JP2009109229A - X-ray foreign matter detector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a concrete structure of an X-ray foreign matter detection device capable of achieving high detection accuracy by irradiating obliquely an X-ray to an inspection object. <P>SOLUTION: This X-ray foreign matter detection device 1 includes an X-ray generator 11, a conveyance means 6 and an X-ray detector 12, and includes a tilt guide 13 and a side guide 14 on both side in the conveyance direction of the conveyance means 6, for guiding movement of the inspection object W in contact with the bottom surface S1 and the side surface S2, and setting the inspection object W in a prescribed tilt state on an X-ray detection position. A conveyance belt 9 of the conveyance means conveys the inspection object W in contact with a ridge line R where the bottom surface is in contact with the side surface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray foreign object detection apparatus that irradiates an inspection object on a transport surface with X-rays and detects foreign substances mixed in the inspection object based on the amount of transmission, and in particular, a box-shaped object. By carrying out X-ray irradiation from above while transporting the inspection object in an inclined state, a state in which the X-ray is irradiated obliquely with respect to the inspection object appears and detection sensitivity can be improved. The present invention relates to an X-ray foreign object detection device.

  In the conventional X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus shown in FIG. 11A, X-ray generator 101 irradiates X-rays from directly above to vertically inspected object W transported by transport means 100 such as a transport conveyor. Then, the X-ray detector 102 provided below the X-ray detector 102 receives the transmitted X-ray and detects the foreign matter in the inspection object W. However, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), when the inspection object W is a box or the like in which stick-like frozen desserts C are packed in a vertically long posture, for example, transmission of X-rays is performed when X-rays are irradiated from directly above. The distance (indicated by an arrow in the figure) becomes longer, and the detection accuracy may be lowered.

On the other hand, an X-ray foreign object detection device disclosed in the following Patent Document 1, which is another conventional X-ray foreign object detection device, is an object to be conveyed in the horizontal direction by the conveying means 100 as shown in FIG. The inspection object C is irradiated with X-rays obliquely from above. Here, if a box body packed with stick-shaped frozen desserts C as described above is an inspection object, if each frozen dessert C is packed tightly in the box without gaps, X-rays are obliquely applied to this. In the case where the frozen desserts C in the box are integrated and irradiated vertically, the X-ray transmission distance becomes longer and the detection accuracy may be lowered. However, if each frozen dessert C in the box, which is the inspection object W, is packaged, and there is a gap between each frozen dessert C packed in the box, it is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. By using the X-ray foreign matter detection device, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), each frozen dessert C is compared with the case of irradiating X-rays vertically downward from the X-ray generator 101 (FIG. 11 (a)). It is considered that the transmission distance of X-rays (indicated by arrows in the figure) is shortened and detection accuracy is improved.
JP 2004-317184 A

  However, in the X-ray foreign object detection apparatus of Patent Document 1, an X-ray generator that irradiates X-rays and an X-ray detector that receives X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator are disposed in an oblique direction. Therefore, when considering the structure of a housing that can accommodate these, it is considered that the shielding space for X-ray irradiation in the housing must be set large, and there is a problem that the apparatus becomes large.

  Moreover, in the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is a description of improving the detection accuracy by irradiating the inspection object obliquely with X-rays. On the other hand, there is no specific disclosure as to whether X-rays are irradiated obliquely. In other words, it seems that the operational effects of the X-ray foreign object detection device can vary greatly depending on the arrangement of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector in the housing and the structure and arrangement of the conveying means for these. However, there is no description about these in the said patent document 1, and the structure and effect as invention were not concrete.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and it is possible to improve the detection accuracy by irradiating X-rays obliquely to an object to be inspected, and various types of devices compared with conventional X-ray foreign object detection devices. An object of the present invention is to propose a specific structure capable of exhibiting excellent operational effects, thereby providing an X-ray foreign object detection device that is compact and excellent in detection accuracy with no problem in shielding.

Next, means for solving the above problems will be described with reference to the drawings corresponding to the embodiments.
The X-ray foreign matter detection devices 1, 1a, 1b described in claim 1 are:
Conveying means 6 and 36 for conveying the inspection object W on the conveyance surface in a predetermined conveyance direction, and an X-ray generator 11 for irradiating the inspection object W conveyed on the conveyance surface with X-rays X-ray foreign object detection provided with an X-ray detector 12 which is arranged opposite to the X-ray generator 11 across the transport surface and receives X-rays transmitted through the inspection object W on the X-ray detection surface In the device 1, 1a, 1b,
By guiding the movement of the inspection object W in contact with two adjacent outer surfaces S1 and S2 of the inspection object W, which is arranged along the conveyance direction of the conveying means 6 and 36 and has a box-shaped outer shape. And guide means 13, 14, 23, 24 for setting a predetermined inclination posture with respect to the detection surface of the X-ray detector 12 of the inspection object W,
The conveying means 6, 36 conveys the inspection object W in contact with the ridgeline R where the two outer surfaces S 1, S 2 of the inspection object W guided by the guiding means 13, 14, 23, 24 contact. It is characterized by doing.

  The X-ray foreign object detection device 1, 1 a described in claim 2 is the X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the guide means 13, 14, 23, 24 are connected to the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray generator 11. The flat surfaces 13b and 23b, which are provided between the line detector 12 and have a predetermined length in the transport direction, with the angle of the inspection object W with respect to the detection surface of the X-ray detector 12 being a predetermined angle, and the above-mentioned The first inclined surfaces 13a and 23a are provided so that the inclination angle gradually changes so as to reach the predetermined angle of the flat portions 13b and 23b along the conveying direction of the conveying means 6 and 36. It is characterized by.

  The X-ray foreign matter detection device 1, 1a according to claim 3 is the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 1, wherein the guide means 13, 14, 23, 24 further includes the flat surfaces 13b, 23b. The second inclined surfaces 13c and 23c are provided so that the inclination angle gradually changes from the predetermined angle along the conveying direction.

The X-ray foreign object detection device 1a according to claim 4 is the X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 1,
The guide means 23 is configured to convey the inspection object W in the conveying direction by applying a driving force to the outer surface S1 of the inspection object W.

The X-ray foreign matter detection device 1, 1a according to claim 5 is the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 1,
The guide means 13, 14, 23, 24 is provided with a gap 15 through which X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 11 pass.

The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 6 is the X-ray foreign matter detection device 1, 1a according to claim 1,
The guide means 13, 14, 23, 24 are characterized in that their positions can be adjusted in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction.

  According to the X-ray foreign object detection device of the first aspect, the box-shaped object to be inspected is conveyed while being in contact with the conveying means at the ridgeline where the two outer surfaces intersect while being guided by the guiding means on the two outer surfaces. At the position of the X-ray detector in the inclined state, X-rays that pass through the X-ray irradiation surface from the X-ray generator and pass through the inspection object are detected by the X-ray detector and are detected in the inspection object. A foreign object is detected. Even if the object to be inspected has a long X-ray transmission distance and causes a problem in the detection accuracy of a foreign object when it is not tilted, the X-ray is transmitted in an appropriate predetermined inclination state set in advance according to the object to be inspected. By receiving the irradiation, foreign matter can be detected with sufficient accuracy.

  According to the X-ray foreign object detection device described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 1, the inspection object carried into the X-ray foreign object detection device in a normal posture is further provided. Then, it can be smoothly received and transferred to the transfer means at the transfer start position and tilted while being transferred, and a predetermined tilt state suitable for inspection can be obtained at the position of the X-ray detector.

  According to the X-ray foreign object detection device described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 1, the guide means not only holds and guides the object to be inspected, but also By applying a driving force to the outer surface, the object to be inspected is transported in the transport direction and can also function as a transport assist by the transport means.

  According to the X-ray foreign object detection device described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 1, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator are in a predetermined inclined posture. It can pass through the object to be inspected, pass through the gap provided in the guide means, and reach the X-ray detector.

  According to the X-ray foreign object detection device described in claim 5, in the effect of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 1, the position of the guide means is further moved in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction to perform position adjustment. Therefore, it is possible to easily cope with inspection objects having different dimensions and shapes.

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 5 are views showing the first embodiment, FIG. 1 is a side view, FIG. 2 is a plan view, FIG. 3 is a front view and a side view of conveying means and guiding means, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view including an adjacent transport mechanism.
6 to 8 are views showing the second embodiment, FIG. 6 is a plan view, FIG. 7 is a front view and a side view of the conveying means and the guiding means, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the conveying means and the guiding means. .
9 and 10 are a front view and a plan view of a third embodiment including an adjacent transport mechanism.

1. 1st Embodiment (FIGS. 1-5)
The X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example is provided in a part of a production line, irradiates the inspection object W being conveyed with X-rays, and mixes in the inspection object W based on the amount of transmission. It detects foreign objects such as metal, glass, stone, and synthetic resin.

  As an object to be inspected W in which foreign matter detection is performed by the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus 1 of the present example, an article that can be expected to improve the detection accuracy of foreign matter when irradiated from an oblique direction rather than from the vertical direction. In addition, as described later, it is necessary to hold a box-shaped article having a flat outer surface that can be held in order to hold it in a predetermined inclined posture with respect to X-rays irradiated from above to below. The inspection object W is assumed. For example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box or a cylindrical box such as a tea canister that is packed with sticky frozen desserts or the like as described with reference to FIGS.

The configuration of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example will be described.
As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus 1 of this example is equipped with the housing | casing 2 as a main body of an apparatus. The housing 2 has a shielding structure using a radiation protection material so that harmful amounts of X-rays do not leak outside from the inside, and is supported on the installation surface by four legs 3. . The housing 2 is provided with openings on the left and right sides and penetrates left and right. The left and right openings are configured as a collection of a large number of strip-shaped members by a flexible X-ray shielding material. Each of the shielding curtains 4 is attached. A door 5 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a conveyor means 6 having a belt conveyor structure is attached in the horizontal direction so as to penetrate through the openings on the left side surface and the right side surface described above from the inside to the bottom of the housing 2. . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the conveying means 6 includes a frame 7 attached to the housing 2, a plurality of pulleys 8 provided on the frame 7, and a conveying belt wound around the pulleys 8. 9 and a motor 10 that drives one pulley 8 to rotate the conveyor belt 9, and has a horizontal conveyance direction (see FIG. 1) Can be conveyed along the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and the horizontal direction in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, an X-ray generator 11 is provided inside the housing 2 above the center position in the transport direction of the transport means 6. The X-ray generator 11 is installed with the X-ray irradiation port facing downward, the X-ray generator 11 is the apex, and the triangular irradiation surface (parallel to the paper surface in FIG. The object to be inspected W on the lower conveying means 6 can be irradiated with X-rays with (in FIG. 5 orthogonal to the paper surface).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, an X-ray detector 12 is provided at the center in the transport direction of the transport means 6 and directly below the upper transport belt 9 on which the inspection object W is placed. The X-rays transmitted through the inspection object W conveyed on the conveying means 6 are received. The X-ray detector 12 has a group of sensors arranged linearly so as to be parallel to the planar X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 11. That is, the linear arrangement direction of the sensor group in the X-ray detector 12 coincides with the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, an inclined guide 13 as a guiding means and a side along the conveying direction of the conveying means 6 are positioned at both sides of the conveying belt 9 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveying means 6. Guides 14 are respectively arranged. The inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14 are slightly shorter than the length of the conveying unit 6 in the conveying direction, and therefore both ends of the conveying unit 6 protrude from the both ends of the inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14 to both ends in the conveying direction. The inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14 are in contact with two adjacent surfaces (in this example, the bottom surface S1 and one side surface S2) of the box-shaped inspection object W, so that the space between the inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14 is reached. This is a member for guiding the conveyance when the conveyance belt 9 located in the column conveys the inspection object W.

  The inclined guide 13 is a member that is in contact with the bottom surface S1 of the object W to be inspected, and the inclination angle of the first first inclined surface 13a that is in contact with the bottom surface S1 with respect to the horizontal plane is from the conveyance start side of the conveyance means 6 to the conveyance direction. It becomes larger as it goes, and is constant on the flat surface 13b at the center in the transport direction. The inclination angle of the flat surface 13b in the central portion is an angle for setting the inspection object W in an optimum inclination state with respect to the X-ray irradiation surface irradiated from the X-ray generator 11. Further, the flat surface 13b of the central portion where the inclination angle is constant has a length that allows the inspection object W to be stably inspected, and at a position corresponding to the X-ray detector in the center, A gap 15 is provided along the direction orthogonal to the transport direction so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 11 can pass through without being influenced by the guiding means and reach the X-ray detector 12. . The inclination angle of the second inclined surface 13c that is continuous with the flat surface 13b ahead of the conveyance direction with the gap 15 therebetween decreases as it moves toward the conveyance end side along the conveyance direction.

  The side guide 14 is a member that is in contact with the side surface S2 of the inspection object W, and the support portion 14a that is in contact with the side surface S2 is a flat surface 13b at the central portion of the inclined guide 13 that guides the bottom surface S1 of the inspection object W. The inclination angle is constant along the transport direction. That is, the support portion 14a of the side guide 14 tilts the inspection object W with respect to the X-ray irradiation surface irradiated from the X-ray generator 11 together with the flat surface 13b of the tilt guide 13 at the X-ray inspection position. It is set so that it can be set to the state. As shown in FIG. 2, a gap 15 is provided at the central X-ray detection position along the direction orthogonal to the transport direction so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 11 can pass therethrough. Yes.

  As the inspection object W is transported, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 13a gradually increases from the entrance, and the inspection object W is set to a predetermined inclination posture by the flat surface 13b at the inspection position. The first inclined surface 13a, the flat surface 13b, the second inclined surface 13c of the inclined guide 13 and the object to be inspected so as to gradually reduce the inclination angle by the two inclined surfaces 13c and carry the object W to the outlet. A plurality of rollers 16 are attached to the support portion 14a of the side guide 14 that guides the side surface S2 of the object W.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first inclined surface 13 a, the second inclined surface 13 c and the inner edge portion 13 d of the flat surface 13 b of the inclined guide 13 and the inclined inner edge portion 14 b of the side guide 14 are all. By being parallel to the transport direction and facing each other at a predetermined interval, a belt holding portion 17 whose cross section perpendicular to the transport direction is substantially V-shaped, as shown in FIG. 3B in particular. The transport belt 9 of the transport means 6 is placed on the belt holding portion 17, and the transport belt 9 moves in a state of being deformed into a substantially V shape. ). Then, the center in the width direction of the conveyor belt 9 deformed into a V shape on the belt holding portion 17 is the bottom surface S1 of the inspection object W guided by the inclined guide 13 and the object guided by the side guide 14. It exists in the position corresponding to the ridgeline R (edge of a box) which the side surface S2 of the test object W contacts. Accordingly, the ridgeline R of the inspection object W can stably come into contact with the V-shaped recess of the conveying belt 9. When the motor 10 of the conveying means 6 is driven, the inspection object W is in contact with the inclined guide 13. A driving force is applied to the ridgeline R by the movement of the conveying belt 9 while being guided by the side guides 14, and the ridgeline R is stably fed in the conveying direction.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the position of the inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14 can be adjusted in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. That is, in the frame 7 of the present apparatus, a plurality of holes 18 are formed at two positions separated in the transport direction for each of the tilt guide 13 and the side guide 14 and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. 13 and a pin provided in a corresponding position on the bottom surface of the side guide 14 are inserted into the frame 7 by adjusting the position in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction while maintaining parallel to the transport direction. be able to.

  Thereby, the interval between the inclination guide 13 and the side guide 14 can be adjusted, and the inclination posture of the inspection object W held between the inclination guide 13 and the side guide 14 can be arbitrarily adjusted. Further, when cleaning or the like, the conveyor belt 9 can be easily detached from the pulley 8 by opening the door 5 on the front side of the housing 2 and removing at least the side guide 14 on the front side. It becomes easy.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the conveying means 6 including the inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14 described above, and the conveying belt 9 that is hung between the inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14 and deformed into a V-shape. A modification is shown in which the number and arrangement of the rollers 16 provided on the inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14 are slightly modified. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals as those used in describing the configuration of this example are attached, and the above description is incorporated.

  As shown in FIG. 5, with respect to the conveyance direction of the inspection object W moving from the left to the right in FIG. A certain pre-stage conveyor 20 and a post-stage conveyor 21 are arranged.

Next, the operation of the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus 1 of the present example described above will be described.
The front conveyor 20 shown in FIG. 5 causes the inspection object W to dive the shielding curtain 4 in a normal posture with the bottom surface S1 down, and is carried into the apparatus 1. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, the inspection object W rides on the first inclined surface 13 a from the introduction portion of the inclined guide 13, is supported on the bottom surface S <b> 1, and is further held on the side surface S <b> 2 by the side guide 14. Thus, while being held in an inclined posture between the inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14, it is conveyed by receiving a feeding force by contacting the conveying belt 9 at the ridgeline R between the bottom surface S1 and the side surface S2.

  And since the to-be-inspected object W is conveyed along the 1st inclined surface 13a in which an inclination angle increases about a conveyance direction, the inclination attitude | position is changed gradually and the test | inspection which exists in the approximate center in the housing | casing 2 is carried out. At the position, it is supported by the flat surface 13b and assumes a predetermined inclined posture. X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator 11 to the inspection object W, transmitted through the inspection object W, and passed through the gap 15 between the inclined guide 13 and the side guide 14 are detected by the X-ray detector 12. Will be detected. Data detected and acquired by the X-ray detector 12 is analyzed by a control means (not shown), and it is determined whether or not a foreign object exists in the inspection object W. According to this example, the transmission distance of X-rays in the inspection object W is shortened and detection accuracy is improved as compared with the case where X-rays are irradiated from directly above with the bottom surface S1 facing down.

  The inspected object W has been transported toward the outlet while being guided by the second inclined surface 13c of the inclination guide 13 whose inclination angle gradually decreases from the inclination angle at the time of the inspection, and the bottom surface S1 is initially set downward. Returning to this position, the camera dives through the shielding curtain 4, is carried out of the apparatus 1, is transferred to the rear conveyor 21, and is sent to the next stage process.

According to the apparatus of this example, even if the inspection object W has a long X-ray transmission distance and causes a problem in the detection accuracy of foreign matter when it is not tilted, it is appropriate in advance according to the type of the inspection object W. Since a tilt state at the time of a proper inspection can be set and X-ray irradiation can be performed in this tilt state, foreign matter can be detected with sufficient accuracy.
Note that the front conveyor 20 and the rear conveyor 21 may each have a predetermined inclination angle, and the inspection object W is made to correspond to the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 13a or the second inclined surface 13c. Can be transported without hindrance.

  In the apparatus of this example, since the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 12 are fixed at predetermined positions and do not move, the X-ray shielding structure required for the housing 2 is X There is an advantage that it is relatively simple as compared with a type of apparatus in which the line generator or the X-ray detector moves. For example, in an apparatus having a movable structure of an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector in order to irradiate an X-ray from various directions to an object to be inspected, such as a CT scanner, X as an apparatus The shielding structure of the line becomes more complicated, and in some cases, an X-ray shielding structure may be required for the room itself that houses the entire device. However, when the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 12 have a fixed structure as in the present example, the casing 2 is made of a shielding material as described above, and the shielding curtain 4 is provided at the entrance / exit. Therefore, it is not necessary to adopt a disadvantageous structure in terms of cost and installation area, such as lengthening the housing 2 in the transport direction for shielding.

2. Second Embodiment (FIGS. 6 to 8)
The X-ray foreign object detection apparatus 1 of the present example is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the guide means and the transport means, and the other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the guide means and the transport means will be mainly described. Regarding the configuration, parts corresponding to those of the configuration of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment in the drawing, and the description of the first embodiment is incorporated and the description thereof is omitted again. .

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, there are inclined guides 23 as side guides and side guides along the transport direction of the transport means 6 at positions on both sides of the transport belt 9 in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport means 6. Guides 24 are respectively arranged. The inclined guide 23 and the side guide 24 are slightly shorter than the length of the conveying unit 6 in the conveying direction, and therefore both ends of the conveying unit 6 protrude from the both ends of the inclined guide 23 and the side guide 24 to both ends in the conveying direction. The inclined guide 23 and the side guide 24 are in contact with two adjacent surfaces (in this example, the bottom surface S1 and the one side surface S2) of the box-shaped inspection object W, so that the space between the inclined guide 23 and the side guide 24 is reached. The conveying belt 9 is a member for guiding conveyance when the object W is conveyed, but the inclined guide 23 has a conveying force for assisting the conveying means 6, and serves as another conveying means. It also serves as a function.

  The inclined guide 23 is a member that is in contact with the bottom surface S1 of the inspection object W, and the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 23a that is in contact with the bottom surface S1 with respect to the horizontal plane increases from the conveyance start side of the conveyance means 6 toward the conveyance direction. Thus, it is constant on the flat surface 23b at the center in the transport direction. The inclination angle of the flat surface 23b in the central portion is an angle for setting the inspection object W in an optimum inclination state with respect to the X-ray irradiation surface irradiated from the X-ray generator 11. Further, in the central part where the inclination angle of the flat surface 23b is constant, the X-ray detection position at the center is in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 11 can pass. A gap 15 is provided along. The inclination angle of the second inclined surface 23c continuous with the flat surface 23b becomes smaller toward the conveyance end side along the conveyance direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first inclined surface 23 a, the second inclined surface 23 c, and the flat surface 23 b of the inclined guide 23 are in contact with the outer surface of the inspection object W that moves in the transport direction and roll a plurality. The round belt 25 is wound around these rollers 16 and the pulley 8 of the conveying means 6 so that the round belt 25 is driven in conjunction with the driving of the conveying means 6. It has become. That is, the inclined guide 23 is a member that contacts and guides the bottom surface S1 when the inspection object W is conveyed, and assists the conveyance of the inspection object W by the conveying means 6 by driving the round belt 25. It is also a means. In FIG. 8, the roller 16 is shown, but the round belt 25 is not shown.

  The side guide 24 is a member in contact with the side surface S2 of the object W to be inspected, has a certain height in the transport direction, and a stopper 26 made of a round bar is horizontally attached to the upper surface thereof. Accordingly, the stopper 26 of the side guide 24 can contact the side surface S2 of the moving inspection object W, and the inspection object W is supported in accordance with the inclination angle of the inspection object W supported by the inclination guide 23 and inclined. The movement can be guided while supporting. That is, the side guide 24 is in an optimum inclined state of the inspection object W with respect to the X-ray irradiation surface irradiated from the X-ray generator 11 at the inspection position together with the flat surface 23b of the inclination guide 23 at the X-ray inspection position. Can be set to In addition, a gap 15 is provided at the central X-ray detection position along the direction orthogonal to the transport direction so that X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 11 can pass through.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, between the inclined guide 23 and the side guide 24, there is provided a belt holding portion 27 (ship bottom belt guide) having a substantially V-shaped cross section perpendicular to the conveying direction. The transport belt 9 of the transport means 6 is placed on the belt holding portion 27, and the transport belt 9 moves in a state of being deformed into a substantially V shape. The position is difficult to shift. The center in the width direction of the conveyor belt 9 deformed into a V shape on the belt holding unit 27 is the bottom surface S1 of the inspection object W guided by the inclined guide 23 and the object guided by the side guide 24. It exists in the position corresponding to the ridgeline R (edge of a box) which the side surface S2 of the test object W contacts. Therefore, the ridgeline R of the inspection object W can stably come into contact with the V-shaped recess of the conveyor belt 9. If the motor 10 of the conveying means 36 is driven, the inspection object W is guided by the inclined guide 23 and the side guide 24, receives the conveying action by the inclined guide 23 on the bottom surface S1, and further moves the ridgeline R by the movement of the conveying belt 9. Is supplied with a driving force to be stably fed in the conveying direction.

  According to this example, substantially the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and when the inspection object W is conveyed, the conveyance force by the inclined guide 23 is applied to the bottom surface S1 of the inspection object W. Compared with the case of carrying only 36, the conveyance is stable.

  Further, since the side guide 24 comes into contact with the side surface S2 of the object W to be inspected by the stopper 26 which is a long and thin round bar in the transport direction, the contact area is close to the line contact, and the resistance due to the guide during the transport is minimal. The transportation is smooth. Further, even if the interval between the inclination guide 23 and the side guide 24 in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is changed, the inclination posture of the inspection object W changes, and the angle at which the stopper 26 hits the side surface S2 of the inspection object W changes. The frictional force of the stopper 26 against the object W to be inspected does not change and can be guided without any problem.

3. Third Embodiment (FIGS. 9 and 10)
In each of the embodiments described above, the inspection object W is sent to the apparatuses 1 and 1a in a normal posture with the bottom surface S1 down, and is inclined while being transferred to the transfer means 6 and 36 inside the apparatuses 1 and 1a. Under the guidance of the guides 13 and 23 and the side guides 14 and 24, the robot gradually tilts and is set to a predetermined tilt state at the X-ray detection position in the apparatus 1 and 1a and is irradiated with X-rays. After the inspection, the apparatus 1 is in a normal posture with the bottom surface S1 facing downward while receiving the guidance from the inclined guides 13 and 23 and the side guides 14 and 24 while being conveyed to the conveying means 6 and 36 and gradually returning the inclination. , 1a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the front conveyor 20 and the rear conveyor 21 arranged before and after the apparatus 1 are normal conveyors that convey the inspection object W in a normal posture.

  In this example, although not shown in detail, the guide means provided in the apparatus has an inclination angle such that the inspection object W can be set at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the X-ray irradiation surface at the X-ray detection position. A guide surface is provided, and the inclination angle of the guide surface is constant from the transport start position through the inspection position to the transport end position.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, guides 40 and 41 for inclining the posture of the inspection object W to be conveyed are provided on the front conveyor 20 and the rear conveyor 21 arranged before and after the apparatus 1b. The inspection object W sent in a normal posture with the bottom surface S1 down is tilted to a predetermined angle at the time of the above-described inspection and then sent to the apparatus 1b. After the inspection, the inspection object W is at a predetermined angle at the time of inspection. The inspection object W sent out in an inclined state is inherited and conveyed, and the inclination is gradually returned while being conveyed, and is delivered to the next step in a normal posture with the bottom surface S1 down.
In this example, the same effects as those of the other embodiments can be obtained.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the X-ray foreign object detection device of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the X-ray foreign object detection device of the first embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B are a front view and a side view of the conveying means and the guiding means in the X-ray foreign object detection device of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified example of the conveying means and the guiding means in the X-ray foreign object detection device of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of the X-ray foreign object detection device of the first embodiment including an adjacent transport mechanism. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the X-ray foreign object detection device of the second embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a front view and a side view of the conveying means and the guiding means in the X-ray foreign object detection device of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the conveying means and the guiding means of the X-ray foreign object detection device of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view of the third embodiment including an adjacent transport mechanism. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the third embodiment including an adjacent transport mechanism. (A) is a figure which shows the foreign material detection principle in the conventional X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which irradiates X-rays vertically downward, (b) is the foreign material in the conventional X-ray foreign material detection device which irradiates X-rays from diagonally upward. It is a figure which shows a detection principle.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b ... X-ray inspection apparatus 6,36 ... Conveyance means 11 ... X-ray generator 12 ... X-ray detector 13 ... Inclination guide 13a as guide means 13a ... First inclined surface 13c of inclination guide ... Inclination guide The second inclined surface 13b ... the flat surface of the inclined guide 13d ... the inner edge portion of the inclined guide 14, 24 ... the side guide 14a as the guiding means 14a ... the support portion of the side guide 14b ... the inner edge portion of the side guide 15 ... the clearance of the guiding means DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 23 ... Inclined guide as a guide means 23a ... 1st inclined surface of an inclined guide 23c ... 2nd inclined surface of an inclined guide 23b ... Flat surface of an inclined guide 25 ... Round belt 26 ... Stopper W ... To-be-inspected object S1 ... Bottom surface S2 ... Side R ... Ridge line

Claims (6)

Conveying means (6, 36) for conveying the inspection object (W) on the conveying surface in a predetermined conveying direction, and X-ray generation for irradiating the inspection object conveyed on the conveying surface with X-rays A detector (11) and an X-ray detector (12) that is disposed opposite to the X-ray generator across the transport surface and receives X-rays transmitted through the inspection object on the X-ray detection surface. In the X-ray foreign matter detection device (1, 1a, 1b)
By guiding the movement of the inspection object in contact with two adjacent outer surfaces (S1, S2) of the inspection object having a box-shaped outer shape, which are arranged along the conveyance direction of the conveyance means, Guide means (13, 14, 23, 24) for setting a predetermined inclination posture with respect to the detection surface of the X-ray detector of the inspection object,
X-ray foreign object detection apparatus (1), wherein the conveying means conveys the inspection object in contact with a ridge line (R) where two outer surfaces of the inspection object guided by the guiding means contact each other. , 1a, 1b). The guide means (13, 14, 23, 24) is provided between the X-ray generator (11) and the X-ray detector (12), and detects the X-ray of the inspection object (W). The flat surface (13b, 23b) having a predetermined length in the transport direction while maintaining a predetermined angle with respect to the detection surface of the container, and the predetermined portion of the flat portion along the transport direction of the transport means (6, 36) The X-ray foreign object detection device (1, 1a) according to claim 1, further comprising a first inclined surface (13a, 23a) whose inclination angle is gradually changed so as to reach an angle. . The guide means (13, 14, 23, 24) further includes a second inclined surface whose inclination angle gradually changes along the conveying direction from the predetermined angle of the flat surface (13b, 23b). The X-ray foreign object detection device (1, 1a) according to claim 1, further comprising (13c, 23c). The guide means (23) is configured to convey the inspection object in the conveying direction by applying a driving force to the outer surface (S1) of the inspection object (W). The X-ray foreign matter detection device (1a) described. The said guide means (13,14,23,24) is provided with the clearance gap (15) through which the X-rays irradiated from the said X-ray generator (11) pass, The 1st aspect of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. X-ray foreign object detection device (1, 1a). The X-ray foreign object detection device (1, 1a) according to claim 1, wherein the position of the guide means (13, 14, 23, 24) is adjustable in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.

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