GB2060330A - Apparatus for x-ray inspection of components - Google Patents

Abstract

An x-ray inspection chamber (10) has an access opening closable by doors (20), with a fail-safe opto- electronic system providing a light curtain across the access opening to sense the presence of an object such as an operator's arm in the opening. An adjustable table (16) for supporting a component provides an infinitely variable film focal distance between the x-ray head (14) and the component. A warning light is energised during a predetermined delay period before the head (14) becomes operative after activation of a switch by the operator and the adjustment of the table (16) and closure of the doors (20) takes place during the delay period. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to apparatus for Xray inspection of components This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to apparatus for x-ray inspection of components.

In accordance with official regulations it is necessary for an apparatus which is arranged to carry out x-ray inspection of components to include warning means which is activated for a predetermined period of time prior to an x-ray source being operative. In previously proposed apparatus the control system for the apparatus is adapted to carry out operations such as closing of access doors to the x-ray chamber after the components has been left therein but prior to the warning means being activated.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for x-ray inspection of components, said apparatus comprising a chamber formed of a material preventing passage of x-rays therethrough an x-ray source located within the chamber, the chamber having an access opening closable by door means for loading of a component into the chamber, and a control system which includes warning means arranged to be activated for a predetermined period of time prior to the x-ray source being operative and switch means for effecting activation of said warning means and closure of the door means within said predetermined period of time.

Preferably support means for the component is provided within the chamber, the support means being adjustable to vary the distance between the x-ray source and the component being inspected, and the switch means of the control system is arranged to effect adjustment of the support means within said predetermined period of time.

Preferably also the support means has a plurality of preset positions which can be selected by the operator such that the support means automatically adjusts to the selected position.

The access opening may be protected by an opto-electronic arrangement which provides a light curtain across the access opening for sensing.

the presence in the light curtain and therefore the access opening of, for example, the arm of an operator.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Fig. 1 is a front elevation of an apparatus according to the invention with front panelling removed for clarification purposes; Fig. 2 shows the front panelling; Fig. 3 is a section of A-A of Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 is a section on B-B of Fig.

Referring to the drawing, an apparatus for x-ray inspection of components comprises an x-ray chamber in the form of a lead module preventing passage of x-rays out of the chamber, and a cabinet 1 2 also of modular construction wherein the chamber 10 is located. The cabinet 1 2 is faced with sheet steel sprayed with a hammer finish protective coating and is fitted with corner pieces of extruded aluminium thus giving an aesthetically attractive appearance with clean smooth lines.

The cabinet houses components such as a power supply 1 3 and an oil cooler 1 5 association with the x-ray mechanism. The chamber 10 has a one inch nominal thickness of lead fabricated on to an angular steel frame of welded construction and has an entry for a supply calbe for an x-ray head 14 via an angled lead ducting 17.

The x-ray head 14 is mounted horizontally in the top of the chamber 10 with the source emittance being directed vertically downwards on to components under test which are supported on an adjustable table 1 6 as hereinafter described. A copper filter is located at the x-ray source aperture on the tube assembly of the head 14, is operated by means of an air cylinder and is controlled from externally of a front panel 1 8 of the cabinet 12.

The chamber 10 has an access opening closable by a pair of pneumatically-powered leadlined doors 20 movable on upper and lower tracks 22, 24. A fail-safe opto-electronic system provides a light curtain extending across the access opening to sense the presence of an object. such as the arm of an operator, in the access opening and prevent closure of the door thus protecting the operator from possible injury. Aligned with the.

access opening in the chamber is an opening in the front panel 18.

The table 16 for supporting the components in the chamber 10 is lead lined and electrohydraulically operated from controls accessible externally on the front panel 18. The table 16 has a scissors jack type adjustment and provides an infinitely variable film focal distance between the head 14 and the component being inspected.

There is also provided a plurality for example five, pre-set positions which can be selected by the operator such that the table will move automatically to the selected position. An override facility permits the selection of any table height.

Variable exposure angles are possible by means of standard angular jigs (now shown). A range of fixed angles and a variable angle jib is available.

A hinged access door provided on one side panel of the cabinet 12 and an access door 26 into the lower part of the chamber 10 are provided for maintenance. Safety interlocks prevent admittance during exposure periods.

An electrical control system for the apparatus can be controlled by the operator from an electrics panel 28 and an x-ray control panel 30 provided externally on the front panel 1 8. The panel 28 groups the operation controls, indicators and interlocks which include all the controls and indicators necessary for the cyclic operation of the apparatus, for interlock reset and for preselection of the position of the support table and the copper filter. The panel 30 groups the x-ray head and power supply controls and indicators.

Once a component has been loaded into the chamber 10 on the table 1 6 and the necessary pre-selection of the table position effected, a switch on the control panel 30 can be operated by the operator for activation of the x-ray head 1 4. In accordance with official regulations there is provided a delay period before the head 14 becomes operative and, during this delay period, warning means in the form of a light 32 visible on the front panel 18 is energised. The operation of the switch also initiates adjustment of the table 16 and closure of the doors 20, such adjustment and closure being adapted to take place within the delay period.Because such adjustment and closure does not require to take place before the delay period is initiated, there is a corresponding saving in the operation of the apparatus, which because the apparatus is in continuous operation, is considerable and consequently enhances production. Warring means in the form of a light 34 is also visible on the front panel 18 to indicate when the x-ray head is operative. The doors 20 are fully safety interlocked with the x-ray and control equipment.

As well as the considerable saving in operation time the apparatus is advantageous in that the operating sequences are initiated by means of a single push button, with all subsequent operations being controlled automatically, and the apparatus requires only a single operator to load and unload test samples. Other advantages arise from the modular construction which ensures low capital outlay and minimum installation cost and the apparatus is readily movable, thus providing for changes in production line and factory layout. Full safety interlocks are incorporated with automatic operation of both audible and visual exposure alarms.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims (11)

1. Apparatus for x-ray inspection of components, said apparatus comprising a chamber formed of a material preventing passage of x-rays therethrough, an x-ray source located within the chamber, the chamber having an access opening closable by door means for loading of a component into the chamber, and a control system which includes warning means arranged to be activated for a predetermined period of time prior to the x-ray source being operative and switch means for effecting activation of said warning means and closure of the door means within said predetermined period of time.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning means comprises a light visible on a front panel of the apparatus.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein indicating means is arranged to be activated during operation of the x-ray source.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein support means for the component is provided within the chamber, the support means being adjustable to vary the distance between the x-ray source and the component being inspected, and the switch means of the control system is arranged to effect adjustment of the support means within said predetermined period of time.

5. Apparatus for x-ray inspection of components, said apparatus comprising a chamber formed of a material preventing passage of x-rays therethrough, an x-ray source located within the chamber, the chamber having an access opening closable by door means for loading of a component into the chamber, and support means for the component within the chamber, the support means being adjustable to vary the distance between the x-ray source and the component being inspected.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the support means comprises a table which is so adjustable as to provide an infinitely variable film focal distance between the x-ray source and the component.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the table hasa scissors jack fVpe adjustment.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein an override facility permits the selection of any table height.

9. Apparatus for x-ray inspection of components, said apparatus comprising a chamber formed of a material preventing passage of x-rays therethrough, an x-ray source located within the chamber, the chamber having an access opening closable by door means for loading of a component into the chamber, the access opening being protected by an optoelectronic arrangement which provides a light curtain across the access opening for sensing the presence of an object in the light curtain.

10. Apparatus for x-ray inspection of components substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

11. Any novel subject matter of combination including novel subject matter herein disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.