JP7538884B2 - Analytical device, analytical system, and analytical method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an analytical device, an analytical system, and an analytical method for collecting and analyzing microparticles from an object to be inspected.

The threat of terrorism is increasing worldwide. In particular, explosives have been increasingly used in recent terrorist attacks as methods for manufacturing powerful explosives from everyday items have spread via the Internet. One effective way to prevent terrorist attacks using explosives is to detect concealed explosives with an explosive detector. There are two known methods of detecting explosives: bulk detection, which finds lumps of explosives, and trace detection, which finds minute traces of explosives.

Bulk detection, as typified by X-ray inspection equipment, involves obtaining images of the inside of luggage such as a bag and identifying suspicious objects based on their shape and size. Trace detection, on the other hand, involves analyzing chemical substances attached to the object being inspected using chemical analysis means and identifying their components. As a result, for example, if explosives are detected on the surface of a bag, it is determined that there is a possibility that explosives are hidden inside the bag. Because bulk detection and trace detection obtain different information, it is known that security can be improved by using both detection methods in combination.

Patent Document 1 discloses a gas sampling device and a testing device that "provides an inspection device including a gas sampling device and a sensor that detects chemical substances contained in the gas sampled by the gas sampling device. The gas sampling device has an air supply unit that forms an air curtain to cover an area containing an object to be tested and form a space isolated from the outside world, a sampling unit that samples gas in the isolated space, and a diffusion gas supply unit that supplies into the isolated space an amount of diffusion gas at least equal to the amount sampled by the sampling unit, and the sampling unit includes a plurality of sampling nozzles arranged at different three-dimensional positions within the isolated space" (see abstract).

Patent Document 2 discloses a material inspection device, material inspection system, and material inspection method, which "in order to achieve space saving and cost reduction in an apparatus for inspecting substances, the particle inspection device is characterized in that it is equipped with a plurality of collection ports for collecting the substance to be inspected, centrifuge devices connected in pairs to each of the collection ports for concentrating the particles collected at the collection ports, and a common analysis device connected to each of the centrifuge devices, for obtaining the concentrated particles from each of the centrifuge devices and analyzing the particles" (see abstract).

International Publication No. 2013/035306 International Publication No. 2015/145546

In trace detection, fine particles adhering to an object to be inspected, such as a bag, are peeled off and collected by air currents, and the presence or absence of traces of explosives is revealed by analyzing the fine particles. In this type of trace detection, when the object to be inspected is large, improvements are needed to collect the fine particles from the targeted location.

First, the conventional technique will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a conventional nozzle 111 for injecting compressed air W and an intake port 131 for collecting fine particles.
As shown in Fig. 11, the intake port 131 is disposed at a position opposite the nozzle 111 so that the fine particles blown away by the compressed air W injected from the nozzle 111 can be collected. Such a configuration is also shown in Fig. 10 of Patent Document 2. When the inspection target is a bag B, traces of explosives are likely to remain in a part that is easily touched by the hand, specifically, near the handle B1. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11, the bag B is generally set so that the handle B1 is located between the nozzle 111 and the intake port 131. Alternatively, when the bag B is transported by a transport unit such as a belt conveyor, the compressed air W is injected from the nozzle 111 at the timing when the handle B1 passes between the nozzle 111 and the intake port 131.

However, there are various types of bags B, and the handle B1 is not necessarily located in the center of the bag B. Also, to increase the throughput of the inspection, the conveyor belt transport speed is often set high. In such cases, it is difficult to accurately aim the compressed air W at the position of the handle B1 of the bag B which is moving at high speed.

In addition, a cyclone-type particulate dust collector (cyclone dust collector) is often installed to collect the particulate matter taken in through the intake port 131. In this case, the flow rate that can be sucked in through the intake port 131 is limited. This is because if the flow rate of the cyclone dust collector is made too high, problems such as the re-scattering of the captured particulate matter occur. One way to increase the flow rate that the cyclone dust collector can suck in is to make the cyclone dust collector larger. However, making the cyclone dust collector larger leads to an increase in the size of the trace inspection device itself. The size of the cyclone dust collector also affects the particle size of the particulate matter that can be captured. For this reason, it is difficult to make the cyclone dust collector larger.

Since it is difficult to make a cyclone dust collector larger, the flow rate that can be sucked in from the intake port 131 is limited, so at the moment the compressed air W is sprayed from the nozzle 111, the flow rate of the compressed air W may exceed the flow rate that can be sucked in from the intake port 131. In such a case, only a portion of the fine particles blown off from the handle B1 can be collected from the intake port 131. This leads to the problem of poor efficiency in collecting fine particles.

The present invention was made in consideration of this background, and aims to efficiently recover microparticles from an object to be tested.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a test apparatus comprising: a transport section for transporting an object to be tested; a first nozzle for spraying compressed air to detach a substance adhering to the object to be tested; a collection section for collecting fine particles detached from the object to be tested by the compressed air sprayed from the first nozzle; and an analysis section for analyzing the fine particles collected by the collection section, wherein the compressed air is sprayed continuously or intermittently from the first nozzle before the object to be tested arrives at the first nozzle, the object to be tested passes through an airflow of the compressed air generated in advance by the spray, and the state of spraying the compressed air by the first nozzle is continued at least until the object to be tested passes in front of the first nozzle, the collection section has an intake port for collecting the detached fine particles by suction, the first nozzle and the intake port are arranged to sandwich the transport section, and the intake port is arranged at a position shifted toward the source side of the object to be tested with respect to the central axis of the first nozzle .
Other solutions will be described in the embodiments as appropriate.

The present invention aims to efficiently recover microparticles from an object to be inspected.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a dangerous object detection system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of a particle analysis unit. FIG. 2 is a top view of the peeling section and collection section. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a particle analysis unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of air intakes are provided. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the effect of shifting the air intake. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating configurations of a peeling unit and a recovery unit in a second embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating configurations of a peeling unit and a recovery unit in a third embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process performed by a control device. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conventional nozzle and an intake port.

Next, a form for carrying out the present invention (referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In addition, the same reference numerals will be used to designate similar configurations in each drawing, and the description will be omitted.

[First embodiment]
(Dangerous object detection device 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a dangerous object detection system Z according to the first embodiment.
The dangerous substance detection system (analysis system) Z has a dangerous substance detection device (analysis device) 1 and a control device 3.
The dangerous object detection device 1 has a particle analysis unit 100, a bulk inspection unit 201, and a transport unit 202. The control device 3 controls the particle analysis unit 100 and the bulk inspection unit 201, and obtains the inspection results by the particle analysis unit 100 and the bulk inspection unit 201.
The particle analysis unit 100 performs trace detection, and the bulk inspection unit 201 performs bulk detection.

When the bag B, which is the object to be inspected, is placed on the conveying section 202, which is represented by a belt conveyor, the bag B is conveyed into the inside of the dangerous object detection device 1. Inside the dangerous object detection device 1, a particle analysis section 100 is provided. In the particle analysis section 100, the components of the particles P attached to the surface of the bag B are analyzed. Also, as shown in the example of FIG. 1, a bulk inspection section 201, such as an X-ray inspection device, is provided in series with the particle analysis section 100 along the direction in which the bag B placed on the conveying section 202 is conveyed (white arrow). Incidentally, the bulk inspection section 201 can be omitted. In this way, the analysis of the particles P attached to the bag B and the confirmation of the inside by the bulk inspection can be performed simultaneously in a single inspection. Note that the order of the particle analysis and the bulk inspection can be either performed first.

(Particle analysis section 100)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the particle analysis section 100. As shown in FIG.
The particle analysis section 100 includes sensors 101a to 101d, a peeling section 110, a compressed air supply section 120, a recovery section 130, a concentration section 140, and an analysis section 150. The control device 3 is electrically connected to the analyzer 140 and the analyzer 150 .
First, as shown in FIG. 1, when a bag B is placed on the transport section 202, the bag B is transported into the inside of the dangerous object detection device 1. Then, as shown in FIG. The bag B transported to the inside of the bag B is subjected to component analysis of the particles P adhering to the surface of the bag B in the particle analysis section 100 .
Sensors 101a and 101b are provided near the entrance of the particle analysis section 100 to detect the approach of the bag B to the peeling section 110 and the recovery section 130. The sensors 101a and 101b detect the passage (arrival) of the bag B. ) is detected, compressed air W is continuously sprayed from a nozzle 111 (see FIG. 3) provided in the peeling unit 110. At this time, it is desirable that collection of the fine particles P by the collection unit 130 is also turned on. That is, when the sensors 101a and 101b detect the passage (arrival) of the bag B, the intake of the cyclone dust collector (cyclone dust collecting section) 141 (see FIG. 4) provided in the concentration section 140 is turned on.

Incidentally, sensors 101a and 101b are, for example, photoelectric sensors in which a light-projecting unit (sensor 101a) and a light-receiving unit (sensor 101b) are arranged opposite each other. This photoelectric sensor detects the passage of an object (the arrival of an object between sensors 101a and 101b) by the change in the amount of light that reaches the light-receiving unit (sensor 101b) when light projected from the light-projecting unit (sensor 101a) is blocked or reflected by bag B.

The compressed air W is sprayed from the nozzle 111 in synchronization with the detection of the bag B by the sensors 101a and 101b. In other words, the compressed air W may be sprayed simultaneously with the detection of the bag B. Also, taking into account the distance from the positions of the sensors 101a and 101b to the peeling section 110 (nozzle 111), the compressed air W may be sprayed with a predetermined time lag from the detection of the bag B.

After bag B reaches between sensors 101a and 101b, the bag B continues to be transported. That is, bag B is transported between peeling section 110 and collection section 130 without stopping in order to sample the particles P adhering to the surface of bag B. Peeling section 110 is connected to compressed air supply section 120, such as a compressor or gas piping, via piping 161. Peeling section 110 peels off the particles P adhering to the surface of bag B by spraying compressed air W onto the surface of bag B. The peeled off particles P are collected from collection section 130 and sent to concentration section 140 via piping 162. The particles P concentrated in concentration section 140 are sent to analysis section 150 via piping 163 and detected.

Sensors 101c, 101d (photoelectric sensors) are also provided near the exit of the particle analysis section 100. When sensors 101c, 101d detect that bag B has passed between the peeling section 110 and the collection section 130, the control device 3 stops spraying compressed air W from the nozzle 111. At this time, it is desirable to also turn off the collection of particles P by the collection section 130. In this way, the consumption of compressed air W can be reduced.

Incidentally, the sensors 101c and 101d have the role of detecting that the bag B has passed (finished passing) between the peeling unit 110 and the collection unit 130, or in front of the peeling unit 110. For example, when the distance from the position of the peeling unit 110 to the sensors 101c and 101d is longer than the length of the bag B, the sensors 101c and 101d are positioned to detect that the bag B has arrived between the sensors 101c and 101d (positioned to detect the leading end of the bag B). On the other hand, when the distance from the position of the peeling unit 110 to the sensors 101c and 101d is shorter than the length of the bag B, the sensors 101c and 101d are positioned to detect that the bag B has finished passing between the sensors 101c and 101d (positioned to detect that the trailing end of the bag B has finished passing).
As for sensors 101a and 101b, it can be determined as appropriate whether they detect the arrival of bag B or the end of bag B's passage.

The control device 3 receives signals sent from the sensors 101a, 101b and 101c, 101d. The control device 3 also controls the operation of the compressed air supply unit 120 and the concentration unit 140. The control device 3 also receives a signal sent from the analysis unit 150.

(Peeling Unit 110 and Collection Unit 130)
FIG. 3 is a top view of the vicinity of the peeling unit 110 and the recovery unit 130. As shown in FIG.
3, the peeling section 110 is provided with a nozzle 111 (first nozzle) . The height of the nozzle 111 is aligned with the position of the upper surface of the bag B. When the bag B placed on the transport section 202 approaches the nozzle 111, compressed air W is continuously sprayed from the nozzle 111. Whether or not the bag B has approached the nozzle 111 is detected by the sensors 101a and 101b as described above.

However, in order to reduce the consumption of compressed air W, the compressed air W may be repeatedly sprayed and stopped at very short intervals to provide a substantially continuous spray (intermittent spray). For example, compressed air W may be sprayed for 0.1 seconds and then stopped for the next 0.1 seconds, and this may be repeated at short intervals. When the bag B transported by the transport unit 202 passes in front of the peeling unit 110 (nozzle 111) while compressed air W is being sprayed, the fine particles P adhering to the upper surface of the bag B are peeled off by the compressed air W. As shown in FIG. 3, the location where the compressed air W hits the upper surface of the bag B changes as the bag B is transported. As a result, no matter where the fine particles P are attached to the upper surface of the bag B, including the handle B1, the fine particles P can be peeled off and collected by the collection unit 130.

In FIG. 3, the compressed air W sprayed from the nozzle 111 is strongest in the center and weaker toward the outside. In FIG. 3, the strength of the compressed air W is indicated by the thickness of the dashed arrow. The thicker the dashed arrow, the stronger the strength of the compressed air W. From the perspective of the particles P adhering to the surface of the bag B, as the bag B is transported and approaches the direction of the nozzle 111, it is exposed to gradually stronger winds. Then, when the peeling force generated by the compressed air W exceeds the adhesion force to the surface of the particles P, the particles P peel off. Therefore, based on the transport direction of the bag B, the particles P fly forward of the direction in which the center of the nozzle 111 faces. Here, the forward side means the entrance side of the particle analysis section 100, and indicates the right side of the paper in FIG. 3. To explain this with reference to Figure 3, the compressed air W sprayed in the installation direction of the nozzle 111 (the axial direction of the nozzle 111) is the strongest, and therefore most of the fine particles P detach before reaching the installation direction of the nozzle 111 (directly in front of the nozzle 111).

Here, the fine particles P can be collected more efficiently by providing the intake port 131 of the collection unit 130, which collects the fine particles P, on the front side in the conveying direction of the bag B as shown in Figure 3, rather than placing it in a position opposite the nozzle 111. In other words, it is desirable to install the intake port 131 on the front side (inlet side) rather than in a position opposite the nozzle 111.

However, the center of intake port 131a may be located opposite nozzle 111 (directly in front of nozzle 111). However, collection efficiency can be improved by not placing the centers of intake ports 131b and 131c opposite nozzle 111 or by not placing intake ports 131a to 131c at the back.

Also, as mentioned above, when the cyclone dust collector 141 is used in the concentration section 140, it is difficult to increase the flow rate of the intake air. In other words, while the compressed air W is being sprayed from the nozzle 111, the spray flow rate is greater than the intake flow rate. Therefore, it is difficult to efficiently collect the fine particles P detached by the compressed air W. The flow rate of the compressed air W is smaller on the outside than on the center of the compressed air W. Therefore, as mentioned above, if the intake port 131 is provided in a position shifted toward the front side (right side of the paper (rear side of the conveying direction or moving direction of the bag B)) from the direction in which the nozzle 111 faces, the fine particles P fly toward the front side (right side of the paper). Therefore, by providing the intake port 131 in a position shifted toward the front side (right side of the paper) from the direction in which the nozzle 111 faces, it becomes possible to efficiently collect the fine particles P that fly toward the intake port 131.

Furthermore, in order to increase the suction flow rate of the recovery section 130, multiple intake ports 131a to 131c may be provided, and a cyclone dust collector 41 may be connected to each of the intake ports 131a, 131b, and 131c, as shown in Fig. 3. In the example shown in Fig. 3, three intake ports 131a to 131c are shown, but the number is not limited to three. A configuration in which multiple intake ports 131 and concentration sections 140 are provided will be described later.
As described above, after the bag B has passed between the peeling section 110 and the recovery section 130 (or in front of the nozzle 111), the compressed air W sprayed from the nozzle 111 is stopped.

(Details of the particle analysis unit 100)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the particle analysis section 100. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the particle analysis section 100 of the dangerous object detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the insertion direction of the bag B.
In addition, in FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
The peeling section 110 has a nozzle 111. The recovery section 130 has an intake port 131. The concentration section 140 has a cyclone type dust collector 141 and an exhaust fan 142. The analysis section 150 has a filter 151, a heater 152, a heater 153 through which a pipe 163 is inserted, and a mass spectrometer 154.

4, only one intake port 131 is shown to avoid cluttering the drawing. With compressed air W being sprayed from the nozzle 111 in advance, the bag B is passed in front of the nozzle 111 by the transport section 202. The compressed air W peels off fine particles P adhering to the upper surface of the bag B, and the peeled off fine particles P are blown in the direction of the collection section 130. It is desirable to provide a dome-shaped covering section 171 between the peeling section 110 and the collection section 130 to prevent disturbance of the airflow. The nozzle 111 is fixed to the dome-shaped covering section 171 by a nozzle support section 172. It is preferable that the covering section 171 and the nozzle support section 172 are provided separately from the housing of the dangerous object detection device 1.

The blown-away fine particles P are sucked into the intake port 131 provided in the recovery section 130 and introduced into the concentration section 140 via the pipe 162. In the concentration section 140, the fine particles P and the gas are separated by the cyclone dust collector 141. That is, in the cyclone dust collector 141, the fine particles P are collected by a cyclone, thereby increasing the proportion of fine particles P in the air heading toward the analysis section 150. In this way, the concentration of fine particles P in the air increases (is concentrated).

By providing such a concentrating section 140, the efficiency of detecting the components of the fine particles P in the analyzing section 150 can be improved. The fine particles P are collected in a filter 151 provided in the analyzing section 150. The gas introduced into the cyclone dust collector 141 is exhausted by an exhaust fan 142. The filter 151 is heated to about 180°C to 200°C by a heater 152. With this configuration, the fine particles P are vaporized by the heat of the heater 152 and become steam. The vaporized steam of the fine particles P is introduced into a mass spectrometer 154 via a pipe 163 heated to about 180°C by a heater 153. The vapor of the vaporized fine particles P is analyzed in the mass spectrometer 154. If an explosive is detected as a result of the analysis, the control device 3 performs processing such as issuing an alarm.

(Example in which multiple air intakes 131 are provided)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of intake ports 131 are provided for the purpose of increasing the suction flow rate in order to collect the particulates P more efficiently.
The intake ports 131a, 131b, 131c are arranged along the transport direction of the bag B (arrow in FIG. 3). The intake ports 131a, 131b, 131c are connected to independent cyclone dust collectors 141a to 141c via pipes 162a to 162a, respectively. That is, the cyclone dust collectors 141a to 141c are connected to the three intake ports 131, respectively. The cyclone dust collectors 141a to 141c are equipped with heaters 152a to 152c, respectively. The fine particles P taken in from the intake ports 131a, 131b, 131c are separated from the airflow in the cyclone dust collectors 141a to 141c. Thereafter, the fine particles P are collected by filters 151 (see FIG. 4) provided in heaters 152a to 152c provided in the respective cyclone dust collectors 141a to 141c. The airflow separated from the fine particles P is exhausted to the outside of the cyclone dust collectors 141a to 141c from exhaust fans 142 (see FIG. 4) attached to the respective cyclone dust collectors 141a to 141c. The vapor of the fine particles P generated by the thermal evaporation is collected in a pipe 163 and introduced into a mass spectrometer 154.

In FIG. 5, a configuration in which three intake ports 131 are provided in parallel is described as an example, but the number of intake ports 131 is not limited to this and may be increased or may be set to two. There is a limit to the flow rate that can be sucked into one cyclone dust collector 141. By providing multiple intake ports 131 and configuring multiple cyclone dust collectors 141a to 141c to separate the airflow and fine particles P, the suction flow rate in the collection section 130 can be increased by the number of cyclone dust collectors 141a to 141c. Note that the number of intake ports 131 and cyclone dust collectors 141 does not have to be the same.

(Effect of shifting the intake port 131)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the effect of shifting the intake port 131. In FIG.
Here, the test was performed after attaching fine particles P with explosive molecules adsorbed to the upper surface of the bag B. In the test, compressed air W was sprayed from the nozzle 111 in advance, and when the bag B passed between the nozzle 111 and the intake port 131, a signal derived from the explosive was clearly obtained. The dashed line 401 shows a signal when the nozzle 111 and the intake port 131 are installed so that their centers face each other. In contrast, the solid line 402 shows a signal when the intake port 131 is installed so that the centers of the nozzle 111 and the intake port 131 are offset from each other, and the intake port 131 is located on the inlet side of the fine particle analyzer 100 of the bag B. As shown by the dashed line 401, a signal is detected even when the center of the nozzle 111 and the intake port 131 are arranged to face each other. However, as shown by the solid line 402, by positioning the intake port 131 so that the center of the nozzle 111 and the center of the intake port 131 are offset, and by positioning the intake port 131 on the entrance side of the particle analysis section 100 (i.e., by positioning it as shown in Figure 3), a stronger signal could be detected.

In the first embodiment, compressed air W is continuously sprayed before the bag B passes in front of the nozzle 111. This makes it possible to detect the particles P no matter where they are attached on the top surface of the bag B. This improves the convenience of the dangerous object detection device 1 and enables a more sensitive dangerous object detection device 1. Furthermore, even when the bag B is being moved by the conveying unit 202, the particles P can be collected without stopping the movement of the conveying unit 202. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of collecting the particles P without reducing the throughput of the dangerous object detection device 1.
Thus, according to the first embodiment, in the inspection of an object to be inspected, such as a bag B, the particles P adhering to the surface of the object to be inspected can be efficiently collected and analyzed regardless of the location of the particles P. This improves the convenience of the dangerous object detection device 1 and enables highly sensitive inspection.

Furthermore, since the intake port 131 is disposed on the front side with respect to the central axis (axial direction) of the nozzle 111, the efficiency of collecting the fine particles P can be improved.
Furthermore, a plurality of intake ports 131 are provided, and cyclone type dust collectors 141a to 141c are provided for the intake ports 131a to 131b, respectively. This makes it possible to increase the suction flow rate and the collection area, and ensure the collection of fine particles P.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In contrast to the techniques up to now, it is desirable to efficiently collect the fine particles P from the side of the bag B. In response to this, the second and third embodiments aim to collect the fine particles P from the side of the bag B.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a peeling unit 110 and a recovery unit 130 in the second embodiment. In Fig. 7, the same components as those in the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
In the first embodiment, a method for efficiently collecting fine particles P adhering to the upper surface of the bag B was described, whereas in the second embodiment, a case in which fine particles P are collected from the side surface of the bag B will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the second embodiment, the nozzle 111 (second nozzle) and the air intake 131 are arranged side by side on one side of the bag B. The air flow control unit 181 is installed on the side of the bag B from which the bag B moves, relative to the air intake 131. As in the first embodiment, when the sensors 101a and 101b arranged on the front side of the peeling unit 110 and the collecting unit 130 detect the passage (arrival) of the bag B, compressed air W is continuously sprayed from the nozzle 111. Alternatively, the compressed air W may be sprayed in advance. Then, when the bag B is transported by the transport unit 202 in the direction of the white arrow and the bag B arrives in front of the nozzle 111, an air flow W1 is generated along the side of the bag B. In the direction of the air flow W1 along the bag B, an air flow control unit 181 is provided to provide resistance to the air flow W1. As in the first embodiment, the compressed air W is sprayed continuously or intermittently while the bag B passes between the peeling section 110 and the collection section 130 (while the bag B passes in front of the collection section 130). The same applies to the third embodiment described below.

As the gap between the airflow control unit 181 and the bag B narrows, the airflow W1 concentrates in the narrow gap between the airflow control unit 181 and the bag B. This creates a high-pressure area H (where the airflow W1 flows slowly) in the gap between the airflow control unit 181 and the bag B. Due to the influence of this high-pressure area H, part of the airflow W1 that was flowing along the side of the bag B also heads toward the intake port 131 (solid arrow). Therefore, some of the fine particles P detached from the side of the bag B by the compressed air W are sucked in through the intake port 131 and concentrated and analyzed in the cyclone dust collector 141 via the piping 162.

According to the second embodiment, it is possible to collect fine particles P adhering to the side of bag B. Furthermore, by injecting compressed air W while transporting bag B and collecting the fine particles P detached by the compressed air W, it is possible to collect the fine particles P no matter where they are adhering to the side of the bag. Furthermore, even when bag B is being moved by the transport unit 202, it is possible to collect the fine particles P without stopping the movement of the transport unit 202. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of collecting fine particles P without reducing the throughput of the hazardous object detection device 1.

7 may be provided on both sides of the bag B. In this way, the fine particles P can be collected from both side surfaces of the bag B.
7. That is, the nozzle 111 may be installed on the origin side of the movement of the bag B, and the airflow control unit 181 may be installed on the destination side of the movement of the bag B. From the viewpoint of peeling off the fine particles P, it is preferable that the direction of the airflow from the nozzle 111 and the transport direction of the bag B are opposite to each other rather than being the same direction, since this increases the relative speed difference between the airflow W1 and the bag B.

[Third embodiment]
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a peeling unit 110 and a recovery unit 130 in the third embodiment. In Fig. 8, the same components as those in Fig. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the case where fine particles P are collected from the side of a bag B will be described.
In the third embodiment, the nozzle 111 (third nozzle) is disposed inside the intake port 131. In addition, the airflow control unit 181a is provided on the origin side and destination side of the bag B with respect to the intake port 131. Then, as described above, when the passage of the bag B is detected by the sensors 101a and 101b installed before the peeling unit 110 and the recovery unit 130, the compressed air W is sprayed from the nozzle 111. The compressed air W may be sprayed in advance. Then, when the bag B is transported by the transport unit 202 in the direction of the outline arrow and arrives in front of the nozzle 111, an airflow (flow of compressed air W) is generated along the side of the bag B. In the direction of the airflow along the bag B, the airflow control units 181a and 181b are provided to provide resistance to the airflow. When the gap between the airflow control parts 181a, 181b and the bag B narrows, the airflow concentrates in the gap between the airflow control parts 181a, 181b and the bag B. Therefore, as in the second embodiment, high pressure parts Ha, Hb (parts where the airflow speed is slow) are generated. Due to the influence of these high pressure parts Ha, Hb, part of the airflow flowing along the side of the bag B also heads toward the intake port 131 (solid line arrow). Therefore, part of the fine particles P detached from the side of the bag B by the compressed air W is sucked in from the intake port 131. The sucked fine particles P are concentrated in the cyclone type dust collector 141 via the piping 162 and analyzed by the analysis part 150. The configuration of the third embodiment as described above is advantageous in miniaturizing the dangerous object detection device 1 because the peeling part 110 and the collection part 130 can be made more compact than in the second embodiment.

8, the nozzle 111, the intake port 131, and the airflow control units 181a and 181b may be provided on both sides of the bag B. In this way, the fine particles P can be collected from both side surfaces of the bag B.

[Control device 3]
Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the control device 3. Figs. 2 and 4 will be referred to as appropriate.
The control device 3 includes a memory 310, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 321, a communication device 322, and a storage device 330 such as a hard disk (HD) or a solid state drive (SSD).
A program stored in the storage device 330 is loaded into the memory 310 , and the loaded program is executed by the CPU 321 .
This embodies a detection processing unit 311, an intake control unit 312, a nozzle control unit 313, and a bulk inspection control unit 314.
The detection processing section 311 judges whether or not the bag B is approaching the particle analysis section 100 based on the signals sent from the sensors 101a and 101b. The detection processing section 311 also judges whether or not the bag B has passed through the particle analysis section 100 based on the signals sent from the sensors 101c and 101d.

The intake control unit 312 controls the driving of the exhaust fan 142 provided in the cyclone dust collector 141 based on the determination by the detection processing unit 311 of the approach and passage of the bag B.
The nozzle control unit 313 controls a valve (not shown) based on the detection processing unit 311's determination of the approach and passage of the bag B, and controls the spraying of compressed air W from the nozzle 111.
The bulk inspection control unit 314 controls the bulk inspection performed by the bulk inspection unit 201 .

The communication device 322 receives signals from the sensors 101a to 101d. The communication device 322 also sends control commands to a valve (not shown) in the compressed air supply unit 120 and the exhaust fan 142 in the concentration unit 140. The communication device 322 also receives a signal sent from the mass spectrometer 154 in the analysis unit 150.

[flowchart]
Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process performed by the control device 3. Fig. 2 and Fig. 9 will be referred to as appropriate. The process performed in this flowchart is common to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment.
First, bag B is transported by transport unit 202 (S101). Note that transport unit 202 may be in operation all the time, or may be set to operate when it is detected that bag B has been placed on the bag.
Next, the detection processing unit 311 determines whether or not the bag B has been detected by the sensors 101a and 101b (S102).
If bag B is not detected (S102→No), the control device 3 returns the process to step S101.
When bag B is detected (S102→Yes), the suction control unit 312 starts suction in the collection unit 130 (S103), and the nozzle control unit 313 starts spraying compressed air W from the nozzle 111 (S104). Here, either step S103 or step S104 may be performed first, or they may be performed simultaneously. The suction control unit 312 also starts suction in the collection unit 130 by turning on the exhaust fan 142 of the cyclone dust collector 141. Then, the nozzle control unit 313 controls the spraying of compressed air W by controlling a valve.

Next, detection processing unit 311 determines whether or not bag B has passed between peeling unit 110 and collection unit 130 using sensors 101c and 101d (S111). As described above, if the distance between sensors 101c and 101d and peeling unit 110 and collection unit 130 is short, detection processing unit 311 determines "Yes" in step S111 when bag B has completely passed sensors 101c and 101d. In this case, when a detection signal for bag B is received once by sensors 101c and 101d, and then the detection signal for bag B is no longer received, detection processing unit 311 determines that bag B has completely passed sensors 101c and 101d. However, as described above, if the distance between sensors 101c and 101d and peeling unit 110 and collection unit 130 is long, when the leading edge of bag B reaches sensors 101c and 101d, detection processing unit 311 determines "Yes" in step S111. In this case, when a detection signal of bag B by sensors 101c and 101d is received, it is determined that bag B has reached sensors 101c and 101d.
If bag B has not passed through (S111→No), the control device 3 returns the process to step S103.
If bag B is passing (S111→Yes), the suction control unit 312 stops the suction of the collection unit 130 (S112), and the nozzle control unit 313 stops the spraying of compressed air W by the nozzle 111 (S113). Here, either step S112 or step S113 may be performed first, or they may be performed simultaneously. The suction control unit 312 also stops the suction of the collection unit 130 by turning off the exhaust fan 142 of the cyclone dust collector 141. Then, the nozzle control unit 313 stops the spraying of compressed air W by controlling a valve.

Thereafter, if necessary, the bulk inspection control unit 314 performs a bulk inspection by the bulk inspection unit 201 (S121), and the inspector removes bag B from the dangerous object detection device 1 (S122).

The storage device 330 shown in FIG. 9 may be installed on a cloud.
In the second and third embodiments, the airflow control unit 181 is installed on the origin side and destination side of the bag B with respect to the intake port 131, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the airflow control unit 181 may be installed above and below the intake port 131. Here, "up" refers to the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, and "down" refers to the direction of gravity. Alternatively, in the second and third embodiments, the airflow control unit 181 may be installed so that a substantially sealed space is formed between the airflow control unit 181, the intake port 131, and the side of the bag B. In this way, the collection efficiency of the fine particles P can be further improved.

Furthermore, in the second and third embodiments, a plurality of air intakes 131 may be arranged, and a cyclone type dust collector 141 or a heater 152 may be connected to each of the plurality of air intakes 131 .
The control device 3 may be an integrated device with the dangerous object detection device 1 .

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. It is also possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

In addition, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, units 311 to 314, storage device 330, etc. may be realized in hardware by designing some or all of them as integrated circuits, for example. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor such as CPU 321 interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as a program, table, file, etc. that realizes each function can be stored in a memory 310, a recording device such as SSD, or a recording medium such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, an SD (Secure Digital) card, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).
In addition, in each embodiment, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other.

1. Danger detection equipment (analytical equipment)
3 Control device 100 Particle analysis unit 101a, 101b Sensor (first sensor)
101c, 101d Sensor (second sensor)
110 Peeling section 111 Nozzle (first nozzle, second nozzle, third nozzle)
120 Compressed air supply section 130 Recovery section 131, 131a, 131b, 131c Inlet port 140 Concentration section 141, 141a, 141b, 141c Cyclone type dust collector (cyclone type dust collection section)
142 Exhaust fan 150 Analysis unit 154 Mass spectrometer 181, 181a, 181b Air flow control unit 202 Transport unit B Bag (inspection object)
H, Ha, Hb: High pressure section P: Fine particles W: Compressed air W1: Air flow (flow of compressed air)
Z Dangerous goods detection system (analysis system)

Claims (10)

A transport unit that transports the object to be inspected;
a first nozzle that ejects compressed air for removing a substance adhering to the inspection object;
a collection unit that collects particles detached from the inspection object by the compressed air jetted from the first nozzle;
an analysis unit for analyzing the particles collected in the collection unit;
having
The compressed air is continuously or intermittently ejected from the first nozzle before the inspection object arrives at the first nozzle;
The object to be inspected passes through the compressed air flow generated in advance by the injection,
The state of spraying the compressed air from the first nozzle is continued at least until the inspection object passes in front of the first nozzle ,
the collection unit has an intake port that collects the detached particles by intake air,
the first nozzle and the air intake are disposed on either side of the transport unit,
The intake port is disposed at a position shifted toward the origin side of the movement of the inspection object with respect to a central axis of the first nozzle.
1. An analytical device comprising: The plurality of intake ports are arranged in a line along a transport direction of the inspection object,
2. The analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of concentrating sections for concentrating the substance collected at the plurality of intake ports and sending the concentrated substance to the analysis section. a second nozzle is provided which is separate from the first nozzle;
the second nozzle and the recovery unit are disposed on the same side with respect to the transport unit,
2. The analytical device according to claim 1, further comprising an airflow control section that blocks the flow of the compressed air sprayed from the second nozzle toward the test object, and a gap is provided between the collection section and the airflow control section through which the airflow passes. a third nozzle separate from the first nozzle is provided inside the recovery section,
The analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising an airflow control unit that blocks the flow of compressed air jetted from the third nozzle toward the test object. The analytical device according to claim 1 , further comprising a concentrating section which concentrates the substance recovered in the recovery section and sends the concentrated substance to the analytical section. The analyzer according to claim 5 , wherein the concentration section is a cyclone type dust collector that collects the fine particles by a cyclone. A transport unit that transports the object to be inspected;
a nozzle for spraying compressed air to remove substances adhering to the inspection object;
a collection unit that collects particles detached from the inspection object by the compressed air jetted from the nozzle;
an analysis unit for analyzing the particles collected in the collection unit;
having
The compressed air is continuously or intermittently ejected from the nozzle before the inspection object arrives at the nozzle;
The object to be inspected passes through the compressed air flow generated in advance by the injection,
The state of spraying the compressed air from the nozzle is continued at least until the inspection object passes in front of the nozzle,
the collection unit has an intake port that collects the detached particles by intake air,
The nozzle and the intake port are disposed on either side of the transport unit,
The intake port is disposed at a position shifted toward the origin side of the movement of the inspection object with respect to a central axis of the nozzle.
1. An analysis system comprising: a first sensor provided on a side of the nozzle and the recovery unit from which the test object is moved;
a second sensor provided on a destination side of the test object with respect to the nozzle and the recovery unit;
a control unit that controls the ejection of the compressed air by the nozzle and the intake of the collection unit based on signals sent from the first sensor and the second sensor;
having
The control unit is
starting the injection of the compressed air by the nozzle and starting the intake of air by the collection unit based on the signal from the first sensor;
The analysis system according to claim 7 , further comprising: a stop of ejection of the compressed air from the nozzle and a stop of intake of the air by the collection unit, based on the signal from the second sensor. A transport unit that transports the object to be inspected;
a nozzle for spraying compressed air to remove substances adhering to the inspection object;
a collection unit that collects particles detached from the inspection object by the compressed air jetted from the nozzle;
an analysis unit for analyzing the particles collected in the collection unit;
A control unit that controls the injection of the compressed air by the nozzle and the intake of the collection unit;
having
the collection unit has an intake port that collects the detached particles by intake air,
The nozzle and the intake port are disposed on either side of the transport unit,
the control unit of the analysis system is disposed at a position shifted toward the origin side of the movement of the test object with respect to a central axis of the nozzle, and starts to continuously or intermittently inject the compressed air from the nozzle before the test object arrives at the nozzle,
The object to be inspected passes through the compressed air flow generated in advance by the injection,
and continuing to spray the compressed air from the nozzle at least until the test object passes in front of the nozzle. a first sensor provided on a side of the nozzle and the recovery unit from which the test object is moved;
a second sensor provided on a destination side of the test object with respect to the nozzle and the recovery unit;
having
The control unit is
starting the injection of the compressed air by the nozzle and starting the intake of air by the collection unit based on a signal from the first sensor;
The analytical method according to claim 9 , further comprising the steps of: stopping the ejection of the compressed air from the nozzle and stopping the intake of the air by the collection unit based on a signal from the second sensor.

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