Radiation inspection system

Abstract

The invention provides a radiation inspection system, comprising: a radiation device comprising a radiation source for emitting rays; the detector is arranged at the downstream of the radiation device along the first direction and is used for receiving rays emitted by the radiation device; and the collimation device is used for collimating the rays emitted by the radiation device, the collimation device comprises at least two collimators, the at least two collimators are arranged at intervals along the first direction and are respectively provided with a collimation slit for the rays to pass through, and the relative position between the at least two collimators is adjustable. In this way, the inspection accuracy can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of radiation inspection technology, and in particular to a radiation inspection system. Background Art

[0002] Radiation inspection systems are widely used in medical treatment, security inspection, customs inspection and other fields. They usually include a radiation source, a detector and a collimator. The rays emitted by the radiation source are collimated by the collimator and then received by the detector to generate an image, thereby realizing the scanning inspection function of the inspection object.

[0003] Whether the inspection result is accurate is an important indicator affecting the performance of the radiation inspection system. However, the accuracy of the inspection result of the radiation inspection system in the related art still needs to be improved. Summary of the invention

[0004] A technical problem to be solved by the present application is to improve the inspection accuracy of the radiation inspection system.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a radiation inspection system, which includes:

[0006] A radiation device, including a radiation source, for emitting radiation;

[0007] a detector, arranged downstream of the radiation device along the first direction, for receiving radiation emitted by the radiation device; and

[0008] The collimation device is used to collimate the rays emitted by the radiation device. The collimation device includes at least two collimators, which are arranged at intervals along a first direction and each has a collimation slit for the rays to pass through, and the relative position between the at least two collimators is adjustable.

[0009] In some embodiments, the relative position of at least two collimators in a first direction is adjustable; and / or the relative position of at least two collimators in a direction perpendicular to the first direction is adjustable.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least two collimators can move and / or rotate relative to each other in the first direction, so that the relative position of the at least two collimators in the first direction is adjustable.

[0011] In some embodiments, any two adjacent collimators among the at least two collimators are respectively a first collimator and a second collimator, the first collimator and the second collimator are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and the collimation device further includes a connecting member, which is connected to the second collimator and enables the second collimator to move in the first direction relative to the first collimator.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connecting member is movable or size-adjustable in the first direction, so that the second collimator can be moved relative to the first collimator in the first direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector is connected to the second collimator through the second connector, and the first connector and the second connector can move or rotate relative to each other so that the size of the connector in the first direction is adjustable.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first connecting body and the second connecting body are connected via two connecting holes and a locking member passing through the two connecting holes, and at least one of the two connecting holes is an elongated hole so that the first connecting body and the second connecting body can move relative to each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connection further enables the second collimator to move relative to the first collimator in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connecting member and the connected object are connected through two fixing holes and a fixing member passing through the two fixing holes. The connected object includes a first collimator or a part that is relatively stationary with respect to the radiation source. At least one of the two fixing holes is an elongated hole so that the second collimator can move relative to the first collimator in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the position of the collimator of at least two collimators closest to the radiation device relative to the radiation source is adjustable or constant; and / or, the radiation device also includes a shell, the radiation source of the radiation device is arranged in the shell, and the collimator of at least two collimators closest to the radiation source is located in or outside the shell.

[0018] In some embodiments, the radiation device includes at least two radiation sources, and the at least two radiation sources are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimating slit of the collimator closest to the radiation device among the at least two collimators; and / or the length directions of the collimating slits of at least two collimators are consistent.

[0019] In some embodiments, the width of the collimating slit of at least one of the at least two collimators is adjustable; and / or the main beam angle of at least one of the at least two collimators is adjustable.

[0020] In some embodiments, a collimator with adjustable slit width includes a base and two collimating components, both of which are disposed on the base and a collimating slit is formed between the two collimating components, and at least one of the two collimating components is movably disposed on the base to make the slit width of the collimating slit adjustable.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one of the two collimating members is connected to the base through two mounting holes and a mounting member passing through the two mounting holes, and at least one of the two mounting holes is an elongated hole so that at least one of the two collimating members can be movably disposed on the base.

[0022] In some embodiments, a collimator with adjustable main beam angle includes a main body and at least two adjusting members, a collimation slit is arranged on the main body, at least two adjusting members are arranged on the main body and are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimation slit, and the distance between at least two adjusting members is adjustable so that the main beam angle of the collimator is adjustable.

[0023] In some embodiments, the adjusting member is connected to the body through two positioning holes and a positioning member passing through the two positioning holes, and at least one of the two positioning holes is an elongated hole, so that the adjusting member can be movably arranged on the body to achieve adjustable distance between at least two adjusting members.

[0024] By providing at least two levels of collimators in the radiation inspection system and making the relative position between the at least two levels of collimators adjustable, an inspection process that better matches actual needs can be achieved, effectively improving the inspection accuracy.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of a radiation inspection system in some embodiments of the present application.

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view of.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting parts.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first collimator.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a simplified structural diagram of the first section of the first connector in some other embodiments of the present application.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a simplified structural diagram of the first section of the first connector in some other embodiments of the present application.

[0033] Description of reference numerals:

[0034] 100. Radiation inspection system;

[0035] 1. Radiation device; 11. Radiation source; 12. Shell;

[0036] 2. Detector;

[0037] 3. collimation device; 31. first collimator; 32. second collimator;

[0038] 4. collimator; 41. body; 42. base; 43. collimator; 44. collimator slit; 45. mounting hole; 46. mounting part; 47. adjusting part; 48. positioning hole; 49. positioning part; 40. beam exit area;

[0039] 5. Connecting piece; 51. First connecting body; 52. Second connecting body; 53. Connecting hole; 54. Locking piece; 55. Fixing hole; 56. First section; 57. Second section; 58. Long hole;

[0040] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present application and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without carrying out creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0043] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present application; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contours of each component itself.

[0044] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0046] Figure 1-Figure 6 The structure of the radiation inspection system in the present application is shown exemplarily.

[0047] See also Figure 1-Figure 6 In the present application, the radiation inspection system 100 includes a radiation device 1, a detector 2 and a collimation device 3. The radiation device 1 includes a radiation source 11 to emit radiation. The detector 2 is arranged downstream of the radiation device 1 along a first direction X, and is used to receive the radiation emitted by the radiation device 1. The collimation device 3 is used to collimate the radiation emitted by the radiation device 1, and includes at least two collimators 4, which are arranged at intervals along the first direction X, and each has a collimation slit 44 for the radiation to pass through, and the relative position between the at least two collimators 4 is adjustable.

[0048] In the above scheme, the collimation device 3 includes at least two collimators 4, so that the collimation device 3 can perform at least two levels of collimation on the rays. Compared with the case where the collimation device 3 only includes one collimator 4 and only performs one level of collimation, a more sophisticated collimation process can be achieved, which is not only conducive to achieving a better collimation effect and obtaining a field of view (FOV) that better meets actual needs, but also conducive to reducing the requirements for the shape and position accuracy of a single collimator 4, all of which are conducive to improving the accuracy of the inspection results.

[0049] It can be understood that the collimation effect is mainly manifested in two aspects, namely, the control effect on the radiation range (corresponding to the size of the field of view) and the shielding effect on the rays outside the radiation range. Compared with the case of single-stage collimation, at least two-stage collimation can control the radiation range more accurately and can also more effectively shield the rays outside the radiation range, thereby improving the safety of the scanning inspection process. Therefore, the collimation effect is better.

[0050] During the inspection process, the collimation device 3, the radiation device 1, the detector 2, etc. all need to cooperate effectively to obtain a more accurate inspection result. If the collimation device 3 includes only one collimator 4, it is difficult to adjust the radiation device 1, the collimator 4 and the detector 2 to a suitable working position, and the position accuracy of the collimator 4 is required to be high. This problem is more obvious when the radiation device 1 includes not only one radiation source 11, but at least two radiation sources 11, because when the radiation device 1 includes at least two radiation sources 11, the actual position between different radiation sources 11 may deviate from the designed position, which will increase the difficulty of cooperation between the collimation device 3 and the radiation device 1; and if the collimation device 3 includes at least two collimators 4, even if some of the collimators 4 have position deviations, other collimators 4 can still be used to compensate, therefore, the position accuracy requirements for a single collimator 4 can be reduced, and it is more convenient for the collimation device 3 to cooperate effectively with the detector 2 and the radiation device 1, especially the radiation device 1 including at least two radiation sources 11, to achieve a more accurate scanning inspection process.

[0051] Moreover, in the above scheme, the relative position between at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 is not fixed, but adjustable and changeable. This is more conducive to reducing the shape and position accuracy requirements for a single collimator 4, and is also convenient for adjusting the relative positions of different collimators 4 according to different situations to obtain different fields of view and meet different inspection requirements. For example, it is convenient to adjust the relative positions of different collimators 4 according to the specifications of the inspection object (such as vehicle height) to obtain different fields of view and meet the inspection requirements of inspection objects of different specifications. For another example, it is convenient to adjust the relative positions of different collimators 4 according to the setting of the radiation source 11 in the radiation device 1, so that the collimation device 3 and each radiation source 11 and each collimator 4 of the collimation device 3 can effectively cooperate and accurately detect. In this way, the flexibility of use of the radiation inspection system 100 can be enhanced, an inspection process that is more in line with actual needs can be achieved, and the inspection accuracy can be effectively improved.

[0052] It can be seen that by providing at least two stages of collimators 4 in the radiation inspection system 100 and making the relative position between the at least two stages of collimators 4 adjustable, the inspection accuracy of the radiation inspection system 100 can be effectively improved.

[0053] In addition, compared with the single-stage collimation method, the above-mentioned at least two-stage collimation method, especially the above-mentioned at least two-stage collimation method with adjustable relative position, is also more conducive to reducing the impact of scattered photons on the system, better meeting the requirements of the protection boundary dose (referring to the dose limit value set around the radiation inspection system 100 to ensure the safety of workers and the public), and realizing a safer inspection process.

[0054] It can be seen that by providing at least two stages of collimators 4 in the radiation inspection system 100 and making the relative position between the at least two stages of collimators 4 adjustable, the accuracy of the inspection results and the radiation safety of the inspection process can be effectively improved, thereby achieving a safer and more accurate inspection process.

[0055] The relative positions of at least two collimators 4 are adjustable, and the relative positions in the first direction X are adjustable, and the relative positions in the direction perpendicular to the first direction X are adjustable.

[0056] When the relative position of at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 in the first direction X is adjustable, it means that the distance between at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 is not fixed, but is adjustable and variable. In this way, it is convenient to adjust the distance between different collimators 4 according to different situations to obtain different fields of view and meet different inspection requirements. For example, it is convenient to adjust the distance between different collimators 4 according to the specifications of the inspection object to obtain different fields of view and meet the inspection requirements of inspection objects of different specifications. In this way, the flexibility of use of the radiation inspection system 100 can be enhanced, an inspection process that is more in line with actual needs can be achieved, and the inspection accuracy can be effectively improved.

[0057] In order to make the relative position between the at least two stages of collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 (for example, the relative position between the at least two collimators 4 in the first direction X) adjustable, the at least two stages of collimators 4 are constructed to be relatively movable and / or rotatable.

[0058] For example, see Figure 1 In some embodiments, at least two collimators 4 of the radiation inspection system 100 can move relative to each other in the first direction X, so that the distance between the at least two collimators 4 (specifically, the distance between the at least two collimators 4 in the first direction X) is adjustable. In this way, the distance between different collimators 4 can be adjusted by only moving different collimators 4 relative to each other in the first direction X, which is simple and convenient.

[0059] There are many ways to achieve the relative movement between different collimators 4 in the first direction X.

[0060] For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 3In some embodiments, any two adjacent collimators 4 of at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 are respectively the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32, and the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 are arranged in sequence along the first direction X, and the collimation device 3 further comprises a connecting member 5, which is connected to the second collimator 32 and enables the second collimator 32 to move relative to the first collimator 31 in the first direction X. In this way, among all the collimators 4 of the collimation device 3, any two adjacent collimators 32 close to the detector 2 (or far from the radiation device 1) can move relative to the first collimator 31 far from the detector 2 (or close to the radiation device 1) in the first direction X under the action of the connecting member 5 that connects and supports the second collimator 32, and change the distance between the two in the first direction X. Since there is no need to set up a component that enables the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 to move relative to each other, it is simpler and more convenient.

[0061] The connecting member 5 can achieve relative movement of the second collimator 32 and the first collimator 31 by moving (e.g., moving and / or rotating) in the first direction X, or the connecting member 5 can also achieve relative movement of the second collimator 32 and the first collimator 31 by changing its size in the first direction X (the corresponding size can also be referred to as the length of the connecting member 5), that is, the connecting member 5 can be constructed to be movable or adjustable in size in the first direction X to enable the second collimator 32 to move relative to the first collimator 31 in the first direction X. When the connecting member 5 achieves relative movement of the second collimator 32 and the first collimator 31 only by changing its own size in the first direction X, since the connecting member 5 does not need to move as a whole, it is simpler and more convenient.

[0062] Further, in order to make the size of the connecting member 5 adjustable in the first direction X, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The connecting member 5 includes a first connecting body 51 and a second connecting body 52. ​​The first connecting body 51 is connected to the second collimator 32 through the second connecting body 52, and the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 can move or rotate relative to each other. In this way, the size of the connecting member 5 in the first direction X can be changed by only moving or rotating the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 relative to each other, which is simple and convenient.

[0063] The relative movement between the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 can be achieved through a variety of structural forms.

[0064] For example, in some embodiments not shown in the figure, the connecting member 5 is configured as a slide rail, and the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 are respectively configured as the outer rail and the inner rail of the slide rail. In this case, the second connecting body 52 slides relative to the first connecting body 51, so that the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 can move relative to each other, change the length of the connecting member 5, and further adjust the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X.

[0065] For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are connected by two connecting holes 53 and locking members 54 (such as threaded connectors such as screws) passing through the two connecting holes 53, and at least one of the two connecting holes 53 is an elongated hole 58, so that the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 can move relative to each other. In this case, the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 can be connected by connecting the locking members 54 at different positions of the connecting holes 53 which are elongated holes 58, so as to achieve the relative movement of the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 and change the length of the connector 5. Since the locking member 54 itself has a locking function, the connector 5 can be stably maintained at the required length, so it is conducive to realizing reliable adjustment of the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X based on a relatively simple structure.

[0066] In the aforementioned embodiments, the connecting member 5 can connect the second collimator 32 to the first collimator 31 or a portion relatively stationary with the radiation source 11 (such as the entire machine casing or the shell 12 mentioned below that is covered outside the radiation source 11, etc.). When these connecting members 5 are connected to the second collimator 32, the portions to which they are connected can be collectively referred to as connected objects. That is, the connecting member 5 connects the second collimator 32 and the connected object, and the connected object includes the first collimator 31 or a portion relatively stationary with the radiation source 11.

[0067] As a further improvement to the above embodiments, see Figure 1-Figure 2 as well as Figure 5-Figure 6 , the connecting member 5 also enables the second collimator 32 to move relative to the first collimator 31 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X. At this time, the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 can not only move relative to each other in the first direction X, but also move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X (for example, the length and / or width direction of the collimation slit 44). In this way, the positions of different collimators 4 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X are adjustable, which facilitates adjusting the positions of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in different directions, thereby achieving a collimation effect that better meets actual needs and more effectively improving the accuracy of the inspection results.

[0068] As an example, see Figure 1-Figure 2 as well as Figure 5-Figure 6 , the connecting member 5 and the connected object are connected through two fixing holes 55 and fixing members (not shown) passing through the two fixing holes 55, and at least one of the two fixing holes 55 is an elongated hole 58, so that the second collimator 32 can move relative to the first collimator 31 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X. In this case, the connecting member 5 and the connected object can be connected by connecting the fixing member at different positions of the fixing hole 55 which is an elongated hole 58, so as to realize the relative movement of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X, and change the relative position of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X. Since the fixing member itself has a locking function, the second collimator 32 can be stably maintained at the target position, so it is conducive to realizing reliable adjustment of the relative position of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X based on a relatively simple structure.

[0069] In the aforementioned embodiments, the position of the collimator 4 closest to the radiation device 1 (also referred to as the most upstream collimator 4) of the at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 relative to the radiation source 11 (for example, the position in the first direction X and / or the position in the direction perpendicular to the first direction X) can be constant or adjustable. Among them, when the position of the collimator 4 closest to the radiation device 1 relative to the radiation source 11 is constant and cannot be adjusted, the structure is relatively simple. When the position of the collimator 4 closest to the radiation device 1 relative to the radiation source 11 is not constant and can be adjusted, it is convenient to flexibly adjust the position of the corresponding collimator 4 according to the setting of the radiation source 11 in the radiation device 1, so as to achieve a better collimation effect and more effectively improve the inspection accuracy.

[0070] As mentioned above, the number of the radiation source 11 in the radiation device 1 can be one or at least two. Figure 1 When the radiation device 1 includes at least two radiation sources 11, the at least two radiation sources 11 can be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimation slit 44 of the collimator 4 closest to the radiation device 1 among the at least two collimators 4, so that during operation, different radiation sources 11 can emit radiation to perform scanning, thereby improving scanning efficiency and saving scanning time.

[0071] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the radiation device 1 may include not only a radiation source 11, but also a housing 12, and the radiation source 11 of the radiation device 1 is disposed in the housing 12. For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 2When the radiation device 1 includes at least two radiation sources 11, the at least two radiation sources 11 can be disposed in the housing 12. In this way, the housing 12 can shield the radiation emitted by the radiation source 11 to a certain extent, thereby improving the radiation safety of the inspection process.

[0072] In the case where the radiation device 1 includes a housing 12, the collimator 4 closest to the radiation source 11 among the at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 may be located in the housing 12 or outside the housing 12. When the collimator 4 closest to the radiation source 11 is located outside the housing 12, not only will the corresponding collimator 4 not be shielded by the housing 12, it is more convenient to observe the corresponding collimator 4, but also the movement of the corresponding collimator 4 will not be restricted by the internal space of the housing 12, it is more convenient to adjust the position of the corresponding collimator 4, so that the corresponding collimator 4 can better cooperate with other collimators 4, the radiation device 1 and the detector 2, and a more accurate inspection process can be achieved.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the length directions of the collimating slits 44 of at least two collimators 4 of the collimating device 3 may be consistent or inconsistent. Among them, the length directions of the collimating slits 44 of at least two collimators 4 of the collimating device 3 are consistent, which means that the length directions of the collimating slits 44 of at least two collimators 4 of the collimating device 3 are absolutely parallel or approximately parallel (that is, although not absolutely parallel, the deviation is within the allowable range). In this case, different collimators 4 can cooperate better to achieve a better collimation effect.

[0074] As a further improvement to the above embodiments, see Figure 4 The slit width of the collimation slit 44 of at least one of the at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 is adjustable. The slit width of the collimation slit 44 directly affects the amount of radiation passing through the collimation slit 44, thereby affecting the collimation effect and the inspection result. Therefore, the collimation slit 44 of the collimator 4 is set to be adjustable in slit width, so as to flexibly adjust the slit width according to different needs, and achieve a collimation effect that better meets actual needs, which is conducive to further improving the inspection accuracy.

[0075] The width of the collimating slit 44 is adjustable and can be realized based on a variety of structural forms. For example, see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the collimator 4 with adjustable slit width includes a base 42 and two collimating members 43, both of which are disposed on the base 42, and a collimating slit 44 is formed between the two collimating members 43, and at least one of the two collimating members 43 is movably disposed on the base 42, so that the slit width of the collimating slit 44 is adjustable. In this way, the slit width of the collimating slit 44 can be adjusted by moving at least one of the two collimating members 43 on the base 42, which is simple and convenient.

[0076] The movable arrangement of at least one of the two alignment members 43 on the base 42 can also be implemented in a variety of structural forms. As one of them, see Figure 4 In some embodiments, at least one of the two collimating members 43 is connected to the base 42 via two mounting holes 45 and mounting members 46 (such as screws or other threaded connectors) passing through the two mounting holes 45, and at least one of the two mounting holes 45 is an elongated hole 58, so that at least one of the two collimating members 43 can be movably arranged on the base 42. In this case, at least one of the two collimating members 43 can be connected to the base 42 by making the mounting members 46 at different positions of the mounting holes 45 which are elongated holes 58, so as to achieve the relative movement of at least one of the two collimating members 43 and the base 42, and change the width of the collimating slit 44. Since the mounting members 46 themselves have a locking function, the collimating slit 44 can be stably maintained at the desired slit width, so it is conducive to realizing reliable adjustment of the width of the collimating slit based on a relatively simple structure.

[0077] As a further improvement to the above embodiments, see Figure 4 , at least one of the at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 has an adjustable main beam angle. The main beam angle of the collimation slit 44 directly affects the collimation effect and the protective dose. Therefore, the collimator 4 is set to have an adjustable main beam angle, which is convenient for flexibly adjusting the main beam angle according to different needs, so as to achieve a collimation effect and a protective effect that better meets the actual needs, which is conducive to further improving the accuracy of the inspection results and the radiation safety of the inspection process.

[0078] The main beam angle is adjustable and can be realized in a variety of structural forms. For example, see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the collimator 4 with adjustable main beam angle includes a body 41 and at least two adjusting members 47, a collimating slit 44 is provided on the body 41, at least two adjusting members 47 are provided on the body 41, and are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimating slit 44, and the distance between the at least two adjusting members 47 is adjustable, so that the main beam angle of the collimator 4 is adjustable. In this case, the size between two adjacent adjusting members 47 in the length direction of the collimating slit 44 affects the size of the main beam angle, and therefore, the distance between the at least two adjusting members 47 is adjustable, so that the main beam angle can be adjusted conveniently.

[0079] In order to achieve the adjustable distance between at least two adjusting members 47, see Figure 4In some embodiments, the adjusting member 47 is connected to the body 41 through two positioning holes 48 and positioning members 49 (such as screws or other threaded connectors) passing through the two positioning holes 48, and at least one of the two positioning holes 48 is an elongated hole 58, so that the adjusting member 47 is movably arranged on the body 41 to achieve adjustable distance between at least two adjusting members 47. In this case, the adjusting member 47 can be connected to the body 41 by making the positioning members 49 at different positions of the positioning holes 48 that are elongated holes 58, so as to achieve relative movement between the adjusting member 47 and the body 41 and change the main beam angle. Since the positioning member 49 itself can play a locking role, so that the adjusting member 47 is stably maintained at the target position, it is conducive to reliable adjustment of the main beam angle based on a relatively simple structure.

[0080] Next, combine Figure 1-Figure 6 The embodiments shown are used to further illustrate the present application.

[0081] First, let’s introduce Figure 1-Figure 4 The embodiment shown.

[0082] In this embodiment, the radiation inspection system 100 is used to perform safety inspection on a vehicle and is a transmission scanning system.

[0083] like Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the radiation inspection system 100 includes a radiation device 1 , a collimation device 3 , and a detector 2 arranged in sequence along a first direction X. It can be understood that the first direction X is the direction from the radiation device 1 to the detector 2 .

[0084] The radiation device 1 is used to emit radiation. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the radiation device 1 includes a housing 12 and a plurality of (three in the figure as an example) radiation sources 11. The plurality of radiation sources 11 (which may also be targets) are all disposed in the housing 12 and are arranged at intervals along a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. Although ideally, the plurality of radiation sources 11 are on the same straight line in the second direction Y and have no positional deviation in a third direction Z perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, in reality, due to the influence of installation errors, such as Figure 2 As shown, the multiple ray sources 11 may not be completely located on the same straight line in the second direction Y, but may have position deviations in the third direction Z perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. In this embodiment, each ray source 11 is a pulse ray source. During operation, different ray sources 11 do not emit beams at the same time, but emit beams in a switched manner to emit X-rays to the inspection object. The rays emitted by the ray source 11 pass through the inspection object and reach the detector 2 to realize the transmission scanning process.

[0085] The detector 2 is arranged downstream of the radiation device 1 along the first direction X, and is used to receive the radiation emitted by the radiation device 1 and convert the received radiation into an electrical signal that can be recorded for use in generating an image. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the radiation inspection system 100 includes only one detector 2, which receives the radiation emitted by all the radiation sources 11 of the radiation device 1, thereby realizing a scanning imaging process of multiple sources and one detector (ie, multiple radiation sources and one detector).

[0086] The collimating device 3 is disposed between the radiation device 1 and the detector 2 along the first direction X, and is used to collimate the radiation emitted from the radiation device 1 to the detector 2 to control the field of view of the radiation beam. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the collimation device 3 includes two collimators 4, which are respectively a first collimator 31 and a second collimator 32, and the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 are arranged in sequence along the first direction X. In this way, the first collimator 31 becomes the collimator 4 closest to the ray source 11 of the collimation device 3, and the second collimator 32 becomes the collimator 4 adjacent to the first collimator 31, and the two cooperate to enable the collimation device 3 to achieve two-stage collimation.

[0087] Specifically, by Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that in this embodiment, the first collimator 31 is located outside the shell 12 and is fixedly connected to the shell 12, and the position between the first collimator 31 and the shell 12 is not adjustable. In this way, the collimator 4 of the collimation device 3 closest to the radiation source 11 is located outside the shell 12 and the position between the first collimator 31 and the radiation source 11 is not adjustable. The second collimator 32 is located on the side of the first collimator 31 close to the detector 2. In this way, an area for placing an inspection object (specifically a vehicle such as a large truck or a car or a cargo, etc.) is formed between the second collimator 32 and the detector 2, so that the rays emitted by the radiation source 11 can be collimated by the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in sequence, pass through the inspection object, reach the detector 2, and be received by the detector 2.

[0088] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 It can be seen that in this embodiment, the length directions of the collimating slits 44 of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 are all along the second direction Y, and the width directions are all along the third direction Z. In this way, the third direction Z is the width direction of the collimating slit 44, the second direction Y is the length direction of the collimating slit 44, and the multiple ray sources 11 are arranged at intervals along the second direction Y, which means that the multiple ray sources 11 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimating slit 44, and the length directions of the collimating slits 44 of different collimators 4 are consistent.

[0089] In this embodiment, the slit width of the second collimator 32 is smaller than that of the first collimator 31 to achieve a convergence effect. In addition, in this embodiment, the slit widths of the collimating slits 44 of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 are both adjustable, and the main beam angle of the first collimator 31 is adjustable.

[0090] Specifically, if Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first collimator 31 includes a body 41 and a plurality of (four in the figure as an example) adjusting members 47 .

[0091] The body 41 includes a base 42 and two collimating members 43. The base 42 and the two collimating members 43 are both plate-shaped, and the length direction is along the second direction Y, and the width direction is along the third direction Z. The two collimating members 43 are arranged on the base 42 at intervals along the third direction Z, and are opposite to each other, so that a collimating slit 44 is formed between the two collimating members 43. The two collimating members 43 are connected to the base 42 through a mounting member 46 and two mounting holes 45 that cooperate with the mounting member 46. The two mounting holes 45 that cooperate with the mounting member 46 are respectively located on the collimating member 43 and the base 42. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 45 located on the collimating member 43 is an elongated hole 58 (for example, an oblong hole), and its major axis direction is along the third direction Z (that is, the slit width direction of the collimating slit 44). In this way, the alignment member 43 and the base 42 can be connected by placing the mounting member 46 at different positions of the mounting hole 45 on the alignment member 43 to change the position of the alignment member 43 on the base 42, thereby changing the distance between the two alignment members 43 and adjusting the width of the alignment slit 44.

[0092] A plurality of adjusting members 47 are arranged on the main body 41 at intervals along the second direction Y (i.e., the length direction of the collimating slit 44), so that a beam-out region 40 is formed between any two adjacent adjusting members 47, and the first collimator 31 has a plurality of (three are taken as an example in the figure) beam-out regions 40 corresponding one to one with the radiation source 11. The size of the beam-out region 40 in the first direction X is related to the size of the main beam angle. In this embodiment, each adjusting member 47 is plate-shaped, and is connected to the main body 41 through a positioning member 49 and two positioning holes 48 that cooperate with the positioning member 49. The two positioning holes 48 that cooperate with the positioning member 49 are respectively located on the adjusting member 47 and the main body 41. Among them, in this embodiment, the positioning hole 48 located on the adjusting member 47 is an elongated hole 58 (e.g., an oblong hole), and its major axis direction is along the second direction Y (i.e., the length direction of the collimating slit 44). In this way, the adjusting member 47 and the body 41 can be connected by placing the positioning member 49 at different positions of the positioning hole 48 on the adjusting member 47 to change the position of the adjusting member 47 on the body 41, thereby changing the distance between the two adjusting members 47 and adjusting the main beam angle.

[0093] The slit width of the second collimator 32 is adjustable, but the main beam angle is not adjustable. In this embodiment, the second collimator 32 is the same as the first collimator 31, and also changes the slit width based on the movement of the two collimating members 43 on the base 42, but unlike the first collimator 31, the second collimator 32 does not include an adjustment member 47 that can be moved on the body 41, and does not adjust the main beam angle.

[0094] Based on the above structural arrangement, in this embodiment, the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 can collimate the rays emitted from the ray source 11 to the inspection object in sequence, thereby realizing two-stage collimation. Figure 2 As shown, the function of the first collimator 31 is mainly to fit the ray sources 11 at different positions, especially those with position deviations, into a straight line, so that as much of the main beam common area as possible passes through the collimation device 3; the function of the second collimator 32 is mainly to reduce the impact of scattered photons on the system and retain the main beam that can be shared by multiple ray sources 11 as much as possible.

[0095] Since two-stage collimation can be achieved, and the slit widths of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 are adjustable, and the main beam angle of the first collimator 31 is adjustable, the slit widths of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 and the main beam angle of the first collimator 31 can be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions to achieve a collimation process that better meets actual needs, which is conducive to improving inspection accuracy.

[0096] Back to Figure 1 In this embodiment, the second collimator 32 is connected to the first collimator 31 through the connecting member 5, and combined with Figure 1 and Figure 3 It can be seen that in this embodiment, under the action of the connecting member 5 , the second collimator 32 can move relative to the first collimator 31 in the first direction X, thereby changing the distance between the second collimator 32 and the first collimator 31 .

[0097] Specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the connecting member 5 includes a first connecting body 51 and a second connecting body 52. ​​The first connecting body 51 is connected to the first collimator 31, and the second connecting body 52 is connected to the second collimator 32. The first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 are connected to be relatively movable in the first direction X, so that the connecting member 5 can change the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 by changing the size in the first direction X.

[0098] More specifically, by Figure 1 and Figure 3It can be seen that in this embodiment, the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 both include a first section 56 and a second section 57 connected in an L shape. The first section 56 of the first connector 51 and the first section 56 of the second connector 52 are both plate-shaped and extend along the second direction Y, and are respectively connected to the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 to achieve the connection between the connector 5 and the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32. In addition, the second section 57 of the first connector 51 and the second section 57 of the second connector 52 are both plate-shaped and extend along the first direction X, and are connected by a locking member 54 and two connecting holes 53 that cooperate with the locking member 54. Among them, the two connecting holes 53 that cooperate with the locking member 54 are respectively located on the second section 57 of the first connector 51 and the second section 57 of the second connector 52, and the two connecting holes 53 are both elongated holes 58 (for example, elongated circular holes), and the major axis directions are both along the first direction X. In this way, the length of the connecting member 5 can be changed by connecting the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 at different positions of the locking member 54 in the long axis direction of the connecting hole 53, thereby adjusting the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X.

[0099] The distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X affects the collimation effect. When the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X is different, the size of the radiation range after collimation is different, and the shielding effect of the rays outside the radiation range is different. Therefore, the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X is adjustable, which is convenient for realizing a collimation process that better meets actual needs, which is conducive to improving inspection accuracy.

[0100] In summary, it can be seen that in this embodiment, since the collimation device 3 includes two-stage collimators 4, and the distance between the two-stage collimators 4 in the first direction X is adjustable, at the same time, the slit widths of the collimation slits 44 of the two-stage collimators 4 are adjustable, and the main beam angle of the first-stage collimator 4 is adjustable, therefore, the accuracy of the inspection effect can be effectively improved.

[0101] But it should be understood that the above Figure 1-Figure 4 The embodiments shown do not constitute the only limitation to the present application, but other variations are possible.

[0102] Figure 5 and Figure 6 To simplify the description, only these two variants are described below. Figure 1-Figure 4 The differences between the embodiments shown and not described herein can be referred to in Figure 1-Figure 4 description of the illustrated embodiments.

[0103] like Figure 5As shown, in this variation, an elongated hole 58 (e.g., an elongated circular hole) is provided on the first section 56 of the first connecting body 51 of the connecting member 5, and the connecting member 5 is connected to the first collimator 31 through the corresponding elongated hole 58, and the major axis direction of the corresponding elongated hole 58 is along the second direction Y. In this way, the connecting member 5 can make the second collimator 32 move as a whole relative to the first collimator 31 and the radiation source 11 in the second direction Y, and change the position of the second collimator 32 as a whole relative to the first collimator 31 and the radiation source 11 in the second direction Y, which is also conducive to making the second collimator 32 better cooperate with the first collimator 31, the radiation device 1, and the detector 2, improving the collimation effect, and improving the accuracy of the inspection result.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, in this variation, an elongated hole 58 (e.g., an oblong hole) is provided on the first section 56 of the first connecting body 51 of the connecting member 5, and the connecting member 5 is connected to the first collimator 31 through the corresponding elongated hole 58, and the major axis direction of the corresponding elongated hole 58 is along the third direction Z. In this way, the connecting member 5 can make the second collimator 32 move as a whole relative to the first collimator 31 and the radiation source 11 in the third direction Z, and change the position of the second collimator 32 as a whole relative to the first collimator 31 and the radiation source 11 in the third direction Z, which is also conducive to making the second collimator 32 better cooperate with the first collimator 31, the radiation device 1, and the detector 2, improving the collimation effect, and improving the accuracy of the inspection result.

[0105] In addition, in embodiments not shown in the figures, there may be other variations.

[0106] For example, in some embodiments, it is no longer the first collimator 31 that has an adjustable main beam angle, but the second collimator 32 that has an adjustable main beam angle, or both the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 have adjustable main beam angles.

[0107] For another example, in some embodiments, the slit widths of both the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 are no longer adjustable, but only the slit width of one of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 is adjustable.

[0108] For another example, in some embodiments, the number of collimators 4 is no longer two, but at least three.

[0109] For another example, in some embodiments, the collimating slit 44 is no longer rectangular, but is circular or other shapes.

[0110] For another example, in some embodiments, the radiation inspection system 100 is no longer a transmission radiation inspection system, but a backscatter radiation inspection system.

[0111] The above description is only an exemplary embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A radiation inspection system (100), characterized in that: include: A radiation device (1) comprises a radiation source (11) for emitting radiation; A detector (2), arranged downstream of the radiation device (1) along a first direction (X), and used for receiving radiation emitted by the radiation device (1); and A collimation device (3) is used to collimate the radiation emitted by the radiation device (1), the collimation device (3) comprising at least two collimators (4), the at least two collimators (4) being arranged at intervals along the first direction (X), each having a collimation slit (44) for the radiation to pass through, and the relative position between the at least two collimators (4) being adjustable.

2. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The relative position between the at least two collimators (4) in the first direction (X) is adjustable; and / or the position between the at least two collimators (4) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X) is adjustable.

3. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The at least two collimators (4) are relatively movable and / or rotatable in the first direction (X), so that the relative position of the at least two collimators (4) in the first direction (X) is adjustable.

4. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: Any two adjacent collimators (4) among the at least two collimators (4) are respectively a first collimator (31) and a second collimator (32); the first collimator (31) and the second collimator (32) are arranged in sequence along the first direction (X); the collimation device (3) further comprises a connecting member (5); the connecting member (5) is connected to the second collimator (32) and enables the second collimator (32) to move relative to the first collimator (31) in the first direction (X).

5. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting member (5) is movable or has an adjustable size in the first direction (X), so that the second collimator (32) can move in the first direction (X) relative to the first collimator (31).

6. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting member (5) comprises a first connecting body (51) and a second connecting body (52); the first connecting body (51) is connected to the second collimator (32) via the second connecting body (52); the first connecting body (51) and the second connecting body (52) are relatively movable or rotatable, so that the size of the connecting member (5) in the first direction (X) is adjustable.

7. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first connecting body (51) and the second connecting body (52) are connected via two connecting holes (53) and a locking member (54) passing through the two connecting holes (53), and at least one of the two connecting holes (53) is an elongated hole (58) so that the first connecting body (51) and the second connecting body (52) can move relative to each other.

8. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting member (5) also enables the second collimator (32) to move relative to the first collimator (31) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X).

9. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connecting member (5) and the connected object are connected via two fixing holes (55) and fixing members passing through the two fixing holes (55); the connected object comprises a first collimator (31) or a portion relatively stationary with respect to the radiation source (11); at least one of the two fixing holes (55) is an elongated hole (58) so that the second collimator (32) can move relative to the first collimator (31) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X).

10. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position of the collimator (4) closest to the radiation device (1) among the at least two collimators (4) relative to the radiation source (11) is adjustable or constant; and / or the radiation device (1) further comprises a housing (12), the radiation source (11) of the radiation device (1) is arranged in the housing (12), and the collimator (4) closest to the radiation source (11) among the at least two collimators (4) is located in the housing (12) or outside the housing (12).

11. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation device (1) comprises at least two radiation sources (11), wherein the at least two radiation sources (11) are arranged at intervals along the length direction of a collimating slit (44) of a collimator (4) that is closest to the radiation device (1) among the at least two collimators (4); and / or the length directions of the collimating slits (44) of the at least two collimators (4) are consistent.

12. The radiation inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The slit width of the collimating slit (44) of at least one of the at least two collimators (4) is adjustable; and / or the main beam angle of at least one of the at least two collimators (4) is adjustable.

13. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The collimator (4) with adjustable slit width comprises a base (42) and two collimating members (43), wherein the two collimating members (43) are both arranged on the base (42), and the collimating slit (44) is formed between the two collimating members (43), and at least one of the two collimating members (43) is movably arranged on the base (42) so that the slit width of the collimating slit (44) is adjustable.

14. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that: At least one of the two collimating members (43) is connected to the base (42) via two mounting holes (45) and a mounting member (46) passing through the two mounting holes (45); at least one of the two mounting holes (45) is an elongated hole (58), so that at least one of the two collimating members (43) can be movably arranged on the base (42).

15. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that: A collimator (4) with adjustable main beam angle comprises a body (41) and at least two adjusting members (47), wherein the collimating slit (44) is arranged on the body (41), and the at least two adjusting members (47) are arranged on the body (41) and are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimating slit (44), and the distance between the at least two adjusting members (47) is adjustable, so that the main beam angle of the collimator (4) is adjustable.

16. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that: The adjusting member (47) is connected to the main body (41) via two positioning holes (48) and a positioning member (49) passing through the two positioning holes (48), and at least one of the two positioning holes (48) is an elongated hole (58), so that the adjusting member (47) can be movably arranged on the main body (41) to achieve adjustable distance between the at least two adjusting members (47).

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