JP2018124084A - X-ray inspection device and baggage inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray inspection device and a baggage inspection device capable of preventing leakage of X-rays and downsizing the devices.SOLUTION: A part of X-rays from an X-ray source S1 is absorbed between the X-ray source S1 and an inspection object by an X-ray absorption part XA. By this, the inspection is quickly conducted and unnecessary leakage of X-rays is reliably prevented in the inspection while providing the inspection device using X-rays. Therefore, downsizing of the device for inspecting the contents of the inspection object can be achieved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray inspection apparatus and a baggage inspection apparatus that inspect the inside of an object using X-rays.

  In recent years, in order to prevent accidents, terrorism, etc., it has been unavoidable to check whether baggage or the like contains dangerous goods, for example, at airports and conference halls. Specifically, as a document related to a technique for detecting a dangerous substance, for example, a security system (Patent Document 1) that collects information in a security center and collates with a database to determine a risk is known.

  When the number of people to be confirmed is relatively limited, such as boarding at an airport, baggage can be detected by a detection device such as an X-ray imaging device or a metal detector when the user passes through the gate. Confirmation can also be performed. On the other hand, when there are a large number of users such as railways, entertainment facilities, hotels, office buildings, conference halls, etc., checking baggage for reasons such as loss of convenience due to the time required. Is not necessarily done. In order to check baggage on a railroad or the like, it is necessary to reduce the size of the device and speed up the inspection because of the requirement for installation environment and time reduction.

  Further, in order to reduce the size of the apparatus and speed up the inspection, for example, when inspection is performed using X-rays, it is necessary to suppress leakage of the X-rays to the outside of the apparatus. In particular, it is considered that leakage of X-rays is likely to be a problem when the apparatus is downsized.

JP 2009-175819 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray inspection apparatus and a baggage inspection apparatus capable of reducing the size of the apparatus while preventing X-ray leakage.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first X-ray inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray source that irradiates an inspection object with X-rays, an X-ray sensor unit that receives X-rays from the X-ray source, An X-ray absorber that absorbs part of the X-ray from the X-ray source while providing an X-ray transmission region between the radiation source and the object to be inspected, and an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor unit are accommodated. A shielding box that shields X-rays.

  In the X-ray inspection apparatus, the X-ray absorption unit absorbs a part of the X-ray from the X-ray source between the X-ray source and the object to be inspected, so that the inspection can be performed quickly and is not necessary for the inspection. It is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus while reliably preventing X-ray leakage.

  In a specific aspect of the present invention, the X-ray absorber forms a slit-like hole that transmits a remaining component while absorbing a part of the X-ray from the X-ray source. In this case, X-ray components unnecessary for the inspection can be absorbed by the X-ray absorbing portion while the X-ray components unnecessary for the inspection can be inspected by transmitting the necessary X-rays from the slit-shaped hole and irradiating the inspection object. .

  In another aspect of the present invention, the X-ray absorber is a plurality of removable block members. In this case, for example, the X-ray transmission region and the X-ray absorption region can be adjusted appropriately. In addition, it is possible to replace only a portion of the X-ray absorption portion where deterioration is severe.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the X-ray absorption unit is provided in a transport unit that transports an object to be inspected. In this case, since the inspection by X-rays can be performed while the object to be inspected is transported by the transport unit, a quick and reliable inspection can be performed.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the transport unit is a belt conveyor that passes between the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor unit in a state where the inspection object is placed. In this case, by transporting the object to be inspected on the belt of the belt conveyor, it is possible to reliably pass the X-ray transmission region provided in the X-ray absorber.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a plurality of shielding curtains provided at different positions on the entrance side and / or the exit side of the shielding box. In this case, leakage of X-rays outside the shielding box can be reduced by the plurality of shielding curtains.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, the X-ray source emits X-rays in a pulse oscillation manner. In this case, the X-ray irradiation can be reduced while securing the irradiation amount necessary for the inspection.

  In order to achieve the above object, a second X-ray inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray source that irradiates an inspection object with X-rays, an X-ray sensor unit that receives X-rays from the X-ray source, A shielding box that houses a radiation source and an X-ray sensor unit and shields X-rays, a transport unit that transports an object to be inspected, and a position detection sensor that detects the position of an object to be inspected that is moved by transport in the transport unit And a timing control unit that controls the timing of X-ray irradiation from the X-ray source based on position detection by the position detection sensor unit.

  In the X-ray inspection apparatus, the position detection sensor unit detects the position of an object to be inspected that is moved by conveyance in the conveyance unit, and the timing control unit detects X from the X-ray source based on position detection by the position detection sensor unit. The timing of irradiation is controlled. As a result, inspection can be performed quickly and generation of unnecessary X-rays in the inspection can be suppressed, so that the apparatus can be downsized while reliably preventing X-ray leakage. It becomes.

  In order to achieve the above object, a baggage inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes the X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of the above, and inspects baggage as an inspection object. In this case, the X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of the above can quickly inspect the baggage as an object to be inspected, and reliably prevent unnecessary X-ray leakage in the inspection. In addition, by reducing the size of the X-ray inspection apparatus, it is possible to reduce the size of the baggage inspection apparatus.

(A) is a top view which shows notionally the X-ray inspection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (B) is a side view, (C) is a front view or a rear view. (A) And (B) is a figure corresponding to Drawing 1 (A) and 1 (B), and is a figure for explaining the internal structure of an X-ray inspection device, (C) is a belt conveyor. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating a structure. (A) is a top view which shows the state which removed the shielding box, X-ray sensor part, and belt part of the X-ray inspection apparatus, (B) is a plane which shows the state which removed the presser plate further from (A). It is a figure, (C) is a top view which shows the state which removed the some block-shaped member from (B) further, (D) is a sectional side view for demonstrating the mode inside a shielding box. (E) is a partially enlarged view of (D). It is a figure for demonstrating the timing control of X-ray irradiation. It is a figure for demonstrating one specific structural example of the some block-shaped member which comprises an X-ray absorption part. (A) is a figure for demonstrating an example of the some shielding curtain attached to a shielding box, (B) and (C) are the figures for demonstrating an example about each shielding curtain. It is a figure which shows notionally about the automatic ticket gate system incorporating the baggage inspection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) is an exploded perspective view conceptually showing the assembly of an automatic ticket gate device and a baggage inspection device constituting the automatic ticket gate system, and (B) is an X of (A) constituting the baggage inspection device. It is the figure which took out the line inspection apparatus. (A) is a top view for demonstrating the X-ray inspection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (B) is a sectional side view. It is a sectional side view which shows notionally the X-ray inspection apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an outline of an example of the X-ray inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a baggage inspection apparatus incorporating the same will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams for explaining the entire X-ray inspection apparatus 50 and the structure of each unit according to the present embodiment. Among these, FIG. 1A is a plan view conceptually showing an X-ray inspection apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 1B is a side view, and FIG. It is a front view. From the symmetry of the shape, FIG. 1C can also be regarded as a rear view of the X-ray inspection apparatus 50. 2 (A) and 2 (B) are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B). In order to describe the internal structure of the X-ray inspection apparatus 50, a part thereof is indicated by a broken line or a dotted line. Notation is shown and each part which comprises the inside of the X-ray inspection apparatus 50 is shown. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the belt conveyor 51 that constitutes the X-ray inspection apparatus 50. 3 (A) to 3 (C) are plan views corresponding to FIGS. 1 (A) and 2 (A), in which some of the components are removed from the X-ray inspection apparatus 50 and other components are replaced. It is a figure made easy to see. FIG. 3D is a side cross-sectional view for explaining the inside of the shielding box BX to which X-ray irradiation is performed, and FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of FIG. It is a partial enlarged view about the part made.

  Hereinafter, each part which comprises the X-ray inspection apparatus 50 is demonstrated in detail with reference to each said figure suitably.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and the like, an X-ray inspection apparatus 50 according to this embodiment includes a belt conveyor 51 as a transport unit and the contents of an inspection object transported by the belt conveyor 51. An inspection main body 52 for confirming the X-ray irradiation, a detection unit 53 composed of a sensor and a camera for detecting the presence of an inspection object conveyed to the inspection main body 52 by the belt conveyor 51, and each part The control part 54 which performs control of this is provided.

  The X-ray inspection apparatus 50 conveys the inspection object to the inside of the inspection main body 52 along the conveyance direction D1 by the belt conveyor 51 while detecting the inspection object by the detection unit 53 provided on the entrance side of the inspection main body 52. Then, inspection is performed by X-ray irradiation in the inspection main body 52, the inspection object is conveyed to the outside of the inspection main body 52, and the inspection ends.

  Among the parts constituting the X-ray inspection apparatus 50, first, the belt conveyor 51 is configured such that the object to be inspected is as shown in FIGS. 1 (A) to 1 (C) and FIGS. 2 (A) to 2 (C). Between the belt portion 51a to be placed, a pair of roller portions 51b and 51b that are provided at both ends of the inlet and outlet sides of the apparatus and to which the belt portion 51a is attached, and a pair of roller portions 51b and 51b in the transport direction D1 And a belt support portion 51c which is provided in the ring-shaped belt portion 51a and is a plate-like portion for supporting the inspection object placed on the belt portion 51a and the belt portion 51a, and a support for supporting each of the above-described portions. Frame 51d.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 (A), 2 (B), 2 (C), FIG. 3 (A) and the like, the belt support portion 51c is a traveling direction of the inspection object, which is the traveling direction of the belt portion 51a. Are formed of a plurality of elongated plate-like block members BL, BL... Arranged along D1, and a presser plate HP that presses the plurality of block-like members BL, BL. The structure will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. First, FIG. 3A shows the shielding box BX, the X-ray sensor unit R1, and the X-ray inspection apparatus 50 in the state shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the state which removed the belt part 51a. In this case, in the belt support portion 51c, the presser plate HP is in the most exposed state. FIG. 3B is a plan view showing a state where the presser plate HP is further removed from the state shown in FIG. In this case, among the belt support portion 51c, the plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL,... 3C is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of block-like members BL, BL... Are further removed from the state shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in the drawing and as shown in FIG. 2C, each block-shaped member BL includes a pair of flange portions FL. It can be seen that it is supported and fixed by FL. As described above, each block-shaped member BL is removable.

  Some or all of the plurality of block-shaped members BL are made of lead or the like and have X-ray absorption, and absorb a part of X-rays generated in the inspection main body 52. On the other hand, the plurality of block-shaped members BL are arranged so as to provide a transmission region SL that transmits X-rays. That is, the plurality of block-shaped members BL absorb X X-rays generated in the inspection main body 52 and transmit other X-rays from the transmission region SL, so that X to the inspection object is transmitted. The irradiation of the line is enabled. Note that the size of the transmissive region SL can be changed by being formed by a removable block-like member BL. Here, among the plurality of block-shaped members BL constituting the belt support portion 51c, an X-ray absorption portion XA is a member that absorbs part of the X-rays generated in the inspection main body portion 52. Since at least the block-shaped member BL near the transmission region SL has X-ray absorption, a part of the X-rays is absorbed.

  The presser plate HP is a plate-like member made of an X-ray transparent material such as acrylic. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (B), FIG. 2 (C), FIG. 3 (D), etc., the presser plate HP presses a plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL... Occurrence of rattling on the uppermost surface of the belt is suppressed, and the belt portion 51a is reliably supported by the belt support portion 51c. That is, the upper surface of the presser plate HP is flat and has a small amount of friction, so that the baggage TT (see FIG. 3D) which is an inspection object placed on the belt portion 51a together with the belt portion 51a. ) Etc. is secured.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIG. 3D, and the like, the inspection main body 52 includes an X-ray source S1 that irradiates an X-ray XL to an inspection object to be inspected, and the like. , An X-ray sensor unit R1 that receives a component that has passed through the inspection object among X-rays XL from the X-ray source S1, and a rectangular parallelepiped shielding box BX that accommodates the X-ray source S1 and the X-ray sensor unit R1 therein. Have

  The shielding box BX is a rectangular parallelepiped housing, and is inserted into the belt conveyor 51 to convey the object to be inspected and form a rectangular shape that forms an inlet EN and an outlet EX (see FIG. 1C) of the object to be inspected. It has a shaped opening. In order to suppress external X-ray leakage, it is desirable to apply an X-ray absorbing member such as lead to each wall surface constituting the shielding box BX.

  The X-ray source S1 is disposed on the lower side near the center of the shielding box BX, and irradiates the X-ray XL from the light emitting point PP toward the X-ray sensor unit R1, as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the pulsed oscillation type cold cathode X-ray source is adopted as the X-ray source S1, thereby shortening the irradiation time and reducing the irradiation dose as compared with the CW oscillation type hot cathode X-ray source. ing.

  As shown in the drawing, the X-ray sensor unit R1 is arranged on the upper side near the center of the shielding box BX so as to face the X-ray source S1 with the belt conveyor 51 interposed therebetween. For example, the X-ray sensor unit R1 arranges the light receiving elements in a line so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction D1, and according to the belt conveyor 51, can perform a line-type scan in cooperation with the conveyance. I have to. That is, when the baggage TT as the inspection object passes through the region DD near the center of the shielding box BX, the inspection object is irradiated with X-rays, and the X-ray sensor unit R1 receives the baggage TT based on the result received. Internal inspection is done.

  The arrangement of the light emitting points PP of the X-ray source S1 and the light receiving elements of the X-ray sensor unit R1 arranged in a line corresponds to the transmission region SL that transmits X-rays. In other words, the position of the transmission region SL formed by the plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL,... Is adjusted according to the arrangement of the X-ray source S1 and the X-ray sensor unit R1.

  In the case of the line-type X-ray sensor R1, the range in which light can be received in the transport direction D1 by each light receiving element is, for example, within 10 mm. Therefore, it is considered that it is sufficient if the width of the transmission region SL in the transport direction D1 is approximately the same. That is, in this case, the plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL... As the X-ray absorption part XA absorb the part of the X-rays and transmit the remaining components so that the object to be inspected by the X-ray sensor part R1 is transmitted. A slit-shaped hole may be formed as the transmission region SL that secures the X-rays necessary for the inspection. In addition, although it is good also as what is set as the space | gap which does not provide anything about the permeation | transmission area | region SL, from a viewpoint of the intensity maintenance with respect to a to-be-inspected object, as expanded and shown to FIG. XT may be embedded in the transmission region SL. For the X-ray transmissive member XT, for example, it is conceivable to use acrylic or the like in the same manner as the presser plate HP.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3D, the operation of the X-ray inspection for the baggage TT as the inspection object in the inspection main body 52 (the shielding box BX) will be described. First, the baggage TT is transported in the transport direction D1 by the belt conveyor 51, and when it reaches or just before reaching the inspectable region DD near the center, X-ray irradiation is started from the light emitting point PP of the X-ray source S1. The That is, among the X-ray components irradiated from the light emitting point PP, the X-ray XL that is a component that should reach the X-ray sensor unit R1 passes through the transmission region SL and reaches the region DD, and is in the region DD. While part of the baggage TT is irradiated and passes through the baggage TT and reaches the X-ray sensor unit R1, a part of the baggage TT is absorbed by the baggage TT, so that the baggage TT is detected based on the detection result of the X-ray sensor unit R1. The contents of TT are detected. After the baggage TT passes through the region DD, X-ray irradiation ends from the light emission point PP of the X-ray source S1. During the X-ray irradiation, among the X-ray components from the light emitting point PP, most of the components that do not pass through the transmission region SL are a plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL. It is absorbed by functioning and is prevented from leaking to the outside of the shielding box BX.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the belt conveyor 51 that passes between the X-ray source S1 and the X-ray sensor unit R1, as described above, a plate-like member in which an X-ray absorber such as lead is mixed. The belt support part 51c (X-ray absorption part XA) comprised by these is incorporated. In particular, in the case of the above configuration, the belt support portion 51c is disposed between the X-ray source S1 and the object to be inspected. Therefore, between the X-ray source and the object to be inspected by the belt support portion 51c, By absorbing some unnecessary components such as the component XL1 shown in FIG. 3D among the X-rays from the X-ray source S1, the transmission absorption of the X-rays can be adjusted. Further, it is possible to reliably prevent unnecessary X-ray leakage in the inspection.

  Hereinafter, returning to FIG. 1, the detection unit 53 and the like will be described. The detection unit 53 is disposed on the near side from the entrance of the inspection main body 52, that is, on the upstream side in the transport direction D1 and on the upper side, and detects or images the inspection object placed on the belt conveyor 51 from above. It is composed of a sensor (infrared sensor), a camera, a distance image camera, or the like that can be enabled. The detection unit 53 transmits information for grasping the size and position together with the presence or absence of the inspection object to the control unit 54.

  The control unit 54 is a control unit that controls the entire control of the X-ray inspection apparatus 50 and is connected to each unit. As an example of the various controls, the control unit 54 performs X-ray irradiation timing control based on the position of the inspection object acquired from the detection unit 53 in addition to the operation control of the above-described inspection main body 52 and the like. Specifically, first, when the control unit 54 receives information on the position of the inspection object from the detection unit 53, the control unit 54 recognizes the position of the inspection object and transports the inspection object in the transport direction D <b> 1 by the belt conveyor 51. In consideration of speed, the timing of X-ray irradiation in the inspection main body 52 is controlled. That is, the control unit 54 functions as a position detection sensor unit that cooperates with the detection unit 53 to detect the position of an object to be inspected that is moved by conveyance on the belt conveyor 51. Further, the control unit 54 functions as a timing control unit that controls the timing of X-ray irradiation from the X-ray source S1 (see FIG. 2B, etc.) based on the position detection of the inspection object.

  Hereinafter, timing control of X-ray irradiation will be described with reference to a time chart shown in FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the X-ray source S1 employs a pulse oscillation type, and the timing of X-ray irradiation by the X-ray source S1 is controlled by controlling the pulse drive. doing.

  First, the control unit 54 detects a position based on information from a detection unit 53 configured by a sensor or a camera as a position detection sensor unit that detects the position of the inspection object. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the detection unit 53 emits infrared rays in a pulse shape and determines the presence / absence of an inspection object based on the presence / absence of reception of the infrared light. In the time chart shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that a response state to one infrared pulse is shown. As a timing control unit that controls the timing of X-ray irradiation, the control unit 54 measures the time and timing from the start of passage of the inspection object toward the inspection main body 52 (shielding box BX) to the completion of passage. That is, based on the number of infrared pulses described above, the time until the inspection object reaches the region DD and the time until the passage of the region DD is completed are measured. The control unit 54 considers the distance from the detection unit 53 to the region DD, the conveyance speed of the inspection object in the conveyance direction D1 by the belt conveyor 51, and the time until the operation of the X-ray source S1 starts, as shown in FIG. The pulse oscillation operation of the X-ray source S1 is controlled according to the delay time dx set as shown in FIG. Further, in the X-ray sensor unit R1 that alternately performs the exposure time capable of detecting X-rays and the data transfer time in accordance with the pulse oscillation of the X-ray source S1, in consideration of the operation timing of the X-ray source S1, etc. In accordance with the delay time dy set as shown in FIG. 4, control of light reception by the X-ray sensor unit R1 is performed. As described above, the control unit 54 as the timing control unit synchronizes the pulse oscillation time of the X-ray source S1 with the trigger signal based on the position detection of the inspection object, and the operation of the X-ray sensor unit R1. The operation is synchronized with the pulse oscillation operation of the source S1. In other words, taking into account each delay, the irradiation and stop of the X-ray source S1 are controlled at an optimal timing. Thereby, the irradiation time of X-ray source S1 is shortened as much as possible, and the irradiation dose is reduced.

  As described above, in the X-ray inspection apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 54 serving as the position detection sensor unit detects the position of the object to be inspected that is moved by the conveyance on the belt conveyor 51 and the timing control unit. The controller 54 controls the timing of X-ray irradiation from the X-ray source S1 based on position detection. This makes it possible to quickly perform inspection by using X-rays and reduce the irradiation dose in the inspection, thereby suppressing generation of unnecessary X-rays and reliably preventing X-ray leakage. It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, a specific configuration example of the plurality of block-like members BL, BL... Constituting the X-ray absorption portion XA will be considered. As described above, a part or all of each block-shaped member BL is made of lead or the like to be an X-ray absorption part XA having X-ray absorption, thereby allowing the X-ray source S1 of the inspection main body 52 to Unnecessary components of the generated X-rays can be absorbed. However, the range of X-rays generated from the X-ray source S1 is not necessarily the entire interior of the shielding box BX, and the type of the X-ray source S1, the X-ray source S1, the X-ray source S1, the shielding box BX, etc. It depends on the positional relationship and the shape of each part. Therefore, only a part of the plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL... Is made of an X-ray absorbing member LP such as lead, and the other part is less X-ray absorbed than lead or the like like aluminum. It is good also as what comprises the non-X-ray absorptive member AP which does not have property. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a limit range XL2 where X-rays spread is assumed, and a plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL... Are configured with X-ray absorbing members LP such as lead for the range corresponding to the limit range XL2. Otherwise, the plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL... May be configured by a non-X-ray absorbing member AP such as aluminum.

  Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the shielding curtain attached to the shielding box BX will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example in which a plurality of shielding curtains CN1 to CN3 and CX1 to CX3 are attached to the shielding box BX. FIGS. 6B and 6C are diagrams illustrating each shielding curtain. It is a figure for demonstrating shielding curtain CN2, CN3 as an example about.

  For example, in baggage inspection using X-rays, an X-ray shielding curtain containing lead may be provided at the entrance / exit of the inspection unit from the viewpoint of safety. In the present embodiment, a shielding curtain is also installed inside the shielding box BX, thereby preventing X-ray leakage more reliably.

  In particular, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, in addition to providing the shielding curtain CN1 and the shielding curtain CX1 at the entrance EN and the exit EX of the shielding box BX, respectively, the inside of the entrance EN side and the inside of the exit EX side respectively. Double shielding curtains CN2 and CN3 and double shielding curtains CX2 and CX3 are provided at different positions in the transport direction D1. As shown in the drawing, as the curtain material, in addition to a strip-shaped lead-containing rubber-like member, it may be changed to a material harder than rubber or a structure having bone inside. Further, like the shielding curtains CN2 and CN3 in the drawing, the shielding curtains CN2 and CN3 may be configured by a pair of members CN2a, CN2b, CN3a, and CN3b extending in the left-right direction in addition to the members extending in the vertical direction. . At this time, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6 (B) and 6 (C), the lengths of the respective members CN2a, CN2b, CN3a, and CN3b are changed so that the first shielding curtain CN2 and the second shielding curtain CN3 Then, you may make it a boundary part come in a different position. As described above, by further providing a plurality of shielding curtains CN1 to CN3 and CX1 to CX3 provided at different positions on the entrance side and / or the exit side of the shielding box BX, an X-ray shielding box is provided. Leakage outside the BX can be reduced.

  In the illustrated example, the shielding curtains CX1 to CX3 arranged in the area after the inspection are installed on the upper surface of the inner surface of the shielding box BX.

  Regarding the installation of the shielding curtains CN1 to CN3, CX1 to CX3, the top surface installation is easier to install than the side surface installation, for example, without requiring a device such as a bone structure. On the other hand, for example, when the shielding range becomes longer in the height direction as shown in the figure, the strip-shaped member becomes longer when the upper surface is installed. Therefore, when it is necessary to consider the reflection of the shielding curtain in the X-ray sensor unit R1, it is necessary to increase the interval to the X-ray irradiation position. From the above, in the example shown in the figure, X-ray irradiation is performed among the shielding curtains CN1 to CN3 installed at the position before inspection (upstream side of conveyance) where it is necessary to consider the reflection of the shielding curtain during X-ray irradiation. The shielding curtains CN2 and CN3 that are close to the position are set on the side. On the other hand, for the shielding curtains CX1 to CX3 that are installed at the post-inspection position (on the downstream side of the conveyance) and do not need to consider reflection, the reflection of the shielding curtain during X-ray irradiation is taken into consideration, unlike before inspection. Since it is not necessary, it is installed on the top. Note that the number of the shielding curtains described above is an example, and can be variously changed.

  The apparatus can be further downsized by appropriately providing the shielding curtain as described above.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7 and the like, an application example of the baggage inspection apparatus that includes the above-described X-ray inspection apparatus and inspects baggage as an inspection object will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing an automatic ticket gate system incorporating a baggage inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the automatic ticket gate system 500 is an automatic ticket gate system configured by arranging a plurality of automatic ticket gate devices at a station as a gate unit and a baggage inspection device as a baggage inspection unit in parallel and controlling them in an integrated manner. It is a ticket gate system. In other words, the automatic ticket gate system 500 includes a plurality of automatic ticket gate devices 100, 100... Capable of functioning as a single body by integrating the automatic ticket gate device and the baggage inspection device, and a control for connecting and controlling these automatic ticket gate devices. The apparatus 200 is comprised. Here, the automatic ticket gate devices 100 have the same or substantially the same structure, and the individual automatic ticket gate devices 100 may be referred to as automatic ticket gate devices 100a, 100b, or the like.

  Each automatic ticket checker 100 includes an automatic ticket checker 10 and a baggage inspection device 70, and the baggage inspection device 70 includes an X-ray inspection device 50 and a cover unit 60. For example, in the case of one automatic ticket gate device 100a, the automatic ticket gate device 100a includes an automatic ticket gate device 10a (10) and a baggage inspection device 70a (70), that is, the baggage inspection device 70a (70) The X-ray inspection apparatus 50a (50) and the cover part 60a (60) are provided.

  Among the automatic ticket gates 100a (100), the automatic ticket gate device 10a (10) includes a pair of a main machine 11a (11) and a slave machine 12a (12) that are spaced apart so that passers-by can pass. ).

  The automatic ticket gate 10a includes a receiving unit RP, RP... Configured by a touch panel for IC cards, a ticket insertion slot, and the like, an IC card that is provided at the exit side or entrance side of the passage and received by the receiving unit RP, and the like. By providing flaps Fa, Fb, etc. that open and close according to the result of information analysis, it functions as a gate unit that determines whether or not a passer-by can pass. Here, the direction of the arrow A1 in the figure is the direction toward the station premises (in this case, it means the inside of the ticket gate), and then, in the passage of passers-by who go in this direction, that is, those who enter the station. The operation of the system will be described.

  Here, it is assumed that baggage inspection is performed for a passerby traveling in the direction of the arrow A1 (direction to enter the station premises). Therefore, a passer-by who uses the automatic ticket gate 100a passes through the automatic ticket gate 10a when passing the automatic ticket gate and carries his / her baggage along the arrow A1 from the entrance EN of the X-ray inspection apparatus 50a. It will pass in direction AR1.

  Of the baggage inspection apparatus 70a (70), the cover part 60a (60) is a member for covering each part of the X-ray inspection apparatus 50a (50). In the present embodiment, in particular, the cover unit 60 is in a state where the main machine 11 and the slave machine 12 constituting the automatic ticket gate 10 and the X-ray inspection apparatus 50 are integrally connected. For this reason, for example, one cover portion 60a includes a top plate portion 61a (61) that covers the upper portion of the X-ray inspection apparatus 50a and a front portion 62a (62) that covers the entrance side of the X-ray inspection apparatus 50a in the direction of the arrow A1. ) And a rear part 63a (63) covering the exit side of the X-ray inspection apparatus 50a in the direction of the arrow A1. In the case shown in the drawing, the X-ray inspection apparatus 50 is slightly smaller (lower) than the main machine 11 and the slave machine 12 in the height direction, and the gap at this height is filled with the top plate portion 61. . Further, the front part 62 and the rear part 63 are adapted to the width in which the main machine 11, the X-ray inspection apparatus 50, and the slave machine 12 are arranged in the width direction perpendicular to the arrow A1.

  In order to configure the automatic ticket gate apparatus 100 as described above, for example, the main machine 11a of the automatic ticket gate apparatus 10a, the slave machine 12b of the automatic ticket gate apparatus 10b, and the baggage inspection apparatus 70a shown in an exploded perspective view in FIG. The X-ray inspection apparatus 50a and the cover part 60a (61a to 63a) constituting (70) are integrated to form one unit structure 100u. In other words, in order to enable baggage inspection by X-ray accompanying the automatic ticket gate, X-ray inspection as shown in FIG. 8B is performed as a component of one unit structure 100u shown in FIG. A device 50a (50) is incorporated. As for the unit structure 100u, as shown in FIG. 7, the slave unit 12a of the automatic ticket gate 10a is integrated with the main unit 11x, the X-ray inspection device 50, and the cover unit 60 of another automatic ticket gate 10 to form one unit. The main unit 11b of the automatic ticket gate 10b and the baggage inspection device 70b (the X-ray inspection device 50b and the cover portion 60b) are integrated with the slave unit 12y of another automatic ticket gate 10 in the structure 100u. One unit structure 100u is constituted. In other words, the automatic ticket gate system 500 can be regarded as being configured by a plurality of unit structures 100u arranged in parallel.

  As described above, by installing the X-ray inspection device 50 as a baggage inspection unit integrally or in proximity between the main machine 11 and the slave unit 12 of the automatic ticket gate 10 as a gate unit, the entire apparatus can be obtained. It can be set as a compact structure. Thereby, even when there is a space limitation such as a ticket gate of a station and a case where quickness of baggage inspection is required, it is possible to cope with such an environment.

  As described above, the baggage inspection device 70 incorporated in the automatic ticket gate 100 by carrying the baggage of a passerby by the belt conveyor 51 serving as a conveyance unit and irradiating the X-ray by the X-ray inspection device 50 is used for the inspection object. You can check the contents of your baggage.

  As described above, in the X-ray inspection apparatus 50 and the baggage inspection apparatus 70 according to the present embodiment, the X-ray absorption unit XA causes one X-ray from the X-ray source S1 between the X-ray source S1 and the inspection object. By absorbing parts, the contents of the inspection object are inspected by making the inspection apparatus using X-rays while performing the inspection quickly and reliably preventing unnecessary X-ray leakage in the inspection. As a device, it is possible to reduce the size of the device.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment obtained by modifying the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the X-ray inspection apparatus according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except for the X-ray absorption part XA and the surrounding structure, and therefore a detailed description of the entire X-ray inspection apparatus will be given. Omitted.

  FIG. 9A is a plan view for explaining the X-ray inspection apparatus according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3B of the first embodiment. FIG. 9B is a side sectional view for explaining the X-ray inspection apparatus, and corresponds to FIG. 3D of the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, in the X-ray inspection apparatus 250 according to the present embodiment, in the belt conveyor 251, a plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL... Have a long shape in the transport direction D1 in the belt support portion 251c. Are different from each other in that they are supported by a plurality of bridge beams BR, BR... Provided along the lateral direction perpendicular to the transport direction D1 in the instruction frame 251d. Also in the present embodiment, the transmission region SL is formed by the plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL... And X-ray transmission absorption is adjusted. In the illustrated example, the two members BL are arranged in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction D1, but for example, three or more members BL may be arranged, There may be only one member BL.

  Also in this embodiment, a part of X-rays from the X-ray source S1 is absorbed between the X-ray source S1 and the object to be inspected by the plurality of block-shaped members BL, BL. Thus, as an apparatus for inspecting the contents of an object to be inspected by making an inspection apparatus using X-rays while performing inspection quickly and reliably preventing unnecessary X-ray leakage in the inspection, It is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a third embodiment obtained by modifying the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the X-ray inspection apparatus has a simple configuration that does not have a conveyance unit such as a belt conveyor. Detailed description of the whole will be omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a side sectional view conceptually showing the X-ray inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3D of the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, in the X-ray inspection apparatus 350 according to the present embodiment, a transmission region SL is formed by providing a hole HL near the center of a plate-like pedestal 351a instead of the belt conveyor. In the case of the present embodiment, when an object to be inspected having a certain size or more is targeted, the inspectable area DD near the center needs to be appropriately large, and accordingly The transmissive region SL, the X-ray transmissive member XT, and the like are provided. In addition, although detailed description is abbreviate | omitted, about the base part 351a, it is good also as what is comprised with a some block-shaped member similarly to the case of the said 1st Embodiment.

  Also in this embodiment, the pedestal portion 351a as the X-ray absorption unit absorbs a part of the X-rays from the X-ray source S1 between the X-ray source S1 and the object to be inspected, thereby promptly inspecting. As an apparatus for inspecting the contents of an object to be inspected, the apparatus can be miniaturized by making an inspection apparatus using X-rays while reliably preventing unnecessary X-ray leakage in the inspection. Is possible.

[Others]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

  First, in the above-described embodiment, it is not mentioned whether or not the inspection object is confined in the inspection. For example, the inspection main body 52 includes an X-ray leakage suppression unit due to legal restrictions and the like. If necessary, it may have a locking mechanism as a restraining portion.

  In the above description, the belt conveyor is applied as the transport unit in the first embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention is applied to the case where the transport unit is formed by arranging a large number of rollers. It is also possible to do.

  In the above, in the baggage inspection embodiment, baggage inspection is performed for passers-by who proceed in the direction of entering the station premises from the viewpoint of ensuring safety in the station premises, that is, in the ticket gates. It is also possible to carry out baggage inspection for passers-by who exit from the ticket gate.

  In the above description, the automatic ticket gate is configured as a pair of a main machine and a slave machine. However, the baggage inspection as in the present invention may be enabled in various other forms of automatic ticket gates and other devices. For example, a relatively simple configuration such as a gate ticket gate used immediately before boarding at an airport may be the same as that of the present application. In this case, the existing boarding gate ticket gate does not have a flap, and if necessary, the attendant will stop the passage. It can be done together. In particular, in this case, inspection immediately before boarding becomes possible, and further safety measures for passengers can be taken.

  In addition, it may be possible to add a baggage inspection function to a device that performs a strict inspection for a passerby such as a capsule-type body scanner. In such a case, the present invention may be applied. Conceivable.

  10, 10a, 10b ... Automatic ticket gates, 11, 11a, 11b, 11x ... Master machine, 12, 12a, 12b, 12y ... Slave machine, 50, 50a, 50b ... X-ray inspection device, 51 ... Belt conveyor, 51a ... Belt , 51b ... roller unit, 51c ... belt support unit, 51d ... support frame, 52 ... inspection main body unit, 53 ... detection unit, 54 ... control unit, 60, 60a, 60b ... cover unit, 70, 70a, 70b ... baggage Inspection device, 100, 100a, 100b ... automatic ticket gate device, 100u ... unit structure, 200 ... control device, 250 ... X-ray inspection device, 251 ... belt conveyor, 251c ... belt support, 251d ... instruction frame, 350 ... X-ray Inspection device, 351a ... base, 500 ... automatic ticket gate system, A1 ... arrow, AP ... X-ray absorbing member, AR1 ... transport direction, BL ... Lock-like member, BR: Bridge girder, BX: Shielding box, CN1-CN3, CX1-CX3 ... Shielding curtain, CN2a, CN2b, CN3a, CN3b ... Member, D1: Transport direction, DD ... Area, dx ... Delay time, dy ... delay time, EN ... inlet, EX ... exit, Fa, Fb ... flap, FL ... flange, HL ... hole, HP ... presser plate, LP ... X-ray absorbing member, PP ... light emitting point, R1 ... X Line sensor unit, RP ... acceptance unit, S1 ... X-ray source, SL ... transmission region, TT ... baggage, XA ... X-ray absorption unit, XL ... X-ray, XL1 ... component, XL2 ... limit range, XT ... X-ray transmission Sexual member

Claims (9)

An X-ray source for irradiating the object with X-rays;
An X-ray sensor unit for receiving X-rays from the X-ray source;
An X-ray absorber that absorbs part of the X-rays from the X-ray source while providing an X-ray transmission region between the X-ray source and the object to be inspected;
An X-ray inspection apparatus comprising: a shielding box that houses the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor unit and shields X-rays.   2. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray absorption unit forms a slit-shaped hole that transmits a remaining component while absorbing a part of the X-ray from the X-ray source.   The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray absorption unit is a plurality of removable block-like members.   The said X-ray absorption part is an X-ray inspection apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3 provided in the conveyance part which conveys to-be-inspected object.   The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transport unit is a belt conveyor that passes between the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor unit in a state where an inspection object is placed. .   The X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of shielding curtains that are arranged at different positions on an entrance side and / or an exit side of the shielding box.   The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray source emits X-rays by a pulse oscillation method. An X-ray source for irradiating the object with X-rays;
An X-ray sensor unit for receiving X-rays from the X-ray source;
A shielding box that houses the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor unit and shields X-rays;
A transport unit for transporting an object to be inspected;
A position detection sensor unit for detecting the position of an object to be inspected that is moved by conveyance in the conveyance unit;
An X-ray inspection apparatus comprising: a timing control unit that controls timing of X-ray irradiation from the X-ray source based on position detection by the position detection sensor unit.   A baggage inspection apparatus comprising the X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the baggage inspection apparatus inspects baggage as an inspection object.

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