JP7382475B2 - Container inspection equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container inspection device that transports containers in an intermittent rotation.

Conventionally, as a container inspection device, there is a device disclosed in Patent Document 1 that transports containers to a plurality of inspection sections using a star wheel that rotates intermittently.

International Publication No. 2009/025038

In such a container inspection device, efficiency is required to be improved by improving processing capacity .

Further, in such a container inspection apparatus, vibration of the machine table caused by intermittent rotation of the star wheel at high speed may affect imaging in the inspection section.

The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following aspects or application examples.

[ 1 ] One aspect of the container inspection device is:
a star wheel that rotates intermittently and has a plurality of accommodating portions around its periphery for accommodating containers;
a machine base that rotatably supports the star wheel;
a frame disposed apart from the machine base;
a light emitting part that hangs from the frame and emits light to the container;
an imaging unit that captures an image of the container suspended from the frame and irradiated with light from the light emitting unit;
an elevating unit that raises and lowers the light emitting unit and the imaging unit with respect to the container;
It is characterized by having the following.

According to the above-mentioned container inspection device, since the frame is spaced apart from the machine base where vibrations are generated due to rotation of the star wheel, etc., the imaging unit can capture highly accurate images. In addition, according to the container inspection device, there is no need to remove the light emitting unit and the imaging unit each time maintenance work is performed, as is the case with conventional methods. Can be shortened.
[2] In one aspect of the container inspection device,
The frame is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the machine base,
The imaging unit may be arranged to face the light emitting unit with the container in between.
.

According to one aspect of the container inspection apparatus according to the present invention, since the frame is spaced apart from the machine base where vibrations occur, the imaging unit can capture a highly accurate image.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a container inspection device according to the present embodiment. It is a front view of the 1st discharge part of the container inspection device concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of the container inspection device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged plan view of a container inspection device according to a modified example. It is a side view of the container inspection device concerning a modification. It is a back view of the 1st discharge part of the container inspection device concerning a modification. FIG. 2 is a front view of the container inspection device in which the imaging section according to the present embodiment is at an inspection position. FIG. 2 is a front view of the container inspection device in which the imaging unit according to the present embodiment is in a maintenance position. It is a top view of an elevating part.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail using the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are essential components of the present invention.

The container inspection device according to the present embodiment includes a star wheel that rotates intermittently and has a plurality of accommodating portions on its periphery for accommodating containers, an ejection portion disposed at a position where the accommodating portions stop, and a container inspection device in which the container is inserted into the accommodating portion by the ejection portion. a holding mechanism that holds the container; a pushing mechanism that pushes the container from the discharge section in the discharge direction; and a mechanism that rotatably supports the star wheel and supports the holding mechanism and the pushing mechanism at predetermined positions. a stand; the holding mechanism includes an arm capable of contacting a side surface of the container conveyed to the discharge section by rotation of the star wheel; and rotating the arm to set the holding mechanism between a closed state and an open state. and an electric motor that switches between the closed state and the side surface, the arm being in contact with the side surface to limit movement of the container in the discharge direction, and the open state being in the open state when the arm is rotating. and release the contact with the side surface.

The container inspection device according to the present embodiment includes a star wheel that rotates intermittently and has a plurality of accommodating portions around the periphery for accommodating containers, a machine stand that rotatably supports the star wheel, and a machine stand that is arranged at a distance from the machine stand. a light emitting unit that hangs from the frame and emits light to the container; and an imaging unit that hangs from the frame and captures an image of the container irradiated with light from the light emitting unit. , an elevating section for elevating the light emitting section and the imaging section relative to the container.

1. Overall Configuration of Container Inspection Apparatus The overall configuration of the container inspection apparatus 1 will be explained using FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the container inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of the first discharge section 30 of the container inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the first discharge section 30 of the container inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of the container inspection device 1. FIG. In FIG. 3, the first star wheel 10 is omitted to illustrate the first extrusion mechanism 60 and the second extrusion mechanism 62.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the container inspection apparatus 1 includes a first star wheel 10 having a plurality of storage sections 16 on the periphery 14 for accommodating containers 3, and an inspection section 20 disposed at a position where the storage sections 16 stop. , a first discharge section 30 and a second discharge section 32. Although the second ejector 32 is adjacent to the first ejector 30, other stop positions may be located therebetween. The container inspection device 1 is equipped with a first conveyor 40 disposed facing the first discharge section 30 and a second conveyor 42 disposed facing the second discharge section 32. If a mechanism such as a shooter that does not require the container 3 to stand on its own is provided instead of the second conveyor 42, the second holding mechanism 52 may not be provided in the second discharge section 32.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the container inspection device 1 has the same rotation center 5 as the first star wheel 10 under the first star wheel 10, and is vertically spaced apart from the first star wheel 10. A second star wheel 12 is provided, which is arranged with a gap between the two star wheels. Since the container 3 can be held vertically by using two star wheels, it can be transported stably.

The first discharge section 30 discharges the containers 3 determined to be non-defective by the inspection in the inspection section 20 to the first conveyor 40, and the second discharge section 32 discharges the containers 3 determined to be defective by the inspection by the inspection section 20 to the first conveyor 40. is discharged to the second conveyor 42. According to the container inspection device 1, it is possible to improve the self-sustaining stability of the good containers 3 and the defective containers 3, respectively. The container 3 discharged from the first discharge section 30 stands on the first conveyor 40 outside the peripheral edge 14 . The container 3 discharged from the second discharge section 32 stands on the second conveyor 42 outside the peripheral edge 14 .

The container 3 is, for example, a glass bottle. The container 3 may be a reverse tapered bottle, which has a relatively poor self-sustaining stability on the first conveyor 40 and the second conveyor 42, and whose body diameter becomes narrower from the neck to the bottom, or a reverse tapered bottle whose body diameter becomes larger from the neck to the bottom. A tapered bottle in which the center of gravity of the container 3 is located at a high position may also be used. In particular, glass bottles are often heavier than containers 3 made of other materials, and the vertical weight balance tends to be uneven due to the design of the container 3. It is hoped that this will improve.

The container inspection device 1 includes a control device 7 . The control device 7 is a device that performs various calculations and controls, and includes a CPU that performs calculations and controls, memory (RAM, ROM), and external storage device, and further includes a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and interface. I can do it. The control device 7 includes at least a control section 70, a storage section 72, and a calculation section 74 as a functional configuration. The calculation section 74 performs preset calculations using the program, data, etc. taken out from the storage section 72, data taken in from the inspection section 20, etc. The calculation unit 74 determines whether all containers 3 supplied to the container inspection device 1 are good or defective based on the calculation results. The control unit 70 outputs an instruction to discharge the containers 3 determined to be good products from the first discharge unit 30 to the first conveyor 40, and outputs the instructions to discharge the containers 3 determined to be defective products from the second discharge unit 32 to the second conveyor 42. Output instructions to eject to.

The container inspection device 1 also includes a first holding mechanism 50 that holds the container 3 in the storage section 16 with the first discharge section 30, and a second holding mechanism 50 that holds the container 3 in the storage section 16 with the second discharge section 32. a mechanism 52; a first extrusion mechanism 60 that pushes out the container 3 from the first discharge section 30 in a first direction D1 that is the discharge direction; 2 extrusion mechanism 62.

The container inspection device 1 includes a machine stand 2 . The machine stand 2 rotatably supports the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12, and holds the first holding mechanism 50, the second holding mechanism 52, the first extrusion mechanism 60, and the second extrusion mechanism 62 at predetermined positions. Support in position. Since the first holding mechanism 50, the second holding mechanism 52, the first extrusion mechanism 60, and the second extrusion mechanism 62 are supported at predetermined positions on the machine base 2, even if the speed of the container inspection device 1 is increased, the shaking of the mechanism is prevented. The container 3 can be discharged stably. The machine base 2 includes a part that supports the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12, a part that supports the first holding mechanism 50 and the first extrusion mechanism 60, and a part that supports the second holding mechanism 52 and the second extrusion mechanism. The portion supporting 62 may be separate from the portion, or may be connected and integrated.

The first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12 rotate intermittently in a horizontal plane to transport the container 3 accommodated in the storage section 16 from the inspection section 20 to the first discharge section 30. The rotation centers 5 of the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12 extend from the machine base 2 along the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 14 has eight accommodating parts 16, and each of the accommodating parts 16 holds the container 3 while transporting it to eight stopping positions. The number of accommodating parts 16 and the number of stopping positions are not limited to eight, and can be set as appropriate according to the processing capacity of the container inspection apparatus 1. Since the second discharge part 32 discharges the containers 3 that were not discharged onto the first conveyor 40 by the first discharge part 30, the containers 3 are stored in the storage part 16 of the second discharge part 32 in FIGS. 1 and 3. I haven't. The accommodating portion 16 is a notch that curves toward the rotation center 5 from the peripheral edge 14 of the disc-shaped first star wheel 10 and second star wheel 12 . Each accommodating portion 16 of the first star wheel 10 is provided with a pair of support rings 17 that support rotation of the neck of the container 3 and prevent the container 3 from floating up.

At the stop position of the storage section 16, there is a supply section 18 that supplies the containers 3 to the container inspection device 1, and an inspection section that includes a first inspection section 22, a second inspection section 24, and a third inspection section 26 that inspect the containers 3. 20, a first discharge section 30, and a second discharge section 32 are provided. The supply section 18 may include a screw conveyor that sequentially transports the containers 3 to the storage section 16 which stops at the supply section 18 . The container 3 stopped at each stop position of the inspection section 20 undergoes various inspections while rotating around the central axis of the container 3.

The first conveyor 40 conveys the container 3 pushed out by the first extrusion mechanism 60 from the storage section 16 in the first discharge section 30 in a self-supporting state in a first direction D1 away from the first discharge section 30 . The first direction D1 is the direction in which the container 3 is discharged. The second conveyor 42 conveys the container 3 pushed out by the second extrusion mechanism 62 from the storage section 16 in the second discharge section 32 in a self-supporting state in a second direction D2 away from the second discharge section 32 . The second direction D2 is the direction in which the container 3 is discharged. The first conveyor 40 and the second conveyor 42 may be belt conveyors that drive endless belts intermittently or continuously, and in this embodiment, continuously drive the belts in circulation. The first conveyor 40 and the second conveyor 42 convey the containers 3 in a self-supporting state on their upper surfaces. The first conveyor 40 extends from directly below the storage section 16 in the first discharge section 30 to outside the peripheral edge 14, and the second conveyor 42 extends from directly below the storage section 16 in the second discharge section 32 to outside the peripheral edge 14.

When the container 3 is conveyed to the first discharge section 30, the container 3 is placed on the first conveyor 40, and when the container 3 is conveyed to the second discharge section 32, the container 3 is placed on the second conveyor 42. Deploy. In this embodiment, the first conveyor 40 extends to below the containers 3 that stop at the first discharge section 30, but by arranging the first conveyor 40 facing the first discharge section 30, the containers 3 that are pushed out are It is sufficient that the conveyor 40 is delivered in a self-supporting state; for example, the first conveyor 40 may extend from the outside of the peripheral edge 14 in the first direction D1. The second conveyor 42 may similarly extend in the second direction D2, for example from outside the peripheral edge 14.

Since the first conveyor 40 and the second conveyor 42 move the container 3 while being independent, the container 3 may shake when pushed by the first extrusion mechanism 60 and the second extrusion mechanism 62 and may lack self-sustaining stability. . If the container 3 falls on the first conveyor 40 or the second conveyor 42, the container inspection device 1 will have to be stopped urgently, so the throughput per unit time of the container inspection device 1 will be significantly reduced. Therefore, it is important to stabilize the movement of the containers 3 from the first discharge section 30 (second discharge section 32) to the first conveyor 40 (second conveyor 42).

2. Holding Mechanism The holding mechanism will be explained using FIGS. 2 and 3. The container inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first holding mechanism 50 and a second holding mechanism 52 as holding mechanisms, but since the basic configuration of both mechanisms is the same, the first holding mechanism 50 and the second holding mechanism 52 are mainly used as holding mechanisms. I will explain about it.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first holding mechanism 50 includes at least one arm that can contact the side surface of the container 3 that is conveyed to the first discharge section 30 by rotation of the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12. and an electric motor 57 that rotates the arm to switch the first holding mechanism 50 between a closed state and an open state. In the "closed state", the arm contacts the side surface of the container 3 and limits movement of the container 3 in the first direction D1. In the open state, the arm rotates and releases contact with the side surface of the container 3. An example will be described in which the first holding mechanism 50 of this embodiment includes a total of four arms on the upper and lower sides and on the left and right sides.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first holding mechanism 50 includes a first rotating shaft 53 and a second rotating shaft, which are two rotating shafts that are erected at a first interval W1 wider than the full width W of the container 3 with the first conveyor 40 in between. A first arm 55 and a second arm 56, which are two arms arranged at a second interval W2 vertically on each of the first and second rotational shafts 53 and 54, respectively. An electric motor 57 that rotationally drives the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotation shaft 54 is provided. The electric motor 57 can speed up the opening and closing of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56. Since the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 arranged above and below can hold the container 3 at the upper and lower sides of the side surface, even if the container is shaped like a rocker, it can be easily moved from the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12. The self-supporting stability of the container 3 can be improved when moving onto the first conveyor 40. In this embodiment, two arms are arranged above and below, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one arm may be provided for each rotation axis. In addition, the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 fixed to the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 open and close like double doors, so that the flow from the first discharge section 30 onto the first conveyor 40 The transported container 3 can be quickly moved. As a result, according to the container inspection device 1, the stop time of the star wheel in the first discharge section 30 can be shortened. In addition, since the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 open in the first direction D1, the movement of the container 3 is not obstructed, and even if the container shape is easy to shake, the self-sustaining stability of the container 3 is improved during high-speed discharging. can.

The first direction D1 is the direction in which the container 3 is pushed out from the storage section 16 by the first pushing mechanism 60, and is the same as the conveyance direction of the first conveyor 40. The first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 are erected with the first conveyor 40 interposed therebetween. The first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 have lower ends connected to the electric motor 57, extend vertically upward, and have upper ends rotatably supported near the height of the neck of the container 3.

The electric motor 57 is provided on each of the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotation shaft 54, but the output of one electric motor 57 is divided and used for rotation of the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotation shaft 54. It's okay. The electric motor 57 can reciprocate around the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 at an angle of 90 degrees. Electric motor 57 can be a servo motor. By employing a servo motor, the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 can be rotated at high speed.

The electric motor 57 rotates the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotation shaft 54 to rotate the first arm 55.
And the second arm 56 can be switched between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the contact portions 554 of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 come into contact with the side surface of the container 3 in the first discharge section 30, thereby restricting movement of the container 3 in the first direction D1. In the open state, the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 rotate toward the first conveyor 40 to allow the container 3 to move from the first discharge section 30 in the first direction D1. The first arm 55 and the second arm 56 pivot about the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotation shaft 54 to open and close in a double-door pattern when viewed from the front in FIG. 2 .

The first arm 55 and the second arm 56 each have a fixed end 550 fixed to the first rotating shaft 53 or the second rotating shaft 54, a free end 552 opposite to the fixed end 550, and adjacent to the free end 552. A contact portion 554 shown in FIG. 3 is provided. Free ends 552 of the first arm 55 and second arm 56 fixed to one first rotation shaft 53, and free ends 552 of the first arm 55 and second arm 56 fixed to the other second rotation shaft 54. extend toward each other from the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 (fixed end 550), which are each fixed in the closed state. The first arm 55 and the second arm 56 are each a bent plate-shaped body made of synthetic resin. The material for the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 is preferably synthetic resin, which is easy to process, but is not limited to synthetic resin as long as it does not damage the side surface of the container 3. In addition, in the container inspection device 1, it is preferable that the members that come into contact with the surface of the container 3 be made of materials that do not cause scratches, similar to the first arm 55, etc., and that other members be made of materials such as metals used in machines. Can be used.

The first arm 55 is at a first height H1 that is higher than 1/2 of the total height H of the container 3 stopped at the first discharge section 30. The second arm is at a second height H2, which is less than 1/2 of the total height H of the container 3. Further, the first pushing mechanism 60 can push the container 3 toward the first conveyor 40 at a height between the first height H1 of the first arm 55 and the second height H2 of the second arm 56. . The first arm 55 is located at the upper half of the total height H of the container 3, and the second arm 56 is located at the lower half of the height H of the container 3, thereby ensuring the self-sustaining stability of the container 3, while the first extrusion mechanism 60 By pushing the container 3 between the second arm 55 and the second arm 56, the container 3 can be reliably moved beyond the peripheral edge 14 and onto the first conveyor 40. The height of the extrusion plate 65 of the first extrusion mechanism 60 is preferably set to the height of the center of gravity of the container 3 in order to increase the self-sustaining stability of the container 3. Furthermore, when one arm is provided for each rotating shaft, it is desirable that the first pushing mechanism 60 pushes the container 3 at approximately the same height as the arm.

The free ends 552 of the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 are located closer to the housing section 16 stopped at the first discharge section 30 than the fixed end 550 in the closed state. In other words, the free end 552 is located on the side of the accommodating part 16 stopped at the first discharge part 30 from the virtual straight line connecting the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 in the closed state. Since the free end 552 is located close to the accommodating part 16, the container 3 can be held more reliably within the accommodating part 16 in the closed state. Therefore, in the closed state, the fixed end 550 is located further away from the housing portion 16 than the free end 552. Since the fixed end 550 is located away from the storage section 16, the fixed end 550 does not come into contact with the container 3 that is transported by the rotation of the first star wheel 10.

The first interval W1 can be adjusted according to the full width W of the container 3 by the first interval adjustment mechanism 58. The first interval adjustment mechanism 58 includes a handle 580 and two sets of ball screw mechanisms 582. The ball screw mechanism 582 has a common screw shaft, and by turning the handle 580 to rotate the screw shaft, the two electric motors 57 fixed to the nuts move toward or away from each other. Therefore, according to the first interval adjustment mechanism 58, the first interval W1 between the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 fixed to the electric motor 57 can be changed.

The second interval W2 can be changed according to the total height H of the container 3 and the upper and lower weight distribution of the container 3. A long hole 59 extending in the vertical direction is formed in the first rotating shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft 54 . A fixed end 550 is fixed to the elongated hole 59 with a mounting bolt. By loosening the mounting bolt of the fixed end 550 and moving the mounting bolt along the elongated hole 59, the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 can be moved along the elongated hole 59. For example, if the total height H of the container 3 increases, the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 are moved upward, and if the total height H of the container 3 decreases, the first arm 55 and the second arm 56 are moved downward.

Further, the second holding mechanism 52 in the second ejection section 32 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 has basically the same configuration as the first holding mechanism 50, and can be switched between a closed state and an open state. In the open state, the second pushing mechanism 62 acts on the container 3 in the second discharge section 32 to push the container 3 in the second direction D2 and move it onto the second conveyor 42. The first rotation shaft 53, second rotation shaft 54, first arm 55, second arm 56, and electric motor 57 of the second holding mechanism 52 have the same configuration and function as each member of the first holding mechanism 50. , duplicate explanations will be omitted.

3. Extrusion mechanism The extrusion mechanism will be explained using FIGS. 1 to 3. The container inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first extrusion mechanism 60 and a second extrusion mechanism 62 as extrusion mechanisms, but since the basic configuration is the same, the first extrusion mechanism 60 will mainly be described. .

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first extrusion mechanism 60 includes a support section 64 erected on the machine stand 2 and an extrusion plate 65 supported by the support section 64. The push-out plate 65 moves forward and backward relative to the container 3 that is stopped at the first discharge section 30 . The second extrusion mechanism 62 includes an extrusion plate 65 supported by a support portion 64 . The push-out plate 65 moves forward and backward relative to the container 3 that is stopped at the second discharge section 32 . Since the extrusion plate 65 is supported by the support portion 64, the forward and backward movement of the extrusion plate 65 is stabilized, and the self-sustaining stability of the container 3 can be improved.

The extrusion plate 65 of the first extrusion mechanism 60 contacts the container 3 of the first discharge section 30 . The extrusion plate 65 of the first extrusion mechanism 60 is always urged in the first direction D1. The first extrusion mechanism 60 is configured such that the first holding mechanism 50 contacts the container 3 conveyed to the first discharge section 30 in the closed state, the pushing plate 65 retreats, and the first holding mechanism 50 enters the open state. , the push-out plate 65 moves forward in the first direction D1 and pushes out the container 3 from the storage section 16. The container 3 can be quickly discharged by the pushing plate 65 constantly urging the container 3 in the discharge direction (first direction D1 and second direction D2).

As shown in FIG. 1, the first star wheel 10 is formed with a first through hole 11 that extends vertically through the center of rotation 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the second star wheel 12 is formed with a second through hole 13 that extends vertically through the center of rotation 5. As shown in FIG. The support portion 64 is a cylindrical rod that extends through the first through hole 11 and the second through hole 13 and stands on the machine stand 2 . The lower end of the support part 64 is fixed to the machine stand 2. The first starwheel 10 and the second starwheel 12 rotate around the support 64, and the support 64 does not rotate.

A mounting plate 69a extending in the horizontal direction is fixed to the support portion 64. The mounting plate 69a is movable in the vertical direction along the support portion 64, and the height of the extrusion plate 65 is adjusted by changing the height of the mounting plate 69a. Two slide plates 69b are fixed to the mounting plate 69a. The slide plate 69b can be moved back and forth on the mounting plate 69a along a long hole provided in the slide plate 69b by turning the knob 69c and loosening the fixing bolt. By moving the slide plate 69b back and forth, it is possible to adjust how much the push-out plate 65 should protrude into the accommodating portion 16. The push-out plate 65 is arranged so as to protrude into the storage section 16 via two push-out arms 68a and 68b that extend from the distal end of the slide plate 69b across the storage section 16 (container 3) side.

The push-out plate 65 is constantly biased in the direction of protruding into the housing portion 16 . Push-out arm 68a and push-out arm 68b are attached to slide plate 69b via biasing member 66a and biasing member 66b. The biasing member 66a biases the extrusion arm 68a in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3 relative to the slide plate 69b, and the biasing member 66b biases the extrusion arm 68b in the counterclockwise rotation direction in FIG. 3 relative to the slide plate 69b. energize. Therefore, the tips of the push-out arm 68a and the push-out arm 68b are constantly urged in a direction toward each other. The tip of the extrusion arm 68a is rotatably fixed to the extrusion plate 65. A long hole 65a is opened in the push-out plate 65, and the long hole 65a receives a cam follower 67 provided at the tip of the push-out arm 68b, and the cam follower 67 is movable along the long hole 65a.

When the container 3 is not stored in the storage section 16, the cam follower 67 moves so as to approach the tip of the push-out arm 68a, as shown in the second discharge section 32 in FIG. It is pushed out into the section 16.

The extrusion plate 65 has a chamfered portion 65b on the side of the extrusion plate 65 where the container 3 is conveyed by the second star wheel 12. The chamfered portion 65b has a function of coming into contact with the body of the transported container 3 and pushing the push-out plate 65 back toward the slide plate 69b. The pushed-back pushing plate 65 is always urged by the urging members 66a and 66b so as to push the container 3 in the first direction D1. Further, the container 3 is on a first conveyor 40 that is constantly driven in the first direction D1, and the bottom of the container 3 is in sliding contact with the first conveyor 40.

In the first discharge section 30 in FIG. 3, the first arm 55 (and the second arm 56) of the first holding mechanism 50 is in a closed state, and the contact section 554 of the first arm 55 is in contact with the container 3, and the extrusion plate The container 3 is held in the storage part 16 against the pushing force of 65.

When the first arm 55 moves to the position shown by the broken line in FIG. Move to. The second arm 56 shown in FIG. 2 disposed below the first arm 55 also operates in the same manner as the first arm 55, so that the container 3 can be transferred to the first conveyor 40 while maintaining the self-supporting state of the container 3 more stably. You can move around by riding.

4. Modification A container inspection device 1a according to a modification will be described. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view of the container inspection device 1a according to the modification, FIG. 5 is a side view of the container inspection device 1a according to the modification, and FIG. 6 is a side view of the container inspection device 1a according to the modification. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the first discharge section 30. FIG. Here, the same components as the container inspection apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, since the second ejection section 32 has a similar configuration to the first ejection section 30, only the first ejection section 30 will be described here. In FIG. 6, the container 3 is viewed from the accommodating portion side along the first direction D1, so the first extrusion mechanism 600 and the like are omitted.

4.1. Holding Mechanism As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the container inspection device 1a according to the modification includes a first holding mechanism 500 supported by the machine stand 2 facing the first discharge section 30.

The first holding mechanism 500 includes one arm 560 and an electric motor 570 that swings the arm 560. Electric motor 570 is, for example, a servo motor. The electric motor 570 is fixed to the machine base 2.

The arm 560 has a fixed end 561 fixed to the rotating shaft 530 of the electric motor 570, and a free end 562 opposite to the fixed end 561. A contact portion 564 is provided between the fixed end 561 and the free end 562 to contact the side surface of the container 3 that is stopped at the first discharge portion 30 . The free end 562 is located closer to the accommodating part 16 stopped at the first discharge part 30 than the fixed end 561 in the closed state.

The rotation axis 530 of the electric motor 570 is parallel to the first direction D1 in a plan view of FIG. 4, and is inclined upward toward the first discharge part 30 in a side view of FIG. The upward inclination is, for example, about 10 degrees to 20 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. When the electric motor 570 is driven, the rotating shaft 530 rotates, the free end 562 moves in an arc around the fixed end 561, and the arm 560 swings. As shown in FIG. 6, the arm 560 is horizontal in the closed state and vertical in the open state when viewed from the rear, so the swing angle is 90 degrees. The swing angle can be changed within a range that allows the container 3 to be reliably held in the closed state and does not interfere with the container 3 that is discharged in the open state.

In FIGS. 4 to 6, the opening operation of the arm 560 is indicated by a broken arrow. By driving the electric motor 570 and swinging the arm 560 upward about the rotating shaft 530, the free end 562 moves upward while moving away from the first discharge section 30. As a result, the first holding mechanism 500 changes from the closed state to the open state. The first holding mechanism 500 has a simple configuration and can open and close the arm 560 at high speed. In addition, by tilting at least the rotating shaft 530 upward in this way, the free end 562 is not simply moved upward, but is moved in the direction away from the first discharge part 30 while opening the container 3. The force of lifting the container 3 upward can be reduced, and the self-sustaining stability of the container 3 can be improved.

4.2. Extrusion Mechanism As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first extrusion mechanism 600 includes a mounting plate 690 horizontally fixed to the support portion 64, and a slide that can move back and forth on the mounting plate 690 along a long hole 691. It includes a plate 692 and an extrusion plate 650 extending from the slide plate 692 toward the storage section 16 (container 3).

The slide plate 692 includes a rail 693 extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and a guide 694 extending along the first direction D1. The rail 693 is formed in a groove. The guide 694 has a plate shape that protrudes from the upper surface of the slide plate 692 and extends along the first direction D1.

The extrusion plate 650 has a plate shape extending along the first direction D1, and includes a contact plate 651 at the tip, a sliding groove 653 at the rear end, and a biasing member 660 on the upper surface.

The contact plate 651 is made of a material such as synthetic resin that will not cause damage even when it comes into contact with the container, and has a chamfered portion 652 on the side where the container 3 is carried in.

The sliding groove 653 is a notch groove that opens at the rear end of the extrusion plate 650, and is formed to extend along the first direction D1. A guide 694 is inserted into the sliding groove 653, and the sliding groove 653 makes sliding contact with the side surface of the guide 694, so that the extrusion plate 650 moves forward and backward along the first direction D1. The extrusion plate 650 is held between the upper surface of the slide plate 692 and a pressing plate 695 fixed on the guide 694. Therefore, the push-out plate 650 is guided by the slide plate 692 and the pressing plate 695 in the upper and lower directions, and is guided by the guide 694 in the direction orthogonal to the first direction D1, and can move forward and backward.

The biasing member 660 includes an extrusion arm 680 that is biased in the counterclockwise rotation direction in FIG. 3 relative to the slide plate 692, and a cam follower 670 attached to the tip of the extrusion arm 680. The cam follower 670 can roll along the rail 693 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Therefore, the biasing member 660 constantly biases the push-out arm 680 so that the cam follower 670 moves upward in FIG. On the other hand, it is constantly biased so as to push it out in the first direction D1.

When the container 3 is not accommodated in the accommodating portion 16 , the contact plate 651 of the push-out plate 650 is pushed out into the accommodating portion 16 . When the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12 rotate and the container 3 is carried into the first discharge section 30, the chamfered portion 652 first comes into contact with the side surface of the container 3. As the container 3 approaches the first discharge part 30, the container 3 slides on the chamfered part 652 and causes the extrusion plate 650 to retreat. At this time, the cam follower 670 rolls within the rail 693, and the sliding groove 653 is guided by the guide 694, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 4.

When the electric motor 570 is driven to move the first holding mechanism 500 from the closed state to the open state, the biasing member 660 rotates the pushing arm 680 to the left, and the cam follower 670 rolls upward in FIG. 4 within the rail 693. . As a result, the pushing plate 650 is pushed out in the first direction D1 along the guide 694, and the contact plate 651 pushes the side surface of the container 3, thereby quickly discharging the container 3 onto the first conveyor 40.

5. Lifting Unit The lifting unit 100 will be explained using FIG. 1 and FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. 7 is a front view of the container inspection apparatus 1 in which the imaging section 28 according to the present embodiment is in the inspection position, and FIG. 8 is a front view of the container inspection apparatus 1 in which the imaging section 28 according to the present embodiment is in the maintenance position. 9 is a plan view of the elevating section 100. In FIGS. 7 and 8, mechanisms on the machine base 2, such as the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12, are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection unit 20 is arranged along the circumference 14 of the first starwheel 10. The frame 110 is arranged to surround the machine base 2. The frame 110 is formed by welding square steel pipes into a frame body. The frame 110 is placed apart from the machine base 2.

As shown in FIG. 7, the frame 110 is installed on the same installation surface as the machine stand 2, and extends upward to a position higher than the height at which the container 3 is transported. An elevating section 100 is provided at the upper end of the frame 110.

The inspection section 20 includes a light emitting section 27 that is suspended from the frame 110 and emits light to the container 3, and an imaging section that is suspended from the frame 110 and that images the container 3 irradiated with light from the light emitting section 27. 28. The imaging section 28 is arranged to face the light emitting section 27 with the container 3 in between. When the imaging section 28 takes an image using reflected light from the container 3, the imaging section 28 may be provided on the light emitting section 27 side.

The light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 are fixed to the frame 110. The light emitting unit 27 is suspended from the frame 110 and emits light to the container 3 . The imaging unit 28 captures an image of the container 3 hanging from the frame 110 and irradiated with light from the light emitting unit 27 .

In this way, since the frame 110 is separated from the machine base 2 where vibrations are generated due to rotation of the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12, etc., the vibration of the imaging section 28 is suppressed, and the accuracy of the imaging section 28 is improved. Capable of capturing high-quality images.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the container inspection device 1 has an elevating section 100 above the conveyance path for the containers 3. As shown in FIGS. The elevating section 100 moves the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 up and down with respect to the container 3 . The elevating unit 100 includes an elevating motor 120 , a ball screw mechanism 124 , a belt 121 and a gear box 122 that transmit the driving force of the elevating motor 120 to the ball screw mechanism 124 , and a screw of the ball screw mechanism 124 on a frame 110 . Three guides 126 are suspended from the frame 110 in parallel with the axis 125. Lifting motor 120 is an electric motor.

The elevating unit 100 has an inspection position shown in FIG. 7 that matches the height of the container 3 transported by the first star wheel 10 and second star wheel 12, and a maintenance position shown in FIG. 8 above the inspection position. The light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 can be moved up and down. The light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 are integrated, and when the screw shaft 125 is rotated by driving the elevating motor 120, the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 are guided by a guide 126 and move up and down. When maintenance is performed with the light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 in the inspection position shown in FIG. Maintenance work on the extrusion mechanism 62 is difficult to perform. On the other hand, when the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 are located at the maintenance position shown in FIG. 8, the workability inside the apparatus is significantly improved.

Conventionally, the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 were often removed from the container inspection device 1 each time maintenance work was performed, but once the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 are raised to the maintenance position, there is no need to remove them. It's done. Therefore, the work time required to return the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 to the inspection position after maintenance can be shortened. Furthermore, by raising the light emitting section 27 and the like using the elevating section 100, it becomes easier for the operator to access the inside of the container inspection apparatus 1, and it becomes easier for the operator to take in and out parts and the like. By shortening the time required for maintenance in this way, the time for stopping the production line can also be shortened, and as a result, the productivity of the containers 3 can be improved. Maintenance includes, for example, adjusting each operating section such as the first extrusion mechanism 60, as well as changing the shape when the design of the container 3 is changed. The mold change work involves replacing parts related to the handling of the container 3, and therefore requires a particularly long time. In the model change work, for example, after removing the support part 64 from the machine base 2 with the light emitting part 27 etc. raised by the elevating part 100, the first star wheel 10 and the second star wheel 12 are removed all together. A new set of first star wheel 10 and second star wheel 12 that matches the design of the container 3 after the change is installed. After this attachment, the light emitting section 27 and the like are returned to the inspection position using the elevating section 100 again, thereby completing the mold change work. The inventors have also confirmed through experiments that by employing the elevating section 100, the time required for model change work can be reduced to less than half compared to a conventional device without the elevating section 100.

The elevating section 100 may further include an elevating handle 130. The lifting handle 130 is suspended from the frame 110 and is arranged above the container 3. The lifting handle 130 is connected to the belt 121 via a pulley. By turning the lifting handle 130, the ball screw mechanism 124 is driven via the belt 121 and the gear box 122, and the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 can be raised and lowered. By having the lifting handle 130, the light emitting unit 27 and the imaging unit 28 can be raised and lowered even if the lifting motor 120 is out of order or power is not supplied to the lifting motor 120.

The elevating section 100 is not limited to the ball screw mechanism 124, and instead of the ball screw mechanism 124, a known linear motion mechanism for elevating the light emitting section 27 and the imaging section 28 may be used.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be further modified in various ways, including configurations that are substantially the same as those described in the embodiments. Here, "the same configuration" refers to a configuration that has the same function, method, and result, or a configuration that has the same purpose and effect. Further, the present invention includes a configuration in which non-essential parts of the configuration described in the embodiments are replaced. Further, the present invention includes a configuration that has the same effects or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose as the configuration described in the embodiment. Further, the present invention includes a configuration in which a known technique is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a... Container inspection device, 2... Machine base, 3... Container, 5... Rotation center, 7... Control device, 10...
1st star wheel, 11... 1st through hole, 12... 2nd star wheel, 13... 2nd through hole, 14... periphery, 16... accommodating part, 17... support ring, 18... supply part, 20... inspection part, 22...First inspection section, 24...Second inspection section, 26...Third inspection section, 27...Light emitting section, 28...Imaging section, 30...First discharge section, 32...Second discharge section, 40...First conveyor , 42...second conveyor, 50,500...first holding mechanism, 52...second holding mechanism, 53...first rotating shaft, 530... rotating shaft, 54...second rotating shaft, 55...first arm, 550... Fixed end, 552... Free end, 554... Contact portion, 56... Second arm, 560... Arm, 561... Fixed end, 562... Free end, 564... Contact portion, 57, 570... Electric motor, 58... First interval Adjustment mechanism, 580... Handle, 582... Ball screw mechanism, 59... Elongated hole, 60, 600... First extrusion mechanism, 62... Second extrusion mechanism, 64... Support part, 65, 650... Extrusion plate, 65a... Elongated hole , 65b... Chamfered portion, 651... Contact plate, 652... Chamfered portion, 653... Sliding groove, 66a, 66b, 660... Biasing member, 67, 670... Cam follower, 68a, 68b, 680... Extrusion arm, 69a... Mounting Plate, 69b...Slide plate, 69c...Knob, 690...Mounting plate, 691...Long hole, 692...Slide plate, 693...Rail, 694...Guide, 695...Press plate, 70...Control unit, 72...Storage unit, 74 ...Calculating unit, 100...Elevating unit, 110...Frame, 120...Elevating motor, 121...Belt, 122...Gear box, 124...Ball screw mechanism, 125...Screw shaft, 126...Guide, 130...Elevating handle, D1... First direction, D2...Second direction, H...Total height, H1...First height, H2...Second height, W...Total width, W1...First interval, W2...Second interval

Claims (2)

a star wheel that rotates intermittently and has a plurality of accommodating portions around its periphery for accommodating containers;
a machine base that rotatably supports the star wheel;
a frame disposed apart from the machine base;
a light emitting part that hangs from the frame and emits light to the container;
an imaging unit that captures an image of the container suspended from the frame and irradiated with light from the light emitting unit;
an elevating unit that raises and lowers the light emitting unit and the imaging unit with respect to the container;
A container inspection device comprising: The container inspection device according to claim 1,
The frame is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the machine base,
The container inspection device is characterized in that the imaging section is arranged to face the light emitting section with the container in between.

Images