X-ray inspection equipment

Abstract

To provide an X-ray inspection device capable of suppressing a reduction of the lifetime of the X-ray detector by reducing the heat transfer between an object to be inspected and the X-ray detector.SOLUTION: An X-ray inspection device 1 includes: X-ray generator that irradiates an object to be inspected, which is conveyed by conveying means including a circulating conveying belt 7 with X-ray; and an X-ray detector that is placed below the lower surface 10 of the conveyor belt 7 to detect the X-ray transmitting through the object to be inspected. The X-ray inspection device 1 includes a bearer 6 that has a predetermined space S provided between the lower surface 10 of the conveyor belt 7 and the upper surface 11 of the X-ray detector, and that has an inlet for inflowing air into the space S and a discharge port 32 for discharging the air out of the space S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray inspection apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, X-ray foreign body detectors have been used to detect foreign bodies (metal, bone, glass, stone, synthetic resin, etc.) in (including the surface of) various types of objects to be inspected, such as raw meat, fish, processed foods, and medicines. For example, the X-ray foreign body detector disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a housing with an upper housing and a lower housing arranged on either side of a product area through which products pass. An X-ray generator is located inside the upper housing, and an X-ray detector is located inside the lower housing. A conveyor table that guides a conveyor belt horizontally is installed on the upper surface of the lower housing (bottom surface of the product area). During X-ray inspection, the conveyor belt can stably convey the product (object to be inspected) in the horizontal direction within the product area along the conveyor table. During cleaning, if the conveyor means and the conveyor table are removed from the housing, the upper surface of the lower housing, which is the bottom surface, can be exposed and cleaned. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-244114 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, X-ray foreign object detection devices (also called X-ray inspection devices) may inspect high-temperature objects such as aluminum packaging materials after boiling sterilization. If heat from the high-temperature objects is transmitted through the conveyor belt to the X-ray detector placed below, there is a risk that the sensor life of the X-ray detector, which is particularly vulnerable to heat, will be shortened. As in conventional X-ray inspection devices, a conveyor table is installed between the conveyor belt and the X-ray detector, and even if the conveyor table is raised to make it difficult for heat to be transmitted, the air in the space above the conveyor table also rises in temperature, so there is a concern that heat will be transmitted to the sensor.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and its object is to provide an X-ray inspection device that can reduce heat transfer between the object to be inspected and the X-ray detector, thereby preventing the life of the X-ray detector from being shortened. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Next, means for solving the above problems will be described with reference to the drawings corresponding to the embodiments. The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to claim 1 of the present invention is an X-ray inspection apparatus 1 including an X-ray generator 2 that irradiates an inspection object 4 transported by a transport means 5 including a transport belt 7 that moves in a circulating manner, and an X-ray detector 3 that is disposed below a lower surface 10 of the transport belt 7 and detects the X-rays that have passed through the inspection object 4, A predetermined space S is provided between the lower surface 10 of the conveyor belt 7 and the upper surface 11 of the X-ray detector 3. The conveyor belt 7 is supported by being in sliding contact with the lower surface 10 of the conveyor belt 7. An inlet 26 to which an air supply source that introduces air into the space S is connected, and an outlet 32 ​​that discharges the air within the space S; an X-ray passing slit 29 through which the X-rays pass; A support 6 having 、 The X-ray detector 3 is accommodated in a frame 9, and a slit 12 through which the X-rays pass is formed on the upper surface 11 of the frame 9. Preparation, The inlet 26 is provided on at least one side of the back surface of the receiving tray in the conveying direction, The discharge port 32 is characterized in that it is provided at the center of the front surface of the receiving table where it overlaps with the X-ray detector 3.

[0007] In this X-ray inspection device 1, the object 4 to be inspected is placed on the conveyor belt 7 in the conveying area, and if there is a temperature difference between the object 4 to be inspected and the X-ray detector 3, the temperature gradient causes heat to move from the object 4 to the X-ray detector 3 through the conveyor belt 7 and the receiving table 6. The heat transferred from the object 4 to the receiving table 6 is transferred to the upper surface 11 of the X-ray detector 3 through the space S, but most of the heat is transferred to the air flowing in the space S, and then carried by the air exhausted from the outlet 32 ​​and discharged to the outside of the receiving table 6 from the outlet 32. Therefore, the heat transferred from the object 4 to the upper surface 11 of the X-ray detector 3 is significantly reduced. As a result, in the X-ray inspection device 1, the heat transfer between the object 4 to the X-ray detector 3 is reduced, and the life of the X-ray detector 3 can be prevented from being shortened. In addition, in this X-ray inspection device 1, the inlet 26 is provided on at least one side of the back surface of the receiving table in the transport direction. It is even better if the inlet 26 is provided on both sides of the back surface of the receiving table in the transport direction. Meanwhile, the outlet 32 ​​is provided in the center of the front surface of the receiving table overlapping with the X-ray detector 3. The air that flows into the space S of the receiving table 6 from the inlet 26 flows from at least one side of the transport direction toward the center, and is finally exhausted to the outside of the receiving table 6 from the outlet 32 ​​provided in the center. By providing the outlet 32 ​​at a position overlapping with the X-ray detector 3, the air exhausted from the outlet 32 ​​can always be made to pass close to the sensor part of the X-ray detector 3. This prevents air from accumulating in the sensor part, and prevents the sensor part from being easily affected by heat from the object 4 to be inspected.

[0008] The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to claim 2 of the present invention is the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to claim 1, The support 6 has a front Notes The frame 9 has recesses 24, 25 formed therein to engage with a plurality of mounting pins 21, 21 arranged on the side surface thereof. The receiving base 6 is placed on the frame 9 by fitting the recesses 24, 25 into the mounting pins 21, 21, and a space S is defined on the upper surface 11 of the frame 9.

[0009] In this X-ray inspection device 1, The receiving table 6 is placed on the frame 9 as a separate component, and is attached by fitting recesses 24, 25 formed in the receiving table 6 into a plurality of mounting pins 21, 21 arranged on the side of the frame 9, thereby defining a space S on the upper surface 11 of the frame 9. This space S is between the lower surface 10 of the conveyor belt 7 and the upper surface 11 of the frame 9, and the top plate 27 of the receiving table 6 supports the conveyor belt 7, forming a flow path that includes an inlet 26 for air to flow in and an outlet 32 ​​for air to be discharged.

[0010] The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to claim 3 of the present invention is the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to claim 1 or 2, The device is characterized by including an air guide plate 31 that supports the receiving base 6 and guides the air supplied from the inlet 26 to the outlet 32.

[0011] In this X-ray inspection device 1, the air guide plate 31 straightens the air that flows in from the inlet 26 so that it flows smoothly within the space S, and the air is exhausted from the outlet 32 ​​without stagnation within the space S. This allows the air supplied from the inlet 26 to be efficiently guided to the outlet 32 ​​without energy loss. In addition, the air guide plate 31 supports the load of the object 4 to be inspected and prevents the receiving table 6 from bending. Since the receiving table 6 is provided with the air guide plate 31 and the top plate 27 is less likely to bend, the distance between the object 4 on the upper surface (conveyance surface) of the belt and the X-ray detector 3 is less likely to fluctuate.

[0012] The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to claim 4 of the present invention is 3 The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises: The X-ray detector 3 is a line sensor 36, and a plurality of the air guide plates 31 are arranged in parallel to and offset from the line sensor 36 along the longitudinal direction of the line sensor 36.

[0013] In this X-ray inspection device 1, the sensor portion of the X-ray detector 3 is a linear line sensor 36. The line sensor 36 is disposed in the center of the transport area in the transport direction, with the direction perpendicular to the transport direction as the longitudinal direction. The air guide plate 31 is disposed parallel to the line sensor 36, offset from the line sensor 36 along the longitudinal direction of the line sensor 36. In other words, the air guide plate 31 is provided so as not to be positioned above the line sensor 36. Therefore, if a plurality of air guide plates 31 are provided, the line sensor 36 is positioned parallel to at least a pair of air guide plates 31. As a result, a linear discharge flow path is formed above the line sensor 36, sandwiched between a pair of air guide plates 31, with the discharge port 32 at the immediate downstream side. The air that flows into the linear discharge flow path flows smoothly to the discharge port 32 without stagnation, and can be exhausted. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention, When an object to be inspected is placed on the conveyor belt in the transport area, and if there is a temperature difference between the object to be inspected and the X-ray detector, the temperature gradient will cause heat to move, for example, from the high-temperature object to the X-ray detector through the conveyor belt and the receiving table. The heat transferred from the object to the receiving table is transferred through the space to the top surface of the X-ray detector, and most of it is transferred to the air flowing through the space, after which the air passes through and flows out from near the center, which is the sensor part of the X-ray detector, and is transported by the air exhausted from the outlet, and is discharged outside the receiving table from the outlet. That is, the receiving table is placed on the frame, the receiving table supports the conveyor belt, and a predetermined space is formed between the lower surface of the conveyor belt and the upper surface of the X-ray detector, and a space exists between the object to be inspected and the X-ray detector.It is possible to reduce heat transfer between the object to be inspected and the X-ray detector, for example, to reduce heat transferred from a high-temperature object to the X-ray detector, thereby preventing the life of the X-ray detector from being shortened. In addition, air reliably passes through and flows out from near the center, which is the sensor part of the X-ray detector, further reducing the transfer of heat to the X-ray detector. Furthermore, the receiving table is placed on the upper surface of the frame and held down by the conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt comes into sliding contact with the X-ray passing slit, so there is no risk of large amounts of air leaking out from the space in the receiving table.

[0015] According to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention, The receiving platform can be a separate component placed on the frame, and is attached by fitting recesses formed in the receiving platform into a number of mounting pins arranged on the side of the frame, thereby defining a space on the upper surface of the frame. This space is between the lower surface of the conveyor belt and the upper surface of the frame, and the top plate of the receiving platform supports the conveyor belt, forming a flow path with an inlet for air to flow in and an outlet for air to be discharged.

[0016] According to the X-ray inspection device of the present invention, the air can be straightened and guided to the outlet, so that the decrease in the air transport efficiency in the space of the receiving table can be suppressed. Also, since the air guide plate supports the load of the inspection object, the deformation of the receiving table can be suppressed, and the distance between the inspection object and the X-ray detector can be maintained with high accuracy, and the decrease in inspection accuracy can be suppressed.

[0017] According to the X-ray inspection device of claim 4 of the present invention, at least a pair of air guide plates are arranged in parallel on either side of the sensor portion, so that air in the vicinity of the sensor can be reliably guided to the outlet without stagnation and exhausted, and the air guide plates do not get in the way of the sensor portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an X-ray inspection apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side view of a main part of the X-ray inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a front cross-sectional view of a main part of the X-ray inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower frame with the pedestal removed. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of air in a pedestal space. [Figure 8]13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining the flow of air in a pedestal space according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the directions of front, back, left and right follow the directions of arrows shown in each drawing. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment mainly comprises an X-ray generator 2 that generates X-rays, an X-ray detector 3 (see Figure 3) that receives X-rays from the X-ray generator 2, a transport section 5 as a transport means for transporting an object to be inspected 4 between the X-ray generator 2 and the X-ray detector 3, and a receiving table 6 (see Figure 2).

[0020] The X-ray generator 2 irradiates the inspection object 4 conveyed by the conveying unit 5 having the conveying belt 7 that moves in a circular manner with X-rays. The X-ray generator 2 is configured to prevent leakage of X-rays by covering the periphery of the X-ray tube (not shown) that generates X-rays with a shielding plate. The shielding plate is lined with a shielding material such as lead. The X-ray generator 2 is disposed on the upper part of the housing 8 that constitutes the main body of the X-ray inspection device 1, and irradiates X-rays downward. The X-rays are irradiated in a substantially conical shape spreading downward from the X-ray tube, and then irradiated in a planar shape spreading downward through an elongated hole formed in the bottom of the X-ray generator 2, an elongated hole formed in the receiving base 6, and an elongated hole provided in the lower frame 9 of the housing 8 that supports the X-ray generator 2. In the X-ray generator 2, heat generated when X-rays are generated is dissipated by cooling fins (not shown).

[0021] The X-ray detector 3 is disposed below the lower surface 10 of the conveyor belt 7 and detects the X-rays that have passed through the object 4 to be inspected. The X-ray detector 3 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 8 and configured to receive the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator 2. The X-ray detector 3 is housed in a lower frame 9, which is a metal box that is a part of the housing. The lower frame 9 has a slit 12 (see FIG. 3), which is an elongated hole, on its upper surface 11 that is formed substantially flat. The slit 12 is formed by attaching a resin material that transmits X-rays to an elongated hole that is drilled in the sheet metal of the upper surface 11 so as to extend in the front-rear direction and waterproofing the resin material with a silicone material or the like. The slit 12 passes the planar X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator 2. That is, the front-rear direction in which the slit 12 is formed is the direction in which the planar X-rays can pass. The X-rays that have passed through the slit 12 in the lower frame 9 are received by a sensor portion of the X-ray detector 3 disposed inside the lower frame 9. The X-ray detector 3 converts the X-rays into light and outputs them to an X-ray processing unit (not shown).

[0022] The transport unit 5 allows the inspection object 4 to pass through the planar X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator 2 toward the X-ray detector 3. The transport unit 5 mainly comprises a roller unit 13 and a transport belt 7. The roller unit 13 and the transport belt 7 constituting the transport unit 5 are attached to a lower frame 9 in which the X-ray detector 3 is housed.

[0023] The roller units 13 are attached to the lower frame 9 by brackets 14. Each roller unit 13 rotatably supports a roller 15 whose center of rotation is aligned in the front-rear direction. An endless conveyor belt 7 is stretched between these rollers. In the conveyor section 5, one of the rollers 15 provided in the roller unit 13 is driven, which causes the conveyor belt 7 to move in a circular motion. The conveyor belt 7 forms a circular circulating path. The circulating path surrounds the lower frame 9 and the pair of roller units 13 arranged inside. Of the circulating path, the upper circulating portion 16 (see FIG. 4) of the conveyor belt 7 is the conveying area for the object 4 to be inspected. In the conveyor section 5, the conveyor belt 7 moves in a circular motion, thereby moving the object 4 to be inspected placed on the upper circulating portion 16 to the left or right.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a side view of a main part of the X-ray inspection device 1 shown in FIG. A pair of parallel ridges 17 (also called "bars") that are continuous in the inner circumferential direction are formed on the annular inner circumferential surface side of the conveyor belt 7. In this embodiment, the length (depth) in the width direction, which is the front-rear direction of the receiving table 6, is set to be slightly shorter than the width of the conveyor belt 7. In other words, the pair of ridges 17 are arranged to protrude outward from the receiving table 6 in the front-rear direction.

[0025] The receiving table 6 is provided with a connecting frame 18 that protrudes rearward and extends in the left-right direction. A groove 19 into which the rear convex strip 17 of the pair of convex strips 17 is inserted is provided in the connecting frame 18 along the moving direction of the conveyor belt 7. When the rear convex strip 17 is inserted into the groove 19, the front convex strip 17 of the conveyor belt 7 is hung on the front wall 20 of the receiving table 6.

[0026] The conveyor belt 7 has the front convex strips 17 hooked onto the front wall 20 and the rear convex strips 17 inserted into the concave grooves 19, thereby restricting movement in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (belt width direction) and preventing meandering. In the X-ray inspection device 1, the inspection object 4 is restricted from moving (swaying) in the belt width direction, so that the inspection object 4 moves straight and a decrease in X-ray inspection accuracy is prevented.

[0027] A plurality of mounting pins 21 protrude from the left and right side surfaces of the lower frame 9. The receiving base 6 is provided with a pair of parallel right side wall 22 and left side wall 23 (see FIG. 6) that extend in the front-rear direction. The rear ends of the right side wall 22 and the left side wall 23 are connected to each other by the connecting frame 18, forming a U-shape in plan view. A semicircular pin insertion recess 24 is formed at the rear end of each of the right side wall 22 and the left side wall 23. A quadrant pin engagement recess 25 is formed at the front end of each of the right side wall 22 and the left side wall 23. The right side wall 22 and the left side wall 23 are provided with mounting pins 21 that fit into the pin insertion recess 24 and the pin engagement recess 25, respectively, when the receiving base 6 is placed at a predetermined position on the lower frame 9. The receiving base 6 is placed on the lower frame 9 in this manner to define a space S between the receiving base 6 and the upper surface 11 of the lower frame 9. The height of this space S can be ensured to be about 10 mm. The receiving base 6 is provided with an inlet 26 at the rear of the right side wall 22 and the left side wall 23 for introducing air into the space S. The position of the inlet 26 is an example, and the inlet 26 may be formed at any position on the receiving base 6.

[0028] An air supply source (not shown) is connected to the inlet 26. The air supply source may be, for example, a fan motor, an air pressure generator, or the like.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of a main part of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The receiving table 6 has left and right ends of a top plate 27 that form extensions 28 that extend laterally beyond the right side wall 22 and the left side wall 23. An X-ray passing slit 29 is formed in the top plate 27 of the receiving table 6 at a position overlapping with the slit 12 of the lower frame 9. The X-ray passing slit 29 is in sliding contact with the conveyor belt 7, so that no large amount of air leaks out of the space S in the receiving table 6. Note that the X-ray passing slit 29 may be attached to an elongated hole, similar to the slit 12, with a resin material that transmits X-rays being waterproofed with a silicone material or the like.

[0030] The receiving table 6 is provided with a plurality of air guide plates 31 on the underside of the top plate. In this embodiment, the air guide plates 31 are paired in pairs in parallel to each other to form an air guide unit 30 that is formed in a downward U-shape, and these air guide units 30 are fixed to the top plate 27 in a pair on the left and right sides of the X-ray passing slit 29. Each air guide unit 30 has a pair of parallel air guide plates 31, that is, four parallel air guide plates 31 that extend in the front-rear direction and are spaced apart in the left-right direction are arranged in the space S of the receiving table 6. The air guide plates 31 of the air guide unit 30 are placed on the upper surface 11 of the lower frame 9, so that the air guide plates 31 become leg-like and support the receiving table 6, and divide the space S in the left-right direction into a plurality of sections.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the conveying means. A pair of roller units 13 are attached to the lower frame 9 to which the receiving table 6 is attached, sandwiching the lower frame 9 from the left and right. The conveyor belt 7 is attached to the outside so as to surround the lower frame 9, the receiving table 6, and the pair of roller units 13. By being attached to the outside, the conveyor belt 7 is stretched over a pair of rollers 15 on the left and right. The receiving table 6 is restricted in its forward, backward, left and right movement by the mounting pin 21, the right side wall 22, and the left side wall 23, but is not fixed to the lower frame 9. In other words, the receiving table 6 is placed on the upper surface 11 of the lower frame 9, and is held by being pressed down by the upper rotating portion 16 of the conveyor belt 7.

[0032] The receiving table 6 may be embossed on the upper surface 11 of the top plate 27 that contacts the lower surface 10 of the conveyor belt 7. The receiving table 6 can reduce the contact surface with the conveyor belt 7 by providing the top plate 27 with embossments, for example, convex processed portions. This enables the conveying unit 5 to reduce the movement and sliding resistance of the conveyor belt 7. Furthermore, by providing the receiving table 6 with embossments to reduce the contact surface with the conveyor belt 7, the transfer of heat between the receiving table 6 and the object to be inspected 4 can also be reduced.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower frame 9 with the pedestal 6 removed. The receiving base 6 is attached by inserting the left and right mounting pins 21 into the pin insertion recesses 24 formed at the rear ends of the right side wall 22 and the left side wall 23 on both the left and right sides. With the pin insertion recesses 24 inserted into the mounting pins 21, the receiving base 6 is rotated around the mounting pin 21, and the pin engagement recesses 25 formed at the front ends of the right side wall 22 and the left side wall 23 are engaged with the front mounting pin 21 from above, completing the attachment of the receiving base 6. The front side of the X-ray passing slit 29 formed in the receiving base 6 becomes an outlet 32 ​​cut out of the front wall 20, which opens the space S of the receiving base 6 to the outside. Note that the position of the outlet 32 ​​is just an example, and the outlet 32 ​​may be formed at any position on the receiving base 6.

[0034] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the pedestal 6. As shown in FIG. In the receiving table 6, the front wall 20 of the top plate 27 is bent downward, and the rear wall 33 (see FIG. 2) of the top plate 27 is bent downward. A pair of U-shaped right and left walls 22 and 23, and a connecting frame 18 are fixed to the underside of the top plate 27. A pair of air guide units 30 are further fixed to the left and right of the bottom side of the top plate 27, sandwiching an X-ray passing slit 29 therebetween. The air guide unit 30 has a frame portion 35 on the inside of a rectangular plate that is long in the front-rear direction, in which a rectangular hole 34 that is long in the same direction is formed. The pair of long sides of the frame portion 35 of the air guide unit 30 are bent downward to form the above-mentioned air guide plate 31. The upper surface of the frame portion 35 of the air guide unit 30 is fixed to the top plate 27 by screws, welding, or the like.

[0035] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the air flow in the pedestal space, in which the top plate 27 is omitted. In the air guide unit 30, the front end of the air guide plate 31 is separated from the front wall 20, and the rear end of the air guide plate 31 is separated from the rear wall 33. As a result, air flowing in from the inlets 26 at the left and right rear parts of the receiving table 6 flows along the air guide plate 31 and then along the X-ray passing slit 29 at the center, and is finally exhausted to the outside of the receiving table 6 from the outlet 32. That is, the receiving table 6 forms a predetermined space S between the lower surface 10 of the conveyor belt 7 and the upper surface 11 of the X-ray detector 3, and is configured to include the inlet 26 for introducing air into the space S and the outlet 32 ​​for discharging the air in the space S. The upper surface 11 of the X-ray detector 3 is substantially flush with the upper surface 11 of the lower frame 9.

[0036] The inlet 26 is provided on at least one side of the back surface of the receiving table in the transport direction. In this embodiment, the inlet 26 is provided in two locations, one on the left and right rear parts of the receiving table 6. The outlet 32 ​​is provided in a central part in front of the receiving table that overlaps with the X-ray detector 3. Each air guide plate 31 of the air guide unit 30 supports the receiving table 6 and functions to guide the air supplied from the inlet 26 to the outlet 32.

[0037] In this embodiment, the sensor portion of the X-ray detector 3 is a line sensor 36. The above-mentioned slit 12 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the line sensor 36. The multiple air guide plates 31 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the line sensor 36 and offset from the line sensor 36.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the air flow in the pedestal space according to the modified example. The receiving stand 6 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is an example. As shown in FIG. 8, in a receiving stand 37 according to a modification, a plurality of air guide plates 38 are arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the X-ray passing slit 29. In this case, each air guide plate 38 is arranged with its right end separated from the right side wall 22 and its left end separated from the left side wall 23. In addition, each air guide plate 38 has a notch 39 for passing air at a position where it intersects with the X-ray passing slit 29. In the receiving stand 37 according to this modification, air flowing in from the inlet 26 at the left and right rear parts of the receiving stand 37 flows from the left and right along the air guide plate 31 to the center, passes through the notch 39, and flows along the X-ray passing slit 29, and is finally exhausted from the outlet 32 ​​to the outside of the receiving stand 6.

[0039] Next, the operation of the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

[0040] In the X-ray inspection device 1 according to this embodiment, the transport unit 5 includes an endless transport belt 7 that moves in a circular manner. The upper circulating portion 16 of the transport belt 7 is a transport area for the object 4 to be inspected. The X-ray detector 3 is disposed below the lower surface 10 of the transport belt 7 in this transport area. A receiving table 6 is provided between the lower surface 10 of the transport belt 7 and the upper surface 11 of the X-ray detector 3. The receiving table 6 supports the transport belt 7 in the transport area by the lower surface 10 of the transport belt 7 in the transport area being in sliding contact with the top plate 27. The receiving table 6 has a width substantially equal to the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the transport area, and is a flat box shape with an open lower side opposite to the top plate 27. The receiving table 6 is provided between the transport belt 7 and the X-ray detector 3, forming a space S that is separated by a predetermined distance. The receiving table 6 includes an inlet 26 and a discharge port 32. In the receiving base 6, air flows in through the inlet 26 and is discharged (exhausted) from the outlet 32, so that new air always flows into the space S.

[0041] In the X-ray inspection device 1, the object 4 to be inspected is placed on the conveyor belt 7 in the conveying area, and if there is a temperature difference between the object 4 to be inspected and the X-ray detector 3, the temperature gradient causes heat to move from the object 4 to the X-ray detector 3 through the conveyor belt 7 and the receiving table 6. The heat transferred from the object 4 to the receiving table 6 is transferred to the upper surface 11 of the X-ray detector 3 through the space S, and most of the heat is transferred to the air flowing in the space S, and then carried by the air exhausted from the outlet 32 ​​and discharged to the outside of the receiving table 6 through the outlet 32. Therefore, the heat transferred from the object 4 to the upper surface 11 of the X-ray detector 3 is significantly reduced. As a result, in the X-ray inspection device 1, the heat transfer between the object 4 to be inspected and the X-ray detector 3 is reduced, and the life of the X-ray detector 3 can be prevented from being shortened.

[0042] In addition, in this X-ray inspection device 1, the inlet 26 is provided on at least one side of the back surface of the receiving table in the transport direction. It is even better if the inlet 26 is provided on both sides of the back surface of the receiving table in the transport direction. Meanwhile, the outlet 32 ​​is provided in the center of the front surface of the receiving table overlapping with the X-ray detector 3. The air that flows into the space S of the receiving table 6 from the inlet 26 flows from at least one side of the transport direction toward the center, and is finally exhausted to the outside of the receiving table 6 from the outlet 32 ​​provided in the center. By providing the outlet 32 ​​at a position overlapping with the X-ray detector 3, the air exhausted from the outlet 32 ​​can be made to pass close to the sensor part (line sensor 36) of the X-ray detector 3 without fail. This prevents air from accumulating in the line sensor 36, and prevents the line sensor 36 from being easily affected by heat from the inspection object 4. As a result, the air reliably passes and flows out from the vicinity of the center, which is the sensor part of the X-ray detector 3, and the transfer of heat to the X-ray detector 3 can be further reduced.

[0043] In addition, in this X-ray inspection device 1, by providing an air guide plate 31 in the space S of the receiving table 6, the air flowing in from the inlet 26 is rectified so that it flows smoothly in the space S, and is exhausted from the outlet 32 ​​without stagnation in the space S. As a result, the air flowing in from the inlet 26 does not stagnate as a vortex that causes energy loss, for example, at the corners of the receiving table 6. Therefore, the air supplied from the inlet 26 can be efficiently guided to the outlet 32 ​​without energy loss. In other words, heat transfer can be efficiently suppressed.

[0044] In the X-ray inspection device 1, an air guide plate 31 is provided in the space S of the receiving table 6, which is open downward and has a flat box shape. The upper end of the air guide plate 31 supports the top plate 27, and the lower end is placed on the upper surface 11 of the lower frame 9 that houses the X-ray detector 3. That is, the air guide plate 31 also serves as a reinforcing structure for the receiving table 6. If the top plate 27 of the receiving table 6 is made of a thick plate material, it will be heavy and difficult to handle. For this reason, in consideration of handling during cleaning, etc., a plate material as thin as possible is preferable. In the receiving table 6, the top plate 27, which is easily bent due to such a requirement, can be reinforced by the air guide plate 31.

[0045] The receiving table 6 is provided with the air guide plate 31, which makes the top plate 27 less likely to bend, and therefore the distance between the object 4 on the upper surface of the belt (transport surface) and the X-ray detector 3 (line sensor 36) is less likely to fluctuate. The receiving table 6 can straighten the air and direct it to the outlet 32, which can suppress a decrease in the efficiency of air transport within the space S. In addition, the air guide plate 31 supports the load of the object 4 to be inspected, which suppresses deformation of the receiving table 6 and allows the distance between the object 4 to be maintained with high accuracy, and also suppresses a decrease in inspection accuracy.

[0046] Furthermore, in this X-ray inspection device 1, the sensor portion of the X-ray detector 3 is a linear line sensor 36. The line sensor 36 is disposed in the center of the transport area in the transport direction, with the direction perpendicular to the transport direction as the longitudinal direction. The air guide plate 31 is disposed parallel to the line sensor 36, offset from the line sensor 36 along the longitudinal direction of the line sensor 36. In other words, the air guide plate 31 is provided so as not to be positioned above the line sensor 36. Therefore, if a plurality of air guide plates 31 are provided, the line sensor 36 is positioned parallel to at least a pair of air guide plates 31. As a result, a linear discharge flow path is formed above the line sensor 36, sandwiched between a pair of air guide plates 31, with the discharge port 32 immediately downstream. Air that flows into the linear discharge flow path flows smoothly to the discharge port 32 without stagnation, and can be exhausted. As a result, at least a pair of air guide plates 31 are arranged in parallel with the sensor portion therebetween, and the air guide plates 31 do not get in the way of the sensor portion, so that air near the sensor can be reliably guided to the discharge port 32 without stagnation and exhausted.

[0047] Therefore, according to the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce heat transfer between the inspection object 4 and the X-ray detector 3, and to prevent the life of the X-ray detector 3 from being shortened.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention also contemplates the mutual combination of the various components of the embodiments, as well as modifications and applications by those skilled in the art based on the description in the specification and well-known techniques, and these are included in the scope of protection sought.

[0049] For example, in the above configuration example, an example in which the object to be inspected is at a high temperature has been described, but the same effect can be obtained even when the object to be inspected is at a low temperature. That is, when the object to be inspected is at a low temperature, the configuration of this embodiment reduces heat transfer, and the heat from the X-ray detector side is transferred to the object to be inspected, thereby suppressing quality deterioration, alteration, and degradation of, for example, frozen foods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1. X-ray inspection equipment 2. X-ray generator 3…X-ray detector 4...Item to be inspected 5...Transportation means (transportation section) 6…Pedestal 7...Conveyor belt 10…Bottom surface 11…Top surface 26...Entrance 31...Wind guide plate 32…Discharge port 36...Line sensor S…Space

Claims

1. An X-ray inspection device (1) comprising: an X-ray generator (2) that irradiates an inspection object (4) conveyed by a conveying means (5) having a conveying belt (7) that moves in a circulating manner, with X-rays; and an X-ray detector (3) that is disposed below a lower surface (10) of the conveying belt and detects the X-rays that have passed through the inspection object, a receiving table (6) which forms a predetermined space (S) between the lower surface of the conveyor belt and the upper surface of the X-ray detector, which supports the conveyor belt by sliding contact with the lower surface of the conveyor belt, and which has an inlet (26) to which an air supply source is connected for introducing air into the space, an outlet (32) for discharging the air in the space, and an X-ray passing slit (29) through which the X-rays pass; The X-ray detector is provided on an upper surface (11) of a frame (9) in which a slit (12) through which the X-rays pass is formed, The inlet is provided on at least one side of the back surface of the receiving tray in a conveying direction, The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port is provided at a central portion of a front surface of the receiving table that overlaps with the X-ray detector.

2. 2. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The support base is formed with recesses (24, 25) that engage with a plurality of mounting pins (21, 21) arranged on a side surface of the frame, The X-ray inspection apparatus is characterized in that the receiving base is placed on the frame by fitting the recess into the mounting pin, thereby defining a space (S) on an upper surface (11) of the frame.

3. 3. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, An X-ray inspection device comprising: an air guide plate (31) for supporting the receiving table and for directing the air supplied from the inlet to the outlet.

4. 4. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 3, An X-ray inspection apparatus, characterized in that the X-ray detector is a line sensor (36), and a plurality of the air guide plates are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the line sensor and offset from the line sensor.

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