Feeding device for an X-ray inspection device

Abstract

To provide a hygienically proper modular supply device for an inspection device, in particular, for an X-ray inspection device, for transferring a product of a product flow composed of a bulk cargo supplied in a substantially vertical z-direction, in a substantially horizontal conveyance direction x and consequently to a conveyance plane as an xy-direction vertical to the z-direction.SOLUTION: A supply device 1 includes an inlet opening 3 on an upper side when viewed in a z-direction, and directed substantially to the z-direction, and an outlet opening 5 on a lower side when viewed in the z-direction, and directed substantially to an x-direction. The openings 3, 5 are connected with an intermediate area 7, and the intermediate area has a wall part having a curved back side when viewed at least in the conveyance direction x for causing a secured direction change of a product from the z-direction to the x-direction to thereby allow the wall part to receive a pressure caused by falling motion of the product, at least at a partial ratio. Accordingly, a pressure of a product flow to a conveyance system disposed below the outlet opening, especially to a conveyance belt 9, is reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding device for an examination device, in particular for an X-ray examination device, and to a method therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] Inspection devices and methods of this kind are used in particular in the food sector in bulk (e.g. rice, coffee beans) to inspect them for possible foreign bodies. For this purpose, the product stream is guided by a conveyor system, in particular by a conveyor belt, through an inspection facility, in particular an X-ray inspection facility. The product supply here takes place from above through a hose.

[0003] The high drop height of the transported goods (several metres) causes a series of problems: for example the products can be damaged and, for example with coffee beans, only whole products are desired. Furthermore, products can fly out of the transport system, especially from belts or lateral guides (side guides), making inspection difficult.

[0004] Furthermore, much dust generation can have a negative effect on the test and can soil or even damage the test device as well as the transport system. Above all, the generation of ignitable dust-air mixtures must be absolutely avoided and in particular the use of compressed air blasting is not permitted (dust generation).

[0005] Irregular product flow height across the belt width makes inspection difficult, especially x-ray evaluation.

[0006] Substantial dynamic pressure from above makes belt starting difficult and requires higher motor currents and / or a larger designed drive motor.

[0007] In conventionally operated testing equipment, access to the feed hopper and therefore removal for cleaning is difficult, and in the case of fine-grained bulk materials mechanical failures often occur (due to blockage under the lateral guides, uncontrolled ejection, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a feeding device for an inspection device which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages and which brings about a safe redirection of products of a product stream consisting of bulk goods from the z-direction to the x-direction, as well as an inspection device having such a feeding device and a method for optimizing the inspection results of an inspection device having such a feeding device.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a supply device having the features of claim 1, by a testing device having the features of claim 9 as well as by a method having the features of claim 14.

[0010] The feed device according to the invention has an intermediate region that is configured - as viewed in the conveying direction x - as a curved wall on the rear side, the curvature of the wall taking place along a curve that, viewed in a cross section (xz plane), transitions from a substantially vertical orientation (z-axis) to an approximately horizontal orientation (x-axis). The wall preferably ends before reaching a horizontal line, so that it forms an angle with the x-axis that is greater than zero.

[0011] The curvature may be along any curve within the meaning of the present invention, and the concept of curvature also includes curves with one straight section or with multiple straight sections with discontinuous transitions. At least the rear wall is preferably free of corners and edges, which can reduce the risk of damage to products, especially unpackaged food products, in particular nuts, beans, rice, etc.

[0012] Within the meaning of the present invention, a product is a product of a bulk product stream, even if it is referred to as a product in the following. Individual or discrete products, such as bottles, cups, sealed bags, tablets, etc., which are individual or which are individualized during processing, are therefore not to be understood as products of a bulk product stream.

[0013] In both cases, such a wall causes a safe deflection of the product from the z-direction to (approximately) the x-direction. The pressure of the (vertically falling) product is then at least partially absorbed by the wall, which reduces the pressure of the product stream (column) (as a result of the force of weight and / or kinetic energy) on the conveying system arranged below the outlet opening, in particular on the conveying belt (this is a static pressure when the belt is stationary, a dynamic pressure when it is running). This has the advantage that the load on the conveying system can be reduced. In particular, the belt start-up is made easier, so that higher motor currents and / or larger designed drive motors are not required. The operation of the inspection device then preferably includes not only the inspection itself, but also other modes, such as possibly existing maintenance modes, cleaning modes, etc.

[0014] The feeding device is made of hygienically suitable and easily cleanable materials, preferably special steel, so that use in the food industry is not a concern. The feeding device is preferably constructed as a module, so that it can be inserted and removed from the testing device or testing system in a simple manner, including conversion between differently constructed feeding devices. This allows for the adaptation to different requirements, especially during product changes that require replacement of sieves, baffle elements, etc.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the curved rear wall ends before merging into a horizontal line in the direction of the outlet opening, so that any area of ​​curvature has an angle tangential to the horizontal x-axis that is greater than zero, thereby avoiding product retention and even blockage in the feed device.

[0016] The intermediate region can end in its end region before reaching the outlet opening, so that a gap exists in the x-direction between the lower end of the intermediate region and the outlet opening and the position adjustment member if any.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate region has a lower edge that bends downwards in its end region before the outlet opening, which allows a safe empty run after the end of the product supply. The lower edge preferably reaches close to the upper side of the conveying plane, so that it cleans the conveying plane, in particular the belt, so that it is empty before the product stream is introduced.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device has an adjustment element at the outlet side or outlet opening, which can be adjusted substantially in height in the z-direction, for example in the form of an adjustment lamella or adjustment flap, preferably constructed flat. By means of such an adjustment element, the height of the outlet opening can be (variably) adjusted in a simple manner. There is preferably a clear distance between the adjustment element and the end of the bent lower edge.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the position adjustment element is adjustable with respect to its inclination relative to the vertical z-axis. A corresponding adjustment allows an adaptation to the flow properties of the respective product.

[0020] By means of the position adjustment element and its corresponding adjustment (vertical and / or inclination), both the product stream height and / or the thickness of the product stream cover can be limited to the desired extent, so that lower energies are sufficient for transmitted irradiation and, in particular, the power of the X-ray source can be reduced.

[0021] Since the transillumination and thus the gray value of the inspection image of the product stream depends on its mass per volume or on its density, i.e. on the bulk density, it is also preferred to select the product stream height depending on the product stream density or on the bulk density, so that the mass flow rate can be kept constant to a set extent, for example, at high bulk densities a low product stream height is adjusted, so that no high radiation energy is required.

[0022] Furthermore, it is conceivable to ensure a constant monolayer nature of the product stream, so that a purely optical inspection can also be carried out with the highest quality, since concealment of invisible layers located underneath the bulk goods is avoided.

[0023] The z-position and / or tilt adjustment can be performed manually or automatically (preferably with display of the currently adjusted height). Furthermore, it is conceivable to store and archive the adjustments made (in a suitable storage device), in particular as proof of production.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, the feeding device has a control device which allows an adaptation of the height and / or the tilt angle of the position adjustment member to the conveying speed of the conveying system during the ongoing operation of the inspection device. The adaptation of the position adjustment member can be effected for example by means of a controllable actuator, an adjustment motor, etc.

[0025] In this way, a constant product flow height, particularly as viewed in the x-direction, can be created that is set as continuously as possible, and thus a constant transported product volume. A variable height in the y-direction can also be provided. For example, it is conceivable for the product flow height to decrease towards the lateral edges in order to make optimal use of the transmission width of the X-ray inspection apparatus and the transport width or belt width of the transport device.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the positioning element has a curved lower edge, which allows the product stream height to be adapted in the y direction to the path of the X-ray radiation through the bulk goods, which path preferably has approximately equal length under all angles. Accordingly, a fan-shaped X-ray radiation from the X-ray source as seen in the y direction can be used, and the gray value of the inspection image of the uniform product stream does not change towards the edges - due to the increased absorption due to the long transmission irradiation path. In particular, the lower edge can be a centrally raised area symmetrically relative to the xz plane and can have lateral edges that run continuously downwards at the sides.

[0027] In a special embodiment of the invention, the supply device has a connecting tube in the area of ​​the inlet opening, which is in particular configured in stages with different predefined connection widths. In this way, the same supply device can be used with different test devices with different, often standardized, connection widths. The connecting tube preferably allows a mechanical decoupling, for example by a flexible connection or by providing a clearance. The connecting tube can thus also serve as a protection against vibrations, for example caused by a vibration tube. It is further conceivable that the connecting tube functions as a dust protection and prevents dust from escaping to the outside.

[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, the supply device has a plug-in portion with an intermediate region which can be pulled out of and fitted into a connecting tube arranged above (e.g. via a corresponding guide portion which is configured complementary to the connecting tube and the plug-in portion).

[0029] This allows for different inserts with different shapes and / or geometries, in particular with differently configured curved walls, to be used depending on the requirements (product flowability, adhesive properties, type of separating agent, lump formation, popping out, coarseness, etc.). For example, it is conceivable to reserve a set of inserts of different (formats) and use them in a modular manner as required, in particular by simple insertion without tools. For example, raisins as bulk goods - as a result of their adhesive properties - require a higher gradient in the respective area, in particular at the lower end of the wall, than less adhesive products in order to prevent stagnation.

[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, activation of the product flow (introduction release) by a controlled shielding slider in the supply pipe is only performed when the belt is advancing, thereby reducing or even preventing dynamic pressure on the conveying system located below the outlet opening.

[0031] The feed device is arranged on the inspection device in such a way that a lateral removal or insertion is possible, in particular essentially in the y direction, by means of a quick lock that can be operated without tools, which has the advantage that a convenient, easy and fast replacement is possible without further dismantling of the inspection device.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, the feed device is constructed symmetrically with respect to the xz plane in order to allow a double-sided, in particular laterally offset, use, which in addition to easier manufacture also allows the conveying direction to be changed without significant modifications.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the feed device has elements arranged or capable of being arranged, preferably modularly replaceable, in particular insertable or pluggable, for use in a corresponding inspection device, such as shielding sliders, filter elements, sheaves or baffle elements. These elements are preferably arranged in the region of the connecting pipe, in particular on or in the connecting pipe. These elements are preferably present in the form of pluggable and removable inserts, and it is particularly preferred that these elements can be modularly replaceably inserted or plugged in as such during use. This allows the field of application of the feed device to be expanded in a simple manner depending on the type of bulk goods. These elements can be plugged in or inserted by the user or operator himself, and a locking position is also conceivable.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, a dust extraction device is provided which is arranged on or integrated into the supply device, which can preferably be provided in the region of the connecting pipe, in particular on or in the connecting pipe, thereby making it possible to avoid contamination and adverse effects on the test result and the risk of the generation of particularly flammable dust-air mixtures.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply device is partially configured as a component of the radiation-protected housing (of the inspection device), whereby the curved wall, in particular arranged upstream (in the product flow), can simultaneously serve as the (radiation-protected) housing wall of the inspection device and assume a protection / shielding function against radiation, in particular against radiation, thereby allowing small design dimensions in a simple manner.

[0036] In a special embodiment, the feed rate at the inlet opening and / or the height and / or inclination of the position adjustment element and / or the conveying speed are adjusted or controlled based on the method of the invention for optimizing the (X-ray) inspection result. It is further conceivable to provide adjustable side guides, whose lateral spacing can be controlled accordingly, either by itself or in combination with the above-mentioned adjustment means. The adjustment or control is carried out in such a way that a substantially constant - and, if desired, small - product flow height is achieved and / or the transmission width of the (X-ray) inspection device is optimally utilized and / or the highest possible throughput is achieved.

[0037] Further preferred embodiments of the invention become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof illustrated in the drawings.

[0039] The drawings show: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feed hopper with a conveyor belt, a height-adjustable closing lattice, and a hand wheel. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a feed hopper with the conveyor belt of FIG. 1 and with the position adjustment slats open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the feed hopper of FIG. 1 in a standalone view without the position adjustment lamella and the hand wheel. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a side view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) of a feed hopper having the conveyor belt of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (along cutting plane A-A'-B-B') of the feed hopper with the conveyor belt of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the feed hopper insert shown in FIG. 5 . [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a front view of the feed hopper insert of FIG. 6 having a position adjustment blade with a curved lower edge. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view (transverse cross-sectional view) showing a beam transition. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the feed hopper of FIG. 3 having an insert with a baffle rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] The feeding device of the invention, in the form of a feeding hopper 1, shown diagrammatically in Figures 1, 2 and 4, has an upper inlet opening 3 and a lower outlet opening 5.

[0042] The upper inlet opening 3 faces substantially in the z-direction and serves to accommodate bulk goods, e.g. rice, raisins, nuts, coffee beans, etc. For the sake of clarity, the diagrammatic view does not show the connection to a storage container, as does the holding part of the feed device, since this is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0043] The lower outlet opening faces essentially in the x-direction, i.e. in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 9, so that the bulk goods are redirected from a vertical falling direction (z-direction) onto the horizontal conveyor belt (xy-plane).

[0044] The conveyor belt has lateral rear guides 17 for lateral separation and guidance of the bulk goods to be conveyed. The front lateral guides have been omitted from the drawing only for the sake of clarity of the drawing.

[0045] An adjustment element 11, for example in the form of a lamella, is arranged as the end of the lower outlet opening 5. This adjustment element can be slid in its position in the z direction and can be fixed, for example, by a hand wheel 19.

[0046] As is evident from the side views of the feed hopper 1 shown in Figures 3 and 4 (shown alone without the conveyor belt 9 in Figure 4 and together with it in Figure 3), the position adjustment element 11 has an inclination with respect to the vertical z-direction and is arranged with its lower edge slightly inclined towards the right when viewed in the x-direction. This inclination facilitates the continuous charging of the bulk materials onto the conveyor belt 9, the degree of inclination being adjustable depending on the flowability of the bulk materials.

[0047] The feed hopper 1 transitions from an upper inlet opening 3 via an intermediate region 7 to a lower outlet opening 5 , narrowing in cross section in the direction of the outlet opening 5 .

[0048] The intermediate region has a rear wall 13, seen in the x-direction or in the conveying direction, which serves as a deflection chute for the bulk goods. The transition from the z-direction to the x-direction approximately takes place here by a corresponding curvature of the wall 13, which does not have to be designed as a continuous curve but can - as shown - be designed as a number of linear plates adjacent to one another. The rear wall 13 preferably does not have any tangential horizontal areas anywhere, so that stagnation of the products in the feed hopper 1 can be avoided.

[0049] In its lower end region (see also FIG. 6), the wall 13 has a descending region in the form of a lower edge 15 clearly in front of the final adjustment element 11 or the outlet opening 5, which facilitates emptying of the feed hopper and avoids stagnation of the bulk product flow.

[0050] Furthermore, the lower edge 15 in the end region of the intermediate region 7 allows the belt to be cleaned empty before the bulk material is charged, thereby preventing the ingress of dirt into the product stream.

[0051] Figure 4 shows the position adjustment member 11 in a fully open position. Unlike Figure 4, Figure 3 does not include the position adjustment member 11 as well as the hand wheel 19.

[0052] In its upper region, the feed hopper 1 has a connecting pipe 21 which serves for connection by a feed pipe (not shown), which is joined, for example, via a flange.

[0053] This connecting tube is connected to a downwardly arranged plug-in part 23, which can be inserted into the connecting tube, preferably forward in the y direction, for example via a corresponding guide part 25 which is configured complementary to the connecting tube and the plug-in part.

[0054] To facilitate insertion and removal, the insert part has a laterally (front in FIG. 4) grip 27 in the upper area.

[0055] As is clear from Fig. 5, the supply hopper is designed symmetrically with respect to the xz plane, so that insertion in an inverted position is also possible, whereby, if desired, a change in the belt direction of existing systems can be effected by simply inserting the insert 23 back into the connecting pipe 21 without the need for any further modifications.

[0056] The feed hopper 1 shown in FIG. 7 differs from the position adjustment member 11 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that it includes a position adjustment member 11' having a curved lower edge 31 instead of a straight lower edge.

[0057] The curvature of the lower edge is configured symmetrically relative to the xz-plane with a central raised area and continuously downwardly running side edges, such that the product flow height in the y-direction can be adapted by means of a curved lower edge 31 to the path of the X-ray radiation 33 passing through the bulk material.

[0058] The position adjustment member 11' has a vertical slot 29, similar to the position adjustment member 11, which allows the position adjustment members 11, 11' to be slid in the z direction and fixed by the hand wheel 19 at a desired position.

[0059] As is evident from Fig. 8, for a typical fan-shaped X-ray radiation 33, i.e. for a fan-shaped light path emanating from a point source, the central beam 35 is oriented perpendicular to the y-axis, whereas the light path has an increasing angle α towards the belt side. Correspondingly, the path of the X-ray beam through the bulk or product stream (to the X-ray detector, in particular to the line camera) becomes longer depending on the distance from the centre or depending on the angle α it forms with the central normal.

[0060] For example, in the example beam 37 shown in FIG. 8, the path of the X-ray beam through the product stream does not correspond to the height of the product stream (at the point of impact), but rather corresponds to a longer path, i.e., the quotient of the height and the cosine of the angle α, according to the law of cosines.

[0061] Optical path = product flow height / cosα

[0062] The curvature of the lower edge over the belt width (y direction) and therefore the height of the product stream can be selected depending on the geometry of the X-ray radiation 33, preferably so that the radiation path or passage path through the product stream is constant over the belt width (y direction). Accordingly, an X-ray radiation can be utilized which spreads out from the X-ray source in a fan-shaped manner in the y direction without a change in grey value towards the edges.

[0063] The embodiment of the connecting pipe 21 shown in FIG. 9 basically corresponds to the connecting pipe 21 described above, but additionally shows baffle rods 41 and 45 arranged in the connecting pipe.

[0064] The (preferably two) upper baffle rods 41 facing in the y direction can be inserted or removed in the x direction through the grips 43. The (preferably four) lower baffle rods 45 facing in the x direction can be inserted or removed in the y direction through the grips 47. Naturally, other plug-ins can be inserted with other numbers and / or other types of elements, such as shielding sliders, filter elements, sheaves or baffle elements. Furthermore, the plug-ins themselves can also have elements, in particular rods, inserted or removed in a modular and exchangeable manner.

[0065] The baffle rods 41 and 45 may then be arranged in a suitable geometry - depending on the type of bulk material 39 - in order to better distribute the bulk material 39 fed from above.

[0066] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, two upper baffle rods 41 are provided in a first upper row, and four lower baffle rods 42 are provided in a lower row below. Connecting pipe 21 distributed throughout the interior space of the baffle rod 45.

[0067] The arrangement of the baffle rods can be adapted to the respective bulk load 39 with regard to the type of baffle rods and / or their position in order to allow an optimal, preferably even, distribution. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Feeding Hopper 3 Upper entrance opening 5 Lower exit opening 7 Intermediate area 9 Conveyor belt 11 Position adjustment member having a straight lower edge 11' Position adjustment member having a curved lower edge 13 Wall 15 Lower edge of wall end area 17 Rear side guide 18 Front side guide 19 Handwheel 21 Connecting pipe 23 Insertion part 25 Information Department 27 Grip 29 long hole 31 Curved lower edge of position adjustment member 33 Fan-shaped X-ray radiation 35 Light path central perpendicular 37 Light path with angle α 39 Bulk cargo 41 Upper baffle rod 43 Grip for upper baffle rod 45 Lower baffle rod 47 Grip for lower baffle rod 49 Lower baffle rod 51 Flange x Direction of conveyor belt y Horizontal direction of conveyor belt z Height direction of the supply hopper or supply device α Angle of the optical path with respect to the central perpendicular

Claims

1. A hygienically correct modular feed device (1) for an inspection device for transferring products of a product stream consisting of bulk goods (39) fed in a substantially vertical z-direction into a substantially horizontal conveying direction x and thus into a conveying plane in an x-y direction perpendicular to the z-direction, a) said supply device (1) has an inlet opening (3) which is upper, as viewed in the z direction, and faces substantially in the z direction, and an outlet opening (5) which is lower, as viewed in the z direction, and faces substantially in the x direction, b) both openings (3, 5) are connected with an intermediate area (7) which has a curved wall (13) at least on its rear side as seen in the conveying direction x in order to bring about a safe deflection of the products from the z-direction into the x-direction, so that the pressure caused by the falling movement of the products is absorbed at least in part by said wall (13) and thus the pressure of the product flow on the conveying system arranged below the outlet opening (5) is reduced; The supply device (1) has a position adjustment member (11, 11') at the outlet opening (5) that can be adjusted in position substantially in height in the z direction to change the opening height of the outlet opening (5).

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the curved rear wall (13) ends before merging into a horizontal line in the direction of the outlet opening (5), whereby every region of the curved wall (13) has an angle tangentially greater than zero with respect to the horizontal x-axis.

3. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate region (7) has, in its end region, a lower edge (15) bent downwards in front of the outlet opening (5).

4. 2. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the position adjustment member (11) is adjustable in terms of inclination relative to a vertical z-axis in order to allow adaptation to the flowability of the bulk product (39).

5. The supply device (1) has a control device which allows an adaptation of the height and / or the inclination angle of the position adjustment member (11) to the conveying speed of the conveying system during the progress of the operation of the inspection device, which a) to produce a constant product flow height that is set as continuously as possible, and / or b) to produce a constant mass flow rate that is set as continuously as possible, and / or c) to make optimal use of the transmission width of the X-ray inspection device; and / or d) To ensure a certain degree of monolayerness for optical inspection; 5. A supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that it is

6. 2. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the position adjustment member (11) has a curved lower edge (31) so that the path of passage of the X-ray radiation (33, 35, 37) through the bulk material (39) is of approximately equal length under any angle (α).

7. 2. The supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply device (1) has a connecting pipe (21) in the area of ​​the inlet opening (3), which is arranged in stages, in particular with various predefined connection widths.

8. An inspection apparatus having a supply device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the supply device (1) is positioned in the inspection apparatus by a Cook lock that can be operated without tools so as to enable removal or insertion from the side.

9. 9. Inspection device according to claim 8, characterized in that the supply device (1) is constructed symmetrically with respect to the xz plane to allow double-sided use.

10. 9. An inspection device according to claim 8, characterized in that the supply device (1) has a shielding slider, filter member, sieve or baffle member positionable therein or on its surface.

11. 9. An inspection device according to claim 8, characterized in that it is provided with a dust suction device arranged on or integrated into the feeder device (1).

12. 9. An inspection device according to claim 8, characterized in that the supply device (1) is configured partially as a component of a radiation-protected housing.

13. A method for optimizing the test results of a test device comprising a supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: a) the feed rate at the inlet opening (3), and / or b) the height and / or inclination of the position adjustment member (11), and / or c) the conveying speed of the conveying device is controlled in such a way that a substantially continuously constant product flow height occurs and / or the transmission width of the X-ray inspection apparatus is optimally utilized and / or the highest possible throughput is achieved.

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