Linear scanning CT imaging system and imaging method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a linear scanning CT imaging system and an imaging method. The linear scanning CT imaging system comprises a first support frame and a second support frame, a first conveying device mounted on the first support frame, comprising a first driving mechanism, a first conveying mechanism and a first linear scanning section, the first driving mechanism driving the first conveying mechanism to move along the first linear scanning section, a second conveying device mounted on the second support frame, comprising a second driving mechanism, a second conveying mechanism and a second linear scanning section, the second driving mechanism driving the second conveying mechanism to move along the second linear scanning section, at least one bearing seat carrying at least one scanning object, capable of being driven by the first conveying mechanism or the second conveying mechanism to move, a plurality of sets of scanning devices, each set of scanning devices comprising at least one ray source and at least one detector, and an imaging device for generating a computed tomography image of the scanning object according to a plurality of projection data detected by each detector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of scanning imaging and battery detection, and specifically to a linear scanning CT imaging system and imaging method. Background Technology

[0002] Scanning imaging relies on X-ray sources and detectors to sample the object point-by-point and line-by-line to obtain information on the electromagnetic radiation characteristics of the object, forming an image within a specific spectral band. Existing rotational CT (Computed Tomography) technology requires improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application provides a linear scanning CT imaging system and imaging method.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a linear scanning CT imaging system is provided, comprising: a first support frame and a second support frame; a first transport device mounted on the first support frame, the first transport device including a first drive mechanism, a first transport mechanism, and a first linear scanning segment, the first drive mechanism being configured to drive the first transport mechanism to move along the first linear scanning segment; a second transport device mounted on the second support frame, the second transport device including a second drive mechanism, a second transport mechanism, and a second linear scanning segment, the second drive mechanism being configured to drive the second transport mechanism to move along the second linear scanning segment; at least one carrier configured to carry at least one scanning object, each carrier being movable by the first transport mechanism or the second transport mechanism; and multiple sets of scanning devices, wherein the first linear scanning segment and the second... Each linear scanning segment is equipped with at least one scanning device, each scanning device including at least one X-ray source and at least one detector. The X-ray source is configured to emit a X-ray beam to form a scanning area, and the detector is configured to detect the projection data formed after the X-ray beam passes through the scanning object as the scanning object passes through the scanning area. An imaging device is used to generate a computed tomography image of the scanning object based on multiple projection data detected by the detectors of the first and second linear scanning segments. The X-ray sources in the first and second linear scanning segments emit X-ray beams from different angles relative to the scanning object. When the connecting part in the second transmission mechanism is close to the first linear scanning segment, each carrier is configured to be able to transfer from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part.

[0005] According to an embodiment of this application, the first linear scanning segment includes a first linear guide rail, and the connecting part includes a connecting guide rail, wherein, when the first linear guide rail and the connecting guide rail are aligned, each carrier is configured to be able to transfer from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part.

[0006] According to an embodiment of this application, a first end of the connecting guide rail is connected to a second linear guide rail of a second linear scanning segment, and the first end is further away from the second linear scanning segment than the second end opposite to the first end, and is configured to be aligned with the first linear guide rail; and / or, the connecting guide rail is perpendicular to the second linear guide rail, and is configured to be able to reciprocate along the second linear guide rail.

[0007] According to an embodiment of this application, when multiple carriers are included, the second conveying mechanism includes multiple connecting rails, wherein the multiple connecting rails are distributed parallel to each other along the second straight scanning segment.

[0008] According to an embodiment of this application, a plurality of connecting rails are configured to be sequentially aligned with a first linear rail to support a plurality of carriers.

[0009] According to an embodiment of this application, the system further includes a pushing mechanism configured to push each carrier from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting segment when the connecting portion in the second conveying mechanism is close to the first linear scanning segment.

[0010] According to an embodiment of this application, the system further includes: a third support frame and a fourth support frame; a third conveying device mounted on the third support frame, the third conveying device including a third driving mechanism, a third conveying mechanism and a third linear scanning segment, the third driving mechanism being configured to drive the third conveying mechanism to move along the third linear scanning segment, the third linear scanning segment being parallel to the first linear scanning segment; and a fourth conveying device mounted on the fourth support frame, the fourth conveying device including a fourth driving mechanism, a fourth conveying mechanism and a fourth linear scanning segment, the fourth driving mechanism being configured to drive the fourth conveying mechanism to move along the fourth linear scanning segment, the fourth linear scanning segment being parallel to the second linear scanning segment; wherein the first linear scanning segment, the second linear scanning segment, the third linear scanning segment and the fourth linear scanning segment form a circular conveying path.

[0011] According to an embodiment of this application, when the connecting part in the second transmission mechanism is close to the third linear scanning section, each carrier is configured to be able to transfer from the first linear scanning section to the connecting part.

[0012] According to an embodiment of this application, when the connecting part of the fourth conveying mechanism is close to the third linear scanning section, each carrier is configured to be able to transfer from the third linear scanning section to the connecting part of the fourth conveying mechanism.

[0013] According to an embodiment of this application, when the connecting part of the first conveying mechanism is close to the fourth linear scanning segment, each carrier is configured to be able to be transferred from the connecting part of the fourth conveying mechanism to the first linear scanning segment.

[0014] According to an embodiment of this application, the first conveying mechanism moves horizontally, the second conveying mechanism moves vertically, the conveying end of the first conveying mechanism approaches the conveying start end of the second conveying mechanism, and the scanned object is transferred from the conveying end to the conveying start end.

[0015] According to an embodiment of this application, the support base defines a support surface; when the scanned object passes through a first linear scanning segment, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source in the first linear scanning segment is perpendicular to the support surface; when the scanned object passes through a second linear scanning segment, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source in the second linear scanning segment is parallel to the support surface.

[0016] According to an embodiment of this application, when the scanned object passes through a first linear scanning segment, a first surface angle is formed between the detector surface and the bearing surface in the first linear scanning segment; when the scanned object passes through a second linear scanning segment, a second surface angle is formed between the detector surface and the bearing surface in the second linear scanning segment, and the first surface angle and the second surface angle are not equal.

[0017] According to an embodiment of this application, the first face angle is approximately 0° and the second face angle is approximately 90°.

[0018] According to an embodiment of this application, when the scanned object passes through the first straight line scan segment, the orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object intersects at least partially with the orthographic projection area of ​​the first straight line scan segment; when the scanned object passes through the second straight line scan segment, the orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object is independent of the orthographic projection area of ​​the first straight line scan segment.

[0019] According to embodiments of this application, each scanning device includes: a first radiation source; a first detector, wherein, during the scanning process of the object being scanned passing through the scanning area of ​​the first radiation source, the first radiation source and the first detector are located on opposite sides of the object being scanned; a second radiation source, opposite to the first radiation source, wherein the radiation beam emitted by the second radiation source and the radiation beam emitted by the first radiation source pass through different areas of the object being scanned; and a second detector, opposite to the first detector, wherein, during the scanning process of the object being scanned passing through the scanning area of ​​the first radiation source, the second radiation source and the second detector are located on opposite sides of the object being scanned.

[0020] According to embodiments of this application, the scanning object includes flat-shaped battery cells.

[0021] A second aspect of this application provides a linear scanning CT imaging method applied to any of the above-mentioned systems, comprising: for any scanned object, driving a transmission mechanism of the transmission device driving the transmission mechanism to move along a first linear scanning segment and a second linear scanning segment, wherein a carrier mounted on the transmission mechanism carries the scanned object, and the carrier can move with the transmission mechanism to pass through the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment, wherein the scanned object can be placed on carriers connected to different transmission mechanisms to pass through the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment; for any linear scanning segment, emitting a beam from a radiation source to form a scanning area, and detecting projection data formed after the radiation beam passes through the scanned object as it passes through the scanning area, wherein multiple sets of scanning devices are respectively disposed in the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment, each set of scanning devices including at least one radiation source and at least one detector; and generating a computed tomography image of the scanned object by an imaging device based on multiple projection data detected by each detector in the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment.

[0022] The above-described one or more embodiments have the following beneficial effects: By setting up a first support frame, a second support frame, and corresponding first and second conveying devices, and a carrier that can be transferred between the two, scanning devices are respectively arranged in the first and second linear scanning segments. The carrier is transferred from the first linear scanning segment to the second linear scanning segment using a connecting part. This allows the carrier to carry the scanning object to complete two linear scans at different angles in sequence, enabling continuous scanning of the scanning object at different angles. The docking of the connecting part can stabilize the posture of the scanning object during the transfer of the carrier. Combined with the projection data collected from the two linear scanning segments, the imaging device can integrate to form a complete computed tomography image, effectively improving the accuracy of CT imaging. At the same time, the X-ray beam scanning at different angles also improves the integrity of the scanning data, providing data support for high-precision imaging. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above-mentioned contents, other objects, features and advantages of this application will become clearer from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This illustration schematically depicts an application scenario of a linear scanning CT imaging system and imaging method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 The schematic diagram illustrates a structural schematic of a linear scanning CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This schematic diagram illustrates the connection between the carrier and the conveying mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second linear scanning CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a third linear scanning CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 This illustration schematically shows a structural diagram of a second support frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 7 The schematic diagram illustrates a structural schematic of a connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another linear scanning CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0032] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of this application.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0035] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.

[0036] When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B and C", they should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" should include, but is not limited to, a system having A alone, a system having B alone, a system having C alone, a system having A and B, a system having A and C, a system having B and C, and / or a system having A, B and C, etc.).

[0037] Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a linear scanning CT imaging system and imaging method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the scanning device of a linear scanning CT imaging system can be used for radiation emission and projection data acquisition. The radiation source 51 of the scanning device is a component capable of emitting a radiation beam, such as an X-ray accelerator, X-ray machine, or radioactive isotope, along with corresponding auxiliary equipment, forming a scanning area covering the object to be scanned 7. The detector 52 may include a detector array for acquiring transmission projection data of the radiation by receiving radiation that passes through the object to be imaged. The detector 52 may also include readout circuitry and a logic control unit for reading the projection data from the detector array. The detector array may include multiple solid-state detector units, multiple gas detector units, or multiple semiconductor detector units. For example, the detector 52 may be a flat panel detector or a linear array detector. The scanning area is the spatial region covered by the radiation beam emitted by the radiation source 51. When the object to be scanned 7 passes through this area, it can be scanned at least partially by the scanning device, forming projection data.

[0039] In the field of industrial inspection, it is often necessary to inspect the internal structure or defects of products. This involves large quantities of samples and a fast pace of inspection. For example, in the production of flat objects such as lithium-ion battery cells, online quality inspection of a batch of lithium-ion battery cells is required. This involves a huge number of cells, a fast production pace, and high accuracy requirements. Therefore, achieving stable transport and posture maintenance of the inspected object during the scanning process, as well as efficient integration and image fusion of multi-angle linear scans, is extremely crucial.

[0040] Linear CT inspection technology features a linear scanning path and is more applicable to the inspection of objects of different sizes, using linear scanning to achieve CT imaging of the output object. However, related linear CT inspection technologies are difficult to apply to inspection requirements involving large quantities, fast production line cycles, and high precision in localized fine-grained inspections. The transport accuracy and posture consistency of the inspected object during horizontal and vertical movement in linear CT inspection have a significant impact on imaging accuracy. Improving the inspection cycle and imaging accuracy of linear CT inspection has become a key factor restricting its further application in high-precision online inspection scenarios for flat objects such as lithium battery cells.

[0041] Figure 2The schematic diagram illustrates a structural schematic of a linear scanning CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the carrier and the conveying mechanism according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0042] like Figures 2-3 As shown in the figure, a linear scanning CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application includes: a first support frame 11, a second support frame 12, a first conveying device, a second conveying device, at least one carrier 4, multiple sets of scanning devices 5, and an imaging device.

[0043] A first conveying device is installed on a first support frame 11. The first conveying device includes a first driving mechanism, a first conveying mechanism 21, and a first linear scanning segment. The first driving mechanism is configured to drive the first conveying mechanism 21 to move along the first linear scanning segment.

[0044] The second conveying device is installed on the second support frame 12. The second conveying device includes a second drive mechanism, a second conveying mechanism 22, and a second linear scanning section. The second drive mechanism is configured to drive the second conveying mechanism 22 to move along the second linear scanning section.

[0045] At least one carrier 4 is configured to carry at least one scanned object 7, and each carrier 4 can be moved by a first conveying mechanism 21 or a second conveying mechanism 22.

[0046] Multiple scanning devices 5 are provided, wherein at least one scanning device 5 is provided for the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment respectively. Each scanning device 5 includes at least one X-ray source 51 and at least one detector 52. The X-ray source is configured to emit a X-ray beam to form a scanning area, and the detector 52 is configured to detect the projection data formed after the X-ray beam passes through the scanning object 7 during the process of the scanning object 7 passing through the scanning area.

[0047] An imaging device is used to generate a computed tomographic image of the scanned object 7 based on multiple projection data detected by each detector 52 in the first and second linear scan segments.

[0048] The X-ray source 51 in the first linear scanning segment and the X-ray source 51 in the second linear scanning segment emit X-ray beams from different angles relative to the scanned object 7. When the connecting part 25 in the second transmission mechanism 22 is close to the first linear scanning segment, each carrier 4 is configured to be able to transfer from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part 25.

[0049] The first support frame 11 and the second support frame 12 can be structural components that provide fixation and support for at least one of the following components: the first or second conveying device, the carrier 4, the scanning device 5, and the imaging device. The first support frame 11 and the second support frame 12 can possess appropriate structural strength and stability to ensure the accuracy of the supported component's installation position. The first support frame 11 and the second support frame 12 can each include a beam; for example, the first support frame 11 can include a crossbeam, and the second support frame 12 can include a longitudinal beam. The first support frame 11 and the second support frame 12 can also be frame-type. For example, the first support frame 11 or the second support frame 12 can be a frame-type support frame made of aluminum alloy profiles, or it can be a beam-type support frame welded from steel plates.

[0050] The first conveying device drives the carrier 4 to move along the first straight scanning segment through the first conveying mechanism 21, thereby driving the scanning object 7 to pass through the first straight scanning segment to complete the scanning; the second conveying device drives the carrier 4 to move along the second straight scanning segment through the second conveying mechanism 22, thereby driving the scanning object 7 to pass through the second straight scanning segment to complete the scanning; thus realizing continuous online detection.

[0051] The first and second drive mechanisms can be power-providing components, such as servo motors and stepper motors. The first and second transmission mechanisms 21 and 22 can be components that transmit power and drive the carrier to move. The first and second transmission mechanisms 21 and 22 can, for example, include timing belts, chains, sliders, etc. The first and second transmission devices can include multiple transmission mechanisms. For example, the first transmission device can include eight sliders (first transmission mechanism 21) to continuously transmit multiple scanned objects 7 for detection.

[0052] The first and second linear scanning segments can be two linear motion and scanning operation areas in the system with different spatial orientations and independent scanning functions. The two work together to complete the data acquisition of the scanned object from different angles.

[0053] The carrier 4 can be driven by the first conveying mechanism 21 or the second conveying mechanism 22, and can move along the first or second linear scanning segment following the conveying mechanism. The carrier 4 can be used to place and fix the scanning object. The carrier 4 can be designed with a structure adapted to the shape and specifications of the scanning object 7. For example, the carrier 4 can be a tray type, a cage type, or other shapes that match the scanning object.

[0054] The scanning device 5 is used for radiation emission and projection data acquisition. The radiation source 51 is a component that emits a radiation beam, such as an X-ray tube or gamma-ray source, forming a scanning area covering the object being scanned. The detector 52 is a component that receives the radiation beam passing through the object and converts it into projection data. For example, the detector 52 can be a flat panel detector or a linear array detector. The scanning area is the spatial region covered by the radiation beam emitted by the radiation source 51. When the object being scanned passes through this area, it can be at least partially scanned by the scanning device 5, forming projection data.

[0055] Projection data is the X-ray signal data received by the detector after the X-ray beam passes through the scanned object. As the X-ray beam passes through the scanned object, it attenuates to varying degrees due to differences in density and thickness of different internal structures. The detector 52 converts the attenuated X-ray signal into an electrical or digital signal, thus forming projection data. Projection data can be used as the raw data for generating CT images.

[0056] An imaging device can generate computed tomographic images of the scanned object based on the projection data of a linear scan segment and through CT reconstruction. The imaging device can be, for example, a computer or a server.

[0057] Multiple X-ray sources 51 emit multiple X-ray beams from multiple angles relative to the scanned object, enabling multi-dimensional scanning of the object. For example, the X-ray source in the first linear scan segment emits a beam at a 30° angle (the angle with the surface of the scanned object), the source in the second linear scan segment emits a beam at a 90° angle, and the source in the third linear scan segment emits a beam at a 150° angle. Multiple X-ray sources can compensate for the limitations of single-angle scanning, generating CT images of the object, either locally or globally.

[0058] In the first and second linear scanning segments, radiation can be applied to different parts and directions of the object being scanned. After the object is scanned in one linear scanning segment, the carrier is configured to transfer from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part in the second conveying mechanism, where the second linear scanning segment can be performed.

[0059] The connecting section can be used to receive the carrier from the first linear scanning section. The connecting section is part of the second conveying mechanism, mounted on the second support frame, and can switch the movement direction of the carrier on it. The carrier can be transferred from the first linear scanning section to the connecting section 25 by translation or by using a robotic arm to grab the carrier 4 to the connecting section.

[0060] For example, when the connecting part approaches the first linear scanning segment, the carrier can move horizontally from the first linear scanning segment that has completed the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part. The carrier moves in the second linear scanning segment by relying on the second conveying mechanism, realizing the switching between horizontal and vertical movements.

[0061] The connecting part can accept at least one support seat. For example, the connecting part can contain a multi-layer structure, with each layer accepting one support seat. When the connecting part moves along the second linear scanning segment, the scanning device 5 of the second support frame scans the scanning object carried by each support seat on the connecting part.

[0062] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second linear scanning CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0063] like Figure 4 The linear scanning CT imaging system shown includes a first support frame 11 and a second support frame 12. At least one carrier 4 in the system is configured to carry at least one scanning object 7, and each carrier 4 can be moved by the first or second transfer mechanism. In embodiments of this application, a base 10 can be provided for connecting and fixing the first support frame 11 and the second support frame 12. For example, the linear scanning CT imaging system can be fixed to the ground by the base 10. The system includes multiple scanning devices 5, each including at least one X-ray source 51 and at least one detector 52. The placement angle of the scanning object 7 on the carrier 4 can be adjusted. For example, the corner of the scanning object 7 can pass through the scanning area formed by the X-ray source 51, and the X-ray source 51 in the first linear scanning segment can emit a X-ray beam from the top of the corner of the scanning object 7 to irradiate the scanning object 7. The carrier 4 is configured to be able to transfer from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part 25. The X-ray source 51 in the second linear scanning segment can emit a X-ray beam from the side of the corner of the scanning object 7 to irradiate the scanning object 7, thereby achieving continuous scanning of the corner of the scanning object 7 at different angles.

[0064] The embodiments of this application, by setting up a first support frame, a second support frame, and corresponding first and second conveying devices, along with a carrier that can be transferred between the two, deploy scanning devices in the first and second linear scanning segments respectively. A connecting part is used to transfer the carrier from the first linear scanning segment to the second linear scanning segment, allowing the carrier to sequentially complete two linear scans at different angles, enabling continuous scanning of the object from different angles. The docking of the connecting part stabilizes the posture of the object during the carrier transfer process. Combining the projection data collected from the two linear scanning segments, the imaging device can integrate to form a complete computed tomography (CT) image, effectively improving CT imaging accuracy. Simultaneously, the X-ray beam scanning at different angles also enhances the integrity of the scanning data, providing data support for high-precision imaging.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, according to an embodiment of this application, the first linear scanning segment may include a first linear guide rail 31, and the connecting part 25 may include a connecting guide rail 30. When the first linear guide rail 31 and the connecting guide rail 30 are aligned, each carrier 4 is configured to be able to transfer from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part 25.

[0066] The first linear guide rail 31 is aligned with the connecting guide rail 30, meaning that the guide surface of the connecting guide rail 30 is coplanar or flush with the guide surface of the first linear scanning section, ensuring smooth movement of the carrier 4 when it moves from the first linear scanning section to the connecting part. This also ensures that the posture of the scanned object remains unchanged when the carrier 4 moves from the first linear scanning section to the connecting part.

[0067] The connector 25 may include at least one connector rail 30. Each connector rail 30 may receive one carrier 4. The connector 25 may receive at least one carrier 4. When the connector 25 receives multiple carriers 4, the connector 25 may include multiple connector rails 30.

[0068] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a third linear scanning CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0069] like Figure 5 The linear scanning CT imaging system shown, with the first linear guide rail of the first support frame 11 aligned with the docking guide rail of the docking section 25, allows each carrier 4 to be transferred from the first linear scanning segment to the docking section 25. The system may include multiple second transport mechanisms 22. Each second transport mechanism 22 receives a carrier via the docking section 25. Each carrier 4 can be configured on the second support frame 12 to move along a circular transport path (as shown by the arrow), which includes the second linear scanning segment. The X-ray source 51 in the second linear scanning segment emits a beam from the side of the scanned object 7 to irradiate it. After scanning, the second transport mechanism 22, via the docking section 25, can move the carrier 4 to transport the scanned object 7 to a predetermined position. For example, the scanned object 7 can be transported to the third support frame 13 for unloading. The docking section 25 can then continue moving along the circular transport path back to its initial position.

[0070] In the embodiments of this application, the first linear scanning segment may include a first linear guide rail, and the connecting part may include a connecting guide rail. The carrier can be transferred when the first linear guide rail and the connecting guide rail are aligned, which can reduce the offset and shaking of the carrier during the transfer process, improve the posture stability of the carrier and the scanning object, improve the accuracy of the connection between the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment, thereby improving the imaging accuracy and detection efficiency.

[0071] According to an embodiment of this application, a first end of the connecting guide rail is connected to a second linear guide rail of a second linear scanning segment, and the first end is further away from the second linear scanning segment than the second end opposite to the first end, and is configured to be aligned with the first linear guide rail; and / or, the connecting guide rail is perpendicular to the second linear guide rail, and is configured to be able to reciprocate along the second linear guide rail.

[0072] The second end of the connecting guide rail can be aligned with the first linear guide rail, allowing the carrier to smoothly slide from the first linear guide rail into the connecting guide rail. The first end of the connecting guide rail connects to the second linear guide rail of the second linear scanning segment, allowing the carrier to continue sliding from the connecting guide rail into the second linear guide rail. The alignment design of the two ends of the connecting guide rail allows the carrier to transfer continuously between the first and second linear guide rails. The shape of the connecting guide rail can have a certain curvature according to the orientation of the first and second linear guide rails. For example, the connecting guide rail can be arc-shaped, with its two ends respectively connecting to the horizontally set first linear guide rail and the vertically set second linear guide rail.

[0073] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second support frame according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the connecting rail 30 can be perpendicular to the second linear guide 32 and can reciprocate along the second linear guide 32. After the scanned object is transferred to the connecting rail 30, it can move along the second linear guide 32 together with the connecting rail 30 (e.g., from top to bottom). After scanning is completed, the scanned object is removed from the connecting rail, and the connecting rail returns to its initial position along the second linear guide (e.g., from bottom to top).

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, the first end of the connecting guide rail can be connected to the second linear guide rail, and the second end is aligned with the first linear guide rail. This allows the carrier to move from the first linear guide rail to the connecting guide rail and then to the second linear guide rail, improving detection efficiency. The connecting guide rail can also be perpendicular to the second linear guide rail and can move back and forth along it. These two designs can adapt to different connection requirements under different working conditions, improving the stability of scanning connections and the system's adaptability.

[0076] According to an embodiment of this application, when multiple carriers are included, the second transmission mechanism may include multiple connecting rails, wherein the multiple connecting rails are distributed parallel to each other along the second straight scanning segment.

[0077] Figure 7 The schematic diagram illustrates a structural schematic of a connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0078] like Figures 6-7As shown, the second conveying mechanism may include at least one connecting part 25, each connecting part 25 may be comb-shaped and may include at least one connecting guide rail 30. Multiple connecting guide rails 30 are distributed parallel to each other along the second linear scanning segment. For example, each connecting guide rail 30 may be perpendicular to the second linear guide rail 32 of the second linear scanning segment. The multiple connecting guide rails may be evenly distributed along the second linear scanning segment so that when the connecting guide rails 30 are sequentially aligned with the first linear guide rail 31, a smooth rhythm is maintained during the scanning process.

[0079] The embodiments of this application can set up multiple parallel connecting rails distributed along the second straight scanning segment. The parallel operation of multiple connecting rails can transfer multiple carriers, avoiding the waiting and queuing problems when a single connecting rail supports multiple carriers. This can improve the overall transfer efficiency of the carriers, thereby allowing the detection of multiple scanned objects to proceed in parallel, increasing the overall detection throughput and adapting to the needs of large-scale online detection.

[0080] According to an embodiment of this application, a plurality of connecting rails 30 can be configured to be aligned sequentially with a first linear rail 31 to support a plurality of bearing seats 4.

[0081] The multiple connecting guide rails 30 of the connecting part 25 can move along the same trajectory along the second linear guide rail 32. Therefore, when the connecting part 25 moves along the second linear guide rail 32, its multiple connecting guide rails 30 can be aligned with the first linear guide rail 31 in sequence.

[0082] For example, the first connecting rail 30 of the connecting part 25 is aligned with the first linear rail 31, and the first support 4 on the first linear rail 31 can be transferred to the first connecting rail 30. The connecting part 25 moves a predetermined distance along the second scanning segment, and the second connecting rail 30 of the connecting part 25 is aligned with the first linear rail 31, and the second support 4 on the first linear rail 31 can be transferred to the second connecting rail 30. The connecting part 25 continues to move a predetermined distance along the second scanning segment, and the third connecting rail 30 of the connecting part 25 is aligned with the first linear rail 31, and the third support 4 on the first linear rail 31 can be transferred to the third connecting rail 30.

[0083] In the embodiments of this application, multiple connecting guide rails can be sequentially aligned with the first linear guide rail to support multiple carriers. The transfer of each carrier can achieve precise docking, stabilizing the posture of the scanned object on each carrier and enabling continuous transfer of carriers, thus balancing detection efficiency and scanning continuity.

[0084] According to an embodiment of this application, the system may further include: a pushing mechanism configured to push each carrier from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting segment when the connecting portion in the second conveying mechanism is close to the first linear scanning segment.

[0085] The pushing mechanism can be a power component that assists the support in completing the transfer across the guide rail. Different forms of pushing mechanisms can be selected. For example, the pushing mechanism can be pneumatic, electric, or mechanical. Electric pushing mechanisms may include, for example, electric actuators, servo motor lead screws, etc.; mechanical pushing mechanisms may include, for example, cam-driven pushing mechanisms.

[0086] For example, the first linear scanning segment is a horizontal guide rail segment. The object to be scanned, 7, is placed on the carrier 4. The first conveying mechanism completes the first horizontal linear scan along the horizontal guide rail, and the detector collects the projection data in the horizontal direction. At the same time, the connecting guide rail 30 of the second conveying mechanism moves along the second linear guide rail 32 (vertical guide rail) until it is aligned with the first linear guide rail 31. After the system detects that the connecting guide rail 30 is in place, the pushing mechanism (such as an electric push rod or a cylinder push block) extends its push head from the side of the horizontal guide rail and abuts against the carrier 4, pushing the carrier forward in the horizontal direction, so that the carrier 4 slides from the horizontal guide rail (first linear scanning segment) into the connecting guide rail 30. During the pushing process, the scanned object in the carrier maintains its initial horizontal position without tilting or shifting.

[0087] The embodiments of this application may be provided with a pushing mechanism, which pushes the carrier from the first linear scanning section to the connecting section when the connecting section approaches the first linear scanning section, so that the transfer process of the carrier has stable power support, reduces problems such as the carrier not being transferred in place, and enables the carrier to be transferred more accurately from the first linear scanning section to the connecting section, which can improve the reliability and efficiency of the transfer process, improve the posture stability of the scanned object, and help improve imaging accuracy.

[0088] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another linear scanning CT imaging system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0089] like Figure 8 As shown, according to an embodiment of this application, the system may further include: a third support frame 13 and a fourth support frame 14; a third conveying device mounted on the third support frame 13, the third conveying device including a third driving mechanism, a third conveying mechanism 23 and a third linear scanning segment, the third driving mechanism being configured to drive the third conveying mechanism 23 to move along the third linear scanning segment, the third linear scanning segment being parallel to the first linear scanning segment; and a fourth conveying device mounted on the fourth support frame 14, the fourth conveying device including a fourth driving mechanism, a fourth conveying mechanism 24 and a fourth linear scanning segment, the fourth driving mechanism being configured to drive the fourth conveying mechanism 24 to move along the fourth linear scanning segment, the fourth linear scanning segment being parallel to the second linear scanning segment; wherein, the first linear scanning segment, the second linear scanning segment, the third linear scanning segment and the fourth linear scanning segment form a circular conveying path.

[0090] The third linear scanning segment is parallel to the first linear scanning segment; for example, the third linear scanning segment may include a third linear guide rail 33. The third linear guide rail 33 is parallel to the first linear guide rail 31. The fourth linear scanning segment is parallel to the second linear scanning segment; for example, the fourth linear scanning segment may include a fourth linear guide rail 34. The fourth linear guide rail 34 is parallel to the second linear guide rail 32. The first, second, third, and fourth linear scanning segments form a circular transport path. For example, the carrier moves horizontally to the right in the first linear scanning segment, vertically downwards in the second linear scanning segment, horizontally to the left in the third linear scanning segment, and vertically upwards in the fourth linear scanning segment.

[0091] For example, the object to be scanned can be placed on the support of the first linear scanning section at the loading position, and removed at the unloading position of the third or fourth linear scanning section, with the support circulating along the circular conveying path.

[0092] The embodiments of this application can be configured with a third support frame, a fourth support frame, and corresponding third and fourth conveying devices to form a circular conveying path. The circular conveying path allows the carrier to carry the scanned object in a cyclical flow along four straight scanning segments, enabling the carrier to be reused. Simultaneously, the circular layout of the four scanning segments allows the loading, scanning, and unloading of the scanned object to form a continuous assembly line operation, improving the continuity and automation of the inspection operation and adapting to large-scale online continuous inspection needs.

[0093] According to an embodiment of this application, when the connecting part in the second transmission mechanism is close to the third linear scanning section, each carrier is configured to be able to be transferred from the connecting part to the third linear scanning section.

[0094] The second and third linear scanning segments can be connected by corresponding joints to transfer the carrier and change its direction of movement, allowing the carrier to move continuously between different linear scanning segments.

[0095] Referring to the method by which the carrier is transferred from the first linear scanning section to the connecting section, the carrier can be transferred from the connecting section 25 to the third linear scanning section by sliding translation or by using a robotic arm to grab the carrier 4 to the connecting section.

[0096] For example, when the connecting part approaches the third linear scanning section, the carrier can slide horizontally from the second linear scanning section that has completed the second linear scanning to the connecting part. The carrier 4 moves in the third linear scanning section by relying on the third conveying mechanism, realizing the switching from vertical to horizontal movement direction.

[0097] The embodiments of this application allow the connecting part of the second conveying mechanism to be close to the third linear scanning section, and the carrier can be transferred from the connecting part to the third linear scanning section, thereby expanding the docking range of the connecting part and enabling the carrier to be transferred from the first linear scanning section to the third linear scanning section. This can improve the continuity of the carrier flow in the circular conveying path and improve the overall detection efficiency.

[0098] According to an embodiment of this application, when the connecting part of the fourth conveying mechanism is close to the third linear scanning section, each carrier is configured to be able to transfer from the third linear scanning section to the connecting part of the fourth conveying mechanism.

[0099] The third and fourth linear scanning segments can be connected by corresponding joints to transfer the carrier and change its direction of movement, allowing the carrier to move continuously between different linear scanning segments.

[0100] Referring to the method by which the carrier is transferred from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part. The method by which the carrier is transferred from the third linear scanning segment to the connecting part 25 of the fourth linear scanning segment can be a sliding translation, or the carrier 4 can be grasped onto the connecting part 25 by a robotic arm.

[0101] For example, when the connecting part 25 of the fourth linear scanning segment approaches the third linear scanning segment, the carrier can slide horizontally from the third linear scanning segment to the connecting part 25 of the fourth linear scanning segment. The carrier moves in the fourth linear scanning segment by relying on the fourth conveying mechanism, realizing the switching from horizontal to vertical movement direction.

[0102] The embodiments of this application allow the connecting part of the fourth conveying mechanism to be close to the third linear scanning section, and the carrier can be transferred from the third linear scanning section to the connecting part, thus completing the connection between the third and fourth linear scanning sections in the circular conveying path, enabling the carrier to flow along the circular path, and enabling the carrier to be reused cyclically, which can further improve the automated detection efficiency of the system.

[0103] According to an embodiment of this application, when the connecting part of the first conveying mechanism is close to the fourth linear scanning segment, each carrier is configured to be able to be transferred from the connecting part of the fourth conveying mechanism to the first linear scanning segment.

[0104] The fourth linear scanning segment and the first linear scanning segment can be connected by corresponding joints to transfer the carrier and change its direction of movement, and the carrier can move continuously in different linear scanning segments.

[0105] Referring to the method by which the carrier is transferred from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part, the carrier can be transferred from the connecting part of the fourth linear scanning segment to the first linear scanning segment by sliding translation or by using a robotic arm to grab the carrier 4 to the connecting part.

[0106] For example, when the connecting part of the fourth linear scanning segment approaches the first linear scanning segment, the carrier can slide horizontally from the connecting part of the fourth linear scanning segment to the first linear scanning segment. The carrier 4 moves in the first linear scanning segment by relying on the first conveying mechanism, realizing the switching from vertical to horizontal movement direction.

[0107] The embodiments of this application allow the connecting part of the fourth conveying mechanism to be close to the first linear scanning section, and the carrier can be transferred from the connecting part to the first linear scanning section, thus completing the connection between the fourth linear scanning section and the first linear scanning section in the circular conveying path, enabling the carrier to flow along the circular path, enabling the carrier to be reused, and further improving the automated detection efficiency of the system.

[0108] According to an embodiment of this application, the first conveying mechanism can move horizontally, and the second conveying mechanism can move vertically. The conveying end of the first conveying mechanism is close to the conveying start end of the second conveying mechanism, and the scanned object is transferred from the conveying end to the conveying start end.

[0109] The first conveying mechanism gradually approaches the second linear scanning section in a horizontal direction. When the conveying mechanism approaches the end of the conveying process in the first linear scanning section, the scanned object on the carrier connected to the first conveying mechanism can be transferred from the end of the conveying process in the first linear scanning section to the beginning of the conveying process in the second linear scanning section.

[0110] The scanned object can be transferred together with the tray carrying it by a transfer device. For example, before the transfer, the scanned object can be positioned using at least two positioning points on the same location on the tray, which can engage with at least two positioning protrusions in the carrier before the transfer; and the scanned object can be positioned using at least two positioning holes on the same location on the tray, which can engage with at least two positioning protrusions in the carrier after the transfer, thus maintaining the orientation of the scanned object before and after the transfer.

[0111] In the embodiments of this application, the first conveying mechanism can move horizontally and the second conveying mechanism can move vertically. The conveying ends of the two mechanisms are adjacent to the starting ends to realize the transfer of the scanned object. The design of the horizontal and vertical movement directions allows the two scanning X-ray sources to form a horizontal and vertical scanning angle, which can collect the projection data of the scanned object from two vertical dimensions, thereby improving the dimensionality and completeness of the projection data and providing horizontal and vertical data support for the imaging device. The adjacency of the first and second conveying mechanisms can shorten the transfer distance between the carrier and the scanned object, reduce the transfer time, and improve the detection efficiency.

[0112] According to an embodiment of this application, the support may define a support surface; when the scanned object passes through a first linear scanning segment, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source in the first linear scanning segment is perpendicular to the support surface; when the scanned object passes through a second linear scanning segment, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source in the second linear scanning segment is parallel to the support surface.

[0113] like Figure 3 As shown, the carrier 4 can be configured to define a carrier surface 400, on which a tray 44 can be provided for carrying the scanned object 7.

[0114] like Figure 2 As shown, in embodiments of this application, the scanning device 5 can be positioned near the first and second linear scanning segments. For example, the X-ray source 51 of each scanning device 5 is positioned on both sides of the support frame and away from the interior of the support frame, while the detector 52 is positioned on both sides of the support frame and close to the interior of the support frame 1. This forms a layout that irradiates from the outer periphery of the support frame 1 to the inner side of the support frame 1. The positions of the X-ray source 51 and the detector 52 can also be interchanged. Considering the volume occupied by both, the X-ray source 51 is preferably positioned on both sides of the support frame 1 and away from the interior of the support frame 1, while the detector 52 is positioned on both sides of the support frame 1 and close to the interior of the support frame 1.

[0115] For example, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source 51 can be configured to be perpendicular to the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment, respectively. Since the bearing surface 400 is parallel to the direction of the first linear scanning segment when the bearing 4 passes through it, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source in the first linear scanning segment is perpendicular to the bearing surface 400. Similarly, since the bearing surface 400 is perpendicular to the direction of the second linear scanning segment when the bearing 4 passes through it, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source is also perpendicular to the second linear scanning segment. Therefore, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source in the second linear scanning segment is parallel to the bearing surface 400.

[0116] In the embodiments of this application, the X-ray beam of the first linear scanning segment can be perpendicular to the bearing surface, and the X-ray beam of the second linear scanning segment can be parallel to the bearing surface. For the two X-ray beam irradiation angles perpendicular and parallel to the bearing surface, projection data of the internal structure of the scanned object in different dimensions can be obtained. Especially for flat-shaped scanned objects, detailed data in the thickness direction and planar direction can be obtained at the same time, making the coverage of projection data more comprehensive and improving the accuracy of CT images in restoring the internal structure of flat objects.

[0117] According to an embodiment of this application, when the scanned object passes through a first linear scanning segment, a first surface angle can be formed between the detector surface and the bearing surface in the first linear scanning segment; when the scanned object passes through a second linear scanning segment, a second surface angle can be formed between the detector surface and the bearing surface in the second linear scanning segment, and the first surface angle and the second surface angle are not equal.

[0118] The detector's detection surface corresponds to the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source. When the scanned object passes through the first linear scanning segment, the first angle formed between the detection surface of the detector in that scanning segment and the supporting surface is determined by the X-ray beam propagation direction of the first scanning segment. Similarly, when the scanned object passes through the second linear scanning segment, the second angle formed between the detection surface of the detector in that scanning segment and the supporting surface is determined by the X-ray beam propagation direction of the second scanning segment.

[0119] In the first linear scanning segment, a first surface angle can be set between the detector's detection surface and the supporting surface to receive as much projection data as possible from the X-ray beam. For example, when the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source in the first linear scanning segment is perpendicular to the supporting surface, the first surface angle can be 0° to 30°, such as 1°, 5°, 10°, or any value within the above range.

[0120] In the second linear scanning segment, a second surface angle can be formed between the detector surface and the supporting surface to maximize the reception of projection data formed by the X-ray beam. For example, when the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source in the second linear scanning segment is parallel to the supporting surface, the second surface angle can be 60°~90°, such as 60°, 65°, 75°, 80°, etc., or any value within the above range. Angles greater than 90° can be expressed in degrees using their supplementary angles.

[0121] In the embodiments of this application, the detector surface and the bearing surface of the detector in the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment form different first surface angles and second surface angles. The different detector surface angles allow the detector to collect projection data from the angle that is compatible with the irradiation of the X-ray beam, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of the detector in receiving signals at a specific angle after the X-ray beam passes through the scanned object. This can reduce signal attenuation or deviation caused by mismatch in the detector surface angle and improve the quality of the projection data.

[0122] According to an embodiment of this application, the first face angle is approximately 0° and the second face angle is approximately 90°.

[0123] In the first linear scanning segment (e.g., a horizontal scanning segment), the X-ray source emits a beam vertically downwards, with the detection surface parallel to the supporting surface (approximately 0°). This allows the beam to strike the detection surface perpendicularly, resulting in better X-ray signal reception in this scanning segment. Similarly, in the second linear scanning segment (e.g., a vertical scanning segment), the X-ray source emits a beam horizontally, with the detection surface perpendicular to the supporting surface (approximately 90°). This also allows the horizontal beam to strike the detection surface perpendicularly, achieving good X-ray signal reception in this scanning segment.

[0124] Minor precision errors may exist during the processing and assembly of components. For example, a slight deviation of ±1° to ±3° is permissible for approximately 0° or approximately 90°, ensuring that the first surface angle is approximately 0°, such as 0.01°, 0.1°, 1°, or 3°. The second surface angle only needs to be approximately 90°, such as 89.99°, 89.9°, 89°, or 87°. This will not have a substantial impact on the quality of the projection data or the subsequent reconstruction of CT images.

[0125] In the embodiments of this application, the first surface angle can be approximately 0° and the second surface angle can be approximately 90°, so that the detector surface is parallel and perpendicular to the bearing surface, respectively, which is adapted to the propagation direction of the X-ray beam in the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment. The X-ray beam is received perpendicularly to the detector surface, which can improve the acquisition efficiency and accuracy of the projection data.

[0126] According to an embodiment of this application, when the scanned object passes through a first straight line scan segment, the orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object intersects at least partially with the orthographic projection area of ​​the first straight line scan segment; when the scanned object passes through a second straight line scan segment, the orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object and the orthographic projection area of ​​the second straight line scan segment are independent of each other.

[0127] The orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object can be a projection area on a horizontal plane, a projection area parallel to the supporting surface, or a projection area on the surface on which the linear scanning CT imaging system is placed (such as the ground).

[0128] The orthographic projection area of ​​a linear scanning segment is closely related to the orthographic projection area formed on the projection plane by the coverage of the X-ray beam of the linear scanning segment. The orthographic projection area of ​​the linear scanning segment is the effective area that the X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray source can irradiate, which is the effective working range of the scan.

[0129] When the scanned object passes through the first linear scanning segment, the orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object intersects at least partially with the orthographic projection area of ​​the first linear scanning segment, so that part or all of the scanned object can be covered by the ray beam of the first linear scanning segment.

[0130] Mutually independent means that the two projection areas do not overlap on the projection plane and are in a separate state. When the scanned object passes through the second linear scanning segment, the orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object and the orthographic projection area of ​​the second linear scanning segment are independent of each other. That is, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source does not illuminate the scanned object from a direction perpendicular to the orthographic projection area of ​​the second linear scanning segment. For example, when the scanned object passes through the second linear scanning segment, the X-ray beam illuminates the scanned object from its side, achieving multi-angle detection.

[0131] The embodiments of this application demonstrate the intersection and independence between the orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object and the projection area of ​​the scan segment when the scanned object passes through the first straight line scan segment and the second straight line scan segment. This enables multi-angle scanning of the scanned object, improving the efficiency and diversity of data acquisition.

[0132] According to embodiments of this application, each scanning device includes: a first radiation source 511; a first detector 521, wherein, during the scanning process of the object being scanned passing through the scanning area of ​​the first radiation source 511, the first radiation source 511 and the first detector 521 are located on opposite sides of the object being scanned; a second radiation source 512, opposite to the first radiation source 511, wherein the radiation beam emitted by the second radiation source 512 and the radiation beam emitted by the first radiation source 511 pass through different areas of the object being scanned; and a second detector 522, opposite to the first detector, wherein, during the scanning process of the object being scanned passing through the scanning area of ​​the first radiation source 511, the second radiation source 512 and the second detector 522 are located on opposite sides of the object being scanned.

[0133] The first radiation source 511 and the second radiation source 512 can be symmetrically distributed relative to the support or the object being scanned. For example, the first radiation source 511 and the first detector 521 can be located on one side near the second support frame 12, and the second radiation source 512 and the second detector 522 can be located on the other side near the second support frame 12. The radiation beam emitted by the second radiation source 512 and the radiation beam emitted by the first radiation source 511 pass through different areas of the object being scanned, irradiating different areas of the object, thereby allowing the first detector 521 and the second detector 522 to receive projection data from different areas.

[0134] The first radiation source 511 and the second radiation source 512 scan in parallel, enabling the detection of two regions of the object to be scanned in one movement, which improves detection efficiency compared to using a single radiation source.

[0135] For example, annular guide rail pairs are mounted on the first support frame 11 (horizontal support frame) and the second support frame 12 (vertical support frame), respectively, and the horizontal and vertical support frames are connected by a connecting bracket 6. Each annular guide rail pair contains multiple sliders (transmission mechanisms), and horizontal sliding seats (carrier seats) and vertical sliding seats (carrier seats) are fixed on the sliders respectively. The horizontal and vertical sliding seats circulate along the annular guide rail pairs under the drive of their respective synchronous belts or chain drives.

[0136] The object to be inspected (scanned object) is placed on a pallet and can be transferred along with the pallet. There are two locating pins (locating protrusions) on both the horizontal and vertical sliding seats, and the pallet has a central locating hole and multiple circumferential locating holes. At the loading position, the pallet and the object to be inspected are placed together at a fixed angle on the horizontal sliding seat. After the pallet and the object to be inspected move to the horizontal transfer position, they can be removed by a transfer robot or other loading / unloading structure (transfer device) and placed on the vertical sliding seat at the vertical transfer position. The object then moves with the vertical sliding seat to the unloading position, where it is unloaded by the unloading mechanism or robot.

[0137] One or two sets of X-ray sources and detectors are fixed on the horizontal and vertical support frames, respectively. The horizontal slide moves horizontally with the tray and the object being examined, passing through the vertical X-ray path, while the vertical slide moves vertically with the tray and the object being examined, passing through the horizontal X-ray path, thus completing two linear scans. Because there are positioning pins on the horizontal / vertical slides, the orientation of the object being examined remains unchanged after being transferred, so the two linear scans can be merged to form a complete CT image.

[0138] Each scanning device in the embodiments of this application may include a first X-ray source and a first detector, a second X-ray source and a second detector, which can simultaneously scan two areas of the object being scanned, improve the data acquisition efficiency within the same scanning segment, and allow the X-ray beam to penetrate from both sides of the object being scanned, thereby obtaining more structural information about the object being scanned and improving the system's ability to detect large-sized objects.

[0139] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0140] like Figure 9 As shown, according to an embodiment of this application, the scanning object includes a flat-shaped battery cell.

[0141] Flat-shaped battery cells can have a thickness smaller than their length and / or width, and their forms include square hard-shell flat cells (e.g., used in mobile phones or tablets) and soft-pack flat cells for power batteries (e.g., used in new energy vehicles). For example, the length and width of a flat-shaped battery cell are approximately 100-300 mm, and its thickness is 2-50 mm.

[0142] A tab 71 may be provided at one end or at opposite ends of the battery cell. For example, two sets of metal tabs may extend from both ends of the battery cell, namely a positive tab and a negative tab, for leading the current inside the battery cell to an external circuit. The surface of the battery cell may be thermo-sealed using an aluminum-plastic composite film 72. The interior of the battery cell may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte.

[0143] Defects in flat battery cells may be distributed on the front and back planes (e.g., internal electrode misalignment, bubbles) and on the sides and tabs (e.g., encapsulation leakage, poor soldering). The multiple scanning devices 5 in this embodiment are respectively arranged on multiple linear scanning segments, which can stably transmit the battery cell to multiple linear scanning segments for inspection. The battery cell can be scanned from multiple angles, covering areas such as the front and back planes, sides, and tabs, thus meeting the needs of three-dimensional defect detection in flat battery cells.

[0144] The design of the carrier, first connecting part, second connecting part, carrier seat 4 tray, and constraint members in this embodiment can fix the position of the battery cell during the testing process, further ensuring that the battery cell's posture remains unchanged, and ensuring that the X-ray beam always penetrates the battery cell along a preset path, thus meeting the accuracy requirements of battery cell testing.

[0145] The embodiments of this application have at least one support base, a first linear scanning segment, a second linear scanning segment, and a circular conveying path, which can realize continuous feeding, testing, and unloading of battery cells, adapting to the high-speed online testing requirements in the battery cell production process.

[0146] The embodiments of this application can accurately capture the local structural details of the battery cell by combining the aforementioned multi-dimensional and multi-angle scanning design, taking into account the flat structural characteristics of lithium battery cells. This solves the problem of low local imaging accuracy of traditional linear CT for flat objects. At the same time, the continuous scanning design of the system is adapted to the online batch inspection requirements of lithium battery cells, which can improve the inspection efficiency of lithium battery cells and fit the actual application scenarios of industrial production.

[0147] Based on the above-described linear scanning CT imaging system, this application also provides a linear scanning CT imaging method using any of the above systems.

[0148] The linear scanning CT imaging method includes: for any scanned object, driving the transmission mechanism of the transmission device to move along a first linear scanning segment and a second linear scanning segment, wherein a carrier mounted on the transmission mechanism carries the scanned object, and the carrier can move with the transmission mechanism to pass through the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment, wherein the scanned object can be placed on carriers connected to different transmission mechanisms to pass through the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment; for any linear scanning segment, a radiation source emits a radiation beam to form a scanning area, and a detector detects the projection data formed after the radiation beam passes through the scanned object as it passes through the scanning area, wherein multiple scanning devices are respectively set in the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment, each scanning device including at least one radiation source and at least one detector; and an imaging device generates a computed tomographic image of the scanned object based on the multiple projection data detected by each detector in the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment.

[0149] In the embodiments of this application, the first and second conveying devices drive the carrier to continuously transport the scanned object through multiple straight scanning segments. The scanned object can be adapted to multiple straight scanning segments across the conveying mechanism to complete the scan. At the same time, each straight scanning segment is equipped with a dedicated scanning device to synchronously collect projection data. Finally, the imaging device integrates the data from multiple segments to generate a CT image. This achieves the cyclic reuse of the carrier and the continuous and automated transport of the scanned object through a circular path, which can improve detection efficiency and meet the needs of large-scale online detection. With the help of multi-angle projection data acquisition from multiple straight scanning segments, the integrity and accuracy of the imaging can be improved. The carrier can be adapted to different conveying mechanisms, improving scanning efficiency and meeting the detection needs of scanned objects of different sizes.

[0150] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments of this application can be combined and / or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in this application. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments of this application can be combined and / or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this application. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A linear scanning CT imaging system, comprising: First support frame and second support frame; A first conveying device is installed on the first support frame. The first conveying device includes a first driving mechanism, a first conveying mechanism, and a first linear scanning segment. The first driving mechanism is configured to drive the first conveying mechanism to move along the first linear scanning segment. A second conveying device is installed on the second support frame. The second conveying device includes a second drive mechanism, a second conveying mechanism, and a second linear scanning section. The second drive mechanism is configured to drive the second conveying mechanism to move along the second linear scanning section. At least one carrier is configured to carry at least one scanned object, and each carrier can be moved by the first or the second conveying mechanism; Multiple scanning devices are provided, wherein the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment are each provided with at least one scanning device. Each scanning device includes at least one X-ray source and at least one detector. The X-ray source is configured to emit a X-ray beam to form a scanning area. The detector is configured to detect the projection data formed after the X-ray beam passes through the scanning object as the scanning object passes through the scanning area. An imaging device is used to generate a computed tomography image of the scanned object based on multiple projection data detected by each detector in the first and second linear scan segments. In this configuration, the X-ray source in the first linear scanning segment and the X-ray source in the second linear scanning segment emit X-ray beams from different angles relative to the scanned object. When the connecting part in the second transmission mechanism is close to the first linear scanning segment, each of the carriers is configured to be able to transfer from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first linear scanning segment includes a first linear guide rail, and the connecting part includes a connecting guide rail, wherein, when the first linear guide rail and the connecting guide rail are aligned, each of the carriers is configured to be transferable from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting part.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first end of the connecting guide rail is connected to the second linear guide rail of the second linear scanning segment. Compared with the second end opposite to the first end, the first end is farther away from the second linear scanning segment and is configured to be aligned with the first linear guide rail. And / or, The connecting guide rail is perpendicular to the second linear guide rail and is configured to reciprocate along the second linear guide rail.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the case of including multiple carriers, the second conveying mechanism includes multiple connecting rails. The multiple connecting rails are distributed parallel to each other along the second straight scanning segment.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of connecting rails are configured to align sequentially with the first linear rail to receive the plurality of bearing seats.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: The pushing mechanism is configured to push each of the carriers from the first linear scanning segment to the connecting portion when the connecting portion in the second conveying mechanism is close to the first linear scanning segment.

7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: The third and fourth support frames; A third conveying device is installed on the third support frame. The third conveying device includes a third driving mechanism, a third conveying mechanism, and a third linear scanning segment. The third driving mechanism is configured to drive the third conveying mechanism to move along the third linear scanning segment. The third linear scanning segment is parallel to the first linear scanning segment. A fourth conveying device is installed on the fourth support frame. The fourth conveying device includes a fourth driving mechanism, a fourth conveying mechanism, and a fourth linear scanning segment. The fourth driving mechanism is configured to drive the fourth conveying mechanism to move along the fourth linear scanning segment. The fourth linear scanning segment is parallel to the second linear scanning segment. The first, second, third, and fourth linear scanning segments form a circular transport path.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the connecting part in the second conveying mechanism is close to the third linear scanning section, each of the carriers is configured to be able to be transferred from the connecting part to the third linear scanning section.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the connection of the fourth conveying mechanism is close to the third linear scanning segment, each of the carriers is configured to be able to be transferred from the third linear scanning segment to the connection of the fourth conveying mechanism.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the connection of the first conveying mechanism is close to the fourth linear scanning segment, each of the carriers is configured to be able to be transferred from the connection of the fourth conveying mechanism to the first linear scanning segment.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first conveying mechanism moves horizontally, and the second conveying mechanism moves vertically. The end of the first conveying mechanism is close to the beginning of the second conveying mechanism, and the scanned object is transferred from the end of the conveying mechanism to the beginning of the conveying mechanism.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bearing seat defines a bearing surface; When the scanned object passes through the first linear scanning segment, the ray beam emitted by the ray source in the first linear scanning segment is perpendicular to the bearing surface; When the scanned object passes through the second linear scanning segment, the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source in the second linear scanning segment is parallel to the bearing surface.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that: When the scanned object passes through the first straight scanning segment, a first surface angle is formed between the detector surface of the detector and the bearing surface in the first straight scanning segment; When the scanned object passes through the second linear scanning segment, a second surface angle is formed between the detector surface of the detector in the second linear scanning segment and the bearing surface, and the first surface angle and the second surface angle are not equal.

14. The system as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The first face has an angle of approximately 0°, and the second face has an angle of approximately 90°.

15. The system according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that, When the scanned object passes through the first straight line scan segment, the orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object intersects at least partially with the orthographic projection area of ​​the first straight line scan segment; When the scanned object passes through the second straight line scan segment, the orthographic projection area of ​​the scanned object is independent of the orthographic projection area of ​​the second straight line scan segment.

16. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each scanning device includes: First radiation source; A first detector, wherein, as the scanned object passes through the scanning area of ​​the first radiation source, the first radiation source and the first detector are located on opposite sides of the scanned object; A second radiation source, opposite to the first radiation source, emits a beam of radiation that passes through different regions of the scanned object, as does the beam emitted by the first radiation source. A second detector is positioned opposite the first detector, wherein, as the scanned object passes through the scanning area of ​​the first radiation source, the second radiation source and the second detector are located on opposite sides of the scanned object.

17. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scanned objects include flat-shaped battery cells.

18. A linear scanning CT imaging method applied to the system of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising: For any scanned object, the drive mechanism of the conveying device drives the conveying mechanism to move along the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment. The carrier mounted on the conveying mechanism carries the scanned object. The carrier can move with the conveying mechanism to pass through the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment. The scanned object can be placed on carriers connected to different conveying mechanisms to pass through the first linear scanning segment and the second linear scanning segment. For any straight-line scanning segment, the X-ray source emits a X-ray beam to form a scanning area. The detector detects the projection data formed after the X-ray beam passes through the scanning object as the scanning object passes through the scanning area. Multiple sets of scanning devices are respectively set in the first straight-line scanning segment and the second straight-line scanning segment. Each set of scanning devices includes at least one X-ray source and at least one detector. The imaging device generates a computed tomography image of the object being scanned based on multiple projection data detected by each detector in the first and second linear scan segments.

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