JP4965889B2 - X-ray inspection equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray inspection apparatus that inspects an article with X-rays.

  In the manufacturing process of food and other goods, in order to inspect the presence or absence of foreign matter in the goods, X-rays from the X-ray source are irradiated to the goods being conveyed, and the X-rays transmitted through the goods are received by the X-ray detector. An X-ray inspection apparatus for inspecting an article by performing image processing is installed. In order to perform high-precision inspection with an X-ray inspection apparatus, it is necessary to increase the output of the X-ray source. However, since the X-ray source generates a large amount of heat and is heated to a considerable high temperature, Is indispensable.

As a cooling means in an X-ray inspection apparatus, an X-ray source in which heat radiation fins are formed on the outer surface is covered with a hood having an exhaust port, and air in the hood is exhausted to the outside by a fan (Patent Document 1) And an X-ray source lid having radiation fins formed on the outer surface is exposed in the middle of the ventilation path communicating with the outside of the apparatus (see Patent Document 2).
JP-A-11-183405 JP 2001-318062 A

  However, since the X-ray inspection apparatus employs a structure in which a radiation fin is provided in the X-ray source itself and the air passing through the radiation fin is discharged to the outside of the apparatus and cooled, the outside of the X-ray to the outside of the apparatus is adopted. There is a problem that leakage is inevitable.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention can efficiently cool the inside of an apparatus while preventing external leakage of X-rays generated from an X-ray source in an X-ray inspection apparatus that inspects an article with X-rays. Provide a means.

The invention described in claim 1 is an X-ray inspection apparatus for inspecting an article with X-rays, and an X-ray source in which an X-ray tube for generating X-rays is enclosed in a case filled with insulating cooling oil ; And an apparatus wall surrounding and sealing the X-ray source, and an internal heat conductor is provided inside the apparatus wall, and the apparatus wall extends from the internal heat conductor to the outside of the apparatus wall. An external heat conductor that dissipates heat conducted through the first heat exchanger, a first fan that blows air on an upper portion of the internal heat conductor, and air cooled by the internal heat conductor Provided is an X-ray inspection apparatus characterized in that air circulation is repeated inside the apparatus wall by providing a second fan that blows on the X-ray source to cool the X-ray source .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the X-ray inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the X-ray source is disposed at a distance from the apparatus wall. To do.

  The invention described in claim 3 is the X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal heat conductor and the external heat conductor include heat conductive fins. provide.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the X-ray inspection apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, the heat conducting fins extend in the vertical direction along the apparatus wall to adjust the air flow in the vertical direction. A characteristic X-ray inspection apparatus is provided.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that wind is applied to the upper portions of the internal heat conductor and the external heat conductor. An X-ray inspection apparatus is provided.

  The invention described in claim 6 is the X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the internal heat conductor and the external heat conductor are interposed via a heat conductive sheet or a heat conductive oil. An X-ray inspection apparatus characterized by being closely attached to the apparatus wall.

According to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the following excellent effects can be obtained. The X-ray source is sealed in a state in which the X-ray tube that generates X-rays is enclosed in a case filled with insulating cooling oil . The X-ray leaks to the outside of the device. In addition, the heat conductor provided inside and outside the apparatus wall can efficiently release the heat generated inside the apparatus to the outside of the apparatus and cool the inside of the apparatus.

  According to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect exhibited by the X-ray inspection apparatus of the first aspect, the following excellent effects are exhibited. Since the X-ray source is arranged at a distance from the apparatus wall, X-rays from the X-ray source toward the apparatus wall are attenuated on the way, and X-ray leakage from the apparatus wall is surely prevented. Can do.

  According to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect exhibited by the X-ray inspection apparatus of the first or second aspect, the following excellent effects are exhibited. Since the internal heat conductor and the external heat conductor include the heat conductive fins, the heat generated inside the apparatus can be released to the outside of the apparatus more efficiently.

According to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects exhibited by the X-ray inspection apparatus of the third aspect, the following excellent effects can be obtained. The heat conduction fins extend in the vertical direction along the device wall, and the flow of air in contact with the fins is adjusted in the vertical direction, so that the heat conduction between the heat conduction fins and the air passing through the heat conduction fins is efficient. Done.

  According to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect exhibited by the X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the following excellent effects are achieved. While hot air is applied to the upper portion of the internal heat conductor, and cold air is also applied to the upper portion of the external heat conductor, the thermal gradient between the upper portions of both heat conductors is increased, and heat conduction is performed more efficiently.

  According to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect exhibited by the X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the following excellent effect is achieved. Since the internal heat conductor and the external heat conductor are in close contact with the apparatus wall via the heat conductive sheet or the heat conductive oil, heat conduction is performed more efficiently.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of an X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the X-ray source storage unit 4 provided in the upper portion of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 and corresponds to a cross section taken along the line AA in FIG. 3 is a view corresponding to the BB cross section of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to the CC cross section of FIG.

(X-ray inspection device 1)
An X-ray inspection apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 irradiates an article with X-rays from an X-ray source 2, receives X-rays transmitted through the article with an X-ray detector 3, and performs image processing. Inspect for contamination. The X-ray source 2 includes an X-ray tube 21 sealed in a case 22 filled with insulating cooling oil. From a transmission window (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the case 22, the X-ray source 2 moves on a lower conveyance path R. X-rays are irradiated toward the passing article. The X-ray source 2 is stored in an X-ray source storage unit 4 that is an upper housing of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 so as not to leak X-rays around the apparatus.

  An X-ray inspection unit 5 serving as a lower housing of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 is connected to the lower part of the X-ray source storage unit 4 so that articles can be placed on the X-ray detector 3 and above the left to right in FIG. A belt conveyor 6 is provided as a transport means for transporting to. In front of the X-ray inspection unit 5 (on the front side in FIG. 1), two doors 51 that are opened in a horizontal direction around the support shaft 51a are provided, and the inside can be cleaned and inspected. . In addition, an inlet 5a and an outlet 5b for allowing an article to be inspected to pass through are formed on the left and right sides of the X-ray inspection unit 5, and a plurality of X-ray leakage preventions are provided on the inside thereof. Curtains 52 and 52 are attached to prevent the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source 2 from leaking to the outside.

(X-ray source storage 4)
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the X-ray source storage 4 closes a stainless steel device wall 41 that surrounds and seals the X-ray source 2 and an opening 41 a formed in the device wall 41. And an aluminum lid 42 which is attached and forms a part of the apparatus wall 41. The lid 42 is removable for inspection inside the apparatus, and an inner heat conductor 43 and an outer heat conductor 44 made of aluminum are attached to the inner side surface 42a and the outer side surface 42b, respectively. . The internal heat conductor 43 absorbs heat generated inside the apparatus by the X-ray source 2, and the external heat conductor 44 dissipates heat conducted from the internal heat conductor 43 via the lid 42 to the outside of the apparatus. To do. The X-ray source 2 is disposed at a lower front portion in the X-ray source storage unit 4 with a space from the apparatus wall 41, and between the X-ray source 2 and the internal heat conductor 43, Electronic components 7 (FIG. 2) such as a control panel for controlling the source 2 are arranged. A gasket G formed of a heat insulating material is interposed between the lid 42 and the outer peripheral edge of the opening 41a, and is sealed so that X-rays do not leak to the outside.

(Internal heat conductor 43)
The internal heat conductor 43 is brought into close contact with the lid 42 via a flexible silicon resin heat conductive sheet 45, and from the internal heat conductive panel 431 to the center side (front side) of the apparatus. A plurality of strip-shaped internal heat conductive fins 432 that project in the vertical direction and extend in the vertical direction to adjust the flow of the passing air in the vertical direction, and are attached to the lid 42 in a detachable manner. The hood 46 is covered. In the hood 46, an air introduction opening 46 a is formed at a position facing the upper part of the internal heat conductor 43, and an air outlet opening 46 b is formed at a position facing the lower part of the internal heat conductor 43. The air introduction opening 46a is provided with a fan 461 that introduces heated air inside the apparatus into the hood 46 so that air is applied to the upper part of the internal heat conductor 43. A fan 462 for leading the air cooled by the heat conductor 43 out of the hood 46 is provided. The fans 461 and 462 are installed in a state where a plurality of fans 461 and 462 are arranged in the width direction in order to cause the heated air to flow in the vertical direction over a wide range in the width direction of the internal heat conductor 43.

(External heat conductor 44)
The external heat conductor 44 is attached to the lid body 42 via a flexible silicon resin heat conductive sheet 47, and the external heat conductive panel 441 is disposed on the outside (rear side) of the apparatus from the external heat conductive panel 441. And a plurality of strip-shaped external heat conduction fins 442 that protrude in the vertical direction and extend in the vertical direction to regulate the flow of the passing air in the vertical direction, and are integrally formed with the X-ray source storage unit 4 It is covered with a lid 42 by a box-shaped hood 48 that can be attached. In the hood 48, an air introduction opening 48 a is formed at a position facing the top of the external heat conductor 44, and an air outlet opening 48 b is formed below the external heat conductor 44. The air introduction opening 48a is provided with a fan 481 for introducing normal temperature air (cooling air) outside the apparatus into the hood 48 so as to blow air on the upper portion of the external heat conductor 44, and the air outlet opening 48b. Is provided with a fan 482 that guides the air heated by heat radiation from the external heat conductor 44 to the outside of the hood 48. The fans 481 and 482 are installed in a state where a plurality of fans 481 and 482 are arranged in the width direction in order to generate a vertical flow of the cooling air over a wide range of the external heat conductor 44 in the width direction.

(Cooling of X-ray source storage unit 4)
In the X-ray source storage unit 4, the heated air rising from the X-ray source 2 disposed in the lower front part is introduced into the hood 46 by the fan 461 provided in the upper rear part inside the sealed apparatus wall 41. . When the heated air introduced into the hood 46 is led out of the hood 46 by the lower fan 462, it is cooled by passing through the internal heat conductive fins 432 extending in the vertical direction. The cooled air is blown to the electronic component 7 disposed in front of the fan 462 and the X-ray source 2 having a higher temperature than the electronic component 7, and by cooling them, the air becomes heated air again. Repeat the air circulation. On the other hand, outside the X-ray source storage unit 4, when the cooling air outside the apparatus is introduced into the hood 48 by the fan 481 and led out of the hood by the fan 482, the external heat conducting fins 442 extending in the vertical direction are provided. Passing through, the conduction heat from the internal heat conduction fins 432 is released to the outside.

(Characteristics of the above embodiment)
The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment has the following characteristics. First, an internal heat conductor 43 is provided on the inner side of a lid 42 that forms a part of the device wall 41 that surrounds and seals the X-ray source 2, while a lid from the internal heat conductor 43 is provided on the outer side. An external heat conductor 44 that dissipates heat conducted through the body 42 is provided. As a result, heat generated inside the apparatus can be efficiently released to the outside of the apparatus without leaking X-rays to the outside of the apparatus, and as a result, the X-ray source 2 and the electronic component 7 inside the apparatus are reliably cooled. can do. In addition, the manufacturing cost and the operating cost are lower than the case where an electric cooler or the like is installed, and there is a merit that troublesome maintenance such as filter cleaning is not necessary.

  Secondly, the X-ray source 2 is characterized by being spaced from the apparatus wall 41, whereby the X-ray is attenuated on the way from the X-ray source 2 to the apparatus wall 41. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent X-ray leakage caused by passing through the device wall 41.

  Thirdly, the internal heat conductor 43 is covered with a hood 46 having an air introduction opening 46a and an air outlet opening 46b, and the fans 461 and 462 allow the heated air flowing from the air introduction opening 46a to the air outlet opening 46b. While a flow is formed, the external heat conductor 44 is covered with a hood 48 having an air introduction opening 48a and an air extraction opening 48b, and is directed from the air introduction opening 48a to the air extraction opening 48b by fans 481 and 482. A feature is that a flow of cooling air is formed. Accordingly, the heating air is allowed to pass in one direction along the internal heat conductor 43, and the cooling air is allowed to pass in one direction along the external heat conductor 44, so that heat conduction is efficiently performed. Can do.

  Fourthly, the internal heat conductor 43 and the external heat conductor 44 are characterized by having internal heat conductive fins 432 and external heat conductive fins 442, respectively. Can be released to the outside of the apparatus more efficiently.

  Fifth, the internal heat conductive fins 432 and the external heat conductive fins 442 have a feature that they extend in the vertical direction and regulate the air flow in the vertical direction. The heat conduction between the conductive fins 442 and the air passing through them is efficiently performed, and as a result, the inside of the apparatus can be reliably cooled.

  Sixth, the hot air is directly applied to the upper part of the internal heat conductor 43 by the fan 461, while the cool air is directly applied to the upper part of the external heat conductor 44 by the fan 481. Thereby, the thermal gradient in the upper part of the internal heat conductor 43 and the external heat conductor 44 becomes large, heat conduction is performed more efficiently, and as a result, cooling of the inside of the apparatus can be promoted.

  Seventh, the internal heat conductor 43 and the external heat conductor 44 are characterized in that they are brought into close contact with the lid 42 forming a part of the device wall 41 via the heat conductive sheets 45 and 47. Thereby, heat conduction is performed more efficiently.

  Eighth, the electronic component 7 is arranged between the air outlet opening 46b of the hood 46 that accommodates the internal heat conductor 43 and the X-ray source 2, and thus the electronic component 7 is provided. Thus, the X-ray source 2 having a higher temperature is cooled in this order, and the electronic component 7 is reliably cooled.

(Modification of the above embodiment)
In the above embodiment, in order to efficiently conduct heat conduction between the internal heat conductor 43 and the external heat conductor 44 and the air passing therethrough, a belt-like shape that extends in the vertical direction and arranges the air flow in the vertical direction. Although the internal heat conductive fins 432 and the external heat conductive fins 442 are adopted, the surface area (contact area with the air) is not limited to this, for example, a sword mountain shape or a corrugated shape extending in the vertical direction, without hindering the air flow. It is also possible to employ heat conducting fins that increase the. Further, heat conduction fins may be provided on the outer surface of the case 22 of the X-ray source 2 so that heat conduction to the air blown from the fan 462 can be efficiently performed.

  In the above embodiment, by providing the hoods 46 and 48 inside and outside the apparatus, the heating air is allowed to pass along the internal heat conductor 43 while the cooling air is allowed to pass along the external heat conductor 44 so as to generate heat. Although the conduction is performed efficiently, the hood may not be provided if there is a situation such as insufficient space inside the device or around the device. Further, in the above embodiment, the fan that sends the wind in the opposite direction is provided so as to correspond to the top and bottom of the heat conductor, and the air flow is arranged in one direction along the heat conductor, but instead, Wind may be applied to the entire surface of the heat conductor.

  In the upper and lower embodiments, the internal heat conductor 43 and the external heat conductor 44 are brought into close contact with the lid 42 forming a part of the device wall 41 via flexible silicon resin heat conductive sheets 45 and 47. However, instead of this, it may be in close contact with the heat conductive oil. It is also possible to integrally form heat conductive fins serving as an internal heat conductor and an external heat conductor on the inner side surface 42 a and the outer side surface 42 b of the lid 42. Further, the internal heat conductor and the external heat conductor are formed on the upper surface of the X-ray source storage unit in order to reduce the weight of the lid and to provide it on the apparatus wall other than the lid and to improve the cooling performance. It can also be provided on a device wall or a plurality of device walls.

  In addition, the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a front view of an X-ray inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an X-ray source storage unit provided in the upper part of the X-ray inspection apparatus, corresponding to the AA cross section of FIG. The figure equivalent to the BB cross section of FIG. The figure equivalent to the CC cross section of FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray inspection apparatus 2 X-ray source 3 X-ray detector 4 X-ray source storage part 5 X-ray inspection part 7 Electronic component 41 Apparatus wall 42 Cover (apparatus wall)
43 internal heat conductor 432 internal heat conductive fin 44 external heat conductor 442 external heat conductive fin 45 heat conductive sheet 46 hood 46a air introduction opening 46b air outlet opening 461, 462 fan 47 heat conductive sheet 48 hood 48a air introduction opening 48b Air outlet opening 481, 482 Fan

Claims (6)

In an X-ray inspection apparatus for inspecting an article with X-rays,
An X-ray source in which an X-ray tube for generating X-rays is enclosed in a case filled with insulating cooling oil , and an apparatus wall that surrounds and seals the X-ray source,
An internal heat conductor is provided inside the device wall, and an external heat conductor that radiates heat conducted from the internal heat conductor through the device wall is provided outside the device wall. and,
Furthermore, by providing a first fan that blows air on the upper part of the internal heat conductor, and a second fan that cools the X-ray source by blowing air cooled by the internal heat conductor to the X-ray source, An X-ray inspection apparatus characterized by repeating air circulation inside the apparatus wall . The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1,
The X-ray inspection apparatus, wherein the X-ray source is disposed at a distance from the apparatus wall. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The X-ray inspection apparatus, wherein the internal heat conductor and the external heat conductor include heat conductive fins. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 3,
The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat conducting fins extend in a vertical direction along the apparatus wall to adjust an air flow in the vertical direction. In the X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An X-ray inspection apparatus, wherein wind is applied to the upper portions of the internal heat conductor and the external heat conductor. In the X-ray inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The X-ray inspection apparatus, wherein the internal heat conductor and the external heat conductor are in close contact with the apparatus wall via a heat conductive sheet or heat conductive oil.

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