X-ray equipment for inspecting products in a production or testing facility

Abstract

X-ray equipment (10, 10.2) for checking products in a production or testing plant - with an enclosure (12, 12.2) which has an entrance opening (28) and an exit opening (30), - with at least one stationary X-ray source (14) inside the enclosure (12, 12.2), - with a transport system (40, 40.2) that leads from the inlet opening (28) past the at least one X-ray source (14) to the outlet opening (30), - characterized by the fact that - at least one shielding wall (32, 60, 62) is positioned between the at least one X-ray source (14) and the inlet opening (28) or the outlet opening (30), - the transport system (40, 40.2) between the inlet opening (28) and the at least one X-ray source (14) seen in the transport direction (42) has at least one right curve (46, 64) and at least one left curve (44, 66), - the transport system (40, 40.2) between the at least one X-ray source (14) and the exit opening (30) has at least one right turn (50, 72) and at least one left turn (52, 70) in the transport direction (42).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to an X-ray device for inspecting products in a production or testing plant. Using such an X-ray device, products can be inspected at various stages of production to ensure that they meet the relevant specifications. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] It is common practice to use X-ray equipment in production or testing facilities for product inspection. This typically involves a stationary X-ray source positioned within an enclosure. The X-ray equipment must be designed to minimize the escape of ionizing radiation from the radiation protection area.

[0003] In addition to static shielding of the X-ray sources—for example, by movable or stationary shielding walls—safely controlled doors and hatches are used in the enclosure. These doors and hatches are used to move the products to be X-rayed in and out of the enclosure. In an automated process, the moving parts of the doors and hatches result in longer processing times, which in turn extends the overall process time. Furthermore, the moving doors and hatches are subject to wear and tear and are prone to failure, which can lead to increased maintenance and longer downtimes of the X-ray equipment. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Based on this prior art, the invention aims to provide an improved X-ray device for the inspection of products in a production or testing plant, which enables shorter process times and requires as little maintenance as possible.

[0005] The X-ray device according to the invention for inspecting products in a production or testing plant is defined by the features of main claim 1. Further developments of the invention are the subject of subsequent claims.

[0006] The X-ray device according to the invention for inspecting products in a production or testing plant has a stationary X-ray source arranged in an enclosure. The enclosure has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, allowing products to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. Furthermore, a transport system is provided that leads from the inlet opening past the at least one X-ray source to the outlet opening. This allows the products to be inspected to pass the stationary X-ray source. According to the invention, at least one shielding wall is positioned between the at least one X-ray source and the inlet opening or the outlet opening. Between the inlet opening and the at least one X-ray source, the transport system has at least one right-hand curve and at least one left-hand curve in the direction of transport.Between the at least one X-ray source and the exit opening, the transport system also has at least one right-hand curve and at least one left-hand curve when viewed in the direction of transport.

[0007] This labyrinthine design of the transport system ensures that ionizing radiation is shielded as effectively as possible. This eliminates the need for securely controlled moving flaps and doors, thus reducing the number of wear-prone components. This results in a significant reduction in process times.

[0008] Furthermore, the elimination of safety doors and flaps prevents tampering and reduces the potential for errors. In addition, maintenance of these doors and flaps is no longer required, thus reducing system downtime.

[0009] Preferably, the entrance and exit openings can be arranged side by side. In this way, a common shielding wall can be used. In a structurally simple embodiment, the entrance and exit openings can, in this case, be arranged in a common wall of the enclosure.

[0010] Preferably, at least one curve of the transport system can have an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Alternatively or additionally, at least one curve of the transport system can have an angle of approximately 180 degrees. In this case, the at least one 180-degree curve of the transport system can lead around an edge of the shielding wall.

[0011] The transport system can, in principle, be any system capable of creating left and right turns. For example, rail systems or planar transport systems are possible. In particular, product carriers that are flexibly movable relative to each other can be used, allowing for different dwell times in the vicinity of the stationary X-ray source.

[0012] Further advantages and features of the invention can be seen in the features further specified in the claims and in the exemplary embodiments below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0013] The invention is described and explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a first embodiment of the X-ray device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic top view of a second embodiment of the X-ray device according to the invention. WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0014] A first embodiment of the X-ray device 10 according to the invention is described in Fig. Figure 1 is shown schematically. In the present example, three stationary X-ray sources 14 are positioned in a radiation-proof enclosure 12. In contrast to the embodiment shown here, there could also be more or fewer X-ray sources 14 in the enclosure 12.

[0015] The enclosure 12 is rectangular overall and comprises a rear wall 20, two side walls 22 and 24, and a front wall 26. In this example, the X-ray sources 14 are positioned in the area of ​​the rear wall 20 and arranged parallel to it. The front wall 26 has an inlet opening 28 and an outlet opening 30. The inlet opening 28 and the outlet opening 30 are arranged side by side and are only a small distance apart. In this example, a shielding wall 32 is located between the front wall 26 and the stationary X-ray sources 14. This shielding wall is arranged parallel to the front wall 26 and is spaced a certain distance from the two side walls 22 and 24.

[0016] The X-ray unit 10 also has a transport system 40, through which products to be inspected can be transported through the inlet opening 28 into the housing 12, past the stationary X-ray sources 14, and then out of the housing 12 again through the outlet opening 30. The transport system 40 can be any type of transport system, for example, a rail system or a planar transport system. In this example, the transport direction 42 is essentially clockwise. Alternatively, it would also be possible to interchange the inlet opening 28 and the outlet opening 30, so that the transport direction 42 would be essentially counterclockwise.

[0017] After the inlet opening 28, the transport system 40 – viewed in the direction of transport 42 – first has a left turn 44 and then a right turn 46. The left turn 44 has an angle of approximately 90 degrees, while the right turn 46 has an angle of approximately 180 degrees and leads around the edge 48 of the shielding wall 32. The transport system 40 then passes the stationary X-ray sources 14. After the stationary X-ray sources 14, the transport system 40 – viewed in the direction of transport 42 – has another right turn 50 and another left turn 52. The second right turn 50 has an angle of approximately 180 degrees and leads around the second edge 54 of the shielding wall 32. The left turn 52 has an angle of approximately 90 degrees and leads to the outlet opening 30.

[0018] A second embodiment of the X-ray device 10.2 according to the invention is described in Fig. Figure 2 is shown schematically. In the present example, three stationary X-ray sources 14 are positioned in a radiation-proof enclosure 12.2. In contrast to the embodiment shown here, more or fewer X-ray sources 14 could also be present in the enclosure 12.2.

[0019] The enclosure 12.2 is rectangular overall and has a rear wall 20, two side walls 22.2 and 24.2, and a front wall 26.2. In this example, the X-ray sources 14 are positioned in the area of ​​the rear wall 20 and arranged parallel to it. The front wall 26.2 has an inlet opening 28 and an outlet opening 30. The inlet opening 28 and the outlet opening 30 are significantly further apart than in the X-ray device 10 according to [reference missing]. Fig. 1. In this example, a central shielding wall 32 is located between the front wall 26.2 and the stationary X-ray sources 14. This shielding wall is arranged parallel to the front wall 26.2 and is spaced a certain distance from the two side walls 22.2 and 24.2. Furthermore, two lateral shielding walls 60 and 62 are present, each adjoining one of the two side walls 22.2 and 24.2 and spaced a certain distance apart. The two lateral shielding walls 60 and 62 are positioned between the central shielding wall 32 and the front wall 26.2.

[0020] The X-ray device 10.2 also has a transport system 40.2 by which products to be tested can be transported through the inlet opening 28 into the housing 12.2, past the stationary X-ray sources 14, and then out of the housing 12.2 again through the outlet opening 30. In the present example, the transport direction 42 is essentially clockwise. In contrast, it would also be possible to exchange the inlet opening 28 and the outlet opening 30, so that the transport direction 42 would be essentially counterclockwise.

[0021] After the entrance opening 28, the transport system 40.2 – viewed in the transport direction 42 – first has a right-hand curve 64 and then a left-hand curve 66. The right-hand curve 64 has an angle of approximately 90 degrees, while the left-hand curve 66 has an angle of approximately 180 degrees and leads around the edge 68 of the right-hand lateral shielding wall 60. This is followed by another right-hand curve 46, which has an angle of approximately 180 degrees and leads around the edge 48 of the central shielding wall 32.

[0022] After passing the stationary X-ray sources 14, the transport system 40.2 – viewed in the transport direction 42 – has a further right turn 50. This further right turn 50 has an angle of approximately 180 degrees and leads around the second edge 54 of the central shielding wall 32. This is followed by a further left turn 70 and a final right turn 72 leading to the exit opening 30. The left turn 70 has an angle of approximately 180 degrees and leads around the edge 74 of the left lateral shielding wall 62. The final right turn 72 has an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0023] The use of the additional lateral shielding walls 60, 62 can further improve the shielding of ionizing radiation, particularly when using multiple X-ray sources and narrower enclosures. Depending on the intended use of the X-ray equipment, it would be possible to add to the shielding provided in Fig. 1 and Fig. To position further central or lateral shielding walls in the enclosure, in addition to the shielding walls shown in 2 (32, 60, 62).

Claims

[1] X-ray equipment (10, 10.2) for checking products in a production or testing plant - with an enclosure (12, 12.2) which has an entrance opening (28) and an exit opening (30), - with at least one stationary X-ray source (14) inside the enclosure (12, 12.2), - with a transport system (40, 40.2) that leads from the inlet opening (28) past the at least one X-ray source (14) to the outlet opening (30), - characterized by , that - at least one shielding wall (32, 60, 62) is positioned between the at least one X-ray source (14) and the inlet opening (28) or the outlet opening (30), - the transport system (40, 40.2) between the inlet opening (28) and the at least one X-ray source (14) seen in the transport direction (42) has at least one right curve (46, 64) and at least one left curve (44, 66), - the transport system (40, 40.2) between the at least one X-ray source (14) and the exit opening (30) has at least one right turn (50, 72) and at least one left turn (52, 70) in the transport direction (42). [2] X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, - characterized by , that - no movable shielding elements are present in the area of ​​the inlet opening (28) and / or in the area of ​​the outlet opening (30). [3] X-ray device according to claim 1 or 2, - characterized by , that - the entrance opening (28) and the exit opening (30) are arranged next to each other. [4] X-ray device according to claim 3, - characterized by , that - the entrance opening (28) and the exit opening (30) are arranged in a common wall (26, 26.2) of the enclosure (12, 12.2). [5] X-ray apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, - characterized by , that - at least one curve (44, 52, 64, 72) of the transport system (40, 40.2) has an angle of approximately 90 degrees. [6] X-ray apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, - characterized by , that - at least one curve (46, 50, 66, 70) of the transport system (40, 40.2) has an angle of approximately 180 degrees. [7] X-ray device according to claim 6, - characterized by , that - which at least makes a 180-degree turn (46, 50, 66, 70) of the transport system (40, 40.2) around the edge (48, 54, 68, 74) of the shielding wall (32, 60, 62).

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