EP2008124A2

EP2008124A2 - Radiographic scanner

Info

Publication number: EP2008124A2
Application number: EP07722209A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dirk Dragon; Christoph Clemens Grohmann
Original assignee: Grohmann Technologies GmbH
Current assignee: Grohmann Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2006-04-13
Filing date: 2007-04-13
Publication date: 2008-12-31
Also published as: WO2007118461A3; DE112007000818A5; US20090147913A1; DE102006051087A1; WO2007118461A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a significantly improved radiographic scanner for large objects. The improvements include safety aspects for the staff operating the system, safety aspects for the staff operating the large object that is to be scanned, and aspects resulting in improved image generation.

Description

By radiation scanners

[Ol] The invention relates to a transmission scanner. In particular, the invention relates to a transmission scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway carriages or trucks.

[02] In particular, in the wake of increased efforts to protect against crime is regularly the task of large objects such as containers, railway carriages or trucks to investigate inadmissible content. For example, smuggled goods or potentially terrorist-supporting goods such as explosives can be identified in such large objects.

[03] Since it would be very cumbersome and therefore not feasible in practice to inspect such large objects from the inside in detail, mobile and stationary stations with radiation scanners have established themselves. These radiate through the loading unit of the large object, usually with X-rays. On the basis of the shadow image and / or the scatter image of the radiation can then be detected by an operator and / or an automatic computerized detection system, whether inadmissible goods in the large object.

[0001] EP 0 491 977 B1 shows a test system for loading a lorry, the wheels of the towing vehicle being lifted by a lift truck and the entire lorry being driven through the test system in this way. In this case, a radiation source is embedded in the ground and radiates vertically upward, with a corresponding detector being provided above, so that a lorry pulled through the beam path by means of the lift truck can be transilluminated. This results in particular the problem that it is difficult to expand the beam sufficiently within a short distance below a support for the truck, so that the entire truck can be detected. This ultimately means that the radiation source must be arranged relatively deep below the support.

[10] Also DE 10 2005 055 129 A1 discloses a relatively complex construction in which a complete truck is transported by a tomograph. This requires a very complex substructure, since the tomograph comprises a vertical support ring, which encloses the truck and carries both a detector array and a radiation source. The ring can then be rotated around the truck for tomography, with the truck progressively passing the ring. This approach is extremely time-consuming and especially in ports or conurbations. tainerbahnhöfen, where several terminals or lorries have to be checked in one day at a trans-shipment center, are not feasible. Also in this arrangement, the radiation source is temporarily arranged above the truck, whereby the complex construction, since then the detector arrangement is arranged under the truck, is conditional.

[06] US Pat. No. 6,542,580 B1 shows a detection frame in which the X-ray source is arranged at the top in the frame. The detectors are mounted in the side panels of the frame and in the bottom of the sensor system. Also in this embodiment, a relatively high height must be taken into account in order to capture an entire vehicle. Also, because of the arrangement of the detectors below the support, a complex carriage and roller system is required in order to be able to illuminate a motor vehicle.

[07] The disadvantages of the two aforementioned arrangements eliminated a test system according to DE 40 23 413 Al, in which a separate container is constructed. The container contains an operating area and a measuring tunnel. Towards the measuring tunnel, a ramp and a conveyor belt for test trucks are constructed, wherein in the container on one side of a corresponding support a radiation source and on the other of the two sides corresponding detectors are arranged. Although thus eliminating complex upper and lower structures because of the arrangement of the radiation source, but since the vehicles to be crossed through the container, this results in a complex construction of the overall arrangement.

[08] FR 2 808 088 A1 shows a mobile transom unit which is installed on a truck specially converted for this purpose. The measuring tunnel is defined by a gate swiveling away from the lorry. The gate consists of a post with detectors and a bar with detectors. At the same time a radiation source is positioned laterally of the truck. In this way, a complex substructure can be avoided.

[09] EP 1 635 169 A1 and US Pat. No. 6,843,599 B2 also disclose a transport truck with an erectable frame equipped with X-ray detectors. With an X-ray source on the unfolded part of the frame passing trucks are irradiated. The X-ray source is small and can be set up in different positions.

US 6,928,141 B2 shows a self-standing stable frame on which both a

X-ray source and detectors are arranged. The frame can be driven by a truck. It is brought as a whole flat on a transport truck to the place of use and upright there, where he on one side on a rail and on the other side on wheels. Even with this arrangement can be dispensed with a complex substructure.

[11] DE 11 2004 001 701 T5 also discloses the lateral arrangement, which accordingly has a simple construction.

[12] Further transmission systems are known from the publications EP 0 491 977 B1, DE 43 11 174 A1, US Pat. No. 3,766,387, DE 40 23 413 A1, US Pat. No. 2,831,123, US 2004/0125914, WO 05/057196 A1, US Pat. No. 6,031,890, FR 2 EP 4,950,793 Al, US Pat. No. 4,349,740, US Pat. No. 4,303,830, DE 40 23 414 A1, EP 0 963 925 A2, EP 0 963 925 B1, EP 0 991 916 B1, EP 1 526 392 A2, EP 1 635 169 A1, GB 2337032 A, US 2003/0023592, US 6,812,426 B1, WO 03/027653 A2, WO 03/027653 A3, US Pat. No. 6,839,403 B1, US Pat. No. 6,928,141 B2, US Pat. No. 6,815,790 B2, US Pat. No. 6,843,599 B2, US Pat 6,665,373 Bl, US 6,542,580 Bl, US 6,473,487 Bl, US 6,094,472 A and US 5,181,234 Bl.

[13] The invention is based on the object of providing a transmission scanner for large objects such as containers, railway carriages or trucks, with at least one laterally arranged radiation source and at least one detector between which rays can travel along a radiation path. which, while maintaining the relatively simple construction thereby resulting, provides very meaningful radiographic images.

According to a first aspect of the invention this object solves a transmission scanner for large objects such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one laterally disposed radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, as well as with a support for the large object, wherein the support is arranged within the beam path.

[15] For the purposes of the invention, it is first explained conceptually that the sum of those straight beams which extend from the radiation source to a detector is summarized under the "beam path." It should be noted that the radiation source can not be an exactly punctiform radiation source, however In any case, however, this results in a geometry in which the radiation source is considerably smaller than a detection path along the detectors. Therefore, the geometry of the beam path in the plane of the radiation source and the detectors results as a radiation field. which is quite narrow at the radiation source and widens significantly towards the detectors.Usual expansion angles of the beam path are between about 35 ° (compare US Pat. No. 6,834,599 B2) and about 80 ° (compare EP 1 635 169 A1). With the proposed first aspect of the invention, it is possible to irradiate the entire large object and to check for illegal content. This refers in particular to very low-lying areas of the large object to be tested, such as the wheels of a truck, the base of a railway car or the footprint of a container. On the other hand, even in EP 0 491 977 B1, the wheels are not detected by the beam path. The same applies to DE 11 2004 001 701 T5. In US Pat. No. 6,542,580 Bl, the radiation source is not arranged laterally.

It should be emphasized that the inventive arrangement with only a horizontally displaceable detector and / or radiation source unit or with a horizontally displaced only large object manages, and in particular vertically displaceable radiation source is not necessary to capture a complete image.

[18] Advantageously, the beam path has at least one horizontal beam path, which is provided below the support. If the radiation source is arranged correspondingly low and the detectors also extend correspondingly deep, a horizontal beam path automatically results under the support. Accordingly, the support is in any case in the beam path, without the support would have to be set particularly high, and even without complex pedestal constructions as in EP 0 491 977 Bl or in DE 40 23 413 Al need.

[19] The radiation source is preferably arranged in and / or below a plane containing the support. Conceptually, this is based on a flat bearing surface, which seems reasonable because the large objects to be scanned are usually intended to stand on a flat surface, such as in the case of a truck on a road surface or in the case of a railway car on two Rails.

[20] If the radiation source is arranged in the plane of the support, a horizontal beam path results through the support and thus through the lowest point of the large object to be scanned. For a truck, the footprint of the tires would then be exactly adjacent to a horizontal beam path.

[21] However, it is particularly advantageous if the radiation source is actually arranged below the support plane. In this way, the whole large object can be irradiated with a beam path which deviates from the horizontal. Horizontal areas of the large object such as the floor panel of a truck, a railway car or a container can be well-lit in this way and do not lead to linear shadows in the shadow of the radiation. [22] Preferably, the support comprises a linear transport for the large objects or is designed as such. In both cases, the radiation source and / or the detectors can be formed stationary, and the large object can be transported linearly through the beam path.

However, it is also advantageous if the radiation source and the detectors are linearly displaceable, preferably on rails. In such a structure, the paths of the radiation source and the detectors are precisely predetermined and known, which can lead to high-precision measurement results. A relocatable scanner and a linear transporting support do not have to be mutually exclusive. Rather, these two embodiments may result in simultaneous application to a highly compact structure of the transmission scanner.

In order to use the scanner as variable as possible, it is proposed that the beam path is provided outside of a building. Radiation source and the detectors can then travel arbitrarily long distances, for example, they can be moved along an entire train and scan this completely.

[25] In the case of a scanner whose beam path is provided outside a building and which is designed to be displaceable, it is proposed that an accompanying radiation protection be provided behind the detectors from the radiation source, for example a moving concrete wall or a sand radiation barrier, in a container mitfährt. In this way, the construction costs for a radiation shield beyond the large object to be tested can be reduced to the width of the stationary beam path, possibly with a size increase for safety reasons. In particular, for long scan distances such as along a train, the construction costs can be minimized.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object solves a transmission scanner for large objects such as containers, railway carriages or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, and with a support for the large object, wherein the radiation source and at least one of the detectors are connected to each other via a bridge and are displaceable on rails by means of a separate drive.

[27] In this context, it should be explained conceptually that a "bridge" is understood to mean a construction which extends beyond the space which is intended to be passed by the testing large objects Scan room to the other side of the scan room enough. [28] If the radiation source and the detectors are connected by a stable bridge and can be displaced without external force as suggested, they can produce highly accurate images. In particular, particularly small impermissible objects can be detected in the large objects to be tested, since the beam path is extremely quiet and guided because of the method on rails. In contrast, an unsupported radiation source as in EP 1 635 169 A1 can vibrate more easily if the scanner is moved as such. In each case on the road surface mounted radiation source and detectors such as in FR 2 808 088 Al, the accuracy of the scan results of the absolute flatness of the road surface depends. In a solution as in US Pat. No. 6,928,141 B2, the scanner can be displaced on a rail, but the detectors are mounted on conventional wheels. In a method of local scanning, the accuracy of the images obtained thus depends on the fact that the road surface below the detectors is exactly parallel to the rail surface. On the other hand, a double-sided rail construction can be built up with high precision in a very independent manner.

[29] Whenever the detectors and / or in particular the radiation source are guided on a rail, it is proposed that securing clips are provided which surround the rails. In this way, the system can be quickly secured against external influences such as earthquakes or hurricanes, and thus in particular the radiation source can be protected from damage.

[30] When the source of radiation is on a rail, it is proposed that it be placed on a carriage that is self-supporting independently of a bridge. This is advantageous for safety reasons, since the radiation source is held in this way in a particularly stable manner in its intended orientation or position.

[31] If the radiation source is arranged in such a stably standing carriage, it is additionally proposed that the detectors are mounted on a bridge which is fastened on the one hand to the stable carriage and on the other hand to an auxiliary carriage which is displaceable on exactly one rail. is gert. In this way one achieves with simple means a stable construction of the stable car with the radiation source, the bridge with the detectors and the auxiliary carriage. It saves with respect to the auxiliary car necessary space that this is performed on exactly one rail.

[32] If the auxiliary carriage runs on one rail over two wheels, a particularly stable guidance is ensured, which leads to very accurate pictures.

[33] An auxiliary carriage for supporting a bridge carrying the detectors is preferably not driven by itself. As a result, control problems in the coordination between a first drive and the auxiliary carriage drive can be avoided. In addition, costs and installation space can be saved. [34] According to a third aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a transmission scanner for large objects such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, as well as with a support for the large object , wherein outside the scan volume a backup space for operators of the large object is provided, preferably structurally integrated with the transmission scanner.

[35] When a large object is irradiated, rays through the large object, where the operating personnel of the large object are located, inevitably pass through the large object. For safety reasons, for example, the driver's cab of a truck should also be included in the scanning process, just like the cab of a railway train. In order to minimize the radiation exposure for the operators of the large object, the fuse space outside the scan volume is proposed.

[36] The scan volume describes the volume in which the beam path exists or which sweeps over the beam path. Even with very narrow detectors, this is never a plane in the mathematical sense, but only at best approximated to a plane. So it's a volume.

[37] As operating personnel of the object to be tested generally need not be familiar in detail with the dangers of radiation, it is advantageous to provide a predestined securing space in which the operating personnel must be present during the scanning process. In this way, it is safely excluded that the operator is indeed outside the large object, but still passes through the scan room.

[38] If a backup space is provided, it is proposed that this and / or a service room for service personnel of the scanner can be displaced together with the radiation source and / or the detector. This not only facilitates the construction or dismantling of the transmission scanner. In particular, the service personnel of the radiographic scanner can move along with the scanner during the scanning process. Should, for example, unevenness be run over in the course of the scanning process during its displacement movement, the service personnel will feel this by a slight jolt in the service room, whereby it may also be advantageous, independent of the other features of the present invention, to provide vibration sensors in the case of generic transmission scanners. In addition, the optical perspective from the service room to the scan volume always remains constant. Maintenance work on the radiation source as well as communication with the operating personnel can then also be carried out without difficulty during the scanning process. [39] In particular, it is proposed that the radiation source, the service area and the securing space are arranged together in a container movable on rails. This is a very cost-effective construction, which also manages with only one unit on the side of the radiation source.

[40] If the fuse space is designed to be displaceable, it is proposed that a running bridge which can be displaced with the fuse space be present between the bearing and the fuse space. Such a gangway first increases the convenience and safety for the operators of the large object and assists that the operators of the large object go to the security room. At the same time, this also increases the safety of the service personnel of the scanner, since it is quite predictable where on the premises the operator moves.

[41] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a transmission scanner for large objects such as containers, railway carriages or trucks, especially when a backup space is provided, provided for the operator outside the beam path, a path around the radiation source through the fuse space therethrough is.

[42] It is immediately apparent that such a given path brings the same advantages as the provision of a gangway, except that the way of the operator is thereby even better predeterminable. In addition, the fact that the path leads around the radiation source achieves better shielding than in US Pat. No. 6,542,580 B1, which allows the driver of a car to pass laterally of the beam path.

[43] Irrespective of this, it is cumulatively or alternatively proposed that the radiation source of the transmission scanner can only be activated when the operating personnel are in the safety area. On the one hand, a radiation hazard for the operating personnel can be safely ruled out. In addition, the operating personnel can also be easily held in the fuse space when an illegal object is actually found in the large object to be inspected.

[44] A securing space is preferably designed ball, shot and / or impact resistant. In this way, the service staff can be best protected.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a transmission scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway carriages or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, and with a support for the Large object, if a self-sufficient power generator is provided. This considerably simplifies installation even in a remote location. For example, in a harbor. Also, then can be traversed by the radiation source long distances.

[46] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a transmission scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway carriages or trucks, having at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams travel between the radiation source and the detectors along a beam path can be, as well as with a support for the large object, the detectors are arranged substantially along an arc, preferably along a circular arc. In particular, it is also proposed for this purpose that the detectors are displaceable perpendicular to the beam path together with the radiation source.

The arrangement of the detectors in an arc around the radiation source leads to a considerable increase in the measurement accuracy over a linear arrangement, as is conventionally known. Also shadowing of the detectors against each other are at least largely avoided. Although the scanning system then requires a greater distance between the radiation source and the detectors, but for the detectors, the beams are already so attenuated that the overall arrangement of the system including radiation protection usually does not need to build larger.

[48] Ideally, a true circular arc is provided around the radiation source, along which the detectors are arranged and radially aligned. However, deviations are possible within the scope of the measurement accuracies to be achieved. It is essential that the detectors are not arranged - as conventionally known - along exclusively linear sections. Thus, conventional arrangements such as, for example, EP 1 635 169 A1 or US Pat. No. 6,928,141 B1 are in a strictly rectangular U-shaped arrangement. An arrangement as in US Pat. No. 6,843,599 B2 consists of only three linear sections of the detectors.

[49] An arcuate arrangement can be achieved particularly simply by arranging the detectors on an arcuate frame, preferably on an arcuate frame. Such a frame achieves not only a structural simplification, but also a simple way of high stability and therefore a high image accuracy.

In order to be able to construct a sheet construction in a particularly simple manner, it is proposed that the detectors are arranged in a plurality of respectively rectilinear detector strips, wherein the mid-perpendiculars of the detector strips are respectively aligned substantially with the radiation source, preferably with a deviation below 15 °. It will be appreciated that the more rectilinear detector bars are provided the more the arc is approximated and the shorter a detector bar is. [51] If the detectors are arranged in rectilinear detector strips, it is proposed that their centers are arranged substantially equidistant from the radiation source. As a result, a circular arc or at least a circular arc section can be approximated with simple means. Within the scope of the measurement accuracy deviations of less than 5% or preferably less than 1% with respect to the respective distance from the detector surface to the radiation source surface are recommended.

[52] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a radiation scanner for large objects such as containers, railway carriages or trucks, with at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams between the radiation source and the detectors along a beam path can run, as well with a support for the large object, with compensating means against thermal expansion being provided.

[53] Radiation scanners of the kind in question here must be able to work absolutely reliably under a wide variety of weather conditions. For example, the temperature can fluctuate slightly between -40 ^° C at night in winter and + 80 ^° C during the day in direct sunlight in summer. Under all these conditions, it should be ensured as far as possible that the image obtained during scanning does not change as a result of a geometric displacement of the detectors. This should be ensured by the compensation funds. The compensating means must therefore be technically characterized in that they pass on a movement of the suspension of the detectors only to a reduced extent, preferably as little as possible, to the detectors. Numerous more or less complicated structures are suitable for this purpose.

[54] Preferably, the compensating means comprise detector rails which are provided on a frame and on which the detectors are displaceably arranged, wherein preferably spring means are provided, which are effective parallel to the detector rails on the detectors. Even the provision of the detectors on the detector rails on a frame leads to a more uniform displacement of the detectors. In addition, if springs are connected parallel to the rails to the detectors, these moderate a further expansion of the frame on which the springs are anchored.

[55] If then the frame is rigidly connected to the radiation source, the geometry remains as even as possible under strong weather conditions.

It has already been suggested that the compensating means may be on a frame, in which case the detectors are preferably arranged in detector strips. This simplifies the construction of the entire detector system. In particular, the individual detectors do not each have to be equalized connected, but it already leads to good results, when in each case a detector bar is connected via a compensating means to the frame.

[57] It is proposed that the compensation means have temperature-stable spacers, for example a housing of the detector strips. In this way, the detectors move only a little, even if the frame works hard. Especially in conjunction with springs, this effect is easily recognizable in the event of temperature fluctuations. Conceptually, it should be explained that a one-piece spacer is strictly speaking always temperature-unstable, but even with a one-piece design, such an element can have a significantly lower thermal expansion than the frame, for example if it has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is at least one order of magnitude smaller as the effective heat expansion coefficient of the frame.

[58] Preferably, the compensation means comprise a thermally insulating housing for the detectors or for the detector strips. Above all, it can be provided that within an outer shell of a housing a thermal insulation layer is provided which has a considerably lower density than the housing material itself, for example at least one density of one power of ten, especially three powers of ten, less than the density of the housing material , For example, the housing may be formed of a sheet metal or of a hard plastic, while on the inside of the housing, a thermal insulation foam is present. Advantageously, any spacers need not be so strongly stabilized in terms of possible temperature fluctuations in each case as if no housing were available. The housing also provides protection for the detectors against other environmental influences.

[59] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway carriages or trucks, with at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams can travel between the radiation source and the detectors along a beam path, and with a support for the large object, wherein a common housing is provided for the detectors or for the detector strips, in which all detectors are arranged.

Such a one-piece housing protects the sensitive detectors as well as any mechanical elements from environmental influences, in which case the configuration as a uniform housing considerably simplifies the air conditioning of the detectors. According to the state of the art, such as, for example, FR 2 808 088 A1 or US Pat. No. 6,843,599 B2, joints are respectively arranged between a plurality of detector housings and separate the detector housings. Such a structure makes a planned air conditioning less effective. [61] It has already been mentioned that the housing can include a thermal insulation.

[62] It is advantageous if the housing interior is air-conditioned, in particular actively air-conditioned. A passive air conditioning can already result from the fact that the heated air inside the housing is given the opportunity to escape to the outside and nachzug while cooler air. For this purpose, for example, cooling fins and / or ventilation openings may be provided at suitable locations in the housing. Particularly good results in terms of air conditioning and thus the life and the accuracy of the results of the scanner are achieved when an active air conditioning is provided. An active air conditioning is characterized by the fact that it is able, for example via a blower and is adapted to cooler air than inside the housing available in this lead and thereby displace the warmer existing air there.

It is understood that a continuous housing for the detectors can be mounted on a frame.

[64] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams between the radiation source and the detectors can run along a beam path, and with a support for the large object, wherein a frame is provided for the detectors, which is substantially rigidly connected to the radiation source.

[65] As a result, measurement inaccuracies can be reduced to a minimum, since the frame is automatically carried along with each movement of the radiation source. In particular, no hydraulic retractability on the frame or the like should be provided, which is intended to perform movements. A frame is already then as rigid in the sense of the above to designate when the frame is completely free of such components. If such components are provided, then a corresponding frame is considered to be rigid if it has fixing means, such as bolts or the like, which define movable areas such that any remaining residual movements are smaller than the magnitude of the natural oscillations of the entire frame.

It is understood that such a rigid connection, in particular for axially movable radiation sources, which are moved along the large object, is advantageous.

[67] If a thermal compensation is provided, it is advantageous if the frame is rigidly connected to the radiation source except for the thermal compensation. This achieves a good compromise between a rigid frame with its advantages and the thermal compensation, which increases the measurement accuracy in other ways.

[68] It goes without saying that a rigid frame or a frame that is rigid up to thermal compensation can serve as a connection via thermal compensation for the detectors. As soon as the detectors have a thermal compensation and are otherwise rigidly connected to the frame, the same advantageous compromise is found here on a small scale as described above for the connection of the frame to the radiation source.

[69] In a particular rigid frame which connects the detectors to the radiation source, it is proposed that the detectors and the radiation source can be displaced linearly with respect to the bulk object and that the frame be horizontally angled smaller or larger than 90 ° is arranged obliquely with respect to the path. An advantage of this arrangement is that transverse walls of the large object such as end walls need not be irradiated parallel to the wall, but obliquely transilluminated. There is thus no shading line in the shadow image, which makes it easier to find even very small objects.

[70] It should be noted that it does not matter whether the large object or the radiation source and the detectors are moved in order to realize the displaceability of the scanning unit with respect to the large object. Rather, it only depends on the relative movement between the scanner and the large object.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a transmission scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams between the radiation source and the detectors along a beam path can run , and with a support for the large object, wherein the beam path is inclined horizontally by an angle not equal to 90 °, that is smaller or larger than 90 °, with respect to the path along which the detectors and the radiation source with respect to the large object can be moved. This has already been explained above, but is also advantageous and inventive irrespective of the other aspects of the invention mentioned.

A simple and stable structure of the scanner is also obtained with a horizontally oblique frame and beam path when the beam path is arranged in the vertical plane.

[73] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a transmission scanner for large objects, such as containers, railroad cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector between which rays travel along a radiation source. can run, and with a support for the large object, the radiation source is arranged in a standard container, preferably in a 40-foot container or in a 20-foot container.

[74] This aspect allows for easy transport and easy assembly of the overall order, especially overseas.

[75] A service room for service personnel of the transmission scanner and / or a security room for operating personnel of the large object, such as a truck driver or train driver, are preferably arranged in the container. These aspects have already been explained above in another context.

[76] It is suggested that the container is mobile on rails. Specifically, means for advancing the container on rails should be provided on this. This not only allows a simple shiftability in the scan, but also the easy transport of the scanning unit to a job site on the railroad tracks of a railway network.

[77] In a container for the transmission scanner, the radiation source is preferably arranged in a separate room. The separate arrangement alone helps prevent radiation damage to the service personnel of the scanner.

It is additionally proposed that the separate space for the radiation source except for an exit slit for the beam path is specially shielded. Alternatively and cumulatively, the radiation source itself can be shielded except for an exit slit for the beam path. Both further support the radiant safety of the entire system.

[79] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the stated object solves a transmission scanner for large objects such as containers, railway carriages or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector between which rays can travel along a beam path, as well as with a support for the large object , wherein the radiation source is shielded, bundled and / or directed such that at the height of the detector or at the level of at least one detector bar, the beam width is not more than twice as wide as the detector or the detector bar.

[80] If the system is designed to limit the scan volume to such a narrow strip of radiation at the detector, shielding beyond the detectors can be minimized, saving on construction costs and volume. [81] Again, it is - as explained above - advantageous if the radiation source and the detector are arranged to be movable and seen behind the detector from the radiation source from a traveling radiation protection is provided, for example, a moving concrete wall. Such a construction is particularly suitable for scanning large long objects such as trains, especially since the scanner can then also drive on tracks.

Alternatively and cumulatively, it is proposed that the radiation source and the detector are movably arranged and that a stationary radiation protection, for example a stationary concrete wall, is provided behind the detector as seen from the radiation source. As a result, the radiation protection can be increased again.

[83] In particular, the radiation source can be an X-ray source, a gamma-ray source and / or a neutron source.

[84] It is understood that, for security reasons, the beam should be as narrow as possible. For this reason, it is proposed that the beam path passes a series collimator. In the present context, the term "series collimator" designates a beam path limiting arrangement of at least two partial collimators, which are connected to each other by a common, substantially parallel to the main beam path, radiation-insulating wall and extending from this wall, starting in the beam path allows an extremely good focusing of the beam path, since on the one hand any reflections on surfaces that are aligned parallel to the beam path in the beam path can be minimized by minimizing these surfaces and on the other hand, the partial collimators have perpendicular to the beam path directed surface areas, which naturally very much good at absorbing rays.

[85] Preferably at least 5 or 8 partial collimators should be provided in succession, in particular on both sides of the beam path, it being understood that such partial collimators should be provided there only where a corresponding confinement of the beam path is necessary.

[86] Cumulatively or alternatively, it is proposed that the beam path brushes at least one radiation trap. In the present context, a radiation trap denotes a recess which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam path and has a radiation-insulating wall. If a beam path strikes such a recess and rays enter the recess, such rays run for the most part dead until they leave the recess again. These are thus trapped in the radiation trap. [87] In a suitable embodiment of a series collimator, this accordingly has one or more radiation traps.

[88] Preferably, the series collimator and / or the radiation trap are arranged in the beam path behind a source collimator. Radiation sources are already intensively shielded in the immediate vicinity because of the danger emanating from them, with a corresponding source collimator ensuring that the beams can only leave the radiation source in a certain spatial area. In this case, however, the source collimator is not able to parallelize it sufficiently, especially with long beam paths. This is where the series collimator and / or the radiation trap, which structurally simplify operational reliability in radiographic scanners for large objects with at least one radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, can also increase considerably independently of the other features of the present invention.

In particular, the series collimator or the radiation trap can connect directly to the source collimator, so that the corresponding advantages can be optimally utilized in the shortest space.

[90] The at least one detector can be arranged on a logic-free detector module, which is non-destructively detachably connected to a carrier. In this way, a detector can be exchanged simply and inexpensively if it is defective, in particular without simultaneously having to exchange a corresponding measuring electronics, which is necessary for a sensor system comprising the detector. Such an approach is also independent of the other features for detectors of radiation that is more energetic than visible light, especially as UV light, of advantage, since such detectors are exposed for reasons of sensitivity very strong this high-energy radiation and age accordingly fast ,

[91] Preferably, the detector module is also formed free of electronics. Even electronic components such as operational amplifiers, capacitors or coils are laid as far as possible outside of a radiation exposure in such arrangements and usually age less rapidly than the detectors connected thereto. In this respect, the costs can be minimized at a detector change.

In addition, such a passive detector module allows a very simple change of detectors with a suitable design of the overall arrangement, since logical or electronic components are placed in such detector arrangements usually not only possible outside a beam path but also behind a shield to interference avoid. The detectors However, they are not shielded because they are supposed to detect the rays. In this respect, the detectors can be removed in such an arrangement on the shield over from the direction of the beam path or replaced, so this can be done very easily.

[93] A change, in particular past a shield, can in particular be carried out easily if the connection of the detector module to its carrier is a plug connection. Preferably, the connector is electrically conductive, so that the electrical connection between the detector and the other sensors can be opened or closed directly with the plugging operation.

[94] In order to be able to minimize any costs incurred by a detector change, the detector module has no more than 32 detectors, preferably no more than 16 detectors. In this way, it is also possible to arrange several detector modules side by side at an angle to one another, so that, for example, a curve radius or a circular path can be followed with such modules, without the deviations becoming too large despite rectilinearly or substantially flat modules.

[95] The carrier of the detector module may be a logic-free subcarrier, which is arranged on a main carrier with a measuring electronics. Preferably, only amplifiers, that is, for example, only operational amplifiers, which are in particular already designed as integrators, are arranged on the intermediate carrier. Such a logic-free subcarrier allows a particularly compact design of the amplifiers or other non-logical subassemblies with respect to the detectors on the one hand, so that distances between the detectors and the amplifiers can be minimized. This can minimize interference. The same applies to the electrical path between purely electrical modules and logic modules, which can be minimized thereby with suitable design.

[96] Preferably, the at least one detector is arranged on a module unit with no more than 32 detectors. Preferably, this is not even more than 16 detectors. As already indicated above, such small modular units allow a very flexible construction, in particular if the entire detector unit is not constructed in a straight line but should have a curved course. Too long module units would then lead to relatively large deviations from the ideals. Here, this module unit is connected to at least one further module unit via a bus connection and / or movably mounted on at least one further module unit. While the former ensures a very simple overall structure as well as a simple change of individual modular units, the latter facilitates that the modular units can be arranged next to one another in a curved overall arrangement. It is understood that these two embodiments regardless of the other features of the present invention cumulatively or alternatively show the corresponding advantages.

Preferably, a measuring device and / or a correction device are provided for measuring or correcting a vertical displacement of the frame and the radiation source with respect to the large object or with respect to the support, so that any differences that occur during a relative displacement between the radiation source and On the other hand, detectors on the one hand and large object on the other hand can be detected reliably and distortions of the generated image can be avoided. The correction preferably takes place prior to entry into the actual image generation, so that on the one hand known image generation devices can also be used and, on the other hand, the correction can be carried out very quickly and reliably. It is understood that such measuring devices or correction devices are also independent of the other features of the present invention for radiographic scanner of large objects according to an advantage.

The invention will be described below with reference to two Ausführungsbei games with reference to the

Drawing explained in more detail. Functionally identical or identical components may carry identical reference numerals. Show it:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a stationary structure

By blasting machine;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a movable Durchstrahlanlage; Figure 3 shows the system of Figure 2 in a view according to local identification III-III;

Figure 4 shows the system of Figures 2 and 3 according to local identification IV-IV;

Figure 5 shows the system of Figures 2 to 4 in a plan view;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross section through the beam path;

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged detail of the detector unit from FIG. 6; FIG. 8 shows the detector unit according to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the detector unit according to FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 shows a single detector unit from FIG. 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a displaceable

By blasting machine; Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a displaceable

By blasting machine; and

Figure 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a displaceable

By blasting machine. [99] The transmission unit 1 in FIG. 1 essentially consists of a stationary container 2, a partly curved frame 3 connected thereto and a conveyor belt 4.

[100] In the container 2 several rooms are formed, namely first a control or service room for service personnel who operates the transmission station 1. Furthermore, a space is formed for an X-ray radiation source. Finally, a singulation cell is present. The space for the X-ray source is located immediately below a terminal 5 of the housing frame 3 on the container 2. The control room for the service personnel is located behind a directed to the conveyor belt 4 large viewing window 6 in the container 2. The separating cell is behind a trans- portbandseitigen exit door 7th and has on a side facing away from the conveyor belt 8 of the container 2 an entrance door.

[101] The conveyor 4 is adapted to linearly forward any large objects such as trucks 9 with a loaded transport container 10 in a transport direction 11 through the sheet 3. From an X-ray output 12 on the container, the X-ray source emits X-ray radiation through a relatively two-dimensional scan space 13, which fancers toward the bridge arch 3 and ultimately represents the beam path. The bridge arch 3 consists essentially of two horizontal, interconnected bridge sections 14, 15, a pedestal 16 and a circular arc segment-shaped detector area 17. Within the base piece 16 and the circular arc segment-shaped detector piece 17 and depending on geometric conditions and at least in a portion 15 of the two bridge sections fourteenth , 15 are detectors for the X-radiation, which is emitted at the X-ray exit 12. In this case, the four parts 14, 15, 16, 17 of the bridge 3 with each other, with a foundation 18 and at the terminal 5 with the container 2 in each case rigidly bolted via connecting flanges (exemplified with 19) screwed together.

In this case, the two bridge parts 14, 15 lead from the Containeran-circuit 5 with respect to the horizontal up to a highest point on the connection flange 19. The then subsequent sheet 17 is shaped so that it follows at least substantially a circular arc, which has its center at the X-ray emitter. The base part 16 of the frame 3 is installed slightly obliquely with respect to the vertical, so that its perpendicular bisector is directed towards the X-ray emitter.

[103] If now in the operation of the system 1, the truck 9 is to be checked with radiation on impermissible content, drives the driver of the truck 9 this up to a landing position 20, which is still in front of the scan room 13 with respect to the transport direction 11. He leaves the truck 9 in an exit direction 21 and follows a running path 22 to the container 2 and the radiation source around to the front door on the side facing away from the conveyor belt 8 and enters through this the separation room. The operating personnel of the Durchstrahlanlage 1 has within the Containers 2 via communication means with the separation room. In the simplest case, these can simply have a viewing window and / or an intercom and / or a document throughput. In this way, the operator of the system 1 can easily and reliably recognize that the driver of the truck 9 is now located in the separation room.

The separation room is then remotely locked by the service personnel of the system 1, so that the driver of the truck 9 can not leave the separation room easily. Then the service personnel activates the X-ray emitter and thus generates the scan room 13.

The detectors (not shown) arranged in parts 16 and 17 of the bridge 3 receive a shadow-free image of the x-ray radiation and transmit this via a wiring running in the housing parts 14, 15, 16, 17 to the container 2 Data processed electronically and the service personnel of the system 1 visually and / or analyzed by a microprocessor. The service staff then activates the conveyor belt 4 in the transport direction 11 and drives in this way the truck 9 in its entire size through the scan room 13 therethrough. During the entire time, the shadow image is determined by the detectors and transmitted to the service staff.

[106] If there is no indication of inadmissible objects when scanning, the service personnel opens the exit door 7 and thus releases an entry path 23. This leads to a boarding position 24 on the conveyor belt 4, at which the truck 9 and in particular its cab 25 are when the entire truck 9 has passed the scanning chamber 13.

[107] If suspicious shadows appear, the service personnel of Appendix 1 can also activate the conveyor belt 4 against the main direction of movement 11 and thus drive back the truck 9 to the suspected spot. Alternatively and cumulatively, it is also possible to view the entire scan process again using EDP-stored images.

[108] The installation 1 thus makes it possible to take a complete picture of the entire truck 9, including the cab 25, the container 10 being transported and all the wheels (indicated 26 by way of example) of the lorry. In this case, the arcuate portion 17 allows to create the best possible silhouette without any non-visible area.

The equipment 1 also has equipment (not shown) for photographing, storing and archiving the vehicle 25 and the container 10. Both the container numbers and the registration numbers of the towing vehicle 25 can be automatically recognized and archived. [110] There is a complete infrastructure for the service personnel in the service room in the container 2, so that the service personnel do not necessarily have to leave the service room.

The frame 14, 15, 16, 17 is provided with a robust steel framework, and the entire plant has a concrete foundation. The system is therefore very stable. She is weatherproof, so she can work independently. Paths 21, 22, 23 and the entire system are equipped with lighting so that the system can work without problems even at night.

[112] The service room in Container 2 is equipped with an industrial computer that requires a special login by the service staff. The images and all data obtained are automatically stored and saved, with an encryption algorithm optionally provided. To enter data and view the scanned images, there is a large color screen for service personnel. In addition, a color laser printer is installed. The lighting in the service room is equipped with an emergency generator, as well as with air conditioning. The entrance and exit door to the service room has a biometric recognition system, for example via an iris recognition and / or a fingerprint recognition. For the safety of the service personnel, both the communication window to the separation room and the observation window 6 can be covered and locked outside within a very short time.

[113] Radiation protection contributes to the fact that the entire X-ray system is continuously monitored by a computer. In case of a fault, the X-ray beam will switch off automatically. In addition, the X-ray radiation can be stopped manually via a switch within a very short time. At the same time, warning lights illuminate in the region of the scan room 13 whenever the X-ray source is activated. So that a person can not accidentally go into the scan room 13, infrared sensors are provided, which can detect such a move in time and turn off the X-ray source. In addition, 1 surveillance cameras are installed throughout the facility.

[114] For the service personnel in the container 2 impermissible goods are automatically color-coded by the system, whereby the service staff has the possibility to increase the graphical representation arbitrarily. It can also be switched between negative and positive representation of the image. Also, various other digital image filters can be added.

[115] The resolution of the X-ray image is about 10 mm in the central region of the cargo to be inspected. The radiation is set so hard that up to 300 mm of steel can be penetrated. It is estimated that 25,000 or more large objects can easily be scanned in the course of a calendar year. [116] The X-ray source has a power of 8 MeV. In this case, the conveyor belt 4 is set so that at least 20 m in length can be moved through the scan room 13. The bridge 3 makes room for more than 4 m height of the irradiation space 13. The conveyor belt 14 also allows a width of at least 3 m for the large object to be scanned. The lowest scanning beam runs exactly on the surface of the conveyor belt 14.

[117] In detail, several detectors are each arranged on a straight detector strip within the arcuate section 17. The detector bars themselves are then aligned within the housing of the arcuate portion 17 so that their respective perpendicular bisectors are directed towards the X-ray source. The individual detector strips are located in a rail within the housing 17. They are not selectively connected to the rail system, but are compressed on one or both sides by spring force. This causes even with a thermal expansion of the housing 17, the detector strips are still compressed between the springs, without forming a gap between the individual detector bars.

[118] At the connection 18 of the arch 3 to the foundation can advantageously be provided with two stabilizing rollers and a support. The bridge 3 is rigidly connected to the container 2, so that tensions can form during thermal expansion. If the sheet is mounted on the support 18 on rollers, these voltages are reduced. Nevertheless, the sheet 3 carries along any movement of the X-ray source, for example, when the ground is slightly lower.

[119] In this case, the course of the bridge 3 with respect to all four parts 14, 15, 16, 17 is not exactly perpendicular to the transport direction 11, but differs by about 8 ° therefrom. This has the advantage that end faces of the cargo can be irradiated obliquely.

[120] Constructively, only filtered air is provided for the service room in order to further increase the safety of the service personnel. Above the X-ray source housing, a second roof is also provided above the container 2 in order to exclude direct sunlight from the X-ray source dwelling.

[121] The second installation 30 in FIGS. 2 to 5, in turn, consists essentially of a container 31 with X-ray source emitter, service room and separation room. In contrast to the stationary embodiment in FIG. 1, the station in FIGS. 2 to 6 is, however, designed to be displaceable and to this end mounted via wheels 32, 33 on two rails 34, 35. Thus, the container 31 along a Verfahrrich- 36 low-resistance and can be moved very evenly. [122] The X-ray source radiates through collimators 51 below a bridge 37 through a scan room 38 to a large arcuate rack section 39 which extends equidistant around the X-ray source from a highest point 19 to a transport platform 40. The platform 40 is higher in vertical than the X-ray source and as the lowermost detectors (not shown) in the arcuate portion 39.

The bow 39 leads to a carrying carriage 41, which is supported by two wheels (not shown) on a simple rail 42. Beyond the arch 39 and the auxiliary carriage 41, a stationary radiation protection wall 43 is constructed in this embodiment.

[124] From a boarding position 20 on the platform 40, a walkway 44 leads around the container 31 to the entrance of the separation room. From the exit of the separation room, a second catwalk 45 leads back to the platform 40.

[125] Above the container 31, a second roof 46 is provided for protection from direct sunlight. This is opposite to the Con-tainer 31 laterally over to protect even slightly tilted sun.

The catwalk bridges 44, 45 are on the platform, but are connected to the container 31, so that in a displacement of the container 31 along the displacement direction 36, the entire construction of container 31, catwalks 44, 45, radiation source with collimator 51 and Bridge 37, detection sheet 39 and auxiliary carriage 41 moves in the direction of movement 36 as a unit. In this case, the bridge 37 is rotated relative to the displacement direction 36 and thus also relative to a main extension direction 48 of the platform 40 at an angle 49 of about 10 ° in the horizontal.

[127] The load to be scanned or the truck to be scanned (not shown) is located by the platform 40 on a higher horizontal plane than the lowermost X-ray path in the scan room 38, so that the large object to be scanned is completely illuminated. In this case, the X-ray beam is bundled horizontally so far that it reaches at most twice the width of the detector strip 39. Alternatively or cumulatively to the solid radiation protection wall 43, a traveling X-ray radiation protection wall can also be provided.

[128] At the beginning of a radiographic scan, the system moves fully automatically, automatically returns to its original position and automatically sets its driving speed. Overall, only one person for the operation of the system 30 is necessary. The transfer of the acquired data to the image processing system takes place automatically. [129] The software ensures that the detector strips receive data and import them into images. The software automatically calculates distortions and uses false color filters and contrast filters.

[130] In order to be able to unambiguously assign as many objects as possible to be detected by scanning, the software uses automatic contour recognition filters. A number of contours are stored in a database, in whole or in part.

[131] The software also uses automatic material detection filters. The material identifiers are also in parts or completely in a database.

[132] All captured images of the detectors are stored in a database, along with identification numbers of each scan and timestamp. Also, all results of the image processing software with identification numbers and time stamps are stored in the database. Each scan also stores the data of the serving service person and any other persons responsible for deciding whether a large object to be scanned is objected or not. All service personnel must clearly identify themselves before activating the image editing software.

[133] The system also has software that handles the complete motion control of the system. The identification data of freight and / or trucks are optically recorded by the software and automatically detected. These are also stored in the database with identification numbers and time stamps. If radio data carriers are present in the cargo or truck, either actively or passively in the form of transponders, the software can also record these and store them in the database.

If possible, biometric data of the truck drivers or other operators of the large objects are also recorded, for example iris images or fingerprint data. These are also stored in the database if this is legally permissible under data law. In addition, the software can record data from ID documents visually, automatically recognize and store them in the database. If the identification documents are equipped accordingly, the software is also able to read ID card data and / or passport data and / or other ID data by radio.

[135] The personal and / or biometric data of the operator of the large objects and / or freight data to be scanned may be present in a database so that the software can be used in the

Able to match these. If the data is inconsistent and / or if there is a risk regarding the operator exists and / or if a potentially illegal object is detected in the large object to be scanned, the software issues a warning. Optionally, the operator of the large object to be scanned is automatically secured in the separation room until security personnel and / or a representative of the executive arrives.

[136] Incidentally, the scan parameters can be automatically set by the software based on the cargo to be checked, for example, as indicated by the shipping documents. The software can also be able to move the scanning system to critical points of the charge and, for example, to travel at a slower speed.

[137] It should be expressly understood that all aspects of the present invention can be used on rail systems as well as on roller or tire systems and also in a statically advantageous manner.

[138] Overall, the presented invention can achieve considerable security gains.

As shown schematically in FIG. 6, the scanning spaces 13, 38, in which, for example, lorries 25 or containers 10 can be found, are roamed by a main jet 52 which, starting from a radiation source 50, reaches detectors 56 which are located in the frame 3 , 39 are arranged. In this case, the radiation source 50 comprises an actual starting point 55 for the radiation, which is arranged within a shield 57 which can leave the beam path, and in particular also the main beam 52, through an opening 58, the radiation source 50 furthermore having a source collimator 53, which is arranged around the opening 58 and should prevent scattered radiation. Such radiation sources 50 are known per se sufficiently from the prior art and readily available in this embodiment. Immediately following the source collimator 53 series collimators 51 are connected in the proposed embodiments, which additionally limit the beam path, so that it does not expand too much even with very long path lengths. Here, the series collimators 51 comprise partial collimators 54, which are connected to one another by a common wall 59. These walls 59 are aligned substantially parallel to the main beam path 52.

Both the partial collimators 54 and the walls 59 comprise materials that have a radiation-insulating effect. For example, they may be formed of lead and / or filled with radiation-insulating sand.

[141] A direct comparison with the source collimator 53 already shows that such a series collimator 51, with the same overall length, has substantially less surface area parallel to the beam path. Ie 60, which limit the beam path. In this way, the proportion of rays that is reflected on these surfaces 60 and corresponding internal structures and thus not properly shielded, can be significantly reduced. Although rays which also do not affect the source collimator 53 at an angle, but the surfaces 60 of the partial collimators oriented parallel to the beam path, can then be shielded by the walls 61 of the partial collimators oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam path.

[142] In addition, the walls 61 and 62 of the partial collimators as well as the radiation-insulating wall 59 of the series collimators 51 form radiation traps which are very difficult to leave by rays once they have reached it. This applies in particular with regard to beams which want to leave the beam traps parallel to the main beam path 52.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, in this exemplary embodiment the detectors 56, which in the present case are formed of individual scintillant crystals with associated light-sensitive diodes, are exposed directly to the beam path and surrounded by a lead shield 65 having a slot-like opening 66. On the side facing away from the beam path of Beiabschirmung 66 a shield 67 is still provided from shielding sand, as Figure 7 shows. For this purpose, the frame or the frame 3, 39 is formed accordingly as a hollow frame and has a wall 68, which in this embodiment is substantially the shape of a bordered U. This U encloses the lead shield 65 on the side facing away from the beam path. It is understood that such a hollow body filled with shielding sand is advantageous as a cantilevered detector rear side, irrespective of the other features of the present invention.

The detectors 56 are arranged on detector modules 70 which are mounted in a T-shaped recess 71 of the lead shield, with the result that the lead shield 65 laterally of the gap 66 over the detector modules 70 cantilevered regions 72, which the detector modules 70th largely protect against radiation. On the other hand, the detectors 56 can easily be exposed in the direction of the radiation source 50 by means of the T-shaped recess 71, whose center bar ultimately represents the gap 66. It is understood that in an alternative embodiment, a protective but largely radiolucent cover may be provided in front of the detectors.

[145] Depending on the specific embodiment, the detector modules are directly guided and held by the lead shield, wherein in an alternative embodiment, a separate guide for the detector modules within the shield may be provided. In such an embodiment, the modules can readily be displaced within the recess 71 (perpendicular to the drawing plane of FIGS. 6 to 8) of the recess 71, so that they correspond to a curve shape or a similar curvature of the frame structure or the frame 3, 39 can follow without further ado. This is especially true when the individual modules are arranged side by side movable - and are interconnected, for example, only by a cable connection or the like. It is understood that such a sliding guide of detector modules within a shield is also advantageous independently of the other features of the present invention.

[146] The individual detector modules are preferably interconnected via a bus connection, for example an Ethernet bus, a serial bus connection or optical fiber connection, so that information can be transmitted serially along the individual detector modules and readily read out at the end of the entire detector unit.

[147] In the present embodiment, the detectors 56 are mounted directly on standard sockets 73, which in turn can be plugged into corresponding standard plug-in connections on an intermediate carrier board 74. In the present exemplary embodiment, any electronic or logical components between the standard sockets 73 and the detectors 56 are dispensed with here. The measurement signals of the detectors 56 thus run directly from the detectors 56 via the plug-in contacts 75, which are formed by the baseboards 73 and the standard connector, on the intermediate board 74, where they are passed directly into integrally formed as an operational amplifier 76. These integrators thus represent the first electronic components which encounter signals from the detectors 56. In this embodiment, commercial integrators are used in this embodiment, each of which consists of correspondingly interconnected pairs of operational amplifiers, so that each integrator 76 can process the signals of two detectors 56. Each intermediate board 74 has eight integrators 76, namely four integrators 76 on one front side and four integrators 76 on a rear side of the intermediate board 74. This means that sixteen detectors 56 can be operated without difficulty for each intermediate board 74, which in the present exemplary embodiment leads to a reasonable length of the intermediate boards 74 (the length in the present case is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIGS. 6 to 8).

As can be seen directly from FIG. 7, the integrators 76, viewed in the beam direction, are arranged behind the lead shield 65, in particular behind the regions 72, so that damage to these electrical assemblies by the beams of the radiation source 50 can be minimized.

The intermediate board 74 is also provided with standard connectors 77, which ensure a plug-in connection to a motherboard 78, on which now also logic modules and

Analog-to-digital converter (not shown) are arranged. It goes without saying that these electronic or logic components are also present in the beam shadow of the lead shield 65 or 72 are arranged to minimize damage to these assemblies by the radiation as possible.

[150] In this embodiment, the signals amplified by the operational amplifiers of the integrators 76 of the detectors 56 thus run directly through the connector 77 on the motherboard. The intermediate board thus has no logical modules. This embodiment has the advantage that extremely short, and in particular approximately equally long, paths can be provided between the amplifying subassemblies, namely the integrators 76, and the subassemblies which further process these signals, which can be provided by the three-dimensional structure of interposer board 74 and Motherboard 78 is possible. Moreover, this arrangement has the advantage, independent of the other features of the present invention, that the paths through which analog signals must pass can be minimized.

[151] In the present embodiment, the length of the main boards 78 corresponds to the length of the intermediate boards 74, so that in each case detector modules with sixteen detectors 56 result. These can, as shown by way of example in FIG. 9, be readily inserted one above the other within the T-shaped recess 71, with the respective detector modules 74 already coming into direct contact as a result of gravity. Here, the individual detector modules 70 a curvature of the entire detector unit or the frame 3, 39 follow immediately, in particular in the presently favored Konkavkrümmung the detectors 56 of two detector modules 70 seamlessly abut each other, while between the boards 74, 78 due to the curvature small gap 79 will remain. In this way it can be ensured even with a thermal expansion of the overall arrangement that basically always detector 56 is located at detector 56, so that an image is not distorted even under such conditions, although if necessary, the resolution can change.

[152] Depending on the concrete design, a connection between the individual boards is not absolutely necessary. It is advantageous, however, if the individual boards are interconnected by a bus system, so that measurement results can be transmitted readily and reliably to a control center, this preferably being done along the boards. Depending on specific requirements, the boards, in particular the main boards 78 may be connected to each other articulated, for example by wire connections or the like. Such an articulated connection can be realized for example by a suitable perforation or other material weakening. If the curvatures are not very strong, it is also possible, for example, to combine several intermediate boards 74 on a single main board 78, which then becomes correspondingly larger is formed - and optionally has a slight articulation through the material weakenings described above at appropriate locations.

[153] As can be seen directly in particular with reference to FIG. 7, a detector module 56 can also easily be replaced by the gap 66. A change of the boards, however, is somewhat more complicated, since these from the rail or the T-shaped Aufnehmung 71 of the lead shield

65 must be pushed out. However, since the electronic or logical modules behind the

Shield 65 are arranged, the damage of these assemblies is minimized by the radiation, whereas the detectors 56 are excellently exposed and thus can measure extremely accurate - and at the same time can be easily replaced if they should, in particular due to the radiation fail.

[154] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a vehicle, for example a container or an entire truck, travels on wheels 85 on a flat floor 83 parallel to a support 86, the support 86 being raised so that the latter within the beam path of a Radiation source 50 is arranged. The radiation source 50 is rigidly arranged on a support arm 80 and rotatably mounted on the carriage via a joint 87. At the end of the arm 80 facing away from the radiation source 50, a carrier 88 for a detector strip 81, as described above, is arranged, which in turn can be moved on the floor 83 via an auxiliary carriage 89, which has wheels 84.

[155] This arrangement comprises a goniometer 90 which corrects incoming signals 91 which are actually intended to be supplied by the detectors to an image generator 92 in a corrector 93 prior to input to the image generator 92 according to the angle. If, in this arrangement, therefore, the auxiliary carriage 89 passes over an obstacle, this leads to an angle change of the arm

80, but not to a relative displacement between the radiation source 50 and the detectors in the

Detector strip 81, so that an image correction can be performed very reliable accordingly. Due to the fact that the correction device 93 is arranged before entry into the image formation 92, the

Correction process very easy. In particular, the image generation does not need opposite to the

Prior art known image creations to be modified.

[156] As can be seen immediately, a vertical displacement of frame 80, 88 and radiation source 50 with respect to a large object or with respect to the support 86 can be measured or corrected by the protractor 90 or by the correction device 93.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12 substantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 11, so that identically effective assemblies are also numbered identically. However, includes this arrangement a per se about hydraulics 95 tiltable arm 96, 97, the joints are, however, secured by bolts 89. In this way, the frame during operation is considered to be rigid.

[158] The arrangement according to FIG. 12 furthermore has two measuring devices 99, which in turn send signals to the correction device 93 when the arrangement travels over an uneven floor, so that a corresponding vertical displacement can easily be measured and corrected.

The arrangement according to FIG. 13 also essentially corresponds to the arrangement according to FIG. 11, so that identical components are also numbered identically here. However, in this case, the support arm 100 is rigidly mounted on the carriage 82. In addition, measuring devices 101 measure a deviation of the radiation source 50 or the detectors in the detector strip 81 from the support 86, so that even subsequently forming unevenness in the base 83 is the measurement result can not falsify.

Claims

claims:

1. Radiation scanner (1, 3) for large objects (9, 25) such as containers, railway wagons or trucks (9, 25), with at least one laterally arranged radiation source (12) and at least one detector (3, 17, 39). between which beams (13; 38) can travel along one beam path and with a support (4; 40) for the large object (9, 25), characterized in that the support (4; 0) for the large object (4; 9, 25) within the beam path (13, 38) is arranged.

2. Transmission scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that the beam path has at least one horizontal beam path, which is provided below the support.

3. Radiation scanner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the radiation source is arranged in and / or below a support-containing plane.

4. Transmission scanner according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the

Support comprises a linear transport (4, 11) for the large objects or is designed as such.

5. Transmission scanner according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the radiation source and the detector linear, preferably on rails (34, 35, 42), are displaceable.

6. Transmission scanner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam path is provided outside of a building.

7. Radiation scanner according to claim 6, characterized in that behind the detector seen from the radiation source from a moving radiation protection, such as a moving concrete wall, is provided.

8. Radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, and with a support for the large object, characterized in that the radiation source (50) and the detector (39) is connected to one another via a bridge (3, 14, 15, 16, 17, 37, 39) and can be displaced on rails (34, 35, 42) by means of a separate drive.

9. Radiation scanner according to claim 5 or 8, characterized by the rails encompassing securing clips.

10. Radiation scanner according to claim 5, 8 or 9, characterized in that the radiation source is arranged on a carriage which is mounted independently of a bridge stand-alone.

11. Transmission scanner according to claim 10, characterized in that the detector is mounted on a bridge, on the one hand to the stable car and on the other hand to an auxiliary carriage (41) which is mounted displaceably mounted on exactly one rail.

12. Transmission scanner according to claim 11, characterized in that the auxiliary carriage runs over two wheels on the rail.

13. Transmission scanner according to claim 11, characterized in that the auxiliary carriage is not driven.

14. Radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, as well as with a support for the

Large object, characterized by a securing space (7) for operating personnel of the large object (9, 25) outside the scanning volume (13, 38), preferably structurally integrated (2, 31) with the transmission scanner.

15. Radiation scanner according to claim 14, characterized in that the securing space and / or a service area for service personnel can be displaced together with the radiation source or the detector.

16, radiation scanner according to claim 15, characterized in that the radiation source, the service room and the fuse space are arranged in a movable on rails container.

17. Transmission scanner according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by a displaceable with the fuse space running bridge (44) between the support and the backup space.

18. Radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, in particular according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized a path (21, 22, 23, 44, 45) around the radiation source is provided for the operating personnel outside the beam path (13, 38) by a securing space (7).

19. Transmittance scanner according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the radiation source can be activated only when the operating personnel is in the fuse space.

20. Radiation scanner according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the securing space is ball, shot and / or impact resistant.

21. Radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, as well as with a support for the

Large object, characterized by a self-sufficient power generator.

22. Radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams between the radiation source and the detectors along a beam path can run, as well as with a support for the large object, characterized in that the detectors are arranged substantially along an arc (17; 39), preferably along a circular arc (39), in particular perpendicular to the beam path and displaceable together with the radiation source.

23. Radiation scanner according to claim 22, characterized in that the detectors are arranged on an arcuate, preferably on a circular arc-shaped frame.

24. Transmission scanner according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the detectors are arranged in rectilinear detector strips whose mid-perpendiculars are substantially aligned with the radiation source, preferably with a deviation below 15 °.

25. Radiation scanner according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the detectors are arranged in rectilinear detector strips whose centers are substantially equidistant from the radiation source, are arranged.

26. Radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams between the radiation source and the detectors along a beam path run can, as well as with a support for the large object, characterized by compensating means against thermal expansion.

27. Transmission scanner according to claim 26, characterized in that the compensation means comprise detector rails, which are provided on a frame and on which the detectors are arranged movable, preferably spring means are provided, which are effective parallel to the detector rails on the detectors.

28. Radiation scanner according to claim 27, characterized in that the frame is rigidly connected to the radiation source.

29. Radiation scanner according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the detectors are arranged in detector strips which are arranged on the compensation means on a frame.

30. Transmission scanner according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the compensation means temperature-stable spacers, for example, a housing of the detector strips having.

31, radiation scanner according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the compensating means comprise a thermally insulating housing (14, 15, 16, 17, 37, 39) for the detectors and for the detector strips.

32. Radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams between the radiation source and the detectors along a beam path can run, as well as with a support for the large object, characterized by a common Housing (14, 15, 16, 17, 37, 39) for the detectors or for detector strips, in which the detectors are arranged.

33. Radiation scanner according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the housing comprises a thermal insulation.

34. Transmission scanner according to one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the housing interior is air-conditioned, in particular actively conditioned, is.

35. Radiation scanner according to one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the housing is mounted on a frame.

36. Radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams between the radiation source and the detectors can run along a beam path, and with a support for the large object, characterized by a frame (14, 15, 16, 17, 37, 39) for the detectors, which is connected substantially rigidly (19) to the radiation source (50).

37. Radiation scanner according to claim 36, characterized in that the frame is rigidly connected to a thermal compensation with the radiation source.

38. Radiation scanner according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the detectors are rigidly connected to the frame except for a thermal compensation.

39. Radiation scanner according to one of claims 36 to 38, characterized in that the detectors and the radiation source linear can be relocated along a path with respect to the large object and the frame horizontally by an angle (49) smaller than 90 ° with respect to

Way (11, 48) is arranged obliquely.

40. Radiation scanner according to one of claims 36 to 39, characterized by a measuring device (90, 99, 101) for measuring a vertical displacement of the frame and radiation source with respect to the large object or with respect to the support.

41. Radiation scanner according to one of claims 36 to 40, characterized by a correction device (93) for correcting a vertical displacement of the frame and radiation source with respect to the large object or with respect to the support.

42. Radiation scanner according to claim 41, characterized in that the correction device (93) is arranged before entry into an image generation (92).

43. radiographic scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and a plurality of detectors, wherein beams between the radiation source and the detectors along a beam path can run, and with a support for the large object, characterized in that the beam path is horizontally inclined by an angle (49) smaller than 90 ° with respect to the path (11, 48), along this sen the detectors and the radiation source with respect to the large object can be moved, is oblique.

44. Radiation scanner according to claim 43, characterized in that the beam path is arranged in a vertical plane.

45. Radiation scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, and with a support for the large object, characterized in that the radiation source in a standard container, preferably in a 20 foot container or in a 40 foot container, is arranged.

46. Radiation scanner according to claim 45, characterized in that a service room for service personnel of the transmission scanner and / or a security room for operators of the large object, such as a truck driver or train driver, are arranged in the container.

47. Radiographic scanner according to claim 45 or 46, characterized in that the container can be moved on rails.

48. Radiation scanner according to one of claims 45 to 47, characterized in that the radiation source is arranged in a separate space of the container.

49. Radiation scanner according to claim 48, characterized in that the separate space is shielded except for an exit slit for the beam path.

50. Transmission scanner according to one of claims 45 to 49, characterized in that the radiation source is shielded except for an exit slit for the beam path.

51. radiographic scanner for large objects, such as containers, railway cars or trucks, with at least one radiation source and at least one detector, between which rays can travel along a beam path, and with a support for the large object, characterized in that the radiation source is shielded, bundled and / or directed (51) is that at the height of the detector or at the level of at least one detector bar, the beam width is not more than twice as wide as the detector or the detector bar.

52. Radiation scanner according to claim 51, characterized in that the radiation source and the detector are arranged to be movable and seen behind the detector from the radiation source from a traveling radiation protection, such as a moving concrete wall, is provided.

53. Radiation scanner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation source (50) and the detector are arranged to be movable and behind the detector from the radiation source seen from a stationary radiation protection, such as a concrete wall, is provided.

54. Radiation scanner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation source (50) is an X-ray source, a γ-ray source and / or a neutron source.

55. Radiation scanner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam path (scan room 13, 38) passes a series collimator (51).

56. Radiation scanner according to claim 55, characterized in that the series collimator (51) is arranged in the beam path behind a source collimator (53).

57. Radiation scanner according to claim 56, characterized in that the series collimator (51) directly adjoins the source collimator (53).

58. Transmission scanner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam path brushes at least one radiation trap.

59. Transmission scanner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one detector (56) is arranged on a logic-free detector module, which is non-destructively releasably connected to a carrier.

60. Transmission scanner according to claim 59, characterized in that the detector module is formed free of electronics.

61. Transmission scanner according to claim 59 or 60, characterized in that the detector module comprises not more than 32 detectors (56), preferably not more than 16 detectors (56).

62. Transmission scanner according to one of claims 59 to 61, characterized in that the connection of the detector module to its carrier is a plug connection.

63. Radiation scanner according to one of claims 59 to 62, characterized in that the plug connection is designed to be electrically conductive.

64. Transmission scanner according to one of claims 59 to 63, characterized in that the carrier is a logic-free subcarrier, which is arranged on a main carrier with a measuring electronics.

65. Radiation scanner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one detector (56) on a module unit with not more than 32 detectors (56), preferably not more than 16 detectors (56), arranged and this module unit with at least one another module unit is connected via a bus connection.

66. Transmission scanner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one detector (56) on a module unit with not more than 32 detectors (56), preferably not more than 16 detectors (56) arranged, and this modular unit at least is mounted movably at least another module unit.