inspection region, The white light emitted from the fourth irradiation part goes around to the pocket opening side and is reflected by the chipped portion of the contents. Therefore, in the imaged image, the chipped portion becomes brighter and the difference in contrast between the chipped portion and a portion other than the chipped portion becomes larger compared to the case where white light is not irradiated from the fourth irradiation unit. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the content edge portion is missing.

  Further, if red light is irradiated from the fourth irradiation unit toward the first inspection region, a transmission inspection can be performed in the same manner as described above.

  As described above, according to the appearance inspection apparatus, the accuracy of the first chipping inspection is improved after integrating the mechanisms necessary for performing the first chipping inspection, the pre-adhesion reflection inspection, and the transmission inspection in one inspection region. Can be improved.

  In addition, as a structure of the 4th irradiation part which can selectively irradiate red light and white light, it has a some light emission part which emits red light, and a some light emission part which emits white light, and emits the said red light. A structure in which light emitting units and light emitting units emitting white light are arranged in a staggered manner can be exemplified.

  By the way, in the reflection test before adhesion, when the contents are glossy on the surface such as a sugar-coated tablet or a capsule tablet, the amount of light reflected on the surface of the contents becomes too high and the image is taken. There is a possibility that halation occurs in the image, and accurate discrimination cannot be performed based on the obtained image.

  Therefore, in order to prevent the occurrence of halation, the appearance inspection apparatus includes a third polarizing plate disposed between the first imaging mechanism and the first inspection region, and the second illumination mechanism includes: The third polarizing plate further includes a fourth polarizing plate disposed between the second irradiation unit and the first inspection region, and the third polarizing plate has a polarization axis intersecting with the polarizing axis of the fourth polarizing plate. You may comprise.

  If it does in this way, the light irradiated from the 2nd irradiation part, polarized by the 4th polarizing plate, and reflected by the surface of the contents will pass the 3rd polarizing plate before entering into the 1st image pick-up mechanism. As a result, the amount of light is greatly attenuated. For this reason, the amount of light incident on the first imaging mechanism is suppressed, and the occurrence of halation can be prevented.

  In addition, when providing the said 4th polarizing plate, it is preferable to form the said 4th polarizing plate and the said 2nd polarizing plate integrally. In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, reduce labor and time required for assembly, and reduce costs.

  Further, in the appearance inspection apparatus, the opposite side of the pocket opening so as to face a second inspection area set in advance in a transport path between the position where the cover film is bonded and the first inspection area And a second imaging mechanism for imaging the contents in the second inspection area from the opposite side of the pocket opening, and on the opening side of the pocket so as to face the second inspection area. And a third illumination mechanism that illuminates the contents in the second inspection area from the opening side of the pocket, and the third illumination mechanism is provided with respect to the second inspection area. It has the 5th irradiation part which irradiates light from the upper stream side and the lower stream side of the conveyance direction, The control device operates the 3rd lighting mechanism, and the timing which irradiates light from the 5th irradiation part And operating the second imaging mechanism It may be configured.

  According to the appearance inspection apparatus configured as described above, when the third illumination mechanism is operated and light is irradiated from the fifth irradiation unit toward the second inspection region, the contents in the second inspection region are When the chip is illuminated by the light irradiated from the five irradiation sections and there is a chip in the edge portion on the opposite side to the pocket opening of the contents, the light irradiated from the fifth irradiation section at the chipped portion of the contents is The reflected light is reflected and enters the second imaging mechanism, and an image of the contents is captured. According to the image thus captured, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of an edge portion on the opposite side of the pocket opening in the contents. Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as “second chipping inspection”.

  Therefore, according to the appearance inspection apparatus, the second chipping inspection can be performed in addition to the first chipping inspection and the pre-adhesion reflection inspection, or in addition to the first chipping inspection, the pre-adhesion reflection inspection, and the transmission inspection. In addition, since it is possible to take images necessary for these three or four types of inspections regarding the contents in two inspection areas, the installation space for the appearance inspection apparatus can be reduced as compared with the conventional PTP manufacturing machine. Can be miniaturized.

  Furthermore, in the above appearance inspection apparatus, it is disposed on the opposite side of the pocket opening so as to face a third inspection region set in advance in the transport path downstream in the transport direction from the position where the cover film is adhered. A third imaging mechanism that images the contents in the third inspection area from the opposite side of the pocket opening, and is disposed between the third imaging mechanism and the third inspection area, 3 further includes a fourth illumination mechanism that illuminates the contents in the inspection region from the opposite side of the pocket opening, and the fourth illumination mechanism is configured to emit infrared light and visible light toward the third inspection region. The control device controls the operation of the fourth illumination mechanism so that the timing of irradiating infrared light and the timing of irradiating visible light are different. And infrared and visible light At a timing allowed Isa may be configured to operate the third imaging mechanism.

  According to the appearance inspection apparatus configured as described above, when the fourth illumination mechanism is operated and the visible light is irradiated from the sixth irradiation unit toward the third inspection region, the contents in the third inspection region are: Visible light illuminated by the visible light emitted from the sixth irradiating unit and reflected by the surface of the content is incident on the third imaging mechanism, and an image of the content is captured. According to the image thus captured, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of foreign matter on the contents or foreign matter on the packaging film after the cover film is bonded. Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as a “post-adhesion reflection inspection”.

  In addition, when the fourth illumination mechanism is operated and infrared light is irradiated from the sixth irradiation unit toward the third inspection region at a timing shifted from the irradiation timing of the visible light from the sixth irradiation unit, The contents are illuminated with infrared light emitted from the sixth irradiating unit, and visible light reflected by the contents enters the third imaging mechanism, and an image of the contents is taken. According to the image thus picked up, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of foreign matter adhering to the packaging film or the cover film or foreign matter in the contents. Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as “infrared light reflection inspection”.

  The appearance inspection apparatus configured as described above has a configuration necessary for each inspection so that the post-adhesion reflection inspection and the infrared light reflection inspection can be performed on the contents in the third inspection region. Yes.

  Therefore, according to the appearance inspection apparatus thus configured, in addition to the first chipping inspection and the pre-adhesion reflection inspection, or in addition to the first chipping, the pre-adhesion reflection inspection and the transmission inspection, or the first chipping and adhesion. In addition to the pre-reflection inspection, the transmission inspection, and the second chipping inspection, a post-adhesion reflection inspection and an infrared light reflection inspection can be performed.

  In addition, imaging of the contents necessary for these four types of inspection is performed in two inspection areas, or imaging required for five types of inspection is performed in two inspection areas, or imaging required for six types of inspection is performed. Therefore, the space for installing the appearance inspection apparatus can be further reduced, and the entire PTP manufacturing machine can be made more compact.

  The light emitted from the first, second, third and fifth irradiating parts is not particularly limited as long as it is visible light. For example, each of these irradiating parts emits white light. Embodiments can be taken. Moreover, the color of the visible light emitted from the sixth irradiation unit is not particularly limited. For example, the sixth irradiation unit may adopt an aspect in which infrared light and white light are selectively emitted.

  As described above, the appearance inspection apparatus according to the present invention is configured so that the mechanism necessary for performing the first chipping inspection and the mechanism necessary for performing the reflection inspection can perform each inspection normally. The installation space for the appearance inspection apparatus in the entire PTP manufacturing machine can be reduced, and the entire PTP manufacturing machine can be downsized.

  In addition, since it is possible to capture images required for up to six types of inspection in three inspection areas, the installation space for the appearance inspection apparatus in the entire PTP manufacturing machine is significantly reduced compared to the conventional case. The entire PTP manufacturing machine can be made compact.

It is the figure which showed typically the schematic structure of the external appearance inspection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed schematic structure of the 1st test | inspection mechanism. It is the perspective view which showed typically schematic structure of the 1st test | inspection mechanism. It is the front view which showed the 1st lower part transmitted illumination. It is sectional drawing which showed schematic structure of the 2nd test | inspection mechanism. It is sectional drawing which showed schematic structure of the 3rd test | inspection mechanism. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which test | inspects a test target object with the external appearance inspection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state at the time of performing a transmission test. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which test | inspects a test target object with the external appearance inspection apparatus which concerns on one actual form, and is the figure which showed the state at the time of performing a reflection test before adhesion | attachment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which test | inspects a test target object with the external appearance inspection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state at the time of performing a 1st chipping test | inspection. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which test | inspects a test target object with the external appearance inspection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state at the time of performing a 2nd chipping test | inspection. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of test | inspecting a test target object with the external appearance inspection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state at the time of performing a reflection test after adhesion | attachment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which test | inspects a test target object with the external appearance inspection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state at the time of performing an infrared-light reflection test. It is the figure which showed typically schematic structure of the conventional external appearance inspection apparatus. It is the figure which showed typically the schematic structure of the test | inspection part which comprises the conventional external appearance inspection apparatus, (a) is a figure which showed the 2nd test | inspection part, (b) was the 4th test | inspection part. It is a figure for demonstrating the problem which arises when the 2nd conventional inspection part and the 4th inspection part are collected. (A) is the figure which showed the mode of the content imaged by the conventional 4th test | inspection part, (b) is the 4th test | inspection part at the time of integrating a 2nd test | inspection part and a 4th test | inspection part. It is the figure which showed the mode of the content imaged by.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, a schematic configuration of a PTP manufacturing machine to which the appearance inspection apparatus 1 of this example is attached will be described. In general, a PTP manufacturing machine forms a plurality of pockets P by vacuum forming a transport device (not shown) for transporting the packaging film PF in a predetermined direction (the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1) or the packaging film PF. A pocket forming mechanism (not shown), a contents storage mechanism (not shown) for storing contents N (in this example, tablets having gloss on the surface) in a plurality of pockets P, an aluminum film on the packaging film PF A film bonding mechanism 70 for bonding AF, a film cutting mechanism (not shown) for cutting the packaging film PF to which the aluminum film AF is bonded into predetermined dimensions, and the like are provided. And according to this PTP manufacturing machine, while the packaging film PF is conveyed in a predetermined direction, a plurality of pockets P are formed in the packaging film PF, and the contents N are accommodated in the pockets P, and then in the conveying direction. At a predetermined position (film bonding position), the aluminum film AF is bonded to the packaging film PF, and then the packaging film PF is cut into a predetermined dimension to produce a PTP sheet.

  As described above, the appearance inspection apparatus 1 of this example is an apparatus attached to the PTP manufacturing machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the appearance inspection apparatus 1 is located on the transport path upstream of the film bonding position of the PTP manufacturing machine. A first inspection mechanism 2 for capturing an image of the inspection object T in the first inspection region R1 set in advance, and a first preset in a conveyance path between the first inspection region R1 and the film adhesion position. The second inspection mechanism 35 for capturing an image of the inspection object T in the second inspection region R2, and the inspection in the third inspection region R3 set in advance in the transport path downstream in the transport direction from the film adhesion position Based on a third inspection mechanism 45 for capturing an image of the object T, a control device 65 for controlling the operation of each inspection mechanism 2, 35, 45, and an image captured by each inspection mechanism 2, 35, 45. Discriminating device for discriminating the appearance defect of the inspection object T And a 6.

  Each of the inspection regions R1, R2, R3 has a predetermined spread along the width direction and the length direction of the packaging film PF so that the double row and double column pockets P can be accommodated in the regions. Is set. Further, the inspection object T whose image is captured by the first and second inspection mechanisms 2 and 35 is the contents N and the packaging film PF, and the inspection object T whose image is captured by the third inspection mechanism 45 is , Contents N, packaging film PF, and aluminum film AF.

[First inspection mechanism]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first inspection mechanism 2 includes a first imaging camera 3 disposed on the pocket P opening side of the packaging film PF so as to face the first inspection region R1. The first illumination mechanism 4 disposed on the side opposite to the opening side of the pocket P so as to face the first inspection region R1, and between the first imaging camera 3 and the first inspection region R1. The second illumination mechanism 15 is provided. In addition, in FIG. 3, while showing each component typically, the illustration of the housing | casing 12,22,30 mentioned later was abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, the arrow in the figure has shown the conveyance direction.

  The first imaging camera 3 has a first imaging camera polarizing plate 3a attached to the tip of the lens so that the polarization axis is parallel to the transport direction. In FIG. 3, in order to show the direction of the polarization axis, the first imaging camera polarizing plate 3a is shown in a state separated from the tip of the lens. The first imaging camera 3 may capture a monochrome image or may capture a color image.

  The first illumination mechanism 4 is disposed below the first upper transmitted illumination 5 and a pair of first upper transmitted illuminations 5 disposed upstream and downstream in the transport direction from the first inspection region R1. The pair of first intermediate portion transmissive illuminations 6, each of which is disposed at a position facing the pair of first transmission reflectors 7 and the first inspection region R <b> 1 disposed below each first intermediate portion transmissive illumination 6. A first lower transmission light 8 provided; a pair of first upper transmission diffusion plates 9 disposed between each first upper transmission illumination 5 and the first inspection region R1, each first upper transmission diffusion plate; 9 and the first inspection region R1 are provided with a pair of first transmission polarizing plates 10 and a first lower transmission diffusion plate 11 disposed above the first lower transmission illumination 8. The first upper transmission illumination 5, the first intermediate transmission illumination 6, the first transmission reflector 7, the first lower transmission illumination 8, and each transmission Polarizer for use diffusing plate 9, 11 and the first transmission 10 is accommodated in the inner space of the casing 12 arranged below the first inspection region R1. The casing 12 is a quadrangular columnar member whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF, and a slit hole 12a is formed along the longitudinal direction at a portion of the upper surface facing the first inspection region R1. Is formed.

  The first upper transmitted illumination 5 is a line illumination comprising a long plate-like member 5a and a plurality of LED bulbs 5b that are regularly arranged on the surface of the plate-like member 5a and emit white light. The plate-like member 5a is arranged such that the LED bulb 5b faces the first inspection region R1 with the LED bulb 5b facing obliquely upward, and the longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF. Further, both end portions are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 12. According to the first upper transmission illumination 5, by irradiating white light from the LED bulb 5b, it is possible to illuminate the first inspection region R1 obliquely downward through the slit hole 12a. The white light emitted from the LED bulb 5b is diffused by the action of the first upper transmission diffusion plate 9.

  Similarly to the above, the first intermediate portion transmitted illumination 6 is a line illumination comprising a long plate-like member 6a and a plurality of LED bulbs 6b arranged on the surface and emitting white light. 6a is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 12 so that the LED bulb 6b and the first transmission reflector 7 face each other and the longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF. .

  The first transmission reflecting plate 7 is a long member having a concave curved reflecting surface 7a, the reflecting surface 7a faces the first intermediate transmission light 6, and the longitudinal direction is the width of the packaging film PF. Both end portions thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 12 so as to be parallel to the direction. In addition, the first transmission reflector 7 has an arrangement angle and a reflection surface 7a so that light emitted from the LED bulb 6b of the first intermediate transmission light 6 is reflected toward the first inspection region R1. The curvature has been adjusted. Therefore, according to the said 1st intermediate part transmission illumination 6, by irradiating white light from the LED light bulb 6b, the irradiated light is reflected by the reflective surface 7a, and this reflected light is 1st through the slit hole 12a. The inspection area R1 can be illuminated.

  The first lower transmitted illumination 8 is disposed on the upper surface of the plate-like member 8a, similarly to the plate-like member 8a having a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the red LED bulb 8b arranged on the upper surface of the plate-like member 8a. The flat panel illumination includes an LED bulb 8c that emits white light. The lower surface of the plate member 8a is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 12. In the first lower transmissive illumination 8, the red LED bulb 8b and the LED bulb 8c are arranged in a staggered manner as shown in FIG. According to the first lower transmission illumination 8, it is possible to illuminate the first inspection region R1 from below through the slit hole 12a by irradiating white light or red light from the LED bulbs 8b and 8c.

  The first transmission polarizing plate 10 is a long plate-like member that polarizes light emitted from the LED bulb 5b of the first upper transmission illumination 5 and diffused by the first upper transmission diffusion plate 9, As shown in FIG. 3, both end portions are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 12 so that the polarization axis thereof is parallel to the transport direction. The first upper transmission diffusion plate 9 is a long plate-like member, and both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 12.

  The first lower transmission diffusing plate 11 is a long plate-like member having a function of diffusing light emitted from the respective LED bulbs 8b and 8c of the first lower transmission illumination 8, and both ends thereof are housings. It is fixed to the inner wall of the body 12. The first lower diffusing plate 11 has the same effect as a general diffusing plate when irradiated with light from each of the LED bulbs 8b and 8c, while being black when not irradiated with light. It is a special diffusion plate that can be seen.

  The second illumination mechanism 15 includes a first reflected illumination unit 16 disposed at a position facing the first inspection region R1, and a first incident illumination unit 25 disposed above the first reflected illumination unit 16. Consists of.

  The first reflected illumination unit 16 is above the pair of first lower reflected illuminations 17 disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction from the first inspection region R1, respectively. A pair of first upper reflection illuminations 18, a pair of first reflection reflectors 19, each of which is disposed above each first upper reflection illumination 18, each first lower reflection illumination 17 and the first. A pair of first reflection diffusion plates 20 disposed between the inspection region R1 and a pair of first reflection diffusion plates disposed between each first reflection diffusion plate 20 and the first inspection region R1. A polarizing plate 21 is provided, and the first lower reflection illumination 17, the first upper reflection illumination 18, the first reflection reflector 19, the first reflection diffuser 20, and the first reflection polarizer 21 are in the first inspection. It is accommodated in the internal space of the casing 22 disposed above the region R1. The casing 22 is a quadrangular prism-like member whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF, and slit holes 22a are formed along the longitudinal direction at portions of the upper surface and the lower surface facing the first inspection region R1. , 22b are formed.

  The first lower reflected illumination 17 is a line illumination comprising a long plate-like member 17a and a plurality of LED bulbs 17b that emit white light, like the first upper transmitted illumination 5 of the first illumination mechanism 4. The plate-like member 17a has the longitudinal direction parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF so that the LED bulb 17b faces the first inspection region R1 with the LED bulb 17b facing obliquely downward. As described above, both end portions are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 22. According to the first lower reflection illumination 17, by irradiating white light from the LED bulb 17b, it is possible to illuminate the first inspection region R1 obliquely from above through the slit hole 22a.

  The first upper reflection illumination 18 is also a line illumination comprising a long plate-like member 18a and a plurality of LED bulbs 18b that emit white light. The plate-like member 18a comprises the LED bulb 18b and the first reflection reflector 19. Are opposed to each other, and both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 22 so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF.

  The first reflective reflector 19 is substantially the same as the first transmissive reflector 7 of the first illumination mechanism 4, the concave curved reflective surface 19 a faces the first upper reflective illuminator 18, and Both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 22 so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF, and the light irradiated from the LED bulb 18b of the first upper reflective illumination 18 is subjected to the first inspection. The arrangement angle and the curvature of the reflecting surface 19a are adjusted so as to be reflected toward the region R1.

  Therefore, according to the first upper reflected illumination 18, by irradiating white light from the LED bulb 18b, this light is reflected by the reflecting surface 19a, and the reflected light passes through the slit hole 22a and passes through the first inspection region R1. Can be illuminated.

  The first reflection diffusion plate 20 is a long plate-like member, and both end portions thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 22, and diffuses light emitted from the LED bulb 5b.

  The first reflective polarizing plate 21 passes between the first reflective reflector 19 and the first inspection region R1 from a position facing the LED bulb 17b of the first lower reflective illumination 17, and passes through the casing 22. This is a long plate-like member extending to the opening of the slit hole 22b, and the light emitted from the LED bulb 17b of the first lower reflected illumination 17 and the LED bulb 18b of the first upper reflected illumination 18 The light reflected by the first reflecting reflector 19 is polarized. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first reflection polarizing plate 21 has both ends fixed to the inner wall of the housing 22 so that the polarization axis thereof is orthogonal to the transport direction, and the first reflection The polarization axis of the polarizing plate 21 is orthogonal to the polarizing axes of the first imaging camera polarizing plate 3 a and the first transmission polarizing plate 10 of the first illumination mechanism 4.

  The first epi-illumination unit 25 performs so-called coaxial epi-illumination, and opposes the first epi-illumination 26 disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction from the first inspection region R1, and the first epi-illumination 26. The first epi-illumination half mirror 27 disposed at a position facing the first inspection region R1, and the first epi-illumination diffusion disposed between the first epi-illumination 26 and the first epi-illumination half mirror 27. A first epi-illuminating plate 26 and a first epi-illuminating polarizing plate 29 disposed between the first epi-illuminating half mirror 27 and the first epi-illuminating diffuser plate 28; The mirror 27, the first incident-light diffusing plate 28, and the first incident-light polarizing plate 29 are accommodated in the internal space of the housing 30 fixed to the upper surface of the housing 22 of the first reflective illumination unit 16. The casing 30 is also a quadrangular prism-like member whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF, and slit holes 30a are formed along the longitudinal direction at portions of the upper surface and the lower surface facing the first inspection region R1. , 30b are formed.

  The first epi-illumination 26 is a flat panel illumination composed of a plate-like member 26a having a rectangular shape in side view and a plurality of LED bulbs 26b that are regularly arranged on one surface of the plate-like member 26a and emit white light. Yes, the other surface of the plate member 26 a is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 30 so that the LED bulb 26 b faces the first incident light half mirror 27. The light emitted from the LED bulb 26b is diffused by the action of the first epi-diffusion plate 28.

  The first incident-light half mirror 27 is a long plate-like member, and both end portions thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 30 in a state inclined by 45 ° with respect to the vertical direction about the longitudinal direction. . Therefore, the light emitted from the LED bulb 26b of the first epi-illumination 26 is reflected by the first epi-illumination half mirror 27 toward the first inspection region R1.

  The first epi-diffusion diffuser plate 28 is also a long plate-like member, and both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 30.

  The first incident-light polarizing plate 29 has a long plate shape, and polarizes light emitted from the LED bulb 26b and diffused through the first incident-light diffusion plate 28. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, both ends of the first incident-light polarizing plate 29 are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 30 so that the polarization axis is orthogonal to the transport direction. The polarization axis of the plate 29 and the polarization axis of the first imaging camera polarizing plate 3a are orthogonal to each other.

  In the first inspection mechanism 2 having the above-described configuration, under the control of the control device 65, the timing of irradiating red light from the first lower transmitted illumination 8 of the first illumination mechanism 4 and the second illumination mechanism 15 The timing of irradiating white light from the first lower reflection illumination 17, the first upper reflection illumination 18, and the first epi-illumination 26, and the white light from the first upper transmission illumination 5 and the first intermediate transmission illumination 6 of the first illumination mechanism 4. And the illumination mechanisms 4 and 15 are operated so as to shift the timing of irradiating the white light from the first lower transmission illumination 8, and the first imaging camera 3 is operated in accordance with these timings. An image of the inspection target T is picked up from the opening side of the pocket P through the slit holes 22a, 22b, 30a, 30b and the first incident light half mirror 27 by the single imaging camera 3. The captured image is transmitted to the discrimination device 66.

[Second inspection mechanism]
As shown in FIG. 5, the second inspection mechanism 35 includes a second imaging camera 36 disposed on the opposite side of the pocket P opening of the packaging film PF so as to face the second inspection region R2, and a second imaging camera 36. It is comprised from the 3rd illumination mechanism 37 arrange | positioned by the pocket P opening part side so that 2 inspection area | region R2 may be opposed. Note that the second imaging camera 36 may capture a monochrome image, or may capture a color image.

  The third illumination mechanism 37 is disposed above the second lower transmitted illumination 38 and a pair of second lower transmitted illumination 38 disposed upstream and downstream in the transport direction from the second inspection region R2. The pair of second intermediate portion transmissive illuminations 39 and the pair of second transmissive reflectors 40 disposed above the respective second intermediate portion transmissive illuminations 39 are disposed at positions facing the second inspection region R2. A second upper transmissive illumination 41, a pair of second lower transmissive diffusers 42 disposed between each second lower transmissive illumination 38 and the second inspection region R 2, and the second upper transmissive illumination 41. A second upper transmissive diffuser 43 disposed below is provided. The second lower transmissive illuminator 38, the second intermediate transmissive illuminator 39, the second transmissive reflector 40, the second upper transmissive illuminator 41, and the like. The transmission diffusion plates 42 and 43 are disposed above the second inspection region R2. It is housed in the internal space of the body 44. The housing 44 is a quadrangular prism-like member whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF, similarly to the other housings described above. A slit hole 44a is formed along the longitudinal direction in a portion of the lower surface of the housing 44 facing the second inspection region R2.

  The second lower transmission illumination 38 and the second intermediate transmission illumination 39 are line illuminations composed of long plate-like members 38a, 39a and a plurality of LED bulbs 38b, 39b that emit white light.

  The second lower transmissive illumination 38 is such that the LED bulb 38b faces the second inspection region R2 with the LED bulb 38b facing obliquely downward, and the longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF. Both end portions of the plate-like member 38a are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 44 so that the second inspection region is obliquely upward from the LED hole 38b through the slit hole 44a. R2 can be illuminated. The white light emitted from the LED bulb 38b is diffused by the action of the second lower transmission reflector 42.

  Further, the second intermediate portion transmissive illumination 39 has a plate-like member 39a so that the LED bulb 39b and the second transmissive reflecting plate 40 face each other and the longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF. Are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 44.

  The second transmissive reflecting plate 40 is a long member having a concave curved reflecting surface 40a, like the other reflecting plates described above, and the reflecting surface 40a and the LED bulb 39b are opposed to each other and are long. Both end portions are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 44 so that the direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF. In addition, the arrangement angle and the curvature of the reflection surface 40a of the second transmission reflector 40 are also adjusted, and the light emitted from the LED bulb 39b of the second intermediate transmission light 39 toward the reflection surface 40a. Is reflected toward the second inspection region R2.

  The second upper transmitted illumination 41 is a flat panel illumination in which an LED bulb that emits white light is arranged on the lower surface of a rectangular plate-like member when viewed from above, and the LED bulb is opposed to the second inspection region R2. The upper surface of the plate member is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 44. According to the second upper transmissive illumination 41, the second inspection region R2 can be illuminated from above through the slit hole 44a by irradiating white light from the LED bulb. The light emitted from the LED bulb is diffused by the second upper transmission diffusion plate 43.

  Each of the transmission diffusion plates 42 and 43 is a long plate-like member, and both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 44.

  In the second inspection mechanism 35 having the above configuration, light is emitted from the second lower transmission illumination 38, the second intermediate transmission illumination 39, and the second upper transmission illumination 41 simultaneously under the control of the control device 65. In addition, the third illumination mechanism 37 is operated, the second imaging camera 36 is operated, and the second imaging camera 36 captures an image of the inspection target T from the opposite side of the pocket P opening. The captured image is transmitted to the discrimination device 66.

[Third inspection mechanism]
As shown in FIG. 6, the third inspection mechanism 45 includes a third imaging camera 46 disposed on the opposite side of the pocket P opening of the packaging film PF so as to face the third inspection region R3, It is comprised from the 4th illumination mechanism 47 arrange | positioned between the 3rd imaging camera 46 and 3rd test | inspection area | region R3.

  The third imaging camera 46 has a third imaging camera polarizing plate 46a attached to the end of the lens so that the polarization axis is parallel to the transport direction. The third imaging camera polarizing plate 46a is visible. It has a function of polarizing light and infrared light. The third imaging camera 46 includes an imaging device that receives visible light and infrared light.

  The fourth illumination mechanism 47 includes a second reflected illumination unit 48 disposed at a position facing the third inspection region R3, and a second incident illumination unit 55 disposed above the second reflected illumination unit 48. Consists of.

  The second reflected illumination unit 48 is a pair of second lower reflected illuminations 49 disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction from the third inspection region R3, respectively, and above the respective second lower reflected illuminations 49. A pair of second upper reflective illuminations 50 disposed, a pair of second reflective reflectors 51 disposed above the respective second upper reflective illuminations 50, a respective second lower reflective illumination 49 and a third inspection. A pair of second reflecting diffusion plates 52 disposed between the region R3 and a pair of second reflecting polarizing plates disposed between each second reflecting diffusion plate 52 and the third inspection region R3. The second lower reflection illumination 49, the second upper reflection illumination 50, the second reflection reflector 51, the second reflection diffuser plate 52, and the second reflection polarizer 53 are provided in the third inspection region. It is housed in the internal space of the housing 54 disposed above R3. The casing 54 is also a quadrangular prism-like member whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF, as with the other casings described above, and is opposed to the third inspection region R3 on the upper and lower surfaces thereof. Slit holes 54a and 54b are formed in the portion along the longitudinal direction.

  The second lower reflected illumination 49 is a long plate-like member 49a, an infrared LED bulb 49b that is arranged on the surface of the plate-like member 49a and emits infrared light, and similarly, on the surface of the plate-like member 49a. It is line illumination which is arranged and consists of LED bulbs 49c that emit white light, and the infrared LED bulbs 49b and the LED bulbs 49c are arranged in a staggered manner. The plate-like member 49a has the longitudinal direction of the packaging film PF so that the LED bulbs 49b and 49c face the third inspection region R3 with the LED bulbs 49b and 49c facing obliquely downward. Both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the casing 54 so as to be parallel to the width direction. And according to this 2nd lower reflective illumination 49, by irradiating infrared light or white light from each LED bulb 49b, 49c, 3rd test | inspection area | region R3 is illuminated from diagonally upward direction through the slit hole 54a. be able to.

  The second upper reflective illumination 50 is a line illumination comprising a long plate-like member 50a, an infrared LED bulb 50b that emits infrared light, and an LED bulb 50c that emits white light. The plate-like member 50a includes each LED bulb. Both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the casing 54 so that 50b, 50c and the second reflecting reflector 51 face each other, and the longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF.

  The second reflecting reflector 51 is the same as the other reflecting plates described above, and the concave curved reflecting surface 51a faces the LED bulbs 50b and 50c of the second upper reflecting illumination 50, and Both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the casing 54 so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF. Note that the second reflecting reflector 51 has an arrangement angle and a reflecting surface so that light emitted from the LED bulbs 50b and 50c of the second upper reflecting illumination 50 is reflected toward the third inspection region R3. The curvature of 51a is adjusted.

  Therefore, according to the second upper reflective illumination 50, the irradiated light is reflected by the reflecting surface 51a by irradiating infrared light or white light from the LED bulbs 50b, 50c, and the slit hole 54a is reflected by this reflected light. The third inspection region R3 can be illuminated via the.

  The second reflecting diffusion plate 52 is a long plate-like member, and both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the casing 54, and the infrared LED bulb 49b and the LED bulb 49c of the second lower reflecting illumination 49 are provided. Diffuses the light emitted from.

  The second reflective polarizing plate 53 is a long plate-like member having a function of polarizing visible light and infrared light, and is irradiated from the LED bulbs 49b and 49c of the second lower reflective illumination 49. Polarized light. In addition, both ends of the second reflective polarizing plate 53 are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 54 so that the polarization axis thereof is orthogonal to the transport direction. The polarization axis of the polarizing plate 46a for the three imaging cameras is orthogonal.

  The second epi-illumination unit 55 performs so-called coaxial epi-illumination in the same manner as the first epi-illumination unit 25 of the second illumination mechanism 15 described above, and is arranged upstream of the third inspection region R3 in the transport direction. The second epi-illumination 56 provided, the second epi-illumination half mirror 57, the second epi-illumination 56 and the second epi-illumination 56 disposed at positions facing the second epi-illumination 56 and the third inspection region R3. Second incident-light diffusion plate 58 disposed between the incident-light half mirror 57 and second incident-light polarized light disposed between the second incident-light half mirror 57 and the second incident-light diffusion plate 58. The second epi-illumination 56, the second epi-illumination half mirror 57, the second epi-illumination diffusion plate 58, and the second epi-illumination polarizing plate 59 are provided on the upper surface of the housing 54 of the second reflective illumination unit 48. It is accommodated in the internal space of the fixed casing 60. The casing 60 is a quadrangular prism-like member whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the packaging film PF, and slit holes 60a and 60b are formed in portions facing the third inspection region R3 on the upper and lower surfaces thereof. Yes.

  The second epi-illumination 56 is a plate-like member 56a having a rectangular shape in side view, an infrared LED bulb 56b disposed on one surface of the plate-like member 56a and emitting infrared light, and the plate-like member 56a. Of the plate-like member 56a so that the LED light bulbs 56b, 56c and the second incident light half mirror 57 are opposed to each other. The other surface is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 60.

  The second incident-light half mirror 57 is a long plate-like member, and both end portions thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 60 in a state inclined by 45 ° with respect to the vertical direction about the longitudinal direction. . Therefore, the light emitted from each LED bulb 56b, 56c of the second epi-illumination 56 is reflected by the second epi-illumination half mirror 57 toward the third inspection region R3.

  The second epi-illuminating diffuser plate 58 is a long plate-like member, and both ends thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 60, and diffuses the light emitted from the LED bulbs 56b and 56c. .

  The second incident light polarizing plate 59 is a long plate-like member having a function of polarizing visible light and infrared light, and is irradiated from each of the LED light bulbs 56b and 56c. The light diffused through the light is polarized. In addition, both ends of the second incident-light polarizing plate 59 are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 60 so that the polarization axis thereof is orthogonal to the transport direction. The polarization axis of the polarizing plate 46a for the three imaging cameras is orthogonal.

  In the third inspection mechanism 45 having the above configuration, the third illumination mechanism 47 is operated so as to shift the timing of irradiating infrared light and the timing of irradiating white light under the control of the control device 65. At the same time, the third imaging camera 46 is operated in accordance with each timing, and the third imaging camera 46 passes the slit holes 54a, 54b, 60a, 60b and the second incident light half mirror 57 to the opposite side of the pocket P opening. Then, the inspection object T is imaged. The captured image is transmitted to the determination device 66.

[Control device]
As described above, the control device 65 operates the inspection mechanisms 2, 35, 45, more specifically, the operations of the illumination mechanisms 4, 15, 37, 47 and the imaging cameras 3, 36, 46. It is a device that controls.

[Distinction device]
The determination device 66 is a device that receives images captured by the respective imaging cameras 3, 36, and 46 and determines the presence or absence of an appearance defect of the inspection target T based on the received images.

  Next, a process of inspecting the inspection target T by the appearance inspection apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12, the casings 12, 22, 30, 44, 54, and 60 are not shown.

  For the contents N (inspection object T) accommodated in the packaging film PF and the pocket P, first, an image necessary for a predetermined inspection is taken by the first inspection mechanism 2 in the first inspection region R1, and the discriminating device. In 66, the appearance defect is determined based on the captured image.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, red light is emitted from the first lower transmission illumination 8 of the first illumination mechanism 4, and the inspection target T in the first inspection region R1 is opposite to the pocket P opening side. And the first imaging camera 3 is operated. Thereby, the inspection target T is illuminated by the light irradiated from below, the light transmitted through the packaging film PF enters the first imaging camera 3, and an image of the inspection target T is captured. The image captured in this manner is transmitted to the determination device 66. The determination device 66 determines whether there is a pocket P in which the content N is not stored based on the captured image, whether the content N is missing, The presence / absence of foreign matter on the packaging film PF is determined. Hereinafter, such inspection is referred to as “transmission inspection”.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, white light is irradiated from the first lower reflection illumination 17, the first upper reflection illumination 18, and the first epi-illumination 26 of the second illumination mechanism 15, and the inspection target T is placed in the pocket P opening. While illuminating from the side, the first imaging camera 3 is operated. Thereby, the inspection target T is illuminated by the light irradiated obliquely upward and upward, the light reflected by the inspection target T is incident on the first imaging camera 3, and an image of the inspection target T is captured. Is done. The image thus captured is transmitted to the determination device 66, and the determination device 66 determines the presence or absence of foreign matter on the contents N or the packaging film PF based on the captured image. Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as “pre-adhesion reflection inspection”.

  Here, in the appearance inspection apparatus 1 of the present example, the first reflection polarizing plate 21 and the first imaging camera 3 are connected between the first lower reflection illumination 17 of the second illumination mechanism 15 and the first inspection region R1. The polarizing plate 3a for 1 imaging camera is provided, and the polarization axis of the polarizing plate 21 for 1st reflection and the polarization axis of the polarizing plate 3a for 1st imaging camera are orthogonally crossed. Therefore, the light irradiated from the first lower reflection illumination 17 is reflected by the inspection object T after being polarized by passing through the first reflection polarizing plate 21 and before entering the first imaging camera. By passing through one imaging camera polarizing plate 3a, the amount of light is greatly attenuated. Therefore, even if the content N has a glossy surface such as a sugar-coated tablet or a capsule tablet as in the present example, halation is prevented from occurring in the captured image.

  In this pre-adhesion reflection test, the first lower transmission illumination 8 is not lit, so the first lower transmission diffusion plate 11 of the first illumination mechanism 4 appears black. Therefore, the background of the image captured by the first imaging camera 3 is black, and the contents N can be extracted.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, white light is emitted from the first upper transmission illumination 5, the first intermediate transmission illumination 6, and the first lower transmission illumination 8 of the first illumination mechanism 4, opposite to the pocket P opening side. The inspection object T is illuminated from the side, and the first imaging camera 3 is operated. As a result, the inspection target T is illuminated obliquely downward and downward, and when there is a chip in the edge portion of the contents N on the side of the pocket P opening, the chip of the contents N is tilted downward. The light irradiated from is reflected, and the light transmitted through the packaging film PF is incident on the first imaging camera 3 together with the reflected light, and an image of the inspection object T is captured. Then, the image captured in this way is transmitted to the determination device 66, and the determination device 66 is based on the captured image, and the chipping (chipping) of the edge portion on the opening side of the pocket P of the contents N is detected. Presence / absence is determined. Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as “first chipping inspection”.

  Here, in the appearance inspection apparatus 1 of the present example, a first transmission polarizing plate 10 that polarizes light emitted from the first upper transmission illumination 5 of the first illumination mechanism 4 is provided, and a first reflection reflector 19 is provided. The first reflection polarizing plate 21 is disposed between the first inspection polarizing plate 21 and the first inspection polarizing plate 21. The polarization axes of the first transmission polarizing plate 10 and the first reflection polarizing plate 21 are orthogonal to each other. Therefore, the light irradiated from the first upper transmission illumination 5 and polarized by the first transmission polarizing plate 10 illuminates the inspection target T and transmits the packaging film PF. When passing through the reflective polarizing plate 21, the amount of light is greatly attenuated. Further, the light that has passed through the first reflective polarizing plate 21 and is reflected by the first reflective reflective plate 19 passes through the first reflective polarizing plate 21 again. That is, the light emitted from the first upper transmission illumination 5 is reflected by the first reflection reflector 19 and passes through the first reflection polarizer 21 twice before reaching the inspection object T. . For this reason, the light reaching the inspection object T is attenuated so that the light quantity can be ignored.

  Therefore, there is a large difference in the amount of light between the light reflected by the chipped portion of the content N and the light reflected by the portion other than the chipped portion, and the image captured by the first imaging camera 3 is the content N Since there is a difference in contrast between the chipped portion and the portion other than the chipped portion, the presence or absence of chipping of the contents N can be accurately determined based on the contrast difference.

  Next, the content N (inspection object T) accommodated in the packaging film PF and the pocket P is picked up an image necessary for a predetermined inspection by the second inspection mechanism 35 in the second inspection region R2, and is discriminated. At 66, the presence or absence of an appearance defect is determined based on the captured image.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the second inspection mechanism 35 emits white light from the second lower transmission illumination 38, the second intermediate transmission illumination 39, and the second upper transmission illumination 41 of the third illumination mechanism 37. Irradiation is performed to illuminate the inspection target T from the opening side of the pocket P, and the second imaging camera 36 is operated. Thereby, when the inspection target T is illuminated obliquely from above and from above and there is a chip in the edge portion on the opposite side to the pocket P opening side of the contents N, the light irradiated from obliquely above Is reflected by the chipped portion, and the reflected light enters the third imaging camera 36, and the light transmitted through the packaging film PF enters the camera 36, and an image of the inspection object T is captured. Then, the image captured in this way is transmitted to the discrimination device 66, and the discrimination device 66 discriminates the presence or absence of chipping on the side opposite to the pocket P opening side of the contents N based on the captured image. The Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as “second chipping inspection”.

  Thereafter, the aluminum film AF is adhered to the opening portion side of the pocket P of the packaging film PF, and the packaging film PF, the contents N, and the aluminum film AF (inspection object T) are in the third inspection region R3 and the third inspection mechanism 45. Thus, an image necessary for a predetermined inspection is captured, and the determination device 66 determines the presence or absence of an appearance defect based on the captured image.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, first, white light is emitted from the second lower reflection illumination 49, the second upper reflection illumination 50, and the second epi-illumination 56 of the fourth illumination mechanism 47, and the pocket P opening portion. The inspection object T is illuminated from the opposite side of the side, and the third imaging camera 46 is operated. As a result, the inspection target T is illuminated with light irradiated obliquely upward and upward, and the light reflected by the inspection target T enters the third imaging camera 46, and an image of the inspection target T is captured. Is done. The image picked up in this way is transmitted to the discriminating device 66, and the discriminating device 66 discriminates the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the contents N, the packaging film PF, and the aluminum film AF based on the picked-up image. Hereinafter, such inspection is referred to as “post-adhesion reflection inspection”.

  Also in this post-bonding reflection inspection, the light irradiated from the second lower reflection illumination 49 is incident on the third imaging camera 46, and the second reflection polarizing plate 53 and the third imaging whose polarization axes are orthogonal to each other. Since the light passes through the camera polarizing plate 46a, the amount of light is greatly attenuated. Therefore, as in the case of the reflection test before adhesion, halation is prevented from occurring in the captured image.

  Next, infrared light is irradiated from the second lower reflection illumination 49, the second upper reflection illumination 50, and the second epi-illumination 56 to illuminate the inspection target T, and the third imaging camera 46 is operated. Accordingly, an image of the inspection target T is captured in a state where the inspection target T is illuminated with infrared light, and the captured image is transmitted to the determination device 66. Then, the discrimination device 66 discriminates the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the packaging film PF or the aluminum film AF or the foreign matter of the contents N based on the captured image. Hereinafter, this inspection is referred to as “infrared light reflection inspection”.

  As described above, according to the appearance inspection apparatus 1 of this example, the mechanisms for capturing images necessary for the transmission inspection, the pre-adhesion reflection inspection, and the first chipping inspection are integrated, and the post-adhesion reflection inspection and infrared are performed. By integrating mechanisms for capturing images necessary for light reflection inspection, images necessary for transmission inspection, pre-adhesion reflection inspection, and first chipping inspection are captured in the first inspection region R1, and the second inspection region R2 is captured. In this case, an image necessary for the second chipping inspection can be captured, and an image necessary for the post-adhesion reflection inspection and the infrared light reflection inspection can be captured in the third inspection region R3. Therefore, the installation space for the appearance inspection apparatus in the PTP manufacturing machine can be made smaller than before, and the overall size of the PTP manufacturing machine can be reduced.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, the specific aspect which this invention can take is not limited to these at all.

  For example, in the above example, the polarization axis of the first imaging camera polarizing plate 3a is orthogonal to the polarization axes of the first reflection polarizing plate 21 and the first incident light polarizing plate 29 of the second illumination mechanism 15, and The polarizing plates 3a, 10, 21, and 29 are arranged so that the polarization axis of the first transmission polarizing plate 10 of the first illumination mechanism 4 and the polarization axis of the first reflection polarizing plate 21 are orthogonal to each other. In this manner, the amount of light incident on the first imaging camera 3 and light reflected by the first reflecting reflector 19 and incident on the first inspection region R1 is attenuated, and an image necessary for determining the appearance defect is captured. However, it is not limited to this. The polarization axis of the first imaging camera polarizing plate 3a and the polarization axis of the first reflecting polarizing plate 21 and the first incident light polarizing plate 29 are crossed to such an extent that an image necessary for determining the appearance defect can be captured. The polarizing plates 3a, 10, 21, and 29 may be arranged such that the polarizing axis of the first transmitting polarizing plate 10 and the polarizing axis of the first reflecting polarizing plate 21 intersect each other.

  In the above example, the structures necessary for the transmission inspection, the pre-adhesion reflection inspection, and the first chipping inspection are integrated as one inspection mechanism. However, the mechanisms necessary for these three inspections must be integrated. However, the configurations necessary for the pre-adhesion reflection inspection and the first chipping inspection may be integrated.

  Note that, for example, only the first inspection mechanism or only the first and second inspection mechanisms may be provided according to the required inspection item.

  Further, the second and fourth illumination mechanisms 15 and 47 are provided with the respective epi-illumination units 25 and 55 that function as the coaxial epi-illumination. When the inspection object T in R3 can be illuminated uniformly, the incident illumination units 25 and 55 may not be provided.

  Further, the first lower transmission illumination 8 of the first illumination mechanism 4 is configured to emit red light and white light, but light is emitted only from the first upper transmission illumination 5 and the first intermediate transmission illumination 6. In the case where the presence or absence of chipping can be accurately determined based on the image captured in this state, the first lower transmission illumination 8 may be configured to emit only red light.

  In the above example, the first upper transmission illumination 5 and the first intermediate transmission illumination 6 of the first illumination mechanism 4, the first lower reflection illumination 17, the first upper reflection illumination 18 and the first of the second illumination mechanism 15 are used. White light is emitted from the epi-illumination 26 and the second lower transmission illumination 38, the second intermediate transmission illumination 39, and the second upper transmission illumination 41 of the third illumination mechanism 37. The color of the light to be used is not particularly limited as long as it is visible light.

  Furthermore, in the above example, the configuration of irradiating infrared light and white light is adopted as the configuration of each illumination 49, 50, 56 of the fourth illumination mechanism 47. Instead of white light, a configuration in which visible light of another color is irradiated may be employed.

  Further, in the above example, each of the reflecting plates 7, 19, 40, 51 has the concave reflecting surfaces 7a, 19a, 40a, 51a, but the shape of the reflecting surfaces 7a, 19a, 40a, 51a. Is not limited to a concave curved surface. For example, the reflecting plates 7, 19, 40, 51 may be flat members, and the reflecting surfaces 7a, 19a, 40a, 51a may be flat.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Appearance inspection apparatus 3 1st imaging camera 3a Polarizing plate for 1st imaging camera 4 1st illumination mechanism 5 1st upper transmission illumination 6 1st intermediate part transmission illumination 7 1st transmission reflector 8 1st lower transmission illumination 10 1st 1 transmission polarizing plate 15 second illumination mechanism 17 first lower reflection illumination 18 first upper reflection illumination 19 first reflection reflector 21 first reflection polarization plate 26 first incident illumination 29 first incident illumination plate 36 first 2 imaging camera 37 3rd illumination mechanism 38 2nd lower transmission illumination 39 2nd intermediate transmission illumination 40 2nd transmission reflector 41 2nd upper transmission illumination 46 3rd imaging camera 46a 3rd imaging camera polarizing plate 47 4th Illumination mechanism 49 Second lower reflection illumination 50 Second upper reflection illumination 51 Second reflection reflector 53 Second reflection polarizer 56 Second incident illumination 59 Second incident illumination plate 65 Controller 66 Discriminator

Claims (8)

The packaging film accommodates contents in a pocket formed in a translucent packaging film, conveys the packaging film in a predetermined direction, and closes the opening of the pocket at a predetermined position in the conveying direction. An appearance inspection apparatus for inspecting the appearance of the contents, attached to an apparatus for manufacturing a PTP sheet by bonding a cover film to
It is disposed on the opening side of the pocket so as to face the first inspection area set in advance in the conveyance path upstream of the position where the cover film is adhered, and in the first inspection area. A first imaging mechanism for imaging the content from the opening side of the pocket;
A first illumination mechanism disposed on the opposite side of the pocket opening so as to face the first inspection area, and illuminating the contents in the first inspection area from the opposite side of the pocket opening;
A second illumination mechanism that is disposed between the first imaging mechanism and the first inspection region and illuminates the contents in the first inspection region from the opening side of the pocket;
A control device that controls operations of the first imaging mechanism, the first illumination mechanism, and the second illumination mechanism;
The first illumination mechanism includes:
A first irradiation unit configured to irradiate light from the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first inspection region;
A first polarizing plate disposed between the first irradiation unit and the first inspection region,
The second illumination mechanism includes:
A second irradiation unit configured to irradiate light from the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first inspection region;
A reflector disposed between the second irradiation unit and the first imaging mechanism;
A third irradiator disposed between the second irradiator and the reflector, and irradiating light toward the reflector;
A second polarizing plate disposed between the reflector and the first inspection region,
The reflector is arranged to reflect the light emitted from the third irradiation unit toward the first inspection region,
The polarization axis of the second polarizing plate intersects the polarization axis of the first polarizing plate,
The control device operates the first illumination mechanism and the second illumination mechanism so that the timing of irradiating light from the first irradiation unit and the timing of irradiating light from the second irradiation unit and the third irradiation unit are different. And the first imaging mechanism is operated at a timing when light is emitted from each of the irradiation units. The first illumination mechanism further includes a fourth irradiation unit that emits red light toward the first inspection region,
The control device includes a timing of irradiating light from the first irradiation unit, a timing of irradiating light from the second irradiation unit and the third irradiation unit, and a timing of irradiating red light from the fourth irradiation unit. The first imaging mechanism and the second illumination mechanism are operated so that the first and second illumination mechanisms are different from each other, and the first imaging mechanism is operated at a timing when light is emitted from each of the irradiation units. Visual inspection equipment. The first illumination mechanism further includes a fourth irradiation unit that selectively irradiates red light and white light toward the first inspection region,
The control device irradiates light from the first irradiating unit, irradiates white light from the fourth irradiating unit, irradiates light from the second irradiating unit and the third irradiating unit, The first imaging mechanism and the second illumination mechanism are operated so that the timing of irradiating red light from the fourth irradiating unit is different, and the first imaging mechanism is activated at the timing of irradiating light from the irradiating units. The visual inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the visual inspection apparatus is operated.   The fourth irradiation unit includes a plurality of light emitting units that emit red light and a plurality of light emitting units that emit white light, and the light emitting units that emit red light and the light emitting units that emit white light are staggered. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the appearance inspection apparatus is provided. A third polarizing plate is disposed between the first imaging mechanism and the first inspection region,
The second illumination mechanism further includes a fourth polarizing plate disposed between the second irradiation unit and the first inspection region,
The appearance inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third polarizing plate has a polarization axis intersecting a polarization axis of the fourth polarizing plate.   6. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second polarizing plate and the fourth polarizing plate are integrally formed. The second film is disposed on the opposite side of the pocket opening so as to face a second inspection area set in advance in a conveyance path between a position where the cover film is bonded and the first inspection area. A second imaging mechanism for imaging the contents in the inspection area from the opposite side of the pocket opening;
A third illumination mechanism is provided on the opening side of the pocket so as to face the second inspection area, and illuminates the contents in the second inspection area from the opening side of the pocket. And
The third illumination mechanism includes a fifth irradiation unit that irradiates light from the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the second inspection region,
7. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device operates the second imaging mechanism at a timing when the third illumination mechanism is operated and light is emitted from the fifth irradiation unit. Visual inspection equipment. It is disposed on the opposite side of the pocket opening so as to face a third inspection region set in advance in a transport path downstream in the transport direction from the position where the cover film is adhered, and in the third inspection region. A third imaging mechanism that images the contents of the second side from the opposite side of the pocket opening;
A fourth illumination mechanism that is disposed between the third imaging mechanism and the third inspection region and that illuminates the contents in the third inspection region from the opposite side of the pocket opening;
The fourth illumination mechanism includes a sixth irradiation unit that selectively irradiates infrared light and visible light toward the third inspection region,
The control device controls the operation of the fourth illumination mechanism so that the timing of irradiating infrared light and the timing of irradiating visible light are different, and at the timing of irradiating infrared light and visible light. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third imaging mechanism is operated.

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