JP6073082B2 - Conveying device and X-ray inspection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray inspection apparatus for detecting foreign matter mixed in an inspection object (inspection object) such as meat, fish, processed food, and pharmaceutical, and in particular, an object to be inspected by being irradiated from an X-ray generator. The present invention relates to an X-ray inspection apparatus for detecting foreign matter by detecting transmitted X-rays with an X-ray detector and a transport device provided in the X-ray inspection apparatus.

  For example, an X-ray inspection apparatus has been conventionally used to detect the presence or absence of foreign matter in an inspection object such as food. In this type of conventional X-ray inspection apparatus, X-rays are irradiated to the object to be transported, and it is detected from the amount of transmitted X-rays whether foreign matter is mixed in the object to be inspected. Inspecting for foreign objects.

  In this type of X-ray inspection apparatus, when inspecting an inspection object in which a plurality of contents are accommodated in a container, image processing is performed on the X-ray image of the inspection object so that only the contents are A technique for performing extraction or enhancement of foreign matters is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique described in this Patent Document 1, for example, a detection limit is set near a substantially intermediate level between the X-ray transmission amounts of the container and the contents by utilizing the difference in the X-ray transmission amounts of the contents and the container. By setting the value, only the contents can be extracted from the X-ray image or the container can be deleted.

  However, a tablet sheet in which a plurality of tablets as contents are arranged and accommodated in a single sheet as a container is a test object, and the tablet rows are parallel to the test object transport direction. In the case where the inspection object is carried into the inspection space, even if the X-ray image is subjected to image processing using the technique described in Patent Document 1, the inspection object conveyance direction Because the area value and volume value (area and volume in the X-ray image) change for each row of tablets due to variations in the position in the direction perpendicular to the direction, it is necessary to relax the threshold value for determining the quality of shape inspection such as chipping. In this case, there is a problem that the inspection performance deteriorates.

  That is, in the X-ray inspection apparatus, X-rays are irradiated in a fan shape from the X-ray source toward the X-ray detector in the direction (width direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the object to be inspected. Since the angle at which X-rays are irradiated varies depending on the difference in the transport position between the tablet and other rows of tablets, the area value and the volume value differ between the tablets of different rows. In particular, when the contents are as small as a tablet, the difference in area value and volume value becomes significant.

  Therefore, in order to make the position in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the inspection object constant, the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object is restricted to a certain position on the conveyance surface for conveying the inspection object. It is conceivable to provide transport position regulating means such as a work guide.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-127862

  However, when the conveyance position regulating means is provided on the conveyance surface for conveying the inspection object, and the inspection object is a thin object such as a tablet sheet, the inspection object is provided between the conveyance position restriction means and the conveyance surface. There was a problem of pinching.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and the inspection object conveyance direction can be determined without sandwiching the inspection object between the conveyance position regulating means and the upper surface of the conveyance means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus and an X-ray inspection apparatus that can regulate the position in the orthogonal direction.

  The transport device according to the present invention includes a horizontal portion (62) horizontally disposed so as to pass through an inspection space (22) for inspecting an object to be inspected (W), and an upstream disposed on the upstream side of the horizontal portion. Conveying which includes an inclined part (61) and a downward inclined part (63) arranged on the downstream side of the horizontal part, and conveys the inspection object by the upward inclined part, the horizontal part and the downward inclined part. A transport device (2) comprising means (60), wherein the transport device (2) is disposed at an upstream end of the horizontal portion, and abuts on a front end side surface of the object to be inspected that transfers from the ascending inclined portion to the horizontal portion. The apparatus further comprises transport position regulating means (71, 72) for guiding and regulating the position of the inspection object in a direction orthogonal to the inspection object conveyance direction on the horizontal portion to a predetermined position.

  With this configuration, the inspection position comes into contact with the side surface of the front end of the inspection object while the inspection object is lifted from the surface of the horizontal portion in the middle of the transition from the upward inclined portion to the horizontal portion.

  Therefore, the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object can be restricted without sandwiching the inspection object between the conveyance position regulating means and the upper surface of the conveyance means.

In addition, the transport device according to the present invention is disposed on the upstream side of the horizontal portion (62) horizontally disposed so as to pass through the inspection space (22) for inspecting the inspection object (W), and the horizontal portion. An upward inclined portion (61) and a downward inclined portion (63) disposed on the downstream side of the horizontal portion, and the inspection object is conveyed by the upward inclined portion, the horizontal portion, and the downward inclined portion. A transport device (2) having a transport means (60) for reducing the width in the direction perpendicular to the inspection object transport direction of the ascending slope at the downstream end from the upstream end; The position of the inspection object in a direction orthogonal to the inspection object conveyance direction on the horizontal portion is guided and regulated to a predetermined position by contacting the side surface of the inspection object on the side surface of the upward inclined portion. regulating portion for (81b, 82b) is the upstream end of the horizontal portion Characterized by comprising a Bitenaru conveying position regulating means (81, 82).

  With this configuration, when the object to be inspected is transported on the upward inclined portion, the object to be inspected is guided and restricted so that the position in the Y direction is a predetermined position while the side surface of the tip is in contact with the transport position restricting means. Is done.

  Therefore, the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object can be restricted without sandwiching the inspection object between the conveyance position regulating means and the upper surface of the conveyance means.

In addition, the transport device according to the present invention is disposed on the upstream side of the horizontal portion (62) horizontally disposed so as to pass through the inspection space (22) for inspecting the inspection object (W), and the horizontal portion. An upward inclined portion (61) and a downward inclined portion (63) disposed on the downstream side of the horizontal portion, and the inspection object is conveyed by the upward inclined portion, the horizontal portion, and the downward inclined portion. A transport apparatus (2) having a transport means (60) for performing transport, wherein the transport means has a width in a direction perpendicular to the inspected object transport direction downstream of the upstream end portion at a stage preceding the ascending inclined portion. A carrying-in transport unit (64) narrowed at a side end, and abutting the tip side surface of the inspection object on the end of the carrying-in transport unit in a direction perpendicular to the inspection object transport direction, Of the inspection object in a direction perpendicular to the inspection object conveyance direction on the horizontal portion. Regulating portion for guiding and restricting the location at a predetermined position (91b, 92b) is characterized in that said a transport position regulating means comprising extending the upstream end of the up-ramp portion (91, 92).

  With this configuration, when the object to be inspected is transported on the carry-in transport unit, the position of the object to be inspected in the direction perpendicular to the object transporting direction with its side surface in contact with the transport position regulating means is a predetermined position. When the object to be inspected is transported on the carry-in transport unit, the transport position restricting means comes into contact with the side surface of the front end of the object to be inspected, and the object to be inspected is in the transport position. It is possible to prevent the gap between the regulating means and the upper surface of the conveying means from entering.

  Therefore, the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object can be restricted without sandwiching the inspection object between the conveyance position regulating means and the upper surface of the conveyance means.

  Since the carry-in transport unit is arranged horizontally, the test object can be prevented from slipping when the position in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the test object is restricted.

  An X-ray inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes the above-described transport apparatus, X-ray generation means (9) for irradiating an inspection object transported by the transport apparatus, and irradiation from the X-ray generation means. The X-ray detection means (10) for detecting X-rays transmitted through the inspection object, and the shape of the inspection object using a predetermined pass / fail judgment threshold based on the X-ray detected by the X-ray detection means And a judging means (44) for judging whether the quality is good or bad.

  With this configuration, in an X-ray inspection apparatus equipped with a transport device, the position in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the inspection object is regulated without sandwiching the inspection object W between the transport position regulation means and the upper surface of the transport means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inspection performance from deteriorating.

  The present invention provides a transport apparatus and an X-ray inspection apparatus capable of regulating the position in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the inspection object without sandwiching the inspection object between the transport position regulating means and the upper surface of the transport means. Can be provided.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray inspection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the side surface and internal structure of the X-ray inspection apparatus which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) is the side view and top view which show the position of the work guide arrange | positioned in the conveyance part of the X-ray inspection apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the conveyance state of to-be-inspected object It is. It is a figure which shows the state to which the common quality determination threshold value common to the change of the area value by the difference in the conveyance position of the to-be-inspected object in the Y direction, and each row was expanded. (A), (b) is the side view and top view which show the position of the work guide arrange | positioned in the conveyance part of the X-ray inspection apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the conveyance state of to-be-inspected object. It is. (A), (b) is the side view and top view which show the position of the workpiece guide arrange | positioned in the conveyance part of the X-ray inspection apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and the conveyance state of to-be-inspected object. It is.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 includes a transport device 2 and a detection unit 3 inside a housing 4, and a display unit 5 provided at the upper front of the housing 4.

  The conveyance device 2 sequentially conveys the inspection object W, which is an inspection object, at a predetermined interval. The transport device 2 includes a conveyor 60 that passes through the inspection space 22 inside the housing 4, for example. The transport device 2 serves as a transport surface for the inspection object W loaded from the carry-in port 7 at a transport speed set in advance by driving the drive motor 6 shown in FIG. 1 toward the carry-out port 8 side (X direction in the figure). The belt surface 2a (the upper surface of the conveyor 60) is conveyed. A space passing through the belt surface 2 a from the carry-in entrance 7 to the carry-out exit 8 within the housing 4 forms a transport path 21.

  The detection unit 3 irradiates the inspection object W sequentially conveyed with X-rays in the inspection space 22 in the middle of the conveyance path 21 and detects X-rays transmitted through the inspection object W. An X-ray generator 9 disposed at a predetermined height above the inspection space 22 in the middle of 21 and an X-ray detector 10 disposed in the transport device 2 so as to face the X-ray generator 9 are provided. ing.

  An X-ray generator 9 as an X-ray generation source has a configuration in which a cylindrical X-ray tube 12 provided in a metal box 11 is immersed in insulating oil (not shown). X-rays are generated by irradiating an anode target with an electron beam from 12 cathodes. The X-ray tube 12 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is the conveyance direction (X direction) of the inspection object W. X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 12 are irradiated toward the lower X-ray detector 10 so as to cross the transport direction (X direction) in a substantially triangular screen shape by a slit (not shown). It has become.

  The X-ray detector 10 has a plurality of detection elements arranged in a straight line in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (Y direction) on a plane in the transport direction (X direction) of the object W to be transported. is there. Specifically, the X-ray detector 10 includes a photodiode (not shown) as a plurality of detection elements arranged in a line and a scintillator (not shown) provided on the photodiode. And a line sensor (not shown).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray detector 10 includes an A / D conversion unit 41. The A / D conversion unit 41 converts luminance value data from the photodiode into digital data, and the density is changed. The data is output as an X-ray image. The X-ray detector 10 transmits X-rays that pass through the inspection object W by a line sensor that linearly extends in an orthogonal direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the plane of the conveyance direction (X direction) of the inspection object W. A grayscale image corresponding to the detected amount of X-rays is output.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyor 60 is configured by a belt suspended on a plurality of rollers so that the side surface shape becomes a trapezoid as a whole. The conveyor 60 constitutes a horizontal portion 62 that is horizontal at a portion that passes through the inspection space 22, and constitutes an upward inclined portion 61 that is upwardly inclined between the carry-in entrance 7 and the horizontal portion 62, and the carry-out exit from the horizontal portion 62. 8 constitutes a downward inclined portion 63 that is downwardly inclined.

  A shielding cover 16 is provided so as to protrude laterally from the housing 4 at the upper part of the carry-in port 7 and the carry-out port 8. The shielding cover 16 is provided at an angle substantially equal to the inclination angle of the belt surface 2a at the carry-in entrance 7 and the carry-out exit 8, and the lower end thereof is from the horizontal portion in the inspection space 22 of the belt surface 2a. Is also arranged vertically downward.

  In this way, the belt surface 2a is formed in a trapezoidal shape, and the shielding cover 16 is provided in the portions of the carry-in entrance 7 and the carry-out exit 8, so that X-rays from the inspection space 22 toward the carry-in entrance 7 and the carry-out exit 8 Leakage is prevented. Further, in this embodiment, since no good shielding curtain is provided in the conveyance path 21, the lower end portion of the shielding curtain comes into contact with the inspection object W, and the conveyance direction position of the inspection object W changes. There is no end.

  The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 receives the X-ray image from the X-ray detector 10, and displays and outputs a control circuit 40 that inspects the presence or absence of a foreign substance in the inspection object W, and inspection results by the control circuit 40. The display unit 5 and a setting operation unit 45 for inputting various parameters and the like to the control circuit 40 are provided.

  The display unit 5 is composed of a flat display or the like, and performs display output for the user. The display unit 5 displays the pass / fail judgment result of the inspected object W with characters or symbols such as “OK” and “NG”, and the inspection results such as the total number of inspections, the number of non-defective products, and the total number of NG as default settings Alternatively, the screen is displayed based on a request by a predetermined key operation from the setting operation unit 45.

  The setting operation unit 45 includes a plurality of keys, switches, and the like operated by the user, and performs setting input of various parameters to the control circuit 40 and selection of an operation mode. The display unit 5 and the setting operation unit 45 may be integrally configured as a touch panel display.

  The control circuit 40 applies various image processing algorithms and the like to the X-ray image storage unit 42 that stores the X-ray image received from the X-ray detector 10 and the X-ray image read from the X-ray image storage unit 42. The image processing unit 43 that performs image processing, and the X-ray image that has been subjected to image processing, whether or not the shape of the inspected object W is good, and whether the inspected object W and the foreign object are discriminated are present. And a determination unit 44 for determining whether or not. Here, the image processing algorithm is a combination of a plurality of image processing filters.

  The image processing unit 43 removes the container Ws of the inspected object W shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B from the X-ray image read from the X-ray image storage unit 42, and only the content Wc. Image processing is performed so as to extract.

  The determination unit 44 determines the quality of the shape of the inspection object W based on the area value, volume value, complexity, etc. of the inspection object W with respect to the X-ray image subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit 43. At the same time, the inspection object W and foreign matter are discriminated to determine whether foreign matter is mixed.

  Here, the area value is an area value on the X-ray image of the object W or the content Wc that is the inspection object in the object W, and an X-ray image within a predetermined density range is obtained. Calculated as the content Wc. The volume value is a volume value on the X-ray image of the object W or the content Wc that is the inspection object in the object W, and is calculated from the area value and the concentration. . The complexity is a value representing the complexity of the shape on the X-ray image of the object W or the content Wc that is the inspection object in the object W. Calculated by dividing the value.

  In addition, the area value or volume value of the inspection object W or the content Wc is due to a change in the area or volume of the inspection object W or the content Wc due to a manufacturing defect or chipping of the inspection object W or the content Wc. Is to increase or decrease. Further, the complexity of the inspected object W and the contents Wc is increased or decreased due to the partial indentation of the inspected object W and the contents Wc resulting in unevenness.

  Even if it is a case where the determination part 44 determines the quality of a shape based on any of the area value, volume value, and complexity of the to-be-inspected object W, it compares with the upper limit value and lower limit value as a quality determination threshold value. Thus, the pass / fail judgment is performed.

  Further, the control circuit 40 includes a control unit 46 configured to include a CPU and a memory as a control program storage area or a work area. The control unit 46 controls the entire X-ray inspection apparatus 1.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the object W to be inspected by the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 has a plurality of contents Wc in a plurality of rows in the container Ws. Contained. The inspection object W is, for example, a tablet sheet in which a plurality of tablets as the contents Wc are arranged in a plurality of rows and accommodated in a sheet as a container Ws.

  In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, a pocket P is formed in the sheet as the container Ws, and a tablet as the contents Wc is stored in the pocket P. In the example shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the inspected object W is accommodated in the sheet-like container Ws in a state where six contents Wc are arranged in two rows of three. Yes.

  In the X-ray inspection apparatus, X-rays are irradiated in a fan shape from the X-ray generator 9 toward the X-ray detector 10 in the direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object. X-rays that have passed through the inspection object W at different angles enter each detection element of the line detector 10, and the contents Wc of the inspection object W in the Y direction on the belt surface 2 a of the transport device 2 are incident. The area value and volume value of the inspection object W in the X-ray image differ depending on the position difference.

  Specifically, in the Y direction on the belt surface 2a of the transport device 2, one row of the inspection object W (hereinafter referred to as A row) with respect to the focal position (a position immediately below the X-ray generator 9). When there is a difference in the distance between the contents Wc and the contents Wc in the other column (hereinafter referred to as B column), the contents Wc in the A column and the contents Wc in the B column have exactly the same shape. Even if it exists, as shown in FIG. 4, the area value of the content Wc of A row | line | column differs from the area value of the content Wc of B row | line | column. In addition, when the number of columns of the contents Wc is increased to three or four, it is impossible to set the distance from the focal position in each column of the contents Wc to be equal.

  The difference in the area value and the volume value caused by the difference in the position of the content Wc in the Y direction is significant when the content Wc is as small as a tablet as in the present embodiment. The determination unit 44 has a great adverse effect on the quality determination of the shape.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, upper limit values and lower limit values that are upper and lower limits of a normal range in which the determination unit 44 determines that the area value of the inspection object W is normal. It is necessary to set so that the area value of the contents Wc in the A column and the area value of the contents Wc in the B column fall within the value and the lower limit value. For this reason, the normal range including the upper limit value and the lower limit value has to be expanded as compared with the case where the contents Wc of the inspection object W are in a single row, and as a result, the quality determination accuracy of the determination unit 44 is deteriorated. Will be invited.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in order to guide and regulate the position in the Y direction on the belt surface 2a of the inspection object W to a predetermined position, the conveyance is performed. On the belt surface 2a of the apparatus 2, a pair of work guides 71 and 72 for regulating the position of the inspection object W on the belt surface 2a in the Y direction are provided in a state of being supported by a support member (not shown). . The work guides 71 and 72 are provided at the upstream end of the horizontal portion 62, respectively.

  The work guides 71 and 72 move the inspection object W conveyed from the upstream in the conveyance direction to the inspection space 22 by the conveyance device 2 at a fixed position in the Y direction on the belt surface 2a, for example, the Y direction of the inspection object W. The position is regulated so that the center is directly below the X-ray generator 9, and is arranged with a slight gap between the belt surface 2 a and the upstream side of the inspection space 22. The work guides 71 and 72 are in contact with the front side and both side surfaces of the sheet-like container Ws of the inspection object W to regulate the position of the inspection object W in the Y direction.

  A detailed configuration of the work guides 71 and 72 will be described. The work guides 71 and 72 are arranged on one side and the other side in the Y direction, respectively. The work guides 71 and 72 are restriction portions 71b and 72b for restricting the position of the inspection object W (specifically, the container Ws) in the Y direction, and guidance for guiding the inspection object W between the restriction portions 71b and 72b. It consists of parts 71a and 72a.

  The restricting portions 71b and 72b are arranged in parallel with each other in the Y direction at intervals equal to or slightly larger than the width in the Y direction of the inspection object W, and the inspection objects guided by the guide portions 71a and 72a. By contacting the side surface of W, the position of the inspection object W in the Y direction is regulated.

  The guide portions 71a and 72a are widened toward the upstream side, and the inspection object W comes into contact with the side surface of the tip portion of the inspection object W during the transition from the upward inclined portion 61 to the horizontal portion 62. Is guided to the restricting portions 71b and 72b.

  The length D1 in the X direction on the horizontal portion 62 of the guide portions 71a and 72a is set to be shorter than half of the length D2 in the X direction of the inspection object W. Thus, the side surfaces of the tip of the inspection object W are lifted off from the surface of the horizontal portion 62 in the middle of the inspection object W moving from the upward inclined portion 61 to the horizontal portion 62 on the guide portions 71a and 72a. Thus, the inspected object W is prevented from entering the gap between the guide portions 71a and 72a and the horizontal portion 62.

  As described above, the transport device 2 according to the present embodiment is disposed on the upstream side of the horizontal portion 62 and the horizontal portion 62 that is horizontally disposed so as to pass through the inspection space 22 for inspecting the inspection object W. A conveyor 60 that conveys the inspection object W by the upward inclined portion 61, the horizontal portion 62, and the downward inclined portion 63, including the upward inclined portion 61 and the downward inclined portion 63 disposed on the downstream side of the horizontal portion 62. It is provided at the upstream end of the horizontal part 62 and abuts against the tip side surface of the inspection object W that moves from the ascending inclined part 61 to the horizontal part 62, so that it is orthogonal to the object conveyance direction on the horizontal part 62. Work guides 71 and 72 for guiding and restricting the position of the object W in the direction to a predetermined position are provided.

  With this configuration, the workpieces 71 and 72 of the work guides 71 and 72 are inspected in a state in which the inspection object W floats from the surface of the horizontal portion 62 in the middle of the transition from the upward inclined portion 61 to the horizontal portion 62. It will be in contact with the side surface of the tip of the object W.

  Therefore, the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object W can be regulated without sandwiching the inspection object W between the work guides 71 and 72 and the upper surface of the conveyor 60.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  5 (a) and 5 (b), the upward inclined portion 61 of the transport device 2 includes a roller conveyor 85 composed of a plurality of rollers, and a pair of work guides 81 disposed on both side surfaces of the roller conveyor 85. 82.

  The width of the roller conveyor 85 in the Y direction is larger than the width of the inspection object W at the upstream end, and is the same as or slightly larger than the width of the inspection object W at the downstream end. The work guides 81 and 82 are provided along the side surface of the roller conveyor 85 in a state where the roller conveyor 85 is sandwiched in the Y direction. Upper portions of the work guides 81 and 82 extend upward from the upper surface of the roller conveyor 85 by a predetermined distance.

  The work guides 81 and 82 are in contact with the front side and both side surfaces of the sheet-like container Ws of the inspection object W to regulate the position of the inspection object W in the Y direction.

  The work guides 81 and 82 are arranged on one side and the other side in the Y direction, respectively. The work guides 81 and 82 are restriction portions 81b and 82b for restricting the position of the inspection object W (specifically, the container Ws) in the Y direction, and guidance for guiding the inspection object W between the restriction portions 81b and 82b. It is comprised from the part 81a, 82a.

  The restricting portions 81b and 82b are arranged in parallel with each other in the Y direction at intervals equal to or slightly larger than the width in the Y direction of the inspection object W, and the inspection objects guided by the guide portions 81a and 82a. By contacting the side surface of W, the position of the inspection object W in the Y direction is regulated.

  The guide portions 81a and 82a are widened toward the upstream side, and the inspection object W is brought into contact with the side surface of the front end portion while the inspection object W is being transported on the roller conveyor 85, whereby the inspection object W is regulated. It guides to 81b and 82b.

  When the inspection object W is transported on the upward inclined portion 61, the inspection object W is guided and regulated so that the side surface of the inspection object W is in contact with the work guides 81 and 82 and the position in the Y direction becomes a predetermined position. Then, the position shifts to the horizontal portion 62 while maintaining the posture regulated by the upward inclined portion 61.

  When the inspection object W is transported on the upward inclined portion 61, the work guides 81 and 82 are in contact with the side surfaces of the front end portion of the inspection object W, and the inspection object W is in contact with the work guides 81 and 82. It is prevented that it enters into the gap between the roller conveyor 85.

  As described above, the transport device 2 according to the present embodiment is disposed on the upstream side of the horizontal portion 62 and the horizontal portion 62 that is horizontally disposed so as to pass through the inspection space 22 for inspecting the inspection object W. A conveyor 60 that conveys the inspection object W by the upward inclined portion 61, the horizontal portion 62, and the downward inclined portion 63, including the upward inclined portion 61 and the downward inclined portion 63 disposed on the downstream side of the horizontal portion 62. And the width of the ascending inclined portion 61 in the direction perpendicular to the inspection object conveying direction is narrower at the downstream end than the upstream end, and the side of the ascending inclined portion 61 is contacted with the side of the tip of the inspection object W. Work guides 81 and 82 for guiding and restricting the position of the inspection object W in the direction orthogonal to the inspection object conveyance direction on the horizontal portion 62 to a predetermined position by contacting are provided.

  With this configuration, when the inspection object W is transported on the upward inclined portion 61, the inspection object W is positioned at a predetermined position in the Y direction while the tip side surface of the inspection object W is in contact with the work guides 81 and 82. Therefore, the work guides 81 and 82 come into contact with the side surface of the tip of the inspection object W.

  Therefore, the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object W can be regulated without sandwiching the inspection object W between the work guides 81 and 82 and the upper surface of the conveyor 60.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  6 (a) and 6 (b), the conveyor 60 of the conveying device 2 includes a roller conveyor 95 horizontally arranged with a plurality of rollers on the upstream side of the upward inclined portion 61, and both sides of the roller conveyor 95. A carry-in conveyor 64 including a pair of work guides 91 and 92 arranged on the surface is provided.

  The width of the roller conveyor 95 in the Y direction is larger than the width of the inspection object W at the upstream end, and is the same as or slightly larger than the width of the inspection object W at the downstream end. The work guides 91 and 92 are provided along the side surface of the roller conveyor 95 in a state where the roller conveyor 95 is sandwiched in the Y direction. Upper portions of the work guides 91 and 92 extend upward from the upper surface of the roller conveyor 95 by a predetermined distance.

  The work guides 91 and 92 are in contact with the front side and both side surfaces of the sheet-shaped container Ws of the inspection object W, and regulate the position of the inspection object W in the Y direction.

  The work guides 91 and 92 are disposed on one side and the other side in the Y direction, respectively. The work guides 91 and 92 are restriction portions 91b and 92b for restricting the position of the inspection object W (specifically, the container Ws) in the Y direction, and guidance for guiding the inspection object W between the restriction portions 91b and 92b. It is comprised from the part 91a, 92a.

  The restricting portions 91b and 92b are arranged in parallel to each other in the Y direction at intervals equal to or slightly larger than the width in the Y direction of the inspection object W, and the inspection objects guided by the guide portions 91a and 92a. By contacting the side surface of W, the position of the inspection object W in the Y direction is regulated.

  The guide portions 91a and 92a are widened toward the upstream side, and the inspection object W is brought into contact with the side surface of the front end portion while the inspection object W is being conveyed on the roller conveyor 95, thereby restricting the inspection object W to the restricting portion. 91b and 92b are guided.

  When the inspection object W is transported on the carry-in conveyor 64, the inspection object W is guided and regulated so that the side surface of the inspection object W is in contact with the work guides 91 and 92 and the position in the Y direction is a predetermined position. The horizontal section 62 is shifted to the horizontal section 62 through the upward inclined section 61 while maintaining the posture regulated by the carry-in conveyor 64.

  Further, when the inspection object W is conveyed on the carry-in conveyor 64, the work guides 91 and 92 are in contact with the side surface of the front end portion of the inspection object W, and the inspection object W is in contact with the work guides 91 and 92 and the rollers. It is prevented that it enters into the gap between the conveyor 95.

  In addition, since the carry-in conveyor 64 is arranged horizontally unlike the ascending inclined portion 61 of the second embodiment, the inspection object W slips when the position of the inspection object W in the Y direction is restricted. This can be prevented.

  As described above, the transport device 2 according to the present embodiment is disposed on the upstream side of the horizontal portion 62 and the horizontal portion 62 that is horizontally disposed so as to pass through the inspection space 22 for inspecting the inspection object W. A conveyor 60 that conveys the inspection object W by the upward inclined portion 61, the horizontal portion 62, and the downward inclined portion 63, including the upward inclined portion 61 and the downward inclined portion 63 disposed on the downstream side of the horizontal portion 62. The conveyor 60 includes a carry-in conveyor 64 in which the width in the direction orthogonal to the inspection object conveyance direction is narrower at the downstream end than the upstream end in a stage preceding the upward inclined portion 61. The position of the inspection object W in the direction orthogonal to the inspection object conveyance direction on the conveyor 60 is set to a predetermined position by contacting the front end side surface of the inspection object W at the end in the direction orthogonal to the inspection object conveyance direction. Guide 9 to guide and regulate , Characterized by comprising a 92.

  With this configuration, when the inspection object W is transported on the carry-in conveyor 64, the inspection object W is positioned at a predetermined position in the Y direction while the side surface of the inspection object W is in contact with the work guides 91 and 92. When the inspection object W is guided and regulated, and the workpiece W is conveyed on the carry-in conveyor 64, the work guides 91 and 92 are in contact with the side surface of the tip of the inspection object W. It is prevented that it enters into the gap between 91 and 92 and the upper surface of the conveyor 60.

  Therefore, the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object W can be regulated without sandwiching the inspection object W between the work guides 91 and 92 and the upper surface of the conveyor 60.

  In addition, since the carry-in conveyor 64 is arranged horizontally unlike the ascending inclined portion 61 of the second embodiment, the inspection object W slips when the position of the inspection object W in the Y direction is restricted. This can be prevented.

  Moreover, the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 is comprised from what was provided with the conveying apparatus 2 of 1st Embodiment-3rd Embodiment.

  With this configuration, in the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 including the transport device 2, the inspection object W is not sandwiched between the work guides 71, 72, 81, 82, 91, 92 and the upper surface of the conveyor 60. Since the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of W can be regulated, it is possible to prevent the inspection performance from deteriorating.

  As described above, the X-ray inspection apparatus according to the present invention regulates the position of the inspection object in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction without sandwiching the inspection object between the conveyance position regulating means and the upper surface of the conveyance means. An X-ray inspection apparatus for detecting foreign matter by detecting X-rays irradiated from an X-ray generator and transmitted through an object to be inspected by an X-ray detector and the X-ray inspection apparatus It is useful as a transport device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray inspection apparatus 2 Conveyance apparatus 2a Belt surface 3 Detection part 4 Case 5 Display part 6 Drive motor 7 Carry-in port 8 Carry-out port 9 X-ray generator (X-ray generation means)
10 X-ray detector (X-ray detection means)
12 X-ray tube 16 Shielding curtain 21 Transport path 22 Inspection space 40 Control circuit 41 A / D conversion unit 42 X-ray image storage unit 43 Image processing unit 44 Determination unit (determination means)
45 Setting operation part 46 Control part 60 Conveyor (conveyance means)
61 ascending slope part 62 horizontal part 63 descending slope part 64 carry-in conveyor (carry-in transport part)
71, 72, 81, 82, 91, 92 Work guide (conveying position regulating means)
71a, 72a, 81a, 82a, 91a, 92a Guide part 71b, 72b, 81b, 82b, 91b, 92b Regulatory part 85, 95 Roller conveyor W Inspected object Wc Contents Ws Container

Claims (4)

A horizontal portion (62) disposed horizontally so as to pass through an inspection space (22) for inspecting the inspection object (W), an ascending inclined portion (61) disposed on the upstream side of the horizontal portion, and A downward inclined portion (63) disposed on the downstream side of the horizontal portion, and having a transport means (60) for transporting the inspection object by the upward inclined portion, the horizontal portion, and the downward inclined portion. A device (2) comprising:
A direction that is arranged at the upstream end of the horizontal part and contacts the front end side surface of the inspection object that changes from the ascending inclined part to the horizontal part, thereby orthogonal to the inspection object conveying direction on the horizontal part. A transport apparatus comprising transport position regulating means (71, 72) for guiding and regulating the position of the inspection object to a predetermined position. A horizontal portion (62) disposed horizontally so as to pass through an inspection space (22) for inspecting the inspection object (W), an ascending inclined portion (61) disposed on the upstream side of the horizontal portion, and A downward inclined portion (63) disposed on the downstream side of the horizontal portion, and having a transport means (60) for transporting the inspection object by the upward inclined portion, the horizontal portion, and the downward inclined portion. A device (2) comprising:
The width of the upward inclined portion in the direction perpendicular to the inspection object conveyance direction is narrower at the downstream end than the upstream end,
The position of the inspection object in a direction orthogonal to the inspection object conveyance direction on the horizontal portion is guided and regulated to a predetermined position by contacting the side surface of the inspection object on the side surface of the upward inclined portion. A conveying apparatus comprising a conveying position regulating means (81, 82) in which a regulating portion (81b, 82b) that extends is extended to an upstream end of the horizontal portion . A horizontal portion (62) disposed horizontally so as to pass through an inspection space (22) for inspecting the inspection object (W), an ascending inclined portion (61) disposed on the upstream side of the horizontal portion, and A downward inclined portion (63) disposed on the downstream side of the horizontal portion, and having a transport means (60) for transporting the inspection object by the upward inclined portion, the horizontal portion, and the downward inclined portion. A device (2) comprising:
The transport means includes a carry-in transport section (64) whose width in the direction orthogonal to the inspection object transport direction is narrower at the downstream end than the upstream end at the front stage of the upward inclined section,
The end in the direction perpendicular to the inspection object conveyance direction of the carry-in conveyance unit is in contact with the front end side surface of the inspection object, so that the direction in the direction orthogonal to the inspection object conveyance direction on the horizontal portion is The restricting portions (91b, 92b) for guiding and restricting the position of the inspection object to a predetermined position are provided with transport position restricting means (91, 92) extending to the upstream end of the upward inclined portion. Conveying device to do. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
X-ray generation means (9) for irradiating the inspection object conveyed by the conveying device with X-rays;
X-ray detection means (10) for detecting X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generation means and transmitted through the inspection object;
X-ray comprising: a determination means (44) for determining the quality of the shape of the object to be inspected using a predetermined quality determination threshold value based on the X-ray detected by the X-ray detection means. Inspection device.

Images