X-ray analysis device

Abstract

To provide an X-ray analyzer capable of suppressing leakage of X-rays at the time of replacement of a sample.SOLUTION: An X-ray analyzer 1 is configured to block X-rays, and includes: an analysis chamber 300 for performing analysis of a sample by X-rays; an opening / closing mechanism 600 for opening / closing the analysis chamber; an X-ray source 210 that is disposed in the analysis chamber and irradiates a sample S with X-rays; a detector 220 that is disposed in the analysis chamber and detects fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample; a storage chamber 114 that is provided outside the analysis chamber 300 and houses the sample; and a storage chamber opening / closing mechanism 400 for opening / closing the storage chamber 114 without opening / closing the analysis chamber 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray analysis device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an X-ray analysis device that analyzes a sample by detecting fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample when the sample is irradiated with X-rays. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-68955 describes an X-ray fluorescence analysis device that includes a housing, a stage for placing the sample, a sample placed on the stage, an X-ray source for irradiating the sample with X-rays, and a detector for detecting the fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample. The housing has a lower case that houses the stage, the X-ray source, and the detector, and a cover that can be opened and closed relative to the lower case. The sample can be inserted and removed by opening the cover. The cover is configured to be capable of preventing leakage of X-rays, and is opened and closed manually or automatically. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-68955 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a fluorescent X-ray analyzer such as that described in JP 2009-68955 A, if a sample is replaced by opening the cover while the X-ray source is irradiating X-rays, there is a concern that X-rays may leak outside the X-ray analyzer.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray analysis apparatus capable of suppressing leakage of X-rays when replacing a sample. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention includes an analysis chamber configured to block X-rays and in which analysis of a sample is performed using X-rays, an analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the analysis chamber, an X-ray source disposed within the analysis chamber and irradiating the sample with X-rays, a detector disposed within the analysis chamber and detecting fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample, a storage chamber disposed outside the analysis chamber and in which the sample is stored, and a storage chamber opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the storage chamber without opening or closing the analysis chamber. Effect of the Invention

[0007] In this X-ray analysis apparatus, the analysis chamber is configured to block X-rays, and the storage chamber located outside it is opened and closed by a storage chamber opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the storage chamber without opening and closing the analysis chamber, thereby suppressing leakage of X-rays outside the X-ray analysis apparatus when replacing samples in the storage chamber. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an X-ray analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an X-ray analysis device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the X-ray analysis apparatus with its upper cover open. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the analysis chamber and the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism when the lid of the analysis chamber is closed. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the analysis chamber and the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism with the lid of the analysis chamber open. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the analysis chamber with the lid of the analysis chamber open. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the detection sensor when the lid of the analysis chamber is closed. [Figure 8] 4 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between a detection unit of the detection sensor and a storage unit of an analysis chamber. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray analysis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the X-ray analysis apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the X-ray analysis apparatus with its upper cover open. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the analysis chamber and the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism when the lid of the analysis chamber is closed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the analysis chamber and the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism when the lid of the analysis chamber is open. The X-ray analysis apparatus 1 is an apparatus for analyzing a sample by detecting fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample when the sample is irradiated with X-rays.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the X-ray analysis apparatus 1 includes a housing 100, an X-ray source 210, a detector 220, an X-ray source control unit 230, an analysis chamber 300, a storage chamber opening / closing mechanism 400, a transport unit 500, an analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism 600, a detection sensor 700, a drive control unit 800, and a drive unit 900.

[0012] The housing 100 has a lower case 110 and an upper cover 120 .

[0013] The lower case 110 has a storage chamber 114 for storing the sample container 20 and a component sample holder 116 for holding the component sample 30 .

[0014] The upper cover 120 is connected to the lower case 110 so as to be openable and closable relative to the lower case 110 .

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sample container 20 has a container body 22 and a container film 24.

[0016] The container body 22 has a shape that surrounds the sample S and opens downward. The container body 22 is made of, for example, polypropylene (PP).

[0017] The container film 24 closes the opening of the container body 22 and supports the sample S. The container film 24 is made of polypropylene or the like. The container film 24 is welded to the lower end of the container body 22.

[0018] The analysis chamber 300 is disposed in the lower case 110. The analysis chamber 300 is configured to be capable of blocking X-rays. The analysis chamber 300 is made of a material (such as lead) capable of blocking X-rays. In FIG. 1, the analysis chamber 300 is indicated by a thick line. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the analysis chamber 300 has a base 302, an enclosure portion 303, a storage portion 310, and a lid 320.

[0019] The base 302 is formed in a rectangular shape. The base 302 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape.

[0020] The enclosure 303 surrounds the X-ray source 210 and the detector 220. The enclosure 303 is connected to the lower surface of the base 302.

[0021] The accommodation portion 310 is provided in the center of the base 302. The accommodation portion 310 has an opening and is capable of accommodating the sample S. In this embodiment, the accommodation portion 310 opens upward. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the accommodation portion 310 has a bottom wall 312. The bottom wall 312 is formed in a disk shape. A through hole 312h is provided in the bottom wall 312.

[0022] The lid 320 is capable of closing and opening the opening of the storage section 310 .

[0023] As shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, a holder 330 is disposed within the analysis chamber 300. The holder 330 is placed on the bottom wall 312 and holds the sample container 20. The holder 330 is configured to be removable from the bottom wall 312. The holder 330 has an enclosing cylinder 332 and a holder film 334.

[0024] The surrounding cylinder 332 has an outer shape larger than the through hole 312h. The surrounding cylinder 332 surrounds the sample container 20 and has a shape that opens downward. In this embodiment, the surrounding cylinder 332 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The surrounding cylinder 332 is made of, for example, polypropylene.

[0025] The holder film 334 closes the opening at the bottom of the enclosing tube 332. In other words, two films (the container film 24 and the holder film 334) are laminated above the through hole 312h of the bottom wall 312. The holder film 334 is made of, for example, polypropylene. The holder film 334 is welded to the lower end of the enclosing tube 332.

[0026] The X-ray source 210 is housed in the analysis chamber 300, more specifically, in the enclosure 303. The X-ray source 210 can irradiate X-rays from below the bottom wall 312 toward the sample S in the sample container 20. An example of the X-ray source 210 is an X-ray tube.

[0027] The detector 220 is housed in the analysis chamber 300, more specifically, in the enclosure 303. The detector 220 detects fluorescent X-rays generated from the sample S below the bottom wall 312. From the viewpoint of improving the analytical accuracy of the sample S, the detector 220 is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the through-hole 312h.

[0028] The X-ray source control unit 230 controls the X-ray source 210 based on a signal received from a detection unit 720, which will be described later.

[0029] A plurality of sample containers 20 are accommodated in the storage chamber 114 of the lower case 110. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the storage chamber 114 is provided outside the analysis chamber 300. The storage chamber 114 is provided on the side of the analysis chamber 300. In this embodiment, the storage chamber 114 is provided on both sides of the analysis chamber 300 in the width direction. The storage chamber 114 opens upward.

[0030] The storage chamber opening / closing mechanism 400 is a mechanism for opening and closing the storage chamber 114 without opening and closing the analysis chamber 300. The storage chamber opening / closing mechanism 400 is detachable from the lower case 110. In this embodiment, the storage chamber opening / closing mechanism 400 is configured with a tray that can be inserted into the storage chamber 114 of the lower case 110 from the front of the lower case 110 and removed from the storage chamber 114. The storage chamber opening / closing mechanism 400 has a holder 410 that can hold a plurality of sample containers 20. In this embodiment, the storage chamber opening / closing mechanism 400 has two holders 410. Note that in FIG. 3, only a single holder 410 is illustrated in one storage chamber opening / closing mechanism 400, and the holder 410 is omitted in the other storage chamber opening / closing mechanism 400.

[0031] The component specimen holding portion 116 holds a plurality of component specimens 30. The component specimen holding portion 116 is provided in front of the analysis chamber 300 and between the respective storage chambers 114.

[0032] The transport unit 500 moves the sample container 20 between the storage chamber 114 and the analysis chamber 300. The transport unit 500 is connected to the lower case 110 so as to be movable relative to the lower case 110. The transport unit 500 can move the sample container 20 three-dimensionally.

[0033] The analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism 600 opens and closes the analysis chamber 300. Specifically, the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism 600 opens and closes the lid 320 with respect to the container portion 310 of the analysis chamber 300. The analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism 600 has a worm 610, a worm wheel 620 that meshes with the worm 610, and a connecting portion 630.

[0034] The worm 610 is fixed to the base 302 in a position in which it can rotate about a central axis of rotation that extends in the vertical direction. The worm 610 is disposed behind the housing portion 310.

[0035] The worm wheel 620 is fixed to the base 302 in a position in which it rotates around a central axis of rotation extending in the width direction of the lower case 110 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 4). The worm wheel 620 is disposed between the worm 610 and the housing portion 310.

[0036] The connecting portion 630 connects the worm wheel 620 and the lid 320 together so that the lid 320 opens and closes in response to the rotation of the worm wheel 620. Specifically, the connecting portion 630 has a rotation shaft 632 and an arm portion 634.

[0037] The rotating shaft 632 is disposed on the side of the accommodation portion 310. The rotating shaft 632 is disposed inside the worm wheel 620. The rotating shaft 632 rotates integrally with the worm wheel 620 around the central axis of rotation of the worm wheel 620.

[0038] The arm 634 connects the rotating shaft 632 and the lid 320. In this embodiment, the analysis chamber opening and closing mechanism 600 has a pair of arms 634. Each arm 634 connects an end of the rotating shaft 632 and a side of the lid 320.

[0039] The driving unit 900 drives the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism 600. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the driving unit 900 rotates the worm 610 of the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism 600. In this embodiment, a motor is used as the driving unit 900.

[0040] The detection sensor 700 detects the opening and closing of the lid 320 of the analysis chamber 300. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the detection sensor 700 has an insert 710 and a detection unit 720. Note that Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the detection unit 720 in a schematic manner.

[0041] The insert 710 is configured to move integrally with the lid 320. Specifically, a holding plate 750 is fixed to the front of the lid 320, and the insert 710 is fixed to an end of the holding plate 750 in the width direction. The insert 710 may be configured as a key. The detection sensor 700 may have a plurality of inserts 710. In this case, it is preferable that the insert 710 is fixed to each end of the holding plate 750 in the width direction. Note that a single insert 710 is shown in FIG. 6.

[0042] The detector 720 is fixed to the side of the container 310. The detector 720 detects the insertion of the insert 710. Specifically, the detector 720 detects that the lid 320 is closed when the insert 710 is inserted (in the state shown in FIG. 7). When the detector 720 detects that the lid 320 is closed, the detector 720 outputs a signal to the X-ray source controller 230 indicating that the sample S can be irradiated with X-rays. On the other hand, when the detector 720 does not detect that the lid 320 is closed, the detector 720 outputs a signal to the X-ray source controller 230 indicating that the sample S is prohibited from being irradiated with X-rays. As shown in FIG. 8, the detector 720 is disposed on the opposite side (lower side in FIG. 8) to the side where the rotation shaft 632 is disposed, with the center 310C of the container 310 as a reference. Note that the detector 720 may be fixed to the lid 320, and the insert 710 may be fixed to the container 310.

[0043] The drive control unit 800 controls the drive unit 900. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the drive control unit 800 can receive an opening / closing signal indicating the opening / closing of the lid 320 in the analysis room 300, and drives the drive unit 900 based on the opening / closing signal. The opening / closing signal is transmitted from a computer or the like provided outside the X-ray analysis apparatus 1.

[0044] When the drive control unit 800 receives an opening / closing signal indicating the opening of the lid 320, it controls the drive unit 900 so that the worm 610 rotates in the direction in which the lid 320 opens. At this time, the detection unit 720 does not detect the insertion of the insert 710, so the detection unit 720 outputs a signal to the X-ray source control unit 230 indicating that irradiation of X-rays to the sample S is prohibited. Therefore, irradiation of X-rays by the X-ray source 210 is prohibited. In this state, the transport unit 500 transports the sample container 20, and a serviceman performs maintenance (such as replacement) of the holder 330.

[0045] When the drive control unit 800 receives an opening / closing signal indicating that the lid 320 is closed, it controls the drive unit 900 to rotate the worm 610 in a direction to close the lid 320. When the detection unit 720 detects the insertion of the insert 710, the detection unit 720 outputs a signal to the X-ray source control unit 230 indicating that irradiation of X-rays to the sample S is possible. This allows the X-ray source 210 to irradiate X-rays.

[0046] As described above, in the X-ray analysis apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the analysis chamber 300 is configured to block X-rays, and the storage chamber 114 provided outside it is opened and closed by a storage chamber opening and closing mechanism 400 that opens and closes the storage chamber 114 without opening and closing the analysis chamber 300, thereby suppressing leakage of X-rays outside the X-ray analysis apparatus 1 when replacing the sample S in the storage chamber 114.

[0047] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0048] For example, the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism 600 may be manually operable by a serviceman performing maintenance. Specifically, the worm 610 may be configured to be rotated by a serviceman using a dedicated tool or the like. In this case, it is preferable that the worm 610 is configured to be operable from at least one of its upper end and lower end.

[0049] [Aspects] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0050] (Item 1) The X-ray analysis apparatus according to one embodiment is configured to block X-rays and includes an analysis chamber in which analysis of a sample is performed using X-rays, an analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the analysis chamber, an X-ray source disposed within the analysis chamber for irradiating the sample with X-rays, a detector disposed within the analysis chamber for detecting fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample, a storage chamber disposed outside the analysis chamber in which the sample is stored, and a storage chamber opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the storage chamber without opening or closing the analysis chamber.

[0051] In this X-ray analysis apparatus, the analysis chamber is configured to block X-rays, and the storage chamber located outside it is opened and closed by a storage chamber opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the storage chamber without opening and closing the analysis chamber, thereby suppressing leakage of X-rays outside the X-ray analysis apparatus when replacing samples in the storage chamber.

[0052] (Item 2) It is preferable that the X-ray analysis apparatus described in item 1 further comprises a transport unit that moves the sample between the storage chamber and the analysis chamber.

[0053] (Item 3) In the X-ray analysis apparatus described in item 1 or 2, it is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a detection sensor that detects whether the analysis chamber is open or closed, and an X-ray source control unit that controls the X-ray source, and when the detection sensor detects that the analysis chamber is closed, it outputs a signal to the X-ray source control unit indicating that X-rays can be irradiated to the sample.

[0054] (Item 4) In the X-ray analysis apparatus described in item 3, it is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a drive unit that drives the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism, and a drive unit control unit that is capable of receiving an opening / closing signal indicating the opening / closing of the analysis chamber and controls the drive unit based on the opening / closing signal.

[0055] According to the X-ray analysis apparatus of paragraph 4, the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism is automatically opened / closed by an opening / closing signal transmitted from a computer or the like provided outside the X-ray analysis apparatus.

[0056] (Item 5) In the X-ray analysis apparatus described in Item 4, it is preferable that the analysis chamber has a storage section having an opening for storing the sample, and a lid capable of closing and opening the opening of the storage section, the analysis chamber opening and closing mechanism has a worm, a worm wheel that meshes with the worm, and a connecting section that connects the worm wheel and the lid so that the lid opens and closes in response to rotation of the worm wheel, and the drive section rotates the worm.

[0057] (Item 6) In the X-ray analysis apparatus described in Item 5, it is preferable that the connecting portion is arranged on the side of the storage portion and has a rotating shaft that rotates integrally with the worm wheel around the central axis of rotation of the worm wheel, and an arm portion that connects the rotating shaft to the lid.

[0058] (Item 7) In the X-ray analysis apparatus described in Item 6, the detection sensor has an insert connected to one of the storage unit and the lid, and a detection unit connected to the other of the storage unit and the lid and detecting that the lid is closed when the insert is inserted, and it is preferable that the detection unit is arranged on the opposite side to the side on which the rotation axis is arranged, with the center of the storage unit as a reference.

[0059] According to the X-ray analysis apparatus described in the seventh aspect, the opening and closing of the lid can be detected more accurately by the detection sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 X-ray analysis device, 20 sample container, 100 housing, 110 lower case, 114 storage chamber, 116 component sample holder, 120 upper cover, 210 X-ray source, 220 detector, 230 X-ray source control unit, 300 analysis chamber, 302 base, 303 enclosure, 310 storage unit, 320 lid, 330 holder, 400 storage chamber opening / closing mechanism, 410 holder, 500 transport unit, 600 analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism, 610 worm, 620 worm wheel, 630 connection unit, 632 rotating shaft, 634 arm unit, 700 detection sensor, 710 insertion body, 720 detection unit, 800 drive unit control unit, 900 drive unit, S sample.

Claims

1. an analysis chamber configured to block X-rays and in which analysis of the sample using X-rays is performed; an analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the analysis chamber; an X-ray source disposed in the analysis chamber and configured to irradiate the sample with X-rays; a detector disposed within the analysis chamber for detecting fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample; a storage chamber provided outside the analysis chamber and configured to store the sample; a storage chamber opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the storage chamber without opening and closing the analysis chamber; A drive unit that drives the analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism; a drive unit control unit that is capable of receiving an opening / closing signal indicating whether the analysis chamber is open or closed and controls the drive unit based on the opening / closing signal; The analysis chamber comprises: a container having an opening and configured to contain the sample; a lid capable of closing and opening the opening of the storage portion, The analysis chamber opening / closing mechanism includes: Warm and A worm wheel that meshes with the worm; a connecting portion that connects the worm wheel and the lid so that the lid opens and closes in response to rotation of the worm wheel, The drive unit rotates the worm, The drive unit control unit controls the drive unit so that the worm rotates in a direction in which the lid opens when the drive unit control unit receives the opening / closing signal indicating the opening of the lid.

2. The X-ray analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a transport unit that moves the sample between the storage chamber and the analysis chamber.

3. A detection sensor that detects whether the analysis chamber is open or closed; An X-ray source control unit that controls the X-ray source, 3. The X-ray analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection sensor outputs a signal to the X-ray source control unit indicating that X-rays can be irradiated to the sample when the detection sensor detects that the analysis chamber is closed.

4. The connecting portion is a rotation shaft disposed on a side of the housing portion and rotating integrally with the worm wheel about a rotation center axis of the worm wheel; The X-ray analysis apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising an arm portion connecting the rotation shaft and the lid.

5. The detection sensor includes: an insert connected to one of the housing and the lid; a detection unit connected to the other of the storage unit and the lid, and detecting that the lid is closed when the insert is inserted, The X-ray analysis apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the detection unit is disposed on an opposite side to a side on which the rotation shaft is disposed with respect to a center of the container unit.

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