WO2009066165A1 - Device for inspecting items on a conveyor - Google Patents
Device for inspecting items on a conveyor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009066165A1 WO2009066165A1 PCT/IB2008/003176 IB2008003176W WO2009066165A1 WO 2009066165 A1 WO2009066165 A1 WO 2009066165A1 IB 2008003176 W IB2008003176 W IB 2008003176W WO 2009066165 A1 WO2009066165 A1 WO 2009066165A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- bell
- items
- annular
- truncated conical
- light beams
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
- G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
- G01N21/8806—Specially adapted optical and illumination features
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
- G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
- G01N21/90—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination in a container or its contents
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
- G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
- G01N21/90—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination in a container or its contents
- G01N21/909—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination in a container or its contents in opaque containers or opaque container parts, e.g. cans, tins, caps, labels
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
- G01N2021/845—Objects on a conveyor
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
- G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
- G01N21/8806—Specially adapted optical and illumination features
- G01N2021/8822—Dark field detection
- G01N2021/8825—Separate detection of dark field and bright field
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
- G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
- G01N21/89—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination in moving material, e.g. running paper or textiles
- G01N21/8901—Optical details; Scanning details
- G01N2021/8905—Directional selective optics, e.g. slits, spatial filters
- G01N2021/8907—Cylindrical optics
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
- G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
- G01N21/95—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined
- G01N21/952—Inspecting the exterior surface of cylindrical bodies or wires
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the technical field of the visual inspection of moving items, which are brought by conveying organs, in particular the invention relates to the devices allowing such inspection.
- monitoring stations In the industrial lines intended to the packaging of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals inside containers, for example vials and/or bottles, are generally provided monitoring stations in which there are devices intended to visually inspect each container concerning for example the cap, the information label, the bar code, the section in which the cap couples with the container.
- the information detected by such inspecting devices are stored on an electronic, analogue or digital medium and allow to check the readability, the integrity and the kind of the label applied on the side surface of the container, as well as the indications provided on the upper surface of the same cap.
- one or two cameras which are for example opposed, for inspecting the label applied on the side surface of each container; another one or two cameras, which are for example opposed, for inspecting the applying section of the closing cap on the neck of the corresponding container; another one camera for inspecting the upper surface of each closing cap.
- Another disadvantage related to the presence of a plurality of cameras is represented by their poor flexibility and/or adaptability at the size change of the containers, which usually requires the new positioning of the same cameras and the adjustment of the actuation sequence of the corresponding light sources.
- the conveying organ When the conveying organ is actuated at high speed, in determined conditions, at the monitoring station, the presence of a plurality of cameras can require an actuation with the same step of the conveying organ, consequently remarkably impairing the productivity of the industrial process.
- an object of the present invention is to solve said disadvantages providing a device for visual inspecting items brought by conveying organs, which guarantees extremely simple and rapid adjustment phases, which can be carried out by any operator, independently of the size of the items and the actuation speed of the same conveying organs.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for visual inspection made up of a limited number of components, able to guarantee high reliability and flexibility standards in every working condition, especially at the items size change, and able to cooperate with conveying organs actuated either stepwise or steplessly.
- the present invention is aimed at providing a device for visual inspection, which is extremely functional, reliable and relatively cheap such that it guarantees simple and rapid installation and maintenance steps.
- said objects are achieved by means of the inventive device for visual inspecting items brought by conveying organs, of the type comprising: a bell-like structure with a vertical axis of symmetry Y, the structure being positioned above the conveying organs, comprising an annular band having an high reflection index inner surface, the annular band being closed on the upper side by means of a head in which it is made a through hole, which is preferably coaxial with respect to the axis of symmetry; means for lighting the items provided near the lower edge of the bell-like structure; a substantially conically shaped element positioned by means of support means in the inner region of the bell-like structure, coaxially with respect to the bell-like structure, the conically shaped element being convergent in the direction of the through hole and having an high reflection index outside surface; processing means positioned near the through hole of the bell-like structure, aligned with respect to the axis of symmetry, intended to detect the light beams emitted by the surfaces of the items brought by the conveying organ
- FIG. 6 shows, on a enlarged scale, a partial side view of a particularly significant component of the inventive inspecting device
- FIG. 6A shows a schematic example of visual information provided by the inventive inspecting device.
- the general reference number 1 indicates the inventive device for visual inspecting items 2 brought by conveying organs 3, which are of the band or carrousel type.
- the inventive device 1 comprises a bell-like structure 4, with vertical axis of symmetry Y, the structure being positioned above the conveying organs 3, being defined by an annular band 40, whose inner surface 40a has an high reflection index, and being closed on the upper side by a head 41 in which it is made a through hole 42, which is preferably coaxial to the axis of symmetry Y; and a hollow, truncated conical sleeve 5, which is positioned, by means of support means 6, in the inner region of the bell 4, coaxially with respect to the same, convergent in the direction of the through hole 42 and having an high reflection index outside surface 5a.
- the inventive inspection device 1 comprises also means 7 for lighting the items 2 brought by the conveying organs 3, which move under the bell 4; and processing means 8 positioned near the through hole 42 of the bell 4, aligned with respect to the truncated conical sleeve 5, intended to detect the light beams (F1 , F2, F3) emitted by the surfaces (20, 21 , 22) of the items 2 brought by the conveying organs 3, such that images Z form in polar coordinates, the images containing visual information concerning at least the upper and the side surfaces 20 and 21 of the same items 2 moving under the bell 4.
- processing means 8 positioned near the through hole 42 of the bell 4, aligned with respect to the truncated conical sleeve 5, intended to detect the light beams (F1 , F2, F3) emitted by the surfaces (20, 21 , 22) of the items 2 brought by the conveying organs 3, such that images Z form in polar coordinates, the images containing visual information concerning at least the upper and the side surfaces 20 and 21 of the same items
- the information concerning the upper surfaces 20 are provided by the light beams F1 striking the inner region 50 of the truncated conical sleeve 5, and are reflected in the central area 11 of the images Z in polar coordinates (figures 2, 6A); while the information concerning the side surface 21 are provided by the light beams F2 striking the inner region of the bell-like structure 4, reflect firstly on the inner surface 40a of the annular band 40 and then on the outside surface 5a of the truncated conical sleeve 5, and are reflected in a first annular portion I2, which is concentric with respect to the central area 11 , of the images Z in polar coordinates (figures 1 , 6A).
- the processing means 8 comprise a camera, which cooperates with means storing the detected information, and with computing means provided with software able to convert the images Z from polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates, compensating possible distortions connected to the conversion.
- items 2 made up of containers, provided with a closing cap, defining a side surface 21 of the container, an upper surface 20 of the cap and a recess and/or projection 22 at the coupling section of the cap with the neck of the container 2.
- the containers 2 define longitudinal axes, preferably aligned with respect to the axis of symmetry Y of the bell-like structure 4 and of the truncated conical sleeve 5.
- a cylindrical jacket 80 interposed between the processing means 8 and the through hole 42 made in the head 41 of the bell 4, as to provide a sort of "dark room”.
- optical means 9 preferably of the lens type, working in the inner region 50 of the truncated conical sleeve 5.
- the bell-like structure 4 has a cylindrical shape, with the inner surface 40a of the annular band 40 angled with respect to the vertical axis of symmetry Y.
- annular band 40 which is parallel to the axis of symmetry Y, in order to define a straight cylindrical shape.
- the inner surface 40a of the annular band 40 inclined with respect to the axis of symmetry Y as to define,a conical shape and/or to provide said high reflection index surfaces (40a, 5a) concave or convex, preferably according to a spherical and/or hyperbolical and/or parabolic shape.
- the support means 6 of the sleeve 5 provide an high transparency index plate, which is able to removably couple with the annular band 40 of the bell 4, near the lower edges.
- the lighting means 7 provide a plurality of light sources, for example of the "led" type, which are pulsed actuated and in phase relation with the conveying organs 3 and positioned peripherally with respect to the bell 4, near the lower edge of the same.
- the inventive device 1 is also provided with an annular structure 10, which is able to removably couple with the bell 4, the structure being provided inside with a lower truncated conical portion 11 convergent toward the conveying organs 3, having an high reflection index surface 11a and peripherally provided with at least two opposed windows 12 able to allow the items 12 to strike the inner region 100 of the same structure 10.
- Such annular structure 10 which is preferably cylindrically shaped, allows to provide visual information concerning the coupling section of the cap with the neck of the container 2, thanks to the light beams F3 which emitted by such sections reflect on the surface 11a of the truncated conical portion 11 and strike the inner region 49 of the bell-like structure 4, without interfering with the truncated conical sleeve 5, so that they are detected by the processing means 8 (figure 5).
- the diameter of the smaller base of the truncated conical portion 11 of the annular structure 10, facing the conveying organs 3, is preferably greater than the corresponding diameter of the greater base of the truncated conical sleeve 5, facing the container 2.
- figure 4 shows the paths of the light beams F1 emitted by the closing caps of the containers 2 striking the inner region 50 of the truncated conical sleeve 5;
- figure 3 shows the paths of the light beams F2 emitted by the side surfaces 21 of the containers 2 striking the inner region of the bell-like structure 4, reflecting firstly on the inner surface 40a of the annular band 40 and then on the outside surface 5a of the truncated conical sleeve 5;
- figure 5 shows the paths of the light beams F3 emitted by the coupling sections of the caps with the containers 2, reflecting on the surface 11a of the truncated conical portion 11 and striking the inner region 49 of the bell-like structure 4, without interfering with the truncated conical sleeve 5.
- the lighting means 7 are interposed between the lower edge of the bell 4 and the truncated conical portion 11 of the annular structure 10, positioned in peripheral region.
- the surface 11a of the truncated conical surface 11 can be provided convex or concave, preferably according to a spherical and/o hyperbolic and/or parabolic shape.
- the type of the visual inspection described with the possibility of converting in Cartesian coordinates the images detected in polar coordinates, in case of transparent containers, allows also to advantageously to carry out an extreme precise control of the filling level of the same.
- the number of constituent components is extremely limited, to the advantage of the production costs, and their type guarantees high reliability and flexibility standards in every working condition, especially at the size change of the items.
- the inventive device is able to cooperate with conveying organs, actuated either stepwise or even steplessly, to the advantage of the plant productivity.
- the inventive device results extremely functioning and reliable and is able to guarantee particularly simple and rapid installation and maintenance steps.
Abstract
The inventive device (1) for visual inspecting items (2) brought by conveying organs (3) is provided with: a bell-like structure (4) positioned above the conveyors (3) and comprising an annular band (40), the structure being closed on the upper side by a head (41 ) in which it is made a through hole (42); a conical element (5) convergent in direction of the through hole (42); means (7) for lighting the items (2) brought by the conveyors (3); an annular structure (10) associated with the bell (4), provided inside with a lower truncated conical portion (11 ) convergent toward the conveying organs (3); processing means (8) positioned near the through hole (42) intended to detect the light beams (F1, F2, F3) emitted by the surfaces (20, 21, 22) of the items (2) brought by the conveyors (3).
Description
DEVICE FOR INSPECTING ITEMS ON A CONVEYOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the technical field of the visual inspection of moving items, which are brought by conveying organs, in particular the invention relates to the devices allowing such inspection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE KNOWN ART
In the industrial lines intended to the packaging of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals inside containers, for example vials and/or bottles, are generally provided monitoring stations in which there are devices intended to visually inspect each container concerning for example the cap, the information label, the bar code, the section in which the cap couples with the container.
The information detected by such inspecting devices are stored on an electronic, analogue or digital medium and allow to check the readability, the integrity and the kind of the label applied on the side surface of the container, as well as the indications provided on the upper surface of the same cap.
Such visual inspection is ever more important at an industrial level, especially as a consequence of the needed certifications of the productive processes required at a national and international level.
Today a plurality of cameras works inside such stations, the cameras being conveniently arranged and adjusted, together with suitable light sources, as to allow said visual inspection of each container.
The presence of a plurality of cameras implies a difficult accommodating of the same, as well as a problematic sequence actuation of the associated light sources (of the pulsed "flashed" kind) in order to avoid the mutual interference in the detecting phase of each one.
Generally, there can be provided one or two cameras, which are for example opposed, for inspecting the label applied on the side surface of each container; another one or two cameras, which are for example opposed, for inspecting the applying section of the closing cap on the neck of the corresponding container; another one camera for inspecting the upper surface of each closing cap.
Another disadvantage related to the presence of a plurality of cameras is represented by their poor flexibility and/or adaptability at the size change of the containers, which usually requires the new positioning of the same cameras and the adjustment of the actuation sequence of the corresponding light sources.
Moreover, the considerable costs required for buying the needed number of cameras and light sources represent another disadvantage.
When the conveying organ is actuated at high speed, in determined conditions, at the monitoring station, the presence of a plurality of cameras can require an actuation with the same step of the conveying organ, consequently remarkably impairing the productivity of the industrial process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve said disadvantages providing a device for visual inspecting items brought by conveying organs, which guarantees extremely simple and rapid
adjustment phases, which can be carried out by any operator, independently of the size of the items and the actuation speed of the same conveying organs.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for visual inspection made up of a limited number of components, able to guarantee high reliability and flexibility standards in every working condition, especially at the items size change, and able to cooperate with conveying organs actuated either stepwise or steplessly.
Moreover, the present invention is aimed at providing a device for visual inspection, which is extremely functional, reliable and relatively cheap such that it guarantees simple and rapid installation and maintenance steps.
As defined in the claims, said objects are achieved by means of the inventive device for visual inspecting items brought by conveying organs, of the type comprising: a bell-like structure with a vertical axis of symmetry Y, the structure being positioned above the conveying organs, comprising an annular band having an high reflection index inner surface, the annular band being closed on the upper side by means of a head in which it is made a through hole, which is preferably coaxial with respect to the axis of symmetry; means for lighting the items provided near the lower edge of the bell-like structure; a substantially conically shaped element positioned by means of support means in the inner region of the bell-like structure, coaxially with respect to the bell-like structure, the conically shaped element being convergent in the direction of the through hole and having an high reflection index outside surface; processing means positioned near the through hole of the bell-like structure, aligned with respect to the axis of symmetry, intended to detect the light beams emitted by the surfaces of the items brought by the conveying organs, such that images are formed in polar coordinates, the images containing visual information about the same items moving under the bell-like structure; said inspecting
device being characterized in that it comprises an annular structure, which is able to removably couple with the bell-like structure, the annular structure being provided inside with a lower, truncated conical portion, convergent toward the conveying organs, the lower truncated conical portion having an high reflection index surface and the annular structure being peripherally provided with at least two opposed windows apt to allow the items to at least partially strike the inner region of the same structure; such annular structure allowing to provide visual information concerning recesses and/or projections of the items thanks to the light beams, which after being emitted by the recesses and/or projections reflect on the surface of the truncated conical portion and strike the inner region of the bell-like structure such that they are detected by the processing means without interfering with the conical element; such information concerning the recesses and/or projections being provided in an annular portion of the images in polar coordinates; the information concerning the side surfaces of the items provided by the light beams which strike the inner region of the bell-like structure, firstly reflecting on the inner surface of the annular band and then on the outside surface of the conical element, and being provided in an annular portion of the images in polar coordinates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features of the invention will be highlighted in the following description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments according to the appended drawings, in which:
- figures 1 , 2 show the same section view according to an axial plane of a first embodiment of the inventive inspecting device, the working principle being schematically described;
- figures 3, 4, 5 show the same section view according to an axial plane of a second embodiment of the inventive inspecting device, the working
principle being schematically described;
- figures 6 shows, on a enlarged scale, a partial side view of a particularly significant component of the inventive inspecting device;
- figure 6A shows a schematic example of visual information provided by the inventive inspecting device.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to said figures, the general reference number 1 indicates the inventive device for visual inspecting items 2 brought by conveying organs 3, which are of the band or carrousel type.
According to a first embodiment, particularly referring to the figures 1 , 2, the inventive device 1 comprises a bell-like structure 4, with vertical axis of symmetry Y, the structure being positioned above the conveying organs 3, being defined by an annular band 40, whose inner surface 40a has an high reflection index, and being closed on the upper side by a head 41 in which it is made a through hole 42, which is preferably coaxial to the axis of symmetry Y; and a hollow, truncated conical sleeve 5, which is positioned, by means of support means 6, in the inner region of the bell 4, coaxially with respect to the same, convergent in the direction of the through hole 42 and having an high reflection index outside surface 5a.
The inventive inspection device 1 comprises also means 7 for lighting the items 2 brought by the conveying organs 3, which move under the bell 4; and processing means 8 positioned near the through hole 42 of the bell 4, aligned with respect to the truncated conical sleeve 5, intended to detect the light beams (F1 , F2, F3) emitted by the surfaces (20, 21 , 22) of the items 2 brought by the conveying organs 3, such that images Z form in polar coordinates, the images containing visual information concerning at
least the upper and the side surfaces 20 and 21 of the same items 2 moving under the bell 4.
More particularly the information concerning the upper surfaces 20 are provided by the light beams F1 striking the inner region 50 of the truncated conical sleeve 5, and are reflected in the central area 11 of the images Z in polar coordinates (figures 2, 6A); while the information concerning the side surface 21 are provided by the light beams F2 striking the inner region of the bell-like structure 4, reflect firstly on the inner surface 40a of the annular band 40 and then on the outside surface 5a of the truncated conical sleeve 5, and are reflected in a first annular portion I2, which is concentric with respect to the central area 11 , of the images Z in polar coordinates (figures 1 , 6A).
Advantageously, the processing means 8 comprise a camera, which cooperates with means storing the detected information, and with computing means provided with software able to convert the images Z from polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates, compensating possible distortions connected to the conversion.
As a way of example, the following description considers items 2 made up of containers, provided with a closing cap, defining a side surface 21 of the container, an upper surface 20 of the cap and a recess and/or projection 22 at the coupling section of the cap with the neck of the container 2.
The containers 2 define longitudinal axes, preferably aligned with respect to the axis of symmetry Y of the bell-like structure 4 and of the truncated conical sleeve 5.
In order to avoid interferences to the light beams (F1 , F2, F3) coming from the containers 2, it is provided a cylindrical jacket 80 interposed between the processing means 8 and the through hole 42 made in the head 41 of the bell 4, as to provide a sort of "dark room".
In order to allow the adjustment of the focal distance of the light beams F1 emitted by the upper surfaces 20 of the caps of the containers 2, there can be provided optical means 9, preferably of the lens type, working in the inner region 50 of the truncated conical sleeve 5.
The bell-like structure 4 has a cylindrical shape, with the inner surface 40a of the annular band 40 angled with respect to the vertical axis of symmetry Y.
In the appended drawings, there is shown an inner surface 40a of the annular band 40, which is parallel to the axis of symmetry Y, in order to define a straight cylindrical shape.
In order to reduce the dimensions of the inventive device 1, it is however possible to provide the inner surface 40a of the annular band 40 inclined with respect to the axis of symmetry Y, as to define,a conical shape and/or to provide said high reflection index surfaces (40a, 5a) concave or convex, preferably according to a spherical and/or hyperbolical and/or parabolic shape.
The support means 6 of the sleeve 5 provide an high transparency index plate, which is able to removably couple with the annular band 40 of the bell 4, near the lower edges.
Advantageously, the lighting means 7 provide a plurality of light sources, for example of the "led" type, which are pulsed actuated and in phase relation with the conveying organs 3 and positioned peripherally with respect to the bell 4, near the lower edge of the same.
According to a second embodiment, particularly referring to figures 3 to 5, , the inventive device 1 is also provided with an annular structure 10, which is able to removably couple with the bell 4, the structure being provided inside with a lower truncated conical portion 11 convergent toward the conveying organs 3, having an high reflection index surface 11a and
peripherally provided with at least two opposed windows 12 able to allow the items 12 to strike the inner region 100 of the same structure 10.
Such annular structure 10, which is preferably cylindrically shaped, allows to provide visual information concerning the coupling section of the cap with the neck of the container 2, thanks to the light beams F3 which emitted by such sections reflect on the surface 11a of the truncated conical portion 11 and strike the inner region 49 of the bell-like structure 4, without interfering with the truncated conical sleeve 5, so that they are detected by the processing means 8 (figure 5).
More particularly the information concerning the coupling section of the cap with the neck of the container 2 are provided in a second annular portion I3, which is concentric with respect to the first annular portion I2, of the images Z in polar coordinates (figures 6, 6A).
When in moving phase in the inner region 100 of the annular structure 10, the coupling sections of the caps with the neck of the containers 2 lie above the inner truncated conical portion 11 , to allow the maximum possibility of inspection of said sections.
The diameter of the smaller base of the truncated conical portion 11 of the annular structure 10, facing the conveying organs 3, is preferably greater than the corresponding diameter of the greater base of the truncated conical sleeve 5, facing the container 2.
Concerning the second embodiment, figure 4 shows the paths of the light beams F1 emitted by the closing caps of the containers 2 striking the inner region 50 of the truncated conical sleeve 5; figure 3 shows the paths of the light beams F2 emitted by the side surfaces 21 of the containers 2 striking the inner region of the bell-like structure 4, reflecting firstly on the inner surface 40a of the annular band 40 and then on the outside surface 5a of the truncated conical sleeve 5; while figure 5 shows the paths of the light beams F3 emitted by the coupling sections of the caps with the containers
2, reflecting on the surface 11a of the truncated conical portion 11 and striking the inner region 49 of the bell-like structure 4, without interfering with the truncated conical sleeve 5.
In such an embodiment, the lighting means 7 are interposed between the lower edge of the bell 4 and the truncated conical portion 11 of the annular structure 10, positioned in peripheral region.
In the same embodiment, it is possible to provide the truncated conical element 5 without through hole, if the information concerning the closing caps of the containers 2 are not required.
As previously stated concerning the inner surface 40a of the annular band 40 and the outside surface 5a of the sleeve 5, also the surface 11a of the truncated conical surface 11 can be provided convex or concave, preferably according to a spherical and/o hyperbolic and/or parabolic shape.
From the preceding description it can be simply understood how the inventive device for visual inspecting the items brought by conveying organs of band or carrousel type, is able to guarantee adjustment steps, which are extremely simple and rapid and which can be carried out by any operator, independently of the size of the items and the actuation speed of the conveying organs.
Following the size change of the item, in fact, it is sufficient to adjust the focal distance of the processing means and of the possible optical means working inside the truncated conical sleeve.
The type of the visual inspection described, with the possibility of converting in Cartesian coordinates the images detected in polar coordinates, in case of transparent containers, allows also to advantageously to carry out an extreme precise control of the filling level of the same.
The number of constituent components is extremely limited, to the advantage of the production costs, and their type guarantees high reliability and flexibility standards in every working condition, especially at the size change of the items.
Unlike the known art, the inventive device is able to cooperate with conveying organs, actuated either stepwise or even steplessly, to the advantage of the plant productivity.
The inventive device results extremely functioning and reliable and is able to guarantee particularly simple and rapid installation and maintenance steps.
Claims
1. Device for visual inspecting items brought by conveying organs, of the type comprising: a bell-like structure (4), with a vertical axis of symmetry (Y), the structure being positioned above the conveying organs (3), comprising an annular band (40) with an high reflection index inner surface (40a), the annular band (40) being closed on the upper side by a head (41) in which it is made a through hole (42), which is preferably coaxial to the axis of symmetry (Y); means (7) for lighting the items (2) provided near the lower edge of the bell-like structure (4); a substantially conically shaped element (5), which is positioned, by means of support means (6), in the inner region of the bell-like structure (4), coaxially with respect to the bell- like structure (4), the conically shaped element (5) being convergent in direction of the through hole (42) and having an high reflection index outside surface (5a); processing means (8) positioned near the through hole (42) of the bell-like structure (4), aligned with respect to the axis of symmetry (Y), intended to detect the light beams (F1 , F2, F3) emitted by the surfaces (20, 21 , 22) of the items (2) brought by the conveying organs (3), such that images (Z) are formed in polar coordinates, the images containing visual information concerning the same items (2) moving under the bell-like structure (4); characterized in that it comprises an annular structure (10), which is able to removably couple with the bell-like structure (4), the annular structure (10) being provided inside with a lower truncated conical portion (11), convergent toward the conveying organs (3), the lower truncated conical portion (11) having an high reflection index surface (11a) and the annular structure (10) being peripherally provided with at least two opposed windows (12) able to allow the items (2) to strike at least partially the inner region (100) of the same structure (10); such annular structure (10) allowing to provide visual information concerning recesses and/or projections (22) of the items (2) thanks to the light beams (F3), which after being emitted by the recesses and/or projections (22) reflect on the surface (11a) of the truncated conical portion (11) and strike the inner region (49) of the bell-like structure (4), such that they are detected by the processing means (8) without interfering with the conical element (5); such information concerning the recesses and/or projections (22) being provided in an annular portion (13) of the images (Z) in polar coordinates; the information concerning the side surfaces (21) of the items (2) provided by the light beams (F2) which strike the inner region of the bell-like structure (4), firstly reflecting on the inner surface (40a) of the annular band (40) and then on the outside surface (5a) of the conical element (5), and being provided in another annular portion (I2), which is concentric with respect to the portion (I3), of the images (Z) in polar coordinates.
2. Device according to claim 1 , characterized in that said conical element (5) is provided with a central through hole, intended to define a truncated conical sleeve having an axis of symmetry (Y); the information concerning the upper surfaces (20) of the items (2) being provided by the light beams (F1) striking the inner region (50) of the truncated conical sleeve (5), and being provided in a central area (11), which is concentric with respect to said annular portions (I2, I3) of the images (Z) in polar coordinates.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it provides optical means (9) working in the inner region (50) of the truncated conical sleeve (5), which are able to allow the adjustment of the focal distance of the light beams (F1) emitted by the upper surfaces (20) of the items (2).
4. Device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that it provides a bell-like structure (4), which is cylindrically shaped, the inner surface (40a) of the annular band (4) being angled with respect to the vertical axis of symmetry (Y) to define a conical or straight cylindrical shape.
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support means (6) of the conical element (5) comprise an high transparency index plate, which is able to removably couple with the annular band (40) of the bell-like structure (4), preferably near the lower edges.
6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the upper end of the items (2) is provided in an upper position with respect to the inner truncated conical portion (11 ) of the annular structure (10).
7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the smaller base of the truncated conical portion (11) of the annular structure (10) is provided with a greater diameter with respect to the diameter of the greater base of the conical element (5).
8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the high reflection index surfaces (40a, 5a, 11a) are convex or concave, preferably according to a spherical and/or hyperbolic and/or parabolic shape.
9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lighting means (7) comprise sources, which are pulsed actuated, in phase relation with the conveying organs (3).
10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it provides a cylindrical jacket (80) able to couple the processing means (8) with the through hole (42) made in the head (41 ) of the bell (4), in order to avoid outside interferences to the light beams (F1, F2, F3) coming from the items (2).
11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the processing means (8) cooperate with means for storing the detected information and with computing means provided with software able to convert the images (Z) from polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates.
12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the items (2) are made up of containers provided with closing cap, defining a side surface (21 ) of the container, an upper surface (20) of the cap and a recess and/or projection (22) at the coupling section of the cap with the neck of the container.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT000773A ITBO20070773A1 (en) | 2007-11-22 | 2007-11-22 | DEVICE FOR VISUAL INSPECTION OF ITEMS CARRIED BY TRANSPORTATION ORGANS |
| ITBO2007A000773 | 2007-11-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2009066165A1 true WO2009066165A1 (en) | 2009-05-28 |
Family
ID=40314531
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2008/003176 WO2009066165A1 (en) | 2007-11-22 | 2008-11-21 | Device for inspecting items on a conveyor |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| IT (1) | ITBO20070773A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2009066165A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102621157A (en) * | 2012-04-10 | 2012-08-01 | 楚天科技股份有限公司 | Capping image acquiring device |
| DE102015001332A1 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2016-08-04 | Mühlbauer Gmbh & Co. Kg | Vessel inspection device |
| ITUB20153230A1 (en) * | 2015-08-26 | 2017-02-26 | Marco Lottici | EXTERNAL INSPECTION SYSTEM OF CONTAINERS OR OBJECTS IN TRANSIT ON CONVEYORS |
| WO2017196193A1 (en) * | 2016-05-10 | 2017-11-16 | Ksm Vision Sp. Z O.O. | System for control of the external surfaces and geometry of objects manufactured on production lines, utilizing peripheral observation at a full 360° angular range |
| IT202200001496A1 (en) | 2022-01-28 | 2023-07-28 | Marco Lottici | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE INSPECTION OF CONTAINERS, IN PARTICULAR GLASS BOTTLES WITH THREADED NECKS |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0047936A1 (en) * | 1980-09-17 | 1982-03-24 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for the opto-electronic monitoring of superficiel structures on rotation-symmetrical bodies |
| GB2318635A (en) * | 1996-10-24 | 1998-04-29 | Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel | Container interion imaging system |
| US6072575A (en) * | 1996-10-30 | 2000-06-06 | Krones Ag | Device for inspecting bottles and the like |
| FR2896041A1 (en) * | 2006-01-11 | 2007-07-13 | Michel Cayment | Object e.g. bottle, inspection device for e.g. detecting fabrication defects, has polyhedric optic with external and internal surfaces permitting reflections of light radiated by hidden surface of object to transmit light towards camera |
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2007
- 2007-11-22 IT IT000773A patent/ITBO20070773A1/en unknown
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2008
- 2008-11-21 WO PCT/IB2008/003176 patent/WO2009066165A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0047936A1 (en) * | 1980-09-17 | 1982-03-24 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for the opto-electronic monitoring of superficiel structures on rotation-symmetrical bodies |
| GB2318635A (en) * | 1996-10-24 | 1998-04-29 | Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel | Container interion imaging system |
| US6072575A (en) * | 1996-10-30 | 2000-06-06 | Krones Ag | Device for inspecting bottles and the like |
| FR2896041A1 (en) * | 2006-01-11 | 2007-07-13 | Michel Cayment | Object e.g. bottle, inspection device for e.g. detecting fabrication defects, has polyhedric optic with external and internal surfaces permitting reflections of light radiated by hidden surface of object to transmit light towards camera |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102621157A (en) * | 2012-04-10 | 2012-08-01 | 楚天科技股份有限公司 | Capping image acquiring device |
| DE102015001332A1 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2016-08-04 | Mühlbauer Gmbh & Co. Kg | Vessel inspection device |
| WO2016124624A1 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2016-08-11 | Muehlbauer GmbH & Co. KG | Vessel inspection device |
| DE102015001332B4 (en) * | 2015-02-03 | 2017-09-28 | Mühlbauer Gmbh & Co. Kg | Vessel inspection device |
| ITUB20153230A1 (en) * | 2015-08-26 | 2017-02-26 | Marco Lottici | EXTERNAL INSPECTION SYSTEM OF CONTAINERS OR OBJECTS IN TRANSIT ON CONVEYORS |
| WO2017196193A1 (en) * | 2016-05-10 | 2017-11-16 | Ksm Vision Sp. Z O.O. | System for control of the external surfaces and geometry of objects manufactured on production lines, utilizing peripheral observation at a full 360° angular range |
| IT202200001496A1 (en) | 2022-01-28 | 2023-07-28 | Marco Lottici | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE INSPECTION OF CONTAINERS, IN PARTICULAR GLASS BOTTLES WITH THREADED NECKS |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ITBO20070773A1 (en) | 2009-05-23 |
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