JP4050255B2 - X-ray foreign object detection device - Google Patents

Description

  In the present invention, an object to be inspected made of various foods is conveyed into a pipeline, X-rays are irradiated to the pipeline to which the object to be inspected is conveyed, and the pipeline passes through the X-ray irradiation. The present invention relates to an X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus that detects the presence or absence of foreign matter mixed into an object to be inspected based on the amount of X-ray transmission.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an inspection process of a production line, an X-ray foreign matter detection device is used to detect the presence or absence of foreign matters (for example, metal, glass, shells, bones, etc.) mixed in various foods as an object to be inspected. In this type of X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus, X-rays are irradiated onto the object to be inspected sequentially, and the presence or absence of foreign matter is detected based on the amount of X-ray transmission accompanying the X-ray irradiation.

  By the way, in this type of X-ray foreign object detection device, for example, when strips of shellfish such as clams and swordfish, fish surimi, retort food ingredients, ingredients soup, etc. are used as test objects, the conveyor is replaced. A pipeline is generally used as a conveying means. And when conveying a to-be-inspected object in a pipeline, a conveyance form changes according to the kind of to-be-inspected object. For example, when the object to be inspected itself does not have fluidity, such as shellfish, water or air is used as the transport fluid, and the object to be inspected flows into the pipeline together with the transport fluid. Be transported. On the other hand, when the object to be inspected itself has fluidity, such as a soup containing ingredients, only the object to be inspected is fluidly conveyed into the pipeline without using the fluid for conveyance.

Here, as an example of an X-ray foreign object detection apparatus using the above-described pipeline as a conveying means, an X-ray foreign object detection apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. As shown in FIG. 12, this X-ray foreign object detection apparatus has an X-ray inspection unit 116, and the X-ray inspection unit 116 is transported with foreign objects such as shell strips 110 and shells and metal pieces. The working fluid 112) is supplied through a pipeline 114 from a supply tank (not shown). In the X-ray inspection unit 116, the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generation tube 118 are irradiated to the object to be inspected at a predetermined timing through the pipeline 120 communicating with the downstream side of the pipeline 114. Then, the X-rays transmitted through the object to be inspected are measured by X-ray sensors 122 and 124 that are arranged in a plurality in the direction crossing the pipeline 120 at regular intervals. Here, when a foreign matter detection 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 operated to guide the inspection subject containing the foreign matter to the pipeline 130. Is discharged.
Japanese Patent No. 2591171

  By the way, in this type of conventional X-ray foreign object detection apparatus including the X-ray foreign object detection apparatus of FIG. 12, it is arranged in a direction crossing the pipeline 120 according to the outer diameter width of the pipeline 120. The X-ray transmitted through the pipeline 120 is detected by the X-ray sensor. When detecting foreign matter, X-rays transmitted through the pipeline 120 are always irradiated to each element of the X-ray sensor, but X-ray irradiation is performed according to the object to be inspected conveyed in the pipeline 120. The amount is also different for each element of the X-ray sensor. For this reason, if a foreign object is detected over a long period of time, not only the element deterioration due to the use environment and aging, but also the X-ray detection sensitivity of each element of the X-ray sensor becomes dull, or part of the element deteriorates. And lifespan comes. When the X-ray sensor reaches the end of its life, an error is caused in the detected value and accurate foreign object detection cannot be performed, so that it is necessary to replace the X-ray sensor with a new one. However, this type of X-ray sensor has been conventionally troublesome to attach and detach, and the replacement work has been very troublesome.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray foreign object detection device capable of extending the life by reducing the number of replacement work of the X-ray detector.

In order to achieve the above object, an X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 1 of the present invention includes an X-ray generator 5a for irradiating a detection pipe 3b to which an object to be inspected is irradiated with X-rays,
X-ray detection that is disposed so as to sandwich the detection pipe with respect to the X-ray generator, and detects X-rays that pass through the detection pipe as X-rays are emitted from the X-ray generator In an X-ray foreign object detection device comprising a foreign object detection means 5 comprising a sensor 5b and detecting the presence or absence of foreign object contamination based on the amount of X-ray transmission from the X-ray detection sensor,
The detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor is formed in a line shape longer than the outer diameter of the detection pipe in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object on the X-ray irradiation area plane,
An unused area setting unit that divides the detection surface of the X-ray detection sensor into a plurality of blocks, and sets at least one of the blocks as an unused area that does not detect the presence or absence of contamination.
The unused area setting means in which the detection pipe and the foreign matter detection means are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the object to be inspected on the X-ray irradiation area plane according to the detection sensitivity of the X-ray detection sensor. A moving mechanism 7 for relative movement in units of the width of the detection surface divided by
Shielding means 6 is provided for shielding an unused area on the detection surface of the X-ray detection sensor.

The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 2 is the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 1,
The shielding means 6 is provided on the X-ray irradiation path until the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator 5a pass through the detection pipe 3b and are detected by the X-ray detection sensor 5b. It is characterized by that.

The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 3 is the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The moving mechanism 7, characterized in that to move the detecting pipe 3b side while fixing the foreign matter detection means 5 side.

The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 4 is the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The moving mechanism 7, characterized in that to move the foreign substance detecting means 5 side while fixing the detection pipe 3b side.

The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 5 is the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Control means for controlling movement of the moving mechanism 7 based on input information for changing the detection position of the object to be inspected is provided.

In the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus of the present invention, the detection surface of the X-ray detection means is formed in a line shape longer than the outer diameter of the detection pipe in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the object to be inspected on the X-ray irradiation area plane. To do. Then , the detection pipe and the X-ray detection means are divided by the unused area setting means in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the object to be inspected on the X-ray irradiation area plane according to the detection sensitivity of the X-ray detection sensor. The relative movement is performed in units of the width of the detected surface . As a result, the X-ray detector can be used in a plurality of regions, and the number of replacement operations can be reduced to extend the life. Further, the efficiency of work can be improved by automating the change of the detection position of the X-ray detection means. Since the unused area of the detection surface of the X-ray detection means is shielded by the shielding means before and after the detection position change of the X-ray detection means, it is possible to prevent the detection area of the unused area from being deteriorated due to X-ray irradiation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of an X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the X-ray foreign object detection device of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3 (a), 3 (b), and 3 (c) are X's according to the present invention. 4A, 4B, and 4C are partially enlarged views of a plane, a front surface, and a side surface showing an example of a state before the detection position of the linear foreign object detection device is changed. FIG. 4A, FIG. FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C show the state before changing the detection position when the X-ray detector is composed of a plurality of blocks. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view adopting the moving mechanism of the first embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention, and is a state diagram before changing the detection position, FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view adopting the moving mechanism of the first embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection apparatus according to the present invention, a state diagram after the detection position is changed, and FIG. 8 is the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view that employs a moving mechanism of the second form of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the second embodiment; FIG. 9 shows a state before the detection position is changed; FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view adopted, a state diagram after the detection position change, FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example when the moving mechanism of the first form of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention is automated, and FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a moving mechanism described later is simplified.

  The X-ray foreign object detection device of this example is provided in a part of a production line, and covers various foods such as shellfish such as clams and swordfish, seafood, fish surimi, soup with ingredients, and ingredients for retort food. As an inspection object, it is continuously flow-conveyed in a pipeline to detect the presence or absence of foreign matter in the inspection object.

  In addition, when a to-be-conveyed body itself has fluidity | liquidity like soup etc. with ingredients, for example, a to-be-conveyed body is conveyed as it is in a pipeline. On the other hand, when the transported body itself does not have fluidity, such as peeled shellfish such as clams and swordfish, ingredients for retort food, etc., for example, by a transporting fluid such as water or air. It is transported into the pipeline.

  First, a schematic configuration of the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus 1 for detecting the presence or absence of foreign matter mixed in an object to be inspected will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 switches the casing 2 that forms the apparatus main body, the pipeline 3 that continuously flows and conveys the object to be inspected, and the conveyance direction of the object to be inspected. And a switching valve portion 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pipeline 3 is a pipe in which a plurality of pipes are connected in advance, and the inspection object supply pipe 3a, the detection pipe 3b, the NG product discharge pipe 3c, and the undetected product It is composed of a discharge pipe 3d and a non-defective product discharge pipe 3e. The switching valve unit 4 is provided between the detection pipe 3b and the non-defective product discharge pipe 3e, and includes a three-way valve 4a and a switching valve 4b.

  The inspection object supply pipe 3a is provided on the upstream side of the housing 2, and the inspection object is fluidly conveyed by a conveyance pump (not shown). One end of the detection pipe 3b is connected to the inspection object supply pipe 3a, and the other end is connected to the inflow side of the three-way valve 4a. A foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 is provided at a substantially central portion of the detection pipe 3b to detect the presence or absence of foreign matter in the inspection subject that is flow-conveyed from the inspection subject supply pipe 3a. Yes. In this detection pipe 3b, the object to be inspected, in which the presence or absence of foreign matter has been detected by the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5, flows into the three-way valve 4a. The NG product discharge pipe 3c is connected to one outlet branched to the side of the three-way valve 4a on the downstream side of the housing 2, and discharges an object to be inspected that is determined to be an NG product. The switching valve 4b is connected to the other outlet of the three-way valve 4a, and switches between the undetected product discharge pipe 3d and the non-defective product discharge pipe 3e. The undetected product discharge pipe 3d is branched and connected to the outlet on the side of the switching valve 4b. For example, an inspected object to be tested and transported for sorting confirmation, an undetected product to be inspected at the time of sensitivity correction, etc. Discharge. The non-defective product discharge pipe 3e is connected to the other outlet of the switching valve 4b, and discharges an object to be inspected determined to be non-defective to a product receiving box or a filling device (not shown).

  The three-way valve 4a can switch the flow path at a predetermined timing according to the detection result, and can discharge the object to be inspected (fluid) containing the detected foreign matter from the NG product discharge pipe 3c. Further, the switching valve 4b can be manually switched at the time of test transportation or sensitivity correction of an object to be inspected, and the object to be inspected being transported for test for sorting confirmation or an undetected product at the time of sensitivity correction. And the like can be sent back from the undetected product discharge pipe 3d back to the supply source side of the inspection object supply pipe 3a.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 is for detecting the presence or absence of foreign matter in the middle of the conveyance path of the object to be inspected conveyed in the detection pipe 3b. An X-ray generator (X-ray irradiation means) 5a provided at a predetermined height above the detection pipe 3b, and an X-ray detection sensor 5b provided opposite to the X-ray generator 5a below the detection pipe 3b. And is configured.

  The X-ray generator 5a has a configuration in which a cylindrical X-ray tube provided inside a metal box is immersed in an insulating oil (not shown), and irradiates the anode target with an electron beam from the cathode of the X-ray tube. X-rays are generated. The X-ray tube is provided in the Y direction whose longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the conveyance direction X (the axial direction of the detection pipe 3b) of the object to be inspected. X-rays generated by the X-ray tube are irradiated in a substantially triangular screen shape by slits (not shown) along the longitudinal direction toward the entire detection surface 5ba of the lower X-ray detection sensor 5b. It has become.

  The X-ray detection sensor 5b forms a detection surface 5ba by arranging a plurality of elements in a straight line in the Y direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction X of the object to be inspected on the X-ray irradiation region plane to the object to be inspected. Yes. The plurality of elements forming the detection surface 5ba are composed of a plurality of photodiodes arranged in a line and a scintillator provided on the line photodiode. In this X-ray detection sensor 5b, X-rays that pass through the object to be inspected are detected by a plurality of elements arranged in a straight line in the Y direction, and the detected density data is set to one line for each element. The output is sequentially performed, and the sequential output from one line is repeated as the object to be inspected is conveyed.

  In the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus 1 having such a configuration, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray generator 5a to the inspected object that is sequentially flow-conveyed in the detection pipe 3b from the inspected object supply pipe 3a. Irradiated. Then, the X-rays that pass through the object to be inspected along with the X-ray irradiation to the object to be inspected are received by the scintillator of the X-ray detection sensor 5b and converted into light. The light converted by the scintillator is received by the photodiode of the X-ray detection sensor 5b disposed below the scintillator, and the received light is converted into an electrical signal and output. The X-ray detection sensor 5b outputs an electric signal having a level corresponding to the intensity of the received X-ray. Then, the output from the X-ray detection sensor 5b is compared with a threshold value for foreign matter determination set in advance according to the type of foreign matter, and based on the comparison result, the presence or absence of foreign matter in the inspection object Is determined. As a result, the object to be inspected determined to be non-defective is discharged to the non-defective product discharge pipe 3e, and the object to be inspected including foreign matter determined to be defective is discharged to the NG discharge pipe 3c.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of the present example based on the above-described configuration reduces the replacement work of the X-ray detection sensor 5b and prolongs the life. The detection surface 5ba of the sensor 5b is orthogonal to the conveyance direction X of the inspection object on the X-ray irradiation area plane (a plane parallel to the paper surface of FIG. 3A where the X-rays are irradiated to the detection pipe 3b). It is formed in a line shape longer than the outer diameter of the detection pipe 3b in the Y direction.

  The X-ray detection sensor 5b is a device in which square elements each having a predetermined dimension (e.g., 0.4 mm, 0.8 mm) are provided in a line shape, and a predetermined number (e.g., 128 elements) is made into one block. It is composed of multiple blocks. The X-ray detection sensor 5b in the example of FIGS. 3 and 4 has the length of the element 1 block in the Y direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction X of the object to be inspected on the X-ray irradiation area plane (a in FIG. 3A). ) Is formed to be slightly longer than the outer diameter (diameter width in the Y direction) of the detection pipe 3b, and the detection surface 5ba is composed of two blocks (width in the Y direction 2a). Further, the X-ray detection sensor 5b in the example of FIG. 5 includes an element having a detection surface 5ba of a plurality of blocks (width na in the Y direction). In the description of this example, the element 1 block (the width a in the Y direction) of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is used as a foreign matter detection surface for detecting the presence or absence of foreign matter in the test object in the detection pipe 3b. .

  A shielding member 6 is provided on the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b in which elements of a plurality of blocks are unitized. The shielding member 6 is made of, for example, a radiation shielding heavy element having an X-ray shielding effect such as lead or barium, and an unused area (other than a foreign matter detection surface) of the detection surface 5ba before and after the detection position change of the X-ray detection sensor 5b. Area). As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the shielding member 6 is made of a rectangular plate material, and has an opening 6a at a position facing the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b with the detection pipe 3b interposed therebetween. . As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the opening 6a of the shielding member 6 has a size substantially equal to the area (foreign matter detection surface) of the detection surface 5ba of one block (width a in the Y direction) of the X-ray detection sensor 5b. It is formed in a rectangular shape. In this shielding member 6, the opening 6 a is located immediately below the detection pipe 3 b and directly above the X-ray detection sensor 5 b, and allows X-rays that pass through the detection pipe 3 b to pass through the opening 6 a, and portions other than the opening 6 a The (mask portion) covers the unused area of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b and shields the X-rays.

  3 to 5, the shielding member 6 is provided immediately below the detection pipe 3b and close to the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b. The X-ray emitted from the X-ray generator 5a can be provided at any position on the X-ray irradiation path until it passes through the detection pipe 3b and is detected by the X-ray detection sensor 5b. Further, for example, a slit made of a radiation shielding heavy element capable of changing the opening width for irradiating X-rays from the X-ray generator 5a in a substantially triangular screen shape can be used as the shielding member 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example includes an apparatus main body (housing 2) provided with a foreign object detection unit (foreign object detection means) 5, and a detection pipe 3b. According to the X-ray detection sensitivity of the X-ray detection sensor 5b, there is provided a moving mechanism 7 that relatively moves in the Y direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction X of the object to be inspected on the X-ray irradiation area plane.

  6 to 9 are schematic perspective views of each form of the housing 2 including the moving mechanism 7. Hereinafter, the structure of the moving mechanism 7 of each form is demonstrated.

  First, the 1st form of the moving mechanism 7 which the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus 1 comprises is demonstrated using FIG.6 and FIG.7. The moving mechanism 7A fixes the housing 2 (device main body) including the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 and the detection pipe 3b in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction (X direction) of the object to be inspected. ) To change the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b relative to the detection pipe 3b irradiated with X-rays.

  The moving mechanism 7A according to the first embodiment guides the holding member 7Aa that holds the detection pipe 3b, the movable member 7Ab that moves the holding member 7Aa to be slidable in the Y direction, and the movement of the movable member 7Ab in the Y direction. And a guide member 7Ac. In this moving mechanism 7A, in order to move the detection pipe 3b in the Y direction, for example, a flexible pipe made of a flexible material is used for the pipeline 3 connected to both ends of the detection pipe 3b. The pipeline 3 connected to both ends of the detection pipe 3b is not limited to any material or shape as long as the detection pipe 3b can be moved using the moving mechanism 7A. Pipes may be used. Moreover, you may give flexibility to the connection part (joint) with the pipe 3b for a detection.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holding member 7Aa has, for example, a prismatic block shape, and a U-shaped holding portion 21 that holds the end of the detection pipe 3b is formed on the upper portion.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a holding member 7Aa holding the detection pipe 3b is fixed to the movable member 7Ab. The movable member 7Ab has, for example, an engaging portion 22 having a U-shaped cross section that engages with the guide member 7Ac. The movable member 7Ab is slidable in the Y direction while being guided by the guide member 7Ac in a state where the engaging portion 22 is engaged with the guide member 7Ac.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the guide member 7Ac is made of a guide rail having a U-shaped cross section, for example, and is provided on both side surfaces of the base leg portion 23 that supports the housing 2. The guide member 7Ac is engaged with the engaging portion 22 of the movable member 7Ab, and guides the movement of the movable member 7Ab in the Y direction. Although not shown, the guide member 7Ac is provided with a stopper for regulating the amount of movement of the movable member 7Ab.

  The moving mechanism 7A according to the first embodiment includes a movable member 7Ab in which holding members 7Aa for holding both ends of the detection pipe 3b are fixed in a state in which the housing 2 including the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 is fixed. Is manually slid in the Y direction along the guide member 7Ac. When the movable member 7Ab is moved in the Y direction, if a well-known click mechanism (not shown) is provided so that a click feeling is obtained for each width in the Y direction of one block of the detection surface 5ba, the movable member 7Ab is moved to the detection surface 5ba. It is possible to move reliably in the Y direction in units of one block width and to change the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b with respect to the detection pipe 3b.

  Next, a second embodiment of the moving mechanism 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. The moving mechanism 7B according to the second embodiment fixes the detection pipe 3b and moves the housing 2 including the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the transport direction (X direction). Thus, the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b with respect to the detection pipe 3b irradiated with X-rays is changed.

  The moving mechanism 7B of the second form includes a movable support member 7Ba for fixing and supporting the housing 2 including the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 and moving the housing 2 in the Y direction, and the movable support member 7Ba. A guide member 7Bb for guiding the movement in the Y direction, a fixed support member 7Bc to which the guide member 7Bb for guiding and supporting the movable support member 7Ba is fixed, and both ends of the detection pipe 3b fixed to the fixed support member 7Bc. And a holding member 7Bd for holding the handle 2 and a gripping member 7Be provided at the top of the casing 2 and used when the casing 2 is moved.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the movable support member 7 </ b> Ba has four leg portions 24 on the base that fixes and supports the housing 2 including the foreign matter detection portion (foreign matter detection means) 5. A movable member 25 such as a wheel that is guided and held by the guide member 7Ba is provided at the lower end of each leg portion 24 of the movable support member 7Ba.

  The guide member 7Bb guides the movement of the movable support member 7Ba in the Y direction. In FIG.8 and FIG.9, guide member 7Bb is comprised by the reverse V-shaped convex strip member with which the wheel provided in the leg part 24 of movable support member 7Ba engages.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixed support member 7 </ b> Bc is configured by a frame-shaped frame 27 having four leg portions 26 on the lower surface. A guide member 7Bb that guides and holds the movable support member 7Ba is fixed to the frame 27 of the fixed support member 7Bc. A plate-like stopper 28 is provided at the front and rear positions in the Y direction of the frame 26 of the fixed support member 7Bc to stop the movable support member 7Ba at a predetermined position when moving while being guided by the guide member 7Bb. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the holding member 7Bd has, for example, a prism block shape, and a U-shaped holding portion 29 for holding the end of the detection pipe 3b is formed on the upper portion, and the lower portion is a fixed support member. 7Bc frame 27 is fixed.

  The moving mechanism 7B according to the second embodiment includes a movable support member 7Ba that fixes and supports the housing 2 and a gripping member 7Be in a state where the detection pipe 3b is fixed by a holding member 7Bd fixed to the fixed support member 7Bc. Gripping and manually sliding in the Y direction along the guide member 7Bb. When the movable support member 7Ba is moved in the Y direction, the movable support member 7Ba is detected by providing a well-known click mechanism (not shown) so that a click feeling can be obtained for each width in the Y direction of one block of the detection surface 5ba. It is possible to move reliably in the Y direction in units of one block width of the surface 5ba, and the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b relative to the detection pipe 3b can be changed.

  Next, an operation in the case where the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b with respect to the detection pipe 3b is changed by the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 provided with the moving mechanisms 7 (7A, 7B) of the above-described forms will be described. Here, before the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is changed, the detection pipe 3b and the X-ray detection sensor 5b are in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 3, and the upper half of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is detected. X-rays transmitted through the detection pipe 3b are detected by the surface 5ba.

  First, the X-ray foreign object detection apparatus 1 provided with the moving mechanism 7A of the first form will be described. When the detection position is changed in this embodiment, the holding member 7Aa that holds both ends of the detection pipe 3b is used as the guide member 7Ac in a state in which the housing 2 including the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 is fixed. And move it in the Y direction manually. Accordingly, the movable member 7Ab, to which the holding member 7Aa is fixed, moves in the Y direction while being supported by the guide member 7Ac. When the holding member 7Aa moves in the Y direction by the width a of one block of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b divided by the setting of the unused area setting means 12a described later, the movable member 7Ab is moved. Stop. Thereafter, the opening 6a is positioned at a position facing the lower half of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b so that the state of FIG. 3 (a) is changed to the state of FIG. 4 (a). Place it upside down. As a result, the detection surface 5ba in the lower half which has been an unused area until then becomes a foreign matter detection surface for detecting the presence or absence of foreign matter in the inspection object, and the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b with respect to the detection pipe 3b is changed. Is done. In FIG. 3A, the shielding member 6 is moved downward from the upper half detection surface 5ba before the movement by one block of the X-ray detection sensor 5b (in the same direction as the movable member 7Ab) and used. The upper half detection surface 5ba may be exposed.

  Next, the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus 1 provided with the moving mechanism 7B of the second form will be described. When the detection position is changed in this embodiment, the gripping member 7Be is gripped in a state where both ends of the detection pipe 3b are held and fixed to the holding member 7Bd of the fixed support member 7Bc, and the movable support member 7Ba is moved to the guide member 7Bb. Is manually moved in the Y direction. As a result, the movable support member 7Ba that fixedly supports the housing 2 including the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 moves in the Y direction while being guided and supported by the guide member 7Bb. When the housing 2 moves in the Y direction by the width a of one block of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b divided by the setting of the unused area setting means 12a described later, the movement of the movable support member 7Ba To stop. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the opening 6a is positioned at a position facing the lower half of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b so that the state of FIG. 3A changes to the state of FIG. 4A. Thus, the shielding member 6 is arranged upside down. As a result, the detection surface 5ba in the lower half which has been an unused area until then becomes a detection surface for detecting the presence or absence of contamination of the object to be inspected, and the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b with respect to the detection pipe 3b is changed. The Similar to the first embodiment, in FIG. 3A, the shielding member 6 is lower by one block of the X-ray detection sensor 5b from the upper half detection surface 5ba before the movement (same as the movable support member 7Ba). The detection surface 5ba of the used upper half may be exposed.

  By the way, in the X-ray foreign object detection apparatus 1 provided with the moving mechanisms 7A and 7B of the above-described forms, the case where the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is configured by two blocks has been described as an example. An X-ray detection sensor 5b in which the detection surface 5ba is composed of a plurality of blocks as shown can also be employed. In this case, the shielding member 6 is configured in units of blocks of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b, and the detection surface 5ba of one block of the X-ray detection sensor 5b divided by the setting of the unused area setting means 12a described later. The opening 6a is provided only at a position facing the. When changing the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b, the movable member 7Ab or the movable support member 7Ba is moved in the Y direction by the width a of one block of the X-ray detection sensor 5b and stopped. Thereafter, the shielding member with the opening 6a disposed immediately above the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b that has been operated before the movement is removed, and the X-ray detection sensor 5b positioned immediately below the detection pipe 3b after the movement is removed. The shielding member 6 is arranged with the opening 6a positioned at a position facing the detection surface 5ba. Thereby, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 5A, the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b relative to the detection pipe 3b can be changed for each width a of the block of the X-ray detection sensor 5b.

  The shielding member 6 has an opening 6a only at a position facing the detection surface 5ba of one block of the X-ray detection sensor 5b divided by setting of an unused area setting unit 12a described later, and other unused areas. When the movable member 7Ab or the movable support member 7Ba is moved in the Y direction by the width a of one block of the X-ray detection sensor 5b, the movable member 7Ab or the movable support member 7Ba is formed. It can also be configured to move the same amount in the same direction.

  Further, in the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 provided with the moving mechanisms 7A and 7B of the above-described forms, it is preferable to stop the generation of X-rays from the X-ray generator 5a in order to avoid exposure to X-rays. Even if the generation of X-rays is not stopped, the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b can be changed. At this time, since the unused area of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is shielded by the shielding member 6, it is not deteriorated by the X-rays from the X-ray generator 5a. Furthermore, although the movement mechanisms 7A and 7B of the respective forms described above have been described as being manually operated, the movement mechanisms 7A and 7B of the respective forms are provided with driving means to automatically detect X-rays with respect to the detection pipe 3b. The detection position of the sensor 5b can be changed.

  Here, an example of a configuration for automatically driving and controlling the moving mechanism 7 will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram when the moving mechanism 7A of the first embodiment is automated. In the example of FIG. 10, the holding member 7Aa holding the detection pipe 3b is configured to automatically change the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b relative to the detection pipe 3b. Means 13 are provided.

  The input unit 11 includes an operation panel provided with a plurality of operation buttons, operation keys, a display, and the like, for example. The input means 11 inputs a detection position change mode so that the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is changed as necessary as an input related to the detection position change of the X-ray detection sensor 5b. The detection position change mode can be input, for example, by pressing an operation key provided on the operation panel in advance. Also, the user inputs the settings of various conditions necessary for foreign object detection, such as the type of the object to be inspected conveyed in the detection pipe 3b, the threshold value for each foreign object for determining the foreign object, and the conveying speed. Performed by operation.

  The control means 12 is constituted by a CPU, for example, and performs control related to foreign object detection and detection position change according to input information from the input means 11. In particular, as control related to detection position change, when the control means 12 receives input information indicating the detection position change mode from the input means 11, the control mechanism 12 includes a detection pipe 3 b or a foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 by the moving mechanism 7. The detection position of the detection pipe 3b is determined by moving the housing 2 in units of the width of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b divided by a preset control amount, that is, setting of an unused area setting means 12a described later. A control command (movement control command, stop control command) is output to the drive means 13 to be changed. The control means 12 compares the X-ray transmission amount detected by the X-ray detection sensor 5b with a preset foreign matter determination threshold value in a state where the detection pipe 3b is at the foreign matter detection position, and this comparison is performed. The presence or absence of foreign matter is determined based on the result.

  The drive means 13 is composed of, for example, various motors, actuators, and the like, and drives the shielding member 6 and the moving mechanism 7 to change the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b relative to the detection pipe 3b according to a control command from the control means 12. .

  In the configuration based on the automation of the detection position change, when the user inputs the detection position change mode from the input means 11, the control means 12 outputs a movement control command to the drive means 13. When the movement control command is input from the control unit 12, the driving unit 13 drives the shielding member 6 and the moving mechanism 7 to change the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b with respect to the detection pipe 3b.

  When the shielding member 6 and the moving mechanism 7 are operated by driving the driving means 13, the control amount (movement amount with respect to the Y direction) set in the control means 12 in advance for the detection pipe 3b, that is, the unused area setting means 12a described later. It moves by the width unit of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b divided by the setting. At that time, the shielding member 6 also moves by the same control amount in the same direction as the detection pipe 3b, and the shielding member 6 covers and covers the unused area of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b. Thereafter, when the control unit 12 outputs a stop control command to the driving unit 13, the driving of the moving mechanism 7 is stopped. As a result, the detection surface 5ba, which has been an unused area, becomes a foreign object detection surface for detecting the presence or absence of foreign matter in the object to be inspected, and the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b with respect to the detection pipe 3b is automatically changed. The

  In addition, although the example which employ | adopted the 1st form as the moving mechanism 7 was demonstrated in the structure by the said detection position change automation, it is not limited to this, The moving mechanism 7B of a 2nd form or another moving mechanism is used. Even if it is adopted, the detection position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b can be automatically changed in the same manner. Further, a position detecting means such as a mechanical switch or an optical switch is arranged on the movement locus of the moving mechanism 7, and the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is moved in the Y direction by the block width unit by the movement of the moving mechanism 7. If the configuration is such that the movement is detected by the position detection means, the control means 12 can control the movement of the movement mechanism 7 via the drive means 13 in accordance with the presence or absence of a detection signal from the position detection means.

  Next, FIG. 11 shows a functional block diagram of an X-ray foreign object detection apparatus according to the present invention provided with the moving mechanism 7 described above. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the same component as the structure demonstrated in FIG. 10, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, when manually operating the moving mechanism 7 for relatively moving the detection pipe 3b and the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection unit) 5 (the housing 2 including the foreign matter detection unit 5), the driving unit 13 is not necessary. It becomes.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the X-ray foreign object detection device of this example, an unused area setting unit 12 a is provided in the control unit 12. In this unused area setting means 12a, the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is divided into a plurality of blocks, and at least one block among these blocks is used as an unused area where the presence / absence of contamination is not detected. It is set. Then, the data excluding the data corresponding to the unused area in the X-ray transmission amount data from the X-ray detection sensor 5b is output to the determination unit 12b, and the determination unit 12b detects (determines) the presence or absence of contamination. Is going. The display unit 14 is an X-ray transmission image obtained by planarly viewing the object to be inspected conveyed into the detection pipe 3b based on the determination result of the determination unit 12b, the OK / NG determination result, the total number of inspections Inspection results such as the number of non-defective products and the total number of NG are displayed based on predetermined key operations from the input means 11.

  By the way, in the present invention, the unused area setting means 12a is provided in the X-ray detection sensor 5b, and the X-ray detection sensor 5b itself outputs X-ray transmission amount data excluding data corresponding to the unused area. Or, an unused area in which the X-ray detection sensor 5b itself is set may be configured such that X-ray detection is not performed (data is not output).

  As described above, in the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 of this example, the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is placed outside the detection pipe 3b in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the object to be inspected on the X-ray irradiation area plane. It is formed in a line shape longer than the diameter. The detection pipe 3b and the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 (the housing 2 including the foreign matter detection unit 5) are in the Y direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction X of the inspection object on the X-ray irradiation area plane. It can be relatively moved. As a result, when the X-ray detection sensitivity of the detection surface 5ba of the currently operating X-ray detection sensor 5b divided by the setting of the unused area setting means 12a is lowered and the service life is reached, the detection pipe 3b and the foreign matter detection unit It is possible to change the detection position by moving the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b used for detecting the presence or absence of foreign matter by relatively moving with the (foreign matter detection means) 5 (housing 2). As a result, the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b formed in a line can be divided into a plurality of regions and used efficiently, and the number of times of replacement work of the X-ray detection sensor is reduced compared to the conventional case, and X-ray detection is performed. The lifetime of the sensor can be extended.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, an X-ray detection sensor 5b having a block of natural number n with a width a of one block of the detection surface 5ba in the Y direction is adopted, and the detection operation position of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is set to the width of one block. If the detection position is changed by sequentially moving in the Y direction at a, the lifetime of the X-ray detector can be extended n times. In addition, in the structure which employ | adopted the X-ray detection sensor 5b of FIG.3 and FIG.4, a lifetime can be extended twice as compared with the past.

  In addition, when the automatic configuration of FIG. 10 is adopted and the element of the X-ray detection sensor 5b at the current detection operation position has reached the end of its life, input information indicating that the detection position is changed (detection position change mode) from the input means 11 , The detection pipe 3b and the foreign matter detection unit (foreign matter detection means) 5 (housing 2) are automatically moved by a predetermined amount (for example, one block of the detection surface 5ba), and the X-ray The current detection operation position of the detection sensor 5b is automatically moved to the unused area which is the next detection operation position. Thereby, the position of the element of the X-ray detector with respect to the detection operation position can be automatically changed.

  Furthermore, since the unused area of the detection surface 5ba of the X-ray detection sensor 5b is shielded by the shielding member 6 before and after the detection position change of the X-ray detection sensor 5b, X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray generator 5a. Even in such a state, it is possible to prevent the detection surface of the unused area from being deteriorated by X-ray irradiation.

  In addition, if the width in the Y direction of one block of the X-ray detection sensor 5b composed of a plurality of blocks is made to match the width of the outer shape (foreign matter detection area) of the detection pipe 3b, the X-ray detector is replaced in units of blocks. It becomes possible to do. Thereby, even when there is no replaceable X-ray detector block at hand, foreign objects can be detected with another existing block until a new block is obtained from a supplier, and maintenance replacement can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although the best form was demonstrated using this invention, this invention is not limited with the description and drawing by this form. That is, it is a matter of course that all other forms, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this form are included in the scope of the present invention.

It is a front view of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a top view of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus of FIG. (A), (b), (c) It is the elements on larger scale of the plane, the front, and the side which show the example of a state before the detection position change of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention. (A), (b), (c) It is the elements on the plane, the front, and the side enlarged view which show the example of a state after the detection position change of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention. (A), (b), (c) It is a partial enlarged view of the plane, the front, and the side which shows the example of a state before a detection position change in case an X-ray detector is comprised with multiple blocks. It is a schematic perspective view which employ | adopted the moving mechanism of the 1st form of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a state figure before detection position change. It is a schematic perspective view which employ | adopted the moving mechanism of the 1st form of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a state figure after detection position change. It is a schematic perspective view which employ | adopted the moving mechanism of the 2nd form of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a state figure before detection position change. It is a schematic perspective view which employ | adopted the moving mechanism of the 2nd form of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a state figure after detection position change. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example when the moving mechanism of the 1st form of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention is automated. It is a functional block diagram of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus disclosed by patent document 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray foreign material detection apparatus 2 Case 2a Opening part 3 Pipeline 3a Test object supply pipe 3b Detection pipe 3c NG product discharge pipe 3d Undetected product discharge pipe 3e Non-defective product discharge pipe 4 Switching valve part 4a Three-way Valve 4b Switching valve 5 Foreign matter detection part (foreign matter detection means)
5a X-ray generator 5b X-ray detection sensor 6 Shielding member 6a Opening 7 (7A, 7B) Moving mechanism 7Aa Holding member 7Ab Movable member 7Ac Guide member 7Ba Movable support member 7Bb Guide member 7Bc Fixed support member 7Bd Holding member 11Be Holding member 11 Input unit 12 Control unit 12a Unused area setting unit 12b Determination unit 13 Drive unit 14 Display unit 21, 29 Holding unit 22 Engaging unit 23, 24, 26 Leg unit 25 Movable member 27 Frame 28 Stopper

Claims (5)

An X-ray generator (5a) for irradiating the detection pipe (3b) to which the object to be inspected is irradiated with X-rays;
X-ray detection that is disposed so as to sandwich the detection pipe with respect to the X-ray generator, and detects X-rays that pass through the detection pipe as X-rays are emitted from the X-ray generator In an X-ray foreign object detection device comprising a foreign object detection means (5) composed of a sensor (5b) and detecting the presence or absence of foreign objects based on the amount of X-ray transmission from the X-ray detection sensor,
The detection surface (5ba) of the X-ray detection sensor is formed in a line shape longer than the outer diameter of the detection pipe in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the inspection object on the X-ray irradiation area plane. And
An unused area setting unit that divides the detection surface of the X-ray detection sensor into a plurality of blocks, and sets at least one of the blocks as an unused area that does not detect the presence or absence of contamination.
The unused area setting means in which the detection pipe and the foreign matter detection means are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the object to be inspected on the X-ray irradiation area plane according to the detection sensitivity of the X-ray detection sensor. A moving mechanism (7) for relative movement in width units of the detection surface divided by
An X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus comprising: shielding means (6) for shielding an unused area on a detection surface of the X-ray detection sensor. The shielding means (6) is used until the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray generator (5a) passes through the detection pipe (3b) and is detected by the X-ray detection sensor (5b). The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray foreign matter detection device is provided on an X-ray irradiation path. The moving mechanism (7), the foreign object detecting means (5) side X-ray foreign material detecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixed state thereby moving said detection pipe (3b) side . The moving mechanism (7), said detection pipe (3b) side X-ray foreign material detecting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the to move the foreign substance detecting means (5) side with fixed state . The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising control means for controlling movement of the moving mechanism (7) based on input information for changing a detection position of the object to be inspected. Wire foreign matter detection device.

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