JP5429485B2 - Radiation measurement equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation measurement apparatus using, for example, a line sensor, and more particularly to a radiation measurement apparatus that improves the retreat space during calibration of the measurement apparatus.

4A and 4B are configuration diagrams of a radiation measuring apparatus that measures the physical quantity of an object to be measured (sample) to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of a scanning measuring instrument. .
In the figure (a), 1 is an O-shaped frame. Reference numeral 2 denotes an object to be measured (sheet-like object), for example, a sheet of paper, plastic film, metal foil or the like. 3 is provided on the lower beam of the O-shaped frame 1, and a radiation source section (lower head) that generates β-rays and X-rays. 4 is provided on the upper beam of the O-shaped frame 1 and transmits the object to be measured. This is a radiation measurement unit (upper head) composed of an ionization chamber for measuring radiation from the radiation source unit 3. These upper and lower heads 3 and 4 reciprocate on the O-shaped frame 1 by a motor (not shown).

  In the above configuration, the upper and lower heads are retracted to the right end (calibration point) toward the apparatus when the apparatus is stopped. When the measurement is started, first, the upper and lower heads travel in the width direction of the sheet 2 from the right side (from the left side to the left side), and the measurement is continued at a predetermined data collection position.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, each head has a retracted position on the right side of the O frame. This is because it is necessary to evacuate when setting a sample, or during maintenance or calibration of the radiation source or measuring instrument.

  In the thickness measurement, a plurality of standard samples whose thickness and material (basis weight) are known are measured in advance, and a calibration curve is obtained as a transmission characteristic with respect to the basis weight. The thickness is converted by reversely drawing from the calibration curve and the transmission output value of the sample. About the coating amount, the measuring device shown in FIG. 4 (a) is installed in two to three production lines, the transmission characteristics are measured before and after the coating process, and the difference is obtained by determining the difference between the coating amounts. I can know.

In the method as shown in FIG. 4A, since the measuring device scans a sample flowing at high speed, it is possible to measure only partly on the zigzag line. For this reason, there is a demand for full-scale measurement in recent years.
FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view showing a radiation measuring instrument that measures the entire surface by installing a line camera in which measuring elements are arranged at a narrow pitch with no gap.

Reality 7-52573 Japanese Utility Model Sho 62-193505

  By the way, even if it is the scanning type measuring device shown in FIG. 4A or the whole surface measuring type measuring device shown in FIG. 4B, the sample must be once removed for calibration. This calibrates against deterioration of the radiation source due to changes over time, changes in sensitivity of measuring instruments, and changes in temperature and humidity of the air layer (periodic fluctuations such as seasonal or morning and evening due to poor air conditioning in the production line). Then, measure and calibrate in the absence of sample (air layer). In the long run to some extent, it is also possible to obtain a calibration curve by measuring a standard sample.

  In addition, the total length of production lines that handle continuous samples may exceed several tens of meters to a hundred meters, and even when changing varieties at the production site, it is temporarily removed from each device in the line by connecting dummy sheets. Even if there is a sample, the workability of the product change is improved so that the sample is not interrupted. Therefore, there is a problem that the sample cannot be easily removed due to the convenience of each device (device calibration and maintenance).

  Therefore, in reality, a retreat position is provided in the apparatus as shown in FIG. On the other hand, since the measuring apparatus as shown in FIG. 4 (b) is an integrated line camera having a long overall length, the source and measuring device are pulled out to the position where they are removed from the sample and maintained in a space without the sample. And calibration. Pulling out the radiation source and the measuring instrument as one unit actually pulls out the entire measuring apparatus.

  FIG. 4C is a schematic perspective view showing a state before the C-shaped frame 7 is retracted in the direction of the arrow U during calibration and maintenance. The C-shaped frame 7 is pulled out along a straight guide 9 formed in the guide unit 8. In this example, radiation is emitted in a fan shape from the radiation source 5 to the sheet-like sample 2 through a slit (not shown) or the like, and irradiates all sub-portions of the sample 2. Radiation related to the physical quantity of the sample passing through the sample is detected by a radiation detector (line camera) 6.

  The production process is laid out with as little space as possible in order to reduce the factory footprint (empty space), and we want to minimize the passage between production lines. However, as shown in Fig. 4 (b), a measuring device more than a long line camera (about 2.5 times) must be pulled out to the side of the passage, and unless the passage is very wide, the passage is blocked, There is a problem of interference with the line.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device evacuation means for minimizing the footprint of a production line during maintenance or calibration in a production line full-scale measurement apparatus that handles continuous samples.

In order to achieve such a problem, a radiation measuring apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is provided.
In a radiation measurement apparatus having a C-shaped frame that is arranged in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to an object to be measured (sample) having a predetermined width and can simultaneously measure physical quantities of the entire width of the sample, the C-shaped frame is defined as the sample width. After moving approximately 2/3 of the sample in a direction perpendicular to the sample, it is swung while continuously moving the remaining approximately 1/3, and the direction is changed by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the width direction of the sample. A swiveling mechanism for retracting in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the sample is provided.

In Claim 2, in the radiation measuring apparatus of Claim 1,
The turning mechanism includes a monorail in which both end portions are formed in a straight line and a curved portion having a circular arc or clothoid curve in the middle and the straight portions at both ends are bent substantially at right angles, and a guide roller that moves along the monorail. The C-shaped frame is configured to move along the monorail.

In Claim 3, In the radiation measuring device of Claim 2,
The guide roller includes a cam follower or a bearing, and a bearing lined with resin or rubber.

In Claim 4, in the radiation measuring apparatus of Claim 2 or 3,
Four guide rollers are arranged across a monorail, and the guide roller is arranged with an inner guide roller pitch narrower than an outer guide roller pitch of the curved portion.

In Claim 5, in the radiation measuring apparatus of Claim 1,
The turning mechanism includes a rack gear and a pinion gear.

In Claim 6, in the radiation measuring apparatus of Claim 5,
The rack gear is configured such that after approximately 2/3 of the sample width is drawn straight, it is installed at a position where it engages with the pinion gear, and the gear engages with the remaining approximately 1/3 of the movement amount.

In claim 7, in the radiation measuring apparatus according to claim 5,
The turning mechanism of the rack gear and pinion gear is characterized in that the turning of the frame is regulated by a stopper or a cam and a cam groove in a range in which approximately 2/3 of the sample width is drawn straight.

The present invention has the following effects.
According to claims 1-3,
After moving approximately 2/3 of the sample width in the direction perpendicular to the sample, the C-shaped frame is swung continuously while moving the remaining approximately 1/3, and the direction is changed by approximately 90 degrees. It comprises a turning mechanism that retracts substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sample, and the turning mechanism has a curved portion, and is composed of a monorail in which a straight portion is bent at a right angle and a guide roller that moves along the monorail. Since the guide roller includes a cam follower or bearing, and a bearing lined with resin or rubber, the footprint of the production line can be minimized during maintenance and calibration.

According to claim 4,
Four guide rollers are arranged across the monorail, and the guide rollers are arranged so that the inner guide roller pitch is narrower than the outer guide roller pitch of the curved portion. Can rotate smoothly.

According to claims 5 to 7,
The swivel mechanism is composed of a rack gear and a pinion gear. The rack gear is pulled out straight about 2/3 of the sample width and then installed at a position where it engages with the pinion gear. In the range in which approximately 2/3 of the sample width is drawn straight, the frame can be rotated smoothly because the rotation of the frame is restricted by the stopper or cam and cam groove.

It is a schematic block diagram of the radiation measuring device which shows an example of embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view (a) showing details of the embodiment of the present invention and a Z view of FIG. It is the Z view of the top view (a) which shows the detail of the other Example of this invention, and (a) figure. It is a perspective view (c) which shows the scanning-type measuring device (a) which shows schematic structure which shows an example of the conventional radiation measuring apparatus, a whole surface measuring device (b), and a retracting mechanism.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic schematic configuration diagram of a radiation measuring apparatus showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention. 4B differs from the schematic configuration diagram of the conventional full-surface measuring device shown in FIG. 4B only in that a swiveling device for a C-shaped frame (hereinafter referred to as a frame) is provided.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7 denotes a frame, which is open on the back left side, and can be pulled out to the right front together with the frame 7 with respect to the continuous flow of the sample. However, this embodiment is not preferable because it requires a lot of drawer space as described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 (b) is a plan view of the case where it is pulled out as shown in FIG. 1 (a) as viewed from above. It turns out that it is necessary to draw out at least the width size of the sample for each measuring device.

  On the other hand, FIG. 1B shows a saving method of the present invention. FIG. 1 (b) is shown together so that it can be seen in contrast to the conventional example of FIG. 1 (a). Approximately 2/3 of the case of straight pulling out is straight out as before, and the remaining 1/3 is swung while pulling out. By doing this, it is possible to minimize the dimension D that protrudes outward from the position before the rear part of the frame is pulled out and dimension E that protrudes to the inner side when rotating 90 degrees after it is completely pulled out. In addition, the maximum dimension C required for turning can be made smaller than the dimension A shown in FIG.

  In addition, at the maintenance and calibration positions after turning, the amount of protrusion outside the normal operating state is about dimension B that slightly protrudes from the frame position in the measurement state because it fits in parallel with the sample 2 flow. It is easy to secure the work area by avoiding pressure on the passage.

  FIGS. 2A and 2B are a plan view (a) and a Z view (b) of FIG. 2A showing a mechanism for moving the frame as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the monorail 10 and the guide roller 11 are used, and the monorail 10 is installed on a fixed part such as a floor so that the direction is changed to about 2/3 and subsequently 90 degrees to the left. The curve connecting the straight lines may be an arc or a clothoid curve used for a highway curve or the like, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

  The monorail is sandwiched between the monorail 10 by a guide roller 11 such as a bearing lined with a cam follower, resin or rubber. Since it passes through the curved portion M on the way, the guide roller 11 is arranged so as to be able to rotate in close contact by making the dimension P1 narrower than the dimension P2. In this arrangement, the optimum dimension differs depending on the type of curvature. The guide roller is fixed to the frame 7, and a transfer roller 12 such as a caster or a tire is fixed to the bottom surface of the frame 7 so as to stand up with respect to the floor surface.

  According to the configuration of FIG. 2, the frame is moved in the direction perpendicular to the sample by approximately 2/3 of the width of the sample 2 by the monorail 10, the guide roller 11, and the transport roller 12, and then the remaining approximately 1 / 3 can be swung while being moved along the curved portion M, and the direction can be changed by approximately 90 degrees so as to be retracted substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sample.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view (a) showing another embodiment and a Z view (b) of FIG. In this embodiment, linear guide rails 13 are installed on a fixed part (floor) in parallel with one axis or two axes (two axes in the figure). A slider 14 is fixed to the bottom of the frame 7 via a turning bearing 19, and the frame 7 is supported upright by a conveying roller 12 on the floor. The slider 14 moves in the arrow Q direction along the straight guide rail through the guide roller 20 with the frame mounted.

  A pinion gear 15 is fixed via a support shaft 18 in the vicinity of the center of the bottom of the frame 7 and in the vicinity of the end portion (backward side) of the sample 2. A rack gear 16 having a predetermined length is fixed to the floor on the near side of the linear guide rail 13 fixed to the floor.

  In the configuration described above, the frame 7 is pulled out in the direction of the arrow Q during calibration and maintenance, but the rack gear 16 and the pinion gear 15 are arranged so as to engage with each other in the vicinity of approximately 2/3 of the total length of the sample width. Although not shown, the frame 7 itself is regulated by stoppers, guide grooves, guide pins, etc. so that the frame 7 itself does not turn in the range where approximately 2/3 of the total length of the sample is pulled out. The gear 15 starts turning the frame.

  Since the rack gear 16 and the pinion 15 are once separated and reengaged, it is preferable to use a shift gear or a helical gear so that the gears start to mesh smoothly. By pulling the frame 7 forward, the turning is forced and the drawing end point becomes the turning end point. When returning, it is operated so as to push back along the straight guide rail 13 with some awareness of turning.

The above description merely shows a specific preferred embodiment for the purpose of explanation and illustration of the present invention. For example, the slider 14, the guide roller 20, the guide rail 13, etc. are not limited to the shape shown in the figure, and may have other shapes as long as they function similarly.
Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes many changes and modifications without departing from the essence thereof.

1 O-type frame 2 Object to be measured (sample)
3 Radiation source (lower head)
4 Radiation measurement unit (ionization chamber) (upper head)
5 Radiation source 6 Radiation detector (line camera)
7 C-type frame 8 Guide unit 9 Linear guide 10 Monorail 11 Guide roller (cam follower)
12 Conveyance roller 13 Linear guide rail 14 Slider 15 Pinion gear 16 Rack gear 18 Support shaft 19 Bearing 20 Guide roller

Claims (7)

  In a radiation measurement apparatus having a C-shaped frame that is arranged in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to an object to be measured (sample) having a predetermined width and can simultaneously measure physical quantities of the entire width of the sample, the C-shaped frame is defined as the sample width. After moving approximately 2/3 of the sample in a direction perpendicular to the sample, it is swung while continuously moving the remaining approximately 1/3, and the direction is changed by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the width direction of the sample. A radiation measuring apparatus comprising a turning mechanism for retracting substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of a sample.   The swivel mechanism includes a monorail in which both ends are formed in a straight line and a curved portion having a circular arc or clothoid curve in the middle and the straight portions at both ends are bent at a substantially right angle, and a guide roller that moves along the monorail. The radiation measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the C-shaped frame is configured to move along the monorail.   The radiation measuring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the guide roller includes a cam follower or a bearing, and a bearing lined with resin or rubber.   4. The guide rollers are arranged with four monorails sandwiched between them, and the guide roller is disposed with an inner guide roller pitch narrower than an outer guide roller pitch of the curved portion. Or the radiation measuring apparatus of 3.   The radiation measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the turning mechanism includes a rack gear and a pinion gear.   The rack gear is configured such that after approximately 2/3 of the sample width is pulled straight out, the rack gear is installed at a position where it engages with the pinion gear, and the gear engages with the remaining approximately 1/3 of the movement amount. Item 6. The radiation measurement apparatus according to Item 5.   6. The radiation measuring apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the rack gear and pinion gear turning mechanism regulates the turning of the frame by a stopper or a cam and a cam groove in a range in which approximately 2/3 of the sample width is drawn straight.

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