JP2021038004A - Inspection method, inspection device, and inspection system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an inspection method that improves the work efficiency of a work of inspecting the condition of a sealed part in a package body.SOLUTION: An inspection method according to the embodiment of the present invention is an inspection method in which an inspection device 20 inspects the state of the seal part of a package body 2 formed of a film material 12, includes: a step of emitting an electromagnetic wave to acquire an image of a region A including the seal part; a step of identifying a first printing pattern of ink formed on the seal part by the ink contained in the film material 12 based on an acquired image; and a step of determining whether the condition of the seal part is good or bad based on the identified first printing pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an inspection method, an inspection apparatus, and an inspection system.

For example, one film material that has been bent and overlapped or two sheets of film material that have been overlapped are heat-welded by a heat roll of an automatic filling machine to produce a package, and the contents are filled in the package. It is known to do. In addition, there is also known an inspection device for inspecting the state of a sealed portion of a package containing the contents by a conventional filling device including such an automatic filling machine.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a peeling inspection device capable of automatically detecting an unsealed portion of a sheet in a package such as a PTP package and making a quality determination.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-193954

Depending on the package manufactured by the conventional filling device, for example, the contents contained in the package may be mixed as impurities in the seal portion of the package. If the seal portion bites the contents in this way, the state of the seal portion becomes poor, and the contents may leak from the defective portion of the seal portion. Such a defective phenomenon of the seal portion occurs when each condition is satisfied due to a change in the environmental condition or the like. Therefore, it is difficult to completely suppress such a defective phenomenon of the seal portion.

Therefore, conventionally, the user has performed a sampling inspection of the state of the sealed portion of the package before shipping the product for the package containing the contents by the filling device. In such inspection work, not only the time and effort of the user increases, but also the accuracy of the inspection varies depending on the user. In addition, when the packaging device containing the contents is continuously manufactured by the filling device, the user can inspect the state of the seal portion of only a part of the plurality of continuously manufactured packages. As described above, conventionally, the work efficiency of the work of inspecting the state of the sealed portion in the package has been low.

An object of the present invention made in view of such problems is to provide an inspection method, an inspection apparatus, and an inspection system for improving work efficiency of work for inspecting the state of a sealed portion in a package.

In order to solve the above problem, the inspection method according to the first viewpoint is
This is an inspection method in which an inspection device inspects the state of the seal portion of a package formed of a film material.
The step of irradiating electromagnetic waves to acquire an image of the area including the seal portion, and
Based on the acquired image, a step of identifying the first printing pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion by the ink contained in the film material, and
A step of determining the quality of the state of the seal portion based on the identified first print pattern, and
including.

The inspection method according to the second viewpoint is
A step of acquiring a second print pattern of the ink, which is a standard for determining the quality of the state of the seal portion, and
A step of determining whether or not the first print pattern identified in the step of identifying the first print pattern matches the acquired second print pattern.
Including
If it is determined that the first print pattern does not match the second print pattern, it may be determined that the state of the seal portion is defective.

In the inspection method according to the third viewpoint,
The second print pattern may include a print pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion when the state of the seal portion is normal.

In the inspection method according to the fourth viewpoint,
The first printing pattern includes a grid pattern and includes a grid pattern.
A step of acquiring a reference lattice constant related to the lattice pattern, which is a reference for determining the quality of the state of the seal portion, and
A step of determining whether or not the difference between the lattice constant of the lattice pattern identified in the step of identifying the first print pattern and the reference lattice constant exceeds the threshold value.
Including
If it is determined that the difference exceeds the threshold value, it may be determined that the state of the seal portion is defective.

The inspection method according to the fifth viewpoint is
If it is determined that the state of the seal portion is poor, the step of transmitting a control signal for controlling the filling device to the filling device for filling the contents in the package may be included.

In the inspection method according to the sixth viewpoint,
The control signal is a stop signal for stopping the filling of the contents into the package, a discharge signal for discharging the package determined to be in a bad state from the filling device, and the seal. It may include at least one of a notification signal for notifying that the state of the seal portion is defective and an adjustment signal for adjusting the control parameter of the filling device with respect to the seal portion.

In the inspection method according to the seventh viewpoint,
In the step of acquiring the image, an image showing the first printing pattern formed on the inner layer of the film material by irradiating the electromagnetic wave may be acquired.

In order to solve the above problem, the inspection device according to the eighth viewpoint is
It is an inspection device that inspects the condition of the seal part of the package formed of the film material.
An irradiation unit that irradiates the area including the seal portion with electromagnetic waves, and an irradiation unit.
A detection unit that detects the electromagnetic wave applied to the region, and
A control unit that acquires an image of the area based on the output from the detection unit, and
The control unit
Based on the acquired image, the first printing pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion by the ink contained in the film material is identified.
Based on the identified first printing pattern, the quality of the state of the seal portion is determined.

In order to solve the above problem, the inspection system according to the ninth viewpoint is
An inspection system including an inspection device for inspecting the state of a seal portion of a package formed of a film material, and a filling device to which the inspection device is attached and filling the package with contents. The inspection device is
An irradiation unit that irradiates the area including the seal portion with electromagnetic waves, and an irradiation unit.
A detection unit that detects the electromagnetic wave applied to the region, and
A control unit that acquires an image of the area based on the output from the detection unit, and
The control unit
Based on the acquired image, the first printing pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion by the ink contained in the film material is identified.
Based on the identified first printing pattern, the quality of the state of the seal portion is determined.

According to the inspection method, the inspection device, and the inspection system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the work efficiency of the work of inspecting the state of the sealed portion in the package is improved.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the inspection system of the package | body which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the layer structure of the film material which forms the packaging body of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the appearance around the horizontal seal part in the package of FIG. 1 which is manufactured continuously. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the inspection apparatus of the package which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st example of the inspection image acquired by the inspection apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd example of the inspection image acquired by the inspection apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st example of the operation of the inspection apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the operation of the inspection apparatus of FIG.

Hereinafter, the inspection method, the inspection device 20, and the inspection system 1 of the package 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of an inspection system 1 of a package 2 according to an embodiment. The configuration and function of the inspection system 1 will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

In the present specification, the "vertical direction" refers to, for example, one direction and the opposite direction in a front view of the package 2 of FIG. 1 manufactured by the inspection system 1 according to the embodiment as viewed from the thickness direction of the film material 12. Including. The vertical direction is, for example, the vertical direction in the front view of each figure. In the present specification, the "transportation direction" of the plurality of consecutive packages 2 in the filling device 10 includes, for example, one direction in the vertical direction, more specifically, the downward direction in the front view of FIG. As used herein, the "horizontal direction" includes, for example, a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction in the same front view. The lateral direction is, for example, the left-right direction in the front view of each figure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection system 1 includes a filling device 10 for manufacturing a package 2 filled with contents, and a vertical seal portion 2b and a horizontal seal portion 2c of the package 2 attached to the filling device 10. It has an inspection device 20 for inspecting the state of the seal portion. The inspection system 1 continuously manufactures the package 2 containing the contents by the filling device 10, and inspects the state of the sealed portion of the manufactured package 2 by the inspection device 20. In the present specification, the "state of the sealing portion" includes, for example, the state of the sealing surface regarding the presence or absence of foreign matter biting, foaming, wrinkles, etc. in the sealing portion.

The filling device 10 sequentially passes the film material 12 unwound from the take-up roll 11 through the guide rolls 13 and 14, and then folds the film material 12 in the width direction by the folding portion 15. The filling device 10 includes a pair of heat rolls 16 as a pair of rotating bodies for vertically sealing the vertical sealing portion 2b of the packaging body 2, and a pair of rotating bodies for applying the horizontal sealing as the horizontal sealing portion 2c of the packaging body 2. It has a pair of heat rolls 17 as. The filling device 10 has a pair of cooling rolls 18 as a pair of rotating bodies for cooling the lateral seal portion 2c applied to the package 2 by, for example, a pair of heat rolls 17. The film material 12 folded in half by the folded portion 15 sequentially passes between the pair of heat rolls 16 also serving as drawer rolls, between the pair of heat rolls 17, and between the pair of cooling rolls 18 in the vertical direction. ..

Each heat roll of the pair of heat rolls 16 has a flange-shaped heat seal blade 16a. The free end portion of the film material 12 that has been folded in half and overlapped is sandwiched between the outer surface of one heat seal blade 16a and the outer surface of the other heat seal blade 16a. As a result, a vertical seal extending in the vertical direction is provided at the free end portion of the film material 12. As a result, the vertical seal portion 2b of the package 2 is formed.

Each heat roll of the pair of heat rolls 17 has a heat seal blade 17a that protrudes in the radial direction and extends in the axial direction. A plurality of heat seal blades 17a are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the heat roll 17. The film material 12 is conveyed in the vertical direction while being sandwiched between the radial outer surfaces of the heat seal blade 17a. As a result, the film material 12 is provided with a lateral seal extending in the lateral direction as shown by a diagonal line. As a result, the horizontal seal portion 2c of the package 2 is formed. When the filling device 10 has a pair of cooling rolls 18 below the pair of heat rolls 17, the lateral seal portion 2c of the package 2 is repressed, and the lateral seal is ensured.

The filling device 10 has a nozzle 19a as a filling means for filling the inside of the film material 12 after the vertical seal is applied with a content such as a liquid. The nozzle 19a fills a portion of the package 2 that serves as a storage space S with a content such as a liquid. The filling device 10 has a cutter roll 19b arranged below the pair of cooling rolls 18. The cutter roll 19b is filled with the contents, and after the horizontal seal is applied, the intermediate portion of the portion where the horizontal seal is applied is cut. From the above, the filling device 10 can manufacture the package 2.

The inspection device 20 is arranged between, for example, a pair of heat rolls 17 and a pair of cooling rolls 18. The inspection device 20 is in a state where the seal portion of the package 2 is continuously conveyed in the vertical direction in a state where the vertical seal is applied by the pair of heat rolls 16 and the horizontal seal is applied by the pair of heat rolls 17. Inspect.

The inspection device 20 is connected to the filling device 10 by wire or wireless communication. The inspection device 20 fills the filling device 10 with inspection information for synchronizing the timing at which the horizontal seal portion 2c of the package 2 conveyed in the vertical direction passes through the inspection device 20 and the timing at which the inspection device 20 performs the inspection. Receive as needed from. On the contrary, the inspection device 20 transmits a control signal for controlling the filling device 10 with respect to the production of the packaging body 2 to the filling device 10 as necessary based on the inspection result of the state of the seal portion of the packaging body 2. More specifically, when the inspection device 20 determines that the state of the seal portion is defective, the inspection device 20 transmits a control signal to the filling device 10.

In the present specification, the “inspection information” refers to, for example, the position where the film material 12 is sandwiched between the radial outer surfaces of the heat seal blade 17a, the transport speed of the package 2, and the lateral seal portion 2c in the continuous package 2. Includes information such as the interval between. In the present specification, the "control signal" is, for example, a stop signal for stopping the filling of the contents in the package 2 to the filling device 10, and the packing device 10 for the package 2 determined to be in a bad state of the seal portion. Of the discharge signal that is automatically discharged from the filling device 10, the notification signal that the filling device 10 notifies that the state of the seal portion is defective, and the adjustment signal that causes the filling device 10 to adjust the control parameters of the filling device 10 related to the seal portion. Includes at least one. In the present specification, the "control parameter" includes, for example, parameters required for adjusting the state of the heat seal such as the lateral seal temperature and the pressure by the heat roll 17.

The method of notification by the filling device 10 based on the notification signal includes any method. For example, the notification method may be a method of printing an arbitrary mark indicating that the state of the seal portion is defective at an arbitrary position on the package 2. For example, the notification method may be any visual method such as blinking a lamp. For example, the notification method may be any auditory method such as outputting sound from the speaker. For example, the notification method may be any combination of the methods described above.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of the layer structure of the film material 12 forming the package 2 of FIG. The layer structure of the film material 12 will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

The film material 12 includes, for example, a laminated film in which a base material layer 121, a printing layer 122, and a sealant layer 123 are laminated. The base material layer 121 is made of, for example, a biaxially stretched nylon film, a polyethylene terephthalate film, a polypropylene film, or the like. The sealant layer 123 is made of, for example, a low-density polyethylene resin or various other polyethylene resins.

The single layer or a plurality of layers between the base material layer 121 and the sealant layer 123 may be formed as an intermediate layer. As a result, the film material 12 is provided with functions such as gas barrier property, strength, cold resistance, and pinhole resistance. The intermediate layer is made of, for example, various vapor-deposited films having high gas barrier properties, various nylon films having high pinhole resistance, metal foils such as aluminum foil, and the like, and is appropriately selected according to the contents.

The print layer 122 has, for example, one or more pattern print layers 122a for forming a pattern as a product design of the package 2. The pattern printing layer 122a is formed of, for example, a metal-free ink. In addition, the printing layer 122 has one pattern printing layer 122b on which a first printing pattern of ink, which will be described later, is formed in a part of the film material 12 formed as the horizontal sealing portion 2c after being sealed, for example. .. The pattern printing layer 122b is formed of, for example, an ink containing metal. The pattern printing layer 122b may be formed of any high-density ink so that the inspection apparatus 20 can acquire the inspection images of FIGS. 5 and 6 described later.

For example, the pattern printing layer 122a included in the printing layer 122 is formed on the base material layer 121 side in the printing layer 122. For example, the pattern printing layer 122b included in the printing layer 122 is formed on the sealant layer 123 side in the printing layer 122. In the package 2, the sealant layer 123 is folded back so as to be inside, and the sealant layers 123 are welded to each other by heat welding (heat sealing). Therefore, in the pattern printing layer 122b, a part of the film material 12 is laterally formed. When formed as the seal portion 2c, it is arranged on the innermost layer of the print layer 122.

The film material 12 having such a layer structure is manufactured by sequentially laminating the printing layer 122 and the sealant layer 123 on the base material layer 121. More specifically, first, the pattern printing layer 122a of the printing layer 122 is laminated one by one on the base material layer 121. When all the pattern printing layers 122a are laminated, the pattern printing layer 122b is laminated on the pattern printing layer 122a. Finally, the sealant layer 123 is laminated on the laminated pattern printing layer 122b.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the appearance around the lateral seal portion 2c in the package 2 of FIG. 1 which is continuously manufactured. The schematic diagram of FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the package 2 with respect to the region A to which the electromagnetic wave is irradiated by the irradiation unit 22 described later of the inspection device 20. The configuration of the package 2 will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

The packaging body 2 is formed by heat-sealing a single film material 12 that has been folded in half and overlapped to partition a storage space S capable of accommodating the contents. More specifically, the package 2 has a folded-back portion 2a and a vertical sealing portion 2b formed by heat-sealing the free end portion of one film material 12 folded back at the folded-back portion 2a. Have. The "free end portion" of the film material 12 includes, for example, both ends of the film material 12 that come to a position facing the folded portion 2a in the front view when the film material 12 is folded in half. The package 2 further has a horizontal seal portion 2c formed by heat-sealing between the folded-back portion 2a and the vertical seal portion 2b at two locations spaced apart in the vertical direction. The accommodation space S is partitioned by a folded-back portion 2a, a vertical seal portion 2b, and two horizontal seal portions 2c.

The region A includes the lateral seal portion 2c and includes a region in the package 2 that is wider than the lateral seal portion 2c. The region A includes, for example, the lateral seal portion 2c in the central portion thereof. The horizontal width of the region A is substantially the same as the horizontal width of the vertical seal portion 2b and the horizontal seal portion 2c. The edge portion of the region A located in the vertical direction, which does not overlap with the horizontal seal portion 2c, overlaps with the accommodation space S.

The lower edge portion of the horizontal seal portion 2c is formed by first applying the horizontal seal by a pair of heat rolls 17 when the package 2 is manufactured while being transported in the transport direction. On the other hand, the upper edge portion of the horizontal seal portion 2c is formed by finally applying the horizontal seal by a pair of heat rolls 17 when the package 2 is manufactured while being transported in the transport direction. .. That is, the lateral seal portion 2c of the package 2 conveyed in the transport direction is laterally sealed by a pair of heat rolls 17 with the lower edge portion on the inlet side as the starting point and the upper edge portion on the outlet side as the end point. It is formed by being done.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inspection device 20 of the package 2 according to the embodiment. The configuration and function of the inspection device 20 will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

The inspection device 20 includes a control unit 21, an irradiation unit 22, a detection unit 23, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 25, and an output unit 26.

The control unit 21 includes at least one processor. The control unit 21 provides control and processing capacity for performing various functions of the inspection device 20. According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as at least one of a plurality of communicably connected ICs and discrete circuits. At least one processor may be configured according to various known techniques.

In one embodiment, the processor may include one or more circuits or units configured to perform one or more data computation procedures or processes. For example, the control unit 21 may consist of one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processing devices, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, or devices or configurations thereof. Any combination may be included. The control unit 21 may include any combination of other known devices or configurations.

The control unit 21 is communicatively connected to the irradiation unit 22, the detection unit 23, the storage unit 24, the communication unit 25, and the output unit 26. The control unit 21 controls and manages the entire inspection device 20 including each of these functional units. The control unit 21 acquires a program stored in the storage unit 24 and executes the program. As a result, the control unit 21 realizes various functions related to each functional unit of the inspection device 20. When a control signal or various information is transmitted from the control unit 21 to another function unit, the control unit 21 and the other function unit may be connected by wire or wireless communication. When the control unit 21 receives various information or the like from another functional unit, the control unit 21 and the other functional unit may be connected by wire or wireless communication.

The irradiation unit 22 includes a light source that emits an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined wavelength that can pass through the package 2. The irradiation unit 22 is composed of, for example, a soft X-ray light source that emits soft X-rays. For soft X-rays, the packaging body 2 is appropriately used regardless of whether the film material 12 constituting the packaging body 2 is a transparent film, an opaque resin film, a resin film having a printed surface, an aluminum film, or the like. To Penetrate. The irradiation unit 22 may be configured by a light source that emits, for example, visible light or infrared rays, depending on the type of the film material 12.

The irradiation unit 22 irradiates the region A of the package 2 including the seal portion with an electromagnetic wave. The irradiation unit 22 is arranged, for example, on the front side or the back side of the plurality of continuous packages 2 when the package 2 of FIG. 1 is viewed from the thickness direction of the film material 12.

The detection unit 23 includes a detector that detects an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined wavelength emitted by the irradiation unit 22. The detection unit 23 is composed of, for example, a soft X-ray camera that detects soft X-rays emitted by a soft X-ray light source constituting the irradiation unit 22. The detection unit 23 may be configured by any camera that detects, for example, visible light or infrared light.

The detection unit 23 irradiates the region A with the irradiation unit 22 and detects an electromagnetic wave that has passed through the region A. The detection unit 23 outputs information regarding the detection brightness of the electromagnetic wave passing through the region A to the control unit 21. The detection unit 23 is arranged, for example, on the back side or the front side of the plurality of continuous package bodies 2 in the front view of the package body 2 of FIG. 1 when viewed from the thickness direction of the film material 12. The detection unit 23 faces the irradiation unit 22 so as to sandwich a plurality of continuous packages 2 along the directions perpendicular to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

The storage unit 24 includes a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like. The storage unit 24 is not limited to these, and may be configured by any storage device. For example, the storage unit 24 may be configured by an optical storage device such as an optical disc, or may be configured by a magneto-optical disk or the like. The storage unit 24 stores the information acquired from the control unit 21. The storage unit 24 stores a program or the like executed by the control unit 21. In addition, the storage unit 24 also stores various data such as calculation results by the control unit 21. The storage unit 24 may also include a work memory or the like when the control unit 21 operates.

The communication unit 25 includes a communication interface corresponding to any communication standard via wired or wireless. The communication unit 25 can communicate with the filling device 10, receives inspection information from the filling device 10 as needed, and transmits a control signal to the filling device 10 as needed.

The output unit 26 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display and the like. The output unit 26 is not limited to this, and may be configured by any display device, or may be an auditory acting device that outputs sound rather than a visually acting device. The output unit 26 displays the information acquired from the control unit 21 as needed. For example, the output unit 26 displays the state of the seal portion of the package 2 inspected by the inspection device 20.

Hereinafter, the inspection method of the inspection device 20 according to the embodiment, which is executed by the control unit 21, will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a first example of an inspection image acquired by the inspection device 20 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a second example of the inspection image acquired by the inspection device 20 of FIG. The schematic views of FIGS. 5 and 6 show a region A of the packaging body 2 including the sealing portion for one packaging body 2 connected to each other by the horizontal sealing portion 2c and another packaging body 2 adjacent to each other. FIG. 5 shows, as an example, a state in which the lateral seal portion 2c connecting one package 2 and another adjacent package 2 is biting impurities. FIG. 6 shows, as an example, a state in which the horizontal seal portion 2c connecting one package 2 and another adjacent package 2 is biting impurities and foaming is generated in the horizontal seal 2c. ..

The control unit 21 determines the region A of the package 2 to be irradiated with the electromagnetic wave by the irradiation unit 22 based on the inspection information from the filling device 10 received via the communication unit 25. The control unit 21 controls the irradiation unit 22 so as to constantly irradiate the electromagnetic wave. The control unit 21 calculates the timing and detection time for detecting the electromagnetic wave by the detection unit 23 based on the inspection information. More specifically, in the control unit 21, for example, in the accommodation space S of one package 2 being conveyed downward, the portion corresponding to the lower edge portion of the region A is the irradiation unit 22 and the detection unit 23. The timing of passing through the space is synchronized with the timing at which the detection unit 23 starts detecting electromagnetic waves. The control unit 21 is, for example, a portion corresponding to the upper edge portion of the area A in the accommodation space S of another packaging body 2 adjacent to the portion corresponding to the lower edge portion of the area A in the accommodation space S of one package 2. The detection time is adjusted so that the detection unit 23 detects the electromagnetic wave for the entire region A up to. The control unit 21 determines, for example, the timing at which the portion corresponding to the upper edge portion of the region A passes between the irradiation unit 22 and the detection unit 23 in the accommodation space S of the other package 2 being conveyed downward. , The timing at which the detection unit 23 stops detecting the electromagnetic wave is synchronized.

The adjustment method is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 21 may calculate the timing and irradiation time for irradiating the electromagnetic wave from the irradiation unit 22 based on the inspection information. More specifically, in the control unit 21, for example, in the accommodation space S of one package 2 being conveyed downward, the portion corresponding to the lower edge portion of the region A is the irradiation unit 22 and the detection unit 23. The timing of passing through the space may be synchronized with the timing at which the irradiation unit 22 starts irradiating the electromagnetic wave. The control unit 21 is, for example, a portion corresponding to the upper edge portion of the area A in the accommodation space S of another packaging body 2 adjacent to the portion corresponding to the lower edge portion of the area A in the accommodation space S of one package 2. The irradiation time may be adjusted so that the irradiation unit 22 irradiates the entire region A up to. The control unit 21 determines, for example, the timing at which the portion corresponding to the upper edge portion of the region A passes between the irradiation unit 22 and the detection unit 23 in the accommodation space S of the other package 2 being conveyed downward. , The timing at which the irradiation unit 22 stops irradiating the electromagnetic wave may be synchronized.

The control unit 21 controls the irradiation unit 22 so as to irradiate the electromagnetic wave, and acquires an image of the region A including the seal unit based on the information regarding the detection brightness of the electromagnetic wave output by the detection unit 23.

Here, the detection brightness of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the upper edge portion of the horizontal seal portion 2c is the detection of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the inlet side where the horizontal seal is first applied at the time of manufacturing, that is, the lower edge portion of the horizontal seal portion 2c. Greater than brightness. For example, the detection brightness of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the outlet side of the horizontal seal portion 2c becomes maximum in the horizontal seal portion 2c. The detection brightness of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the other portion of the horizontal seal portion 2c is substantially constant. As described above, the edge portion on the outlet side of the lateral seal portion 2c shown in FIG. 3 is thinner than the other portions and is formed linearly in the lateral direction.

As described above, the pattern printing layer 122b of the film material 12 is formed so as to have the first printing pattern by the ink containing metal. On the other hand, the pattern printing layer 122a of the film material 12 is formed of a metal-free ink. Therefore, since the base material layer 121 of the film material 12 is transparently configured, the pattern printing layer 122b, which is the inner layer of the film material 12, is shown in the image of the region A acquired by the control unit 21 based on, for example, soft X-rays. The first printing pattern of the ink formed on the horizontal seal portion 2c by the ink contained in is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first print pattern includes, for example, a grid pattern. In the present specification, the "lattice pattern" includes a portion in which contaminants are not bitten, foamed, wrinkled, etc., as well as a portion in which contaminants are bitten, foamed, wrinkled, etc. Includes patterns printed on the entire seal.

For example, when the lateral seal portion 2c is bitten, the electromagnetic wave emitted by the irradiation unit 22 is blocked by impurities in a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c where the bite is generated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the grid pattern is not displayed and is missing in a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c where the biting occurs. For example, a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c where the bite is generated is displayed in the image in a state of being painted black. In FIG. 5, a part of the lateral seal portion 2c in which biting occurs is, for example, a portion located near the end edge portion on the outlet side and the inlet side of the lateral seal portion 2c, and a transport direction of the lateral seal portion 2c. Includes the central part of. The peripheral portion surrounding a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c painted in black is displayed in the image by a grid pattern that is broken from the pattern displayed in the other part of the horizontal seal portion 2c in which biting does not occur. ing.

For example, when foaming occurs in the horizontal seal portion 2c, the electromagnetic wave emitted by the irradiation unit 22 is transmitted even in a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c where foaming occurs, unlike the case where biting occurs. .. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the lattice pattern is displayed in the image even in a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c where foaming occurs. However, due to the swelling of the sealant layer 123 of the horizontal sealing portion 2c due to foaming, the lattice pattern is displayed in the image in a distorted state from the pattern displayed in the other part of the horizontal sealing portion 2c where foaming does not occur. .. In addition, a part of the lateral seal portion 2c where the bite is generated is displayed in the image in a state of being painted black. In FIG. 6, a part of the lateral seal portion 2c in which biting occurs includes, for example, a portion located near the end edge portion on the outlet side and the inlet side of the lateral seal portion 2c.

The control unit 21 identifies the first printing pattern of the ink formed on the horizontal seal portion 2c by the ink contained in the film material 12 based on the acquired image as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. The control unit 21 determines whether or not the state of the horizontal seal unit 2c is good or bad based on the identified first print pattern. Hereinafter, such a first inspection method in which the inspection device 20 inspects the state of the seal portion of the package 2 formed of the film material 12 will be mainly described.

For example, the control unit 21 may acquire a second printing pattern of ink, which is a reference for determining the quality of the state of the horizontal seal unit 2c. In the present specification, the "second print pattern" may include, for example, a print pattern of ink formed on the seal portion when the state of the seal portion is normal. For example, the second printing pattern may include a grid pattern in which all unit grids are uniformly formed in a rectangular shape. The second printing pattern is formed on, for example, the same type of packaging body 2 as the packaging body 2 manufactured by the filling device 10 and inspected by the inspection device 20. The control unit 21 identifies the second print pattern of the ink based on the image corresponding to the image shown in FIG. 5 or FIG.

For example, before the production of the package 2 by the filling device 10 is started, the control unit 21 may acquire the second printing pattern in a test operation state in which the filling device 10 operates without filling the contents. Good. At this time, the control unit 21 may store the acquired second print pattern data in the storage unit 24. The control unit 21 reads the data of the second print pattern from the storage unit 24 immediately before the process described later for determining whether or not the first print pattern matches the second print pattern to obtain the second print pattern. You may get it.

The control unit 21 is not limited to this, and for example, in the normal operation state of the filling device 10 in which the manufacturing of the package 2 by the filling device 10 is executed, whether or not the first printing pattern matches the second printing pattern. Immediately before the process described later, the second print pattern may be acquired from an arbitrary external device via the communication unit 25.

The control unit 21 may determine whether or not the identified first print pattern matches the acquired second print pattern. The control unit 21 may execute the determination process based on one second print pattern acquired based on one image corresponding to the image shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. The determination process may be executed based on the plurality of second print patterns acquired based on the plurality of images corresponding to the images shown.

If the control unit 21 determines that the first print pattern does not match the second print pattern, the control unit 21 may determine that the state of the horizontal seal unit 2c is defective. When the control unit 21 determines that the first print pattern matches the second print pattern, the control unit 21 may determine that the state of the horizontal seal unit 2c is good.

Hereinafter, the second inspection method as described above in which the inspection device 20 inspects the state of the seal portion of the package 2 formed of the film material 12 will be mainly described.

For example, the control unit 21 may acquire a reference lattice constant related to the lattice pattern, which is a reference for determining the quality of the state of the horizontal seal unit 2c. In the present specification, the “reference lattice constant” refers to, for example, the biting, foaming, wrinkles, etc. of impurities in the first printing pattern identified based on the acquired image as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. Includes a lattice constant based on the lattice pattern in the part where is not generated. For example, in the case of an image as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 detects an image portion painted in black by biting, and forms a portion other than a portion of the horizontal seal portion 2c corresponding to the image portion. The reference lattice constant may be obtained in a limited manner. For example, in the case of an image as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 21 detects an image portion in which the unit lattice is greatly expanded due to foaming, and removes a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c corresponding to the image portion. The reference lattice constant may be acquired only for the part. In addition, the control unit 21 detects an image portion painted in black due to biting, and acquires a reference lattice constant only for a portion other than a portion of the horizontal seal portion 2c corresponding to the image portion. You may.

As used herein, the "lattice constant" includes, for example, at least one of a distance between adjacent lattice points and an angle between axes connecting adjacent lattice points. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first print pattern is a pattern on a plane. Therefore, as lattice constants, a total of three constants can be considered, including two constants indicating the distance between adjacent lattice points and one constant indicating the angle between the axes. For example, when the shape of the unit grid in the grid pattern is square, the values of the two constants, which are the distances between adjacent grid points, are the same as each other, and the angle between the axes is 90 °.

The control unit 21 may identify the grid pattern of the ink formed on the horizontal seal portion 2c by the ink contained in the film material 12 based on the acquired image as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. The control unit 21 may acquire the lattice constant for each lattice of the identified lattice pattern, or may acquire the lattice constant only in the region where the lattice shape is changing. For example, in the case of an image as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 detects an image portion painted in black by biting, and limits the image portion to a part of the peripheral portion of the horizontal seal portion 2c corresponding to the image portion. You may get the lattice constant. For example, in the case of an image as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 21 detects an image portion in which the unit lattice is greatly expanded due to foaming, and limits the lattice to a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c corresponding to the image portion. You may get a constant. In addition, the control unit 21 may detect an image portion painted black by biting and acquire a lattice constant limited to a part of the peripheral edge portion of the horizontal seal portion 2c corresponding to the image portion.

The control unit 21 may determine whether or not the difference between the lattice constant of the identified lattice pattern and the reference lattice constant exceeds the threshold value. Such a threshold value may be arbitrarily determined by the user based on an empirical rule in a test operation state in which the filling device 10 is operated without filling the contents, for example.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the lateral seal portion 2c is bitten, the shape of the unit lattice in the peripheral portion surrounding a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c where the bite is generated is such that the bite is not formed. It is significantly different from the shape of the unit cell in the other part of the horizontal seal portion 2c that does not occur. Therefore, the difference between the lattice constant based on the unit lattice and the corresponding reference lattice constant in the peripheral portion surrounding a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c becomes large. More specifically, the distance between the grid points based on the unit grid in the peripheral portion surrounding a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c may be shorter or longer than the distance between the grid points included in the reference grid constant. doing. Similarly, the angle between the axes based on the unit lattice in the peripheral edge portion surrounding a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c is smaller or larger than the angle between the axes included in the reference lattice constant.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when foaming occurs in the horizontal sealing portion 2c, the shape of the unit lattice in a part of the horizontal sealing portion 2c in which foaming occurs is different from that of the horizontal sealing portion 2c in which foaming does not occur. It is very different from the shape of the unit cell in a part of. Therefore, the difference between the lattice constant based on the unit lattice and the corresponding reference lattice constant in a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c becomes large. More specifically, the distance between the grid points based on the unit grid in a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c is shorter or longer than the distance between the grid points included in the reference grid constant. Similarly, the angle between the axes based on the unit lattice in a part of the horizontal seal portion 2c is smaller or larger than the angle between the axes included in the reference lattice constant.

When the control unit 21 determines that the difference between the lattice constant of the identified lattice pattern and the reference lattice constant exceeds the threshold value, it may determine that the state of the horizontal seal portion 2c is defective. When the control unit 21 determines that the difference between the lattice constant of the identified lattice pattern and the reference lattice constant is equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit 21 may determine that the state of the horizontal seal portion 2c is good.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the inspection device 20 of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows the flow of operation of the inspection device 20 according to the first inspection method. With reference to FIG. 7, the operation flow of the inspection device 20 according to the first inspection method will be mainly described.

In step S101, the control unit 21 determines the area A including the seal unit to be inspected.

In step S102, the control unit 21 irradiates the irradiation unit 22 with an electromagnetic wave to acquire an image of the region A including the seal unit. For example, the control unit 21 irradiates the irradiation unit 22 with soft X-rays to acquire an image showing the first printing pattern formed on the inner layer of the film material 12.

In step S103, the control unit 21 identifies the first print pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion by the ink contained in the film material 12 based on the image acquired in step S102.

In step S104, the control unit 21 acquires a second printing pattern of ink, which is a reference for determining the quality of the state of the sealing unit.

In step S105, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the first print pattern identified in step S103 matches the second print pattern acquired in step S104. When the control unit 21 determines that the first print pattern matches the second print pattern, the control unit 21 executes the process of step S106. When the control unit 21 determines that the first print pattern does not match the second print pattern, the control unit 21 executes the process of step S107.

In step S106, when the control unit 21 determines in step S105 that the first print pattern matches the second print pattern, the control unit 21 determines whether the state of the seal unit is good or bad. More specifically, when the control unit 21 determines in step S105 that the first print pattern matches the second print pattern, the control unit 21 determines that the state of the seal unit is good.

After that, the control unit 21 executes the process of step S101 again.

In step S107, when the control unit 21 determines in step S105 that the first print pattern does not match the second print pattern, the control unit 21 determines whether the state of the seal unit is good or bad. More specifically, when the control unit 21 determines in step S105 that the first print pattern does not match the second print pattern, it determines that the state of the seal unit is defective.

In step S108, when the control unit 21 determines in step S107 that the state of the seal unit is defective, the control unit 21 transmits a control signal for controlling the filling device 10 to the filling device 10 for filling the contents in the package 2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the inspection device 20 of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 8 shows the flow of operation of the inspection device 20 regarding the above-mentioned second inspection method. With reference to FIG. 8, the operation flow of the inspection device 20 according to the second inspection method will be mainly described.

In step S201, the control unit 21 determines the area A including the seal unit to be inspected.

In step S202, the control unit 21 irradiates the irradiation unit 22 with an electromagnetic wave to acquire an image of the region A including the seal unit. For example, the control unit 21 irradiates the irradiation unit 22 with soft X-rays to acquire an image showing the first printing pattern formed on the inner layer of the film material 12.

In step S203, the control unit 21 identifies the first print pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion by the ink contained in the film material 12 based on the image acquired in step S202.

In step S204, the control unit 21 acquires a reference lattice constant related to the lattice pattern, which is a reference for determining the quality of the state of the seal unit.

In step S205, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the difference between the lattice constant of the lattice pattern identified in step S203 and the reference lattice constant exceeds the threshold value. When the control unit 21 determines that the difference exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 21 executes the process of step S206. When the control unit 21 determines that the difference does not exceed the threshold value, the control unit 21 executes the process of step S208.

In step S206, when the control unit 21 determines in step S205 that the difference exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 21 determines whether the state of the seal unit is good or bad. More specifically, when the control unit 21 determines in step S205 that the difference exceeds the threshold value, it determines that the state of the seal unit is defective.

In step S207, when the control unit 21 determines in step S206 that the state of the seal unit is defective, the control unit 21 transmits a control signal for controlling the filling device 10 to the filling device 10 for filling the contents in the package 2.

In step S208, if the control unit 21 determines in step S205 that the difference does not exceed the threshold value, the control unit 21 determines whether the state of the seal unit is good or bad. More specifically, when the control unit 21 determines in step S205 that the difference does not exceed the threshold value, the control unit 21 determines that the state of the seal unit is good.

After that, the control unit 21 executes the process of step S201 again.

According to the inspection method, the inspection device 20, and the inspection system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the work efficiency of the work of inspecting the state of the sealed portion in the package 2 is improved. More specifically, the inspection device 20 is a case where the package 2 containing the contents is continuously manufactured by acquiring the image of the area A and identifying the first printing pattern. Also, all packages 2 manufactured continuously can be inspected one by one. As a result, the user does not need to perform the sampling inspection again, for example, before shipping the product. Therefore, the labor of the inspection work by the user is saved, and the work efficiency of the work of inspecting the state of the seal portion is improved. As a result, the productivity of the package 2 is improved. When the inspection device 20 determines the quality of the state of the seal portion based on the identified first printing pattern, the determination work performed by the user can be omitted, and the productivity of the package 2 is further improved.

The inspection device 20 can objectively inspect the state of the seal portion based on the image of the area A. When the user performs the determination work, the determination is subjective, but the inspection device 20 performs the determination operation, so that the objective determination can be made. That is, the inspection device 20 can suppress variations in the accuracy of the determination, and the variation in the accuracy of the inspection does not occur for each user as in the conventional case. Therefore, the accuracy of the inspection is improved. Since the inspection device 20 can inspect the seal portions of all the packages 2 that are continuously manufactured, the product quality of all the packages 2 can be guaranteed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a part of the seal portion where biting occurs is not transmitted by electromagnetic waves due to impurities, and is displayed in black in the corresponding image. Therefore, the inspection device 20 determines whether or not the state of the seal portion is good or bad by detecting a portion displayed in black in the image or detecting a coordinate region in which the detection brightness of the electromagnetic wave is extremely low. However, it is possible. In place of or in addition to these, the inspection device 20 determines whether or not the state of the seal portion is good or bad based on the first print pattern formed on the seal portion of the package 2, thereby executing the determination process with higher accuracy. it can. For example, the inspection device 20 accurately detects even fine impurities that cannot be detected when the determination process is executed without using the first print pattern, based on the distortion of the first print pattern that is finely formed. However, the quality of the state of the seal portion can be accurately determined.

The inspection device 20 determines whether or not the identified first print pattern matches the acquired second print pattern in a normal state in which biting, foaming, wrinkles, etc. do not occur. The quality of the seal portion can be easily determined based on the second printing pattern. For example, by comparing the lattice pattern that is non-uniformly formed in the seal portion due to biting, foaming, wrinkles, etc. with the lattice pattern that is uniformly formed over the entire seal portion, the inspection apparatus 20 is first printed. The discrepancy between the pattern and the second print pattern can be easily determined.

The inspection device 20 determines whether or not the difference between the lattice constant of the identified lattice pattern and the reference lattice constant exceeds the threshold value, and thereby determines whether or not the package to be inspected to be inspected at the present time. The determination process can be executed based only on the image acquired for 2. Therefore, the inspection device 20 does not need to separately acquire data as a reference for determining the quality of the state of the seal portion in, for example, the test operation state of the filling device 10. As a result, the labor of the inspection work by the user is saved, and the work efficiency of the work of inspecting the state of the seal portion is improved.

When the inspection device 20 determines that the state of the seal portion is poor, the inspection device 20 transmits a stop signal for stopping the filling of the contents into the package 2 to the filling device 10, so that the state of the seal portion is poor. It is possible to prevent further production of the package 2 determined to be. Similarly, the inspection device 20 efficiently transmits a non-defective product and a defective product by transmitting a discharge signal to the filling device 10 for automatically discharging the package 2 determined to be in a defective state of the seal portion. Can be separated. Similarly, the inspection device 20 can make the user immediately recognize the existence of the defective product by transmitting a notification signal for notifying that the state of the seal portion is defective to the filling device 10.

The inspection device 20 can contribute to the automation of manufacturing by transmitting an adjustment signal for adjusting the control parameter of the filling device 10 regarding the seal portion when it is determined that the state of the seal portion is defective. The filling device 10 automatically adjusts the control parameters to optimize the state of the seal portion, so that the adjustment work by the user is omitted. As a result, the productivity of the package 2 is further improved.

The inspection device 20 irradiates the irradiation unit 22 with soft X-rays to acquire an image including the first print pattern formed on the inner layer of the film material 12, so that, for example, the pattern formed by the pattern print layer 122a is obtained. Therefore, it is possible to accurately judge the quality of the seal portion that cannot be seen from the outside. Further, at this time, even if the user visually recognizes the seal portion of the package 2 from the outside, the first print pattern formed on the pattern print layer 122b is not visually recognized, and only the pattern formed by the pattern print layer 122a is visible. Is visually recognized, so that the design of the package 2 as a product is maintained.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be realized in certain forms other than those described above without departing from its spirit or its essential features. Therefore, the above description is exemplary and is not limited thereto. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, not by the earlier description. Some of all changes that are within their equality shall be included therein.

For example, the shape, arrangement, orientation, number, and the like of each of the above-mentioned constituent parts are not limited to the contents shown in the above description and drawings. The shape, arrangement, orientation, number, and the like of each component may be arbitrarily configured as long as the function can be realized.

For example, each step of the above-mentioned inspection method and the functions included in each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, the order of the steps can be changed, a plurality of steps can be combined into one, and the like. Or it can be divided.

For example, the present invention can also be realized as a program describing processing contents that realize each function of the inspection device 20 described above, or as a storage medium on which the program is recorded. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention also includes these.

The second printing pattern may include, for example, a printing pattern of ink formed on a part of the film material 12 corresponding to the sealing portion before being sealed. At this time, even if the second printing pattern is formed on the film material 12 forming the same type of packaging body 2 as the packaging body 2 manufactured by the filling device 10 and inspected by the inspection device 20, for example. Good.

The inspection device 20 may execute the processes related to the first inspection method and the second inspection method described above individually or in combination with each other.

Although it has been described that the reference lattice constant is acquired based only on the image acquired for the package 2 to be inspected for which the inspection is to be performed at present, the acquisition method of the reference lattice constant is not limited to this. The reference lattice constant is, for example, at least one of the packaging body 2 of the same type as the packaging body 2 manufactured by the filling device 10 and inspected by the inspection device 20 and the film material 12 forming the same type of packaging body 2. May be obtained using.

The pattern printing layer 122b on which the first printing pattern is printed may be formed at an arbitrary position on the printing layer 122.

The first print pattern and the second print pattern are not limited to the grid pattern, and may include any other pattern having regularity. For example, the first print pattern and the second print pattern may include a vertical stripe pattern, a horizontal stripe pattern, an oblique stripe pattern, a dot pattern, and the like.

The inspection device 20 is not limited to the package 2 transported downward by the filling device 10, and may inspect the package 2 transported in any direction such as the horizontal direction. The inspection device 20 may inspect the package 2 while moving along the stretching direction of the package 2 from above or below a plurality of consecutive packages 2 horizontally arranged outside the filling device 10, for example. Good. The inspection device 20 may inspect the single package 2 after being cut by the cutter roll 19.

If the inspection device 20 can acquire an image of the region A as shown in FIG. 5 or 6 based on the information on the detection brightness of the electromagnetic wave output by the detection unit 23, the inspection device 20 is not the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the package 2. For example, the electromagnetic wave reflected by the package 2 may be detected.

The main body that notifies that the state of the seal portion is defective is not limited to the filling device 10. The subject of notification may be the inspection device 20 itself.

The inspection device 20 may inspect the vertical seal portion 2b in place of or in addition to the horizontal seal portion 2c.

The content may be a liquid or a solid.

In FIG. 1, the vertical seal portion 2b is formed by heat-sealing the free end portion of the film material 12, but the position of the vertical seal portion 2b is located at the free end portion of the film material 12 folded in half. Not limited. The vertical seal portion 2b may be formed by applying a heat seal at an arbitrary position spaced laterally spaced from the folded portion 2a in the front view.

When the first print pattern on the pattern print layer 122b is visible from the outside, the irradiation unit 22 has an arbitrary wavelength other than soft X-rays in order for the control unit 21 to acquire an image showing the first print pattern. It may include a light source that emits an electromagnetic wave of. When the first print pattern is visible from the outside, for example, the pattern print layer 122b is arranged on the innermost layer of the print layer 122, and the base material layer 121 and the pattern print layer 122a of the film material 12 are arranged. This includes the case where it is transparent, the case where the pattern printing layer 122b is arranged on the outermost layer in the printing layer 122, and the case where the base material layer 121 of the film material 12 is transparent.

1 Inspection system 2 Package 2a Folded part 2b Vertical seal part 2c Horizontal seal part 10 Filling device 11 Winding roll 12 Film material 121 Base material layer 122 Printing layer 122a Pattern printing layer 122b Pattern printing layer 123 Sealant layer 13 Guide roll 14 Guide Roll 15 Folding part 16 Heat roll 16a Heat seal blade 17 Heat roll 17a Heat seal blade 18 Cooling roll 19a Nozzle 19b Cutter roll 20 Inspection device 21 Control unit 22 Irradiation unit 23 Detection unit 24 Storage unit 25 Communication unit 26 Output unit A area S Containment space

Claims (9)

This is an inspection method in which an inspection device inspects the state of the seal portion of a package formed of a film material.
The step of irradiating electromagnetic waves to acquire an image of the area including the seal portion, and
Based on the acquired image, a step of identifying the first printing pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion by the ink contained in the film material, and
A step of determining the quality of the state of the seal portion based on the identified first print pattern, and
including,
Inspection methods. A step of acquiring a second print pattern of the ink, which is a standard for determining the quality of the state of the seal portion, and
A step of determining whether or not the first print pattern identified in the step of identifying the first print pattern matches the acquired second print pattern.
Including
If it is determined that the first print pattern does not match the second print pattern, it is determined that the state of the seal portion is defective.
The inspection method according to claim 1. The second print pattern includes a print pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion when the state of the seal portion is normal.
The inspection method according to claim 2. The first printing pattern includes a grid pattern and includes a grid pattern.
A step of acquiring a reference lattice constant related to the lattice pattern, which is a reference for determining the quality of the state of the seal portion, and
A step of determining whether or not the difference between the lattice constant of the lattice pattern identified in the step of identifying the first print pattern and the reference lattice constant exceeds the threshold value.
Including
When it is determined that the difference exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the state of the seal portion is defective.
The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When it is determined that the state of the seal portion is defective, the step includes transmitting a control signal for controlling the filling device to the filling device for filling the contents in the package.
The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The control signal is a stop signal for stopping the filling of the contents into the package, a discharge signal for discharging the package determined to be in a bad state from the filling device, and the seal. Includes at least one of a notification signal for notifying that the state of the seal is defective and an adjustment signal for adjusting the control parameter of the filling device with respect to the seal portion.
The inspection method according to claim 5. In the step of acquiring the image, an image showing the first printing pattern formed on the inner layer of the film material by irradiating electromagnetic waves is acquired.
The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. It is an inspection device that inspects the condition of the seal part of the package formed of the film material.
An irradiation unit that irradiates the area including the seal portion with electromagnetic waves, and an irradiation unit.
A detection unit that detects the electromagnetic wave applied to the region, and
A control unit that acquires an image of the area based on the output from the detection unit, and
The control unit
Based on the acquired image, the first printing pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion by the ink contained in the film material is identified.
The quality of the state of the seal portion is determined based on the identified first printing pattern.
Inspection equipment. An inspection system including an inspection device for inspecting the state of a seal portion of a package formed of a film material, and a filling device to which the inspection device is attached and filling the package with contents. The inspection device is
An irradiation unit that irradiates the area including the seal portion with electromagnetic waves, and an irradiation unit.
A detection unit that detects the electromagnetic wave applied to the region, and
A control unit that acquires an image of the area based on the output from the detection unit, and
The control unit
Based on the acquired image, the first printing pattern of the ink formed on the seal portion by the ink contained in the film material is identified.
The quality of the state of the seal portion is determined based on the identified first printing pattern.
Inspection system.

Images