JP2002148211A - X-ray inspecting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray inspecting apparatus which can restrict generation of a state in which an X-ray irradiator and an X-ray line sensor become unable to withstand use while being used. SOLUTION: The X-ray inspecting apparatus 10 inspects objects with the use of X rays, and is provided with the X-ray irradiator 13 for irradiating X rays, the X-ray line sensor 14 and a detection level file 25a. The X-ray line sensor 14 detects X rays from the X-ray irradiator 13. The detection level file 25a stores a change with time of a detection level of the X-ray line sensor 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an X-ray inspection apparatus, and more particularly to an X-ray inspection apparatus for inspecting an article using an X-ray source and an X-ray line sensor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a production line of a product such as food, when a product is mixed with foreign matter or the product is cracked or chipped, the product is inspected by an X-ray inspection apparatus so as not to be shipped. There is. In this X-ray inspection apparatus, X-rays are irradiated to each of the articles to be inspected which are continuously conveyed,
The X-ray transmission state is detected by the X-ray line sensor, and there is no foreign matter in the article, or the article is cracked or chipped, or the quantity of unit (single) in the article is insufficient. Or not. In addition, an inspection for counting the number of unit objects in an article may be performed by the X-ray inspection apparatus.

An article determined to be defective by the X-ray inspection apparatus is sorted as a defective product by a sorting device at a subsequent stage. If a critical defect such as foreign matter being found in an article is found, the production line is stopped and inspection of upstream equipment is performed to determine the cause. On the other hand, in the case of a defect such as cracking or a shortage of quantity, it is often returned to the production line after replacement or quantity adjustment. Further, when counting the number of unit objects by an X-ray inspection apparatus, a label on which the number is printed is attached in a later step.

[0004]

In the X-ray inspection apparatus as described above, an X-ray source for irradiating an X-ray toward an article and an X-ray line sensor for detecting a transmission state of the X-ray are used. . These are expensive consumables, and in the past,
Specified replacement time recommended by the manufacturer, e.g.
The replacement is performed when a replacement time such as 000 hours and the X-ray line sensor have passed 20,000 hours.

However, the replacement time recommended by the manufacturer is a guide, and the time when the replacement is actually required depends on the use condition, the X-ray transmittance of the article to be inspected, the state of the surrounding atmosphere, and the like. Therefore, the life of the X-ray source or X-ray line sensor will expire before the manufacturer recommended replacement time comes,
X-ray source and X
The line sensor may be in a sufficiently usable state.

[0006] On the other hand, at present, when the X-ray inspection apparatus is started, there is also an apparatus that displays the detection level of the X-ray line sensor on a display device and informs the user whether or not the use is possible. Exists. However, it is unclear when such a device can no longer be used, and at present, the user replaces the device when the replacement time recommended by the manufacturer comes.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray inspection apparatus in which an X-ray source and an X-ray line sensor are prevented from becoming unusable during use of the X-ray inspection apparatus.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an X-ray inspection apparatus for inspecting an article using X-rays, comprising: an X-ray source; an X-ray line sensor; It has. The X-ray source emits X-rays. The X-ray line sensor detects X-rays from an X-ray source. The storage unit stores a temporal change in the detection level of the X-ray line sensor.

The detection level of the X-ray line sensor is usually
As the X-ray source wears out and the X-ray line sensor wears out, it gradually decreases. Here, the change over time of the detection level of the X-ray line sensor is stored in the storage unit so that the change over time of the decrease can be monitored. For this reason, the user of the X-ray inspection apparatus can know the change over time in the detection level of the X-ray line sensor, and before the X-ray source or the X-ray line sensor becomes unusable, the X-ray source sensor and the X-ray line sensor cannot be used. Will be replaced. Therefore, the life of the X-ray source or the X-ray line sensor expires before the manufacturer-recommended replacement time comes, and a trouble such that the device cannot be used suddenly during use is suppressed.

At present, it is difficult to separately measure the degree of wear of the X-ray source and the degree of wear of the X-ray line sensor and to record them separately. Store the change over time, and
It is desirable to inform the user of the appropriate replacement time of the source and the X-ray line sensor.

The change with time in the detection level of the X-ray line sensor stored in the storage unit may be presented to the user to use the information to make the user predict the replacement time, or the computer may perform the replacement. It may be used to calculate the required expected time and present it to the user, or it may be used to notify the user that an abnormal aging has occurred rather than exhaustion and that a failure has occurred. Good.

[0012] The X-ray inspection apparatus according to the second aspect is the first aspect.
The X-ray inspection apparatus according to the above, wherein the X-ray line sensor,
It is composed of multiple units. Then, the storage unit stores, for each unit of the X-ray line sensor, a temporal change in the detection level.

When an X-ray line sensor is composed of a plurality of units, the plurality of units have different lifespans due to differences in conditions such as an X-ray dose obstructed by an article to be inspected and a distance from an X-ray source. There is.

In view of this, here, the change over time of the detection level is stored in the storage unit for each unit. As a result, the life of each unit can be estimated, and the unit can be replaced at an appropriate replacement time. Therefore, conventionally, even if the X-ray line sensor including a plurality of units is replaced, all units are often replaced at the same time except for the case of a failure. In the apparatus, only the units that need to be replaced can be replaced in order, and an economic advantage can be enjoyed for replacing expensive consumables.

[0015] The X-ray inspection apparatus according to the third aspect is the first aspect.
Or the device according to 2, further comprising a warning control means. The warning control unit monitors a temporal change of the detection level stored in the storage unit, and issues a warning when the detection level falls below a predetermined lower limit.

Here, when the detection level falls below the lower limit, a warning is issued to the user, so that the user can get a chance to consider replacing the X-ray source or the X-ray line sensor.

The predetermined lower limit value may be an absolute detection level required for the inspection, a management detection level with a margin, or both of them. You may.

An X-ray inspection apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the third aspect.
In the X-ray inspection apparatus according to the above, the warning control means estimates the previous temporal change based on the temporal change of the detection level, and determines that the estimated detection level is below the lower limit, Announce that.

Here, on the basis of the temporal change of the detection level stored in the storage unit, the warning control means is caused to determine whether or not the detection level is below the lower limit in the near future (earlier). ing. Then, when it is determined that the detection level falls below the lower limit value in the near future, the warning control means notifies the user to that effect. This notification may be made by any method, such as a warning by a buzzer or the like, or a display on a display. In addition, when performing the display, a display such as "can be used for about xx days" or "can be used for about xx months" or "can be used for about xx hours" Such a time-based display may be used.

An X-ray inspection apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the third aspect.
Or the X-ray inspection apparatus according to 4, further comprising a transport mechanism for transporting the article. The storage unit further stores a change with time of the transport speed of the transport mechanism. Then, the warning control unit further monitors a change with time in the transport speed stored in the storage unit, and issues a warning when it is determined that the transport speed is abnormal.

Here, the change with time of the transport speed of the transport mechanism is stored and monitored, and a warning is issued when it is determined that the transport speed is abnormal. Therefore, when the transport mechanism breaks down or does not work as controlled, the user can quickly recognize the failure.

The X-ray inspection apparatus according to the sixth aspect is the third aspect.
6. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, further comprising a casing and an X-ray leakage amount sensor. The casing has an opening for loading or unloading articles. The X-ray leakage sensor is arranged near the opening outside the casing. Further, the storage unit further stores a temporal change in the amount of X-ray leakage by the X-ray leakage amount sensor. Then, the warning control unit further monitors a temporal change of the X-ray leakage amount stored in the storage unit, and issues a warning when the X-ray leakage amount exceeds a predetermined value.

Here, an X-ray leakage amount sensor is installed near the opening of the casing to store and monitor the temporal change of the X-ray leakage amount, and to warn when the X-ray leakage amount exceeds a predetermined value. Has emitted. Thereby, occurrence of an X-ray leakage accident or the like is suppressed.

[0024] When the amount of X-ray leakage exceeds a predetermined value, for example, when the amount of X-ray leakage in a short time exceeds a predetermined amount, or when the total amount of X-ray leakage in a long period of time exceeds a predetermined amount. Say when it exceeds.

The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 7 is the third embodiment.
7. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, which is connectable to an external device via the Internet. Then, the warning control means can issue a warning to the external device.

The X-ray inspection apparatus according to the eighth aspect is the first aspect.
8. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising a display unit. The display unit is provided for displaying at least one of the temporal changes stored in the storage unit.

[0027]

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of an X-ray inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This X-ray inspection apparatus 10
Is an apparatus for performing quality inspection on a production line for products such as food, which irradiates continuously conveyed products with X-rays, and based on the X-ray dose transmitted through the products. This is a device for determining a defect.

As shown in FIG. 4, a product G to be inspected by the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 is conveyed to the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 by a front conveyor 60. In the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, the presence or absence of foreign matter is determined for the product G. The result of the determination by the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 is sent to the distribution mechanism 70 disposed downstream of the X-ray inspection apparatus 10. Distributing mechanism 70
When the product G is determined to be non-defective by the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, the product G is sent to a regular line conveyor 80, and when the product G is determined to be defective by the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, G is distributed to the defective product storage conveyor 90.

<Configuration of X-ray inspection apparatus> X-ray inspection apparatus 10
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mainly, a shield box 11, a conveyor 12, an X-ray irradiator 13,
Line sensor 14 and LCD with touch panel function
It comprises a monitor 30, an X-ray leakage amount sensor 40, and a control computer 20 (see FIG. 5).

[Shield Box] Shield Box 1
1 has openings 11a on both sides for carrying in and out of a product. In the shield box 11, a conveyor 12, an X-ray irradiator 13, an X-ray line sensor 14, a control computer 20, and the like are accommodated.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the opening 1
1a is closed by a shielding nozzle for suppressing leakage of X-rays to the outside of the shield box 11. The shielding noren is formed from rubber containing lead, and is pushed away by the product when the product is carried in and out.

At the upper front of the shield box 11, in addition to the LCD monitor 30, a key slot and a power switch are arranged. [Conveyor] The conveyor 12 transports the articles to be inspected in the shield box 11, and is driven by a conveyor motor 12a shown in FIG. The conveyor motor 12a is controlled by the control computer 20 so that the transport speed by the conveyor 12 becomes the set speed input by the user.
Is finely controlled by inverter control.

[X-ray irradiator] The X-ray irradiator 13 is disposed above the conveyor 12 as shown in FIG. 2 and has a fan-shaped X-ray toward the lower X-ray line sensor (see FIG. 2). (See shaded area X).

[X-ray line sensor] X-ray line sensor 1
Numeral 4 is arranged below the conveyor 12 and detects a product G and X-rays transmitted through the conveyor 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray line sensor 14 includes eight units arranged in a line. Each unit has a number of pixels 14a arranged linearly in a direction orthogonal to the direction of conveyance by the conveyor 12.

[LCD Monitor] The LCD monitor 30 is a full dot liquid crystal display. Also, LCD
The monitor 30 has a touch panel function, and also displays a screen for prompting input of parameters for initial setting and failure determination.

[X-ray leakage sensor] X-ray leakage sensor 4
0 indicates the dose equivalent rate at all times. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
a. Since the X-ray leakage amount sensor 40 always displays the amount of X-ray leakage, a person working near the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 can be psychologically relieved.

[Control computer] Control computer 2
0, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 21 is mounted, and the ROM 21 is used as a main storage unit controlled by the CPU 21.
2, a RAM 23, and an HDD (hard disk) 25. The control computer 20 also has an FDD (floppy disk drive) 24 for inputting and outputting data to and from a floppy (registered trademark) disk.

Further, the control computer 20 includes an LCD
A display control circuit for controlling data display on the monitor 30, a key input circuit for taking in key input data from the touch panel of the LCD monitor 30, an I / O port for controlling data printing in a printer (not shown), and the like are provided. .

Then, CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM
23, FDD 24, HDD 25, etc. are an address bus,
They are interconnected via a bus line such as a data bus. In addition, the control computer 20 controls the conveyor motor 1
2a, rotary encoder 12b, photoelectric sensor 15, X
It is connected to the X-ray irradiator 13, the X-ray line sensor 14, the X-ray leakage amount sensor 40, and the like.

The rotary encoder 12b is mounted on the conveyor motor 12a, detects the transport speed of the conveyor 12, and sends it to the control computer 20. The transport speed data is stored and accumulated in the transport speed file 25c in the HDD 25 at predetermined time intervals.

The photoelectric sensor 15 is a synchronous sensor for detecting the timing at which the product G to be inspected arrives at the position of the X-ray line sensor 14. The photoelectric sensor 15 includes a pair of light emitters and light receivers arranged with a conveyor interposed therebetween. It is configured.

X detected by the X-ray leakage amount sensor 40
The control computer 20 acquires the data of the amount of X-ray leakage at a predetermined time interval, and stores the X-ray leakage amount file 2 in the HDD 25.
5b.

<Determination of article defect by control computer> [X-ray image creation] The control computer 20 receives a signal from the photoelectric sensor 15 and the product G passes through a fan-shaped X-ray irradiator (see FIG. 2). Sometimes, the X-ray line sensor 14
X-ray fluoroscopic image signals (see FIG. 3) are acquired at small time intervals, and an X-ray image of the product G is created based on the X-ray fluoroscopic image signals.

[Judgment of Article Defect] The control computer 20 judges good or defective of the article from the obtained X-ray image by a plurality of judgment methods. The determination method includes, for example, a trace detection method, a binary detection method, a mask binary detection method, and the like. As a result of these determinations, if at least one of the products is determined to be defective, the product G
Is determined to be defective.

The trace detection method and the binarization detection method are as follows.
The decision is made on the unmasked area of the image. On the other hand, the mask binarization method makes a determination on a masked area of an image. The mask is set for the container portion of the product G or the like.

In the trace detection method, a reference level (threshold value) is set along a rough thickness of an object to be detected, and when the image becomes darker, a foreign substance has entered the product G. It is a method to judge. In this method, a relatively small foreign substance can be detected.

The binarization detection method and the mask binarization method are as follows.
This is a method in which a reference level is set to a certain brightness, and when the image becomes darker than that, it is determined that a foreign matter has entered the product G. This binarization detection method is set to detect a relatively large foreign matter.

The reference level and the mask area in each judgment method are set and changed by an input from a user using a touch panel function of the LCD monitor 30.

[Display Control] During the normal inspection, the control computer 20 displays the obtained X-ray image of the product G and information on the judgment by each judgment method on the LCD monitor 30.
To be displayed.

<Diagnosis of Detection Level by Control Computer> Next, a diagnostic function of the X-ray detection level for estimating the replacement time of the X-ray irradiator 13 and the X-ray line sensor 14 will be described.

[Data Accumulation] When the power of the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 is turned on or when the X-ray detection level diagnostic mode is selected, the control computer 20 performs a diagnostic test of the X-ray detection level. In this diagnostic test, the X-ray line sensor 1 is not irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 13.
The dark level measurement for measuring the detection level (dark level) of No. 4 and the detection level (bright level) of the X-ray line sensor 14 by irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 13 with nothing placed on the conveyor 12 Bright level measurement is performed, and each data is stored and accumulated in a detection level file 25a in the HDD 25. Further, the difference between the bright level and the dark level (hereinafter, referred to as a detection level).
Is also stored and accumulated in the detection level file 25a. That is, the detection level file 25a stores the brightness level, the dark level, and the temporal change of the detection level.

The data of each level is stored in each of the units 51 to 58 of the X-ray line sensor 14. It should be noted that usually, at least once every few days X
It is unlikely that the diagnostic test will not be performed for a long time when the power of the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 is turned on. However, in order to prevent this, for example, the X-ray detection level is automatically set every 24 hours. A message that prompts the user to shift to the diagnostic mode may be displayed on the LCD monitor 30.

After completing the diagnostic test, the control computer 20 displays the screen shown in FIG. Here, in addition to the current numerical value of each level, a graph showing the temporal change of each level and the remaining usable time are displayed. The remaining usable time is a time until the detection level is expected to fall below a predetermined lower limit, and is calculated by the control computer 20 based on the past aging change of the detection level.

[Warning Control] If it is determined in the calculation of the remaining usable time by the control computer 20 after the diagnostic test that the current detection level is lower than the predetermined lower limit, the control computer 20 controls the LCD monitor. A warning display is performed using 30 (see FIG. 7). Here, a large character display “warning X-ray inspection impossible” is displayed to inform the user that the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 cannot be used unless the X-ray irradiator 13 or the X-ray line sensor 14 is replaced.

Although not shown, when the remaining available time falls below the lower limit of management (for example, 20 hours), a screen display prompting replacement of the X-ray irradiator 13 or the X-ray line sensor 14 is displayed. I do.

The diagnosis results and the warning screens shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 show eight units 51 to 58.
The worst of the consequences. The result of each unit can be set in the initial setting, so that LC
It is also possible to display on the D monitor 30.

<Detection of Conveyor Failure by Control Computer> Next, control for finding a failure of the conveyor 12 will be described. [Data accumulation] As described above, the data on the transport speed of the conveyor 12 sent from the rotary encoder 12b mounted on the conveyor motor 12a is stored and stored in the transport speed file 25c in the HDD 25 at predetermined time intervals. Is done. Specifically, data of the actual transport speed of the conveyor 12 is stored together with the transport speed set by the user.

[Warning Control] The control computer 20 monitors the absolute value or deviation value of the difference between the actual transport speed and the set transport speed, and the difference becomes larger than a predetermined threshold value. A warning is displayed on the LCD monitor 30 at times. Also, when the user requests display of the data related to the transport speed in the maintenance mode or the like,
The control computer 20 displays, on the LCD monitor 30, a graphical representation of the change over time of each data.

When the difference between the actual transport speed and the set transport speed is gradually increasing, the control computer 20 displays a notice on the LCD monitor 30 to call attention.

Thus, when the conveyor 12 or the conveyor motor 12a breaks down or does not operate as controlled, the user can quickly recognize the trouble.

<Display of X-ray Leakage Amount by Control Computer> Next, display control of the amount of X-rays leaking from the opening 11a of the shield box 11 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 will be described.

[Data Accumulation] As described above, the control computer 20 acquires the X-ray leakage amount data detected by the X-ray leakage amount sensor 40 at predetermined time intervals, and
It is stored and accumulated in the X-ray leakage amount file 25b in D25.

[Warning Control] The control computer 20
The integrated amount of leaked X-rays is calculated based on the data of the amount of X-ray leaked accumulated in the line leak amount file 25b. Then, when the integrated amount exceeds a predetermined amount, information on what kind of numerical value the integrated value has exceeded since when the LC
It is displayed on the D monitor 30.

<Main Features of X-ray Inspection Apparatus> (1) The detection level of the X-ray line
Due to the wear of the X-ray irradiator 13 and the wear of the X-ray line sensor 14, the temperature gradually decreases. In the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the change over time of the detection level of the X-ray line sensor 14 is determined so that the change over time can be monitored.
It is stored and accumulated in the detection level file 25a of the HDD 25.

For this reason, the user of the X-ray inspection apparatus 10
The screen display as shown in FIG.
It is possible to know the change with time of the detection level of No. 4, and it can be expected that the X-ray irradiator 13 and the X-ray line sensor 14 will be replaced before they become unusable. Therefore, the life of the X-ray irradiator 13 and the X-ray line sensor 14 before the maker-recommended replacement time comes, and the trouble that the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 cannot be used suddenly during use is reduced.

For example, the user who sees the warning screen shown in FIG. 7 finds that the usage time of the X-ray irradiator 13 and the X-ray line sensor 14 which have started to be used at the same time has reached 9211 hours, and at least one of them has been replaced. Recognize what you have to do. Since the life of the X-ray irradiator 13 is usually shorter than that of the X-ray line sensor 14, and the recommended replacement time is described in the manufacturer's instruction manual,
The user first exchanges the X-ray irradiator 13.
At the time of replacement, the usage time of the X-ray irradiator 13 is reset to 0 using the touch panel function of the LCD monitor 30.
Return to By doing so, the user can determine which one to replace while checking the total use time of the X-ray irradiator 13 and the X-ray line sensor 14 at the next replacement. Will be able to

(2) In the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the X-ray line sensor 1
4 are configured. These units 51 to 58
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the X-ray dose blocked by the product G to be inspected is different from each other.
The distance from is also different. For this reason, the units 51 to 58
Have different lifespans.

In view of this, here, the units 51 to 5
8, the change with time of the detection level is stored in the detection level file 25a. The diagnostic results of the X-ray detection levels of the units 51 to 58 can be displayed on the LCD monitor 30.

For this reason, the life of each of the units 51 to 58 can be estimated, and the units 51 to 58 can be replaced at an appropriate replacement time.
As a result, only the units that need to be replaced can be sequentially replaced, and expensive consumables (the X-ray line sensor 1) can be replaced.
Economic benefits can be enjoyed for the exchange of 4).

[Other Embodiments] (A) In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the current detection level is lower than the predetermined lower limit, a warning display is performed using the LCD monitor 30. , In addition to this,
It is also effective to issue a warning by a buzzer or the like.

(B) In the above embodiment, the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 mainly for detecting a defect such as a foreign substance has been described. The present invention is also applicable to an X-ray inspection apparatus or the like that can count the number of single items arranged in a plurality.

(C) In the above embodiment, the LCD monitor 3
Although the worst of the units 51 to 58 is displayed at 0, the LCD monitor 30 may simultaneously display all of the units 51 to 58, the transport speed data of the conveyor 12, and the amount of X-ray leakage. Alternatively, only the data to be warned may be selected and displayed, or only the data to be warned may be displayed in a different color. When all of the units 51 to 58 are displayed, the degree of change over time between the units can be compared, and it becomes easy to identify a unit that is heavily worn.

(D) At present, it is difficult to judge the degree of wear of the X-ray irradiator 13 and the degree of wear of the X-ray line sensor 14 separately. It is also possible to determine the degree of wear of each of the levels based on the aging of the level and to present the user with appropriate replacement times of the X-ray irradiator 13 and the X-ray line sensor 14.

(E) It is also possible to connect the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 of the above embodiment to a WWW server and to transmit information to a WWW browser on an information terminal at a location remote from the X-ray inspection apparatus 10. is there. For example, when a warning screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, it is conceivable to simultaneously send a warning mail to an external information terminal device via a WWW server. Also, the X-ray irradiator 1 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 10
It is also considered effective to include information (such as a product number) that enables ordering of the X-ray line sensor 3 and the X-ray line sensor 14 in the contents of the mail.

In this manner, the information terminal device and the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 can be connected via the Internet without connecting to the dedicated communication line, and the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 can be relatively connected even from a remote place. It can be easily managed.

[0076]

According to the present invention, the temporal change of the detection level of the X-ray line sensor is stored in the storage section so that the temporal change of the decrease can be monitored. It becomes possible to know the temporal change of the detection level of the X-ray line sensor, and to replace the X-ray source and the X-ray line sensor before they become unusable. Therefore, the life of the X-ray source or the X-ray line sensor expires before the manufacturer-recommended replacement time comes, and a trouble such that the device cannot be used suddenly during use is suppressed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an X-ray inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified configuration diagram of the inside of a shield box of the X-ray inspection apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of X-ray inspection.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration before and after the X-ray inspection apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control computer.

FIG. 6 is a display screen diagram of an LCD monitor.

FIG. 7 is a display screen diagram of an LCD monitor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 X-ray inspection apparatus 11 Shield box (casing) 11a Opening 12 Conveyor (conveyance mechanism) 12a Conveyor motor (conveyance mechanism) 13 X-ray irradiator (X-ray source) 14 X-ray line sensor 20 Control computer (warning control means) 25 HDD 25a Detection level file 25b X-ray leakage amount file 25c Transport speed file 30 LCD monitor (display unit) 40 X-ray leakage amount sensor 51-58 Unit G Product (article)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hirokazu Sato 959, Shimogaku, Ritto-cho, Kurita-gun, Shiga Prefecture Inside of Ishida Shiga Office (72) Inventor Osamu Hirose 1-343-2 Tamagawa, Chogawa-shi, Tokyo 2G001 AA01 BA11 CA01 DA08 FA01 FA06 GA01 HA01 HA13 JA09 JA11 JA13 JA16 KA03 LA01 PA11 SA04 SA14

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An X-ray inspection apparatus for inspecting an article using X-rays, comprising: an X-ray source for irradiating X-rays; and an X-ray line sensor for detecting X-rays from the X-ray source. An X-ray inspection apparatus, comprising: a storage unit that stores a temporal change in a detection level of the X-ray line sensor. 2. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray line sensor includes a plurality of units, and the storage unit stores, for each of the units, a temporal change in a detection level thereof. apparatus. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning control unit that monitors a temporal change of the detection level stored in the storage unit and issues a warning when the detection level falls below a predetermined lower limit. 3. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to 2. 4. The warning control means estimates a previous change with time based on the change with time of the detection level, and when it is determined that the estimated detection level is lower than the lower limit,
The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 3, which notifies that effect. 5. A transport mechanism for transporting an article, wherein the storage unit further stores a change with time in a transport speed of the transport mechanism, and the warning control unit stores the transport speed stored in the storage unit. 5. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a change with time is further monitored, and a warning is issued when it is determined that the transport speed is abnormal. 6. A casing having an opening for loading or unloading articles, and an X-ray leakage amount sensor disposed near the opening outside the casing, wherein the storage unit includes the X-ray leakage sensor. Further storing a temporal change of the X-ray leakage amount by the X-ray leakage amount sensor, the warning control means further monitors the temporal change of the X-ray leakage amount stored in the storage unit, and determines whether the X-ray leakage amount is a predetermined value. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a warning is issued when the value exceeds the value. 7. The X-ray according to claim 3, wherein said X-ray can be connected to an external device via the Internet, and wherein said warning control means can issue said warning to said external device. Inspection equipment. 8. A display unit for displaying at least one of the temporal changes stored in the storage unit,
The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1.