Radiation thickness measuring device

Abstract

To provide a radiation thickness measuring device capable of reducing heat generation of a rotary solenoid.SOLUTION: A radiation thickness measuring device in one embodiment comprises a radiation generation part, an arm, a rotary solenoid, and an electro magnet. The arm can be attracted by magnetic force at least partially, and is rotatable around a rotary shaft. The rotary solenoid is excited for rotating the arm from a first position being one of a closed position where the arm is arranged on a path of a radiation emitted from the radiation generation part and an open position where the arm is separated from the path of the radiation, to a second position being the other of the open position and the closed position, around the rotary shaft. The electro magnet is excited for attracting the arm positioned at the second position by the magnetic force, and holds the arm at the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a radiation thickness measuring device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a steel plate manufacturing line, a measuring device for measuring the thickness of a rolled steel plate with radiation such as X-rays is known. The measuring device advances and retracts, for example, an arm including a shutter that blocks radiation or a standard plate used for calibration on the radiation path.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above measuring device moves the arm between a position on the radiation path and a position separated from the radiation path by a rotary solenoid. The rotary solenoid continues to be supplied with current in order to hold the arm in a desired position. However, the rotary solenoid generates heat by continuously being supplied with current.

[0005] An example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a radiation thickness measuring device capable of reducing heat generation of a rotary solenoid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A radiation thickness measuring device according to one embodiment includes a radiation generation unit, A radiation detection unit, an arm, a rotary solenoid, and an electromagnet , a control unit and is provided with. The radiation generation unit emits radiation. The radiation detection unit receives the radiation facing the radiation generation unit. The arm can be at least partially attracted by magnetic force and is rotatable about a rotation axis. When the rotary solenoid is excited, the arm is rotated about the rotation axis from a first position, which is one of a closed position where the arm is disposed on the path of the radiation emitted from the radiation generating unit and an open position where the arm is separated from the path of the radiation, to a second position, which is the other of the closed position and the open position. When the electromagnet is excited, it attracts the arm located at the second position by magnetic force and holds the arm at the second position. The control unit excites the rotary solenoid and the electromagnet. The control unit reduces the current flowing through the rotary solenoid when the arm is in the second position compared to when the arm is in the first position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a radiation thickness measuring apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a standard changer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing a part of a standard changer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing a measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of rotation control of an arm by the measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a standard changer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing a part of a standard changer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a standard changer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing an end portion of an arm according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of rotation control of an arm by a measuring apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view schematically showing an arm and an electromagnetic latch according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view schematically showing an arm and an electromagnetic latch according to a modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view schematically showing an arm and an electromagnetic latch according to a modification of the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In this specification, basically, the vertically upward direction is defined as the upward direction, and the vertically downward direction is defined as the downward direction. Also, in this specification, the components according to the embodiment and the description of the elements may be described in a plurality of expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may be specified by different names from those in this specification. Also, the components may be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a radiation thickness measuring device 10 according to the first embodiment. The radiation thickness measuring device (hereinafter referred to as the measuring device) 10 measures the thickness of the steel plate S in the rolling line of the steel plate S, for example, in a manufacturing line for manufacturing the steel plate S. Note that the measuring device 10 may measure the thickness of other articles or may be used for other purposes.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the measuring device 10 has, for example, a detection unit 11, a control panel 12, a radiation control unit 13, a relay unit 14, and an operation unit 15. Note that the measuring device 10 is not limited to this example.

[0011] The detection unit 11 is disposed in the rolling line of the steel plate S. The detection unit 11 has a frame 21, a radiation generation unit 22, a radiation detection unit 23, a standard changer 24, and a circuit board 25.

[0012] The frame 21 is formed in a substantially C shape. The frame 21 has a lower portion 31, an upper portion 32, and a column portion 33. The lower portion 31 extends in a substantially horizontal direction. The upper portion 32 is spaced upward from the lower portion 31 and extends substantially parallel to the lower portion 31. The column portion 33 extends in a substantially vertical direction and connects the end of the lower portion 31 and the end of the upper portion 32.

[0013] The radiation generating unit 22 is provided in the lower portion 31. The radiation generating unit 22 emits X-rays R substantially upward. The X-rays R are an example of radiation. Note that the radiation generating unit 22 is not limited to X-rays R and may emit other types of radiation.

[0014] The radiation detecting unit 23 is provided in the upper portion 32. That is, the radiation detecting unit 23 is spaced upward from the radiation generating unit 22 and is located on the path of the X-rays R. The radiation detecting unit 23 receives the X-rays R emitted from the radiation generating unit 22. In other words, the radiation generating unit 22 emits X-rays R toward the radiation detecting unit 23. Note that other components such as a window through which the X-rays R can pass may be provided between the radiation generating unit 22 and the radiation detecting unit 23.

[0015] In the rolling line, the steel sheet S passes through the space between the radiation generating unit 22 and the radiation detecting unit 23. The X-rays R emitted from the radiation generating unit 22 pass through the steel sheet S located between the radiation generating unit 22 and the radiation detecting unit 23 and enter the radiation detecting unit 23. The measuring device 10 measures the thickness of the steel sheet S based on the X-rays R.

[0016] The standard changer 24 is provided in the lower portion 31. The standard changer 24 is provided between the radiation generating unit 22 and the radiation detecting unit 23. The standard changer 24 can, for example, block the X-rays R emitted by the radiation generating unit 22.

[0017] The circuit board 25 is electrically connected to the radiation generation unit 22, the radiation detection unit 23, and the standard changer 24. The circuit board 25 has, for example, a substrate and various components mounted on the substrate.

[0018] The control panel 12 and the radiation control unit 13 are, for example, computers and are electrically connected to the circuit board 25 of the detection unit 11 via the relay unit 14. The operation unit 15 is electrically connected to the circuit board 25. For example, the user can control the measuring device 10 using the control panel 12 or the operation unit 15.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the standard changer 24 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing a part of the standard changer 24 of the first embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the standard changer 24 has a mounting board 41, a plurality of arms 42, a plurality of rotary solenoids 43, a plurality of position sensors 44, and a plurality of electromagnetic latches 45.

[0021] Hereinafter, the plurality of arms 42, the plurality of rotary solenoids 43, the plurality of position sensors 44, and the plurality of electromagnetic latches 45 may be individually referred to as the arms 42A, 42B, the rotary solenoids 43A, 43B, the position sensors 44A, 44B, and the electromagnetic latches 45A, 45B. For common descriptions, they are described as the descriptions of the arms 42, the rotary solenoids 43, the position sensors 44, and the electromagnetic latches 45.

[0022] The mounting board 41 is formed in a plate shape extending in a substantially horizontal direction. The mounting board 41 is located between the radiation generation unit 22 and the radiation detection unit 23. The mounting board 41 has a surface 51. The surface 51 faces the radiation detection unit 23. Note that the surface 51 may face the radiation generation unit 22.

[0023] The mounting board 41 is provided with a through hole 52. The through hole 52 penetrates the mounting board 41 and opens to the surface 51. The through hole 52 has a substantially circular cross section that is concentric (coaxial) with the central axis of the path of the X-ray R. Note that the shape of the through hole 52 is not limited to this example. The radiation generation unit 22 emits the X-ray R to the radiation detection unit 23 through the through hole 52. That is, the mounting board 41 is provided so as to avoid the path of the X-ray R.

[0024] The plurality of arms 42 have substantially the same shape as each other. Note that the plurality of arms 42 may have different shapes from each other. The plurality of arms 42 are positioned between the radiation detection unit 23 and the mounting board 41 in the vertical direction. Note that the positions of the plurality of arms 42 are not limited to this example.

[0025] Each of the plurality of arms 42 has a main body 61, an armature 62, and a blocking projection 63. The armature 62 can also be referred to as a part to be attracted, for example. The main body 61 has an arm plate 71, a mounting projection 72, and a plate 73.

[0026] The arm plate 71 is made of, for example, a non-magnetic metal plate. Note that the arm plate 71 may be made of other materials. The arm plate 71 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape that extends in a substantially horizontal direction. The arm plate 71 has a lower surface 71a, an upper surface 71b, and side surfaces 71c.

[0027] The lower surface 71a is formed to be substantially flat and faces substantially downward. The lower surface 71a faces the surface 51 of the mounting board 41 with a gap therebetween. The lower surface 71a may face the radiation generation unit 22 through the through hole 52.

[0028] The upper surface 71b is located on the opposite side of the lower surface 71a. The upper surface 71b is formed to be substantially flat and faces substantially upward. The upper surface 71b faces the upper portion 32 with a gap therebetween. The upper surface 71b may face the radiation detection unit 23.

[0029] The side surface 71c is provided between the edge of the lower surface 71a and the edge of the upper surface 71b. The side surface 71c is the edge of the arm plate 71. The width (thickness) of the side surface 71c in the vertical direction is shorter than the widths of the lower surface 71a and the upper surface 71b in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the arm plate 71. The side surface 71c faces in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0030] One end 71d of the arm plate 71 in the longitudinal direction is attached to the rotary solenoid 43. A plate 73 is provided at the other end 71e of the arm plate 71. Note that the ends 71d and 71e include not only the ends of the arm plate 71 in the longitudinal direction but also portions in the vicinity of the ends.

[0031] The mounting projection 72 is formed integrally with the arm plate 71. The mounting projection 72 projects in a substantially vertical direction from the side surface 71c of the arm plate 71 at the end 71e of the arm plate 71. In the present embodiment, the mounting projection 72 extends substantially downward from the side surface 71c. The mounting projection 72 has an outer surface 72a. The outer surface 72a is formed substantially flat and faces in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0032] The plate 73 is formed in a substantially disk shape that spreads in a substantially horizontal direction. In the arm 42A, the plate 73 is a shutter made of a material capable of blocking X-rays R such as lead. In the arm 42B, the plate 73 is a standard plate (sample plate) made of the same material as, for example, the steel plate S. The plate 73 is thicker than the arm plate 71. The plate 73 has a substantially circular lower surface 73a and an upper surface 73b.

[0033] The lower surface 73a is formed substantially flat and faces substantially downward. The lower surface 73a faces the surface 51 of the mounting board 41 with a space therebetween. The lower surface 73a may face the radiation generating unit 22 through the through hole 52.

[0034] The upper surface 73b is located on the opposite side of the lower surface 73a. The upper surface 73b is formed substantially flat and faces substantially upward. The upper surface 73b faces the upper portion 32 with a space therebetween. The upper surface 73b may face the radiation detection unit 23.

[0035] The armature 62 is a part of the arm 42 that can be attracted by magnetic force. The armature 62 is, for example, a permanent magnet. Note that the armature 62 is not limited to this example, and it may be other substances that can be attracted by a magnet, such as a soft magnetic material. Also, the armature 62 may be an electromagnet.

[0036] The armature 62 is attached to the outer surface 72a of the mounting projection 72. In other words, the armature 62 of this embodiment is provided on the main body 61. Note that the armature 62 may be provided on other parts of the arm 42. Also, instead of the armature 62, other parts of the arm 42 may be able to be attracted by magnetic force.

[0037] The blocking projection 63 is formed integrally with the arm plate 71. The blocking projection 63 projects in a substantially vertical direction from the side surface 71c of the arm plate 71 at the end 71d of the arm plate 71. In this embodiment, the blocking projection 63 extends substantially downward from the side surface 71c located at the end in the longitudinal direction of the arm plate 71.

[0038] The blocking projection 63 has an outer surface 63a and an inner surface 63b. The inner surface 63b is located on the opposite side of the outer surface 63a. The outer surface 63a and the inner surface 63b face in a substantially horizontal direction. The outer surface 63a and the inner surface 63b face, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the arm plate 71. The widths of the outer surface 63a and the inner surface 63b in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the arm plate 71 are longer than the width (thickness) of the blocking projection 63 in the longitudinal direction of the arm plate 71.

[0039] The rotary solenoid 43 is attached to the surface 51 of the mounting board 41 at a position spaced apart from the through hole 52. When the rotary solenoid 43 is excited, it can rotate the arm plate 71 around the corresponding rotation axis Ax.

[0040] The rotation axis Ax is, for example, a virtual straight line as the central axis of the rotary solenoid 43. The rotation axis Ax extends in a substantially vertical direction so as to penetrate the mounting board 41 at a position spaced apart from the through hole 52.

[0041] In this specification, for convenience, an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction are defined. The axial direction is the direction along the rotation axis Ax. The radial direction is the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis Ax. The circumferential direction is the direction of rotation around the rotation axis Ax. The radial direction and the circumferential direction are examples of directions intersecting the rotation axis Ax.

[0042] The arm plate 71 extends radially from the rotation axis Ax. The length of the arm plate 71 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the distance between the rotation axis Ax and the through hole 52. For this reason, a part of the arm plate 71 can cover the through hole 52.

[0043] The outer surface 72a of the mounting projection 72 faces, for example, substantially in the circumferential direction. Note that the mounting projection 72 is not limited to this example, and may project from the arm plate 71 such that the outer surface 72a faces in the longitudinal direction of the arm plate 71.

[0044] The rotary solenoid 43 rotates the entire arm 42 around the rotation axis Ax by rotating the arm plate 71. The rotary solenoid 43 rotates the arm 42 between the closed position Pc and the open position Po when excited.

[0045] In the closed position Pc, the plate 73 of the main body 61 of the arm 42 is disposed on the path of the X-ray R emitted from the radiation generation unit 22. That is, in the closed position Pc, the plate 73 is located between the radiation generation unit 22 and the radiation detection unit 23. At this time, the lower surface 73a of the plate 73 faces the radiation generation unit 22, and the upper surface 73b faces the radiation detection unit 23.

[0046] The shutter, which is the plate 73 of the arm 42A, blocks the X-ray R in the closed position Pc. Also, the X-ray R can pass through the standard plate, which is the plate 73 of the arm 42B in the closed position Pc.

[0047] In the open position Po, the arm 42 is separated from the path of the X-ray R. At this time, the lower surface 73a of the plate 73 faces the surface 51 of the mounting board 41, and the upper surface 73b faces the upper portion 32. Therefore, when the arm 42 is in the open position Po, the X-ray R does not interfere with the arm 42.

[0048] When the rotary solenoid 43A is excited, it rotates the arm 42A about the rotation axis Ax from the closed position Pc to the open position Po. The closed position Pc is an example of the first position. The open position Po is an example of the second position.

[0049] When the rotary solenoid 43B is excited, it rotates the arm 42B about the rotation axis Ax from the open position Po to the closed position Pc. The open position Po is an example of the first position. The closed position Pc is an example of the second position.

[0050] The rotary solenoid 43 has, for example, a spring. The non-excited rotary solenoid 43A rotates the arm 42A about the rotation axis Ax from the open position Po to the closed position Pc by the elastic force of the spring. Also, the non-excited rotary solenoid 43B rotates the arm 42B about the rotation axis Ax from the closed position Pc to the open position Po by the elastic force of the spring.

[0051] Note that the rotary solenoid 43A may rotate the arm 42A from the open position Po to the closed position Pc when excited. Also, the rotary solenoid 43B may rotate the arm 42B about the rotation axis Ax from the closed position Pc to the open position Po when excited.

[0052] The rotary solenoid 43 has a stopper that limits the rotation of the arm 42 beyond the range between the closed position Pc and the open position Po. Therefore, the rotary solenoid 43 or the arm 42 that is rotated by the spring rotates within the range between the closed position Pc and the open position Po.

[0053] Each of the position sensors 44 further includes two photosensors 75. Note that the position sensor 44 may have other sensors. The two photosensors 75 are circumferentially spaced apart from each other. Each of the two photosensors 75 includes a light emitting element 75a and a light receiving element 75b.

[0054] The light emitting element 75a and the light receiving element 75b are spaced apart from each other in a substantially radial direction. For this reason, a gap 75c is provided between the light emitting element 75a and the light receiving element 75b. The gap 75c is an example of the space between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

[0055] The light emitting element 75a emits light toward the light receiving element 75b. The light receiving element 75b receives the light emitted from the light emitting element 75a. The photosensor 75 can output a signal indicating whether the light receiving element 75b is receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element 75a.

[0056] The distance between the gap 75c and the rotation axis Ax is substantially equal to the distance between the blocking projection 63 and the rotation axis Ax. Also, the distance between the light emitting element 75a and the light receiving element 75b is longer than the thickness of the blocking projection 63. For this reason, when the arm 42 rotates about the rotation axis Ax, the blocking projection 63 can be inserted into the gap 75c.

[0057] When the arm 42 is located at the closed position Pc, the blocking projection 63 is disposed in the gap 75c of one photosensor 75 and is located outside the gap 75c of the other photosensor 75. When the arm 42 is located at the open position Po, the blocking projection 63 is located outside the gap 75c of one photosensor 75 and is disposed in the gap 75c of the other photosensor 75. By being located in the gap 75c, the blocking projection 63 blocks the light traveling from the light emitting element 75a toward the light receiving element 75b.

[0058] The light emitting element 75a and the light receiving element 75b are each attached to an attachment member 76. The attachment member 76 is attached to, for example, the attachment board 41. Note that the attachment member 76 is not limited to this example.

[0059] The electromagnetic latch 45 has an electromagnet 77. Note that the electromagnetic latch 45 may further have other components. The electromagnet 77 is attached to the mounting board 41 via other components, for example. When the electromagnet 77 is excited, it generates a magnetic force and can attract the armature 62 of the arm 42 by the magnetic force to hold the arm 42.

[0060] The electromagnet 77 of the electromagnetic latch 45A is adjacent to the armature 62 of the arm 42A when the arm 42A is in the open position Po. When the electromagnet 77 is excited, it attracts the armature 62 of the arm 42A in the open position Po by the magnetic force and holds the arm 42A in the open position Po.

[0061] The electromagnet 77 of the electromagnetic latch 45B is adjacent to the armature 62 of the arm 42B when the arm 42B is in the closed position Pc. When the electromagnet 77 is excited, it attracts the armature 62 of the arm 42B in the closed position Pc by the magnetic force and holds the arm 42B in the closed position Pc.

[0062] The armature 62 of the arm 42A and the electromagnet 77 of the electromagnetic latch 45A are arranged in a substantially circumferential direction when the arm 42A is in the open position Po. Also, the armature 62 of the arm 42B and the electromagnet 77 of the electromagnetic latch 45B are arranged in a substantially circumferential direction when the arm 42B is in the closed position Pc. The substantially circumferential direction is an example of a direction intersecting the rotation axis.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the arm 42A and the arm 42B are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Also, the rotary solenoid 43A and the rotary solenoid 43B are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. Therefore, interference between the arm 42A and the arm 42B can be suppressed.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing the measuring device 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the measuring device 10 has a control unit 80. The control unit 80 is realized by, for example, the control panel 12 or the operation unit 15. Note that the control unit 80 is not limited to this example.

[0065] The control unit 80 includes an opening / closing control unit 81, an arm position acquisition unit 82, a rotation instruction unit 83, and a holding instruction unit 84. The opening / closing control unit 81 controls the standard changer 24 based on a program or a user operation.

[0066] The arm position acquisition unit 82 acquires signals from a plurality of position sensors 44. Based on the signals, the arm position acquisition unit 82 detects whether the arm 42 is positioned at the closed position Pc or the open position Po.

[0067] For example, when the arm 42 moves to the closed position Pc, the blocking projection 63 is inserted into the gap 75c of one of the photo sensors 75 and blocks the light emitted from the light emitting element 75a. When the light receiving element 75b no longer receives the light, the photo sensor 75 outputs a signal to the arm position acquisition unit 82. Based on the signal, the arm position acquisition unit 82 detects that the arm 42 is positioned at the closed position Pc.

[0068] Also, when the arm 42 moves to the open position Po, the blocking projection 63 is inserted into the gap 75c of the other photo sensor 75 and blocks the light emitted from the light emitting element 75a. When the light receiving element 75b no longer receives the light, the photo sensor 75 outputs a signal to the arm position acquisition unit 82. Based on the signal, the arm position acquisition unit 82 detects that the arm 42 is positioned at the open position Po.

[0069] The rotation instruction unit 83 controls the driver 85 and causes a current to flow from the driver 85 to the rotary solenoid 43. Thereby, the rotary solenoid 43 is excited. That is, the rotation instruction unit 83 of the control unit 80 can excite the rotary solenoid 43.

[0070] The holding instruction unit 84 controls the driver 86 and causes a current to flow from the driver 86 to the electromagnet 77. Thereby, the electromagnet 77 is excited. That is, the holding instruction unit 84 of the control unit 80 can excite the electromagnet 77. The drivers 85 and 86 are provided on, for example, the control panel 12, the operation unit 15, or the circuit board 25.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the rotation control of the arm 42A by the measuring device 10 of the first embodiment. The uppermost graph in FIG. 5 shows the signal (open position detection signal) of the photosensor 75 that detects whether the arm 42A is located at the open position Po. The second graph shows the signal (closed position detection signal) of the photosensor 75 that detects whether the arm 42A is located at the closed position Pc.

[0072] The third graph in FIG. 5 shows the signal (open command signal) output by the opening / closing control unit 81 to rotate the arm 42A from the closed position Pc to the open position Po. The fourth graph shows the signal (closed command signal) output by the opening / closing control unit 81 to rotate the arm 42A from the open position Po to the closed position Pc.

[0073] The fifth graph in FIG. 5 shows the current (solenoid excitation current) flowing through the rotary solenoid 43A. The sixth graph shows the rotation of the arm 42A (arm rotation). The seventh graph shows the current (electromagnet excitation current) flowing through the electromagnet 77.

[0074] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the rotation control between the closed position Pc and the open position Po of the arm 42A by the measuring device 10 will be described. Note that the rotation control of the arm 42A is not limited to the following example.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, when the rotary solenoid 43 is in the non-excited state, the arm 42A is located at the closed position Pc. First, the opening / closing control unit 81 outputs an open command signal. The rotation instruction unit 83 causes a current to flow from the driver 85 to the rotary solenoid 43A based on the open command signal. Thereby, the rotary solenoid 43A is excited.

[0076] The excited rotary solenoid 43A rotates the arm 42A from the closed position Pc toward the open position Po. When the arm 42A moves away from the closed position Pc, the blocking projection 63 exits from the gap 75c of the photosensor 75, and the closed position detection signal transitions from high to low.

[0077] When the arm 42A reaches the open position Po, the blocking projection 63 is inserted into the gap 75c of the photosensor 75, and the open position detection signal transitions from low to high. When a predetermined time elapses after the arm position acquisition unit 82 acquires the open position detection signal, the holding instruction unit 84 causes a current to flow from the driver 86 to the electromagnet 77. As a result, the electromagnet 77 is excited. The excited electromagnet 77 attracts the armature 62 by magnetic force and holds the rotary solenoid 43A in the open position Po.

[0078] When a predetermined time elapses after the holding instruction unit 84 excites the electromagnet 77, the rotation instruction unit 83 de-energizes the rotary solenoid 43A. That is, when the arm 42A is located at the open position Po, the control unit 80 de-energizes the rotary solenoid 43A and energizes the electromagnet 77.

[0079] When the opening / closing control unit 81 outputs a close command signal, the holding instruction unit 84 de-energizes the electromagnet 77 based on the close command signal. As a result, the electromagnet 77 releases the holding of the arm 42A. The arm 42A rotates from the open position Po toward the closed position Pc by, for example, the spring of the rotary solenoid 43A.

[0080] When the arm 42A moves away from the open position Po, the blocking projection 63 exits the gap 75c of the photosensor 75, and the open position detection signal transitions from high to low. When the arm 42A reaches the closed position Pc, the blocking projection 63 is inserted into the gap 75c of the photosensor 75, and the closed position detection signal transitions from low to high. As a result, the arm position acquisition unit 82 detects that the arm 42A has returned to the closed position Pc.

[0081] In the rotation control between the closed position Pc and the open position Po of the arm 42B by the measuring device 10, the closed position Pc and the open position Po in the rotation control of the above-described arm 42A are reversed. For this reason, when the arm 42B is located at the closed position Pc, the control unit 80 de-energizes the rotary solenoid 43B and energizes the electromagnet 77.

[0082] In the measuring device 10 according to the first embodiment described above, when the electromagnet 77 is excited, it attracts the arm 42A located at the open position Po and holds the arm 42A at the open position Po. Thereby, after the arm 42A reaches the open position Po, the measuring device 10 can reduce the current flowing through the rotary solenoid 43A. Therefore, the measuring device 10 can reduce the heat generation of the rotary solenoid 43A, and thus can suppress the decrease in the exciting force of the rotary solenoid 43A, the decrease in the life of the rotary solenoid 43A, and the temperature rise of the measuring device 10.

[0083] When the arm 42A is located at the open position Po, the control unit 80 de-energizes the rotary solenoid 43A and energizes the electromagnet 77. Thereby, after the arm 42A reaches the open position Po, the measuring device 10 can set the current flowing through the rotary solenoid 43A to 0. Therefore, the measuring device 10 can suppress the heat generation of the rotary solenoid 43A.

[0084] When the arm 42A is located at the open position Po, the arm 42A and the electromagnet 77 are arranged in a direction (circumferential direction) intersecting the rotation axis Ax. For example, when the arm 42 and the electromagnet 77 are arranged in the circumferential direction, the arm 42 and the electromagnet 77 can approach each other. Therefore, the electromagnet 77 can more effectively attract the arm 42.

[0085] The control unit 80 of the present embodiment includes a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memorry) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and a CD drive device, a display device such as a display device, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and has a hardware configuration using an ordinary computer.

[0086] The program executed by the control unit 80 of the present embodiment is provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in an installable format or an executable format.

[0087] Alternatively, the program executed by the control unit 80 of the present embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by the control unit 80 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0088] Alternatively, the program of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0089] The program executed by the control unit 80 of the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described respective parts (the opening / closing control unit 81, the arm position acquisition unit 82, the rotation instruction unit 83, and the holding instruction unit 84). As actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the program from the above storage medium and executes it, whereby the above respective parts are loaded onto the main storage device, and the opening / closing control unit 81, the arm position acquisition unit 82, the rotation instruction unit 83, and the holding instruction unit 84 are generated on the main storage device.

[0090] (Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In the description of the following plurality of embodiments, components having the same functions as the components already described may be given the same reference numerals as the already described components, and the description may be omitted. Further, a plurality of components given the same reference numerals do not necessarily have all functions and properties in common, and may have different functions and properties according to each embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the standard changer 224 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing a part of the standard changer 224 of the second embodiment. The standard changer 224 has the same configuration as the standard changer 24 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 6, in the standard changer 224 of the second embodiment, the arm 42 has a mounting projection 201 instead of the mounting projection 72. The mounting projection 201 extends substantially in the circumferential direction from the side surface 71c of the arm plate 71 at the end 71e of the arm plate 71.

[0093] The mounting projection 201 has a lower surface 201a. The lower surface 201a is formed substantially flat and faces substantially in the vertical direction. The lower surface 201a of the present embodiment faces substantially downward. The lower surface 201a is continuous with the lower surface 71a of the arm plate 71. Note that the lower surface 201a may be arranged at a position different from the lower surface 71a in the vertical direction, for example.

[0094] The armature 62 is attached to the lower surface 201a of the mounting projection 201. As shown in FIG. 7, the armature 62 of the arm 42A and the electromagnet 77 of the electromagnetic latch 45A are aligned substantially in the axial direction when the arm 42A is in the open position Po. Also, the armature 62 of the arm 42B and the electromagnet 77 of the electromagnetic latch 45B are aligned substantially in the axial direction when the arm 42B is in the closed position Pc.

[0095] In the measuring device 10 of the second embodiment described above, the arm 42 and the electromagnet 77 are aligned in the direction along the rotation axis Ax (axial direction) when the arm 42A is in the open position Po. Thereby, the measuring device 10 can suppress the armature 62 from colliding with the electromagnet 77 when the arm 42A rotates.

[0096] (Third Embodiment) Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the standard changer 324 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing an end portion 71d of the arm 42A of the third embodiment. The standard changer 324 has the same configuration as the standard changer 24 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 8, in the standard changer 324 of the third embodiment, the arm 42 has a protrusion 301 instead of the blocking protrusion 63 and the mounting protrusion 72. As shown in FIG. 9, the protrusion 301 has a vertical portion 305 and two horizontal portions 306.

[0098] The vertical portion 305 extends in a substantially vertical direction from the side surface 71c of the arm plate 71 at the end portion 71d of the arm plate 71. The length of the vertical portion 305 in the vertical direction is longer than the width of the vertical portion 305 in the circumferential direction.

[0099] The horizontal portion 306 extends in a substantially circumferential direction from the end portion of the vertical portion 305 on the opposite side of the arm plate 71. The length of the horizontal portion 306 in the circumferential direction is longer than the width of the horizontal portion 306 in the vertical direction. The two horizontal portions 306 extend in opposite directions from the vertical portion 305.

[0100] The armature 62 is attached to the outer surface 305a of the vertical portion 305 that faces substantially in the radial direction. Therefore, in the circumferential direction, the armature 62 is located between the two horizontal portions 306. Note that the position of the armature 62 is not limited to this example.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 8, the armature 62 of the arm 42A and the electromagnet 77 of the electromagnetic latch 45A are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the arm plate 71 when the arm 42A is in the open position Po. Also, the armature 62 of the arm 42B and the electromagnet 77 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the arm plate 71 when the arm 42B is in the closed position Pc. The longitudinal direction of the arm plate 71 is substantially the radial direction and is an example of a direction intersecting the rotation axis.

[0102] As the arm 42 rotates, the armature 62 rotates between the two photosensors 75. The armature 62 is spaced apart from the photosensors 75 whether the arm 42 is in the closed position Pc or the open position Po.

[0103] The distance between the gap 75c and the rotation axis Ax is substantially equal to the distance between the horizontal portion 306 and the rotation axis Ax. Also, the distance between the light emitting element 75a and the light receiving element 75b is longer than the thickness of the protrusion 301. For this reason, the horizontal portion 306 can be inserted into the gap 75c of the photosensor 75 when the arm 42 rotates around the rotation axis Ax.

[0104] When the arm 42 is in the closed position Pc, one of the horizontal portions 306 is positioned in the gap 75c of one of the photosensors 75. The horizontal portion 306 blocks the light traveling from the light emitting element 75a to the light receiving element 75b of the photosensor 75. On the other hand, both of the two horizontal portions 306 are spaced apart from the gap 75c of the other photosensor 75.

[0105] When the arm 42 is in the open position Po, both of the two horizontal portions 306 are spaced apart from the gap 75c of one of the photosensors 75. On the other hand, the other horizontal portion 306 is positioned in the gap 75c of the other photosensor 75. The horizontal portion 306 blocks the light traveling from the light emitting element 75a to the light receiving element 75b of the photosensor 75.

[0106] In the measuring device 10 of the third embodiment described above, the photosensor 75 includes a light-emitting element 75a that emits light and a light-receiving element 75b that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element 75a. The arm 42A has a main body 61 and a protrusion 301. The main body 61 is disposed on the path of the X-ray R when the arm 42A is in the closed position Pc, and is separated from the path of the X-ray R when the arm 42A is in the open position Po. The protrusion 301 is separated from the gap 75c between the light-emitting element 75a and the light-receiving element 75b when the arm 42A is in the closed position Pc. Further, the protrusion 301 is located in the gap 75c when the arm 42A is in the open position Po, blocks the light traveling from the light-emitting element 75a to the light-receiving element 75b, and is attracted by the magnetic force of the excited electromagnet 77. That is, the protrusion 301 serves both as a portion attracted by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 77 and a portion detected by the photosensor 75. Thereby, the measuring device 10 does not need to separately provide a portion attracted by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 77 and a portion detected by the photosensor 75, and the arm 42A can be lightened.

[0107] (Fourth Embodiment) Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the rotation control of the arm 42A by the measuring device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The measuring device 10 of the fourth embodiment is different from the measuring device 10 of the first embodiment in the rotation control of the arm 42.

[0108] The top graph in FIG. 10 shows the open position detection signal. The second graph shows the closed position detection signal. The third graph shows the open command signal. The fourth graph shows the closed command signal. The fifth graph shows the first current flowing through the rotary solenoid 43A. The sixth graph shows the second current (second current) flowing through the rotary solenoid 43A. The seventh graph shows the arm rotation. The eighth graph shows the electromagnet excitation current.

[0109] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, an example of rotational control between the closed position Pc and the open position Po of the arm 42A by the measuring device 10 will be described. Note that the rotational control of the arm 42A is not limited to the following example.

[0110] First, the opening / closing control unit 81 outputs an opening command signal. Based on the opening command signal, the rotation instruction unit 83 causes a first current to flow from the driver 85 to the rotary solenoid 43A. As a result, the rotary solenoid 43A is excited.

[0111] The excited rotary solenoid 43A rotates the arm 42A from the closed position Pc toward the open position Po. That is, the control unit 80 causes the excited rotary solenoid 43A to rotate the arm 42A from the closed position Pc to the open position Po by flowing a first current to the rotary solenoid 43A.

[0112] When the arm 42A moves away from the closed position Pc, the blocking projection 63 comes out of the gap 75c of the photosensor 75, and the closed position detection signal transitions from high to low. When the arm 42A reaches the open position Po, the blocking projection 63 is inserted into the gap 75c of the photosensor 75, and the open position detection signal transitions from low to high.

[0113] When a predetermined time has elapsed after the arm position acquisition unit 82 acquires the open position detection signal, the holding instruction unit 84 causes a current to flow from the driver 86 to the electromagnet 77. As a result, the electromagnet 77 is excited. The illustrated electromagnet 77 attracts the armature 62 by magnetic force and holds the rotary solenoid 43A at the open position Po.

[0114] When a predetermined time has elapsed after the holding instruction unit 84 excites the electromagnet 77, the rotation instruction unit 83 causes a second current to flow from the driver 85 to the rotary solenoid 43A instead of the first current. That is, when the arm 42A is located at the open position Po, the control unit 80 excites the electromagnet 77 and excites the rotary solenoid 43A by flowing a second current to the rotary solenoid 43A. As a result, the electromagnet 77 and the rotary solenoid 43A cooperate to hold the arm 42A at the open position Po.

[0115] The second current is smaller than the first current. For example, the second current is 50% of the first current. Also, the current flowing through the electromagnet 77 in the fourth embodiment is smaller than the current flowing through the electromagnet 77 in the first embodiment. Note that the current flowing through the rotary solenoid 43A and the current flowing through the electromagnet 77 are not limited to this example.

[0116] When the opening / closing control unit 81 outputs a close command signal, the holding instruction unit 84 de-energizes the electromagnet 77 based on the close command signal. Also, the rotation instruction unit 83 also de-energizes the rotary solenoid 43A. Thereby, the electromagnet 77 and the rotary solenoid 43A release the holding of the arm 42A. The arm 42A rotates from the open position Po toward the closed position Pc by, for example, the spring of the rotary solenoid 43A.

[0117] When the arm 42A moves away from the open position Po, the blocking projection 63 comes out of the gap 75c of the photosensor 75, and the open position detection signal transitions from high to low. When the arm 42A reaches the closed position Pc, the blocking projection 63 is inserted into the gap 75c of the photosensor 75, and the closed position detection signal transitions from low to high. Thereby, the arm position acquisition unit 82 detects that the arm 42A has returned to the closed position Pc.

[0118] In the rotation control of the arm 42B between the closed position Pc and the open position Po by the measuring device 10, the closed position Pc and the open position Po in the rotation control of the arm 42A described above are reversed. For this reason, the control unit 80 rotates the arm 42B from the open position Po to the closed position Pc by flowing the first current through the rotary solenoid 43B to energize the rotary solenoid 43B. Also, when the arm 42B is located at the closed position Pc, the control unit 80 energizes the electromagnet 77 and flows the second current through the rotary solenoid 43B to energize the rotary solenoid 43B. Thereby, the electromagnet 77 and the rotary solenoid 43B hold the arm 42B at the closed position Pc.

[0119] In the measuring device 10 of the fourth embodiment described above, the control unit 80 rotates the arm 42A from the closed position Pc to the open position Po by flowing a first current through the rotary solenoid 43A. When the arm 42A is located at the open position Po, the control unit 80 energizes the electromagnet 77 and energizes the rotary solenoid 43A by flowing a second current smaller than the first current through the rotary solenoid 43A, and holds the arm 42A at the open position Po by the electromagnet 77 and the rotary solenoid 43A. Thereby, after the arm 42A reaches the open position Po, the measuring device 10 can reduce the current flowing through the rotary solenoid 43A. Further, the measuring device 10 can suppress an increase in the current flowing through the electromagnet 77, and thus can suppress a decrease in the exciting force of the electromagnet 77, a decrease in the life of the electromagnet 77, and a temperature rise of the measuring device 10. Note that the rotation control of the arm 42 in the fourth embodiment is applicable to any of the measuring devices 10 of the first to third embodiments.

[0120] (Modification example) Hereinafter, modification examples of the first to third embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 11 is a side view schematically showing the arm 42 and the electromagnetic latch 45 according to a modification example of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view schematically showing the arm 42 and the electromagnetic latch 45 according to a modification example of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view schematically showing the arm 42 and the electromagnetic latch 45 according to a modification example of the third embodiment.

[0121] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the first to third embodiments, a first electrode 401 may be provided on the surface of the armature 62, and a second electrode 402 may be provided on the surface of the electromagnet 77. In this case, the position sensor 44 further has, for example, a current-carrying sensor 405. The current-carrying sensor 405 is electrically connected to the second electrode 402.

[0122] When the arm 42A is located at the open position Po, the first electrode 401 and the second electrode 402 face each other. When the magnetic force of the energized electromagnet 77 attracts the armature 62, the armature 62 approaches the electromagnet 77 with elastic deformation of the arm 42. As a result, the first electrode 401 and the second electrode 402 come into contact with each other, and the first electrode 401 and the second electrode 402 are energized with each other.

[0123] The energization sensor 405 can output a signal indicating whether or not the first electrode 401 and the second electrode 402 are energized by using, for example, transmission and reception of signals through the first electrode 401 and the second electrode 402, a change in current, or a change in voltage. The control unit 80 detects that the first electrode 401 is energized to the second electrode 402 by the energization sensor 405.

[0124] The control unit 80 can detect that the arm 42A is located at the open position Po without using the photosensor 75. The control unit 80 detects that the arm 42A is located at the closed position Pc by the photosensor 75. The control unit 80 can also detect that the arm 42B is located at the closed position Pc without using the photosensor 75.

[0125] In the measuring device 10 of the modification described above, the first electrode 401 is provided on the arm 42. The second electrode 402 is provided on the electromagnet 77. When the arm 42A is located at the open position Po, the first electrode 401 and the second electrode 402 come into contact with each other when the magnetic force of the energized electromagnet 77 attracts the armature 62. The control unit 80 detects that the first electrode 401 is energized to the second electrode 402. Thereby, the control unit 80 can detect that the arm 42A is held at the open position Po by the electromagnet 77.

[0126] In the above description, suppression is defined, for example, as preventing the occurrence of an event, action, or influence, or reducing the degree of an event, action, or influence. Also, in the above description, restriction is defined, for example, as preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond the predetermined range.

[0127] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. The content of the claims at the time of filing is appended below. [1] A radiation generation unit that emits radiation, An arm that can be at least partially attracted by magnetic force and is rotatable about a rotation axis, A rotary solenoid that, when excited, rotates the arm about the rotation axis from a first position, which is one of a closed position where the arm is disposed on the path of the radiation emitted from the radiation generation unit and an open position where the arm is separated from the path of the radiation, to a second position, which is the other of the closed position and the open position, An electromagnet that, when excited, attracts the arm located at the second position by magnetic force and holds the arm at the second position, A radiation thickness measuring device comprising: [2] A control unit that excites the rotary solenoid and the electromagnet, further comprising When the arm is in the second position, the control unit de-excites the rotary solenoid and excites the electromagnet. The radiation thickness measuring device of [1]. [3] A control unit that excites the rotary solenoid and the electromagnet, further comprising The control unit rotates the arm from the first position to the second position by flowing a first current through the rotary solenoid to excite the rotary solenoid. When the arm is in the second position, the control unit excites the electromagnet and excites the rotary solenoid by flowing a second current smaller than the first current through the rotary solenoid, and holds the arm at the second position by the electromagnet and the rotary solenoid. The radiation thickness measuring device of [1]. [4] A first electrode provided on the arm, A second electrode provided on the electromagnet, further comprising When the arm is in the second position, the first electrode and the second electrode come into contact with each other because the magnetic force of the excited electromagnet attracts the arm. The control unit detects that the first electrode is energized to the second electrode. [2] or [3] radiation thickness measuring device. [5] A photosensor having a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element. further comprises The arm has a main body that is disposed on the radiation path when the arm is in the closed position and is separated from the radiation path when the arm is in the open position, and a protrusion that protrudes from the main body. The protrusion is separated from the space between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element when the arm is in the first position, and is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element when the arm is in the second position to block the light traveling from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element and is attracted by the magnetic force of the energized electromagnet. [1] to any one of [3] radiation thickness measuring devices. [6] The arm and the electromagnet are arranged in a direction intersecting the rotation axis or along the rotation axis when the arm is in the second position, [1] to any one of [5] radiation thickness measuring devices.

Description of Symbols

[0128] 10…Radiation thickness measuring device, 22…Radiation generating section, 42, 42A, 42B…Arms, 43, 43A, 43B…Rotary solenoids, 61…Main body, 75…Photosensor, 75a…Light emitting element, 75b…Light receiving element, 75c…Gap, 77…Electromagnet, 80…Control section, 301…Protrusion, 401…First electrode, 402…Second electrode, R…X-ray, Ax…Axis of rotation, Pc…Closed position, Po…Open position.

Claims

1. A radiation generation unit that emits radiation, A radiation detection unit that faces the radiation generation unit and receives the radiation, An arm that can be at least partially attracted by magnetic force and is rotatable about a rotation axis, A rotary solenoid that, when excited, rotates the arm about the rotation axis from a first position, which is one of a closed position where the arm is disposed on the path of the radiation emitted from the radiation generation unit and an open position where the arm is separated from the path of the radiation, to a second position, which is the other of the closed position and the open position, An electromagnet that, when excited, attracts the arm located at the second position by magnetic force and holds the arm at the second position, A control unit that excites the rotary solenoid and the electromagnet, Comprising, The control unit reduces the current flowing through the rotary solenoid when the arm is in the second position compared to when the arm is in the first position, A radiation thickness measuring device.

2. The control unit de-energizes the rotary solenoid and energizes the electromagnet when the arm is in the second position. The radiation thickness measuring device according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit rotates the arm from the first position to the second position by flowing a first current through the rotary solenoid to excite the rotary solenoid. When the arm is in the second position, the control unit energizes the electromagnet and excites the rotary solenoid by flowing a second current smaller than the first current through the rotary solenoid, and holds the arm at the second position by the electromagnet and the rotary solenoid. The radiation thickness measuring device according to Claim 1.

4. A first electrode provided on the arm, A second electrode provided on the electromagnet, Further comprising, When the arm is in the second position, the first electrode and the second electrode come into contact with each other because the magnetic force of the excited electromagnet attracts the arm, The control unit detects that the first electrode is energized to the second electrode. The radiation thickness measuring device according to Claim 2 or Claim 3.

5. A photosensor having a light emitting element that emits light and a light receiving element that receives the light emitted from the light emitting element, Further comprising, The arm has a main body that is disposed on the radiation path when the arm is in the closed position and is spaced from the radiation path when the arm is in the open position, and a protrusion protruding from the main body. The protrusion is spaced from the space between the light emitting element and the light receiving element when the arm is in the first position, and is positioned between the light emitting element and the light receiving element to block the light traveling from the light emitting element toward the light receiving element and is attracted by the magnetic force of the energized electromagnet when the arm is in the second position. The radiation thickness measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The radiation thickness measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the arm and the electromagnet are arranged in a direction intersecting the rotation axis or in a direction along the rotation axis when the arm is in the second position.

Images