WO2022138268A1 - X-ray shielding structure for device including x-ray irradiation unit - Google Patents

X-ray shielding structure for device including x-ray irradiation unit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022138268A1
WO2022138268A1 PCT/JP2021/045764 JP2021045764W WO2022138268A1 WO 2022138268 A1 WO2022138268 A1 WO 2022138268A1 JP 2021045764 W JP2021045764 W JP 2021045764W WO 2022138268 A1 WO2022138268 A1 WO 2022138268A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
carry
ray
shielding structure
ray shielding
inspected object
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2021/045764
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
芳和 立石
亮 角谷
Original Assignee
株式会社サタケ
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社サタケ filed Critical 株式会社サタケ
Priority to CN202180085566.7A priority Critical patent/CN116648758A/en
Publication of WO2022138268A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022138268A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N23/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00
    • G01N23/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00 by transmitting the radiation through the material
    • G01N23/04—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00 by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F1/00—Shielding characterised by the composition of the materials
    • G21F1/02—Selection of uniform shielding materials
    • G21F1/10—Organic substances; Dispersions in organic carriers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F7/00—Shielded cells or rooms
    • G21F7/02—Observation devices permitting vision but shielding the observer
    • G21F7/03—Windows, e.g. shielded
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F7/00—Shielded cells or rooms
    • G21F7/04—Shielded glove-boxes
    • G21F7/047—Shielded passages; Closing or transferring means between glove-boxes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to, for example, an X-ray shielding structure in an apparatus such as an optical sorter that determines and sorts the quality of an inspected object from a transmitted image of X-rays.
  • an X-ray inspection device for inspecting the internal state of an inspected object by a transmitted image obtained by transmitting X-rays through the inspected object.
  • the X-ray inspection apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which inspection is performed while blocking X-rays.
  • the X-ray inspection apparatus includes a belt conveyor extending linearly in the horizontal direction and an X-ray irradiation unit arranged above the middle part of the belt conveyor, and the X-ray irradiation unit is a belt conveyor located directly below. By emitting X-rays toward the upper inspection area, the X-rays are applied to the object to be inspected passing through the inspection area by the transport operation by the belt conveyor.
  • the inspection area on the belt conveyor and the X-ray irradiation unit are covered with a shielding cover, and the inspected object is carried into the shielding cover to the upstream and downstream portions of the belt conveyor in the shielding cover.
  • a mouth and an outlet for carrying out the object to be inspected from the inside of the shielding cover are formed.
  • an X-ray shielding sheet having a shape corresponding to the carry-in entrance and the carry-out port is hung like a curtain, and the X-ray shielding sheet is , It rotates around a rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the belt conveyor.
  • each object to be sequentially conveyed by the belt conveyor pushes the X-ray shielding sheet by the conveying operation by the belt conveyor and rotates the X-ray shielding sheet to enter the inspection area and exit from the inspection area. And are to be done respectively.
  • each X-ray shielding sheet is pushed by the inspected object and rotates every time the inspected object is inspected in the inspection area of the belt conveyor.
  • the rotating part of the shielding sheet cannot perform a smooth rotating operation due to deterioration over time, and as a result, the X-ray shielding sheet does not hang down to the bottom during the rotating operation and is connected to the carry-in entrance or carry-out port. There is a risk that the device will continue to operate with a large gap between them.
  • the X-ray shielding sheet as in Patent Document 1 has a rotating portion, there is a problem that the number of parts increases and the assembly takes time and the cost increases.
  • the inspected object is food or the like
  • the inspected object in order to avoid the occurrence of scratches and deformations and the occurrence of bacteria adhesion in terms of food hygiene, the inspected object is invaded into the inspection area or exits from the inspection area.
  • the X-ray shielding sheet should not be brought into contact with the sheet.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is that a device equipped with an X-ray irradiation unit can be used repeatedly with peace of mind, and moreover, it is used as a shielding means for shielding X-rays. It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost X-ray shielding structure capable of carrying in and out an inspected object to an inspected area without contacting the inspected object.
  • the present invention is generated inside the apparatus by using a guide body used for carrying the inspected object into the transport means or carrying out the inspected object from the transport means. It is characterized by devising ways to block X-rays.
  • the following measures were taken for the X-ray shielding structure of the device equipped with the X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates the inspected object transported by the transport means with X-rays.
  • the transport means and the X-ray irradiation unit are surrounded, and the carry-in inlet for carrying the inspected object into the upstream portion of the transport means and the inspected object from the downstream portion of the transport means.
  • a shielding cover in which an outlet for carrying out the inspected object is formed, and a guide passage portion for guiding the carrying-in of the inspected object to the transporting means and guiding the carrying-out of the inspected object from the transporting means.
  • the first and second guide bodies are provided inside, and in the first and second guide bodies, each guide passage portion of the first and second guide bodies is connected to the carry-in port and the carry-out port. It is characterized in that it is inclined with respect to the carry-in entrance and the carry-out port.
  • one end opening corresponds to the X-ray emitting portion of the X-ray irradiation unit, while the other end opening is set in the transport means, which is arranged inside the shielding cover. It is characterized by having a shielding cylinder that approaches the inspection area of the object to be inspected.
  • the shielding cover is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material, and an observation window for observing the inside of the shielding cover is formed. It is characterized by.
  • the transporting means includes a belt conveyor, and the observation window has an elongated shape extending along the transporting direction of the belt conveyor.
  • the carry-in port is open laterally, and the first guide body has a shape extending diagonally upward from the carry-in port.
  • a shielding member is provided below the first guide body to cover both the lower end edge portion of the first guide body and the lower end edge portion of the carry-in entrance. ..
  • the first guide body that guides the object to be inspected to the transport means is in a posture of blocking the carry-in entrance of the shielding cover, while the second guide that guides the object to be inspected from the transport means to the outside of the transport means. Since the body is in a posture of blocking the carry-out port of the shielding cover, the operator can safely perform the work while the apparatus is operating around the apparatus equipped with the X-ray irradiation unit. Further, since there is no movable part as in Patent Document 1 in the structure that blocks the part where the inspected object is carried in and out of the inspection area in the transport means, even if the device is repeatedly used, the carry-in inlet and the carry-out port may be caused by failure or deformation.
  • the inspected object does not come into contact with the shield that shields X-rays at the timing when the inspected object is carried in and out of the inspection area in the transport means, for example, when the inspected object is food or the like, the inspected object is inspected.
  • the inspection object can be inspected hygienically.
  • the X-rays are irradiated to the inside of the shielding cylinder, and the X-rays are hardly irradiated to the area other than the inspection area of the transport means. Therefore, the work performed by the operator outside the apparatus can be performed more safely. can.
  • the operator can visually observe the inside of the shielding cover from the observation window to know the state of the transport means and the like without removing the shielding cover from the apparatus. Therefore, it is not necessary to wastefully perform complicated work such as removing the shielding cover from the device every time maintenance is performed, and it is possible to efficiently perform confirmation work and maintenance work while the operator is outside the shielding cover.
  • the visible area inside the shield cover of the worker becomes wider in the transport direction of the belt conveyor, it becomes easier for the worker to understand the degree of the meandering state of the endless belt from the outside of the shield cover, which is wasteful. It is possible to reduce as much as possible the need to remove the shielding cover and perform maintenance work.
  • the gap generated between the transport means and the first guide body is covered with the shielding member, the leakage of X-rays to the outside of the shielding cover on the upstream side of the apparatus can be reliably prevented.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. It is a perspective view of the carry-in slider. It is a perspective view of a discharge chute.
  • the optical sorter 10 inspects foods such as almonds and beans, or a large number of granules G1 (inspected objects) such as plastic pieces while sequentially transporting them, and then determines whether or not the product is good or bad. It is configured to sort out good products and defective products, and includes a machine frame 11 made of a plurality of metal frames.
  • the carry-in unit 2, the transfer unit 3, the first inspection unit 4, the second inspection unit 5, the sorting unit 6, and the carry-out unit 7 are attached to the machine frame 11 in order from the upstream side of the apparatus, and the transfer unit 3, the first The second inspection units 4, 5 and the sorting unit 6 are covered with a shielding cover 8.
  • a control unit 9 is connected to the carry-in unit 2, the transport unit 3, the first and second inspection units 4, 5, the sorting unit 6, and the carry-out unit 7.
  • the carry-in unit 2 is provided with a carry-in slider 21 (first guide body) that guides a large number of granular bodies G1 introduced by a vibration feeder (not shown) to the transport unit 3.
  • a carry-in slider 21 first guide body that guides a large number of granular bodies G1 introduced by a vibration feeder (not shown) to the transport unit 3.
  • the carry-in slider 21 extends diagonally downward toward the transport unit 3, and has a substantially plate-shaped bottom surface portion 22 whose guide surface 22a faces diagonally upward on the transport unit 3 side.
  • a side surface portion 23 is erected on both side edges of the bottom surface portion 22 along the extension direction of the bottom surface portion 22.
  • a plurality of thin plate-shaped guide plate portions 24 extending diagonally downward along the both side surface portions 23 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction, and the guide plate portions 24 of each guide plate portion 24 are arranged side by side.
  • a plurality of guide passage portions 25 through which each granular material G1 slides down are formed between them.
  • a passage cover 26 having a rectangular plate shape is provided on the upper portion of the bottom surface portion 22, and the passage cover 26 covers a portion of each guide passage portion 25 excluding the upstream side region and the downstream side region.
  • a proximity sensor 27 is attached to one side of the lower end edge of the passage cover 26, and the proximity sensor 27 can detect whether or not the carry-in slider 21 is attached to the transfer unit 3. ing.
  • the carry-in slider 21 is adapted to sequentially guide each of the granules G1 to positions at equal intervals in the width direction of the transport unit 3 by passing each of the granules G1 through each of the guide passage portions 25.
  • the transport unit 3 includes a belt conveyor 31 (conveyor means) that extends horizontally from the lower end of the carry-in slider 21 to the downstream side of the device.
  • the belt conveyor 31 includes a drive roller 32 located below the lower end of the carry-in slider 21 and a driven roller 33 located on the downstream side of the device and having a roller diameter smaller than that of the drive roller 32.
  • a rubber endless belt 34 is wound around the driven roller 33.
  • the endless belt 34 is adapted to sequentially move around by the rotational operation of the drive roller 32 and the driven roller 33 to sequentially convey each of the granular bodies G1 placed on the outer peripheral surface. Then, each of the conveyed granular materials G1 passes through the first inspection region R1 set in the middle of the endless belt 34, and then sequentially falls diagonally downward from the downstream end in the transport direction to reach the second inspection region R2. It is designed to pass through.
  • the first inspection unit 4 inspects the outer shape or the internal state of the granular material G1, and has an X-ray irradiation unit 41 located above the first inspection region R1 at a predetermined interval and a first inspection region R1. It is equipped with an X-ray detector 42 installed below.
  • the X-ray irradiation unit 41 includes an X-ray emitting unit 41a that emits X-rays directly below, and the X-rays emitted from the X-ray emitting unit 41a are conveyed by the endless belt 34 and pass through the first inspection region R1.
  • the granules G1 to be irradiated are irradiated.
  • the X-ray detector 42 includes line sensors 42a arranged in a row in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31, and the line sensors 42a can detect X-rays that have passed through the granular material G1.
  • a shielding cylinder 43 having a cylinder center line extending vertically is arranged between the X-ray emitting portion 41a and the first inspection region R1.
  • the shielding cylinder 43 is continuously arranged in the X-ray emitting portion 41a, and the upper end opening is continuously arranged in the first cylinder 43a corresponding to the X-ray emitting portion 41a and the lower portion of the first cylinder 43a.
  • the lower end opening is provided with a second tubular body 43b that approaches the first inspection region R1.
  • the second inspection unit 5 includes a first CCD camera 51a for visible light located above the downstream end of the belt conveyor 31, and a second visible light camera 51a located below the downstream end of the belt conveyor 31.
  • the 2CCD camera 52a and the NIR camera 53a for near-infrared light arranged at a predetermined interval on the downstream side of the device of the first CCD camera 51a are provided.
  • a first mirror 51b having a posture tilted with respect to the shooting direction of the first CCD camera 51a is disposed diagonally downward on the downstream side of the device of the first CCD camera 51a, while diagonally upward on the downstream side of the device of the second CCD camera 52a.
  • a first background plate 51c is arranged at the position of, and a second inspection region R2 is located between the first mirror 51b and the first background plate 51c.
  • a pair of first visible light sources 51d are arranged above the first background plate 51c, and the first CCD camera 51a is the upper surface of the granular body G1 that reflects on the first mirror 51b when passing through the second inspection region R2. It is designed to shoot.
  • a second mirror 52b having a posture tilted with respect to the shooting direction of the second CCD camera 52a is arranged, while at a position diagonally downward on the upstream side of the first mirror 51b.
  • the second background plate 52c is arranged, and the second inspection region R2 is located between the second mirror 52b and the second background plate 52c.
  • a pair of second visible light sources 52d are arranged below the second background plate 52c, and the second CCD camera 52a is the lower surface of the granular body G1 that reflects on the second mirror 52b when passing through the second inspection region R2. It is designed to shoot.
  • a third mirror 53b in an inclined posture with respect to the shooting direction of the NIR camera 53a is arranged diagonally above the device upstream side of the NIR camera 53a, while it is located on the downstream side of the device of the second mirror 52b.
  • the third background plate 53c is arranged, and the second inspection region R2 is located between the third mirror 53b and the third background plate 53c.
  • a pair of near-infrared light sources 53d are arranged between the pair of second visible light sources 52d, and the NIR camera 53a displays the granular body G1 reflected on the third mirror 53b when passing through the second inspection region R2. It is designed to shoot.
  • the sorting unit 6 includes an ejector 61 located below the NIR camera 53a.
  • the ejector 61 includes an ejection nozzle 61a in which the outlet of compressed air faces diagonally downward on the upstream side of the device, and the ejection nozzle 61a can eject compressed air toward a position on the downstream side of the device in the second inspection region R2. It has become.
  • the unloading unit 7 has a substantially V-shape with the open side facing diagonally downward on the downstream side of the device when viewed from the front, and the discharge chute 71 having a wide shape in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31. (Second guide body) is provided.
  • the discharge chute 71 has a substantially square cylinder shape that opens up and down, and has a defective product discharge portion 72 in which a defective product guide passage portion 72a for guiding the discharge of defective products of the granular material G1 is formed, and a cylinder center line.
  • the portion 73 is continuously provided in the upper portion on the downstream side of the device in the defective product discharging portion 72.
  • the upper surface portion 73c of the non-defective product discharge portion 73 on the downstream side of the device has a door structure in a substantially upper half portion due to a hinge portion 73b extending in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31 provided in the middle portion. ..
  • the continuous portion between the defective product discharge unit 72 and the non-defective product discharge unit 73 inside the discharge chute 71 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31.
  • a sorting port adjusting plate 74 is provided, and as shown in FIG. 5, the sorting port adjusting plate 74 operates the adjusting pin 75 provided on the side surface portion of the discharge chute 71 to change the rotation position.
  • the opening ratios of the defective product discharging unit 72 and the non-defective product discharging unit 73 on the second inspection region R2 side are changed.
  • the shielding cover 8 includes a first cover portion 81 that surrounds the first inspection unit 4, a second cover portion 82 that surrounds the upstream region of the transport unit 3, and a third cover portion 83 that surrounds the downstream region of the transport unit 3.
  • the present invention comprises a fourth cover portion 84 surrounding the second inspection unit 5 and the sorting unit 6, and a shielding member 85 located below the first cover portion 81, and the carry-in slider 21, the discharge chute 71, and the shielding cover 8.
  • the X-ray shielding structure 1 of the above is configured.
  • the first cover portion 81 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape protruding upward from the second and third cover portions 82, 83.
  • a carry-in inlet 82d for carrying in the granular material G1 is formed so as to open laterally in the upstream portion of the belt conveyor 31, and when the carry-in slider 21 is attached to the machine frame 11.
  • the downstream side of the carry-in slider 21 is connected to the carry-in entrance 82d without a gap, and the guide passage portion 25 is in an inclined posture with respect to the carry-in entrance 82d so that the second cover portion 82 and the guide passage portion 25 communicate with each other. It has become.
  • the carry-in slider 21 has a shape extending diagonally upward from the carry-in entrance 82d.
  • the region of the second cover portion 82 from the front side of the device to the position closer to the back side of the middle portion can rotate up and down about the rotation axis extending in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31.
  • the upstream opening / closing cover portion 82a is formed, and a first observation window 82b capable of observing the inside of the second cover portion 82 is formed on the upper surface of the upstream opening / closing cover portion 82a.
  • the first observation window 82b is made of a transparent resin material and has an elongated shape extending along the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31.
  • a second observation window 82c capable of observing the inside of the second cover portion 82 is formed on the upper surface of the second cover portion 82 excluding the upstream opening / closing cover portion 82a.
  • the second observation window 82c is made of a transparent resin material, extends parallel to the first observation window 82b, and has a wider shape than the first observation window 82b.
  • the shielding member 85 has a substantially C-shaped cross section and has a shape extending in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31 so as to cover both the lower end edge portion of the carry-in slider 21 and the lower end edge portion of the carry-in inlet 82d. ing.
  • the region of the third cover portion 83 from the front side of the device to the position closer to the back side of the middle portion is the downstream side opening / closing cover portion 83a that can rotate up and down about the rotation axis extending in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31.
  • a third observation window 83b is formed on the upper surface of the downstream opening / closing cover portion 83a so that the inside of the third cover portion 83 can be observed.
  • the third observation window 83b is made of a transparent resin material and has an elongated shape extending along the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31.
  • a fourth observation window 83c capable of observing the inside of the third cover portion 83 is formed on the upper surface of the third cover portion 83 except for the downstream opening / closing cover portion 83a.
  • the fourth observation window 83c is made of a transparent resin material, extends parallel to the third observation window 83b, and has a wider shape than the third observation window 83b.
  • the fourth cover portion 84 is from the upper cover portion 84a surrounding the region above the second inspection region R2, the middle cover portion 84b surrounding the second inspection region R2, and the second inspection region R2.
  • a lower cover portion 84c that surrounds the lower region is provided, and the upper cover portion 84a has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that protrudes upward from the third cover portion 83.
  • An opening / closing door 84d having an observation window 84e made of transparent resin is provided on the front side of the device of the middle cover portion 84b, and the opening / closing door 84d can detect whether or not the opening / closing door 84d is open.
  • the detection sensor 84f is attached.
  • a carry-out outlet 84 g for carrying out the granular material G1 from the downstream portion of the belt conveyor 31 is formed so as to open diagonally downward, and when the discharge chute 71 is attached to the machine frame 11.
  • the upstream side of the discharge chute 71 is connected to the carry-out port 84 g without a gap, and the defective product guide passage portion 72a and the non-defective product guide passage portion 73a are tilted with respect to the carry-out outlet 84 g, and the fourth cover portion 84 and the defective product guide passage portion are provided.
  • the 72a and the non-defective guide passage portion 73a communicate with each other.
  • the discharge chute 71 has a shape extending diagonally downward from the carry-out port 84 g.
  • the control unit 9 is designed to control the drive operation of the drive roller 32 on the belt conveyor 31.
  • the control unit 9 determines whether or not the granular material G1 is a non-defective product based on whether or not the detected value obtained by the line sensor 42a deviates from the reference value, and the first CCD camera 51a, the second CCD camera 52a, and the NIR camera 53a use the control unit 9.
  • the obtained captured image is subjected to arithmetic processing to determine whether or not the granular material G1 is a non-defective product depending on whether or not it deviates from the reference value.
  • the granular material G1 is determined to be a defective product, it is compressed into an ejector 61.
  • An air ejection signal is output, compressed air is ejected from the ejection nozzle 61a to the granular material G1 determined to be a defective product to fall from the downstream end of the belt conveyor 31, and the defective product is discharged in the falling direction of the granular material G1. It is designed to be changed to the unit 72 side.
  • control unit 9 is adapted to stop the X-ray irradiation unit 41 when it is determined that the carry-in slider 21 has been removed from the device based on the detection signal from the proximity sensor 27.
  • control unit 9 is adapted to stop the X-ray irradiation unit 41 when it is determined that the opening / closing door 84d is opened based on the detection signal from the opening / closing detection sensor 84f.
  • an open / close detection sensor is also attached to the upstream open / close cover portion 82a, the downstream open / close cover portion 83a, etc., and the control unit 9 is opened with the cover portion based on the detection signals from those sensors. If it is determined that the X-ray irradiation unit 41 has been stopped.
  • the carry-in slider 21 that guides the granular material G1 to the transfer unit 3 is in a posture of blocking the carry-in inlet 82d of the shielding cover 8, while the granular body G1 is transferred from the transfer unit 3 to the transfer unit. Since the discharge chute 71 leading to the outside of 3 is in a posture of blocking the carry-out port 84 g of the shielding cover 8, the operator operates the optical sorting machine 10 around the optical sorting machine 10 equipped with the X-ray irradiation unit 41. You can work safely inside.
  • the optical sorter 10 is repeated. Even if it is used, it is possible to surely prevent the equipment from operating with the carry-in inlet 82d and the carry-out port 84g wide open due to failure or deformation, and the number of parts constituting the relevant part is small. As a result, the number of assembly steps is reduced, and the low-cost optical sorter 10 can be obtained.
  • the granular material G1 does not come into contact with the shield that shields X-rays at the timing when the granular material G1 is carried in and out of the first and second inspection regions R1 and R2 in the transport unit 3, for example, the granular material G1 does not come into contact with the shield.
  • the body G1 is a food or the like, the granular body G1 can be hygienically inspected.
  • the shielding cylinder 43 is provided between the X-ray irradiation unit 41 and the X-ray detector 42, X-rays are irradiated to the inside of the shielding cylinder 43, and the first and the first of the transport unit 3 and the transport unit 3 are irradiated. Almost no X-rays are emitted in areas other than the second inspection areas R1 and R2. Therefore, the work performed by the operator outside the optical sorter 10 can be performed more safely.
  • the shielding cover 8 is provided with the first observation window 82b, the second observation window 82c, the third observation window 83b, and the fourth observation window 83c from which the inside can be seen, the operator
  • the shielding cover 8 is visually observed from the optical sorter 10 by visually observing the inside of the shielding cover 8 from the first observation window 82b, the second observation window 82c, the third observation window 83b, and the fourth observation window 83c.
  • the state of the transport unit 3 and the like can be known without removing the window. Therefore, it is not necessary to wastefully perform complicated work such as removing the shielding cover 8 from the optical sorter 10 every time maintenance is performed, and the confirmation work and maintenance work can be efficiently performed while the operator is outside the shielding cover 8. It can be carried out.
  • first observation window 82b, the second observation window 82c, the third observation window 83b, and the fourth observation window 83c have an elongated shape in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31, and thus shield the operator.
  • the visible area inside the cover 8 becomes wider in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31. Therefore, it becomes easier for the operator to understand the degree of the meandering state of the endless belt 34 from the outside of the shielding cover 8, and it is possible to reduce unnecessary removal of the shielding cover 8 and maintenance work.
  • the shielding member 85 since the gap generated between the transport unit 3 and the carry-in slider 21 is covered by the shielding member 85, leakage of X-rays to the outside of the shielding cover 8 on the upstream side of the device can be reliably prevented, which is high. It can be an optical sorter 10 having safety.
  • each granular material G1 is carried into the transport unit 3 through the carry-in inlet 82d by the carry-in slider 21, and each granular material G1 is carried from the carry-out unit 3 through the carry-out port 84 g by the discharge chute 71.
  • the carry-in slider 21 and the discharge chute 71 are carried out, the carry-in slider 21 and the discharge chute 71 may have other shapes as long as the granule G1 can be carried in to the transport unit 3 and the granule G1 can be carried out from the transport unit 3. good.
  • first observation window 82b, the second observation window 82c, the third observation window 83b, the fourth observation window 83c, and the observation window 84e of the present invention are made of a transparent resin material, but are translucent. It may be made of a resin material, or may be made of another material (for example, glass or the like) as long as the inside of the shielding cover 8 can be observed.
  • the X-ray shielding structure 1 is applied by the optical sorter 10 for sorting the granular material G1, but the X-ray shielding structure 1 of the present invention is also applied to other devices provided with the X-ray irradiation unit. Structure 1 is applicable.
  • the present invention is suitable for an X-ray shielding structure in an apparatus such as an optical sorter that determines and sorts the quality of an inspected object from, for example, a transmitted image of X-rays.

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Abstract

A shielding cover (8) surrounding a transport unit (3) and an X-ray irradiation unit (41) has a loading opening (82d) and an unloading opening (84g) formed therein. A guiding passage unit (25) of a loading slider (21) guides granules (G1) into the transport unit (3). A defective product guiding passage unit (72a) and a non-defective product guiding passage unit (73a) of a discharge chute (71) guide the granules (G1) out of the transport unit (3). The guiding passage unit (25) of the loading slider (21) is inclined with respect to the loading opening (82d). The discharge chute (71) is inclined with respect to the unloading opening (84g).

Description

Ｘ線照射ユニットを備えた装置のＸ線遮蔽構造X-ray shielding structure of a device equipped with an X-ray irradiation unit
　本発明は、例えば、Ｘ線の透過画像により被検査物の良否を判定して選別する光学式選別機等の装置におけるＸ線遮蔽構造に関する。 The present invention relates to, for example, an X-ray shielding structure in an apparatus such as an optical sorter that determines and sorts the quality of an inspected object from a transmitted image of X-rays.
　従来より、被検査物にＸ線を透過させて得られる透過画像により被検査物の内部状態を検査するＸ線検査装置が一般的に知られている。例えば、特許文献１に開示されているＸ線検査装置は、Ｘ線を遮蔽しながら検査を行う構造になっている。上記Ｘ線検査装置は、水平方向に直線状に延びるベルトコンベアと、該ベルトコンベアの中途部上方に配置されたＸ線照射ユニットとを備え、該Ｘ線照射ユニットは、真下に位置するベルトコンベア上の検査領域に向かってＸ線を出射することにより、ベルトコンベアによる搬送動作で検査領域を通過する被検査物にＸ線を照射するようになっている。ベルトコンベア上の検査領域とＸ線照射ユニットとは、遮蔽カバーで覆われており、該遮蔽カバーにおけるベルトコンベアの上流側部分及び下流側部分には、遮蔽カバー内部に被検査物を搬入する搬入口と、遮蔽カバー内部から被検査物を搬出する搬出口とがそれぞれ形成されている。遮蔽カバー内部の搬入口及び搬出口にそれぞれ対応する位置には、当該搬入口及び搬出口に対応する形状をなすＸ線遮蔽シートがそれぞれ暖簾状に垂れ下げられていて、該Ｘ線遮蔽シートは、ベルトコンベアの搬送方向と直交する水平方向に延びる回動軸心を中心として回動するようになっている。そして、ベルトコンベアにより順次搬送される各被検査物は、ベルトコンベアによる搬送動作でＸ線遮蔽シートを押して当該Ｘ線遮蔽シートを回動させることにより、検査領域への進入と検査領域からの退出とをそれぞれ行うようになっている。 Conventionally, an X-ray inspection device for inspecting the internal state of an inspected object by a transmitted image obtained by transmitting X-rays through the inspected object is generally known. For example, the X-ray inspection apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which inspection is performed while blocking X-rays. The X-ray inspection apparatus includes a belt conveyor extending linearly in the horizontal direction and an X-ray irradiation unit arranged above the middle part of the belt conveyor, and the X-ray irradiation unit is a belt conveyor located directly below. By emitting X-rays toward the upper inspection area, the X-rays are applied to the object to be inspected passing through the inspection area by the transport operation by the belt conveyor. The inspection area on the belt conveyor and the X-ray irradiation unit are covered with a shielding cover, and the inspected object is carried into the shielding cover to the upstream and downstream portions of the belt conveyor in the shielding cover. A mouth and an outlet for carrying out the object to be inspected from the inside of the shielding cover are formed. At the positions corresponding to the carry-in entrance and the carry-out port inside the shielding cover, an X-ray shielding sheet having a shape corresponding to the carry-in entrance and the carry-out port is hung like a curtain, and the X-ray shielding sheet is , It rotates around a rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the belt conveyor. Then, each object to be sequentially conveyed by the belt conveyor pushes the X-ray shielding sheet by the conveying operation by the belt conveyor and rotates the X-ray shielding sheet to enter the inspection area and exit from the inspection area. And are to be done respectively.
特開２００４－２７１３５７号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-271357
　しかし、特許文献１の場合、ベルトコンベアの検査領域において被検査物の検査をするたびに各Ｘ線遮蔽シートが被検査物に押されて回動するので、装置を繰り返し使用すると、各Ｘ線遮蔽シートの回動部分が経年劣化によりスムーズな回動動作を行うことができなくなってしまい、それを起因としてＸ線遮蔽シートが回動動作時に真下まで垂れ下がらずに搬入口又は搬出口との間に大きな隙間が生じた状態のまま装置が稼働し続けてしまうおそれがある。また、特許文献１の如きＸ線遮蔽シートは、回動箇所があるので、部品点数が増えるとともに組み立てに時間が掛かってコストが嵩むという問題もある。さらに、例えば、被検査物が食品等の場合、食品衛生上、傷及び変形の発生や菌の付着の発生を避けたいので、被検査物を検査領域に侵入させるか、或いは、検査領域から退出させる際に、Ｘ線遮蔽シートに接触させたくないという要求もある。 However, in the case of Patent Document 1, each X-ray shielding sheet is pushed by the inspected object and rotates every time the inspected object is inspected in the inspection area of the belt conveyor. The rotating part of the shielding sheet cannot perform a smooth rotating operation due to deterioration over time, and as a result, the X-ray shielding sheet does not hang down to the bottom during the rotating operation and is connected to the carry-in entrance or carry-out port. There is a risk that the device will continue to operate with a large gap between them. Further, since the X-ray shielding sheet as in Patent Document 1 has a rotating portion, there is a problem that the number of parts increases and the assembly takes time and the cost increases. Further, for example, when the inspected object is food or the like, in order to avoid the occurrence of scratches and deformations and the occurrence of bacteria adhesion in terms of food hygiene, the inspected object is invaded into the inspection area or exits from the inspection area. There is also a request that the X-ray shielding sheet should not be brought into contact with the sheet.
　本発明は、斯かる点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、Ｘ線照射ユニットを備えた装置を安心して繰り返し使用可能であり、しかも、Ｘ線を遮蔽する遮蔽手段に被検査物を接触させずに検査領域に対して被検査物を搬出入可能な低コストなＸ線遮蔽構造を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is that a device equipped with an X-ray irradiation unit can be used repeatedly with peace of mind, and moreover, it is used as a shielding means for shielding X-rays. It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost X-ray shielding structure capable of carrying in and out an inspected object to an inspected area without contacting the inspected object.
　上記の目的を達成するために、本発明は、搬送手段に被検査物を搬入するか、或いは、搬送手段から被検査物を搬出する際に使用するガイド体を利用して装置内部に発生するＸ線を遮蔽するよう工夫を凝らしたことを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is generated inside the apparatus by using a guide body used for carrying the inspected object into the transport means or carrying out the inspected object from the transport means. It is characterized by devising ways to block X-rays.
　具体的には、搬送手段により搬送される被検査物に対してＸ線を照射するＸ線照射ユニットを備えた装置のＸ線遮蔽構造を対象とし、次のような対策を講じた。 Specifically, the following measures were taken for the X-ray shielding structure of the device equipped with the X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates the inspected object transported by the transport means with X-rays.
　すなわち、第１の発明では、前記搬送手段及び前記Ｘ線照射ユニットを囲うとともに、前記搬送手段の上流部分に前記被検査物を搬入する搬入口と、前記搬送手段の下流部分から前記被検査物を搬出する搬出口とがそれぞれ形成された遮蔽カバーと、前記搬送手段への前記被検査物の搬入の案内と前記搬送手段からの前記被検査物の搬出の案内とをそれぞれ行うガイド通路部を内部に有する第１及び第２ガイド体とを備え、前記第１及び第２ガイド体は、当該第１及び第２ガイド体の各ガイド通路部が前記搬入口及び前記搬出口に接続されるとともに当該搬入口及び搬出口に対して傾斜していることを特徴とする。 That is, in the first invention, the transport means and the X-ray irradiation unit are surrounded, and the carry-in inlet for carrying the inspected object into the upstream portion of the transport means and the inspected object from the downstream portion of the transport means. A shielding cover in which an outlet for carrying out the inspected object is formed, and a guide passage portion for guiding the carrying-in of the inspected object to the transporting means and guiding the carrying-out of the inspected object from the transporting means. The first and second guide bodies are provided inside, and in the first and second guide bodies, each guide passage portion of the first and second guide bodies is connected to the carry-in port and the carry-out port. It is characterized in that it is inclined with respect to the carry-in entrance and the carry-out port.
　第２の発明では、第１の発明において、前記遮蔽カバーの内部に配設され、一端開口が前記Ｘ線照射ユニットのＸ線出射部に対応する一方、他端開口が前記搬送手段に設定された前記被検査物の検査領域に接近する遮蔽筒体を備えていることを特徴とする。 In the second invention, in the first invention, one end opening corresponds to the X-ray emitting portion of the X-ray irradiation unit, while the other end opening is set in the transport means, which is arranged inside the shielding cover. It is characterized by having a shielding cylinder that approaches the inspection area of the object to be inspected.
　第３の発明では、第１又は第２の発明において、前記遮蔽カバーには、透明又は半透明の樹脂材で形成され、前記遮蔽カバーの内部を観察可能な観察用窓が形成されていることを特徴とする。 In the third invention, in the first or second invention, the shielding cover is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material, and an observation window for observing the inside of the shielding cover is formed. It is characterized by.
　第４の発明では、第３の発明において、前記搬送手段は、ベルトコンベアを備え、前記観察用窓は、前記ベルトコンベアの搬送方向に沿って延びる細長形状をなしていることを特徴とする。 In the fourth aspect of the invention, in the third aspect, the transporting means includes a belt conveyor, and the observation window has an elongated shape extending along the transporting direction of the belt conveyor.
　第５の発明では、第１から第４のいずれか１つの発明において、前記搬入口は、側方に開口しており、前記第１ガイド体は、前記搬入口から斜め上方に向かって延びる形状をなしており、前記第１ガイド体の下方には、当該第１ガイド体の下端縁部と前記搬入口の下端縁部との両方を覆う遮蔽部材が配設されていることを特徴とする。 In the fifth aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the carry-in port is open laterally, and the first guide body has a shape extending diagonally upward from the carry-in port. A shielding member is provided below the first guide body to cover both the lower end edge portion of the first guide body and the lower end edge portion of the carry-in entrance. ..
　第１の発明では、被検査物を搬送手段へと導く第１ガイド体が遮蔽カバーの搬入口を遮る姿勢となる一方、被検査物を搬送手段から当該搬送手段の外側へと導く第２ガイド体が遮蔽カバーの搬出口を遮る姿勢となるので、作業者は、Ｘ線照射ユニットを備えた装置周りにおいて装置の稼働中に安全に作業を行うことができる。また、搬送手段における検査領域に対して被検査物の搬出入を行う部分を遮る構造に特許文献１の如き可動部分が無いので、装置を繰り返し使用しても故障や変形により搬入口や搬出口が広く開口した状態のまま設備が稼働するといったことが発生するのを確実に防ぐことができるとともに、当該箇所を構成する部品点数が少なくなって組立工数が減り、低コストな装置にすることができる。さらに、搬送手段における検査領域に対して被検査物が搬出入されるタイミングの際に被検査物がＸ線を遮蔽する遮蔽物に接触しないので、例えば、被検査物が食品等の場合、被検査物を衛生的に検査することができる。 In the first invention, the first guide body that guides the object to be inspected to the transport means is in a posture of blocking the carry-in entrance of the shielding cover, while the second guide that guides the object to be inspected from the transport means to the outside of the transport means. Since the body is in a posture of blocking the carry-out port of the shielding cover, the operator can safely perform the work while the apparatus is operating around the apparatus equipped with the X-ray irradiation unit. Further, since there is no movable part as in Patent Document 1 in the structure that blocks the part where the inspected object is carried in and out of the inspection area in the transport means, even if the device is repeatedly used, the carry-in inlet and the carry-out port may be caused by failure or deformation. It is possible to surely prevent the equipment from operating while it is wide open, and at the same time, the number of parts that make up the relevant part is reduced, the assembly man-hours are reduced, and the equipment can be made at low cost. can. Further, since the inspected object does not come into contact with the shield that shields X-rays at the timing when the inspected object is carried in and out of the inspection area in the transport means, for example, when the inspected object is food or the like, the inspected object is inspected. The inspection object can be inspected hygienically.
　第２の発明では、Ｘ線が遮蔽筒体の内部に照射され、搬送手段の検査領域以外にＸ線がほとんど照射されなくなるので、作業者が装置の外側において行う作業をさらに安全に行うことができる。 In the second invention, the X-rays are irradiated to the inside of the shielding cylinder, and the X-rays are hardly irradiated to the area other than the inspection area of the transport means. Therefore, the work performed by the operator outside the apparatus can be performed more safely. can.
　第３の発明では、作業者が観察用窓から目視で遮蔽カバー内部を観察することで装置から遮蔽カバーを取り外すことなく搬送手段等の状態を知ることができる。したがって、メンテナンスをするたびに装置から遮蔽カバーを取り外すといった煩雑な作業を無駄に行う必要が無くなり、作業者が遮蔽カバーの外側に居る状態で効率良く確認作業やメンテナンス作業を行うことができる。 In the third invention, the operator can visually observe the inside of the shielding cover from the observation window to know the state of the transport means and the like without removing the shielding cover from the apparatus. Therefore, it is not necessary to wastefully perform complicated work such as removing the shielding cover from the device every time maintenance is performed, and it is possible to efficiently perform confirmation work and maintenance work while the operator is outside the shielding cover.
　第４の発明では、作業者の遮蔽カバー内部における視認領域が、ベルトコンベアの搬送方向において広くなるので、作業者が遮蔽カバーの外側から無端状ベルトの蛇行状態の程度を理解し易くなり、無駄に遮蔽カバーを取り外してメンテナンス作業を行うといったことを極力減らすことができる。 In the fourth invention, since the visible area inside the shield cover of the worker becomes wider in the transport direction of the belt conveyor, it becomes easier for the worker to understand the degree of the meandering state of the endless belt from the outside of the shield cover, which is wasteful. It is possible to reduce as much as possible the need to remove the shielding cover and perform maintenance work.
　第５の発明では、搬送手段と第１ガイド体との間に生じる隙間が遮蔽部材により覆われるので、装置上流側におけるＸ線の遮蔽カバーの外側への漏れが確実に防止されるようになり、高い安全性を有する装置にすることができる。 In the fifth aspect of the invention, since the gap generated between the transport means and the first guide body is covered with the shielding member, the leakage of X-rays to the outside of the shielding cover on the upstream side of the apparatus can be reliably prevented. , Can be a device with high safety.
本発明の実施形態に係るＸ線遮蔽構造を備えた光学式選別機の正面図である。It is a front view of the optical sorter provided with the X-ray shielding structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態に係るＸ線遮蔽構造を備えた光学式選別機の平面図である。It is a top view of the optical sorter provided with the X-ray shielding structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 図２のIII－III線における概略断面図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 搬入スライダの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the carry-in slider. 排出シュートの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a discharge chute.
　以下、本発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。尚、以下の好ましい実施形態の説明は、本質的に例示に過ぎない。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiment is essentially merely an example.
　図１及び図２は、本発明の実施形態に係るＸ線遮蔽構造１を備えた光学式選別機１０を示す。該光学式選別機１０は、例えば、アーモンドや豆等の食品類、或いは、プラスチック片等の多数の粒状体Ｇ１（被検査物）の状態をそれぞれ順次搬送させながら検査して良否を判定した後、良品と不良品とを選別して取り出すよう構成されたものであり、複数の金属製フレームからなる機枠１１を備えている。 1 and 2 show an optical sorter 10 provided with an X-ray shielding structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The optical sorter 10 inspects foods such as almonds and beans, or a large number of granules G1 (inspected objects) such as plastic pieces while sequentially transporting them, and then determines whether or not the product is good or bad. It is configured to sort out good products and defective products, and includes a machine frame 11 made of a plurality of metal frames.
　該機枠１１には、装置上流側から順に、搬入ユニット２、搬送ユニット３、第１検査ユニット４、第２検査ユニット５、選別ユニット６及び搬出ユニット７が取り付けられ、搬送ユニット３、第１及び第２検査ユニット４，５及び選別ユニット６は、遮蔽カバー８にて覆われている。そして、搬入ユニット２、搬送ユニット３、第１及び第２検査ユニット４，５、選別ユニット６及び搬出ユニット７には、制御部９が接続されている。 The carry-in unit 2, the transfer unit 3, the first inspection unit 4, the second inspection unit 5, the sorting unit 6, and the carry-out unit 7 are attached to the machine frame 11 in order from the upstream side of the apparatus, and the transfer unit 3, the first The second inspection units 4, 5 and the sorting unit 6 are covered with a shielding cover 8. A control unit 9 is connected to the carry-in unit 2, the transport unit 3, the first and second inspection units 4, 5, the sorting unit 6, and the carry-out unit 7.
　搬入ユニット２は、振動フィーダ（図示せず）により導入される多数の粒状体Ｇ１を搬送ユニット３へと案内する搬入スライダ２１（第１ガイド体）を備えている。 The carry-in unit 2 is provided with a carry-in slider 21 (first guide body) that guides a large number of granular bodies G1 introduced by a vibration feeder (not shown) to the transport unit 3.
　該搬入スライダ２１は、図３及び図４に示すように、搬送ユニット３に向かって斜め下方に延び、且つ、ガイド面２２ａが搬送ユニット３側の斜め上方に向く略板状の底面部２２を備え、該底面部２２の両側縁部には、当該底面部２２の延長方向に沿って側面部２３が立設されている。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the carry-in slider 21 extends diagonally downward toward the transport unit 3, and has a substantially plate-shaped bottom surface portion 22 whose guide surface 22a faces diagonally upward on the transport unit 3 side. A side surface portion 23 is erected on both side edges of the bottom surface portion 22 along the extension direction of the bottom surface portion 22.
　両側面部２３の間には、当該両側面部２３に沿って斜め下方に延びる細板状をなす複数のガイド板部２４が水平方向に所定の間隔をあけて並設され、各ガイド板部２４の間には、各粒状体Ｇ１が滑り落ちるガイド通路部２５が複数形成されている。 Between both side surface portions 23, a plurality of thin plate-shaped guide plate portions 24 extending diagonally downward along the both side surface portions 23 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction, and the guide plate portions 24 of each guide plate portion 24 are arranged side by side. A plurality of guide passage portions 25 through which each granular material G1 slides down are formed between them.
　底面部２２の上側部分には、矩形板状をなす通路カバー２６が設けられ、該通路カバー２６は、各ガイド通路部２５の上流側領域及び下流側領域を除く部分を覆っている。 A passage cover 26 having a rectangular plate shape is provided on the upper portion of the bottom surface portion 22, and the passage cover 26 covers a portion of each guide passage portion 25 excluding the upstream side region and the downstream side region.
　通路カバー２６の下端縁部における一側方には、近接センサ２７が取り付けられ、該近接センサ２７は、搬入スライダ２１が搬送ユニット３に取り付けられているか否かを検出することができるようになっている。 A proximity sensor 27 is attached to one side of the lower end edge of the passage cover 26, and the proximity sensor 27 can detect whether or not the carry-in slider 21 is attached to the transfer unit 3. ing.
　そして、搬入スライダ２１は、各ガイド通路部２５に各粒状体Ｇ１を通過させることにより、搬送ユニット３の幅方向における等間隔の位置に各粒状体Ｇ１を順次案内するようになっている。 Then, the carry-in slider 21 is adapted to sequentially guide each of the granules G1 to positions at equal intervals in the width direction of the transport unit 3 by passing each of the granules G1 through each of the guide passage portions 25.
　搬送ユニット３は、図３に示すように、搬入スライダ２１の下端から装置下流側へと水平方向に延びるベルトコンベア３１（搬送手段）を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 3, the transport unit 3 includes a belt conveyor 31 (conveyor means) that extends horizontally from the lower end of the carry-in slider 21 to the downstream side of the device.
　該ベルトコンベア３１は、搬入スライダ２１下端の下側に位置する駆動ローラ３２と、装置下流側に位置し、且つ、駆動ローラ３２よりもローラ径が小さい従動ローラ３３とを備え、駆動ローラ３２と従動ローラ３３とには、ゴム製の無端状ベルト３４が巻き掛けられている。 The belt conveyor 31 includes a drive roller 32 located below the lower end of the carry-in slider 21 and a driven roller 33 located on the downstream side of the device and having a roller diameter smaller than that of the drive roller 32. A rubber endless belt 34 is wound around the driven roller 33.
　該無端状ベルト３４は、駆動ローラ３２及び従動ローラ３３の回転動作により周回移動して外周面に載置される各粒状体Ｇ１を順次搬送するようになっている。そして、搬送される各粒状体Ｇ１は、無端状ベルト３４の中途部に設定された第１検査領域Ｒ１を通過した後、搬送方向下流端から順次斜め下方に落下して第２検査領域Ｒ２を通過するようになっている。 The endless belt 34 is adapted to sequentially move around by the rotational operation of the drive roller 32 and the driven roller 33 to sequentially convey each of the granular bodies G1 placed on the outer peripheral surface. Then, each of the conveyed granular materials G1 passes through the first inspection region R1 set in the middle of the endless belt 34, and then sequentially falls diagonally downward from the downstream end in the transport direction to reach the second inspection region R2. It is designed to pass through.
　第１検査ユニット４は、粒状体Ｇ１の外形又は内部状態を検査するものであり、第１検査領域Ｒ１の上方に所定の間隔をあけて位置するＸ線照射ユニット４１と、第１検査領域Ｒ１の下方に設置されたＸ線検出器４２とを備えている。 The first inspection unit 4 inspects the outer shape or the internal state of the granular material G1, and has an X-ray irradiation unit 41 located above the first inspection region R1 at a predetermined interval and a first inspection region R1. It is equipped with an X-ray detector 42 installed below.
　Ｘ線照射ユニット４１は、Ｘ線を真下に出射するＸ線出射部４１ａを備え、該Ｘ線出射部４１ａから出射したＸ線は、無端状ベルト３４により搬送されて第１検査領域Ｒ１を通過する粒状体Ｇ１に照射されるようになっている。 The X-ray irradiation unit 41 includes an X-ray emitting unit 41a that emits X-rays directly below, and the X-rays emitted from the X-ray emitting unit 41a are conveyed by the endless belt 34 and pass through the first inspection region R1. The granules G1 to be irradiated are irradiated.
　Ｘ線検出器４２は、ベルトコンベア３１の幅方向に一列に配設されたラインセンサ４２ａを備え、該ラインセンサ４２ａは、粒状体Ｇ１を通過したＸ線を検出可能になっている。 The X-ray detector 42 includes line sensors 42a arranged in a row in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31, and the line sensors 42a can detect X-rays that have passed through the granular material G1.
　Ｘ線出射部４１ａと第１検査領域Ｒ１との間には、筒中心線が垂直に延びる遮蔽筒体４３が配設されている。 A shielding cylinder 43 having a cylinder center line extending vertically is arranged between the X-ray emitting portion 41a and the first inspection region R1.
　該遮蔽筒体４３は、Ｘ線出射部４１ａに連続して配置され、上端開口がＸ線出射部４１ａに対応する第１筒体４３ａと、該第１筒体４３ａの下部に連続して配置され、下端開口が第１検査領域Ｒ１に接近する第２筒体４３ｂとを備えている。 The shielding cylinder 43 is continuously arranged in the X-ray emitting portion 41a, and the upper end opening is continuously arranged in the first cylinder 43a corresponding to the X-ray emitting portion 41a and the lower portion of the first cylinder 43a. The lower end opening is provided with a second tubular body 43b that approaches the first inspection region R1.
　第２検査ユニット５は、ベルトコンベア３１の下流端上方の位置に配置された可視光用の第１ＣＣＤカメラ５１ａと、ベルトコンベア３１の下流端寄りの下方の位置に配置された可視光用の第２ＣＣＤカメラ５２ａと、第１ＣＣＤカメラ５１ａの装置下流側に所定の間隔をあけて配置された近赤外光用のＮＩＲカメラ５３ａとを備えている。 The second inspection unit 5 includes a first CCD camera 51a for visible light located above the downstream end of the belt conveyor 31, and a second visible light camera 51a located below the downstream end of the belt conveyor 31. The 2CCD camera 52a and the NIR camera 53a for near-infrared light arranged at a predetermined interval on the downstream side of the device of the first CCD camera 51a are provided.
　第１ＣＣＤカメラ５１ａの装置下流側の斜め下方には、当該第１ＣＣＤカメラ５１ａの撮影方向に対して傾斜する姿勢の第１ミラー５１ｂが配設される一方、第２ＣＣＤカメラ５２ａの装置下流側斜め上方の位置には、第１背景板５１ｃが配設され、第１ミラー５１ｂと第１背景板５１ｃとの間に第２検査領域Ｒ２が位置している。 A first mirror 51b having a posture tilted with respect to the shooting direction of the first CCD camera 51a is disposed diagonally downward on the downstream side of the device of the first CCD camera 51a, while diagonally upward on the downstream side of the device of the second CCD camera 52a. A first background plate 51c is arranged at the position of, and a second inspection region R2 is located between the first mirror 51b and the first background plate 51c.
　第１背景板５１ｃの上方には、一対の第１可視光源５１ｄが配設され、第１ＣＣＤカメラ５１ａは、第２検査領域Ｒ２を通過するときの第１ミラー５１ｂに反射する粒状体Ｇ１の上面を撮影するようになっている。 A pair of first visible light sources 51d are arranged above the first background plate 51c, and the first CCD camera 51a is the upper surface of the granular body G1 that reflects on the first mirror 51b when passing through the second inspection region R2. It is designed to shoot.
　第２ＣＣＤカメラ５２ａの装置下流側には、当該第２ＣＣＤカメラ５２ａの撮影方向に対して傾斜する姿勢の第２ミラー５２ｂが配設される一方、第１ミラー５１ｂの装置上流側斜め下方の位置には、第２背景板５２ｃが配設され、第２ミラー５２ｂと第２背景板５２ｃとの間に第２検査領域Ｒ２が位置している。 On the downstream side of the device of the second CCD camera 52a, a second mirror 52b having a posture tilted with respect to the shooting direction of the second CCD camera 52a is arranged, while at a position diagonally downward on the upstream side of the first mirror 51b. The second background plate 52c is arranged, and the second inspection region R2 is located between the second mirror 52b and the second background plate 52c.
　第２背景板５２ｃの下方には、一対の第２可視光源５２ｄが配設され、第２ＣＣＤカメラ５２ａは、第２検査領域Ｒ２を通過するときの第２ミラー５２ｂに反射する粒状体Ｇ１の下面を撮影するようになっている。 A pair of second visible light sources 52d are arranged below the second background plate 52c, and the second CCD camera 52a is the lower surface of the granular body G1 that reflects on the second mirror 52b when passing through the second inspection region R2. It is designed to shoot.
　ＮＩＲカメラ５３ａの装置上流側の斜め上方には、当該ＮＩＲカメラ５３ａの撮影方向に対して傾斜する姿勢の第３ミラー５３ｂが配設される一方、第２ミラー５２ｂの装置下流側の位置には、第３背景板５３ｃが配設され、第３ミラー５３ｂと第３背景板５３ｃとの間に第２検査領域Ｒ２が位置している。 A third mirror 53b in an inclined posture with respect to the shooting direction of the NIR camera 53a is arranged diagonally above the device upstream side of the NIR camera 53a, while it is located on the downstream side of the device of the second mirror 52b. , The third background plate 53c is arranged, and the second inspection region R2 is located between the third mirror 53b and the third background plate 53c.
　一対の第２可視光源５２ｄの間には、一対の近赤外光源５３ｄが配設され、ＮＩＲカメラ５３ａは、第２検査領域Ｒ２を通過するときの第３ミラー５３ｂに反射する粒状体Ｇ１を撮影するようになっている。 A pair of near-infrared light sources 53d are arranged between the pair of second visible light sources 52d, and the NIR camera 53a displays the granular body G1 reflected on the third mirror 53b when passing through the second inspection region R2. It is designed to shoot.
　選別ユニット６は、ＮＩＲカメラ５３ａの下方に位置するエジェクター６１を備えている。 The sorting unit 6 includes an ejector 61 located below the NIR camera 53a.
　該エジェクター６１は、圧縮エアの噴出口が装置上流側の斜め下方を向く噴出ノズル６１ａを備え、該噴出ノズル６１ａは、第２検査領域Ｒ２の装置下流側の位置に向けて圧縮エアを噴出可能になっている。 The ejector 61 includes an ejection nozzle 61a in which the outlet of compressed air faces diagonally downward on the upstream side of the device, and the ejection nozzle 61a can eject compressed air toward a position on the downstream side of the device in the second inspection region R2. It has become.
　搬出ユニット７は、図３及び図５に示すように、正面視で開放側が装置下流側の斜め下方に向く略Ｖ字形状をなすとともにベルトコンベア３１の幅方向に幅広な形状をなす排出シュート７１（第２ガイド体）を備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the unloading unit 7 has a substantially V-shape with the open side facing diagonally downward on the downstream side of the device when viewed from the front, and the discharge chute 71 having a wide shape in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31. (Second guide body) is provided.
　該排出シュート７１は、上下に開口する略四角筒状をなし、内部に粒状体Ｇ１の不良品の排出を案内する不良品ガイド通路部７２ａが形成された不良品排出部７２と、筒中心線が装置下流側の斜め下方に向かって延びる略四角筒状をなし、内部に粒状体Ｇ１の良品の排出を案内する良品ガイド通路部７３ａが形成された良品排出部７３とを備え、該良品排出部７３は、不良品排出部７２における装置下流側上部に連続して設けられている。 The discharge chute 71 has a substantially square cylinder shape that opens up and down, and has a defective product discharge portion 72 in which a defective product guide passage portion 72a for guiding the discharge of defective products of the granular material G1 is formed, and a cylinder center line. Has a substantially square cylinder shape extending diagonally downward on the downstream side of the apparatus, and is provided with a non-defective product discharging portion 73 in which a non-defective product guide passage portion 73a for guiding the discharge of non-defective products of the granular material G1 is formed. The portion 73 is continuously provided in the upper portion on the downstream side of the device in the defective product discharging portion 72.
　良品排出部７３の装置下流側の上面部７３ｃは、図５に示すように、中途部に設けられたベルトコンベア３１の幅方向に延びるヒンジ部７３ｂにより略上半部分が扉構造になっている。 As shown in FIG. 5, the upper surface portion 73c of the non-defective product discharge portion 73 on the downstream side of the device has a door structure in a substantially upper half portion due to a hinge portion 73b extending in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31 provided in the middle portion. ..
　また、排出シュート７１内部の不良品排出部７２と良品排出部７３との連続部分には、図３に示すように、ベルトコンベア３１の幅方向に延びる回動軸心を中心に回動可能な選別口調節板７４が設けられ、該選別口調節板７４は、図５に示すように、排出シュート７１の側面部分に設けられた調節ピン７５を操作して回動位置を変更させることにより、不良品排出部７２及び良品排出部７３の第２検査領域Ｒ２側の開口割合が変更されるようになっている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the continuous portion between the defective product discharge unit 72 and the non-defective product discharge unit 73 inside the discharge chute 71 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31. A sorting port adjusting plate 74 is provided, and as shown in FIG. 5, the sorting port adjusting plate 74 operates the adjusting pin 75 provided on the side surface portion of the discharge chute 71 to change the rotation position. The opening ratios of the defective product discharging unit 72 and the non-defective product discharging unit 73 on the second inspection region R2 side are changed.
　遮蔽カバー８は、第１検査ユニット４を囲う第１カバー部８１と、搬送ユニット３の上流側領域を囲う第２カバー部８２と、搬送ユニット３の下流側領域を囲う第３カバー部８３と、第２検査ユニット５及び選別ユニット６を囲う第４カバー部８４と、第１カバー部８１の下方に位置する遮蔽部材８５とを備え、搬入スライダ２１、排出シュート７１及び遮蔽カバー８で本発明のＸ線遮蔽構造１を構成している。 The shielding cover 8 includes a first cover portion 81 that surrounds the first inspection unit 4, a second cover portion 82 that surrounds the upstream region of the transport unit 3, and a third cover portion 83 that surrounds the downstream region of the transport unit 3. The present invention comprises a fourth cover portion 84 surrounding the second inspection unit 5 and the sorting unit 6, and a shielding member 85 located below the first cover portion 81, and the carry-in slider 21, the discharge chute 71, and the shielding cover 8. The X-ray shielding structure 1 of the above is configured.
　第１カバー部８１は、図１に示すように、第２及び第３カバー部８２，８３よりも上方に突出する直方体形状をなしている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the first cover portion 81 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape protruding upward from the second and third cover portions 82, 83.
　第２カバー部８２の装置上流側壁面には、ベルトコンベア３１の上流部分に粒状体Ｇ１を搬入する搬入口８２ｄが側方に開口するように形成され、搬入スライダ２１を機枠１１に取り付けると、搬入スライダ２１の下流側が搬入口８２ｄに隙間無く接続されるとともにガイド通路部２５が搬入口８２ｄに対して傾斜した姿勢になり、第２カバー部８２とガイド通路部２５とが連通するようになっている。 On the upstream side wall surface of the device of the second cover portion 82, a carry-in inlet 82d for carrying in the granular material G1 is formed so as to open laterally in the upstream portion of the belt conveyor 31, and when the carry-in slider 21 is attached to the machine frame 11. The downstream side of the carry-in slider 21 is connected to the carry-in entrance 82d without a gap, and the guide passage portion 25 is in an inclined posture with respect to the carry-in entrance 82d so that the second cover portion 82 and the guide passage portion 25 communicate with each other. It has become.
　つまり、搬入スライダ２１は、搬入口８２ｄから斜め上方に向かって延びる形状になっている。 That is, the carry-in slider 21 has a shape extending diagonally upward from the carry-in entrance 82d.
　第２カバー部８２の装置正面側から中途部背面側寄りの位置までの領域は、図２に示すように、ベルトコンベア３１の搬送方向に延びる回動軸心を中心として上下に回動可能な上流側開閉カバー部８２ａになっていて、当該上流側開閉カバー部８２ａの上面には、第２カバー部８２の内部を観察可能な第１観察用窓８２ｂが形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the region of the second cover portion 82 from the front side of the device to the position closer to the back side of the middle portion can rotate up and down about the rotation axis extending in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31. The upstream opening / closing cover portion 82a is formed, and a first observation window 82b capable of observing the inside of the second cover portion 82 is formed on the upper surface of the upstream opening / closing cover portion 82a.
　該第１観察用窓８２ｂは、透明の樹脂材で形成され、ベルトコンベア３１の搬送方向に沿って延びる細長形状をなしている。 The first observation window 82b is made of a transparent resin material and has an elongated shape extending along the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31.
　第２カバー部８２の上流側開閉カバー部８２ａを除く上面には、第２カバー部８２の内部を観察可能な第２観察用窓８２ｃが形成されている。 A second observation window 82c capable of observing the inside of the second cover portion 82 is formed on the upper surface of the second cover portion 82 excluding the upstream opening / closing cover portion 82a.
　該第２観察用窓８２ｃは、透明の樹脂材で形成され、且つ、第１観察用窓８２ｂと平行に延びるとともに当該第１観察用窓８２ｂよりも幅広な形状をなしている。 The second observation window 82c is made of a transparent resin material, extends parallel to the first observation window 82b, and has a wider shape than the first observation window 82b.
　遮蔽部材８５は、断面略Ｃ字状をなすとともにベルトコンベア３１の幅方向に延びる形状をなしており、搬入スライダ２１の下端縁部と搬入口８２ｄの下端縁部との両方を覆うようになっている。 The shielding member 85 has a substantially C-shaped cross section and has a shape extending in the width direction of the belt conveyor 31 so as to cover both the lower end edge portion of the carry-in slider 21 and the lower end edge portion of the carry-in inlet 82d. ing.
　第３カバー部８３の装置正面側から中途部背面側寄りの位置までの領域は、ベルトコンベア３１の搬送方向に延びる回動軸心を中心として上下に回動可能な下流側開閉カバー部８３ａになっていて、当該下流側開閉カバー部８３ａの上面には、第３カバー部８３の内部を観察可能な第３観察用窓８３ｂが形成されている。 The region of the third cover portion 83 from the front side of the device to the position closer to the back side of the middle portion is the downstream side opening / closing cover portion 83a that can rotate up and down about the rotation axis extending in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31. A third observation window 83b is formed on the upper surface of the downstream opening / closing cover portion 83a so that the inside of the third cover portion 83 can be observed.
　該第３観察用窓８３ｂは、透明の樹脂材で形成され、ベルトコンベア３１の搬送方向に沿って延びる細長形状をなしている。 The third observation window 83b is made of a transparent resin material and has an elongated shape extending along the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31.
　第３カバー部８３の下流側開閉カバー部８３ａを除く上面には、第３カバー部８３の内部を観察可能な第４観察用窓８３ｃが形成されている。 A fourth observation window 83c capable of observing the inside of the third cover portion 83 is formed on the upper surface of the third cover portion 83 except for the downstream opening / closing cover portion 83a.
　該第４観察用窓８３ｃは、透明の樹脂材で形成され、且つ、第３観察用窓８３ｂと平行に延びるとともに当該第３観察用窓８３ｂよりも幅広な形状をなしている。 The fourth observation window 83c is made of a transparent resin material, extends parallel to the third observation window 83b, and has a wider shape than the third observation window 83b.
　第４カバー部８４は、図１に示すように、第２検査領域Ｒ２より上方の領域を囲う上段カバー部８４ａと、第２検査領域Ｒ２を囲う中段カバー部８４ｂと、第２検査領域Ｒ２より下方の領域を囲う下段カバー部８４ｃとを備え、上段カバー部８４ａは、第３カバー部８３よりも上方に突出する直方体形状をなしている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the fourth cover portion 84 is from the upper cover portion 84a surrounding the region above the second inspection region R2, the middle cover portion 84b surrounding the second inspection region R2, and the second inspection region R2. A lower cover portion 84c that surrounds the lower region is provided, and the upper cover portion 84a has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that protrudes upward from the third cover portion 83.
　中段カバー部８４ｂの装置正面側には、透明樹脂製の観察窓８４ｅを有する開閉扉８４ｄが設けられ、該開閉扉８４ｄには、当該開閉扉８４ｄを開いた状態か否かを検知可能な開閉検知センサ８４ｆが取り付けられている。 An opening / closing door 84d having an observation window 84e made of transparent resin is provided on the front side of the device of the middle cover portion 84b, and the opening / closing door 84d can detect whether or not the opening / closing door 84d is open. The detection sensor 84f is attached.
　第４カバー部８４の装置下流側には、ベルトコンベア３１の下流部分から粒状体Ｇ１を搬出する搬出口８４ｇが斜め下方に開口するように形成され、排出シュート７１を機枠１１に取り付けると、排出シュート７１の上流側が搬出口８４ｇに隙間無く接続されるとともに不良品ガイド通路部７２ａ及び良品ガイド通路部７３ａが搬出口８４ｇに対して傾斜した姿勢で第４カバー部８４と不良品ガイド通路部７２ａ及び良品ガイド通路部７３ａとが連通するようになっている。 On the downstream side of the device of the fourth cover portion 84, a carry-out outlet 84 g for carrying out the granular material G1 from the downstream portion of the belt conveyor 31 is formed so as to open diagonally downward, and when the discharge chute 71 is attached to the machine frame 11. The upstream side of the discharge chute 71 is connected to the carry-out port 84 g without a gap, and the defective product guide passage portion 72a and the non-defective product guide passage portion 73a are tilted with respect to the carry-out outlet 84 g, and the fourth cover portion 84 and the defective product guide passage portion are provided. The 72a and the non-defective guide passage portion 73a communicate with each other.
　つまり、排出シュート７１は、搬出口８４ｇから斜め下方に向かって延びる形状をなしている。 That is, the discharge chute 71 has a shape extending diagonally downward from the carry-out port 84 g.
　制御部９は、ベルトコンベア３１における駆動ローラ３２の駆動動作等を制御するようになっている。 The control unit 9 is designed to control the drive operation of the drive roller 32 on the belt conveyor 31.
　制御部９は、ラインセンサ４２ａにより得られた検出値が基準値から外れるか否かによって粒状体Ｇ１が良品か否かを判定するとともに、第１ＣＣＤカメラ５１ａ、第２ＣＣＤカメラ５２ａ及びＮＩＲカメラ５３ａにより得られた撮影画像を演算処理して基準値から外れるか否かによって粒状体Ｇ１が良品か否かを判定するようになっていて、粒状体Ｇ１を不良品と判定した際、エジェクター６１に圧縮エア噴出信号を出力して、ベルトコンベア３１の下流端から落下する不良品と判定された粒状体Ｇ１に対して噴出ノズル６１ａから圧縮エアを噴出させてその粒状体Ｇ１の落下方向を不良品排出部７２側へと変更させるようになっている。 The control unit 9 determines whether or not the granular material G1 is a non-defective product based on whether or not the detected value obtained by the line sensor 42a deviates from the reference value, and the first CCD camera 51a, the second CCD camera 52a, and the NIR camera 53a use the control unit 9. The obtained captured image is subjected to arithmetic processing to determine whether or not the granular material G1 is a non-defective product depending on whether or not it deviates from the reference value. When the granular material G1 is determined to be a defective product, it is compressed into an ejector 61. An air ejection signal is output, compressed air is ejected from the ejection nozzle 61a to the granular material G1 determined to be a defective product to fall from the downstream end of the belt conveyor 31, and the defective product is discharged in the falling direction of the granular material G1. It is designed to be changed to the unit 72 side.
　また、制御部９は、近接センサ２７からの検出信号に基づいて搬入スライダ２１が装置から取り外されたと判定すると、Ｘ線照射ユニット４１を停止させるようになっている。 Further, the control unit 9 is adapted to stop the X-ray irradiation unit 41 when it is determined that the carry-in slider 21 has been removed from the device based on the detection signal from the proximity sensor 27.
　さらに、制御部９は、開閉検知センサ８４ｆからの検出信号に基づいて開閉扉８４ｄが開けられたと判定すると、Ｘ線照射ユニット４１を停止させるようになっている。 Further, the control unit 9 is adapted to stop the X-ray irradiation unit 41 when it is determined that the opening / closing door 84d is opened based on the detection signal from the opening / closing detection sensor 84f.
　尚、上流側開閉カバー部８２ａや下流側開閉カバー部８３ａ等にも図示しないが開閉検出センサが取り付けられていて、制御部９は、それらのセンサからの検出信号に基づいてカバー部分が開けられたと判定すると、Ｘ線照射ユニット４１を停止させるようになっている。 Although not shown, an open / close detection sensor is also attached to the upstream open / close cover portion 82a, the downstream open / close cover portion 83a, etc., and the control unit 9 is opened with the cover portion based on the detection signals from those sensors. If it is determined that the X-ray irradiation unit 41 has been stopped.
　以上より、本発明の実施形態によると、粒状体Ｇ１を搬送ユニット３へと導く搬入スライダ２１が遮蔽カバー８の搬入口８２ｄを遮る姿勢となる一方、粒状体Ｇ１を搬送ユニット３から当該搬送ユニット３の外側へと導く排出シュート７１が遮蔽カバー８の搬出口８４ｇを遮る姿勢となるので、作業者は、Ｘ線照射ユニット４１を備えた光学式選別機１０周りにおいて光学式選別機１０の稼働中に安全に作業を行うことができる。 From the above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the carry-in slider 21 that guides the granular material G1 to the transfer unit 3 is in a posture of blocking the carry-in inlet 82d of the shielding cover 8, while the granular body G1 is transferred from the transfer unit 3 to the transfer unit. Since the discharge chute 71 leading to the outside of 3 is in a posture of blocking the carry-out port 84 g of the shielding cover 8, the operator operates the optical sorting machine 10 around the optical sorting machine 10 equipped with the X-ray irradiation unit 41. You can work safely inside.
　また、搬送ユニット３における第１及び第２検査領域Ｒ１，Ｒ２に対して粒状体Ｇ１の搬出入を行う部分を遮る構造に特許文献１の如き可動部分が無いので、光学式選別機１０を繰り返し使用しても故障や変形により搬入口８２ｄや搬出口８４ｇが広く開口した状態のまま設備が稼働するといったことが発生するのを確実に防ぐことができるとともに、当該箇所を構成する部品点数が少なくなって組立工数が減り、低コストな光学式選別機１０にすることができる。 Further, since there is no movable portion as in Patent Document 1 in the structure for blocking the portion of the transport unit 3 for loading and unloading the granular material G1 with respect to the first and second inspection regions R1 and R2, the optical sorter 10 is repeated. Even if it is used, it is possible to surely prevent the equipment from operating with the carry-in inlet 82d and the carry-out port 84g wide open due to failure or deformation, and the number of parts constituting the relevant part is small. As a result, the number of assembly steps is reduced, and the low-cost optical sorter 10 can be obtained.
　さらに、搬送ユニット３における第１及び第２検査領域Ｒ１，Ｒ２に対して粒状体Ｇ１が搬出入されるタイミングの際に粒状体Ｇ１がＸ線を遮蔽する遮蔽物に接触しないので、例えば、粒状体Ｇ１が食品等の場合、粒状体Ｇ１を衛生的に検査することができる。 Further, since the granular material G1 does not come into contact with the shield that shields X-rays at the timing when the granular material G1 is carried in and out of the first and second inspection regions R1 and R2 in the transport unit 3, for example, the granular material G1 does not come into contact with the shield. When the body G1 is a food or the like, the granular body G1 can be hygienically inspected.
　また、Ｘ線照射ユニット４１とＸ線検出器４２との間には、遮蔽筒体４３が設けられているので、Ｘ線が遮蔽筒体４３の内部に照射され、搬送ユニット３の第１及び第２検査領域Ｒ１，Ｒ２以外にＸ線がほとんど照射されなくなる。したがって、作業者が光学式選別機１０の外側において行う作業をさらに安全に行うことができる。 Further, since the shielding cylinder 43 is provided between the X-ray irradiation unit 41 and the X-ray detector 42, X-rays are irradiated to the inside of the shielding cylinder 43, and the first and the first of the transport unit 3 and the transport unit 3 are irradiated. Almost no X-rays are emitted in areas other than the second inspection areas R1 and R2. Therefore, the work performed by the operator outside the optical sorter 10 can be performed more safely.
　また、遮蔽カバー８には、内部を覗くことができる第１観察用窓８２ｂ、第２観察用窓８２ｃ、第３観察用窓８３ｂ及び第４観察用窓８３ｃが設けられているので、作業者が第１観察用窓８２ｂ、第２観察用窓８２ｃ、第３観察用窓８３ｂ及び第４観察用窓８３ｃから目視で遮蔽カバー８の内部を観察することで光学式選別機１０から遮蔽カバー８を取り外すことなく搬送ユニット３等の状態を知ることができる。したがって、メンテナンスをするたびに光学式選別機１０から遮蔽カバー８を取り外すといった煩雑な作業を無駄に行う必要が無くなり、作業者が遮蔽カバー８の外側に居る状態で効率良く確認作業やメンテナンス作業を行うことができる。 Further, since the shielding cover 8 is provided with the first observation window 82b, the second observation window 82c, the third observation window 83b, and the fourth observation window 83c from which the inside can be seen, the operator The shielding cover 8 is visually observed from the optical sorter 10 by visually observing the inside of the shielding cover 8 from the first observation window 82b, the second observation window 82c, the third observation window 83b, and the fourth observation window 83c. The state of the transport unit 3 and the like can be known without removing the window. Therefore, it is not necessary to wastefully perform complicated work such as removing the shielding cover 8 from the optical sorter 10 every time maintenance is performed, and the confirmation work and maintenance work can be efficiently performed while the operator is outside the shielding cover 8. It can be carried out.
　また、第１観察用窓８２ｂ、第２観察用窓８２ｃ、第３観察用窓８３ｂ及び第４観察用窓８３ｃは、ベルトコンベア３１の搬送方向に細長い形状をなしているので、作業者の遮蔽カバー８内部における視認領域が、ベルトコンベア３１の搬送方向において広くなる。したがって、作業者が遮蔽カバー８の外側から無端状ベルト３４の蛇行状態の程度を理解し易くなり、無駄に遮蔽カバー８を取り外してメンテナンス作業を行うといったことを極力減らすことができる。 Further, the first observation window 82b, the second observation window 82c, the third observation window 83b, and the fourth observation window 83c have an elongated shape in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31, and thus shield the operator. The visible area inside the cover 8 becomes wider in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 31. Therefore, it becomes easier for the operator to understand the degree of the meandering state of the endless belt 34 from the outside of the shielding cover 8, and it is possible to reduce unnecessary removal of the shielding cover 8 and maintenance work.
　また、搬送ユニット３と搬入スライダ２１との間に生じる隙間が遮蔽部材８５により覆われるので、装置上流側におけるＸ線の遮蔽カバー８の外側への漏れが確実に防止されるようになり、高い安全性を有する光学式選別機１０にすることができる。 Further, since the gap generated between the transport unit 3 and the carry-in slider 21 is covered by the shielding member 85, leakage of X-rays to the outside of the shielding cover 8 on the upstream side of the device can be reliably prevented, which is high. It can be an optical sorter 10 having safety.
　尚、本発明の実施形態では、搬入スライダ２１により各粒状体Ｇ１を搬入口８２ｄを介して搬送ユニット３に搬入し、排出シュート７１により各粒状体Ｇ１を搬出口８４ｇを介して搬送ユニット３から搬出しているが、搬入スライダ２１や排出シュート７１は、搬送ユニット３に粒状体Ｇ１を搬入でき、また、搬送ユニット３から粒状体Ｇ１を搬出できるのであれば、その他の形状をなしていてもよい。 In the embodiment of the present invention, each granular material G1 is carried into the transport unit 3 through the carry-in inlet 82d by the carry-in slider 21, and each granular material G1 is carried from the carry-out unit 3 through the carry-out port 84 g by the discharge chute 71. Although the carry-in slider 21 and the discharge chute 71 are carried out, the carry-in slider 21 and the discharge chute 71 may have other shapes as long as the granule G1 can be carried in to the transport unit 3 and the granule G1 can be carried out from the transport unit 3. good.
　また、本発明の第１観察用窓８２ｂ、第２観察用窓８２ｃ、第３観察用窓８３ｂ及び第４観察用窓８３ｃや観察窓８４ｅは、透明樹脂材で形成されているが、半透明樹脂材で形成されていてもよいし、遮蔽カバー８の内部が観察できるのであれば、その他の素材（例えばガラス等）で形成されたものであってもよい。 Further, the first observation window 82b, the second observation window 82c, the third observation window 83b, the fourth observation window 83c, and the observation window 84e of the present invention are made of a transparent resin material, but are translucent. It may be made of a resin material, or may be made of another material (for example, glass or the like) as long as the inside of the shielding cover 8 can be observed.
　また、本発明の実施形態では、粒状体Ｇ１を選別する光学式選別機１０にてＸ線遮蔽構造１を適用したが、その他のＸ線照射ユニットを備えた装置においても本発明のＸ線遮蔽構造１を適用可能である。 Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the X-ray shielding structure 1 is applied by the optical sorter 10 for sorting the granular material G1, but the X-ray shielding structure 1 of the present invention is also applied to other devices provided with the X-ray irradiation unit. Structure 1 is applicable.
　本発明は、例えば、Ｘ線の透過画像により被検査物の良否を判定して選別する光学式選別機等の装置におけるＸ線遮蔽構造に適している。 The present invention is suitable for an X-ray shielding structure in an apparatus such as an optical sorter that determines and sorts the quality of an inspected object from, for example, a transmitted image of X-rays.
　１　　　　Ｘ線遮蔽構造
　３　　　　搬送ユニット（搬送手段）
　８　　　　遮蔽カバー
　１０　　　　光学式選別機（装置）
　２１　　　　搬入スライダ（第１ガイド体）
　２５　　　　ガイド通路部
　３１　　　　ベルトコンベア
　４１　　　　Ｘ線照射ユニット
　４１ａ　　　　Ｘ線出射部
　４３　　　　遮蔽筒体
　７１　　　　排出シュート（第２ガイド体）
　７２ａ　　　　不良品ガイド通路部
　７３ａ　　　　良品ガイド通路部
　８２ａ　　　　搬入口
　８２ｂ　　　　第１観察用窓
　８２ｃ　　　　第２観察用窓
　８３ｂ　　　　第３観察用窓
　８３ｃ　　　　第４観察用窓
　８４ｇ　　　　搬出口
　８５　　　　遮蔽部材
　Ｇ１　　　　粒状体（被検査物）
　Ｒ１　　　　第１検査領域
　Ｒ２　　　　第２検査領域 1 X-ray shielding structure 3 Transport unit (transport means)
8 Shielding cover 10 Optical sorter (device)
21 Carry-in slider (first guide body)
25 Guide passage part 31 Belt conveyor 41 X-ray irradiation unit 41a X-ray emission part 43 Shielding cylinder 71 Discharge chute (second guide body)
72a Defective product guide passage 73a Good guide passage 82a Carry-in entrance 82b 1st observation window 82c 2nd observation window 83b 3rd observation window 83c 4th observation window 84g Carry-out outlet 85 Shielding member G1 Granules (inspected) object)
R1 1st inspection area R2 2nd inspection area

Claims (5)

  1. 　搬送手段により搬送される被検査物に対してＸ線を照射するＸ線照射ユニットを備えた装置のＸ線遮蔽構造であって、
    　前記搬送手段及び前記Ｘ線照射ユニットを囲うとともに、前記搬送手段の上流部分に前記被検査物を搬入する搬入口と、前記搬送手段の下流部分から前記被検査物を搬出する搬出口とがそれぞれ形成された遮蔽カバーと、
    　前記搬送手段への前記被検査物の搬入の案内と前記搬送手段からの前記被検査物の搬出の案内とをそれぞれ行うガイド通路部を内部に有する第１及び第２ガイド体とを備え、
    　前記第１及び第２ガイド体は、当該第１及び第２ガイド体の各ガイド通路部が前記搬入口及び前記搬出口に接続されるとともに当該搬入口及び搬出口に対して傾斜していることを特徴とするＸ線照射ユニットを備えた装置のＸ線遮蔽構造。     It is an X-ray shielding structure of a device equipped with an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates an inspected object to be conveyed by a conveying means with X-rays.
    A carry-in inlet that surrounds the transport means and the X-ray irradiation unit and carries the inspected object into the upstream portion of the transport means, and a carry-out outlet that carries out the inspected object from the downstream portion of the transport means, respectively. With the formed shielding cover,
    It is provided with first and second guide bodies having a guide passage portion inside which guides the loading of the inspected object into the transporting means and the guidance of carrying out the inspected object from the transporting means, respectively.
    In the first and second guide bodies, each guide passage portion of the first and second guide bodies is connected to the carry-in entrance and the carry-out port, and is inclined with respect to the carry-in entrance and the carry-out port. An X-ray shielding structure of a device equipped with an X-ray irradiation unit.
  2. 　請求項１に記載のＸ線遮蔽構造において、
    　前記遮蔽カバーの内部に配設され、一端開口が前記Ｘ線照射ユニットのＸ線出射部に対応する一方、他端開口が前記搬送手段に設定された前記被検査物の検査領域に接近する遮蔽筒体を備えていることを特徴とするＸ線遮蔽構造。     In the X-ray shielding structure according to claim 1,
    A shield disposed inside the shielding cover, one end corresponding to the X-ray emitting portion of the X-ray irradiation unit, while the other end opening is close to the inspection area of the inspected object set in the transport means. An X-ray shielding structure characterized by having a tubular body.
  3. 　請求項１又は２に記載のＸ線遮蔽構造において、
    　前記遮蔽カバーには、透明又は半透明の樹脂材で形成され、前記遮蔽カバーの内部を観察可能な観察用窓が形成されていることを特徴とするＸ線遮蔽構造。     In the X-ray shielding structure according to claim 1 or 2,
    The X-ray shielding structure is characterized in that the shielding cover is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material, and an observation window for observing the inside of the shielding cover is formed.
  4. 　請求項３に記載のＸ線遮蔽構造において、
    　前記搬送手段は、ベルトコンベアを備え、
    　前記観察用窓は、前記ベルトコンベアの搬送方向に沿って延びる細長形状をなしていることを特徴とするＸ線遮蔽構造。     In the X-ray shielding structure according to claim 3,
    The transport means includes a belt conveyor and
    The observation window has an elongated shape extending along the transport direction of the belt conveyor, and has an X-ray shielding structure.
  5. 　請求項１から４のいずれか１つに記載のＸ線遮蔽構造において、
    　前記搬入口は、側方に開口しており、
    　前記第１ガイド体は、前記搬入口から斜め上方に向かって延びる形状をなしており、
    　前記第１ガイド体の下方には、当該第１ガイド体の下端縁部と前記搬入口の下端縁部との両方を覆う遮蔽部材が配設されていることを特徴とするＸ線遮蔽構造。     In the X-ray shielding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
    The carry-in entrance is open to the side and
    The first guide body has a shape extending diagonally upward from the carry-in entrance.
    An X-ray shielding structure characterized in that a shielding member covering both the lower end edge portion of the first guide body and the lower end edge portion of the carry-in entrance is disposed below the first guide body.
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JPH0485199U (en) * 1990-11-30 1992-07-23
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JP2014219267A (en) * 2013-05-08 2014-11-20 株式会社 システムスクエア X-ray inspection device
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0949883A (en) * 1995-08-07 1997-02-18 Toshiba Corp Foreign matter inspection device
JP4438991B2 (en) * 2004-02-26 2010-03-24 株式会社イシダ X-ray inspection equipment
JP2006047032A (en) * 2004-08-03 2006-02-16 Ishida Co Ltd X-ray inspection device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0485199U (en) * 1990-11-30 1992-07-23
JPH11304726A (en) * 1998-04-24 1999-11-05 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Inspection method by x rays and x-ray inspection device
JP2012078303A (en) * 2010-10-06 2012-04-19 Yamato Scale Co Ltd X-ray inspection device
JP2014219267A (en) * 2013-05-08 2014-11-20 株式会社 システムスクエア X-ray inspection device
JP2016003952A (en) * 2014-06-17 2016-01-12 アンリツインフィビス株式会社 X-ray inspection device

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