Radiation inspection system

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a radiation inspection system, comprising: a radiation device, which comprises a ray source for emitting rays; a detector, which is arranged downstream of the radiation device in a first direction and is configured to receive the rays emitted by the radiation device; and a collimation device, which is configured to collimate the rays emitted by the radiation device, wherein the collimation device comprises at least two collimators, the at least two collimators being spaced apart in the first direction and each having a collimation slit adapted for passage of the rays, and the relative positions of the at least two collimators being adjustable. In this way, inspection accuracy can be improved.

Description

Radiation inspection system Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese application No. 202411730241.1, filed on November 28, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of radiation inspection technology, and in particular to a radiation inspection system. Background Technology

[0003] Radiation inspection systems are widely used in fields such as medical care, security inspection, and customs anti-smuggling. They typically include a radiation source, a detector, and a collimator. The radiation emitted by the radiation source is collimated by the collimator and then received by the detector to generate an image, thereby enabling the scanning and inspection of the object being inspected.

[0004] The accuracy of inspection results is a crucial indicator of the performance of a radiation inspection system. However, the accuracy of inspection results from radiation inspection systems in related technologies still needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the technical problems this application aims to solve is to improve the inspection accuracy of radiation inspection systems.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a radiation inspection system, comprising:

[0007] Radiation device, including a radiation source, for emitting radiation;

[0008] A detector, arranged downstream of the radiating device along a first direction, is used to receive the rays emitted by the radiating device; and

[0009] A collimation device for collimating rays emitted by a radiation device, the collimation device comprising at least two collimators arranged at intervals along a first direction and each having a collimation slit through which the rays pass, and the relative position between the at least two collimators being adjustable.

[0010] In some embodiments, the relative position of at least two collimators in a first direction is adjustable; and / or, the position of at least two collimators in a direction perpendicular to the first direction is adjustable.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least two collimators may be movable and / or rotated relative to each other in a first direction, such that the relative positions of the at least two collimators in the first direction are adjustable.

[0012] In some embodiments, any two adjacent collimators among the at least two collimators are a first collimator and a second collimator, the first collimator and the second collimator are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and the collimating device further includes a connector connected to the second collimator and enabling the second collimator to move relative to the first collimator in the first direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector is movable or sized in a first direction so that the second collimator can move relative to the first collimator in the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connector includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector being connected to a second collimator via the second connector, and the first connector and the second connector being movable or rotatable relative to each other, so that the size of the connector is adjustable in a first direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first connector and the second connector are connected by two connecting holes and a locking member passing through the two connecting holes, at least one of the two connecting holes being an elongated hole, so that the first connector and the second connector can move relative to each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connector also allows the second collimator to move relative to the first collimator in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the connector and the object to be connected are connected by two fixing holes and a fastener passing through the two fixing holes. The object to be connected includes a first collimator or a portion that is stationary relative to the X-ray source. At least one of the two fixing holes is an elongated hole so that the second collimator can move relative to the first collimator in a direction perpendicular to a first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the position of the collimator closest to the radiation device among the at least two collimators relative to the radiation source is adjustable or constant; and / or, the radiation device further includes a housing, in which the radiation source of the radiation device is disposed, and the collimator closest to the radiation source among the at least two collimators is located in or outside the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the radiation device includes at least two radiation sources, which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimation slit of the collimator closest to the radiation device among at least two collimators; and / or, the length directions of the collimation slits of the at least two collimators are aligned.

[0020] In some embodiments, the slit width of the collimation slit of at least one of the at least two collimators is adjustable; and / or, the main beam angle of at least one of the at least two collimators is adjustable.

[0021] In some embodiments, the adjustable-width collimator includes a base and two collimators, both of which are disposed on the base and form a collimation slit between the two collimators. At least one of the two collimators is movably disposed on the base so that the width of the collimation slit is adjustable.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least one of the two collimators is connected to the base via two mounting holes and a mounting member passing through the two mounting holes, wherein at least one of the two mounting holes is an elongated hole, so that at least one of the two collimators is movably disposed on the base.

[0023] In some embodiments, the collimator with adjustable main beam angle includes a body and at least two adjusting members. A collimation slit is disposed on the body, and at least two adjusting members are disposed on the body and arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimation slit. The distance between the at least two adjusting members is adjustable so that the main beam angle of the collimator is adjustable.

[0024] In some embodiments, the adjusting member is connected to the body via two positioning holes and a positioning member passing through the two positioning holes, wherein at least one of the two positioning holes is an elongated hole, so that the adjusting member is movably disposed on the body to achieve adjustable distance between at least two adjusting members.

[0025] By setting at least two collimators in the radiation inspection system and making the relative position between these at least two collimators adjustable, an inspection process that is more closely matched to actual needs can be achieved, effectively improving inspection accuracy.

[0026] Other features and advantages of this application will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 is a simplified structural diagram of a radiation inspection system in some embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 3 is a simplified structural diagram of the connector in Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 4 is a simplified structural diagram of the first collimator in Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 5 is a simplified structural diagram of the first segment of the first connector in some other embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 6 is a simplified structural diagram of the first segment of the first connector in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this application or its application or use.

[0035] In the description of this application, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0037] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0038] Figures 1-6 exemplarily illustrate the structure of the radiation inspection system in this application.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1-6, in this application, the radiation inspection system 100 includes a radiation device 1, a detector 2, and a collimating device 3. The radiation device 1 includes a radiation source 11 to emit radiation. The detector 2 is disposed downstream of the radiation device 1 along a first direction X to receive the radiation emitted by the radiation device 1. The collimating device 3 is used to collimate the radiation emitted by the radiation device 1 and includes at least two collimators 4, which are arranged at intervals along the first direction X and each has a collimation slit 44 through which the radiation passes. The relative position between the at least two collimators 4 is adjustable.

[0040] In the above scheme, the collimation device 3 includes at least two collimators 4. In this way, the collimation device 3 can collimate the rays at least twice. Compared with the case where the collimation device 3 only includes one collimator 4 and only performs one level of collimation, a more refined collimation process can be achieved. This is not only conducive to achieving better collimation effect and obtaining a field of view (FOV) that better meets actual needs, but also conducive to reducing the requirements for the form and position accuracy of a single collimator 4. All of these are beneficial to improving the accuracy of the inspection results.

[0041] It is understandable that the collimation effect is mainly reflected in two aspects: the control effect on the radiation range (corresponding to the size of the field of view), and the shielding effect on rays outside the radiation range. Compared with single-stage collimation, at least two-stage collimation can more accurately control the radiation range and more effectively shield rays outside the radiation range, improving the safety of the scanning and inspection process. Therefore, the collimation effect is better.

[0042] During the inspection process, the collimating device 3 must effectively cooperate with the radiation device 1 and detector 2 to obtain accurate inspection results. If the collimating device 3 only includes one collimator 4, it is difficult to adjust the radiation device 1, collimator 4, and detector 2 to the appropriate working position, requiring high positional accuracy for this single collimator 4. This problem is more pronounced when the radiation device 1 includes at least two radiation sources 11, because the actual positions of the different radiation sources 11 may deviate from the designed positions, increasing the difficulty of coordinating the collimating device 3 with the radiation device 1. However, if the collimating device 3 includes at least two collimators 4, even if some of the collimators 4 have positional deviations, the others can compensate for them. Therefore, the positional accuracy requirement for a single collimator 4 can be reduced, making it easier for the collimating device 3 to effectively cooperate with the detector 2 and the radiation device 1, especially the radiation device 1 which includes at least two radiation sources 11, to achieve a more accurate scanning inspection process.

[0043] Moreover, in the above scheme, the relative positions between at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 are not fixed, but adjustable and changeable. This is more conducive to reducing the dimensional and positional accuracy requirements of a single collimator 4, and also facilitates adjusting the relative positions between different collimators 4 according to different situations to obtain different fields of view and meet different inspection needs. For example, it is convenient to adjust the relative positions between different collimators 4 according to the different specifications of the inspection object (e.g., vehicle height) to obtain different fields of view and meet the inspection needs of different specifications of the inspection object. For another example, it is convenient to adjust the relative positions between different collimators 4 according to the setting of the radiation source 11 in the radiation device 1, so that the collimation device 3 and each radiation source 11, as well as the collimators 4 of the collimation device 3, can effectively cooperate and accurately detect. In this way, the flexibility of the radiation inspection system 100 can be enhanced, the inspection process can be more matched with actual needs, and the inspection accuracy can be effectively improved.

[0044] It can be seen that by setting at least two collimators 4 in the radiation inspection system 100 and making the relative position between these at least two collimators 4 adjustable, the inspection accuracy of the radiation inspection system 100 can be effectively improved.

[0045] In addition, compared with single-stage collimation, the above-mentioned at least two-stage collimation, especially the at least two-stage collimation with adjustable relative positions, is more conducive to reducing the impact of scattered photons on the system, better meeting the requirements of the protection boundary dose (referring to the dose limit value set around the radiation inspection system 100 to ensure the safety of staff and the public), and achieving a safer inspection process.

[0046] It is evident that by setting at least two collimators 4 in the radiation inspection system 100 and making the relative positions between these at least two collimators 4 adjustable, the accuracy of the inspection results and the radiation safety of the inspection process can be effectively improved, thus achieving a safer and more accurate inspection process.

[0047] The relative positions of at least two collimators 4 are adjustable, either in the first direction X or in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0048] When the relative positions of at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 in the first direction X are adjustable, it means that the distance between at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 is not fixed, but adjustable and changeable. This allows for adjusting the distance between different collimators 4 according to different situations to obtain different fields of view and meet different inspection needs. For example, it allows for adjusting the distance between different collimators 4 according to the different specifications of the object being inspected to obtain different fields of view and meet the inspection needs of objects of different specifications. This can enhance the flexibility of the radiation inspection system 100, achieve an inspection process that is more in line with actual needs, and effectively improve inspection accuracy.

[0049] In order to make the relative position between at least two collimators 4 of the collimation device 3 (e.g., the relative position between at least two collimators 4 in the first direction X) adjustable, the at least two collimators 4 are configured to be relatively movable and / or rotatable.

[0050] For example, referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, at least two collimators 4 of the radiation inspection system 100 are movable relative to each other in a first direction X, such that the distance between the at least two collimators 4 (specifically, the distance between the at least two collimators 4 in the first direction X) is adjustable. Thus, the distance between the different collimators 4 can be adjusted simply by moving them relative to each other in the first direction X, which is simple and convenient.

[0051] Among them, various methods can be used to achieve relative movement between different collimators 4 in the first direction X.

[0052] For example, referring to Figures 1 and 3, in some embodiments, any two adjacent collimators 4 of the collimating device 3 are a first collimator 31 and a second collimator 32, respectively. The first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 are arranged sequentially along the first direction X. Furthermore, the collimating device 3 also includes a connecting member 5, which is connected to the second collimator 32 and allows the second collimator 32 to move relative to the first collimator 31 in the first direction X. In this way, among all the collimators 4 of the collimating device 3, the second collimator 32 closer to the detector 2 (or farther from the radiation device 1) can move relative to the first collimator 31 farther from the detector 2 (or closer to the radiation device 1) in the first direction X under the action of the connecting member 5 that connects and supports the second collimator 32, thereby changing the distance between them in the first direction X. Since there is no need to set up additional components to allow the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 to move relative to each other, it is simpler and more convenient.

[0053] The connecting member 5 can achieve relative movement between the second collimator 32 and the first collimator 31 by moving (e.g., moving and / or rotating) in the first direction X, or by changing its size in the first direction X (the corresponding size can also be referred to as the length of the connecting member 5). That is, the connecting member 5 can be configured to be movable or dimensionally adjustable in the first direction X to allow the second collimator 32 to move relative to the first collimator 31 in the first direction X. When the connecting member 5 achieves relative movement between the second collimator 32 and the first collimator 31 only by changing its own size in the first direction X, it is simpler and more convenient because the connecting member 5 does not need to move as a whole.

[0054] Furthermore, to make the dimensions of the connector 5 adjustable in the first direction X, referring to Figures 1 and 3, the connector 5 includes a first connecting body 51 and a second connecting body 52. ​​The first connecting body 51 is connected to the second collimator 32 through the second connecting body 52, and the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 can move or rotate relative to each other. In this way, the dimensions of the connector 5 in the first direction X can be changed simply by moving or rotating the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 relative to each other, which is simple and convenient.

[0055] The relative movement between the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 can be achieved through various structural forms.

[0056] For example, in some embodiments not shown, the connector 5 is constructed as a slide rail, and the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are respectively constructed as the outer rail and inner rail of the slide rail. In this case, the second connector 52 slides relative to the first connector 51, which enables relative movement between the first connector 51 and the second connector 52, changes the length of the connector 5, and thereby adjusts the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X.

[0057] For example, referring to Figures 1 and 3, in some embodiments, the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are connected by two connecting holes 53 and a locking member 54 (e.g., a threaded connector such as a screw) passing through these two connecting holes 53. At least one of the two connecting holes 53 is an elongated hole 58, allowing the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 to move relative to each other. In this case, the relative movement of the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 can be achieved by connecting the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 at different positions of the locking member 54 in the connecting hole 53 (which is an elongated hole 58), thereby changing the length of the connector 5. Since the locking member 54 itself has a locking function, the connector 5 can be stably maintained at the desired length. Therefore, it is advantageous to achieve reliable adjustment of the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X based on a simpler structure.

[0058] In the foregoing embodiments, the connector 5 can connect the second collimator 32 to the first collimator 31 or a part that is stationary relative to the X-ray source 11 (e.g., the entire machine casing or the housing 12 covering the outside of the X-ray source 11, as mentioned below). The parts connected to the second collimator 32 can be collectively referred to as the connected objects. That is, the connector 5 connects the second collimator 32 and the connected objects, which include the first collimator 31 or a part that is stationary relative to the X-ray source 11.

[0059] As a further improvement to the foregoing embodiments, referring to Figures 1-2 and 5-6, the connector 5 also allows the second collimator 32 to move relative to the first collimator 31 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X. In this case, the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 can move relative to each other not only in the first direction X, but also in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X (e.g., the length and / or width direction of the collimation slit 44). This allows the positions of the different collimators 4 to be adjustable in the direction perpendicular to the first direction X, facilitating the adjustment of the positions of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in different directions, achieving a more practical collimation effect, and more effectively improving the accuracy of the inspection results.

[0060] As an example, referring to Figures 1-2 and 5-6, the connector 5 and the connected object are connected via two fixing holes 55 and a fastener (not shown) passing through the two fixing holes 55. At least one of the fixing holes 55 is an elongated hole 58, allowing the second collimator 32 to move relative to the first collimator 31 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X. In this case, the relative movement of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction X can be achieved by connecting the connector 5 and the connected object at different positions of the fastener in the fixing hole 55 (which is an elongated hole 58), thus changing the relative positions of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction X. Since the fastener itself has a locking function, the second collimator 32 can be stably held in the target position. Therefore, it is advantageous to achieve reliable adjustment of the relative positions of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction X based on a simpler structure.

[0061] In the foregoing embodiments, the position of the collimator 4 closest to the radiation device 1 (also referred to as the upstream collimator 4) of the collimating device 3 relative to the radiation source 11 (e.g., its position in the first direction X and / or its position in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X) can be constant or adjustable. When the position of the collimator 4 closest to the radiation device 1 relative to the radiation source 11 is constant and cannot be adjusted, the structure is simpler. When the position of the collimator 4 closest to the radiation device 1 relative to the radiation source 11 is not constant and can be adjusted, it is convenient to flexibly adjust the position of the corresponding collimator 4 according to the arrangement of the radiation source 11 in the radiation device 1, thereby achieving better collimation and more effectively improving inspection accuracy.

[0062] As mentioned above, the number of radiation sources 11 in the radiation device 1 can be one or at least two. Referring to Figure 1, when the radiation device 1 includes at least two radiation sources 11, these at least two radiation sources 11 can be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimation slit 44 of the collimator 4 closest to the radiation device 1 among the at least two collimators 4, so that during operation, different radiation sources 11 emit radiation for scanning, thereby improving scanning efficiency and saving scanning time.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the radiation device 1 may include not only a radiation source 11 but also a housing 12, with the radiation source 11 disposed within the housing 12. For example, referring to Figures 1 and 2, when the radiation device 1 includes at least two radiation sources 11, both of these radiation sources 11 may be disposed within the housing 12. In this way, the housing 12 can provide a certain degree of shielding against the radiation emitted by the radiation sources 11, thereby improving the radiation safety of the inspection process.

[0064] When the radiation device 1 includes a housing 12, the collimator 4 of the collimating device 3, the one closest to the radiation source 11, can be located inside or outside the housing 12. When the collimator 4 closest to the radiation source 11 is located outside the housing 12, not only is the collimator 4 not obstructed by the housing 12, making it easier to observe, but the movement of the collimator 4 is not restricted by the internal space of the housing 12, making it easier to adjust its position. This allows the collimator 4 to better coordinate with other collimators 4, the radiation device 1, and the detector 2, resulting in a more accurate inspection process.

[0065] In the foregoing embodiments, the length directions of the alignment slits 44 of at least two collimators 4 of the collimating device 3 may be consistent or inconsistent. Wherein, the length directions of the alignment slits 44 of at least two collimators 4 of the collimating device 3 being consistent means that the length directions of the alignment slits 44 of at least two collimators 4 of the collimating device 3 are absolutely parallel or approximately parallel (i.e., although not absolutely parallel, the deviation is within the allowable range). In this case, the different collimators 4 can cooperate better, achieving a better collimation effect.

[0066] As a further improvement to the foregoing embodiments, referring to FIG4, the slit width of the collimation slit 44 of at least one of the at least two collimators 4 in the collimation device 3 is adjustable. The slit width of the collimation slit 44 directly affects the amount of radiation passing through the collimation slit 44, thereby affecting the collimation effect and inspection results. Therefore, setting the collimation slit 44 of the collimator 4 to have an adjustable slit width allows for flexible adjustment of the slit width according to different needs, achieving a collimation effect that better meets actual requirements. This is beneficial for further improving inspection accuracy.

[0067] The adjustable seam width of the collimation seam 44 can be achieved based on various structural forms. For example, referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the collimator 4 with adjustable seam width includes a base 42 and two collimating members 43. Both collimating members 43 are disposed on the base 42, and a collimation seam 44 is formed between the two collimating members 43. At least one of the two collimating members 43 is movably disposed on the base 42 to make the seam width of the collimation seam 44 adjustable. In this way, the seam width of the collimation seam 44 can be adjusted by moving at least one of the two collimating members 43 on the base 42, which is simple and convenient.

[0068] The movable arrangement of at least one of the two collimating members 43 on the base 42 can also be achieved using various structural forms. As one example, referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, at least one of the two collimating members 43 is connected to the base 42 via two mounting holes 45 and a mounting member 46 (e.g., a threaded connector such as a screw) passing through the two mounting holes 45. At least one of the two mounting holes 45 is an elongated hole 58, allowing at least one of the two collimating members 43 to be movably disposed on the base 42. In this case, the relative movement of at least one of the two collimating members 43 and the base 42 can be achieved by connecting at least one of the two collimating members 43 to the base 42 at different positions of the mounting member 46 in the elongated hole 58, thereby changing the width of the collimating slit 44. Since the mounting member 46 itself has a locking function, the collimating slit 44 can be stably maintained at the desired slit width. Therefore, it is advantageous to achieve reliable adjustment of the collimating slit width based on a relatively simple structure.

[0069] As a further improvement to the foregoing embodiments, referring to FIG4, at least one of the at least two collimators 4 in the collimation device 3 has an adjustable main beam angle. The main beam angle of the collimation slit 44 directly affects the collimation effect and the protective dose. Therefore, setting the collimator 4 to have an adjustable main beam angle allows for flexible adjustment of the main beam angle according to different needs, achieving a collimation effect and protective effect that better meets actual requirements. This is beneficial for further improving the accuracy of inspection results and the radiation safety of the inspection process.

[0070] The main beam angle is adjustable and can be achieved using various structural forms. For example, referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the collimator 4 with an adjustable main beam angle includes a body 41 and at least two adjusting members 47. A collimation slit 44 is disposed on the body 41, and at least two adjusting members 47 are disposed on the body 41 and spaced apart along the length direction of the collimation slit 44. The distance between the at least two adjusting members 47 is adjustable, so that the main beam angle of the collimator 4 is adjustable. In this case, the dimension between two adjacent adjusting members 47 along the length direction of the collimation slit 44 affects the size of the main beam angle. Therefore, making the distance between the at least two adjusting members 47 adjustable can conveniently achieve the adjustment of the main beam angle.

[0071] To achieve adjustable distance between at least two adjusting members 47, referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the adjusting member 47 is connected to the body 41 via two positioning holes 48 and a positioning member 49 (e.g., a screw or other threaded connector) passing through the two positioning holes 48. At least one of the two positioning holes 48 is an elongated hole 58, allowing the adjusting member 47 to be movably mounted on the body 41, thus achieving adjustable distance between at least two adjusting members 47. In this case, the relative movement between the adjusting member 47 and the body 41 can be achieved by connecting the adjusting member 47 to the body 41 at different positions of the positioning hole 48 (which is an elongated hole 58), thereby changing the main beam angle. Since the positioning member 49 itself can act as a locking element, keeping the adjusting member 47 stably in the target position, it is advantageous to achieve reliable adjustment of the main beam angle based on a relatively simple structure.

[0072] The present application will now be further described with reference to the embodiments shown in Figures 1-6.

[0073] First, we will introduce the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4.

[0074] In this embodiment, the radiation inspection system 100 is used to perform safety inspections on vehicles and is a transmission scanning system.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1-4, in this embodiment, the radiation inspection system 100 includes a radiation device 1, a collimation device 3, and a detector 2 arranged sequentially along a first direction X. It can be understood that the first direction X is the direction from the radiation device 1 to the detector 2.

[0076] The radiation device 1 is used to emit X-rays. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the radiation device 1 includes a housing 12 and multiple (three are shown as an example) X-ray sources 11. The multiple X-ray sources 11 (which can also be target points) are disposed within the housing 12 and arranged at intervals along a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. Ideally, these multiple X-ray sources 11 should be aligned in the second direction Y, with no positional deviation in the third direction Z perpendicular to both the first and second directions X and Y. However, in reality, due to installation errors and other factors, as shown in Figure 2, these multiple X-ray sources 11 may not be completely aligned in the second direction Y, but rather have positional deviations in the third direction Z perpendicular to both the first and second directions X and Y. In this embodiment, each X-ray source 11 is a pulsed X-ray source. During operation, different X-ray sources 11 do not emit beams simultaneously, but instead emit beams alternately, emitting X-rays towards the object being inspected. The X-rays emitted by the X-ray sources 11 pass through the object being inspected and reach the detector 2, realizing the transmission scanning process.

[0077] Detector 2 is positioned downstream of radiation device 1 along the first direction X to receive the radiation emitted by radiation device 1 and convert the received radiation into a recordable electrical signal for image generation. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, radiation inspection system 100 includes only one detector 2, which receives radiation emitted by all radiation sources 11 of radiation device 1, realizing a multi-source, single-detector (i.e., multiple radiation sources, one detector) scanning imaging process.

[0078] A collimation device 3 is disposed between the radiation device 1 and the detector 2 along a first direction X, and is used to collimate the rays emitted from the radiation device 1 to the detector 2 in order to control the field of view of the ray beam. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the collimation device 3 includes two collimators 4, namely a first collimator 31 and a second collimator 32, which are arranged sequentially along the first direction X. Thus, the first collimator 31 becomes the collimator 4 closest to the ray source 11 in the collimation device 3, and the second collimator 32 becomes the collimator 4 adjacent to the first collimator 31. The two collimators work together to enable the collimation device 3 to achieve two-stage collimation.

[0079] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the first collimator 31 is located outside the housing 12 and is fixedly connected to the housing 12. Its position relative to the housing 12 is not adjustable. Thus, the collimator 4 closest to the radiation source 11 is located outside the housing 12 and its position relative to the radiation source 11 is not adjustable. The second collimator 32 is located on the side of the first collimator 31 closest to the detector 2. Thus, an area for placing the object to be inspected (specifically, a vehicle or cargo such as a large truck or car) is formed between the second collimator 32 and the detector 2. This allows the radiation emitted by the radiation source 11 to be collimated sequentially by the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32, pass through the object to be inspected, and reach the detector 2, where it is received.

[0080] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4, in this embodiment, the length direction of the collimation slits 44 of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 is along the second direction Y, and the width direction is along the third direction Z. Thus, the third direction Z is the width direction of the collimation slit 44, and the second direction Y is the length direction of the collimation slit 44. The multiple X-ray sources 11 are arranged at intervals along the second direction Y, which means that the multiple X-ray sources 11 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimation slits 44, and the length direction of the collimation slits 44 of different collimators 4 is consistent.

[0081] In this embodiment, the slit width of the second collimator 32 is smaller than that of the first collimator 31 to achieve a convergence effect. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slit width of the collimation slit 44 of both the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 is adjustable, and the principal beam angle of the first collimator 31 is adjustable.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the first collimator 31 includes a body 41 and a plurality of (four are shown as an example) adjusting members 47.

[0083] The body 41 includes a base 42 and two collimators 43. Both the base 42 and the two collimators 43 are plate-shaped, with their length direction along the second direction Y and their width direction along the third direction Z. The two collimators 43 are spaced apart on the base 42 along the third direction Z and face each other, forming a collimation slit 44 between them. Both collimators 43 are connected to the base 42 via a mounting member 46 and two mounting holes 45 that mate with the mounting member 46. The two mounting holes 45 that mate with the mounting member 46 are located on the collimators 43 and the base 42, respectively. In this embodiment, the mounting holes 45 on the collimators 43 are elongated holes 58 (e.g., oblong holes), and their long axis direction is along the third direction Z (i.e., the slit width direction of the collimation slit 44). Thus, by positioning the mounting member 46 at different positions of the mounting hole 45 on the alignment member 43, the alignment member 43 and the base 42 can be connected, thereby changing the position of the alignment member 43 on the base 42, and thus changing the distance between the two alignment members 43, thereby adjusting the width of the alignment seam 44.

[0084] Multiple adjusting members 47 are spaced apart on the body 41 along the second direction Y (i.e., the length direction of the collimation slit 44), such that a beam exit region 40 is formed between any two adjacent adjusting members 47, and the first collimator 31 has multiple (three in the figure) beam exit regions 40 corresponding one-to-one with the X-ray source 11. The size of the beam exit region 40 in the first direction X is related to the size of the main beam angle. In this embodiment, each adjusting member 47 is plate-shaped and is connected to the body 41 through a positioning member 49 and two positioning holes 48 that cooperate with the positioning member 49. The two positioning holes 48 that cooperate with the positioning member 49 are located on the adjusting member 47 and the body 41, respectively. In this embodiment, the positioning hole 48 on the adjusting member 47 is an elongated hole 58 (e.g., an oblong hole), and its major axis is along the second direction Y (i.e., the length direction of the collimation slit 44). Thus, by positioning the positioning member 49 at different positions of the positioning hole 48 on the adjusting member 47, the adjusting member 47 and the body 41 can be connected, thereby changing the position of the adjusting member 47 on the body 41, and thus changing the distance between the two adjusting members 47, thereby achieving the adjustment of the main beam angle.

[0085] The slit width of the second collimator 32 is adjustable, but the main beam angle is not adjustable. In this embodiment, the second collimator 32, like the first collimator 31, changes the slit width based on the movement of the two collimators 43 on the base 42. However, unlike the first collimator 31, the second collimator 32 does not include an adjusting member 47 that can move on the body 41 and does not adjust the main beam angle.

[0086] Based on the above structural configuration, in this embodiment, the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 can collimate the rays emitted from the X-ray source 11 toward the object to be inspected sequentially, achieving two-stage collimation. As shown in Figure 2, the main function of the first collimator 31 is to fit X-ray sources 11 at different positions, especially those with positional deviations, into a straight line, allowing as many main beam shared areas as possible to pass through the collimating device 3. The main function of the second collimator 32 is to reduce the impact of scattered photons on the system and to retain as much of the main beam that multiple X-ray sources 11 can share as possible.

[0087] Since two-stage collimation can be achieved, and the slit width of both the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 is adjustable, and the main beam angle of the first collimator 31 is adjustable, the slit width of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32, as well as the main beam angle of the first collimator 31, can be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions to achieve a collimation process that better meets actual needs, which is beneficial to improving inspection accuracy.

[0088] Returning to Figure 1, in this embodiment, the second collimator 32 is connected to the first collimator 31 via the connector 5. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figures 1 and 3, in this embodiment, the second collimator 32 can move relative to the first collimator 31 in the first direction X under the action of the connector 5, thereby changing the distance between the second collimator 32 and the first collimator 31.

[0089] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, in this embodiment, the connector 5 includes a first connector 51 and a second connector 52. The first connector 51 is connected to the first collimator 31, and the second connector 52 is connected to the second collimator 32. The first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are relatively movable in the first direction X, so that the connector 5 can change the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 by changing the size in the first direction X.

[0090] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, in this embodiment, both the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 include a first segment 56 and a second segment 57 connected in an L-shape. The first segment 56 of both the first connecting body 51 and the first segment 56 of both the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 are plate-shaped and extend along the second direction Y, respectively connecting to the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 to achieve the connection between the connecting member 5 and the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32. Furthermore, the second segment 57 of both the first connecting body 51 and the second segment 57 of both the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 are plate-shaped and extend along the first direction X, and are connected by a locking member 54 and two connecting holes 53 that cooperate with the locking member 54. The two connecting holes 53 that cooperate with the locking member 54 are located on the second segment 57 of the first connecting body 51 and the second segment 57 of the second connecting body 52, respectively, and both connecting holes 53 are elongated holes 58 (e.g., oblong holes), with their major axes aligned along the first direction X. Thus, by connecting the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 at different positions of the locking member 54 in the long axis direction of the connecting hole 53, the length of the connector 5 can be changed, thereby adjusting the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X.

[0091] The distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X affects the collimation effect. When the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X is different, the size of the collimated radiation range is different, and the shielding effect on rays outside the radiation range is different. Therefore, the distance between the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 in the first direction X is adjustable, which makes it easier to achieve a collimation process that better meets actual needs, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of inspection.

[0092] In summary, in this embodiment, since the collimation device 3 includes two collimators 4, and the distance between the two collimators 4 in the first direction X is adjustable, and the slit width of the collimation slit 44 of the two collimators 4 is adjustable, and the main beam angle of the first collimator 4 is adjustable, the accuracy of the inspection effect can be effectively improved.

[0093] However, it should be understood that the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4 above do not constitute the only limitation of this application, and there may be other variations.

[0094] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate two variations. To simplify the description, the following will focus only on the differences between these two variations and the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4. For any parts not described herein, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4 for clarification.

[0095] As shown in Figure 5, in this variant, the first segment 56 of the first connecting body 51 of the connector 5 is provided with an elongated hole 58 (e.g., an oblong hole). The connector 5 is connected to the first collimator 31 through the corresponding elongated hole 58, and the major axis of the corresponding elongated hole 58 is along the second direction Y. In this way, the connector 5 can move the second collimator 32 as a whole relative to the first collimator 31 and the radiation source 11 in the second direction Y, changing the position of the second collimator 32 as a whole relative to the first collimator 31 and the radiation source 11 in the second direction Y. This also helps to better coordinate the second collimator 32 with the first collimator 31, the radiation device 1, and the detector 2, improving the collimation effect and increasing the accuracy of the inspection results.

[0096] As shown in Figure 6, in this variant, the first segment 56 of the first connecting body 51 of the connector 5 is provided with an elongated hole 58 (e.g., an oblong hole). The connector 5 is connected to the first collimator 31 through the corresponding elongated hole 58, and the major axis of the corresponding elongated hole 58 is along the third direction Z. In this way, the connector 5 can move the second collimator 32 as a whole relative to the first collimator 31 and the radiation source 11 in the third direction Z, changing the position of the second collimator 32 as a whole relative to the first collimator 31 and the radiation source 11 in the third direction Z. This also helps to better coordinate the second collimator 32 with the first collimator 31, the radiation device 1, and the detector 2, improve the collimation effect, and increase the accuracy of the inspection results.

[0097] In addition, other variations are possible in embodiments not shown.

[0098] For example, in some embodiments, instead of the first collimator 31 having an adjustable main beam angle, the second collimator 32 having an adjustable main beam angle, or both the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 having adjustable main beam angles.

[0099] For example, in some embodiments, instead of both the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 having adjustable slit widths, only one of the first collimator 31 and the second collimator 32 has an adjustable slit width.

[0100] For example, in some embodiments, the number of collimators 4 is no longer two, but at least three.

[0101] For example, in some embodiments, the collimation slit 44 is no longer rectangular, but is circular or other shapes.

[0102] For example, in some embodiments, the radiation inspection system 100 is no longer a transmission radiation inspection system, but a backscatter radiation inspection system.

[0103] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and not to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this application or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features, all of which should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A radiation inspection system (100), comprising: Radiation device (1), including a radiation source (11) for emitting radiation; A detector (2) is arranged downstream of the radiation device (1) along a first direction (X) for receiving the rays emitted by the radiation device (1); and A collimation device (3) is used to collimate the rays emitted by the radiation device (1). The collimation device (3) includes at least two collimators (4), which are arranged at intervals along the first direction (X) and each has a collimation slit (44) through which the rays pass. The relative positions between the at least two collimators (4) are adjustable.

2. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the relative position of the at least two collimators (4) in the first direction (X) is adjustable; and / or, the position of the at least two collimators (4) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X) is adjustable.

3. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the at least two collimators (4) are movable and / or rotatable relative to each other in the first direction (X), such that the relative positions of the at least two collimators (4) in the first direction (X) are adjustable.

4. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 3, wherein any two adjacent collimators (4) of the at least two collimators (4) are respectively a first collimator (31) and a second collimator (32), the first collimator (31) and the second collimator (32) are arranged sequentially along the first direction (X), and the collimation device (3) further includes a connector (5), the connector (5) is connected to the second collimator (32) and allows the second collimator (32) to move relative to the first collimator (31) in the first direction (X).

5. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 4, wherein the connector (5) is movable or dimensionally adjustable in the first direction (X) so that the second collimator (32) is movable relative to the first collimator (31) in the first direction (X).

6. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the connector (5) includes a first connector (51) and a second connector (52), the first connector (51) being connected to the second collimator (32) via the second connector (52), and the first connector (51) and the second connector (52) being movable or rotatable relative to each other so that the size of the connector (5) in the first direction (X) is adjustable.

7. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first connector (51) and the second connector (52) are connected by two connecting holes (53) and a locking member (54) passing through the two connecting holes (53), at least one of the two connecting holes (53) being an elongated hole (58) to allow the first connector (51) and the second connector (52) to move relative to each other.

8. The radiation inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein the connector (5) further enables the second collimator (32) to move relative to the first collimator (31) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X).

9. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 8, wherein the connector (5) and the object to be connected are connected by two fixing holes (55) and a fastener passing through the two fixing holes (55), the object to be connected including a first collimator (31) or a portion stationary relative to the radiation source (11), at least one of the two fixing holes (55) being an elongated hole (58) to allow the second collimator (32) to move relative to the first collimator (31) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X).

10. The radiation inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the collimator (4) closest to the radiation device (1) among the at least two collimators (4) is adjustable or constant relative to the radiation source (11); and / or, the radiation device (1) further includes a housing (12) in which the radiation source (11) of the radiation device (1) is disposed, and the collimator (4) closest to the radiation source (11) among the at least two collimators (4) is located in or outside the housing (12).

11. The radiation inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the radiation device (1) comprises at least two of the radiation sources (11), the at least two radiation sources (11) being arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collimation slit (44) of the collimator (4) closest to the radiation device (1) among the at least two collimators (4); and / or, the length direction of the collimation slits (44) of the at least two collimators (4) is consistent.

12. The radiation inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the slit width of the collimation slit (44) of at least one of the at least two collimators (4) is adjustable; and / or, the main beam angle of at least one of the at least two collimators (4) is adjustable.

13. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the collimator (4) with adjustable slit width includes a base (42) and two collimators (43), both collimators (43) being disposed on the base (42) and forming the collimation slit (44) between the two collimators (43), at least one of the two collimators (43) being movably disposed on the base (42) so that the slit width of the collimation slit (44) is adjustable.

14. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the two collimators (43) is connected to the substrate (42) via two mounting holes (45) and a mounting member (46) passing through the two mounting holes (45), wherein at least one of the two mounting holes (45) is an elongated hole (58) so that at least one of the two collimators (43) is movably disposed on the substrate (42).

15. The radiation inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein the collimator (4) with adjustable main beam angle comprises a body (41) and at least two adjusting members (47), the collimation slit (44) is disposed on the body (41), the at least two adjusting members (47) are disposed on the body (41) and spaced apart along the length direction of the collimation slit (44), and the distance between the at least two adjusting members (47) is adjustable so that the main beam angle of the collimator (4) is adjustable.

16. The radiation inspection system (100) according to claim 15, wherein the adjusting member (47) is connected to the body (41) via two positioning holes (48) and a positioning member (49) passing through the two positioning holes (48), at least one of the two positioning holes (48) being an elongated hole (58), such that the adjusting member (47) is movably disposed on the body (41) to achieve adjustable distance between the at least two adjusting members (47).

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