Non-intrusive x-ray inspection apparatus with stair-step configuration of x-ray detector modules

1. A method for mounting a plurality of detector modules to a rotatable gantry structure for an x-ray technique-based non-intrusive inspection apparatus, the method comprising:

mounting a plurality of laterally spaced transverse support members to the rotatable gantry structure in an x-ray detection zone of the rotatable gantry structure; and

mounting the plurality of detector modules end-to-end to define a stair-step configuration in the x-ray detection zone, said mounting comprising releaseably securing opposed ends of each detector module to a respective one of a pair of the transverse support members with prongs connected to at least one of the detector module and the transverse support member, a force being applied between the prongs when the detector module is secured to the transverse support member.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein one end is releaseably secured to a transverse support member without the use of a screw-type fastener.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein mounting the plurality of detector modules comprises mounting more than one detector module to each pair of transverse support members.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the opposed ends are at opposite ends of a long side of each x-ray detector module.

5. A gantry assembly for an x-ray inspection machine, the gantry assembly comprising:

a gantry structure defining an opening shaped and dimensioned to fit around an x-ray tunnel of the x-ray technique-based non-intrusive inspection apparatus, and an x-ray detection zone adjacent to the opening wherein x-rays passed through the x-ray tunnel are detected;

a plurality of laterally spaced transversely extending cross-beams connected to the gantry structure within the x-ray detection zone; and

at least one line of x-ray detector modules mounted end-to-end between adjacent cross-beams to define a stair-step configuration, wherein one end of each x-ray detector module has a mounting formation shaped and dimensioned to releaseably lock with a respective one of the cross-beams, the mounting formation having a first mounting member and a second mounting member, a force being applied between the first and second mounting members when the mounting formation is locked with the respective cross-beam.

6. The gantry assembly of claim 5 , wherein the mounting formation is shaped and dimensioned to releaseably lock with the respective one of the cross-beams, without the use of a screw-type fastener.

7. The gantry assembly of claim 6 , wherein each crossbeam comprises a plurality of axially spaced seats shaped and dimensioned to releaseably lock with the mounting formation at an end of an x-ray detector module.

8. The gantry assembly of claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of said lines of x-ray detector modules, each having the end with the mounting formation locked to a respective one of the seats on a cross-beam.

9. An x-ray technique-based non-intrusive inspection apparatus comprising:

an x-ray tunnel through which goods to be inspected pass in use;

a gantry structure rotatably mounted around the x-ray tunnel, wherein the gantry structure includes a plurality of transversely extending cross-beams;

an x-ray source mounted at one end of the gantry structure; and

at least one line of x-ray detector modules mounted end-to-end to the gantry support structure to form a stair-step configuration in an x-ray detection zone of the gantry structure, which zone is located opposite the end with the x-ray source, wherein one end of each x-ray detector module has a releasable locking formation to releaseably lock with a cross-beam, the releaseable locking formation having a first mounting member and a second mounting member, a force being applied between the first and second mounting members when the releaseable locking formation is locked with the respective cross-beam.

10. The x-ray technique-based non-intrusive inspection apparatus of claim 9 , wherein each x-ray detector module has a collimator piece and electronics associated with detecting x-rays passing through the collimator piece, the electronics being housed in a housing that depends from the collimator piece so that when viewed face-on, the housing is substantially in line with the collimator piece.

11. The x-ray technique-based non-intrusive inspection apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the releasable locking formation is shaped and dimensioned to releaseably lock with the cross-beam without the use of a screw-type fastener.

12. The x-ray technique-based non-intrusive inspection apparatus claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of said lines of x-ray detector modules.

13. An x-ray technique-based non-intrusive inspection apparatus comprising:

an x-ray tunnel;

a conveyor system to convey goods to be inspected through the x-ray tunnel;

a gantry structure rotatably mounted around the x-ray tunnel, wherein the gantry structure includes a plurality of transversely extending cross-beams;

an x-ray source mounted at one end of the gantry structure; and

at least one line of x-ray detector modules mounted end-to-end to the gantry support structure to form a stair-step configuration in an x-ray detection zone of the gantry structure, which zone is located opposite the end with the x-ray source, wherein one end of each x-ray detector module has a releasable locking formation to releaseably lock with a cross-beam, the releaseable locking formation having a first mounting member and a second mounting member, a force being applied between the first and second mounting members when the releaseable locking formation is locked with the respective cross-beam.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein each x-ray detector module has a collimator piece and electronics associated with detecting x-rays passing through the collimator piece, the electronics being housed in a housing that depends from the collimator piece so that when viewed face-on, the housing is substantially in-line with the collimator piece.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the releasable locking formation is shaped and dimensioned to releaseably lock with the cross-beam without the use of a screw-type fastener.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of said lines of x-ray detector modules.