Inspection device and feeding device for inspection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a feeding device (1) for an inspection device. The feeding device (1) is used for turning products of a product flow formed by bulk materials (39) and supplied from a basically vertical z direction to a basically horizontal conveying direction x and therefore transferring the products to a conveying plane perpendicular to the z direction and located in the x-y direction. According to the invention, the feed device (1) has an inlet (3), which is oriented substantially in the z-direction, and an outlet (5), which is oriented substantially in the x-direction, which is oriented substantially in the upper direction as viewed in the z-direction, and the two openings (3, 5) communicate with an intermediate region (7). The intermediate region (7) has a curved wall (13), which is rearward at least in the conveying direction x, in order to cause the product to be gently diverted from the z-direction to the x-direction, such that the pressure occurring as a result of the product falling movement is at least partially received by the wall (13) and such that the pressure of the product flow acting on a conveying system, in particular a conveyor belt (9), arranged below the outlet (5) is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a feeding device for an inspection device and a method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Such inspection devices and methods are used for bulk materials, in particular in the food sector (e.g. rice, coffee beans), to inspect them for possible foreign matter. For this purpose, a product flow is guided by means of a conveyor system, in particular a conveyor belt, past an inspection device, in particular an X-ray inspection device. The product is supplied from above via a hose.

[0003] The large drop height (several meters) of the conveyed material causes a number of problems. The product can break up, whereas only intact products such as coffee beans are desirable. In addition, the product can jump over the conveyor system, in particular the belt or the lateral guides (side rails), making inspection difficult.

[0004] In addition, the generation of large amounts of dust can be detrimental to the inspection, contaminating or even damaging the inspection equipment and the conveying system. In particular, the formation of flammable dust-air mixtures must be avoided, and compressed air blowing (dust generation) is particularly not permitted.

[0005] The high degree of disordered product flow across the bandwidth makes inspection, especially X-ray evaluation, difficult.

[0006] The non-negligible back pressure from above makes belt actuation difficult and requires higher motor current and / or a larger-sized drive motor.

[0007] In conventionally operated inspection systems, it is difficult to access the feed hopper and thus dismantle it for cleaning. In addition, machine failures often occur in the case of small-particle bulk materials (due to getting stuck under the side guides, uncontrolled jumping out, etc.). Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a feed device for an inspection device and an inspection device having such a feed device which prevents the above-mentioned disadvantages and causes a smooth change in the direction of the products of a product flow consisting of bulk material from the z direction to the x direction.

[0009] According to the utility model, this object is achieved by a feeding device for an inspection device, which is used to divert products of a product flow consisting of bulk materials supplied from a basically vertical z direction to a basically horizontal conveying direction x and thus transfer them to a conveying plane perpendicular to the z direction and located in the xy direction, wherein the feeding device has an inlet oriented basically in the z direction when viewed from the top in the z direction and an outlet oriented basically in the x direction when viewed from the bottom in the z direction, wherein the inlet and the outlet are connected to an intermediate area, wherein the intermediate area has a curved wall at least viewed from the rear in the conveying direction x to cause the product to smoothly change direction from the z direction to the x direction, so that the pressure generated by the falling movement of the product is at least partially borne by the curved wall and the pressure of the product flow acting on the conveying system arranged below the outlet is reduced; and is achieved by an inspection device having the above-mentioned feeding device, wherein the feeding device is arranged in the inspection device by means of a quick-close mechanism that can be operated without tools, that is, lateral removal or insertion is allowed.

[0010] The feed device according to the invention has a middle region which is designed as a curved wall seen at the rear side in the conveying direction x. The curvature of the wall in this case takes place along a curve in the cross section (xz plane) which changes from a substantially vertical orientation (z axis) to an almost horizontal orientation (x axis). The wall preferably ends before reaching the horizontal and therefore forms an angle greater than zero with the x axis.

[0011] In the sense of the invention, the curvature can be along any curve, wherein the term "curved" also includes curves having one straight region or a plurality of straight regions with discontinuous transition points. Preferably, at least the rear wall has no sharp corners and edges, so that the risk of damage to the product, in particular to unpackaged food such as nuts, peas, corn, rice, can be reduced.

[0012] In the sense of the present invention, in particular for the products mentioned below, products are products of a product flow consisting of bulk materials. Therefore, individual products or isolated products such as bottles, cups, closures, tablets, etc. that exist alone or are discretized during processing should not be considered as products of a product flow consisting of bulk materials.

[0013] In any case, the wall causes a gentle (substantially) change in the product direction from the z-direction to the x-direction. In this case, the pressure of the (vertically falling) product is at least partially borne by the wall, so that the pressure (caused by gravity and / or kinetic energy) of the product flow (column) acting on the conveying system and in particular the conveyor belt arranged below the outlet (which in this case is the static pressure when the belt is stationary and the dynamic pressure during operation) is reduced. Advantageously, the load on the conveying system can be relieved thereby. In particular, it is easier to start the belt, so that an increased motor current and / or a larger drive motor is not required. The operation of the inspection device in this case preferably includes not only the inspection itself, but also other possible operating modes such as maintenance, cleaning mode, etc.

[0014] The feed device is made of hygienic and easy-to-clean material, preferably stainless steel, and is therefore safe for use in the food industry. The feed device is preferably designed as a module, so that feed devices of different designs can be removed and inserted into the inspection device or inspection system and replaced in a quick and simple manner. This makes it possible to respond to different requirements, in particular in the case of product changes that require the replacement of screens, material retaining elements, etc.

[0015] In a preferred design of the utility model, the curved rear wall ends in the outlet direction before it transitions to the horizontal, so that each curved area has an angle greater than zero in the tangent direction of the horizontal x-axis. This will avoid the product from being retained in the feed device or even blocking it.

[0016] In its end region, the intermediate region can end before reaching the outlet, so that there is a gap between the lower end of the intermediate region and the outlet and any adjustment element, as viewed in the x direction.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the middle region has a downwardly curved lower edge in its end region before the outlet. This allows reliable emptying after the product feed has ended. The lower edge preferably extends close to the top side of the conveying plane, so that before the product flow is applied, there is a gap between the lower edge and the conveying plane, in particular the belt.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the feed device has an adjusting element on the output side or at the outlet, for example in the form of an adjusting plate or an adjusting cover, which is preferably flat, and whose height in the z direction can be adjusted substantially. The outlet height can be (variably) adjusted in a simple manner by means of the adjusting element. Preferably, there is a clear spacing between the adjusting element and the end of the bent lower edge.

[0019] In another design of the utility model, the inclination of the adjusting member relative to the vertical z-axis is adjustable. Through appropriate adjustment, it is allowed to adapt to the looseness of the respective product.

[0020] By means of the adjusting element and its corresponding adjustment (with respect to the vertical direction and / or with respect to the inclination), the product flow height or the product flow coating thickness can also be limited to the desired extent, so that less energy is sufficient for transmission and in particular the power of the X-ray source can be reduced.

[0021] Since the transmission and thus the grayscale of the inspection image of the product flow depends on its mass per unit volume or its density, i.e. the bulk density, the product flow height is also advantageously selected as a function of the product flow density or the bulk density, so that the mass flow can be kept constant at a predetermined level. For example, in the case of a higher bulk density, a lower product flow height occurs, so that it is not necessary to increase the radiation energy.

[0022] It is also conceivable to ensure a constant monolayer of the product flow. Thus, a purely optical inspection can also be carried out with the highest quality, since obscuration of the non-visible underlying bulk material layer is avoided.

[0023] The adjustment in the z direction and / or the adjustment with respect to the inclination can be carried out manually or automatically (preferably with display of the current setting height). It is also conceivable that the settings made are stored and archived (in a corresponding memory), in particular as a production certificate.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, the feed device comprises an adjustment device, which allows the height and / or the angle of inclination of the adjustment element to be adapted to the conveying speed of the conveying system during the continuous operation of the inspection device, so as to produce a predetermined product flow height that is as constant as possible and / or a predetermined mass flow that is as constant as possible and / or to make optimal use of the transmission width of the X-ray inspection device and / or to ensure a constant monolayer for optical inspection. The adjustment of the adjustment element is carried out, for example, by means of a controllable actuator, a servo motor, etc.

[0025] In this way, a constant product flow height which is as continuously predefined as possible, especially viewed in the x-direction, and thus a constant conveyed product quantity can be produced. However, a variable height can also be provided in the y-direction. For example, it is conceivable that the product flow height decreases towards the side edges in order to optimally utilize the radiation width of the X-ray inspection device and the conveyor belt width or strip width of the conveyor device.

[0026] In another design of the utility model, the adjusting member has a curved lower edge, so that the height of the product flow in the y direction can be adapted to the transmission path of the X-ray through the bulk material and the transmission path is preferably almost the same length at any angle. Accordingly, X-rays can be used that are fan-shaped and widened from the X-ray source in the y direction, without the gray value of the inspection image of the uniform product flow changing towards the edge due to stronger absorption caused by the longer transmission path. In particular, the lower edge can be symmetrical with respect to the central raised area with respect to the xz plane and have side edges that continuously increase downward toward the side.

[0027] In a special embodiment of the invention, the feed device has a connecting pipe in the inlet region, which is designed, in particular in a multi-stage manner, with different predetermined joint widths. In this way, the same feed device can be used in different inspection devices with different, mostly standardized joint widths. Preferably, mechanical decoupling can be achieved by the connecting pipe, for example by means of a flexible connection or with a gap. The connecting pipe can thus also be used to prevent vibrations caused, for example, by a vibrating tube. It is also conceivable that the connecting pipe acts as a dust protection and prevents dust from escaping.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the feed device has an insert with a central region, which can be pulled out from a connecting piece arranged above and can be pushed onto the connecting piece (for example by corresponding guides complementarily formed on the connecting piece and the insert).

[0029] This makes it possible to use different inserts with different shapes and / or geometries, in particular inserts with differently designed curved walls, depending on the requirements (looseness, product viscosity, type of release agent, caking, runout, coarse grain size, etc.). It is therefore conceivable to provide a complete set of different inserts and use them in modular form, in particular without tools, by simple insertion as required. For example, raisins as a bulk product require a greater slope in each area, in particular at the lower end of the wall, due to their viscosity, than less viscous products to prevent sticking.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the product flow is switched on (conveyor release) in the feed line by means of a controlled shut-off slide valve only when the belt is moving, so that a back pressure acting on the conveying system arranged below the outlet can also be reduced or even prevented.

[0031] The feed device is arranged in the testing device by means of a quick-release closure that can be operated without tools in such a way that it can be removed or inserted from the side, in particular essentially in the y-direction, thereby advantageously allowing a comfortable, easy and fast replacement without further disassembly of the testing device.

[0032] In another design of the utility model, the feeding device is designed symmetrically with respect to the xz plane to allow insertion from both sides, in particular laterally offset. In addition to simpler production, the conveying direction can also be changed without major changes.

[0033] In a particularly preferred design of the utility model, the feed device has components that can be placed therein or thereon and are preferably modularly replaceable, especially insertable or insertable, such as shut-off slide valves, filters, screens or material retaining parts, in order to be installed in the corresponding inspection device. These components are preferably placed in the area of ​​the pipe, especially on or in the pipe. The components can preferably exist in the form of inserts that can be inserted and pulled out, wherein, particularly preferably, these components can be placed or inserted in the insert itself in a modularly replaceable manner. The application field of the feed device can thus be expanded in a simple manner according to the type of bulk material. In this case, the components can be inserted or placed by the user or operator himself, wherein a latching position can also be conceivable.

[0034] In another embodiment of the invention, a dust extraction device is provided in a manner arranged on the feed device or integrated into the feed device. The dust extraction device can preferably be arranged in the region of the connection piece, in particular on or in the connection piece. This can avoid the risk of contamination and impairment of the inspection results and in particular the occurrence of flammable dust-air mixtures.

[0035] In a preferred design of the utility model, the feed device is partially designed as a component of the radiation-proof housing (of the inspection device). In particular, the curved wall arranged upstream (of the product flow) can in this case simultaneously serve as a (radiation-proof) housing wall of the inspection device and assume the function of protecting / shielding against radiation, in particular radioactive radiation. This allows a small structural size to be achieved in a simple manner.

[0036] In a special design, according to the method of the invention for optimizing the (X-ray) inspection results, the feed quantity at the inlet and / or the height and / or the inclination of the adjustment element and / or the conveying speed are adjusted or regulated. It is also conceivable that adjustable side guides are provided, wherein the lateral spacing of the side guides can be adjusted accordingly, either alone or in combination with the above-mentioned adjustment possibilities. The regulation or adjustment is carried out in this case in such a way that a substantially continuous and constant product flow height is generated and a small product flow height is generated as required and / or the transmission width of the (X-ray) inspection device is optimally utilized and / or the highest possible production capacity is obtained.

[0037] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will be explained in detail below in conjunction with the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the figure, which shows:

[0039] Figure 1 showing a perspective view of a feed hopper with a conveyor belt, a height-adjustable closure plate and a hand wheel;

[0040] Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1A perspective view of a feed hopper with a conveyor belt, with the adjustment plate open;

[0041] Figure 3 Detail without adjustment plate and handwheel Figure 1 The longitudinal section of the feed hopper;

[0042] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 2 Side view (longitudinal section) of a feed hopper with a conveyor belt;

[0043] Figure 5 Show according to Figure 1 Cross section of a feeding hopper with a conveyor belt (along the cutting plane AA′-BB′);

[0044] Figure 6 Detailed diagram showing Figure 5 A perspective view of an insert of a feed hopper;

[0045] Figure 7 Show according to Figure 6 A front view of an insert of a feed hopper having an adjustment plate with a curved lower edge;

[0046] Figure 8 a schematic cross-sectional view (cross section) showing the optical path; and

[0047] Fig. 9 Show according to Figure 3 A perspective schematic diagram of a feed hopper having an insert with a stop rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The schematically shown feeding device according to the invention in the form of a feeding hopper 1 has an upper inlet 3 and a lower outlet 5 .

[0049] Upper inlet 3 is basically directed to the z direction and is used to receive bulk materials such as rice, raisins, nuts or coffee beans. In this schematic diagram, for overview considerations, the connection of the storage container is abandoned and the support of the feeder is abandoned, because this is familiar to the technician.

[0050] The lower outlet is oriented substantially in the x-direction or conveying direction of the conveyor belt 9 , so that the bulk material is deflected from a vertical falling direction (z-direction) to a horizontal conveyor belt (in the xy plane).

[0051] The conveyor belt has a rear lateral guide 17 for lateral limitation and guidance of the bulk material to be conveyed. Only for the sake of a better overview, the front lateral guide is omitted in the figure.

[0052] As the end of the lower outlet 5 , a plate-shaped adjusting member 11 is provided, for example. The adjusting member can be displaced in the z direction and fixed, for example, by means of a hand wheel 19 .

[0053] As from Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the side view of the feed hopper 1 shown (in Figure 3 In the detailed diagram without the conveyor belt 9, Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure (shown in a detailed view with a conveyor belt), the adjusting member 11 is inclined relative to the vertical z-axis and is arranged with its lower edge slightly inclined to the right when viewed in the x-direction. The inclination makes it easier to continuously apply the bulk material to the conveyor belt 9, wherein the inclination can be adjusted according to the looseness of the bulk material.

[0054] The feed hopper 1 transitions from its upper inlet 3 via a middle region 7 to its lower outlet 5 , wherein the cross section tapers in the direction of the outlet 5 .

[0055] The middle region has a rear wall 13, viewed in the x-direction or conveying direction, which serves as a diversion chute for bulk material. The diversion from the z-direction to the x-direction is in this case carried out by a corresponding curvature of the wall 13, wherein the curvature does not have to be designed as a continuous curve, but can also be designed as a plurality of connected straight plates as shown in the figure. The rear wall 13 preferably has no tangential horizontal area at any point, so that product retention in the feed hopper 1 can be avoided.

[0056] In its lower region (see also Figure 6 ), the wall 13 has a downwardly sloping area in the form of a lower edge 15 before the final adjustment piece 11 or the outlet 5. This assists in emptying the feed hopper and prevents blockage of the bulk product flow.

[0057] Furthermore, by means of the lower edge 15 of the end region of the middle region 7 the belt can be kept free before the bulk material is applied, thus preventing dirt from entering the product flow.

[0058] Figure 4 The adjusting member 11 is shown in the fully open position. Figure 4 Differently, in Figure 3 The adjusting member 11 and the hand wheel 19 are not included.

[0059] The feed hopper 1 has in its upper region a connection piece 21 which serves, for example, for connection via a feed pipe (not shown) connected via a flange.

[0060] Connected to the connecting piece is an insert 23 arranged underneath, which can preferably be inserted into the connecting piece from the front in the y direction, for example by means of corresponding guides 25 complementarily formed on the connecting piece and the insert.

[0061] To facilitate insertion and removal, the insert is provided with a Figure 4 The device (seen from the front) has a handle 27.

[0062] If available from Figure 5 As can be seen in the figure, the feed hopper is designed symmetrically with respect to the xz plane, so it can also be inserted in an inverted position. Thus, if necessary, the belt movement direction of the existing system can be changed by simply inserting the insert 23 in the connecting pipe 21 in an inverted manner without further modification.

[0063] Figure 7 The feed hopper 1 shown is provided with an adjusting member 11'. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Unlike the adjusting member 11 in FIG. 1 , the adjusting member 11 ′ has a curved lower edge 31 instead of a straight lower edge.

[0064] The curvature of the lower edge is designed to be symmetrical about the xz plane, with a central raised area and side edges that continuously increase downward on both sides. The product flow in the y direction can be highly adapted to the transmission path of the X-ray 33 penetrating the bulk material by means of the curved lower edge 31.

[0065] The adjusting element 11 ′ has a vertical slot 29 , just like the adjusting element 11 , so that the adjusting element 11 , 11 ′ can be displaced in the z direction and can be fixed in a desired position by means of the hand wheel 19 .

[0066] If available from Figure 8 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , in the case of a typical fan-shaped X-ray 33, i.e., in the case of a fan-shaped beam path expanded from a point-shaped light source, the central ray 35 is oriented perpendicular to the y-axis, and toward both sides of the belt, the beam path has an angle α that increases with respect to this. The beam path of the X-ray through the bulk material or product flow increases accordingly with the distance from the center or the interval about the angle α enclosed by the vertical line to the center (until the X-ray detector, in particular a line scan camera).

[0067] Therefore, Figure 8 Taking the drawn light ray 37 as an example, the path of the X-ray through the product flow no longer corresponds to the height of the product flow (at the midpoint of illumination), but to a longer path, that is, according to the cosine theorem, corresponds to the quotient of the height and the cosine of the angle α.

[0068] Light path = product flow height / cosα

[0069] The curvature of the lower edge and thus the height of the product stream in the bandwidth (y direction) can be preferably selected in accordance with the geometry of the X-ray beam 33 so that the light path or transmission path through the product stream is constant in the bandwidth (y direction). Accordingly, X-ray beams can be used which widen from the X-ray beam source in a fan-shaped manner as seen in the y direction without a change in the grayscale values ​​toward the edge.

[0070] Take over 21 Fig. 9 The embodiment shown corresponds essentially to the above-described connecting piece 21 , but additionally shows the stop rods 41 and 45 arranged in the connecting piece.

[0071] The upper stopper rod 41 oriented in the y direction (preferably two) can be inserted into the pipe 21 and pulled out along the x direction by the handle 43 in the form of an insert. The lower stopper rod 45 oriented in the x direction (preferably four) can be inserted into the pipe 21 and pulled out along the y direction by the handle 47 in the form of an insert. Obviously, other inserts with different numbers and / or types of parts (for example, shut-off shuttle, filter, screen or stopper) can also be inserted. In addition, parts and particularly rods may also be placed or inserted into the insert itself in a modularly replaceable manner.

[0072] The stop bars 41 and 45 can be arranged in a suitable geometry in this case, depending on the type of bulk material 39 , in order to better distribute the bulk material 39 supplied from above.

[0073] For example Fig. 9 As shown, in the first upper row, two upper stop rods 41 can be arranged transversely to four lower stop rods 45 distributed in the inner cavity of the connecting pipe 21 in the lower row below them.

[0074] The arrangement of the stopper bars can be adapted to the respective bulk material 39 in terms of the type of stopper bar and / or its position in order to allow an optimal and preferably uniform distribution.

[0075] Reference numerals list

[0076] 1 Feed hopper

[0077] 3 upper entrance

[0078] 5 Lower Exit

[0079] 7 Middle area

[0080] 9 Conveyor belt

[0081] 11 Adjustment piece with straight lower edge

[0082] 11′ Adjustment piece with curved lower edge

[0083] 13 walls

[0084] 15 Lower edge at the wall end area

[0085] 17 Rear side guide mechanism

[0086] 18 Front side guide mechanism

[0087] 19 Handwheel

[0088] 21 Takeover

[0089] 23 Insert

[0090] 25 Guide mechanism

[0091] 27 Handle

[0092] 29 Long hole

[0093] 31 Bent lower edge of adjusting element

[0094] 33 Fan-shaped X-ray

[0095] 35 Light path (center vertical line)

[0096] 37 Light path with angle α

[0097] 39 Bulk

[0098] 41 Upper stop rod

[0099] 43 Handle for upper stop rod

[0100] 45 Lower stop rod

[0101] 47 Handle for lower stop rod

[0102] 49 Lower stop rod

[0103] 51 Flange

[0104] x Conveyor belt conveying direction

[0105] y Transverse direction of the conveyor belt

[0106] z Height direction of the feeding hopper or feeding device

[0107] α Angle of the light path relative to the central vertical line

Claims

1. A feeding device (1) for an inspection device, for diverting products of a product flow consisting of bulk material (39) supplied from a substantially vertical z direction into a substantially horizontal conveying direction x and thus into a conveying plane perpendicular to the z direction and located in the xy direction, wherein: a) the feed device (1) has an inlet (3) which is oriented upwards in the z direction and is substantially oriented in the z direction, and an outlet (5) which is oriented downwards in the x direction and is substantially oriented in the x direction, as viewed in the z direction; b) the inlet (3) and the outlet (5) are connected to the middle area (7), The middle area (7) has a curved wall (13) at least at the rear when viewed along the conveying direction x, so as to cause the product to smoothly switch from the z direction to the x direction, so that the pressure generated by the falling movement of the product is at least partially borne by the curved wall (13) and the pressure of the product flow acting on the conveying system arranged below the outlet (5) is reduced.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inspection device is an X-ray inspection device.

3. The feeding device according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The conveying system is a conveyor belt (9).

4. The feeding device according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The rear curved wall (13) ends in the direction of the outlet (5) before transitioning to the horizontal, so that regions of the curved wall (13) have an angle greater than zero in the tangential direction of the horizontal x-axis.

5. The feeding device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The intermediate region (7) has a downwardly bent lower edge in its end region before the outlet (5) in order to allow reliable emptying after the end of the product feed.

6. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding device (1) has an adjusting member at the outlet (5), and the height of the adjusting member can be adjusted substantially along the z direction to change the height of the outlet (5).

7. The feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inclination of the adjustment element (11) relative to the vertical z-axis can be adjusted to allow adaptation to the looseness of the bulk (39) product.

8. The feeding device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The feeding device (1) has an adjustment device, which can adapt the height and / or the inclination angle of the adjustment member (11) to the conveying speed of the conveying system during the continuous operation of the inspection device, so as to a) produces a predetermined product flow height which is as continuous and as constant as possible, and / or b) generate a predetermined mass flow which is as continuous and constant as possible, and / or c) optimal use of the transmission width of the X-ray inspection device, and / or d) Ensure constant monolayer for optical inspection.

9. The feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The adjusting member (11) has a curved lower edge, so that the transmission path of the X-ray penetrating the bulk material (39) is almost the same length at each angle (α).

10. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feed device (1) has a connection piece (21) in the region of the inlet (3).

11. The feeding device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The connecting piece (21) is designed in a multi-stage manner to have different predetermined joining widths.

12. An inspection device comprising a feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The feed device (1) is arranged in the testing device by means of a quick-release closure that can be operated without tools in such a way that lateral removal or insertion is permitted.

13. The inspection device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The feeding device (1) is designed to be symmetrical about the xz plane to allow insertion from both sides.

14. The inspection device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The feed device (1) has components which can be arranged therein or thereon.

15. The inspection device according to claim 14, characterized in that: This component is replaceable in a modular manner.

16. The inspection device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The component is a shut-off slide valve, a filter element, a screen or a material retaining element.

17. The inspection device according to claim 12, characterized in that: A dust suction device is provided, which is arranged on the feeding device (1) or integrated in the feeding device (1).

18. The inspection device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The feed device (1) is partially designed as a component of the radiation protection housing.

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