JP2016197028A - Radiation measurement device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably connect a main body unit and an option unit (additional unit) and form a stable connecting member of the two units in a survey meter formed of the main body unit and the option unit.SOLUTION: The survey meter includes: a main body unit 10; a detection unit 12; and an option unit 14. When the main body unit 10 and the option unit 14 are connected so that a connecting member (layered member) is formed, a battery array 76 is contained in a storage chamber 74 of the option unit 14. A projection 79 of the option unit 14 is protruded in the storage chamber 64 of the main body unit 10, and a first connecting part 70 and a second connecting part 80 are physically connected. In that connecting state, a storage chamber 62 is covered with a cover, which has covered the storage chamber 64.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation measurement apparatus, and more particularly to a radiation measurement apparatus to which an optional unit can be added.

  As a radiation measuring apparatus, a survey meter, a personal dosimeter, and the like are known. As the survey meter, there are a type in which the main body and the detector are separated (Patent Documents 1 and 2) and a type in which they are integrated (Patent Document 3). Among the former survey meters, there is a multi-probe type in which a plurality of detectors can be selectively connected with a common main body.

JP 2007-170935 A JP, 2014-153306, A JP 2013-53881 A

  There are cases where it is desired to add other functions to the existing basic functions after various reasons. In such a case, it is conceivable to connect an optional unit to the basic unit. However, if multiple units are connected randomly, or if multiple units are easily integrated, operability, weight imbalance, battery replacement workability, physical quantity (dead space), power shortage, etc. The problem is likely to occur. These problems generally occur when an optional unit is added to a radiation measuring apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to eliminate or reduce problems that may occur when an additional unit (optional unit) is connected to a basic unit in a radiation measurement apparatus.

(1) The radiation measuring apparatus according to the present invention includes a basic unit and an additional unit. The basic unit includes a first electronic circuit for measuring radiation and a first storage chamber for storing a battery that supplies power to the first electronic circuit. The additional unit includes a second electronic circuit for adding a function, and a second storage chamber for storing a battery for supplying power to the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit, and the basic unit. Is connected to the bottom side of the substrate in a stacked manner. When the additional unit is not connected to the basic unit, a battery is stored in the first receiving chamber, and in a connected state where the additional unit is connected to the basic unit, the second receiving chamber is connected. A battery is accommodated in the battery.

  According to the above configuration, in the unconnected state, the additional unit (optional unit) is not connected to the basic unit, and radiation measurement is performed using the basic unit. When it is desired to add a function, the additional unit is connected to the basic unit, thereby forming a connected state. In the connected state, a laminate composed of a lower additional unit and an upper basic unit is formed. Examples of functions that can be added include a wireless communication function, a wired communication function, a position detection function, a calculation function for specific applications, a power supply enhancement function, and the like. In the unconnected state, the battery is stored in the first storage chamber in the basic unit, and in the connected state, the battery is stored in the second storage chamber in the additional unit. In the connected state, a relatively heavy battery can be accommodated in the lower part of the stacked body, so that the center of gravity of the stacked body can be lowered. Thereby, the posture is stabilized when the laminate is moved.

  For example, if the additional unit is connected to the right or left side of the four sides of the body of the basic unit, the center of gravity moves greatly to the right or left, making it difficult to maintain the correct posture in the lifted state. It becomes. The same applies to the case where the additional unit is coupled to the front surface or the rear surface, and the center of gravity moves greatly to the front side or the rear side, making it difficult to maintain the correct posture. When the correct posture cannot be maintained or when the posture becomes unstable, the operability deteriorates. When the basic unit body is thin, it is often difficult to firmly connect the additional unit to either side. Since an indicator, an operation unit, a handle, and the like are provided on the upper surface of the body as necessary, it is difficult to connect the additional unit to the upper surface. On the other hand, if the additional unit is connected to the lower surface of the basic unit, that is, if the stacked body is configured, the position of the center of gravity is prevented from greatly moving in the horizontal direction, and the stacked body has a posture. Easy to stabilize. In addition, since the battery storage position is lowered, the posture is further stabilized. A plurality of additional units may be provided in a stacked state on the lower surface side of the basic unit.

  In a configuration in which a cover for covering the first storage chamber is provided on the lower surface of the basic unit, when an additional unit is provided on the lower surface, it is difficult to access the first storage chamber from the outside. That is, workability at the time of battery replacement may be reduced. For this reason, a 2nd storage chamber is provided in an additional unit, and a battery is arrange | positioned there. The battery stored in the first storage chamber and the battery stored in the second storage chamber may be the same or different. For example, a larger (or more) battery may be accommodated in the second accommodating chamber than the battery accommodated in the first accommodating chamber.

  Preferably, the basic unit has a first connection portion, and the additional unit has a second connection portion connected to the first connection portion in the connected state, and the first connection in the connected state. The first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit are electrically connected to each other by connection between the first connection portion and the second connection portion. According to this configuration, in the coupled state, the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit are electrically connected via the first connection portion and the second connection portion. The first connection portion and the second connection portion constitute, for example, a terminal row and a connector, respectively. It is desirable that the second connection portion is naturally connected to the first connection portion when the connection state is formed. As a modification, those wireless connections can be mentioned.

  Desirably, it has a cover which covers the first storage chamber in the non-connected state and is removed in the connected state, and the first connecting portion is exposed in the detached state of the cover. According to this configuration, the cover is removed from the basic unit before the connection state is formed, and the battery is also removed. Then, the first connection portion is exposed, and the second connection portion can be connected thereto. In a state where the additional unit is not coupled, the first housing chamber is covered by the cover, and in this case, the first connection portion is hidden by the cover. In this state, the first connection portion is protected.

  Preferably, the first connection portion is provided on a ceiling surface of the first storage chamber, and the second connection portion enters the first storage chamber when the additional unit is connected to the first connection portion. Physically connected to each other. When a laminated body is configured, the additional unit is relatively moved closer to the basic unit. In the process of such proximity movement, the second connection portion is naturally connected to the first connection portion. You may make it provide a 1st connection part around the 1st storage chamber. It is also possible to adopt a cable connection method.

  Preferably, the cover is attached to the additional unit in the connected state, whereby the second storage chamber is covered by the cover. According to this configuration, since the cover is also used, the number of parts can be reduced.

  Preferably, the basic unit has an opening covered by the cover and has a first downward opening connected to the first receiving chamber, and the additional unit is an opening covered by the cover and has the second receiving chamber. Has a second downward opening.

(2) A radiation measuring apparatus according to the present invention is a basic unit having a flat plate-like body having a first electronic circuit for radiation measurement, and a handle attached to the body, and for adding a function. A flat plate-shaped additional unit connected in a stacked manner to the bottom surface side of the body, and the first electronic circuit in a connected state in which the basic unit and the additional unit are connected And the second electronic circuit are electrically connected, and the basic unit and the additional unit are integrally moved by holding the handle in the connected state.

  Preferably, a battery is accommodated in the first storage chamber in a non-connected state where the basic unit is not connected to the basic unit, and the additional unit is connected to the basic unit in the connected state. A battery is stored in the second storage chamber.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the problem which may arise when connecting an additional unit with respect to a basic unit in a radiation measuring device can be eliminated or reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows suitable embodiment of the radiation measuring device (survey meter) which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows a main body unit and the detection unit isolate | separated from it. It is a perspective view which shows the upper surface of a main body unit. It is a perspective view which shows the lower surface of a main body unit. It is a figure which shows a main body unit. It is a bottom view of the main unit with the cover removed. It is a figure which shows the connection of the option unit (1st example) to a main body unit. It is a figure which shows a laminated body. It is a figure which shows an option unit (2nd example).

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a survey meter as a radiation measuring apparatus according to the present invention. The survey meter is a portable device that measures radiation in the environment (for example, α rays, β rays, γ rays) and radiation from a measurement object. The laminated structure described in detail below may be applied to other radiation measuring apparatuses.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the survey meter includes a main unit (basic unit) 10, a detection unit 12, and an optional unit (additional unit) 14. The option unit 14 is added as required for function addition or the like. As will be described later, in a state where the option unit 14 is not connected to the basic unit 10 (non-connected state, that is, non-docking state), radiation measurement is performed using the basic function mounted on the main unit 10. The On the other hand, in a state where the option unit 14 is connected to the basic unit 10 (connected state, that is, a docked state), a laminated body is constituted by these units, and in addition to the basic function, an additional function provided by the option unit 14 It can be used. Examples of the additional function include a wired communication function, a wireless communication function, a position detection function, a power supply enhancement function, and the like. Depending on the specific application, necessary additional functions are installed in the option unit. A plurality of option units may be connected to the lower side of the main unit in a stacked state. A plurality of option units may be prepared, and specific option units may be selected and used according to needs.

  The detection unit 12 includes a scintillator 16, a photomultiplier tube (PMT) 18, a signal processing circuit 20, and the like. When radiation enters the scintillator 16, light is emitted, and the light is converted into an electrical signal in the photomultiplier tube. The signal processing circuit 20 performs necessary signal processing (amplification, waveform shaping, wave height discrimination, counting calculation, etc.) on the signal, and outputs detection data as a signal processing result to the main unit. The detection unit 12 is electrically connected to the main unit 10 by a cable 22. Wireless communication may be performed between these units.

  The detection unit 12 is separated from the main unit 10 during use. At the time of measurement, the handle (described later) of the main unit 10 is generally held by one hand, and the detection unit is held by the other hand. The detection unit 12 is attached to the handle of the main unit 10 when not in use. That is, the handle functions as a handle and also functions as a base for the detection unit 12. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the main unit 10 and the detection unit 12 are integrated.

  The main unit 10 includes a calculation circuit 24 that executes a predetermined calculation based on the detection data to obtain a display value (measurement value). The measured value is, for example, a count rate, a dose rate, and an integrated dose. The arithmetic circuit 24 is constituted by a microcomputer, which exhibits an arithmetic function and a control function. When the option unit 14 is connected to the basic unit 10, the arithmetic circuit 24 communicates with an arithmetic circuit 40 described later. The touch panel display 26 includes a display device 28 and an input device 30. They are connected to the arithmetic circuit 24. The display 28 is composed of, for example, an LCD, on which a measurement result is displayed. The input device 30 is composed of, for example, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor, and a user instruction is input using the input device 30. A button group 32 is provided as another input device, and includes a power button and the like. The button group 32 is connected to the arithmetic circuit 24.

  The power supply circuit 34 is a circuit that supplies power from the battery array 36 as a battery to each circuit in the main unit 10. The battery array 36 is composed of, for example, four primary batteries, and each primary battery has a cylindrical shape in this example. It is also possible to use a rechargeable secondary battery. It is also possible to use a flat battery. In the unconnected state, the battery array 36 is accommodated in the accommodating chamber in the main unit 10. In the connected state, the battery row 36 is taken out from the storage chamber. In this state, power is supplied from the option unit 14 to the main unit 10. In this embodiment, the removed battery row is accommodated in the option unit as it is. However, larger or more batteries may be accommodated in the option unit. A plurality of electronic components in the main unit 10 constitutes a first electronic circuit that realizes a basic function.

  The option unit 14 is used by being connected to the main unit 10 when an additional function is desired in addition to the basic function. At the time of connection, a laminate composed of the upper body unit 10 and the lower option unit 14 is formed. In that case, the detection unit is detached from the main unit 10 when used, and is attached to the main unit 10 when not used.

  The option unit 14 has an arithmetic circuit 40 that executes arithmetic, control, communication, etc. in order to realize an additional function. For example, the arithmetic circuit 40 is configured by a microcomputer. Wireless communication devices 42 and 44 are connected thereto. They are modules for communicating with one or more other devices in two general purpose wireless communication schemes. Only a single wireless communicator may be provided. Another device is, for example, a PC. The detection unit may be connected wirelessly. The GPS 46 is a device that detects a position. Thereby, the detected position information may be associated with individual measurement results. According to such a configuration, a dose map can also be configured.

  The power supply circuit 48 is a circuit that supplies power from the battery array 50 to each circuit in the option unit 14 and the main unit 10 in this configuration example. In the present embodiment, in the connected state, a set of battery arrays 50 housed in the option unit 14 is used as a common power source. That is, it is not necessary to house the battery array in the main unit 10. Thereby, workability at the time of battery replacement is improved. In the present embodiment, the physical connection between the two connecting portions is achieved using the internal space of the storage chamber after the battery row 36 is taken out. The USB port 52 is for communicating with other devices according to the USB standard. The illustrated option unit 14 corresponds to a plurality of communication methods, and functions as a relay device (or conversion device) that exchanges signals with external devices. There are various additional functions other than those described above. A plurality of circuits in the option unit 14 constitute a second electronic circuit that realizes an additional function.

  FIG. 2 shows the main unit 10 and the detection unit 12. The detection unit 12 is separated from the main unit 10. However, a cable 22 is provided between them. The detection unit 12 has a detection portion 54 and a grip portion 56. The detection portion 54 is a portion having the above-described scintillator. The scintillator is for detecting α rays and β rays, for example. A photomultiplier tube and a signal processing circuit are provided inside the grip portion 56, and a booster circuit is further provided. The main unit 10 includes a flat body 58 and a handle 60 that is erected on the upper surface thereof. The body 58 is configured to be thinner than the body of a conventional survey meter. The handle 60 has an arch shape, and its upper bar is gripped by the user. When the detection unit 12 is not used, the detection unit 12 is attached to the handle 60. In the mounted state, the main unit 10 and the detection unit 12 are integrated.

  FIG. 3 shows the upper surface of the body of the main unit 10. A touch panel display 26, a button group 32, and the like are provided on the upper surface. FIG. 4 shows the lower surface (bottom surface) of the body unit 10. A storage chamber for storing the battery is covered with a cover 62. The cover 62 can be removed, and the mounted state is locked by a lock mechanism. A seal structure for waterproofing is employed between the cover 62 and the storage chamber. The same applies to the option unit.

  FIG. 5 is a left side view of the main unit 10, and FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the main unit 10. A housing chamber 64 that houses the battery array 66 is formed inside the main unit 10. The lower opening is closed by a cover 62. A board 68 extending in the horizontal direction is provided in the main unit 10, and various electronic components (not shown) are mounted on the board. A first connection portion 70 is provided in a downward posture in the accommodation chamber 64 on the lower surface of the substrate 68 (the ceiling surface of the accommodation chamber 64). As shown in FIG. 6, a first connection portion 70 is provided in the central portion of the storage chamber 64. This can be used when the battery row 66 is not accommodated in the accommodation chamber 64. When the cover is removed, the inside of the storage chamber 64 is exposed, and the first connection portion 70 is also exposed. Actually, the first connection portion 70 is exposed when the battery row 66 is detached. The first connection part 70 is composed of a plurality of contacts (electrode pads), which constitute a contact row 72. Some of them are used for signal transmission and reception, and some of them are used for power supply.

  FIG. 7 shows the coupling of the optional unit to the main unit. What is shown is a first example of an optional unit. The main unit 10 has a first connection part 70 provided in the accommodation chamber 64. The cover is removed from the main unit 10. Therefore, the inside of the storage chamber 64 is in an open state.

  The option unit 14 has a flat plate-like portion and a protruding portion 79 protruding from the upper surface thereof. A substrate 78 extending in the horizontal direction is disposed in the flat plate portion, and a plurality of electronic components 90 and 92 are mounted thereon. These are, for example, a wireless module, a GPS module, a microcomputer, and the like. A storage chamber 74 for storing the battery array 76 is formed below the substrate 78. It is a recess opened downward like the storage chamber 64, and its opening is closed by a cover 62. The cover 62 is also used for the two storage chambers 64 and 74. Thereby, the number of parts is reduced. In this embodiment, the battery row 76 is a battery row removed from the storage chamber 64. For example, four batteries are arranged in the front-rear direction (left-right direction on the paper). Each battery has a cylindrical shape, and its axial direction is the left-right direction (the through-paper direction). A larger number of batteries may be accommodated in the accommodation chamber 74. Or the battery row | line | column which consists of a larger battery may be accommodated. Similar to the storage chamber 64, the storage chamber 74 is provided on the rear side in the front-rear direction, which corresponds to the lower part of the handle.

  The protruding portion 79 has a rectangular and hollow frame 88, and a second connecting portion 80 is provided therein. The second connection portion 80 is physically and electrically connected to the first connection portion 70 in the connected state. The second connection portion 80 includes a base 82 and a plurality of pins standing up from the base 82, and the plurality of pins constitutes a pin row 84. The pin pattern in the pin row 84 is the same as the contact pattern in the contact row. The individual pins are in physical contact with the individual contacts, thereby electrically connecting them. For example, the first connection unit 70 may be configured with a female connector, and the second connection unit 80 may be configured with a male connector. The base 82 is supported by the substrate 78 via a support member 86. Of course, other support structures may be employed. Almost the entire second connection portion 80 is located in the internal space of the protruding portion 79. The protrusion 79 enters the housing chamber 64 of the main unit 10 in the connected state, and an insertion state is formed. Each pin is provided with a spring that urges the pin shaft upward, and each pin comes into contact with each contact with an elastic force. This makes it possible to form a stable electrical state.

  FIG. 8 shows a connected state. An option unit is connected to the lower side of the main unit 10, thereby forming a laminate. These units are fixed to each other by a plurality of screws 94 and 96. Other securing means may be used. Prior to the connected state, the cover is removed from the main unit 10 and the battery array is removed. Then, the option unit 14 is joined to the lower surface of the main unit 10. Before or after that, the removed battery array is accommodated in the accommodation chamber of the option unit 12, and the downward opening of the accommodation chamber is covered by the cover. In the connected state, the protruding portion 79 is inserted into the storage chamber 64, and the first connecting portion 70 and the second connecting portion 80 are coupled. As a result, the electronic circuit in the main unit 10 and the electronic circuit in the option unit 14 can communicate with each other.

  In the connected state, the position of the center of gravity of the stacked body is not much different from that in the non-connected state in the front-rear direction (left-right direction on the paper), for example, below the handle front edge. The center-of-gravity position remains at the center in the left-right direction (the through-paper direction). Therefore, when the laminated body is held, it is not excessively inclined, and the posture is stabilized. In particular, since the battery array is housed in the lower part of the laminate, the center of gravity is lowered, which also contributes greatly to posture stabilization. In the connected state, the accommodation chamber of the main unit 10 is completely covered by the option unit 14, but since the battery row is accommodated in the option unit 14, the battery row can be easily replaced. That is, the workability at the time of replacement of the battery row is good. In addition, since the two connecting portions are connected in the accommodation chamber on the main unit side, the empty space is effectively used. In the unconnected state, the connection part on the main unit side is protected by a cover, and in the connected state, the two connection parts are protected by the housing of each unit. When connecting the two connection portions, no special connection work is required, and the connection state of the two connection portions is naturally formed by joining the two units. In addition, a laminated body is hold | maintained by grasping a handle. As described above, the center of gravity balance is good in that case, and the posture does not become unstable.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the front end portion of the option unit 14 protrudes forward from the front end surface of the main unit 10. Both units have the same size in the left-right direction. The front end surfaces of both units may be aligned. You may employ | adopt the structure which the rear end part of the option unit 14 protruded back rather than the rear-end surface of the main body unit. The flat part excluding the protruding part in the option unit has a flat shape, that is, the thickness in the vertical direction is uniform in the horizontal direction, so when the laminate is placed on the floor or desk surface However, the posture of the main unit does not collapse.

  FIG. 9 shows a second example of the option unit. The option unit 14A is joined to the lower surface side of the main unit 10A to form a laminate. The main unit 10 </ b> A has a storage chamber 64 </ b> A that stores the battery array in a disconnected state. The option unit 14A has a storage chamber 100 that stores the battery array 102 in a connected state. The opening of the storage chamber 100 is covered with a cover 104. A main board 106 extending in the horizontal direction is arranged in the option unit 14A, and a plurality of electronic components 108, 110, 112, 114 are arranged there. A sub-board 118 is disposed in the protruding portion 116, and a second connection portion 124 is provided on the sub-board 118. The first connection portion is not shown. A plurality of electronic components 120 and 122 are arranged on the sub-board 118. In the second example, it is possible to arrange various components using the space in the storage chamber 64A, and the space utilization efficiency can be improved. That is, in the connected state, the dead space generated in the main unit 10A is effectively utilized. Thereby, the size of the entire laminate can be reduced.

  A plurality of types of option units may be prepared, and a specific option unit to be actually used may be selected from among them. It is also possible to arrange a plurality of optional units on the lower side of the main unit. The additional functions realized in the option unit are not limited to those described above, and various functions can be assumed. The above configuration may be applied to a portable radiation measurement device other than the survey meter.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Main body unit, 12 Detection unit, 14 Optional unit, 58 Body, 60 Handle, 62 Cover, 64 Storage chamber (1st storage chamber), 66 Battery row, 70 1st connection part, 74 Storage chamber (2nd storage chamber) , 76 battery array, 79 projecting portion, 80 second connection portion.

Claims (8)

A basic unit having a first electronic circuit for radiation measurement, and a first storage chamber for storing a battery for supplying power to the first electronic circuit;
A second electronic circuit for adding a function, and a second storage chamber for storing a battery that supplies power to the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit, and is stacked on a bottom surface side of the basic unit. An additional unit connected by a formula,
Including
In an unconnected state where the additional unit is not connected to the basic unit, a battery is stored in the first storage chamber,
In a connected state in which the additional unit is connected to the basic unit, a battery is stored in the second storage chamber.
A radiation measuring apparatus characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 1.
The basic unit has a first connection;
The additional unit has a second connection portion connected to the first connection portion in the connected state,
In the connected state, the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit are electrically connected by the connection between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.
A radiation measuring apparatus characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 2.
Covering the first storage chamber in the unitary state and having a cover removed in the connected state;
The first connection portion is exposed in the removed state of the cover.
A radiation measuring apparatus characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 3.
The first connection portion is provided on a ceiling surface of the first storage chamber;
The second connection part enters the first storage chamber when the additional unit is connected and is physically connected to the first connection part.
A radiation measuring apparatus characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 3.
In the connected state, the cover is attached to the additional unit, and thereby the second storage chamber is covered by the cover.
A radiation measuring apparatus characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 5.
The basic unit is an opening covered by the cover and has a first downward opening continuous with the first storage chamber,
The additional unit is an opening covered by the cover and has a second downward opening connected to the second storage chamber.
A radiation measuring apparatus characterized by that. A basic unit comprising a flat body having a first electronic circuit for radiation measurement, and a handle attached to the body;
A flat-type additional unit having a second electronic circuit for adding a function and connected to the bottom side of the body in a stacked manner;
Including
In a connected state in which the additional unit is connected to the basic unit, the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit are electrically connected;
The laminated body of the basic unit and the additional unit is moved integrally by holding the handle in the connected state.
A radiation measuring apparatus characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 7.
In a non-connected state where the additional unit is not connected to the basic unit, a battery is stored in the first storage chamber,
In a connected state in which the additional unit is connected to the basic unit, a battery is stored in the second storage chamber.
A radiation measuring apparatus characterized by that.