JP5562119B2 - Flap folding defect detection device and detection method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a folding failure of a flap in a package and a detection method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a packaging container adhesion inspection device for inspecting the quality of adhesion after a hot melt bonding process between a top flap part and a bottom flap part and a front side flap part and a rear side flap part in a packaging container is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  This packaging container adhesion inspection device bonds the inner surfaces of the top flap portion and the bottom flap portion not coated with hot melt to the outer surfaces of the front side flap portion and the rear side flap portion coated with hot melt. Radiated from the outer surfaces of the top flap part and the bottom flap part whose temperature has been raised by the hot melt adhering to the inner surface of the top flap part and the bottom flap part. By detecting the infrared rays to be detected with an infrared radiation thermometer, the adhesiveness between the flaps is inspected while confirming the arrangement of the hot melt.

JP-A-7-101423

  However, the packaging container adhesion inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is based only on the arrangement of the high temperature portion (corresponding to the portion to which hot melt is applied) on the outer surface of the packaging container after the adhesion process is completed. In order to check the adhesion of the flaps, the flaps (front side flaps and rear side flaps) where hot melt should be applied to the outer surface if the placement of the high-temperature part is normal are poor. Even if the hot melt is not directly in place and is applied directly to the package, it can be folded into flaps (top flap and bottom flap) where the hot melt is not applied directly. Even if there is an indentation defect, it is determined that the adhesion between the flaps is good, and the indentation defect is And thus it can not be known.

  In addition, the packaging container adhesion inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1 repeatedly scans the entire outer surface of the packaging container to obtain a certain resolution in order to obtain information on the arrangement of the high-temperature site after the bonding process is completed. The temperature is measured by the method, and the calculation load for detecting the folding failure is enormous.

  In view of the above-described points, an object of the present invention is to provide a flap folding failure detection device and a detection method thereof that can more easily and reliably detect a flap folding failure.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a flap folding failure detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a flap folding failure detection device that detects a folding failure of a flap of a package, and the flap should exist. A flap detection sensor that scans a target region and measures a physical quantity that changes according to the presence or absence of the flap, and a defect determination unit that determines the presence or absence of a folding defect based on the measurement result of the flap detection sensor, The flap detection sensor scans each of the target areas corresponding to each of the plurality of flaps by a single scan across the packing body, and the defect determination unit obtains a measurement result obtained by the single scan. The presence or absence of a folding failure is determined based on the above.

  With this configuration, the flap folding failure detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention can reduce the calculation load for determining the presence or absence of the folding failure, and can detect the folding failure of the flap more easily and reliably. it can.

  The “target area” is an area scanned by the flap detection sensor in order to physically (optically, magnetically, electrostatically) detect the presence or absence of the flap. For example, the surface of the flap is exposed. Area (area where the presence or absence of the flap can be optically detected).

  In addition, “one scan across the packing body” is not only a mode in which scanning is continuously performed from one end to the other end of the packing body in one direction, but also from one end to the other end of the packing body. A mode of intermittently scanning in the direction is included.

  Further, the package is conveyed by a conveyor, and the flap detection sensor is a non-contact type sensor, and scans one surface of the package conveyed on the conveyor in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction. preferable.

  With this configuration, the flap folding failure detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention can more easily and reliably detect the folding failure of the flap of the package that is transported on the conveyor.

  The plurality of flaps preferably include a flap to which an adhesive is applied and a flap that is overlapped and adhered to the flap to which the adhesive is applied.

  With this configuration, the flap folding failure detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is an inner flap of the overlapped flap group, and has a flap folding failure that exposes part of the surface to the outside. It can be detected more easily and reliably.

  Further, the flap folding failure detection method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a flap folding failure detection method for detecting a folding failure of a flap of a packaging body, and scans a target area where a flap should exist, A flap detection step of measuring a physical quantity that changes in accordance with the presence or absence of a flap, and a flap detection step of scanning each of the target areas corresponding to each of a plurality of flaps in a single scan across the package; and A defect determination step of determining whether or not there is a folding defect based on a measurement result obtained by the one-time scanning in the flap detection step.

  With this configuration, the flap folding failure detection method according to the embodiment of the present invention reduces the calculation load for determining whether or not there is a folding failure, and realizes simpler and more reliable detection of the flap folding failure. be able to.

  By the above-described means, the present invention can provide a flap folding failure detection device and a detection method thereof that can more easily and reliably detect a flap folding failure.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the flap folding defect detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is an expanded view of the carton which is an example of a package. It is a perspective view which shows the state which assembled the carton of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship between the carton conveyed on the conveyor, and a flap detection sensor. It is a figure which shows the example of the folding failure of a flap. It is a figure which shows transition of the measured value of the flap detection sensor corresponding to each of the folding failure of a flap shown by FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of flap folding defect determination processing. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the flap folding defect detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows three types of cartons which a conveyor conveys. It is a figure which shows an example of the scanning path | route in the flap folding defect detection apparatus of FIG. It is a side view which shows the structural example of a scanning path adjustment mechanism.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example 100 of a flap folding failure detection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The flap folding failure detection device 100 is a device for detecting a flap folding failure in a package, and includes a control unit 1, a flap detection sensor 2, and a determination result output device 3.

  The control unit 1 is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory), and the like. While the program corresponding to (details will be described later) is stored in the ROM, the CPU executes the processing corresponding to the defect determination unit 10.

  The flap detection sensor 2 is a sensor that scans a target region where a flap of a package should be present and measures a physical quantity that changes depending on the presence or absence of the flap. For example, visible light, infrared light, electromagnetic waves, or ultrasonic waves are detected. Sensor to measure the distance between the object and the object in the target area, or proximity to measure the capacitance or eddy current that changes according to the approach of the packaged object (especially metal) in the package There are sensors.

  In addition, the flap detection sensor 2 that measures the distance uses the area where the surface of the flap that is the detection target is exposed, and the flap detection sensor 2 that measures the capacitance or eddy current is the presence or absence of the flap that is the detection target. In an electrostatic or magnetically detectable area (specifically, when the flap is present at a predetermined position, the capacitance or eddy current is relatively small, and when the flap is not present at the predetermined position. This is a region where the capacitance or eddy current shows a relatively large value, and includes a region where the surface of the flap that is the detection target is not exposed).

  The determination result output device 3 is a device for outputting a determination result of the presence or absence of a flap folding failure. For example, a speaker that outputs a voice message notifying the presence of a flap folding failure or a flap folding failure There is a display or the like that displays a text message notifying the existence of the message.

  The control unit 1 uses the defect determination unit 10 to determine whether or not there is a flap folding failure based on the measurement value output from the flap detection sensor 2 and outputs a control signal indicating the determination result to the determination result output device 3. To do.

  In the present embodiment, the flap folding failure detection apparatus 100 includes, for example, containers such as cans, bottles, and plastic bottles containing liquids such as beverages (including those in which a plurality of containers are combined (multipack)). A defective folding of the flaps in a packing body (for example, a carton made of corrugated cardboard or plastic) for detecting packing is detected.

  FIG. 2 is a development view of a carton 20 that is an example of a package, and shows an inner surface of the carton 20 that is a rectangular parallelepiped when assembled. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton 20 in an assembled state.

  The carton 20 is a packing body for packing 24 350 ml beverage cans, and includes a front left side flap 21F and a rear left side flap 21R (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “left side flap 21 when front and rear are not distinguished. The same applies to the bottom flap 22, the right side flap 23, and the top flap 24. In this embodiment, the front surface is the surface on the side filled with the object to be packed among the six surfaces of the package. Front bottom flap 22F, rear bottom flap 22R, front right side flap 23F, rear right side flap 23R, front top flap 24F, rear top flap 24R, seam flap 25, and top surface member 30, It has a right side surface member 31, a bottom surface member 32, and a left side surface member 33.

  Further, the carton 20 has a liner cut 40 and a guide cut 41 on each of the inner surfaces of the left side flap 21, the right side flap 23, the right side surface member 31, and the left side surface member 33, and the right side surface member 31. And the H cut 42 is provided on each of the inner side surfaces of the left side surface member 33.

  The liner cut 40, the guide cut 41, and the H cut 42 are all cut structures used when unpacking the carton 20, and the liner cut 40 is formed only on the inner surface of the carton 20. The guide cut 41 and the H cut 42 are formed so as to penetrate from the inner surface to the outer surface of the carton 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the assembled carton 20 shown in FIG. 3A is a liner-cut H cut 42 formed on the right side surface member 31 and the left side surface member 33 (invisible). 40 and by pulling outward along the guide cut 41, the upper structure (the upper half of the left side flap 21, the upper half of the right side flap 23, the top flap 24, the seam flap 25, the top surface member 30, the right side surface The upper half of the member 31 and the upper half of the left side surface member 33.) and the lower structure (the lower half of the left side flap 21, the lower half of the right side flap 23, the bottom flap 22, the bottom surface) It is divided into a member 32, a lower half of the right side surface member 31, and a lower half of the left side surface member 33.).

  The bottom flap 22 and the top flap 24 have a projecting portion at the center of their end portions, and when the carton 20 is assembled, as shown by the dashed circle in FIG. 3, the front bottom flap 22F and the front top A gap (hereinafter referred to as a “notch region”) is formed between the flap 24F and the front left side flap 21F and the front right side flap 23F.

  This notch region is a structure for promoting the above-described division, and the left side flap 21 and the right side flap 23 are easily divided into an upper half and a lower half due to the presence of the notch region. It becomes.

  Further, in this embodiment, the flap folding failure detection device 100 is a device that is juxtaposed with an automatic filling / packing system (caser) for automatically filling and packing a packaged article into a package, for example, The package to be transported on the conveyor near the caser outlet in a stage after the packaged goods are filled in the package, the adhesive is applied to the flaps of the package, and the plurality of flaps are overlapped and bonded to each other Detects bad folding of body flaps.

  FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the positional relationship between the carton 20 conveyed on the conveyor 50 and the flap detection sensor 2.

  In this embodiment, the flap detection sensor 2 is a reflection type distance sensor (for example, a CMOS laser sensor GV-H130 manufactured by Keyence Corporation) using visible light (wavelength: 650 nm) LB. The surface of the carton 20 on the filling side (front surface) that is fixedly installed on the conveyor 50 and conveyed in the direction of the arrow AR is irradiated with the visible light LB, and the reflected light from the front surface is received up to the carton 20. Measure distance. It should be noted that the distance sensor is preferable in that stable measurement is possible without being affected by the change even if the surface color or design of the carton 20 is changed.

  Further, as the carton 20 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow AR, the flap detection sensor 2 detects the target area corresponding to each of the plurality of flaps (the front right side flap 23F exposed in the right notch area, the front bottom) The installation height is adjusted so as to sequentially scan the surface of the flap 22F and the surface of the front left side flap 21F exposed in the left cutout region. This is because it is possible to easily and reliably detect the folding failure of the front right side flap 23F, the front bottom flap 22F, and the front left side flap 21F by one linear scan.

  In the present embodiment, the front top flap 24F is in a state of being opened vertically upward when the packaged item is filled, and does not come into contact with the packaged item, so that a folding failure is relatively unlikely to occur. Although not subject to scanning by the flap detection sensor 2, in other embodiments, it may be included in the subject of scanning by the flap detection sensor 2.

  In this case, the flap folding failure detection device 100 includes another flap detection sensor that scans at least the surface of the front top flap 24F, or the traveling direction of the visible light LB emitted by one flap detection sensor. By using the changing mechanism, while the carton 20 conveyed on the conveyor 50 passes in front of the flap detection sensor 2, the front left side flap 21F, the front bottom flap 22F, the front right side flap 23F, and the front bottom The entire surface of the flap 24F may be scanned.

  The failure of the folding of the flap typically occurs when the packed object comes into contact with the flap in the packed body when the packed object is filled in the package as described above.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a folding failure of the flap, and FIGS. 5A to 5F are views of the front surface of the carton 20 as viewed from the filling side.

  FIG. 5A is a view showing the front surface of the carton 20 in a normal state in which no defective flap folding occurs for comparison.

  FIG. 5 (B) shows a beverage can 60 (for example, a total of 24 cans of 6 cans in the long side direction and 4 cans in the short side direction) are filled when the carton 20 is filled. A state in which the front left side flap 21F is folded inward in contact with the left side flap 21F to cause a folding failure (inward folding failure) and the beverage can 60a in the leftmost row is exposed. Show.

  5 (C) is similar to the case of FIG. 5 (B), when the beverage can 60 comes into contact with the front left side flap 21F during filling or after the beverage can 60 is filled, A state in which a folding device (not shown) forcibly folds the front left side flap 21F causes a part of the front left side flap 21F to be folded inward to cause a folding failure (semi-folding failure). It shows a state where the beverage can 60a in the leftmost column is slightly exposed.

  FIG. 5D shows that the beverage can 60 is in contact with the front right side flap 23F when filling, causing the front right side flap 23F to be folded inward to cause a folding failure (inward folding failure). The state is shown, and the beverage can 60d in the rightmost column is exposed.

  FIG. 5 (E) shows a state where the beverage can 60 is in contact with the front bottom flap 22F during filling and the front bottom flap 22F is folded inward to cause a folding failure (inward folding failure). The beverage cans 60b and 60c in the second row and the third row are exposed.

  Further, FIG. 5F shows a state in which the front left side flap 21F is bent outward and causes a defective folding (protruding failure), and a state in which the beverage can 60a in the leftmost column is exposed.

  In addition, the folding failure shown by FIG.5 (B)-FIG.5 (F) is an illustration, Naturally, the flap folding failure detection apparatus 100 is FIG.5 (B)-figure. It is possible to detect other folding defects other than the mode indicated by 5 (F).

  Next, details of the failure determination unit 10 included in the control unit 1 of the flap folding failure detection apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Each of FIGS. 6A to 6F shows the front surface of the carton 20 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5F, and the flap detection sensor 2 is shown by a dashed line in FIG. The transition of measured values when scanned from the right side to the left side is also shown.

  The scanning path (scanning height) is the same from FIG. 6A to FIG. 6F, and the front surface right side flap 23F, the front bottom flap 22F, and the front left side flap 21F are arranged in this order. Scan.

  The transition of the measured value is shown by a chart in which the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the carton 20 is arranged on the vertical axis and the time is arranged on the horizontal axis, as shown in FIGS. 6 (B) to 6 (F). Is a transition of the measured value in the normal state (the transition of the measured value in FIG. 6A) is indicated by a dotted line for comparison.

  FIG. 6A shows the transition of the measured value when there is no folding failure, and the first level L1 indicating the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the front right side flap 23F, the flap detection sensor 2, The second level L2 indicating the distance between the front bottom flap 22F and the third level L3 indicating the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the front left side flap 21F is shown. .

  The values of the first level L1, the second level L2, and the third level L3 are values determined by the relative positional relationship between the flap detection sensor 2 and the conveyor 50. For example, the values in the ROM and NVRAM of the control unit 1 are stored in advance. It is remembered.

  The defect determination unit 10 of the control unit 1 is a means for determining the presence or absence of a flap folding failure. For example, the transition of measurement values acquired when the flap detection sensor 2 scans the front surface of the carton 20 is stored in a RAM or the like. And the presence or absence of a flap folding failure is determined based on the transition of the recorded measurement values.

  Specifically, when the value measured as the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the front right side flap 23F deviates from the first level L1 beyond a predetermined threshold, the defect determination unit 10 It is determined that a flap folding failure exists in the front right side flap 23F.

  Similarly, when the value measured as the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the surface of the front bottom flap 22F deviates from the second level L2 beyond a predetermined threshold value, the defect determination unit 10 It is determined that there is a flap folding failure at 22F, and the value measured as the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the front left side flap 21F exceeds a predetermined threshold from the third level L3. When it deviates, it determines with the flap folding defect existing in the front left side flap 21F.

  FIG. 6 (B) shows the transition of the measured value when the internal folding failure occurs in the front left side flap 21F, and the visible light LB irradiated by the flap detection sensor 2 is reflected on the surface of the front left side flap 21F. Instead, the value reflected as the surface of the beverage can 60a packed in the carton 20 and measured as the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the front left side flap 21F deviates from the third level L3. Indicates the state.

  FIG. 6C shows the transition of measured values when a half-fold failure occurs in the front left side flap 21F. The visible light LB emitted by the flap detection sensor 2 is the surface of the front left side flap 21F. Instead of reflecting at the surface of the beverage can 60a packed in the carton 20, a part of the value measured as the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the surface of the front left side flap 21F is third. A state deviating from the level L3 is shown.

  FIG. 6D shows the transition of the measured values when the inner right side flap 23F has a failure of internal folding, and the visible light LB irradiated by the flap detection sensor 2 is the surface of the front right side flap 23F. The value measured as the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the surface of the front right side flap 23F from the first level L1 is reflected from the surface of the beverage can 60d packed in the carton 20 instead of the first level L1. Indicates a deviating state.

  FIG. 6E shows the transition of the measured value when the inner bottom failure occurs in the front bottom flap 22F, and the visible light LB irradiated by the flap detection sensor 2 is reflected on the surface of the front bottom flap 22F. Instead, the value measured as the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the surface of the front bottom flap 22F is reflected from the surface of the beverage cans 60b and 60c packed in the carton 20, and deviates from the second level L2. Indicates the state to be performed.

  FIG. 6F shows the transition of the measured value when a pop-out failure occurs on the front left side flap 21F. The visible light LB emitted by the flap detection sensor 2 is on the front left side flap 21F. Instead of reflecting, the value measured as the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the surface of the front left side flap 21F is reflected from the surface of the beverage can 60a packed in the carton 20, and deviates from the third level L3. Indicates the state to be performed.

  When the measurement value of the flap detection sensor 2 deviates from a predetermined level as described above, the defect determination unit 10 determines that the occurrence of a folding defect exists in the flap corresponding to each of the predetermined levels. .

  In this embodiment, the flap folding failure detection device 100 continuously operates the flap detection sensor 2 regardless of the presence or absence of the carton 20 passing in front of the flap detection sensor 2 (from the flap detection sensor 2 continuously). And the flap detection sensor 2 when the carton 20 exists before the flap detection sensor 2 and the measured value of the flap detection sensor 2 when the carton 20 exists before the flap detection sensor 2. Using the significant difference between the two measured values, the transition of the measured values for each of the plurality of cartons 20 passing in front of the flap detection sensor 2 is recorded in a distinguishable manner.

  However, the flap folding failure detection device 100 indicates that the carton 20 has passed a predetermined point on the conveyor 50 upstream of the flap detection sensor 2 (not shown, for example, another optical sensor). Recording of the measurement value of the flap detection sensor 2 related to the carton 20 is started, and after a predetermined time (for example, the time required for the carton 20 to pass in front of the flap detection sensor 2) elapses. The recording may be terminated, and the transition of the measured values relating to each of the plurality of cartons 20 passing in front of the flap detection sensor 2 may be recorded in a distinguishable manner. In this case, when the passage sensor detects the passage of the carton 20, the flap detection sensor 2 may start the irradiation with the visible light LB and end the irradiation after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Next, a process of determining whether or not the flap folding failure detection apparatus 100 has a flap folding failure (hereinafter referred to as a “flap folding failure determination process”) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the flap folding failure determination process, and the flap folding failure detection device 100 repeatedly executes this process while the automatic filling / packing system (caser) is operating. Shall.

  First, the defect determination unit 10 of the control unit 1 determines that the carton 20 conveyed on the conveyor 50 is in front of the flap detection sensor 2 (visible light beam LB irradiated by the flap detection sensor 2 based on the output of the flap detection sensor 2. It is determined whether or not it has reached the point (step S1).

  When it is determined that the carton 20 has not arrived before the flap detection sensor 2 (NO in step S1), the defect determination unit 10 measures the flap detection sensor 2 until the carton 20 reaches before the flap detection sensor 2. Continue monitoring the value.

  When it is determined that the carton 20 has reached before the flap detection sensor 2 (YES in step S1), the defect determination unit 10 starts recording the measurement value output by the flap detection sensor 2 in the RAM (step S2). .

  Specifically, the defect determination unit 10 detects the flap detection sensor when the measured value of the flap detection sensor 2 becomes a value within the detection range (for example, the maximum detection distance is 130 mm) from the undetectable state. It is determined that the carton 20 has arrived before 2.

  In addition, when the defect determination unit 10 detects that the carton 20 has arrived at a predetermined point on the conveyor 50 upstream of the flap detection sensor 2 by the passage sensor, the carton 20 will reach before the flap detection sensor 2. The recording of the measurement value of the flap detection sensor 2 to the RAM may be started.

  After the recording of the measurement value output by the flap detection sensor 2 is started, the defect determination unit 10 determines that the predetermined time (for example, the time required for the carton 20 to pass in front of the flap detection sensor 2 and the conveyance of the carton 20 This is a value determined in advance based on the speed) (step S3), and the recording is continued until the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in step S3).

  When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S3), the defect determination unit 10 ends the recording of the measurement value output by the flap detection sensor 2 (step S4).

  Thereafter, the defect determination unit 10 reads the transition of the measurement value recorded in the RAM and determines whether or not the transition of the measurement value has deviated from a predetermined transition pattern (step S5).

  Specifically, the defect determination unit 10 stores the first level L1 indicating the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the front right side flap 23F of the carton 20 stored in the NVRAM or the like, the flap detection sensor 2 and the like. A second level L2 indicating the distance between the front bottom flap 22F surface of the carton 20 and a third level L3 indicating the distance between the flap detection sensor 2 and the front left side flap 21F surface of the carton 20 Each value is read out and recorded in the RAM. Among the transition of the measured value, each of the instantaneous values in the portion where the first level L1, the second level L2, and the third level L3 are to be formed, and the corresponding level Compare the value of.

  Then, the defect determination unit 10 detects that some or all of the instantaneous values deviate from the corresponding level value (for example, the ratio to the corresponding level value is equal to or higher than a predetermined value or lower than a predetermined value). Or when it is apart from the corresponding level value by a predetermined value or more), it is determined that a flap folding failure exists in the flaps related to the instantaneous values.

  In addition, instead of or in addition to comparing each of these instantaneous values and the value of the level corresponding to these instantaneous values, the defect determination unit 10 calculates a statistical value calculated based on the instantaneous values (for example, Each of the first level L1, the second level L2, and the third level L3 is the average value of the measured values in the portion to be formed) and the values of the levels corresponding to those instantaneous values, You may make it determine the presence or absence of the flap folding defect of the flap relevant to those instantaneous values.

  If it is determined that the transition of the measured value has deviated from the predetermined transition pattern (YES in step S5), the defect determination unit 10 transmits a control signal to the determination result output device 3, and the automatic filling / packaging system ( A voice message or a text message is output to the worker who manages the caser to notify the worker that a flap folding failure has occurred in the carton 20 (step S6). The defect determination unit 10 notifies the automatic filling / packing system (caser) and the conveyor 50 that the flap folding defect has occurred in the carton 20, and automatically detects the automatic filling / packing system (caser) and the conveyor 50. The cartons 20 that are transported on the conveyor 50 can be conveyed without stopping the automatic filling / packing system (caser) and the conveyor 50. The carton 20 may be automatically removed by using a defective product rejecting device (not shown) for pushing out from the normal route on 50.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the transition of the measured value does not deviate from the predetermined transition pattern (NO in step S5), the defect determination unit 10 assumes that there is no flap folding defect in the carton 20 and performs the operation. The flap folding failure determination process is terminated without notifying the person of the determination result.

  With the above-described configuration, the flap folding defect detection device 100 repeatedly scans the filling side surface of the carton 20 left and right over a wide range by swinging the irradiation direction of the visible light of the flap detection sensor 2 to the left and right. Instead, based on relatively few measurements, by scanning a single scanning path on the filling side that will be drawn in the direction (right to left) opposite to the transport direction of the carton 20 The folding failure in each of the plurality of flaps whose surface should be exposed on the surface on the filling side can be detected easily and reliably.

  In addition, the flap folding failure detection apparatus 100 may scan the front surface of the carton 20 at any stage after the flap is bonded, and therefore, depending on the type of adhesive and the detection timing. Without being restricted (for example, a restriction that the adhesive must be detected while it is warm), it is possible to easily and reliably detect a failure in folding the flap.

  Next, a flap folding failure detection device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The flap folding failure detection device 200 includes the setting input unit 4 and the scanning path adjustment mechanism 5, and the control unit 1 includes the scanning path adjustment unit 11, and the flap folding failure detection device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. Although it is different, it is common in other points.

  For this reason, common constituent elements are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same constituent elements are omitted, and differences will be described in detail.

  The setting input unit 4 is a device for inputting various types of information to the flap folding failure detection device 200. For example, an input device unique to the flap folding failure detection device 200, such as a button, switch, touch panel, or keyboard. It may be a communication device for receiving various types of information from an external device such as an automatic filling / packing system (caser).

  The scanning path adjustment mechanism 5 is a mechanism for adjusting the scanning path drawn on the front surface of the carton 20 through which the visible light irradiated by the flap detection sensor 2 passes in front of the flap detection sensor 2. This is a power cylinder for changing the fixing position of the flap detection sensor 2 installed on the side in the vertical direction with high accuracy (for example, accuracy of 0.1 mm).

  The scanning path adjustment unit 11 is a means for adjusting the scanning path based on information input through the setting input unit 4 or information received by the setting input unit 4. For example, a beverage can of 350 milliliters has been packed so far. Information that informs the automatic filling and packing system (caser) that a setting change will be made to convey another carton that packs a 500 ml beverage can to the conveyor 50 that was transporting the carton 20 Upon acquisition, a scanning path suitable for detecting a folding failure of the flap in the other carton (setting height of the flap detection sensor 2) is read from the ROM or NVRAM, and a control signal corresponding to the scanning path is read out by the scanning path. Output to the adjusting mechanism 5.

  Thereby, the scanning path adjustment mechanism 5 that has received the control signal can increase the installation height of the flap detection sensor 2 and realize a scanning path suitable for a carton for packing a 500 ml beverage can. .

  FIG. 9 is a view showing three types of cartons conveyed by the conveyor 50. FIG. 9A shows a carton 20a for packing 24 250ml beverage cans, and FIG. A carton 20 for packing 24 350 ml beverage cans is shown, and FIG. 9C shows a carton 20b for packing 24 500 ml drink cans. The three types of beverage cans have the same diameter and different heights.

  As shown by the alternate long and short dashed lines in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the scanning path of the flap detection sensor 2 for each of the cartons 20, 20a, 20b is the front right side flaps 23F, 23Fa, 23Fb, the front bottom. It is set to the lowest installation height in the carton 20a and set to the highest installation height in the carton 20b so as to pass through the surfaces of the flaps 22F, 22Fa, 22Fb and the front left side flaps 21F, 21Fa, 21Fb. .

  With the above configuration, the flap folding failure detection device 200 is a case where the type (particularly the height) of the cartons conveyed on the conveyor 50 is changed in addition to the characteristics of the flap folding failure detection device 100. However, by adjusting the scanning path, it is possible to easily and reliably detect the folding failure of the flap in each of a plurality of types of cartons having different heights.

  Further, the flap folding failure detection device 200 has a plurality of flap detection sensors corresponding to each of a plurality of types of cartons having different heights, instead of raising and lowering the installation height of one flap detection sensor 2. You may make it install fixedly so that it may differ.

  In this case, as shown in FIGS. 9 (A) to 9 (C), the flap folding failure detection device 200 detects at least the carton 20a and the carton 20 by the carton 20a (20). While passing in front of the sensor, one flap detection sensor scans the front right side flap 23Fa (23F), the front bottom flap 22Fa (22F), and the front left side flap 21Fa (21F). By causing another flap detection sensor to scan the surface of the front top flap 24Fa (24F), it is possible to easily and reliably detect the folding failure of all four flaps constituting the front surface of the carton 20a (20). .

  Next, another configuration example of the scanning path adjustment mechanism 5 in the flap folding failure detection device 200 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scanning path in the flap folding failure detection device 200, and FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a configuration example of the scanning path adjusting mechanism 5.

  In the present modification, the scanning path adjustment mechanism 5 includes a visible light beam LB emitted from a fixedly installed flap detection sensor 2 (for example, a linear optical coaxial reflection type) in a predetermined direction (for example, vertically downward). Is composed of two mirrors M1 and M2 that reflect the light toward the front surface of the carton.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the mirror M1 is a rotary mirror whose mirror surface angle can be switched between an arrangement (posture) for reflecting the visible light LB and an arrangement (posture) for allowing the visible light LB to pass without reflection. is there.

  Thus, the scanning path adjustment mechanism 5 is configured to be able to switch the scanning path by switching the mirror surface angle of the mirror 1.

  Specifically, the scanning path adjusting mechanism 5 is configured so that when the central portion of the front surface of the carton 20 reaches the front of the flap detection sensor 2 (a point where the visible light beam LB irradiated by the flap detection sensor 2 hits), The mirror surface angle is switched, and the visible light LB is reflected toward the carton 20 by the mirror surface. It is assumed that the visible light LB irradiated by the flap detection sensor 2 is reflected by the mirror surface of the mirror M2 until it is reflected by the mirror surface of the mirror M1.

  As a result, the flap detection sensor 2 has the front surface right side flap 23F, the front bottom flap 22F, the front top flap 24F, and the front left side flap 21F in the order of the front surface while the carton 20 passes in front of it. Can be scanned.

  Note that whether or not the center portion of the front surface of the carton 20 has reached before the flap detection sensor 2 is, for example, the elapsed time from the time when the right end of the front right side flap 23F is detected based on the output of the flap detection sensor 2. Can be determined.

  With the above configuration, the flap folding failure detection device 200 can easily and reliably detect the folding failure of all four flaps constituting the front surface of the carton 20.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be added.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the flap folding failure detection devices 100 and 200 employ a distance sensor as the flap detection sensor 2, but on the filling side in a direction (right to left) opposite to the conveyance direction of the carton 20. Other sensors such as a proximity (metal detection) sensor and an image (luminance) sensor may be employed as long as they scan one scanning path on the surface.

  Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the flap folding failure detection devices 100 and 200 detect the flap folding failure by scanning the front surface of the carton 20 conveyed on the conveyor 50 with the fixed flap detection sensor 2. However, it is also possible to detect a defective folding of the flap by scanning the front surface of the stationary carton 20 with a movable flap detection sensor 2 (for example, a sensor that moves on a horizontally extending rail). Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the front surface of the carton 20 includes the left side flap 21F, the bottom side flap 22F, the right side flap 23F, and the top flap 24F, and the left and right side flaps 21F and 23F are the bottom flap 22F and the top flap. Although it is configured so as to be inside 24F, it may be configured by either a left or right relatively large side flap, a bottom flap 22F, and a top flap 24F, and either a top or bottom relatively large size. The flaps (bottom flap or top flap) and the left and right side flaps 21F, 23F may be configured, or may be configured in other combinations. Further, the bottom flap 22F and the top flap 24F may be configured to be inside the left and right side flaps 21F and 23F.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Flap detection sensor 3 Judgment result output apparatus 4 Setting input part 5 Scan path adjustment mechanism 10 Defect determination part 11 Scan path adjustment part 20, 20a, 20b Carton 21 Left side flap 22 Bottom flap 23 Right side flap 24 Top flap 25 Seam flap 30 Top surface member 31 Right side surface member 32 Bottom surface member 33 Left side surface member 40 Liner cut 41 Guide cut 42 H cut 50 Conveyor 60, 60a-60d Beverage can 100, 200 Flap folding defect detection device

Claims (4)

A flap folding failure detection device that detects a folding failure of a flap of a package,
A flap detection sensor that scans a target area where a flap should exist and measures a physical quantity that changes according to the presence or absence of the flap;
A failure determination unit that determines the presence or absence of a folding failure based on the measurement result of the flap detection sensor,
The flap detection sensor scans each target area corresponding to each of the plurality of flaps in a single scan across the package after the plurality of flaps have been bonded .
The defect determination unit determines whether or not there is a folding defect based on a measurement result obtained by the one-time scanning,
Flap folding defect detection device characterized by that. A flap folding failure detection device that detects a folding failure of a flap of a package,
A flap detection sensor that scans a target area where a flap should exist and measures a physical quantity that changes according to the presence or absence of the flap;
A failure determination unit that determines the presence or absence of a folding failure based on the measurement result of the flap detection sensor,
The flap detection sensor scans each target area corresponding to each of the plurality of flaps in a single scan across the package,
The defect determination unit determines whether or not there is a folding defect based on a measurement result obtained by the one-time scanning,
The plurality of flaps include a flap to which an adhesive is applied and a flap that is overlapped and adhered to the flap to which the adhesive is applied.
Flap folding defect detection device. The package is conveyed by a conveyor,
The flap detection sensor is a non-contact type sensor, and scans one surface of the package that is transported on the conveyor in a direction opposite to the transport direction.
The flap folding defect detection device according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that A flap folding defect detection method for detecting a flap folding defect of a package,
It is a flap detection step of scanning a target area where a flap should exist and measuring a physical quantity that changes according to the presence or absence of the flap, and the plurality of flaps are bonded to each of the target areas corresponding to each of the plurality of flaps. And a flap detection step of scanning in a single scan across the package after
A failure determination step of determining whether or not there is a folding failure based on a measurement result obtained by the one-time scanning in the flap detection step.

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