JP2022174482A - Inspection system, inspection method, and sensor tag - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an inspection system that can inspect the size of a content in an object to be inspected with a non-destructive and simple method.SOLUTION: An inspection system inspects the size of a content Ma in an object to be inspected M, and comprises: a sensor tag 1 that is formed of a metal pattern, has a resonator 10Q resonating with an electromagnetic wave at a predetermined frequency, and detects a state in which the content Ma is arranged to overlap the resonator 10Q; a reader 2 that, at a plurality of positions different in relative positions of the object to be inspected M and the sensor tag 1, transmits an electromagnetic wave to the sensor tag 1 and receives its reflected wave and acquires the frequency spectra of the reflected waves; and an analyzer 3 that, based on the frequency spectra acquired by the reader 2 at the plurality of positions, inspects the size of the content Ma in the object to be inspected M.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to inspection systems, inspection methods, and sensor tags.

In the field of material development, a technique is used to increase the strength of a resin material by intentionally adding a different material (also called a filler) that has different physical properties from the main resin material into the resin material. be.

In recent years, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) have attracted attention as an application example of this type of technology. Carbon fiber reinforced resin is a thermoplastic resin that contains carbon fiber to achieve lightweight and strong material properties, and is used in various fields such as parts for automobiles and aircraft.

JP 2018-40640 A

By the way, in this type of mixed material, the size of inclusions in the resin material after production affects the material properties. For example, parts using carbon fiber reinforced resin are generally molded by injection molding, but depending on the shape of the molded product, the length of the carbon fiber may vary from part to part in the molded product. Since the length of the carbon fiber in the molded product is directly related to the mechanical strength of the molded product (typically, the shorter the carbon fiber, the weaker the mechanical strength), the longer the carbon fiber in such a molded product. Variation in length lowers the reliability of the mechanical strength of the molded product as a whole.

Against this background, there is a demand for an inspection system that non-destructively inspects the size of inclusions inside a molded product as a quality control process at the manufacturing site of carbon fiber reinforced resin and the like.

An X-ray inspection apparatus is known as means for non-destructively inspecting the state of inclusions inside a molded product (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Although X-ray inspection is a non-contact inspection, there is a possibility of damage to the inspected object due to exposure to X-rays. X-ray inspection is also time consuming, making X-ray equipment less suitable for quality control processes on the manufacturing floor.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and provides an inspection system, an inspection method, and a sensor tag that enable inspection of the size of inclusions in an inspection object by a nondestructive and simple method. intended to provide

The main disclosure that solves the above-mentioned problems is
An inspection system for inspecting the size of inclusions in an inspection object,
a sensor tag formed of a metal pattern, having a resonator that resonates with electromagnetic waves of a predetermined frequency, and detecting a state in which the content is arranged so as to overlap the resonator;
a reader that transmits electromagnetic waves to the sensor tags at a plurality of positions where the relative positions of the inspection object and the sensor tags are different, receives the reflected waves, and acquires the frequency spectrum of the reflected waves;
an analysis device that inspects the size of the inclusion in the inspection object based on the frequency spectrum acquired at each of the plurality of positions by the reader;
An inspection system comprising:

Also, in other aspects,
a sensor tag formed of a metal pattern and having a resonator that resonates with an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency; a reader that transmits an electromagnetic wave to the sensor tag, receives a reflected wave thereof, and obtains a frequency spectrum of the reflected wave; An inspection method using
the sensor tag detects a state in which the inclusion is arranged so as to overlap the resonator;
The reader transmits an electromagnetic wave to the sensor tag and receives the reflected wave at a plurality of positions where the relative positions of the inspection object and the sensor tag are different, and acquires the frequency spectrum of the reflected wave. inspecting the size of the inclusion in the inspected object based on the frequency spectrum acquired by the reader at each of the plurality of locations;
inspection method.

Also, in other aspects,
It is a sensor tag that can use information of multiple widths by operating the tag.

According to the inspection system according to the present disclosure, it is possible to inspect the size of the inclusion in the inspection object by a non-destructive and simple method.

A diagram showing the overall configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment. A diagram showing the overall configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of a sensor tag according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of reflected wave spectrum (reflected wave frequency spectrum) of the sensor tag according to one embodiment; A diagram showing an example of a change in reflected wave spectrum of a sensor tag when a molded part (that is, carbon fiber) passes directly above (or directly below) itself. A diagram showing the intensity distribution of current flowing through a resonator (here, a slot-type resonator) when it resonates with an electromagnetic wave irradiated from the outside. A diagram showing an example of an arrangement mode of sensor tags according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a technique for estimating the length of carbon fibers by an analysis device according to an embodiment; 3 is a flow chart showing an operation example of an inspection system according to one embodiment; The figure which shows the structure of the inspection system which concerns on the modification 1. The figure which shows the structure of the inspection system which concerns on the modified example 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensor tag according to modification 3; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining processing for size inspection of inclusions using sensor tags according to Modification 3; The figure which shows the structure of the sensor tag of the inspection system based on the modification 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a resonator according to Modification 5; FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of a carbon fiber length inspection method using the resonator shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing another example of the carbon fiber length inspection method using the resonator shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a resonator according to another aspect of modification 5; FIG. 16A is a diagram showing an example of a carbon fiber length inspection method using the resonator shown in FIG. 16A FIG. 16B is a diagram showing another example of the carbon fiber length inspection method using the resonator shown in FIG. 16A. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sensor tag according to Modification 6; The figure which shows the structure of the inspection system which concerns on the modification 7. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile device according to modification 8;

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant description.

<Overall configuration of inspection system>
The configuration of an inspection system (hereinafter referred to as "inspection system U") according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

1 and 2 are diagrams showing the overall configuration of an inspection system U. FIG.

The inspection system U is, for example, incorporated into a quality control process in a production line for manufacturing molded parts molded from a resin material containing carbon fiber (e.g., CFRP), and the molded parts (hereinafter referred to as "inspection object M" or "molded part M") contained in the carbon fiber (hereinafter referred to as "carbon fiber Ma" or "inclusion material Ma") is inspected.

The molded part M is injection molded, for example, so that the carbon fibers Ma are oriented in a predetermined direction. Therefore, in the molded part M, the carbon fibers Ma of the same length extending along a predetermined direction (in FIG. 1, the plus X direction) extend in the lateral direction (in FIG. 1, a direction orthogonal to the plus X direction). It exists in bundles.

The inspection system U includes a sensor tag 1 , a reader 2 , an analysis device 3 and a mobile device 4 .

Here, the sensor tag 1 has a resonator 10Q (see FIG. 3) which is formed of a metal pattern and resonates with electromagnetic waves of a predetermined frequency. The resonator 10Q is configured to change its resonance state in response to the state in which the carbon fibers Ma are arranged so as to overlap with itself, and along with this, the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the outside (here, the reader 2) Reflection characteristics (hereinafter also referred to as "electromagnetic wave reflection characteristics of the sensor tag 1" or "reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1") are changed.

While the moving device 4 is moving the molded part M or the sensor tag 1, the reader 2 transmits electromagnetic waves to the sensor tag 1 and reflects the electromagnetic waves at a plurality of positions where the relative positions of the molded part M and the sensor tag 1 are different. A wave is received and the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 is acquired. Then, the analysis device 3 estimates the size of the carbon fibers Ma in the molded part M by analyzing the reflected wave spectra acquired at a plurality of positions by the reader 2 .

In the inspection system U, the moving device 4 movably supports the molded part M or the sensor tag 1, and moves the molded part M or the sensor tag 1 in the +X direction so that the molded part M passes above or below the sensor tag 1. It is configured to move to For example, the moving device 4 is configured by a belt conveyor 41, and is configured to move the molded component M placed on its upper surface in the +X direction with the belt conveyor 41 concerned. The size of the carbon fiber Ma in the molded part M is detected by the sensor tag 1 arranged below the belt conveyor 41 so as to face the molded part M. As shown in FIG.

Note that the inspection system U is constructed based on, for example, using electromagnetic waves in the UWB band, millimeter wave band, or sub-millimeter wave band (range of 3.1 GHz to 3 THz). That is, the sensor tag 1 is configured to respond to electromagnetic waves in this band, and the reader 2 is configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves in this band. Electromagnetic waves in such a band have short wavelengths, are permeable to resin materials, have high directional characteristics (that is, rectilinearity) of the electromagnetic waves, and have high frequency resolution at the time of detection. By using electromagnetic waves in such a band, it becomes possible to realize high resolution when grasping the state of the carbon fibers Ma in the resin material.

<Structure of sensor tag 1>
An example of the configuration of the sensor tag 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the sensor tag 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the reflected wave spectrum (reflected wave frequency spectrum) of the sensor tag 1 acquired by the reader 2. As shown in FIG. The plots in FIG. 4 are reflected wave intensity data at each transmission frequency acquired by the reader 2 . FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 when the molded part M (that is, the carbon fiber Ma) passes directly above (or directly below) itself.

The sensor tag 1 is, for example, a chipless sensor tag formed of a metal pattern, and is composed of a resonator 10Q that resonates with electromagnetic waves of a predetermined frequency transmitted from the outside. The resonator 10Q is formed of, for example, a metal pattern of a plate-like, sheet-like, foil-like, or layer-like metal material 11 (for example, an aluminum material, a copper material, or the like). Note that the sensor tag 1 may have a base material on which the metal material 11 is formed.

A resonator 10Q according to the present embodiment is composed of a rectangular slot 10 formed in a plate-like metal material 11 (hereinafter also referred to as a "slot-type resonator").

The resonator 10Q resonates when an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency is irradiated from the outside, and absorbs or reflects (absorbs in this embodiment) the electromagnetic wave. In other words, when the sensor tag 1 is irradiated with electromagnetic waves from the reader 2, it absorbs electromagnetic waves with a frequency that matches the resonance frequency of the resonator 10Q, and when electromagnetic waves with other frequencies are irradiated, the reflection spectrum (see FIG. 4).

The resonance frequency of the resonator 10Q is determined by the shape of the resonator 10Q. The resonator 10Q according to this embodiment is composed of a rectangular slot 10 having a length of approximately λ1/2 of the wavelength corresponding to the frequency f1, and the frequency f1 is the resonance frequency. A resonance peak at frequency f1 in the reflected wave spectrum of FIG. 4 represents power loss (absorption) due to resonance of the resonator 10Q.

However, the form of the resonator 10Q is not limited to the form shown in FIG. The resonator 10Q may be configured, for example, by a triangular or trapezoidal slot structure (see FIG. 15 to be described later), or may be configured by a U-shaped or V-shaped strip conductor (to be described later). 13 and 14).

Further, the sensor tag 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as an independent sensor tag 1 by itself, but it may be formed by coating on the belt conveyor 41 of the moving device 4 or the like.

In the inspection system U, the sensor tag 1 is supported by a support member (not shown) separate from the belt conveyor 41 on the lower surface side of the belt conveyor 41 of the moving device 4, for example. More specifically, the sensor tag 1 is configured such that the upper surface of the resonator 10Q faces the belt conveyor 41 (that is, the molded part M), and the lower surface of the resonator 10Q faces the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna of the reader 2. supported by

Here, the orientation of the sensor tag 1 is adjusted so that the lateral direction of the resonator 10Q (here, means the lateral direction of the slot 10; the same shall apply hereinafter) faces the +X direction (moving direction of the molded part M). ing. In the sensor tag 1, the lateral direction of the resonator 10Q is set as a sensing direction for sensing the arrangement state of the carbon fibers Ma (that is, an inspection direction for inspecting the size of the carbon fibers Ma). When the molded part M (that is, the carbon fiber Ma) reaches the upper surface of the resonator 10Q and the carbon fiber Ma is arranged to straddle the slot 10, the resonator 10Q changes its resonance state in response to this. to change the electromagnetic wave reflection characteristics.

The electromagnetic wave reflection characteristic of the sensor tag 1 (that is, the resonator 10Q) is typically determined by the intensity of the reflected wave of the sensor tag 1 generated when the reader 2 irradiates the electromagnetic wave, or the resonance frequency of the sensor tag 1. , as specified. In other words, the presence position information of the carbon fiber Ma indicated by the sensor tag 1 (here, information indicating whether or not the carbon fiber Ma exists across the slot 10) is the reflected wave spectrum pattern of the sensor tag 1 (for example, resonance position of the peak and peak intensity of the resonance peak).

Here, the principle of detecting the length of the carbon fiber Ma in the sensor tag 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.

The inventors of the present application have investigated the characteristics of the resonator 10Q, and found that the resonator 10Q has a carbon fiber Ma (that is, a conductor) that straddles the slot 10 (the short side of the slot 10). It means crossing the direction (same below)) can be detected with high sensitivity. The principle of size detection of carbon fiber Ma in the present invention utilizes this new knowledge.

FIG. 5 shows the reflected wave spectrum (dotted line) when the carbon fiber Ma does not straddle the slot 10 on the resonator 10Q of the sensor tag 1, and the spectrum of the carbon fiber Ma on the resonator 10Q of the sensor tag 1. and a reflected wave spectrum (solid line) in the case of existing so as to straddle . 5 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the sensor tag 1 and the carbon fibers Ma in the molded part M (the molded part M is not shown).

As shown in FIG. 5, when the carbon fiber Ma exists on the resonator 10Q of the sensor tag 1 so as to straddle the slot 10, the reflected wave spectrum is such that the carbon fiber Ma does not exist on the resonator 10Q of the sensor tag 1. Compared to the case, the position of the resonance peak (that is, the resonance frequency) shifts (here, shifts to the low frequency side), and the peak value of the resonance peak becomes smaller.

The reason for this is thought to be that when the carbon fiber Ma exists so as to straddle the slot 10 on the resonator 10Q of the sensor tag 1, a change occurs in the path of the current flowing through the resonator 10Q. The resin material, which is the main component material of the molded part M according to this embodiment, is typically a dielectric having electromagnetic wave transmission characteristics, and the carbon fibers Ma contained in the resin material are conductors. Therefore, when the molded part M passes over the sensor tag 1, the resin material, which is the main component material of the molded part M, is substantially permeable to high-frequency electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic fields). Current is transferred to and from the resonator 10Q.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of current flowing through the resonator 10Q (here, slot-type resonator) when the resonator 10Q resonates with an electromagnetic wave irradiated from the outside. The current distribution in FIG. 6 is calculated by an electromagnetic field analysis simulation. Note that FIG. 6 shows a state in which only the central resonator 10Q (SLOT II in FIG. 6) of the three resonators 10Q resonates.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, when the resonator 10Q resonates with an electromagnetic wave radiated from the outside, the slots 10 forming the resonator 10Q (SLOT II in FIG. A resonant current flows. Since the electromagnetic wave energy is absorbed by the sensor tag 1 during resonance, a downward convex peak appears at the position of the resonance frequency in the reflected wave spectrum. At this time, if the carbon fiber Ma exists so as to straddle the slot 10, another current path via the carbon fiber Ma (for example, one side of the long side of the slot 10 → carbon fiber Ma → long side of the slot 10 Circulation path formed by the other side→one side of the long side of the slot 10) is generated. As a result, the resonance frequency of the resonator 10Q at this time shifts from the resonance frequency defined by the resonator length of the resonator 10Q (here, the size of the slot 10 in the longitudinal direction). Moreover, since the resonance current at this time is accompanied by a current loss, the peak value of the resonance peak becomes small.

However, the peak shift of the resonance peak occurs only when the carbon fiber Ma exists across the slot 10 on the resonator 10Q of the sensor tag 1, and even if the carbon fiber Ma exists on the slot 10, It does not occur when the carbon fiber Ma does not straddle the slot 10 . Therefore, for example, when the length of the carbon fiber Ma is shorter than the width of the slot 10 in the transverse direction, or when the carbon fiber Ma hangs over one side of the slot 10, it does not hang over the other side. Otherwise, no peak shift of the resonance peak occurs. This is because when the carbon fiber Ma does not straddle the slot 10, no other current path occurs on the sensor tag 1 via the carbon fiber Ma, and the path of the current flowing through the resonator 10Q changes. This is thought to be because there is no

Also, the peak shift of the resonance peak typically occurs only when the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M is a conductor, and does not occur when the inclusion Ma is an insulator. This is because even if the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M exists straddling the slot 10, if the inclusion Ma is an insulating material, another current path is formed on the sensor tag 1 via the inclusion Ma. It is considered that this is because no change occurs in the path of the current flowing through the resonator 10Q. However, if the inclusion Ma is a conductor, even if the inclusion Ma has a low electrical conductivity, such as carbon fiber, a peak shift of the resonance peak is observed.

Thus, whether or not the resonance peak is shifted in the reflected wave spectrum indicated by the sensor tag 1 is an index indicating whether or not the carbon fiber Ma is present at a position straddling the slot 10 . In the inspection system U according to the present embodiment, this index is used to estimate the length of the carbon fibers Ma in the molded part M (see FIG. 8 described later).

The mode of peak shift (shift direction and shift amount) of the resonance peak when the carbon fiber Ma exists so as to straddle the slot 10 depends on the dielectric constant of the resin material that is the main component of the molded part M, the carbon fiber Ma and the cavity 10Q, the position where the carbon fiber Ma passes over the slot 10, and the like. Therefore, when determining from the reflected wave spectrum whether or not the carbon fiber Ma exists at a position straddling the slot 10, it is necessary to grasp the state of the peak shift of the resonance peak under the same conditions by experiments or the like in advance. It is preferable to use

In the inspection system U according to this embodiment, the sensor tag 1 is fixed to a support member (not shown) arranged on the lower surface side of the belt conveyor 41 of the moving device 4, and is attached to the upper surface side of the belt conveyor 41 of the moving device 4. is disposed so as to face the molded part M to be transferred.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement mode of the sensor tag 1. As shown in FIG.

When the reflected wave spectrum acquisition process is executed by the reader 2, the sensor tag 1 may be in a non-contact state with the molded part M, but the reader 2 acquires a reflected wave spectrum with a good SN ratio. Therefore, the sensor tag 1 is preferably in contact with the molded part M. In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, the sensor tag 1 is preferably arranged so as to be able to approach and separate from the molded part M by moving a supporting member that supports the sensor tag 1 . In the mode shown in FIG. 7, the support member that supports the sensor tag 1 is configured to move up and down, and along with this, the sensor tag 1 can be brought into a state of being in close contact with the inspection position of the molded part M. ing.

As a result, the sensor tag 1 can be brought into contact with the inspection surface of the molded part M when the reflected wave spectrum acquisition process is executed by the reader 2 . Since the sensor tag 1 has a simple structure formed of a metal pattern, it can be arranged in a curved state. Therefore, even when the molded part M has a three-dimensional shape, the sensor tag 1 can be brought into contact with the inspection surface of the molded part M along the three-dimensional shape of the molded part M.

<Configuration of moving device 4>
The moving device 4 is means for moving the sensor tag 1 or the molded component M to change the relative position between the sensor tag 1 (that is, the resonator 10Q) and the carbon fiber Ma in the molded component M.

The moving device 4 is configured by, for example, a belt conveyor 41, and the belt conveyor 41 moves the molded component M placed on its upper surface in the +X direction. At this time, the moving device 4 moves the molded part M in the +X direction so that the carbon fiber Ma passes above or below the resonator 10Q of the sensor tag 1 with the carbon fiber Ma facing the resonator 10Q, for example. (see Figure 1). That is, the moving device 4 is arranged so that the carbon fibers Ma in the molded component M pass through one end and the other end of the resonator 10Q in the transverse direction (that is, straddle the slot 10) in at least a part of the section. ), the molded part M is moved.

As a result, from the transition of the reflected wave spectrum acquired by the reader 2, it is possible to specify the period during which the carbon fiber Ma passes across the width direction of the resonator 10Q (that is, the width direction of the slot 10). This makes it possible to estimate the size of the carbon fiber Ma in the +X direction (that is, the length of the carbon fiber Ma).

In other words, the moving device 4 preferably moves the molded part M with the longitudinal direction of the carbon fibers Ma aligned in the +X direction (moving direction of the molded part M). This makes it possible to easily inspect the length of the carbon fibers Ma (described later with reference to FIG. 8).

The molded part M is molded, for example, by injection molding or the like so that the carbon fibers Ma are oriented in a predetermined direction. That is, in the molded part M, the carbon fibers Ma of the same length extending along the ±X directions are present in bundles in the lateral direction (±Y directions). In the inspection system U according to the present embodiment, the user places the molded part M on the moving device 4 in an appropriate orientation so that the carbon fibers Ma are oriented in the +X direction. It is configured to transfer

Moreover, the moving device 4 is more preferably configured to have an imaging device for specifying the orientation of the carbon fibers Ma in the molded part M. As shown in FIG. As a result, it becomes possible to adjust the attitude of the molded component M that is moved on the moving device 4, and to inspect the length of the carbon fiber Ma with higher accuracy. As such an imaging device, for example, an ultrasonic imaging device or an X-ray imaging device for observing the internal structure of the molded component M can be used.

More preferably, the moving device 4 moves the molded part M so that the carbon fiber Ma passes through the center position of the resonator 10Q in the longitudinal direction. Since the current flowing through the resonator 10Q is maximized at the center position in the longitudinal direction of the resonator 10Q (see FIG. 6), the molded part M should be moved so that the carbon fibers Ma pass through this position. , it is possible to more clearly cause the shift of the peak position of the resonance peak on the reflected wave spectrum (described later with reference to FIG. 8).

The moving device 4 may have a control unit 40 that controls the operation of the belt conveyor 41 while communicating data with the reader 2 or the like, for example.

In the inspection system U according to the present embodiment, the moving device 4 is configured to move the molded component M. The moving device 4 supports the sensor tag 1 so as to be movable, and the sensor tag 1 is +X It is good also as a structure moved in a direction. In other words, the moving device 4 may move either the molded part M or the sensor tag 1 as long as the relative position between the molded part M and the resonator 10Q can be changed in a predetermined direction. 19).

<Configuration of Reader 2>
While the moving device 4 is moving the molded part M, the reader 2 is positioned at a plurality of positions where the relative positions of the molded part M and the sensor tag 1 are different (for example, positions where the relative positions of the sensor tag 1 and the molded part M are different). ), an electromagnetic wave is transmitted to the sensor tag 1 and its reflected wave is received, and the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 is acquired.

The reader 2 includes a transmitter 21, a receiver 22, and a controller 23 (see FIG. 2).

The transmitter 21 transmits electromagnetic waves of a predetermined frequency to the sensor tag 1 . The transmission unit 21 is configured including, for example, a transmission antenna, an oscillator, and the like.

The transmitter 21 transmits, for example, sinusoidal electromagnetic waves having peak intensity at a single frequency. Then, the transmission unit 21 temporally changes the transmission frequency of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the transmission antenna, and sweeps the frequency within a preset predetermined frequency band. The transmission unit 21, for example, within the frequency band (range of 3.1 GHz to 3 THz) of the UWB band, millimeter wave band or sub-millimeter wave band, for example, every bandwidth of 500 MHz or less, preferably every 10 MHz bandwidth A frequency sweep is performed while changing the transmission frequency in a pattern. The frequency band of the electromagnetic wave transmitted by the transmitter 21 is set so as to include the resonance frequency of the resonator 10Q of the sensor tag 1. FIG.

Instead of sweeping the frequency, the transmitter 21 may collectively irradiate electromagnetic waves having a specific intensity profile in a predetermined frequency band (that is, impulse method).

The electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitter 21 may be either linearly polarized waves or circularly polarized waves. When a slot-type resonator as shown in FIG. 3 is used as the resonator 10Q, from the viewpoint of maximizing the resonance current, the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitter 21 are straight lines having polarization directions in the ±X directions. It is preferable to use polarized electromagnetic waves.

The receiving unit 22 includes, for example, a receiving antenna and a received signal processing circuit that detects the intensity and phase of the reflected wave based on the received signal of the reflected wave acquired by the receiving antenna. Then, the receiving unit 22 receives the reflected wave from the sensor tag 1 generated when the transmitting unit 21 transmits the electromagnetic wave with the receiving antenna, and receives and processes the received signal of the reflected wave with the received signal processing circuit. Then, the reflected wave spectrum (frequency spectrum) of the sensor tag 1 is generated from the intensity of the reflected wave detected at each transmission frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

The signal processing circuits of the transmitting section 21 and the receiving section 22 may be integrally configured by a vector network analyzer.

The control unit 23 is a computer including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, etc., and controls the reader 2 in an integrated manner. For example, while the moving device 4 is moving the molded part M, the control unit 23 performs a predetermined at time intervals of .

The control unit 23 is connected for communication with the analysis device 3 and the mobile device 4, and is configured to perform data communication with the analysis device 3 and the mobile device 4 mutually.

For example, the control unit 23 may transmit a movement stop command to the moving device 4 at the timing of acquiring the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 to temporarily stop the movement of the belt conveyor 41 . As shown in FIG. 7, when the reader 2 acquires the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1, when performing the process of moving the sensor tag 1 and bringing it into contact with the molded part M, the control unit 23 A driving command may be transmitted to a driving unit (not shown) of a supporting member that supports the sensor tag 1 so as to move the sensor tag 1 in accordance with the timing.

Further, the control unit 23 transmits, for example, reflected wave spectrum data obtained by the reception unit 22 to the analysis device 3 at appropriate timing.

<Configuration of analysis device 3>
The analysis device 3 estimates the length of the carbon fiber Ma based on reflected wave spectra acquired by the reader 2 at a plurality of positions where the molded part M and the sensor tag 1 are at different relative positions.

The analysis device 3 is, for example, a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, etc., and is configured to be capable of data communication with the reader 2 and the mobile device 4, respectively. However, the analysis device 3 and the reader 2 may be configured integrally.

Each function of the analysis device 3, which will be described later, is realized, for example, by the CPU referring to control programs and various data stored in the ROM, RAM, storage unit 30D, and the like. However, part or all of each function may be realized by processing by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a dedicated hardware circuit (for example, ASIC or FPGA) instead of processing by the CPU, or together with it. good.

The analysis device 3 has a calculation unit 30 that performs various calculation processes for estimating the length of the carbon fibers Ma, and a storage unit 30D that stores various data used for calculation processing by the calculation unit 30 . The storage unit 30D stores, for example, reflected wave spectrum data acquired by the reader 2, learning model data for analyzing the reflected wave spectrum, movement control data of the belt conveyor 41 by the moving device 4, and the like. It is The movement control data of the moving device 4 is, for example, data related to the movement speed of the belt conveyor 41 and the movement amount of the belt conveyor 41, and is used when the molded part M is moved by the belt conveyor 41. Data used to identify the position of M.

For example, the analyzing device 3 determines that the peak position of the resonance peak is the reference position (that is, the carbon fiber Ma on the resonator 10Q is Identify the period during which the peak shifts from the resonance frequency when it does not exist). Then, the analysis device 3 estimates the length of the carbon fiber Ma by, for example, specifying the movement position of the molded part M when the peak position of the resonance peak is shifted.

As a method of determining whether or not a peak shift of the resonance peak occurs, a method of specifying the peak position of the resonance peak from the reflected wave spectrum may be used. may be used. As a method using pattern recognition, a method based on machine learning is particularly useful from the viewpoint of robustness. In this case, using learning data generated under the same inspection conditions as the inspection conditions in the inspection system U, a learning model optimized for determining whether or not a peak shift of the resonance peak occurs may be used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for the analysis device 3 to estimate the length of the carbon fibers Ma. The right diagram of FIG. 8 shows the reflected wave spectrum for each movement distance of the molded part M from the initial position.

First, the behavior of the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 acquired by the reader 2 when the moving device 4 moves the molded part M will be described.

When inspecting the length of the carbon fiber Ma, the moving device 4 moves the molded part M little by little in the +X direction. As described above, the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 changes when the carbon fibers Ma are arranged across the slot 10 . The moving device 4 moves the molded part M in the +X direction even after the spectrum change. While the pattern of the reflected wave spectrum remains unchanged even after the molded part M is moved, it means that the carbon fibers Ma are still arranged so as to straddle the slot 10 . Then, when the carbon fiber Ma does not straddle the slot 10 (that is, when the rear end of the carbon fiber Ma finishes passing through the slot 10), the reflected wave spectrum returns to the original reflected wave spectrum.

Thus, in the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1, when the molded part M is moved in the +X direction, the peak shift of the resonance peak occurs only while the carbon fibers Ma are arranged so as to straddle the slot 10. occurs. From this, by recording the movement distance (L2 in FIG. 8) of the molded part M while the peak shift of the resonance peak occurs and adding it to the width of the slot 10 (L1 in FIG. 8), It can be seen that the length of the carbon fiber Ma (L0 in FIG. 8) can be estimated.

Specifically, in FIG. 8, a peak shift occurs in the resonance peak of the reflected wave spectrum when the moving distance of the molded part M is 2 mm to 3 mm. Here, the width L1 of the slot 10 of the resonator 10Q is assumed to be 1 mm. Then, the length of the carbon fiber Ma (L0 in FIG. 8) is the moving distance (L2 in FIG. 8) of the molded part M during the peak shift of the resonance peak (L2 in FIG. The width of the slot 10 of the resonator 10Q (L1 in FIG. 8) of 1 mm can be added to estimate 2 mm. Then, the analysis device 3 outputs an estimated value of the size of the carbon fiber Ma as the inspection result related to the length of the carbon fiber Ma.

However, the analysis device 3 outputs the estimated value of the size of the carbon fiber Ma as the inspection result related to the length of the carbon fiber Ma as the inspection result related to the length of the carbon fiber Ma. A configuration may be used in which a determination result as to whether or not the size of is greater than or equal to a predetermined size is output. In this case, the width of the slot 10 (L1 in FIG. 8) may be set as the length of the inspection object. With this aspect, the analysis device 3 determines whether or not a peak shift occurs in the resonance peak of the reflected wave spectrum without specifying the moving distance of the moving device 4, so that the size of the carbon fiber Ma is It is possible to determine whether or not it has a size greater than or equal to a predetermined size.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the inspection system U. FIG. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed by, for example, the controller 23 of the reader 2 acting as a main body and controlling the analyzing device 3 and the moving device 4 in an integrated manner.

First, in response to an inspection start command from the user, the moving device 4 operates the belt conveyor 41 to move the molded part M in the +X direction (step S10).

Next, the reader 2 temporarily stops the belt conveyor 41 at predetermined time intervals, and transmits electromagnetic waves to the sensor tag 1 at a plurality of positions where the relative positions of the molded part M and the sensor tag 1 are different. The reflected wave is received and the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 is acquired (step S20). Then, the reader 2 repeats the process of acquiring the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 until the molded part M has completely passed over the sensor tag 1 . After the molded part M has passed over the sensor tag 1 , the reader 2 transmits reflected wave spectrum data of the sensor tag 1 to the analysis device 3 .

Next, the analysis device 3 analyzes the transition of the reflected wave spectrum acquired by the reader 2, and estimates the length of the carbon fibers Ma in the molded part M (step S30).

In this step S30, the analysis device 3 acquires from the movement device 4 movement control data indicating the movement distance of the molded part M from the initial position (for example, data related to the amount of movement of the belt conveyor 41 per hour). , from the reader 2, data of transition of the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 acquired when the moving device 4 moves the molded part M is acquired. The analysis device 3 then associates the movement position of the molded part M with the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 . Next, the analysis device 3 identifies the movement positions of the molded part M (2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm in FIG. 8) when the resonance peak shifts from the transition of the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1. Then, the moving distance of the molded part M while the resonance peak is shifted is calculated, and the width of the slot 10 of the resonator 10Q stored in advance in the storage unit 30D or the like is read out and added. Thereby, the analysis device 3 estimates the length of the carbon fiber Ma.

[effect]
As described above, the inspection system U according to the present embodiment is
a sensor tag 1 that is formed of a metal pattern and has a resonator 10Q that resonates with an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency, and that detects a state in which the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M is arranged so as to overlap the resonator 10Q;
a reader 2 that transmits electromagnetic waves to the sensor tag 1 at a plurality of positions where the relative positions of the inspection object M and the sensor tag 1 are different, receives the reflected waves, and acquires the frequency spectrum of the reflected waves;
an analysis device 3 for estimating the size of the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M based on the frequency spectrum acquired at each of the plurality of positions by the reader 2;
It has

Therefore, according to the inspection system U according to this embodiment, it is possible to inspect the size of the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M by a non-destructive and simple method. In addition, since the inspection system U according to the present embodiment can inspect the size of the inclusion Ma in the entire inspection target M as line work, it can be suitably applied to the quality control process at the production site. be.

(Modification 1)
In the inspection system U according to the above-described embodiment, only one sensor tag 1 is arranged in the movement path of the molded part M by the moving device 4. Preferably, a plurality of them are arranged around the passage area.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system U according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 10 shows only the sensor tag 1 and the reader 2 for convenience of explanation.

FIG. 10 shows an aspect in which two sensor tags 1 are arranged above and below the passage area of the molded part M so as to sandwich the molded part M. As shown in FIG. The sensor tag 1 on the upper side senses the state in which the inclusion Ma on the upper side of the molded part M is arranged so as to overlap itself, and the sensor tag 1 on the lower side senses the inclusion on the lower side of the molded part M It responds to Ma being placed on top of itself.

With such a configuration, the inspection system U according to Modification 1 inspects the length of the carbon fibers Ma present on the upper surface side of the molded component M, and also inspects the length of the carbon fibers Ma present on the lower surface side of the molded component M. It makes it possible to inspect the

Although the number of sensor tags 1 arranged around the passage area of the movement path of the molded part M is two here, it is preferable to set the number appropriately along the outer shape of the molded part M. This makes it possible to inspect the length of the carbon fibers Ma in the entire molded part M.

(Modification 2)
In the inspection system U according to the above embodiment, only the size of the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M in a specific one direction (in the above, the length of the carbon fiber Ma) is inspected, but the inspection system U may be configured to be able to inspect two or more directional sizes of the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M. It should be noted that this modified example is preferably applied when the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M is an object having a certain size even in the lateral direction.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system U according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a mode of inspecting the width of the inclusion Ma (representing the size of the inclusion Ma in the lateral direction; the same shall apply hereinafter) using the same sensor tag 1 as in the above embodiment.

In the inspection system U according to Modification 2, the moving device 4 is configured to be able to rotate the molded part M, and after the inspection processing of the length of the inclusion Ma, the molded part M is rotated by 90° as shown in FIG. Rotate so that the short direction of the inclusion Ma faces the +X direction. Then, the moving device 4 again moves the molded part M in the +X direction so that the inclusion Ma passes over the resonator 10Q.

As in the above-described embodiment, while the moving device 4 is moving the molded part M, the reader 2 acquires the reflected wave spectrum of the sensor tag 1 for each state in which the relative positions of the molded part M and the resonator 10Q are different. .

The analysis device 3 estimates the width of the inclusion Ma based on the transition of the reflected wave spectrum acquired by the reader 2 . The estimation method itself at this time is as described with reference to FIG. That is, the analysis device 3 calculates the movement distance at the time of the spectrum change, and adds it to the width of the slot 10 to estimate the width of the inclusion Ma. In FIG. 11, the resonance peak of the reflected wave spectrum is shifted only when the moving distance of the molded part M is 2.5 mm, so the moving distance when the spectrum changes is 0 mm. Here, assuming that the width of the slot 10 of the resonator 10Q is 1 mm, the analysis device 3 can estimate the width of the inclusion Ma to be 1 mm.

As described above, according to the inspection system U according to Modification 2, it is possible to inspect the sizes of the inclusion Ma in the molded part M in two or more directions. It should be noted that it is also possible to estimate the shape of the inclusion Ma from this.

Here, the moving device 4 is configured to rotate the molded component M, but the sensor tag 1 may be rotated. However, in this case, it is preferable to rotate the polarization direction of the reader 2 in accordance with the rotation angle of the sensor tag 1 (for example, the transmission electromagnetic wave is changed from linearly polarized electromagnetic waves in the ±X directions to linearly polarized waves in the ±Y directions). wave electromagnetic waves).

(Modification 3)
In the inspection system U according to the above embodiment, the sensor tag 1 has only one resonator 10Q, but the sensor tag 1 has a plurality of resonators 10Q with different widths in the lateral direction. is preferred.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sensor tag 1 of the inspection system U according to Modification 3. As shown in FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the process of size inspection of the inclusion Ma using the sensor tag 1 according to Modification 3. FIG.

The sensor tag 1 according to this modification has three resonators 10Q with different widths in the lateral direction (hereinafter referred to as “first resonator 10Qa”, “second resonator 10Qb”, “second resonator 10Qb”). 3 resonator 10Qc"). Here, for example, the width of the first resonator 10Qa in the width direction (width of the slot 10a) L1a is 0.1 mm, and the width of the second resonator 10Qb in the width direction (width of the slot 10b) L1b is 0.1 mm. 2 mm, and the lateral width of the third resonator 10Qc (the width of the slot 10c) L1c is set to 0.3 mm.

The first resonator 10Qa, the second resonator 10Qb, and the third resonator 10Qc are arranged side by side along the ±X direction with the short direction of the resonator 10Q facing the ±X direction. Also, the first resonator 10Qa, the second resonator 10Qb, and the third resonator 10Qc have mutually different lengths in the longitudinal direction so as to have mutually different resonance frequencies.

Thereby, the first resonator 10Qa, the second resonator 10Qb, and the third resonator 10Qc each function as separate sensor tags for inspecting the length of the carbon fibers Ma in the inspection object M. In the inspection system U according to this modified example, (1) the length of the carbon fiber Ma is equal to or greater than the width of the first resonator 10Qa (that is, the width of the slot 10a), or (2) the length of the carbon fiber Ma (3) the length of the carbon fiber Ma is equal to or greater than the width of the second resonator 10Qb (that is, the width of the slot 10b); The length of the carbon fiber Ma is estimated based on the three pieces of sensor tag information indicating whether or not the length is above.

When inspecting the size of the molded part M, the moving device 4 moves the molded part M little by little in the +X direction, moving the carbon fibers Ma to the first resonator 10Qa, the second resonator 10Qb, and the third resonator 10Qc. pass over the Then, the reader 2 acquires reflected wave spectra when the carbon fiber Ma passes over the first resonator 10Qa, the second resonator 10Qb, and the third resonator 10Qc.

Note that the reader 2 may have separate transmitters 21 and receivers 22 so as to face the first resonator 10Qa, the second resonator 10Qb, and the third resonator 10Qc, respectively.

In the inspection system U according to this modification, different sizes can be detected at the peak positions of the resonance peaks of the first resonator 10Qa, the second resonator 10Qb, and the third resonator 10Qc.

For example, in the example of FIG. 13, when the carbon fiber Ma passes over the first resonator 10Qa, the first resonator 10Q reacts to this and shifts the position of the resonance peak. It can be seen that the length of Ma is greater than the width (0.1 mm) of the slot 10a of the first resonator 10Qa. Further, when the carbon fiber Ma passes over the second resonator 10Qb, the second resonator 10Qb responds to this and shifts the position of the resonance peak, so the length of the carbon fiber Ma is It can be seen that it is larger than the width (0.2 mm) of the slot 10b of the second resonator 10Qb. On the other hand, when the carbon fiber Ma passes over the third resonator 10Qc, the third resonator 10Qc does not respond to this, and the position of the resonance peak is not shifted. is equal to or less than the width (0.3 mm) of the slot 10 of the second resonator 10Qb. That is, in the example of FIG. 13, it can be estimated that the length of the carbon fiber Ma is 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

In addition, in the inspection system U according to this modified example, the size of the carbon fiber Ma can be estimated from changes in the peak positions of the resonance peaks of the first resonator 10Qa, the second resonator 10Qb, and the third resonator 10Qc. Therefore, it is not necessary to store the movement distance of the molded part M for specifying the position of the molded part M.

As described above, according to the inspection system U according to the modification 3, when the moving device 4 is configured by the general-purpose belt conveyor 41 (that is, the inspection object M can be controlled to move with high accuracy) is difficult), it is possible to accurately inspect the size of the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M.

In addition, in the sensor tag 1 according to the present modified example, a plurality of resonators 10Q are arranged side by side along the ±X directions with the short sides facing the ±X directions. According to the findings of the inventors of the present application, in such a configuration, the adjacent resonators 10Q interact with each other during resonance and function to amplify the signal strength (for example, International Publication No. 2021/039662 ). Therefore, it is possible to improve the SN ratio of the resonance peak appearing in the reflected wave spectrum as compared with the case where the length of the carbon fiber Ma is inspected by one resonator 10Q alone, and it is possible to perform highly accurate inspection processing. also contribute.

(Modification 4)
In the above embodiment, an I-shaped slot resonator is shown as the resonator 10Q formed in the sensor tag 1. FIG. However, as the resonator 10Q formed in the sensor tag 1, various patterns of resonators 10Q can be used.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sensor tag 1 according to this modification. Further, FIG. 14 shows the reflected wave spectrum obtained when the sensor tag 1 according to this modification is irradiated with electromagnetic waves. The upper diagram in FIG. 14 shows the reflected wave spectrum when the carbon fiber Ma does not exist on the resonator 10Q, and the left diagram in FIG. The right diagram of FIG. 14 shows the reflected wave spectrum when the carbon fiber Ma straddles the width of the resonator 10Q in the transverse direction.

In this modified example, as the resonator 10Q formed in the sensor tag 1, a U-shaped strip-type resonator 10Q is used. The U-shaped strip-type resonator 10Q is composed of, for example, a U-shaped strip conductor 13 formed on a dielectric substrate 14 . A solid conductor may be arranged on the back surface of the dielectric substrate 14 from the viewpoint of amplifying the signal strength.

In the U-shaped strip-type resonator 10Q, the length between one end and the other end of the U-shaped strip conductor 13 typically corresponds to approximately λ/2 of the electromagnetic wave irradiated to itself. Resonate at frequency. Here, the sensor tag 1 according to this modification reflects electromagnetic waves when irradiated with electromagnetic waves corresponding to the resonance frequency of the U-shaped strip-type resonance, and reflects electromagnetic waves when irradiated with electromagnetic waves of other frequencies. It is configured to absorb or transmit the energy of the electromagnetic wave (in the reflected wave spectrum of FIG. 14, the convex position corresponds to the resonance peak position).

As can be seen from FIG. 14, in the sensor tag 1 according to this modification, when the carbon fibers Ma exist so as to straddle the width of the U-shaped strip resonator 10Q in the width direction (here, U It means a state straddling one end side and the other end side of a character (the same applies hereinafter), and a shift occurs in the peak position of the resonance peak. In the strip-type resonator 10Q, since the resonance current flows through the strip conductor 13, the molded part M overlaps one end side and the other end side of the U-shaped strip conductor 13 in plan view. , a shift occurs in the peak position of the resonance peak.

The method itself for inspecting the length of the carbon fibers Ma using the sensor tag 1 according to this modification is as described with reference to FIG. The moving device 4 gradually moves the molded part M (or the sensor tag 1) in the +X direction. Then, when the carbon fiber Ma is arranged so as to straddle the resonator 10Q, the spectrum changes. Even after the spectrum change, the carbon fiber Ma is moved in the +X direction. Then, when the carbon fiber Ma does not straddle the slot 10, the reflected wave spectrum returns to the original reflected wave spectrum. Then, the analysis device 3 records the movement distance at the time of the spectrum change, and adds it to the value of the width of the slot 10 to estimate the length of the carbon fiber Ma.

As described above, also with the inspection system U according to the fourth modification, it is possible to inspect the size of the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M by a non-destructive and simple method.

(Modification 5)
As the resonator 10Q formed in the sensor tag 1, a resonator 10Q having a structure such as a trapezoid or a triangle with uneven width may be employed.

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing the configuration of a resonator 10Q according to this modification. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of a method for inspecting the length of the carbon fiber Ma using the resonator 10Q shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. 15C is a diagram showing another example of a method for inspecting the length of the carbon fiber Ma using the resonator 10Q shown in FIG. 15A.

The resonator 10Q according to this modification is a V-shaped strip-type resonator, and has a structure in which the width in the lateral direction of the resonator 10Q is uneven.

In the inspection system U using the resonator 10Q according to this modified example, for example, as shown in FIG. and the inspection object M is moved by the moving device 4 in the direction (that is, the ±Y direction) perpendicular to the +X direction (moving direction of the inspection object M) in the longitudinal direction of the carbon fiber Ma. It's becoming

As described above with reference to FIG. 14, the spectrum changes when the carbon fiber Ma is placed across the width of the resonator 10Q. When the inspection object M moves in the +X direction, the length of the resonance current flowing changes depending on the position where the carbon fiber Ma straddles the resonator 10Q, so a resonance peak (resonance frequency) appears in the reflected wave spectrum. The location of the output will also change. Therefore, information about the length of the carbon fiber Ma can be obtained from the width of the position where the carbon fiber Ma straddles the resonator 10Q.

Moreover, the inspection of the length of the carbon fiber Ma using the resonator 10Q according to this modified example can also be carried out by the method shown in FIG. 15C. In FIG. 15C, the resonator 10Q is arranged with its lateral direction directed in the +X direction (moving direction of the inspection object M), and the inspection object M is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the carbon fiber Ma is in the +X direction (inspection It is configured to be moved by the moving device 4 toward the movement direction of the object M). Then, in this inspection method, the moving device 4 shifts the position of the resonator 10Q in the ±Y direction and repeats it a plurality of times (in FIG. 15C, three positions P1, P2, and P3 in the ±Y direction). position), the test object M (carbon fiber Ma) is passed over the resonator 10Q along the +X direction. still,

At this time, since the width of the resonator 10Q differs within the same sensor tag 1, when the inspection object M is moved in the +X direction, the spectrum varies depending on the position in the ±Y direction across the resonator 10Q. It will be observed when and where not. Note that FIG. 15C shows a mode in which the spectrum changes when the positions in the ±Y direction are P1 and P2, and the spectrum does not change when the position in the ±Y direction is P3. The length can be estimated to be equal to or greater than the width of the resonator 10Q at the position P2 in the ±Y directions and less than the width of the resonator 10Q at the position P3 in the ±Y directions. In other words, in the method of FIG. 15C, the length of the carbon fiber Ma can be estimated to be XX mm or more and XX mm or less by moving across the width of the resonator 10Q a plurality of times. It is possible.

15A to 15C show an embodiment using a V-shaped strip-type resonator as the resonator 10Q, but a slot-type resonator may be used as the resonator 10Q according to this modification. It is possible.

FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the configuration of a resonator 10Q according to another aspect of this modification. FIG. 16B is a diagram showing an example of a method for inspecting the length of the carbon fiber Ma using the resonator 10Q shown in FIG. 16A. FIG. 16C is a diagram showing another example of the inspection method for the length of the carbon fiber Ma using the resonator 10Q shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16A shows an embodiment using a triangular slot-type resonator as the resonator 10Q formed in the sensor tag 1. FIG. Also, FIGS. 16B and 16C show inspection methods similar to FIGS. 15B and 15C, respectively.

As described above, according to the inspection system U according to Modification 5, it is possible to inspect the size of the inclusion Ma of the inspection object M with only one resonator 10Q.

In addition, in the inspection system U according to this modification, since the size of the inclusion Ma of the inspection object M can be estimated from the variation of the peak position of the resonance peak, the position of the inspection object M can be specified. It is also possible to omit the storage of the moving distance of the inspection object M.

(Modification 6)
As the sensor tag 1 according to the present disclosure, a resonator 10Q that can change the width in the lateral direction of the resonator 10Q may be employed.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sensor tag 1 according to this modification. Note that FIG. 17 shows a plan view of the sensor tag 1 .

The sensor tag 1 according to this modification has two metal plates 11a and 11b that are adjacently arranged in the same plane, and the resonator 10Q (here, a slot-type resonator) has an edge of the metal plate 11a. A slot 10 formed between the edge of the metal plate 11b and the edge of the metal plate 11b. In the sensor tag 1 according to this modified example, at least one of the metal plate 11a and the metal plate 11b is configured to be movable along the direction in which the edge of the metal plate 11a and the edge of the metal plate 11b face each other. . As a result, the width of the slot 10 in the lateral direction is variable.

The left diagram of FIG. 17 shows an aspect in which the slot 10 having a width Lt1 in the lateral direction is formed between the metal plate 11a and the metal plate 11b, and the right diagram of FIG. A slot 10 having a width Lt2 in the lateral direction is formed between the plates 11b.

As described above, since the sensor tag 1 is configured to detect the state in which the inclusion Ma straddles the slot 10, the width of the slot 10 in the lateral direction corresponds to the size of the inclusion Ma in the inspection object M. is the basis for estimating In this respect, it is possible to change such a reference by configuring the width of the slot 10 in the lateral direction to be changeable like the sensor tag 1 according to the present modification. As a result, for example, it is possible to inspect whether or not the size of the inclusion Ma in the inspected object M is equal to or larger than the reference value with one sensor tag 1 without storing the movement distance of the moving device 4. It becomes possible.

FIG. 17 shows a configuration in which the width of the slot 10 in the lateral direction can be changed when the resonator 10Q is a slot-type resonator. , the width of the resonator 10Q in the short direction can be changed by the two movable metal plates 11a and 11b.

(Modification 7)
In the inspection system U according to the present disclosure, the width of the resonator 10Q (here, a slot-type resonator) in the lateral direction may be changed using the ink ejection unit 5 .

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system U according to this modification.

The inspection system U according to the present disclosure further includes an ink ejection section 5 arranged to face the sensor tag 1 . By discharging the conductive ink 5T from the ink discharger 5 to the conductor region or the slot region forming the resonator 10Q, the setting of the width of the resonator 10Q in the transverse direction is changed.

With the inspection system U according to this modification, as in the sixth modification, it is possible to change the width of the resonator 10Q in the lateral direction.

(Modification 8)
The inspection system U according to the present disclosure may be configured to move the sensor tag 1 with the moving device 4 instead of moving the molded part M with the moving device 4 .

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of a moving device 4 according to this modification.

The moving device 4 according to this modified example is composed of, for example, a robot hand 42 that integrally grips the sensor tag 1 and the reader 2 . Then, the moving device 4 uses the robot hand 42 to move the sensor tag 1 and the reader 2 in the +X direction while the molded part M (that is, the carbon fiber Ma) and the sensor tag 1 (that is, the resonator 10Q) face each other. Let

At this time, the molded part M may, for example, remain fixed at a predetermined position.

According to the inspection system U according to this modified example, it is possible to inspect the length of the carbon fibers Ma in the molded part M while the molded part M is fixed at a predetermined position. Therefore, the inspection system U according to this modification is useful when the molded part M is a large structure.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the inspection object M to which the inspection system U is applied, a resin material containing carbon fiber is shown. However, the inspection system U is applicable to arbitrary inspection objects. The inspection object M may be, for example, a dielectric material whose main component is ceramic. Also, the inclusion Ma may be, for example, a linear or fibrous conductor such as a carbon nanotube or a conductive polymer.

In addition, the inclusion Ma may be a dielectric material. When the inclusion Ma is a dielectric material, unlike the principle of peak shift when the inclusion Ma is a conductor, the resonator 10Q is arranged such that the inclusion Ma overlaps itself. The peak position of the resonance peak is changed from the change in the dielectric constant around itself. Also in this case, the inspection system U can grasp the size of the inclusion Ma from the transition of the reflected wave spectrum obtained when the inspection object M is moved by the moving device 4 .

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

According to the inspection system according to the present disclosure, it is possible to inspect the size of the inclusion in the inspection object by a non-destructive and simple method.

U inspection system 1 sensor tag 10 slot 10Q resonator 11 metal material 11a, 11b metal plate 13 strip conductor 14 dielectric substrate 2 reader 21 transmitter 22 receiver 23 controller 3 analyzer 30 calculator 30D storage 4 moving device 41 belt Conveyor 42 Robot hand 5 Ink ejection part M Inspection object (molded part)
Ma content (carbon fiber)

Claims (28)

An inspection system for inspecting the size of inclusions in an inspection object,
a sensor tag formed of a metal pattern, having a resonator that resonates with electromagnetic waves of a predetermined frequency, and detecting a state in which the content is arranged so as to overlap the resonator;
a reader that transmits electromagnetic waves to the sensor tags at a plurality of positions where the relative positions of the inspection object and the sensor tags are different, receives the reflected waves, and acquires the frequency spectrum of the reflected waves;
an analysis device that inspects the size of the inclusion in the inspection object based on the frequency spectrum acquired at each of the plurality of positions by the reader;
An inspection system comprising: The inspection object is a resin material containing a linear or fibrous conductor as the inclusion,
The inspection system of Claim 1. The inspection object is a resin material containing carbon fiber as the inclusion,
The inspection system according to claim 1 or 2. The analysis device outputs an estimated value of the size of the inclusion as an inspection result related to the size of the inclusion.
Inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The analysis device outputs, as an inspection result related to the size of the inclusion, a determination result as to whether or not the inclusion has a size equal to or larger than a predetermined size.
5. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1-4. Based on the frequency spectra acquired at each of the plurality of positions by the reader, the analysis device determines the relative positions of the inspection object and the sensor tag when a peak shift of the resonance peak of the resonator occurs. and inspecting the size of the inclusion in the inspected object from the relative position;
Inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A moving device that movably supports the inspection object or the sensor tag and moves the inspection object or the sensor tag in a first direction so that the inclusion passes above or below the resonator. ,
Inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The inspection object is supported so that the longitudinal direction of the inclusion faces the first direction,
The sensor tag is supported so that the lateral direction of the resonator faces the first direction,
The inspection system according to claim 7. said resonator is constituted by a slot formed in a metal layer,
The moving device moves the inspection object or the sensor tag so that the inclusion straddles the slot in at least a part of the section.
Inspection system according to claim 7 or 8. the slot presents an I shape;
An inspection system according to claim 9 . The slot has a non-uniform width in the lateral direction of the resonator,
An inspection system according to claim 9 . the slot has a triangular or trapezoidal shape,
12. The inspection system of claim 11. The resonator is composed of a U-shaped or V-shaped strip conductor,
The moving device moves the inspection object or the sensor tag so that the inclusion straddles one end and the other end of the U-shape or V-shape of the strip conductor in at least a part of the section.
Inspection system according to claim 7 or 8. The strip conductor has a shape in which the width of one end and the other end of a U-shape or V-shape in a direction perpendicular to the first direction changes along the first direction.
14. The inspection system of claim 13. The moving device moves the object to be inspected or the sensor tag in the first direction so that the content passes above or below the resonator, and then moves the object above or below the resonator to the containing object. moving the inspection object or the sensor tag in a second direction so that an object passes through;
The analysis device is
Based on the frequency spectrum obtained at each of the plurality of positions along the first direction when the moving device moves the inspection object or the sensor tag in the first direction, inspecting the size in the first direction;
Based on the frequency spectrum obtained at each of the plurality of positions along the second direction when the moving device moves the inspection object or the sensor tag in the second direction, inspecting the size in the second direction;
Inspection system according to any one of claims 7 to 14. The sensor tag has a plurality of resonators with different widths in the lateral direction,
The analysis device determines whether or not a peak shift of a resonance peak occurs in each of the plurality of resonators based on the frequency spectra acquired by the reader at each of the plurality of positions, and the determination result is inspecting the size of the inclusion in the inspected object based on
16. Inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims. The plurality of resonators are arranged along the first direction with the transverse direction of the resonator aligned in the first direction, and have resonance frequencies different from each other.
17. The inspection system of claim 16. The sensor tag has a variable width in the width direction of the resonator,
18. Inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims. The sensor tag has two metal plates arranged adjacent to each other in the same plane,
The resonator is configured by a slot structure formed between the two metal plates when they are butted against each other, and at least one of the two metal plates is configured to be movable.
19. The inspection system of claim 18. further comprising an ink ejection unit arranged to face the sensor tag,
setting and changing the width of the resonator in the transverse direction by discharging conductive ink from the ink discharge unit to a conductor region or a slot region forming the resonator;
19. The inspection system of claim 18. The sensor tag and/or the inspection object are movably supported,
The movement of the sensor tag and/or the inspection object is controlled so that the sensor tag comes into contact with the inspection surface of the inspection object when the frequency spectrum acquisition process is executed by the reader.
21. Inspection system according to any one of the preceding claims. The object to be inspected is a molded part made of a resin material,
wherein the inspection system is applied to a quality control process after manufacturing the molded part;
22. An inspection system according to any preceding claim. a sensor tag formed of a metal pattern and having a resonator that resonates with an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency; a reader that transmits an electromagnetic wave to the sensor tag, receives a reflected wave thereof, and obtains a frequency spectrum of the reflected wave; An inspection method using
the sensor tag detects a state in which the inclusion is arranged so as to overlap the resonator;
The reader transmits an electromagnetic wave to the sensor tag and receives the reflected wave at a plurality of positions where the relative positions of the object to be inspected and the sensor tag are different, and obtains the frequency spectrum of the reflected wave. inspecting the size of the inclusion in the inspected object based on the frequency spectrum acquired by the reader at each of the plurality of positions;
Inspection methods. A sensor tag that can use multiple widths of information by operating the tag. A resonator configured by a slot formed in a metal layer and resonating with an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency, wherein the slot has a non-uniform width in the lateral direction of the resonator.
25. The sensor tag of claim 24. the slot has a triangular or trapezoidal shape,
26. The sensor tag of claim 25. Having a resonator configured by a strip conductor and resonating with an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency,
The width of one end and the other end of the U-shape or V-shape of the strip conductor in the lateral direction of the resonator changes depending on the position in the longitudinal direction of the resonator.
25. The sensor tag of claim 24. Having two metal plates arranged adjacently in the same plane,
When the two metal plates are butted against each other, a slot structure formed between them constitutes a resonator that resonates with an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency, and at least one of the two metal plates is configured to be movable. there is
25. The sensor tag of claim 24.

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