JP3902198B2 - X-ray foreign object detection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention irradiates X-rays mainly on a fluid-like inspection object conveyed in a pipe, and detects X-ray foreign object detection that detects foreign substances mixed in the inspection object based on the amount of X-ray transmission. In particular, in an X-ray foreign object detection device in which an inspection pipe that is placed at an X-ray inspection position and through which an inspection object passes is detachable from the apparatus main body, X-ray leakage is reliably prevented when the inspection pipe is removed. The present invention relates to an X-ray foreign object detection device having a highly safe interlock mechanism.

  Conventionally, an X-ray inspection apparatus has been used to detect foreign matters (metal, glass, shell, bone, etc.) mixed in an inspection object such as food. In general, the X-ray foreign matter inspection apparatus is configured to inspect the inspection object one after another while being conveyed by the conveyance means, and a type suitable for the type of the inspection object is selected as the conveyance means. Is done.

  For example, to transport shellfish such as clams, fish surimi, retort food ingredients, soup with ingredients, etc., a pipeline and a pumping means such as a pump that conveys these inspection objects in the pipeline; Is used. For example, when the object to be inspected is a solid such as clam debris or ingredients for retort food, these are flow-conveyed together with a fluid for transportation (such as water) in the pipeline. In addition, inspected objects such as fish surimi and soup with ingredients that themselves have fluidity or a mixture of fluid and solid are fluidly conveyed in the pipeline without using the fluid for transportation. Is done.

  As an example of an X-ray foreign substance inspection apparatus using the above-described pipeline as a conveying means, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. As shown in FIG. 13, this X-ray inspection apparatus has an X-ray inspection unit 116, and the X-ray inspection unit 116 includes a subject (shell debris 110, foreign matters such as shell pieces and metal pieces, transport fluid, etc. 112) is supplied through a pipeline 114 from a supply tank (not shown). In the X-ray inspection unit 116, X-rays are irradiated from an X-ray generation tube 118, and the X-rays are irradiated to the subject at a predetermined timing through a pipeline 120 continuous downstream of the pipeline 114. The X-rays transmitted through the subject are measured by a plurality of X-ray sensors 122 and 124 arranged in a direction crossing the pipeline 120 at regular intervals.

  Here, when a foreign substance inspection signal is output from a signal processing unit (not shown) based on the measurement results of the X-ray sensors 122 and 124, the discharge valve 128 is actuated and the subject containing the foreign substance is guided to the pipeline 130 and discharged. Is done.

A SUS pipe is used for the upstream pipeline 114, and a resin pipe is used for the downstream pipeline 120 for X-ray transmission.
Japanese Patent No. 2591171

  In the X-ray foreign object detection apparatus that irradiates the inspection object flowing through the pipe as described above, solid components such as the inspection object and the transport fluid are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline 120 provided in the apparatus. Etc. may adhere, and it is necessary to clean them at appropriate time intervals. In the past, the internal pipeline and the external pipeline could not be separated from each other, so the fluid (including the cleaning fluid) in which the cleaning fluid and cleaning material are dispersed is pumped in the pipeline by the pump pressure. The dirt was removed by the pressure.

  However, even when cleaning is performed by passing a pressure fluid through pipelines inside and outside the apparatus that are continuously connected, dirt may remain.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to separate an internal pipe from an external pipeline in an X-ray foreign object detection apparatus that irradiates an inspection object flowing in the pipe with X-rays. This is the first purpose. If the pipe inside the device is further separated from the external pipeline and can be taken out of the device, X-rays leak into the housing of the device at the connection position between both ends of the pipe inside the device and the external pipeline. Although there is a possibility of a structure in which a possible gap may occur, the second object of the present invention is to provide a safe structure that does not cause the leakage of X-rays even in such a structure.

The X-ray foreign object detection apparatus 1 according to claim 1 irradiates an inspection object conveyed in a pipe with X-rays, and determines whether or not foreign objects are mixed in the inspection object based on the amount of X-ray transmission. In the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 to detect,
A housing 4 provided with X-ray irradiation means 2 and X-ray detection means 3,
An inspection pipe 6 that is detachably connected to a pipe 5 provided outside the casing 4 and disposed in the casing 4 for supplying and discharging the inspection object is provided in the casing 4. An inspection pipe unit 7 detachably attached to the
A switch 8 for disabling the operation of the X-ray irradiation means 2;
It is provided in the casing 4 so as to perform an operation of operating the switch 8 corresponding to the mounting position of the inspection pipe unit 7 with respect to the casing 4, and is in a use position where X-rays do not leak out of the casing 4. When the inspection pipe unit 7 is set, the switch 8 is in a non-operating state to enable the operation of the X-ray irradiating means 2, and the non-use position where X-rays can leak out of the housing 4 An operation member 9 configured to bring the switch 8 into an operating state in order to disable the operation of the X-ray irradiation means 2 when the inspection pipe unit 7 is set to
I have a,
The operation member 9 is pivotally supported by the housing 4 so that one end thereof is configured to operate the switch 8;
The inspection pipe unit 7 comes into contact with the other end side of the operation member 9 when the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved from the use position to the non-use position with respect to the housing 4 and the one end portion. When the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved from the non-use position to the use position with respect to the housing 4, the other end side of the operation member 9 is swung so that the switch 8 operates the switch 8. A first actuating member (actuating plate 10) that swings so as to release the operation of the switch 8 by the one end by being separated from the one end is provided .

X-ray foreign material detecting device 1 according to claim 2, in claim 1 X-ray foreign material detecting apparatus 1 according to the vicinity of the operating member 9, by selectively engaging the operating member 9 A fixing member 11 for fixing the operation member 9 in a state where the switch 8 is operated is rotatably provided, and the inspection pipe unit 7 has a second operating member for rotating the fixing member 11. (Actuating pin 12) is provided,
When the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved from the use position to the non-use position with respect to the housing 4, the second actuating member (actuating pin 12) comes into contact with the fixing member 11. By rotating, the operation member 9 is fixed in a state where the switch 8 is operated, and when the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved from the non-use position to the use position with respect to the housing 4 The operation member 9 fixed by the fixing member 11 is opened when the second operation member (operation pin 12) contacts and rotates the fixing member 11. It is characterized by that.

The X-ray foreign object detection device 1 according to claim 3 is the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a door 13 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front side of the housing 4. Fixed covers 15 having openings 14 projecting from both ends of the inspection pipe 6 are provided on both side surfaces of the body 4, and both ends of the inspection pipe 6 in the inspection pipe unit 7 are provided at both ends of the inspection pipe 6. Is provided with a movable cover 16 projecting from
When the inspection pipe unit 7 is in the use position, the door 13 is closed and the moving cover 16 covers the opening 14, and when the inspection pipe unit 7 is in the non-use position, The door 13 is opened, and the opening 14 of the fixed cover 15 is exposed.

The X-ray foreign object detection device 1 described in claim 4 is the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 according to claims 1 to 3 , wherein the switch 8 disconnects the operation circuit of the X-ray irradiation means 2 during operation. It is a forced dissociation switch that disables the operation of the X-ray irradiation means 2.

According to the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus 1 described in claim 1, the switch 8 is in a non-operating state when the inspection pipe unit 7 is attached to the use position of the housing 4. It is possible to operate, and foreign matter detection can be performed as a normal inspection operation, and the sensitivity adjustment operation of the X-ray detection means 3 can be performed by slightly shifting the position of the inspection pipe 6 from the X-ray irradiation position. In a state where the inspection pipe unit 7 is removed from the housing 4 or the like and is set to a non-use position, there is a risk that the shielding of the housing 4 may not be ensured at a portion where both ends of the inspection pipe 6 protrude from the housing 4. In the present invention, since the switch 8 is in the operating state and the X-ray irradiation means 2 becomes inoperable, even if an attempt is made to irradiate X-rays, X-rays are not irradiated and it is safe.
Further, the above-described effect is that the operation member 9 that is pivotally supported by the housing 4 and operates the switch 8 on one end side, and the first operation member 9 that swings the operation member 9 as the inspection pipe unit 7 moves. This is realized by the actuating member 10. That is, when the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved from the use position to the non-use position, the first actuating member 10 of the unit 7 comes into contact with the other end portion side of the operation member 9 to swing it, and the switch is turned on one end portion side. When the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved from the non-use position to the use position, the first operating member 10 of the unit 7 moves away from the other end side of the operation member 9 and is operated. The member 9 swings and the operation of the switch 8 on the one end side is released, and X-ray irradiation becomes possible. As described above, by performing a simple operation with a simple structure in which the arm-like operation member 9 is pivotably supported, a reliable operation of the switch 8 accompanying the attachment / detachment / movement of the inspection pipe unit 7 can be realized. Therefore, the reliability as the interlock mechanism in the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus 1 is improved.

According to the X-ray foreign matter detection device 1 described in claim 2 , in the effect of the X-ray foreign matter detection device 1 according to claim 1 , when the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved, the second provided in the unit 7 is used. When the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved from the use position to the non-use position with respect to the housing 4 because the fixing member 11 that rotates in contact with the operation member (operation pin 12) is provided in the vicinity of the operation member 9. The operation member 9 is fixed in a state where the switch 8 is operated, and the state where X-ray irradiation is impossible is fixed. When the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved from the non-use position to the use position with respect to the housing 4, the fixing member 11 is rotated by the second actuating member (actuating pin 12), and the operation member 9 is opened. The operation No. 8 is released, and X-ray irradiation becomes possible. In this way, the switch 8 is operated in accordance with the attachment / detachment / movement of the inspection pipe unit 7 by performing a simple operation with a simple structure of rotating the locking fixing member 11 in response to the contact of the moving member. Since the operating member 9 to be locked can be locked at a required position, the reliability as the interlock mechanism in the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 is further improved.

According to the X-ray foreign matter detection device 1 described in claim 3 , the effect of the X-ray foreign matter detection device 1 described in claims 1 to 2 is provided with the door 13 that can be opened and closed on the front side of the housing 4. A fixed cover 15 having openings 14 from which both ends of the inspection pipe 6 protrude is provided on both side surfaces of the body 4, and a moving cover 16 from which both ends of the inspection pipe 6 protrude at both ends of the inspection pipe 6 in the inspection pipe unit 7. This can be realized in the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus 1 having the provided shielding structure. That is, as the inspection pipe unit 7 is attached / detached / moved to / from the housing 4, the moving cover 16 also moves relative to the stationary cover 15 on the housing 4 side. However, both covers 15, 16 overlap at the use position of the inspection pipe unit 7. There is no problem in shielding the X-ray, and even if an opening is formed between the covers 15 and 16 at the non-use position of the inspection pipe unit 7, the switch 8 is operated at the same position, so The problem of external leakage of X-rays does not occur.

According to the X-ray foreign matter detection device 1 described in claim 4 , in the effect of the X-ray foreign matter detection device 1 according to claims 1 to 3 , the switch 8 is a forced dissociation switch and is a contact point that is always in contact conduction. Even if it is fixed in some state such as melting, it can be forced to open with its operation member 9 to open its contact, so X-ray irradiation can not be reliably performed when the inspection pipe unit 7 is in a non-use position. Therefore, the reliability as the interlock mechanism in the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus 1 is further improved.

Next, the best mode of the present application (this example) will be described. This example is an X-ray foreign object detection apparatus 1 that irradiates an inspection object conveyed through the inspection pipe 6 with X-rays and detects the presence or absence of foreign objects in the inspection object based on the amount of X-ray transmission. is there.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure, FIG. 3 is a right side view showing the internal structure, and FIG. FIG.
5 to 12 are for explaining the relationship between the setting position of the inspection pipe 6 with respect to the main body and the operation state of the interlock mechanism for cutting the X-ray generation circuit in the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example. The state in which the positional relationship of the inspection pipe 6 with respect to the main body is continuously changed is shown. That is, FIGS. 5 and 6 are a plan view and a right side view showing a state where the inspection pipe 6 is set to a predetermined inspection position, which is a use position, and FIGS. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a state in which the inspection pipe 6 is pulled out to the non-use position and the X-ray drive circuit is shut off, respectively. FIGS. 11 and 12 are a plan view and a right side view, respectively, showing a state in which the inspection pipe 6 is pulled out to a non-use position and the blocking of the X-ray drive circuit is locked.

1. Structure of X-ray foreign object detection device 1 (this device) of this example (see FIGS. 1 to 4)
As shown in FIG. 1, the main unit of the apparatus is an X-ray shielding case 4 installed on a base 21 having four support legs 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, an inspection space 22 is provided inside the housing 4, an X-ray irradiation means 2 is provided above the space 22, and an X-ray detection means is provided below the space 22. 3 is provided.

  The X-ray irradiation means 2 is driven by an operating circuit (not shown) and irradiates X-rays downward through a slit provided in the X-ray shielding member. The X-rays generated by the X-ray irradiating means 2 and emitted from the slits are in a substantially plane shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inspection pipe 6 and spread in a downward direction, and pass through the center of the inspection pipe 6. Thus, it reaches a predetermined position below the central portion in a substantially linear pattern. At the predetermined position below the center portion of the inspection pipe 6, there is provided an X-ray detection means 3 for detecting X-rays that have passed through the inspection pipe 6 and an inspection object flowing inside the inspection pipe 6. The X-ray detection means 3 is a line sensor in which a large number of detection elements are arranged in a line in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inspection pipe 6 in a line-like arrangement corresponding to the line X-rays that arrive.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 23 denotes four shielding plates arranged in parallel with each other in the space 22 in the housing 4, and in particular, the two inner plates define an X-ray irradiation region by the X-ray irradiation means 2. -It has a function to shield, and the two outer sheets serve as a mounting plate for mounting other components and parts as will be described later together with shielding of X-rays.

  The space 22 of the housing 4 has a structure in which the front side and the left and right side surfaces are open, but an X-ray shielding structure is provided on each side so that X-rays do not leak to the outside. That is, a door 13 having an openable / closable structure pivotally supported at the lower side is provided on the front side of the housing 4, and a fixed cover 15 having a shield structure is provided on both side surfaces of the housing 4. It has been. However, an opening 14 is formed on the front side of the lower half of the fixed cover 15 so as to project both ends of the inspection pipe 6 of the inspection pipe unit 7 to be described later.

  In the space 22 of the housing 4, the inspection pipe unit 7 is attached to the housing 4 so as to be position-adjustable and detachable. The inspection pipe unit 7 has an inspection pipe 6 provided in a horizontal position in order to guide a fluid inspection object or an inspection object carried on a fluid to an inspection position. The inspection pipe 6 is made of a resin pipe that can transmit X-rays. Both ends of the inspection pipe 6 are opened and flanges are provided, and as shown by an imaginary line in FIG. 1, the inspection pipe 6 protrudes outside the apparatus through the opening 14 of the fixed cover 15 and is arranged outside the apparatus 1. The pipe 5 can be detachably connected.

  In this example, since the inspection pipe unit 7 is movable with respect to the apparatus 1 and the inspection pipe 6 can be moved from a predetermined X-ray irradiation position, the X-rays reach the X-ray detection means 3 directly. Then, an operation for adjusting the X-ray detection sensitivity by the X-ray detection means 3 can be performed. Further, since the inspection pipe unit 7 can be removed from the apparatus main body and taken out of the housing 4, the pump or the like is stopped to interrupt the pumping of the fluid and the like, and the fluid in the pipe is discharged, and the inspection pipe 6 is discharged. If the inspection pipe unit 7 is taken out of the apparatus after being removed from the pipe 5 outside the apparatus, the inner surface of the inspection pipe 6 can be cleaned while directly visually recognizing.

  As part of the inspection pipe unit 7, moving covers 16 are provided at both ends of the inspection pipe 6 to shield the openings 14 of the fixed cover 15 on both side surfaces of the housing 4. The moving cover 16 is a shielding member disposed inside the fixed cover 15 so as to be parallel to the fixed cover 15, and can move in the front-rear direction (direction parallel to the planes of both covers) together with the inspection pipe 6. The opening 14 of the fixed cover 15 can be covered within a predetermined range.

  Supporting means 30 for supporting the inspection pipe 6 of the inspection pipe unit 7 is provided on both side surfaces of the outer side of the housing 4. The support means 30 includes a cradle 32 that holds both ends of the inspection pipe 6 and is releasably secured by a securing means 31 such as a catch clip. The support means 30 is provided on the base 21 of the apparatus and moves the cradle 32. Guide means 33 for guiding is provided, and the test pipe 6 can be held within a predetermined range in the front-rear direction (direction parallel to the planes of the covers 15 and 16) while holding the inspection pipe 6. When the inspection pipe 6 is moved, the inspection pipe 6 is removed from the piping 5 outside the apparatus, or a flexible joint that can follow the movement of the inspection pipe 6 between the inspection pipe 6 and the external piping 5 or the like. It is necessary to make it the structure which connects via.

  If the inspection pipe unit 7 is at a position deviated from the specified use position, and the movable cover 16 is removed from the opening 14 of the fixed cover 15 and the opening 14 is opened, the X-ray is temporarily left as it is. If X is irradiated, there is a possibility that X-rays leak to the outside of the housing 4. However, in this apparatus, in such a case, the operating circuit of the X-ray irradiation means 2 is automatically shut off so that the X-ray irradiation means 2 does not emit X-rays (so-called interlock mechanism). ) Is provided.

  As a safety device related to the attachment / detachment structure of the inspection pipe unit 7, a switch 8 is provided that electrically shuts off the operation circuit of the X-ray irradiation means 2 when the contact is opened and disables the drive of the X-ray irradiation means 2. ing. This switch 8 is a normally closed type forcible dissociation switch that forcibly opens a contact that is normally closed with an urging force with an external force when necessary to electrically cut off the operating circuit. Even if it is melted and fixed in the closed state, the opening of the contact performed when necessary can be reliably achieved by a forced external force, and X-ray irradiation can be reliably disabled. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the switch 8 is attached to the outer rear side of the pair of shielding plates 23, 23 arranged outside in the space 22 of the housing 4.

  In the present apparatus 1, the door 13 is also provided with a safety device. When the door 13 is opened, the contact point of another forced dissociation switch (not shown) incorporated in the operation circuit of the X-ray irradiation apparatus is opened. Since the operation of the X-ray irradiation means 2 is made impossible, X-ray irradiation cannot be performed with the door 13 opened, but the two pieces incorporated as a safety device of the inspection pipe unit 7. The switches 8 and 8 are separate from the switch provided as a safety device for the door 13 and the two switches 8 can independently cut off the operation circuit. Even when the door 13 is removed from the position 4 and the door 13 is closed, X-ray irradiation is impossible, and safety is ensured.

  Next, as a safety device related to the attachment / detachment structure of the inspection pipe unit 7, the two switches 8 and 8 are selectively operated according to the attachment position of the inspection pipe unit 7 with respect to the housing 4 (that is, when necessary, X Two arm-like operation members 9 and 9 are provided as operation means (which makes radiation irradiation impossible). Each operation member 9 is attached to the outer upper half of the shielding plate 23 arranged outside in the space 22 of the housing 4. The operation member 9 is arranged in parallel with the attachment / detachment direction of the inspection pipe unit 7 with respect to the housing 4 so that the operation member 9 can be turned up and down by a horizontal attachment shaft 34 slightly in front of the center portion (center of gravity). It is connected to the shielding plate 23.

  An operation plate 35 for operating the contact of the switch 8 is provided on one end side of the operation member 9 (back side of the casing 4), and the other end of the operation member 9 (the door 13 in front of the casing 4). The contact plate 36 for swinging the operation member 9 by contacting the operation plate 10 as the first operation member provided on the moving cover 16 of the inspection pipe unit 7 is provided obliquely forward and downward. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation plate 10 of the inspection pipe unit 7 is provided at the center of a plate projecting inward from the upper edge of the movable cover 16, and the height thereof is the operating member 9 and the movable cover. 16 is a member having a predetermined length along the attachment / detachment direction of the inspection pipe unit 7 that substantially matches the interval with the upper edge of the inspection pipe unit 7, and when the inspection pipe unit 7 is set at the use position shown in FIG. The operation member 9 is horizontally supported by contacting the lower surface on the operation plate 35 side of the mounting shaft 34 of the operation member 9. At this time, the operation member 9 does not operate the switch 8.

  An engaging portion 37 formed in a notch shape is formed in a substantially central portion of the operation member 9 and at a position on one end portion side close to the mounting shaft 34. Further, in the space 22 of the housing 4, a fixing member 11 is provided in the vicinity of the engaging portion 37 of the operation member 9 so as to be rotatable so as to fix the operation member 9 in a state where the switch 8 is operated. It has been. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing member 11 is a substantially L-shaped member in plan view, and a substantially L-shaped plate-shaped contact member 38 in a horizontal section is provided on the lower surface thereof.

  In the plate body projecting inward from the upper edge of the moving cover 16 of the inspection pipe unit 7, the contact member 38 of the fixed member 11 is provided on both sides of the operation plate 10 as the inspection pipe unit 7 moves. Actuating pins 12 and 12 are provided as second actuating members that come into contact with each other and rotate the fixing member 11 to be engaged with the engaging portion 37 of the operating member 9.

  Therefore, when the inspection pipe unit 7 is pulled out from the use position toward the outside of the housing 4, the operation member 9 swings in the direction in which the operation plate 10 contacts the contact plate 36 and the operation plate 35 pushes the switch 8. Then, the operating pin 12 contacts the abutting member 38 of the fixing member 11 to rotate the fixing member 11, and the fixing member 11 engages with the engaging portion 37 of the operating member 9, so that the operating member 9 is The switch 8 is fixed in a pressed state.

2. Effects and the like of the X-ray foreign object detection apparatus 1 (this apparatus) of this example (see FIGS. 5 to 12)
Hereinafter, the operational effects and the like of this apparatus including the operation of the safety device that shuts off the operation circuit of the X-ray irradiation means 2 will be described for each different position of the inspection pipe unit 7 with respect to the housing 4.
(1) Inspection position (Figs. 5 and 6)
5 and 6 show a state in which the inspection pipe unit 7 is set to the inspection position which is a normal use position. In this state, the inspection pipe 6 is at a position directly above the X-ray detection means and is within the X-ray irradiation range from the X-ray irradiation means 2. At this position, the movable cover 16 of the inspection pipe unit 7 overlaps with the fixed cover 15 on the housing 4 side with a sufficient overlap margin, and there is no gap between the two, and the door 13 is shown as indicated by an imaginary line in the figure. If closed, the space 22 of the housing 4 is completely shielded from the outside world, and X-rays do not leak outside.

  Here, the operation plate 10 of the inspection pipe unit 7 is in contact with the lower surface of the portion closer to the operation plate 35 than the mounting shaft 34 of the operation member 9 and supports the operation member 9 horizontally. The operation plate 35 is separated from the switch 8, and the switch 8 is not operated. Therefore, the X-ray irradiating means 2 can irradiate X-rays, and if X-rays are irradiated through the inspection object into the inspection pipe 6, foreign matter detection by X-rays can be performed.

(2) Sensitivity correction position (FIGS. 7 and 8)
7 and 8 show a state where the inspection pipe unit 7 is set to the sensitivity correction position which is the use position. Sensitivity correction refers to the detection of each detection element of the X-ray detection means 3 from the detection signal obtained from the X-ray detection means 3 at that time by causing the X-rays from the X-ray irradiation means 2 to reach the X-ray detection means 3 directly. This is an operation for adjusting the sensitivity. To this end, it is necessary to move and set the inspection pipe 6 to a position away from the X-ray detection means 3 and irradiate the X-rays.

  In order to set the inspection pipe unit 7 to the sensitivity correction position, the inspection pipe 6 is removed from the external pipe 5 as necessary, and the inspection pipe unit 7 is supported by the receiving base 32 of the support means 30 along the guide means 33. And move it forward a suitable distance. The unit 7 can be moved with the door 13 closed. In the state where the inspection pipe unit 7 is set at the sensitivity correction position, the inspection pipe unit 7 moves forward (door 13 side) from the inspection position, and the X-rays reach the X-ray detection means 3 directly. The door 13 is closed. At this position, the movable cover 16 of the inspection pipe unit 7 overlaps the fixed cover 15 on the housing 4 side, and there is no gap between them, so that the space 22 of the housing 4 is completely shielded from the outside world, and X The wire does not leak to the outside.

  Here, the operation plate 10 of the inspection pipe unit 7 is in a position in contact with or just before contact with the contact plate 36 of the operation member 9 and further moved forward to a position where the contact plate 36 can be lifted. However, since the operation member 9 is supported horizontally by contacting the lower surface of the portion closer to the contact plate 36 than the mounting shaft 34, the operation plate 35 on one end side is separated from the switch 8. 8 is not operated. Therefore, the X-ray irradiation means 2 can irradiate X-rays and perform the sensitivity correction work.

(3) Non-use position where safety device operates (FIGS. 9 and 10)
9 and 10 show a state in which the inspection pipe unit 7 is set to the non-use position and the safety device is activated, and X-ray irradiation is disabled.
In order to set the inspection pipe unit 7 to the non-use position, the inspection pipe 6 is removed from the external pipe 5 as necessary, the door 13 is opened, and the inspection pipe unit 7 is supported by the cradle 32 of the support means 30. What is necessary is just to pull out ahead of the housing | casing 4 along the guide means 33. FIG. 9 and 10, the inspection pipe unit 7 is not completely out of the housing 4, but the movable cover 16 of the inspection pipe unit 7 is located at the opening 14 of the fixed cover 15 on the housing 4 side at this position. A part of the opening 14 appears between the two and the space 22 in the housing 4 is exposed to the outside. That is, the space 22 of the housing 4 is not completely shielded from the outside world, and if the X-ray irradiating means 2 irradiates X-rays, the X-rays may leak to the outside.

  However, at this position, the operation plate 10 of the inspection pipe unit 7 comes into contact with the contact plate 36 of the operation member 9 and lifts the other end (front end) side of the operation member 9 to the one end (rear end) side. The switch 8 is operated by the operation plate 35 while pushing down. Therefore, the forced dissociation contact of the switch 8 is open, the operation circuit is cut off, and the X-ray irradiation means 2 cannot irradiate X-rays, and there is no danger. In this state, since the door 13 is opened, the safety device interlocked with the door 13 is also operated, and the risk of X-ray leakage is further reduced.

  Further, at this position, as shown in the enlarged view (b) in FIG. 9, the operation pin 12 of the inspection pipe unit 7 comes into contact with the contact member 38 of the fixing member 11 or further presses the contact member 38. The fixing member 11 is in a state of starting to rotate. Here, the fixed member 11 is shown in a slightly rotated state, but the fixed member 11 is not engaged with the engaging portion 37 of the operation member 9.

(4) Non-use position where the activated safety device is locked (enlarged view in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12)
11 and 12, the safety device is activated by setting the inspection pipe unit 7 to the non-use position, and the X-ray irradiation becomes impossible. Further, the fixing member 11 is locked to the operation member 9 and the switch 8 Shows a state fixed in an operated state (a state in which X-rays cannot be irradiated and are fixed).
When the inspection pipe unit 7 is further moved forward from the non-use position described in (3) and pulled out until a part of the inspection pipe unit 7 is exposed to the outside of the housing 4, the operation plate 10 of the unit 7 moves away from the operation member 9. At the same time, the operating pin 12 of the unit 7 pushes the abutting member 38 to rotate the fixing member 11 in the locking direction. From the state shown in the enlarged view (b) of FIG. 9, the enlarged view (b) in FIG. When the operating pin 12 moves further outward (downward in the figure), the fixing member 11 is rotated as indicated by an arrow, and the fixing member 11 is operated as shown in FIGS. 9 is engaged with the engaging portion 37. As a result, the operation member 9 is fixed in a state where the switch 8 is pressed, and a state where X-rays cannot be irradiated is fixed and maintained.

  Accordingly, the inspection pipe unit 7 is directly pulled out by the guide means 33 of the support means 30 and removed from the casing 4, and both sides of the casing 4 are opened at the openings 14 of the fixed cover 15 to expose the inside. Even in such a state, there is no problem in safety because the switch 8 is fixed in the operation state and X-rays cannot be irradiated.

  After the inspection pipe unit 7 is moved out of the housing 4, the fixing means 31 of the support means 30 is released and removed from the cradle 32, carried to a cleaning place, and the inside of the inspection pipe 6 is cleaned. Since both ends of the inspection pipe 6 are open, sufficient cleaning can be performed while visually checking the inside.

  When cleaning of the inspection pipe 6 is completed, the inspection pipe unit 7 is inserted into the housing 4 in the reverse order of removal. The operating pin 12 of the moving cover 16 pushes the abutting member 38 to rotate the fixing member 11 in the releasing direction, and the fixing member 11 is released from the engaging portion 37 of the operating member 9 to unlock the operating member 9. At the same time, the operation plate 10 of the unit 7 enters under the operation member 9 and comes into contact with the lower surface of the portion closer to the operation plate 35 than the mounting shaft 34 to lift the operation member 9 to a horizontal state. The operation plate 35 is separated from the switch 8 and the operation of the switch 8 is released, so that the X-ray irradiation means 2 can irradiate X-rays. On the other hand, the movable cover 16 covers the opening 14 of the fixed cover 15, and both sides of the housing 4 return to a shielded state.

  When the inspection pipe unit 7 is inserted into the housing 4, the front and rear of the inspection pipe unit 7 do not matter in the insertion direction. That is, as described above, since the operation pins 12 provided on the inspection pipe unit 7 are provided at positions on both sides of the operation plate 10, the inspection pipe unit 7 is mounted in the housing 4 in any direction. Even if the switch is inserted, the operation plate 10 swings the operation member 9 continuously after the fixing member 11 is released by the operation pin 12, and the operation plate 35 is separated from the switch 8. Irradiation of the line becomes possible. Therefore, it becomes easier to attach the inspection pipe unit 7 to the housing 4 after cleaning.

  In this example, since the interlock mechanisms are provided at both ends of the inspection pipe 6 and the inner surfaces of the casing 4 corresponding thereto, the reliability of the X-ray shielding operation can be ensured when the inspection pipe unit 7 is attached to and detached from the casing 4. This further increases the safety of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 provided with the removable inspection pipe 6.

  As described above, according to the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of the present example, the inspection pipe unit penetrating the casing 4 which is the main body is movable with respect to the casing 4 and can be removed. 7 is provided with a movable cover 16 that shields the side surface of the housing 4 together with the fixed cover 15 so that the movement of the unit 7 can be followed. The forced dissociation switch (switch 8) can be operated by the swing type operating member 9 linked with the movement of the unit 7 to reliably disable the X-ray irradiation, and further fixed in conjunction with the movement of the unit 7 The operation member 9 can be locked by the member 11 to securely fix the state incapable of X-ray irradiation, and the effect of high safety in using the apparatus is obtained.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example. FIG. 3 is a right side view showing the internal structure of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example. 5 is a plan view showing a state where the inspection pipe 6 is set to a predetermined inspection position that is a use position. FIG. 6 is a right side view showing a state in which the inspection pipe 6 is set at a predetermined inspection position which is a use position. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the inspection pipe 6 is set at a predetermined sensitivity correction position which is a use position. FIG. 8 is a right side view showing a state in which the inspection pipe 6 is set at a predetermined sensitivity correction position which is a use position. 9A is a plan view showing a state in which the inspection pipe 6 is pulled out to a non-use position, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. FIG. 10 is a right side view showing a state in which the inspection pipe 6 is pulled out to the non-use position. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which the inspection pipe 6 is pulled out to the non-use position and the cutoff of the X-ray drive circuit is locked. FIG. 12 is a right side view showing a state in which the inspection pipe 6 is pulled out to the non-use position and the interruption of the X-ray drive circuit is locked. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the conventional X-ray foreign material inspection apparatus which used the pipeline for the conveyance means.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray foreign material detection apparatus 2 X-ray irradiation apparatus 3 X-ray detection means 4 Case 5 Piping 6 Inspection pipe 7 Inspection pipe unit 8 Switch 9 Operation member 10 Actuating plate 11 1st operation member 11 Fixed member 12 1st Actuating pin as actuating member 13 Door 14 Opening 15 Fixed cover 16 Moving cover

Claims (4)

In an X-ray foreign object detection device (1) for irradiating an inspection object conveyed in a pipe with X-rays and detecting the presence or absence of foreign objects in the inspection object based on the amount of X-ray transmission
A housing (4) provided with an X-ray irradiation means (2) and an X-ray detection means (3);
An inspection pipe (6) that is detachably connected to a pipe (5) provided outside the casing for supplying and discharging an object to be inspected and disposed in the casing is provided in the casing. An inspection pipe unit (7) detachably attached to the
A switch (8) for disabling the operation of the X-ray irradiation means;
The inspection pipe unit is set at a use position where the X-ray is not leaked outside the casing, provided to the casing so as to operate the switch corresponding to the mounting position of the inspection pipe unit with respect to the casing. When the inspection pipe unit is set to a non-use position where the X-rays can leak out of the housing, the switch is set in a non-operating state so that the X-ray irradiation means can be operated. An operating member (9) configured to bring the switch into an operating state in order to disable the operation of the X-ray irradiation means;
I have a,
The operating member (9) is pivotally supported by the housing (4) so that one end thereof operates the switch (8).
The inspection pipe unit (7) comes into contact with the other end of the operation member (9) when the inspection pipe unit is moved from the use position to the non-use position with respect to the housing. The one end side is swung so as to operate the switch, and when the inspection pipe unit is moved from the non-use position to the use position with respect to the housing, the operation member is separated from the other end side. Thus, an X-ray foreign object detection device (1) is provided, wherein a first actuating member (10) that swings so as to release the operation of the switch by the one end is provided . In the vicinity of the operation member (9), a fixing member (11) for fixing the operation member in a state where the switch (8) is operated by selectively engaging with the operation member is rotatable. The inspection pipe unit (7) is provided with a second operating member (12) for rotating the fixing member,
When the inspection pipe unit is moved from the use position to the non-use position with respect to the housing (4), the second actuating member comes into contact with the fixing member and rotates it. When the switch is operated, the operation member is fixed, and when the inspection pipe unit is moved from the non-use position to the use position with respect to the housing, the second operation member is by rotating it in contact with the fixing member, X-rays foreign object detecting device according to claim 1, wherein said fixing member at a fixed said operating member is characterized by being configured to be opened (1 ). Openable and closable doors (13) are provided on the front side of the casing (4), and openings (14) from which both ends of the inspection pipe (6) protrude on both side surfaces of the casing (4). A fixed cover (15) provided with a moving cover (16) projecting at both ends of the inspection pipe is provided at both ends of the inspection pipe in the inspection pipe unit (7),
When the inspection pipe unit is in the use position, the door is closed and the movable cover covers the opening, and when the inspection pipe unit is in the non-use position, the door is opened. X-ray foreign material detecting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said opening of the fixed cover is configured to expose Te (1). Said switch (8), said X-ray irradiation means (2) X-ray inspection of claims 1 to 3, wherein actuation circuit by cutting a forced dissociation switch to disable the operation of the X-ray irradiation means during operation Detection device (1).

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