JP2017067684A - Foreign matter inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a foreign matter inspection device that can achieve facilitation of maintenance of a metal detection unit such as an attachment/detachment of the metal detection unit with respect to a device.SOLUTION: A foreign matter inspection device 1 comprises: a conveyer 10; an X-ray inspection unit 2; a metal detection unit 3; and housing 4. In the housing 4, a lower part door 41 and a rear surface lower part door 45 are provided that open and close the housing 4. The lower part door 41 is arranged on one side in a horizontal direction vertical to a conveyance direction of an inspected object S by the conveyer 10, and is configured to cause at least the metal detection unit 3 to be externally exposed when opened. The rear surface lower part door 45 is arranged on other side in the horizontal direction vertical to the conveyance direction of the inspected object S by the conveyer 10, and is configured to cause at least the metal detection unit 3 to be externally exposed when opened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a foreign matter inspection apparatus.

  In Patent Document 1, X-ray inspection for detecting foreign matter contained in an object to be inspected using X-ray permeability and foreign matter contained in the object to be inspected using an interaction between a magnetic field and a metal are disclosed. A foreign substance inspection apparatus capable of performing both of metal detection and the detection is described.

JP 2015-28465 A

  In the foreign substance inspection apparatus as described above, it is necessary to house the metal detection unit together with the X-ray inspection unit inside the housing that suppresses external leakage of X-rays. However, if the metal detection unit is housed inside the housing, for example, the metal detection unit is usually heavier than the X-ray inspection unit, so maintenance of the metal detection unit such as attachment / detachment of the metal detection unit to / from the apparatus is possible. Becomes difficult.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a foreign object inspection apparatus capable of facilitating maintenance of a metal detection unit such as attachment / detachment of a metal detection unit to / from the apparatus.

  A foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes a transport unit that transports an object to be inspected, an X-ray inspection unit that detects foreign matter contained in the test object being transported by the transport unit using X-ray transparency, and , A metal detection unit for detecting foreign matter contained in the object being transported by the transport unit using the interaction between the magnetic field and the metal, at least a part of the transport unit, an X-ray inspection unit, and metal detection And a housing that suppresses external leakage of X-rays of the X-ray inspection unit. The housing includes a first door portion and a second door portion that open and close the housing. The first door part is disposed on one side in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the inspection object by the conveyance part, and when opened, at least the metal detection part is exposed to the outside, and the second door part Is placed on the other side in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the object to be inspected by the conveyance unit and opened. Exposing at least a metal detection unit to the outside.

  In this foreign matter inspection apparatus, by opening the first door portion and the second door portion, the metal detector can be accessed from both sides on one side and the other side in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Therefore, according to this foreign substance inspection device, it is possible to facilitate maintenance of the metal detection unit, such as attachment / detachment of the metal detection unit to / from the device.

  In the foreign matter inspection apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined direction may be a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the inspection object is conveyed by the conveyance unit. Thereby, it becomes possible to further facilitate the maintenance of the metal detection unit such as the attachment / detachment of the metal detection unit to / from the apparatus.

  In the foreign matter inspection apparatus of the present invention, each of the first door part and the second door part may expose a part of the transport part to the outside when opened. This makes it possible to access a part of the transport unit from one side and the other side in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the transport direction, thereby facilitating the maintenance of the transport unit, such as cleaning the transport unit. Is possible.

  In the foreign matter inspection apparatus of the present invention, each of the first door portion and the second door portion may be openable and closable while maintaining the shielding state of the electrical components of the X-ray inspection portion and the metal detection portion. Thereby, maintenance of a metal detection part can be implemented, protecting an electrical component.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the foreign material inspection apparatus which can aim at the easy maintenance of a metal detection part, such as attachment or detachment of a metal detection part with respect to an apparatus.

It is a front view of the foreign material inspection apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the internal structure and control system of the foreign material inspection apparatus shown by FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the main structures of the X-ray inspection part and metal detection part of FIG. It is a perspective view of the main structures of the X-ray inspection part and metal detection part of FIG. It is the (a) front view and (b) back view of a foreign material inspection apparatus in the state where the lower door and the rear lower door were opened.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a foreign matter inspection apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. A foreign matter inspection device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that detects foreign matter contained in an inspection object. The inspected object is, for example, food. The foreign object inspection apparatus 1 performs X-ray inspection and metal detection while conveying the inspection object in the interior thereof, and inspects whether or not the inspection object contains foreign objects.

  X-ray inspection is a technique for detecting foreign matter contained in an object to be inspected using X-ray transparency, and is realized by the X-ray inspection unit 2 (see FIG. 2). In the X-ray inspection, it is possible to detect a foreign substance having X-ray permeability different from that of the inspection object. On the other hand, metal detection is a technique for detecting a foreign substance contained in an inspection object using an interaction between a magnetic field and metal, and is realized by the metal detection unit 3 (see FIG. 2). In metal detection, a metal foreign object can be detected. Details of the X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3 will be described later.

  The foreign matter inspection apparatus 1 has a housing 4 in which a space is defined. The housing 4 accommodates the X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3 therein. The housing 4 shields X-rays generated by the X-ray inspection unit 2 and suppresses external leakage of X-rays. The housing 4 is made of, for example, stainless steel.

  The housing 4 has a box shape in this embodiment. An opening 4 a that communicates with the inside of the housing 4 is formed on the left side surface of the housing 4. Similarly, an opening 4 b that communicates with the inside of the housing 4 is formed on the right side surface of the housing 4. In the present embodiment, the object to be inspected is carried into the inside of the housing 4 from the opening 4a and inspected, and is carried out of the housing 4 through the opening 4b. That is, the opening 4a serves as an inspection object carry-in port, and the opening 4b serves as an inspection object carry-out port.

  On the front surface of the housing 4, an upper door 40 and a lower door (first door portion) 41 that open and close the housing 4 are provided. The upper door 40 and the lower door 41 have a hinged door structure, for example. By opening or closing the upper door 40 or the lower door 41, at least a part of an X-ray inspection unit 2 and a metal detection unit 3 described later are exposed to the outside. The upper door 40 and the lower door 41 are made of, for example, stainless steel.

  A display 5 and operation switches 6 are provided on the front surface of the upper door 40. The display 5 is a display device having both a display function and an input function, and is, for example, a touch panel. The display 5 displays the result of X-ray inspection and metal detection, and also displays an operation screen for setting various parameters related to metal detection and X-ray inspection. The operation switch 6 is a power switch for the X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3.

  The housing 4 is supported by a support base 7. A notification unit 8 and a cooler 9 are provided on the upper surface of the housing 4. The notification unit 8 notifies of foreign matter contamination and the operating state of the device. The notification unit 8 includes a first notification device 81 corresponding to the X-ray inspection unit 2 and a second notification device 82 corresponding to the metal detection unit 3. The cooler 9 sends cool air to the inside of the housing 4 and adjusts the temperature of the devices arranged inside the housing 4.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the internal configuration and control system of the foreign matter inspection apparatus 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the housing 4 is inspected with a substrate chamber T <b> 1 in which a part of an X-ray generator to be described later and a control board of a component are arranged, and an object S to be inspected. It is divided into the inspection room T2 to be performed. The temperature of the substrate chamber T1 is adjusted by the cooler 9 described above.

  In the inspection room T2, a conveyor (conveying unit) 10 that conveys the inspection object S is disposed. The conveyor 10 is a roller belt conveyor in the present embodiment, and extends in the horizontal direction inside the housing 4 with one end located in the opening 4a and the other end located in the opening 4b. doing. That is, the housing | casing 4 has accommodated the part except the one end part and other end part among the conveyors 10 inside. The conveyor 10 according to the present embodiment carries the inspection object S into the housing 4 through the opening 4a and carries the inspection object S out of the housing 4 through the opening 4b.

  An X-ray shielding curtain 42 is disposed in the opening 4a. Similarly, an X-ray shielding curtain 43 is disposed in the opening 4b. The X-ray shielding curtains 42 and 43 have upper ends that are fixed to the housing 4 and lower ends that are free ends. The X-ray shielding curtains 42 and 43 shield X-rays generated by the X-ray inspection unit 2 and suppress external leakage of X-rays. The X-ray shielding curtains 42 and 43 are made of, for example, a flexible material containing tungsten. In order to automate the loading and unloading of the inspection object S, the loading conveyor 11 may be disposed on the right side of the conveyor 10 and the unloading conveyor 12 may be disposed on the left side of the conveyor 10. Further, the carry-out conveyor 12 may have a function of distributing the inspection object S.

  In the inspection chamber T2, an annular case 31 having a through hole 31a for allowing the inspection object S to pass therethrough is disposed. The conveyor 10 penetrates the case 31 through the through hole 31a. The inspection object S passes through the through hole 31 a of the case 31 by the conveyor 10, and X-ray inspection and metal detection are sequentially performed in the case 31. The case 31 is made of, for example, stainless steel.

  First, the X-ray inspection unit 2 that performs X-ray inspection will be described. The X-ray inspection unit 2 includes an X-ray inspection control unit 20, an X-ray generator 21, and an X-ray detector 22. The X-ray generator 21 includes an X-ray source that generates X-rays and a slit mechanism. The X-ray detector 22 detects X-rays generated by the X-ray generator 21. The X-ray generator 21 and the X-ray detector 22 are arranged so as to face each other so as to sandwich the conveyor 10 and the case 31 from above and below. In the X-ray generator 21, an X-ray source and the like are disposed in the substrate chamber T1, and a mechanism for irradiating X-rays is disposed in the examination chamber T2. As the X-ray detector 22, for example, a line sensor in which a plurality of X-ray detection sensors are arranged in parallel in the front-rear direction is used. The X-ray detector 22 is accommodated in the substrate case 23 in order to reduce X-ray leakage. The substrate case 23 is provided with a slit 23a (see FIG. 4) in order to allow X-rays to reach the X-ray detector 22.

  The X-ray inspection control unit 20 temporarily stores input / output interface I / O for inputting / outputting signals to / from the outside, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program and information for performing processing, and the like are stored. It has a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a communication circuit, and the like. The X-ray inspection control unit 20 stores input data in the RAM based on a signal output from the CPU, loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM, and executes the program loaded in the RAM. The functions described later are realized.

  The X-ray inspection control unit 20 is disposed in the substrate chamber T <b> 1 and is connected to the X-ray generator 21 and the X-ray detector 22. The X-ray inspection control unit 20 is connected to the display 5 and receives operation information from an operator via an operation screen. The X-ray inspection control unit 20 sets operation profiles of the X-ray generator 21 and the X-ray detector 22 based on the operation information, and controls operations of the X-ray generator 21 and the X-ray detector 22. When the X-ray inspection control unit 20 detects the inspection object S using the laser sensor 24 disposed upstream of the X-ray generator 21 and the X-ray detector 22, the X-ray inspection control unit 20 inspects the inspection object S. Start. The X-ray inspection control unit 20 controls the X-ray generator 21 to irradiate the inspection object S being conveyed by the conveyor 10 with X-rays. The X-ray detector 22 measures the X-ray transmission amount of X-rays that have passed through the inspection object S, and outputs the measured X-ray transmission amount to the X-ray inspection control unit 20.

  The X-ray inspection control unit 20 generates an X-ray transmission image in which the X-ray transmission amount acquired in time series is reflected in the pixel value. Then, the X-ray inspection control unit 20 detects the foreign matter by analyzing the X-ray transmission image using an image processing technique. For example, the X-ray inspection control unit 20 determines whether there is an image region in which the difference from the reference transmittance of the inspection object S is a predetermined value or more based on the pixel value of the X-ray transmission image. The X-ray inspection control unit 20 determines that a foreign object has been detected when there is an image region in which the difference from the reference transmittance of the inspection object S is a predetermined value or more.

  The X-ray inspection control unit 20 displays the result data of the X-ray inspection on the display 5 or stores the result data in the storage unit in response to a request from the worker. Further, the X-ray inspection control unit 20 indicates that when the X-ray generator 21 and the X-ray detector 22 are operating normally, the device relating to the X-ray inspection is operating using the first alarm 81. To the workers. Further, when it is determined that a foreign object has been detected, the X-ray inspection control unit 20 notifies the worker that the foreign object has been detected using the first notification device 81.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the main components of the X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main components of the X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3 of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the case 31 includes a main body portion 32, a first hood portion 33, and a second hood portion 34. The first hood portion 33 is provided on the opening 4 a side (loading side) with respect to the main body portion 32. The second hood part 34 is provided on the opening part 4 b side (the outlet side) with respect to the main body part 32. The through hole 31 a of the case 31 described above is defined by the inner walls of the main body portion 32, the first hood portion 33, and the second hood portion 34.

  An X-ray passage slit 33 a that allows X-rays to pass is formed on the upper surface of the first hood portion 33 so as to be positioned below the X-ray generator 21. An X-ray passage slit 33b that allows X-rays to pass through is formed on the lower surface of the first hood portion 33 so as to face the X-ray passage slit 33a. The X-ray detector 22 is disposed below the X-ray passage slit 33b. With this configuration, the X-ray 21 a generated by the X-ray generator 21 passes through the X-ray passage slits 33 a and 33 b and is irradiated to the inspection object S being conveyed inside the case 31. In addition, on the side surface of the first hood portion 33, a slit 33c is provided on the downstream side (the main body portion 32 side) of the X-ray passage slits 33a and 33b. A laser sensor 38 is disposed in the slit 33c. The laser sensor 38 irradiates the inspection object S on the conveyor 10 with laser through the slit 33c.

  Next, the metal detection unit 3 that performs metal detection will be described. The metal detection unit 3 includes a metal detection control unit 30, an annular transmission coil 35 that is a search coil, and annular reception coils 36 and 37 that are search coils. The transmission coil 35 and the reception coils 36 and 37 are formed of a conductive material such as metal and are disposed inside the main body 32 of the case 31. The transmission coil 35 and the reception coils 36 and 37 are arranged coaxially with the extending direction of the through hole 31a. That is, the transmission coil 35 and the reception coils 36 and 37 are disposed so as to surround the through hole 31a. As a result, the inspection object S passes through the transmission coil 35 and the reception coils 36 and 37 by the conveyor 10.

  The transmission coil 35 is disposed between the reception coils 36 and 37. The receiving coils 36 and 37 are differentially connected to each other and arranged symmetrically with respect to the transmitting coil 35. The two receiving coils 36 and 37 have the same flux linkage. The transmission coil 35 is configured to be energized and generates magnetic flux. A voltage is excited in each of the receiving coils 36 and 37 by electromagnetic induction of a magnetic field generated by the transmitting coil 35. The first hood portion 33 and the second hood portion 34 shield external leakage of the magnetic field generated by the transmission coil 35 and entry of an external magnetic field.

  The metal detection control unit 30 includes an input / output interface I / O for inputting / outputting signals from / to the outside, a ROM storing programs and information for processing, a RAM for temporarily storing data, an HDD, etc. Storage medium, CPU, and communication circuit. The metal detection control unit 30 stores input data in the RAM based on a signal output from the CPU, loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM, and executes the program loaded into the RAM, which will be described later. Realize the function to do.

  The metal detection control unit 30 is disposed in the substrate chamber T1 and connected to the X-ray inspection control unit 20, and receives operation information from the worker input to the operation screen of the display 5 via the X-ray inspection control unit 20. Accept. The metal detection control unit 30 sets operation profiles of the transmission coil 35 and the reception coils 36 and 37 based on the operation information. When the metal detection control unit 30 detects the inspection object S using the laser sensor 38 disposed on the upstream side of the transmission coil 35 and the reception coils 36 and 37, the metal detection control unit 30 starts metal detection of the inspection object S. .

  The metal detection control unit 30 supplies an alternating excitation current to the transmission coil 35 to generate a magnetic flux. The magnetic flux generated by the transmission coil 35 passes through the two reception coils 36 and 37, and a voltage is excited in each of the reception coils 36 and 37 by electromagnetic induction. The metal detection control unit 30 acquires the output voltage of the differential connection of the receiving coils 36 and 37 and determines metal detection. When the differential connection output voltage is 0, the metal detection control unit 30 determines that a metal foreign object is not detected. On the other hand, when the differential connection output voltage is not zero, the metal detection control unit 30 determines that a metal foreign object has been detected.

  The metal detection control unit 30 displays the metal detection result data on the display 5 or stores the result data in the storage unit in response to a request from the worker. In addition, when the transmission coil 35 and the reception coils 36 and 37 are operating normally, the metal detection control unit 30 informs the worker that the metal detection device is operating using the second alarm 82. Inform. Furthermore, when the metal detection control unit 30 determines that a foreign object has been detected, the metal detection control unit 30 notifies the worker that the foreign object has been detected using the second notification device 82. The case 31 may be held by a vibration isolation table 39 (anti-vibration tables 39a and 39b) for the purpose of improving the vibration resistance characteristics.

  The X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3 described above are configured to be independently operable. That is, the foreign substance inspection apparatus 1 can perform not only both the X-ray inspection and the metal detection but also any one of the X-ray inspection and the metal detection. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the X-ray inspection unit 2 performs display control of the display 5, the operation screen of the metal detection unit 3 is displayed on the display 5 when the X-ray inspection unit 2 is stopped. Not. For this reason, a sub-display (not shown) connected to the metal detection unit 3 is disposed inside the housing 4. When the X-ray inspection unit 2 is stopped, the metal detection unit 3 receives operation information via the sub display and displays result data or the like on the sub display.

  Next, the door structure of the housing 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5A, the lower door 41 arranged on the front side (one side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the inspection object S by the conveyor 10) in the housing 4 is, for example, on the lower side. When it is rotated and opened, the metal detection unit 3, the conveyor 10, the X-ray shielding curtains 42, 43 and the like are exposed to the outside. That is, when the lower door 41 is opened, the metal detection unit 3, the conveyor 10, the X-ray shielding curtains 42, 43, and the like are exposed to the outside.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, a rear upper door 44 and a rear lower door (second door portion) 45 for opening and closing the housing 4 are provided on the rear surface of the housing 4. The rear upper door 44 and the rear lower door 45 have a hinged door structure, for example, and are formed of, for example, stainless steel. When the rear lower door 45 disposed on the rear side (the other side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the inspection object S by the conveyor 10) in the housing 4 is opened by rotating downward, for example, the metal detection unit 3. The conveyor 10 and the X-ray shielding curtains 42, 43 are exposed to the outside. That is, when the rear lower door 45 is opened, the metal detection unit 3, the conveyor 10, the X-ray shielding curtains 42, 43, and the like are exposed to the outside.

  If each of the upper door 40 and the rear upper door 44 is rotated and opened, for example, to the left side, the electrical components 50 of the X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3 are exposed to the outside. That is, each of the lower door 41 and the rear lower door 45 can be opened and closed while maintaining the shielding state of the electrical component 50 of the X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3.

  As described above, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus 1, by opening the lower door 41 and the rear lower door 45, both sides on one side and the other side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the inspection object S by the conveyor 10. Can access the metal detector 3. Therefore, according to the foreign substance inspection device 1, it is possible to facilitate maintenance of the metal detection unit 3, such as attachment / detachment of the metal detection unit 3 to / from the device.

  Moreover, in the foreign material inspection apparatus 1, by opening the lower door 41 and the rear lower door 45, the conveyor 10 can be moved from one side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the inspection object S by the conveyor 10 and from both sides on the other side. Can be accessed. Therefore, according to the foreign material inspection apparatus 1, it is possible to facilitate maintenance of the conveyor 10, such as cleaning of the conveyor 10.

  Further, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus 1, the lower door 41 and the rear lower door 45 can be opened and closed while maintaining the shielded state of the electrical components 50 of the X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3. Thereby, maintenance of the metal detection part 3 and the conveyor 10 can be implemented, protecting the electrical component 50. FIG.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  For example, the lower door 41 and the rear lower door 45 may be disposed on one side and the other side in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the inspection object S by the conveyor 10, respectively. Each of the lower door 41 and the rear lower door 45 only needs to expose at least the metal detector 3 to the outside. Each of the lower door 41 and the rear lower door 45 only needs to be openable and closable while maintaining the shielding state of the electrical component 50 of the X-ray inspection unit 2 and the metal detection unit 3. As an example, a door that covers the entire rear surface of the housing 4 may be provided in place of the rear lower door 45 while leaving a door corresponding to the rear upper door 44. In that case, the upper part where the electrical component 50 is arranged has a double door structure.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the inspection object S is transported from the opening 4a to the opening 4b has been described. However, the transport direction may be reversed. In this case, the laser sensor 24 may be disposed between the opening 4b and the second hood portion 34, and a slit may be provided on the side surface of the second hood portion 34.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which a part of the conveyor 10 is disposed inside the housing 4 has been described, but the conveyor 10 may be entirely accommodated inside the housing 4.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Foreign substance inspection apparatus, 2 ... X-ray inspection part, 3 ... Metal detection part, 4 ... Housing | casing, 10 ... Conveyor (conveyance part), 41 ... Lower door (1st door part), 45 ... Rear lower door (1st) 2 doors), 50 ... electrical components, S ... inspected object.

Claims (4)

A transport unit for transporting an object to be inspected;
An X-ray inspection unit that detects foreign matter contained in the inspection object being transported by the transport unit, utilizing X-ray transparency;
Utilizing the interaction between the magnetic field and the metal, a metal detection unit that detects foreign matter contained in the inspection object being conveyed by the conveyance unit;
A housing that houses at least a part of the transport unit, the X-ray inspection unit, and the metal detection unit, and suppresses external leakage of X-rays of the X-ray inspection unit,
The housing is provided with a first door portion and a second door portion for opening and closing the housing,
The first door portion is disposed on one side in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the inspection object by the conveyance unit, and when opened, at least the metal detection unit is exposed to the outside,
The second door portion is disposed on the other side in the predetermined direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the inspection object by the transport portion, and exposes at least the metal detection portion to the outside when opened. Inspection device.   The foreign object inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined direction is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the inspection object by the conveyance unit.   The foreign substance inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first door part and the second door part exposes the part of the transport part to the outside when the first door part and the second door part are opened.   Each of the said 1st door part and the said 2nd door part can be opened and closed, maintaining the shielding state of the electrical component of the said X-ray inspection part and the said metal detection part. The foreign matter inspection apparatus described.

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