JP2006010454A - X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus which detects being in a state of non-inspection when liquid level inspection is actually being performed. <P>SOLUTION: The control section of the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus compares a detection signal for a vessel to be inspected from a position detector for X-ray detection/decision with an X-ray sensor output signal from an X-ray sensor. When the X-ray sensor output signal attenuates (Step S1), when it is determined that the vessel to be inspected is not detected by the position detector for X-ray detection/decision (Step S2), it is determined that the position detector for X-ray detection/decision is abnormal (Step S3). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus for inspecting a liquid level in a container filled and sealed with a liquid such as beer or juice (hereinafter simply referred to as a liquid) by X-ray irradiation.

  As a conventional X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus, an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray with respect to an inspected container that has been conveyed by a conveying means, and an X-ray that is irradiated from the X-ray source and passes through the inspected container. An X-ray sensor to detect, a determination unit for determining the suitability of the liquid level in the inspected container based on transmitted X-rays detected by the X-ray sensor, and that the inspected container has reached the liquid level inspection position A device including a position detector for detection is known (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

In such an X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus, X-rays are irradiated from an X-ray source toward an inspection container, and X-rays transmitted through the inspection object are detected by an X-ray sensor. The quality of the liquid level is judged. The determination in the determination unit is performed at a predetermined timing after the position detector detects that the inspection object has reached the inspection position.
JP 11-173999 A JP 2003-185490 A

  In such an X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus, it may be considered that the inspection is not performed due to, for example, the life or failure of an X-ray source, an X-ray sensor, a position detector, or the like. Conventionally, as a measure for preventing such an uninspected state, before inspecting, an inspected container with a known amount of liquid is inspected to check whether the inspection is normally performed. Things were going on.

  However, there may be a case where the lifespan comes to an actual inspection. In the conventional X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus, when the liquid level inspection is actually performed, it has not been possible to check whether the inspection is normally performed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus capable of detecting a non-inspection state when a liquid level inspection is actually performed.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is directed to an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray to the inspection container conveyed by the conveying means, and the X-ray source irradiated from the X-ray source. An X-ray sensor that detects X-rays transmitted through the X-ray, a determination unit that determines the suitability of the liquid level in the inspected container based on the transmitted X-rays detected by the X-ray sensor, and a liquid level inspection of the inspected container An X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus including a position detector for detecting arrival at a position, based on an arrival inspection position detected by the position detector and a transmitted X-ray detected by the X-ray sensor And a control unit that determines that any of the X-ray source, the X-ray sensor, and the position detector is abnormal.

In the invention according to the first aspect, X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray source to the container to be inspected which is transferred to the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus by the transfer means. When the position detector detects the arrival of the inspected container at the liquid level inspection position, the X-ray transmitted through the inspected container is detected by the X-ray sensor, and the determination unit uses the detected transmitted X-ray to detect the X-ray. The suitability of the liquid level inside is determined.
At this time, based on the arrival inspection position detected by the position detector and the transmitted X-ray detected by the X-ray sensor, it is determined that any of the X-ray source, the X-ray sensor, and the position detector is abnormal. Is done.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the control unit according to the first aspect, the X-ray sensor output signal is attenuated even though the container to be inspected is not detected by the position detector. The position detector is determined to be abnormal.

  In the invention according to claim 2, when the position detector is functioning normally and the liquid level inspection is normally performed, the position of the container to be inspected reaches the liquid level inspection position. The inspected container is detected by the detector, and the X-ray emitted from the X-ray source is attenuated by passing through the inspected container, so that the X-ray sensor output signal is attenuated. However, when the position detector does not function normally, when the container to be inspected reaches the liquid level inspection position, the X-ray sensor output signal is attenuated, but the container to be inspected is not detected by the position detector. Therefore, the control unit compares the inspection container detection signal and the X-ray sensor output signal, and the X-ray sensor output signal is attenuated even though the inspection container is not detected by the position detector. It can be determined that the position detector is abnormal.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the control unit according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured so that the X-ray sensor output signal from the X-ray sensor is detected even though the inspected container is detected by the position detector. When the attenuation amount is smaller than a predetermined attenuation amount, it is determined that the X-ray source or the X-ray sensor is abnormal.

  In the invention according to the third aspect, when the X-ray source or the X-ray sensor functions normally and the liquid level inspection is normally performed, the container to be inspected is at the liquid level inspection position. When it reaches, the inspected container is detected by the position detector, and X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source are attenuated by passing through the inspected container, and the X-ray sensor output signal is larger than a predetermined attenuation amount. Attenuate. However, when either the X-ray source or the X-ray sensor does not function properly, when the container to be inspected reaches the liquid level inspection position, the container to be inspected is detected by the position detector. The amount of attenuation of the output signal is smaller than a predetermined amount. Therefore, the control unit compares the inspection container detection signal with the X-ray sensor output signal, so that the attenuation amount of the X-ray sensor output signal is predetermined even though the inspection container is detected by the position detector. If it is smaller than the attenuation amount, it can be determined that the X-ray source or the X-ray sensor is abnormal.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, any abnormality of the X-ray source, the X-ray sensor, and the position detector can be detected, and any of these is not functioning normally. It can be detected that the liquid level is not inspected due to the cause.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, it is possible to detect an abnormality of the position detector, and that the liquid level suitability is not inspected because the position detector is not functioning normally. Can be detected.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect abnormality of the X-ray source or the X-ray sensor, and the liquid level is not appropriate because the X-ray source or the X-ray sensor is not functioning normally. It can be detected that the inspection is not performed.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of an X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an outline of an embodiment of an X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view showing an outline of an example of an embodiment of an X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus according to the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 3 are diagrams showing an X-ray sensor of the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus shown in FIGS.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus of this example. The X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The inside of the apparatus body 2 constitutes a radiation protection room, and an X-ray source 3, an X-ray sensor 4, and an X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 are provided in the apparatus body 2.

  In the apparatus main body 2, a container 7 to be inspected is conveyed by a conveyor 6 as a conveying means. Then, the inspected container 7 conveyed into the apparatus main body 2 by the conveyor 6 is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray source 3 at the liquid level inspection position 8 to determine whether or not the liquid level is appropriate. .

  In addition, the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus 1 detects an inspected container 7 on the conveyor 6 in order to irradiate X-rays from the X-ray controller 9 and the X-ray source 3 for controlling the X-ray source 3. The position detector 10 for X-ray irradiation for this is provided, and also the amplifier circuit 11, the determination part 12, and the control part 13 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray sensor 4 has a configuration in which a large number of small sensor elements 4a having a width W of, for example, 1 mm or less and a height h of less than that, for example, 64, are closely arranged on the line. X-ray line sensor. The sensor elements 4a are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the liquid surface direction (horizontal direction), that is, in the vertical direction.

  The X-ray sensor 4 configured in this manner converts the transmitted X-rays of the container to be inspected into an electrical signal and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 11 as an X-ray sensor output signal. The amplification circuit 11 amplifies the X-ray sensor output signal and outputs the amplified signal to the determination unit 12. The determination unit 12 determines whether or not the liquid level is appropriate based on the amplified X-ray sensor output signal. It is supposed to be. When the determination unit 12 determines the suitability of the liquid level, the determination unit 12 outputs a liquid level inspection end signal to the control unit 13.

  The X-ray detection / judgment position detector 5 and the X-ray irradiation position detector 10 are photoelectric sensors, infrared sensors, and the like. Light or infrared rays transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver are blocked by the container 7 to be inspected. When this is done, the container 7 to be inspected can be detected. At this time, the inspection container detection signal is output to the control unit 13.

  When the inspected container 7 is detected by the X-ray irradiation position detector 10 in this way, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray source 3. When the container 7 to be inspected reaches the liquid level inspection position 8 and is detected by the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5, the container 7 is irradiated from the X-ray source 3. The transmitted X-ray is detected by the X-ray sensor 4, and the detection signal is sent to the amplifier circuit 11 and the determination unit 12, and the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the liquid level is appropriate. In other words, when the inspected container 7 is detected by the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5, X-ray data is collected by the X-ray sensor 4 and the suitability of the liquid level is determined. . Therefore, even if the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 does not function normally and the inspected container 7 reaches the liquid level inspection position 8, the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 uses the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5. Is no longer detected, the transmitted X-ray is detected by the X-ray sensor 4 as described above, and the suitability of the liquid level is not determined based on the intensity. That is, it will be in a non-inspection state. Therefore, in this example, it is possible to detect an abnormality of the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 that causes the non-inspection state in this way (described in detail later).

  The control unit 13 compares the inspected container detection signal from the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 with the X-ray sensor output signal from the X-ray sensor 4 to thereby detect the position for X-ray detection / determination. An abnormality of the detector 5 or an abnormality of the X-ray source 3 or the X-ray sensor 4 is determined (details will be described later). In addition, the control unit 13 detects that the liquid level inspection end signal corresponding to the test container is not input from the determination unit 12 even though the test container is detected by the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5. Is determined to be abnormal (details will be described later).

Next, the operation | movement at the time of the liquid level inspection of the to-be-inspected container 7 by the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus 1 comprised in this way is demonstrated.
The container 7 to be inspected is conveyed from the left side of FIG. When the X-ray irradiation position detector 10 detects the inspected container 7, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray source 3. When the inspection container 7 reaches the liquid level inspection position 8 and the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 detects the inspection container 7, the X-ray sensor 4 detects X-rays transmitted through the inspection container 7. . At this time, among the sensor elements 4a constituting the X-ray sensor 4, the sensor element 4a positioned at a position lower than the liquid level of the container 7 to be inspected includes the wall surface of the container 7 to be inspected and the contents in the container 7 to be inspected. The weak X-rays attenuated in the incident. In addition, strong X-rays attenuated only by the wall surface of the container 7 to be inspected are incident on the sensor element 4a at a position higher than the liquid level in the container 7 to be inspected because there is no content in the X-ray passage.

  The incident X-rays to the sensor element 4a of the X-ray sensor 4 are converted into electric signals by these sensor elements 4a and sent to the amplifier circuit 11 and the determination unit 12 to determine whether the liquid level is appropriate (specifically). (See Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 for a simple determination method).

  In the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus 1 in which the liquid level inspection is performed as described above, in the control unit 13, the inspection container detection signal from the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 and the X-ray from the X-ray sensor 4 are detected. By comparing the X-ray sensor output signals, the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 and the X-ray source 3 or X-ray sensor 4 are determined to be abnormal. This will be specifically described below.

  First, determination of abnormality of the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an inspection container detection signal of the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 and an X-ray sensor output signal of the X-ray sensor 4. In the figure, the X-ray sensor output signal indicates the signal at the sensor element 4a at a position lower than the liquid level of the container 7 to be inspected.

  When the container 7 to be inspected reaches the liquid level inspection position 8 and the container 7 to be inspected blocks between the transmitter and the receiver of the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5, as shown in the figure, The detection signal changes from no container (OFF) to a container present (ON). This is a state in which the container 7 to be inspected is detected. Further, when the inspected container 7 reaches the liquid level inspection position 8 and the X-ray from the X-ray source is irradiated to the inspected container 7, the X-ray is attenuated by the inspected container 7 as shown in the figure. . The amount of attenuation at this time is V1. V1 is the amount of X-ray attenuation when passing through the wall surface and contents of the container 7 to be inspected.

  However, when the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 is not functioning normally due to a failure or the like, when the inspected container 7 reaches the liquid level inspection position 8, the X-ray sensor output signal is as shown in FIG. Although attenuated by V1, the inspected container detection signal remains in the state of no container (OFF), and the inspected container 7 is not detected.

  For this reason, the control unit 13 compares the inspected container detection signal with the X-ray sensor output signal, and performs the processing from step S1 to step S3 shown in FIG. Abnormality of the detector 5 is determined. That is, when the X-ray sensor output signal is attenuated in step S1, it is determined whether or not the inspected container 7 is detected in the next step S2. If it is determined in step S2 that the inspected container 7 has been detected, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the container 7 to be inspected is not detected, the process proceeds to the next step S3, where it is determined that the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 is abnormal.

  Next, determination of abnormality of the X-ray source 3 or the X-ray sensor 4 will be described. When the X-ray source 3 or the X-ray sensor 4 is functioning normally, the X-ray sensor output signal and the inspected container output signal are as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when either the X-ray source 3 or the X-ray sensor 4 is not functioning normally due to a failure or the like, the inspection container 7 reaches the liquid level inspection position 8 as shown in FIG. The detection signal is changed from the state of no container (OFF) to the state of container (ON), and the inspected container 7 is detected. However, the X-ray sensor output signal is only slightly attenuated (or not attenuated at all). ). Therefore, the X-ray sensor output signal is an attenuation amount smaller than the minimum attenuation amount among the attenuation amounts of the X-ray sensor output signal when the X-ray source 3 or the X-ray sensor 4 is functioning normally. In this case, it can be said that the X-ray source 3 or the X-ray sensor 4 is abnormal.

  Here, among the attenuation amounts of the X-ray sensor output signal when the X-ray source 3 or the X-ray sensor 4 is functioning normally, the minimum attenuation amount is set to V2 (predetermined attenuation according to claim 2). Equivalent to the amount). The amount of attenuation of transmitted X-rays in the container 7 to be inspected is a portion containing the contents, that is, a portion in which the contents are not contained than the amount of attenuation (V1) at a position lower than the liquid level in the container 7 to be inspected That is, since the attenuation amount at a position higher than the liquid level in the container 7 to be inspected is smaller, the latter attenuation amount is V2. However, the amount of attenuation of transmitted X-rays at a position higher than the liquid level in the container 7 to be inspected is not uniform. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a view showing an X-ray sensor output signal at a position higher than the liquid level in the container 7 to be inspected (the magnitude of the X-ray sensor output signal is shown larger than the other figures). . In the drawing, the attenuation amount of the X-ray sensor output signal is not uniform, and the attenuation amount at both ends thereof is large. This is because, when the container 7 to be inspected is viewed from the front, the wall thickness at both ends of the container 7 is increased, so that the amount of X-ray absorption at this portion increases. The predetermined attenuation amount V2 is the attenuation amount of the portion with the smallest attenuation amount among the attenuation portions of the X-ray sensor output signal where the attenuation amount is not uniform.

  Therefore, the predetermined amount of attenuation V2 is the amount of attenuation of the X-ray sensor output signal (empty container to be inspected) at a position higher than the liquid level in the container to be inspected 7 containing the contents (the part having no contents). 7 and is the smallest attenuation amount among the attenuation amounts.

  The control unit 13 compares the inspected container detection signal with the X-ray sensor output signal. When the amount of attenuation of the X-ray sensor output signal is smaller than V2 even though the inspected signal is detected, the X-ray source 3 or X-ray sensor 4 is determined to be abnormal. The process of the control part 13 at this time is demonstrated based on FIG. If the inspected container 7 is detected by the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 in step S10 of FIG. 9, whether or not the X-ray sensor output signal has been attenuated by a predetermined attenuation amount V2 in the next step S11. Determine whether. When it is determined in step S11 that the attenuation amount of the X-ray sensor output signal is larger than the predetermined attenuation amount V2, the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S11 that the attenuation amount of the X-ray sensor output signal is smaller than the predetermined attenuation amount V2, the process proceeds to the next step S12, and in this step S12, the abnormality of the X-ray sensor output signal, It is determined that the X-ray source 3 or the X-ray sensor 4 is abnormal.

  Further, in the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus 1 of the present example, the control unit 13 determines whether the inspection container 7 is detected by the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 from the determination unit 12. Even if the liquid level inspection end signal corresponding to 7 is not input, it is determined that there is an abnormality. This will be specifically described below.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detection container detection signal of the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 and a liquid level inspection end signal of the determination unit.
As described above, when the inspected container 7 reaches the liquid level inspection position 8 and the inspected container 7 blocks between the transmitting part and the receiving part of the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5, as shown in the figure. Further, the container detection signal to be inspected changes from no container (OFF) to a container present (ON). Then, when the detection signal of the container to be inspected is changed from the absence of the container (OFF) to the presence of the container (ON), the liquid level determination effective period (t2) is reached after t1 seconds, and collection of the X-ray data of the X-ray sensor is started. The determination unit 12 determines whether or not the liquid level is appropriate. When the determination unit 12 has passed t2, which is an effective period of determination of liquid level suitability, that is, t3 seconds after the inspected container detection signal is turned ON, a pulse signal for completion of liquid level inspection (liquid level inspection end signal). Is output.

  However, for example, in the X-ray detection / judgment position detector 5, light is incident on the light receiving part due to irregular reflection or the like even though the light from the transmission part is blocked by the inspected container 7. As shown in FIG. 11, the inspected container detection signal is turned OFF only during the blocked period. As a result, since the inspected container detection signal is turned off in t3 seconds after the inspected container detection signal is turned on, the liquid level inspection end signal is not output.

  In addition, as an example of the case where the liquid level inspection end signal corresponding to the inspected container 7 is not output even though the inspected container detection signal of the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 is output, A case where the liquid level inspection position is reached with the containers 7 to be inspected in contact with each other can be mentioned. This will be described with reference to FIG. 12. When the liquid level inspection position is reached with a plurality of containers 7 to be in contact with each other, as shown in the figure, an X-ray detection / determination position detector Even if the inspection container detection signal 5 is turned ON (in this case, the time during which the plurality of inspection containers 7 block the transmission part and the reception part of the position detector 5 for X-ray detection / determination is longer than when one is detected). Therefore, only one liquid level inspection end signal is output after t3 seconds, and a liquid level inspection end signal corresponding to the number of containers to be inspected 7 is output. Not output. Since the time during which the inspection container detection signal for each inspection container 7 is ON can be grasped in advance, the liquid level inspection is performed even though the inspection container detection signal is ON longer than the time required. When only one end signal is output, the liquid level inspection end signal corresponding to the number of containers 7 to be inspected is not output.

  As described above, if the liquid level inspection end signal corresponding to the inspected container 7 is not output even though the inspected container detection signal of the X-ray detection / judgment position detector 5 is output, the liquid level inspection ends. For those for which no signal is output, the determination of the suitability of the liquid level is not performed (that is, no inspection is performed). Therefore, the control unit 13 determines that an abnormality has occurred by performing the processing from step S20 to step S22 shown in FIG.

  First, when the inspected container 7 is detected by the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 in step S20, whether or not a liquid level inspection end signal corresponding to the inspected container 7 is generated in the next step S21. Judging. If it is determined in step S21 that a liquid level inspection end signal corresponding to the container 7 to be inspected has been generated, the process returns to step S20. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the liquid level inspection end signal corresponding to the container 7 to be inspected has not been generated, the process proceeds to the next step S22, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in step S22.

  According to the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus 1 of the present example described above, an abnormality in the X-ray detection / determination position detector 5 or the X-ray source 3 or X-ray is detected when the liquid level is inspected. Abnormality of the sensor 4 can be detected, and it can be detected that the liquid level suitability is not inspected.

The top view which shows the outline of an example of embodiment of the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus which concerns on this invention. The side view which shows the outline of an example of embodiment of the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the X-ray sensor of the X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus shown to FIG. The figure which shows the to-be-inspected container detection signal and X-ray sensor output signal in case the position detector for X-ray detection and determination, an X-ray source, or an X-ray sensor is functioning normally. The figure which shows the to-be-inspected container detection signal and X-ray sensor output signal in case the position detector for X-ray detection and determination is not functioning normally. The figure which shows the processing flow by a control part. The figure which shows a to-be-inspected container detection signal and an X-ray sensor output signal in case an X-ray source or an X-ray sensor is not functioning normally. The figure which shows the X-ray sensor output signal in a position higher than the liquid level in a to-be-inspected container. The figure which shows the processing flow by a control part. The figure which shows a to-be-inspected container detection signal and a liquid level test | inspection completion signal in case the liquid level test is performed normally. The figure which shows the to-be-inspected container detection signal in case the liquid level inspection is not normally performed, and a liquid level test completion | finish signal. The figure which shows the to-be-inspected container detection signal in case the liquid level inspection is not normally performed, and a liquid level test completion | finish signal. The figure which shows the processing flow by a control part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus 2 Apparatus main body 3 X-ray source 4 X-ray sensor 4a Sensor element 5 X-ray detection / judgment position detector 6 Conveyor 7 Inspected container 8 Liquid level inspection position 9 X-ray controller 10 X-ray Irradiation position detector 11 Amplifying circuit 12 Judgment unit 13 Control unit

Claims (3)

An X-ray source for irradiating an X-ray to the inspected container conveyed by the conveying means; an X-ray sensor for detecting an X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source and transmitted through the inspected container; and the X-ray sensor X-ray liquid comprising: a determination unit that determines the suitability of the liquid level in the inspected container based on the transmitted X-rays detected in step 1; and a position detector that detects the arrival of the inspected container at the liquid level inspection position. A surface inspection device,
Any of the X-ray source, the X-ray sensor, and the position detector is abnormal based on the arrival inspection position detected by the position detector and the transmitted X-ray detected by the X-ray sensor. An X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus comprising a control unit for determining. The control unit determines that the position detector is abnormal when the X-ray sensor output signal is attenuated even though the inspected container is not detected by the position detector. The X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus according to claim 1. When the attenuation amount of the X-ray sensor output signal from the X-ray sensor is smaller than a predetermined attenuation amount even though the inspected container is detected by the position detector, the control unit The X-ray liquid level inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the source or the X-ray sensor is determined to be abnormal.

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