Receiving head for an instrument, including a movable part

Abstract

For accommodating the head (5) of an instrument, it includes a first part (6) and a second part (7) movable relative to the first part (6). The first part (6) is configured to be rigidly connected to the support rod (22). The second part (7) includes an opening (73) that leads from the outside of the head (5) into the housing for the instrument, and the housing is located within the head (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing head for an instrument used in harsh environments where human intervention is not suitable, especially in radioactive environments such as nuclear fuel cycles or nuclear power generation facilities, or laboratories, reactors or research facilities using nuclear materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to detection in a radioactive environment.

[0002] The housing head can orient the instrument in different directions and, in addition, protect the instrument from the surrounding environment. Background Art

[0003] Existing solutions that can orient an instrument in different directions and at the same time protect it from the environment are generally bulky.

[0004] For example, in order to accurately measure X-rays and / or gamma rays from a radiation source in a highly radioactive environment, it is necessary to use a collimator with a known structure, which is attached to a support rod, and an X-ray detector and / or a gamma-ray detector is housed in the collimator. These collimators are cylindrical in shape. Each collimator can radiologically isolate the detector and at the same time enable the detector to detect in a radioactive environment. Using these collimators and detectors at the end of the support rod can protect the operator from radiation.

[0005] In order to be able to position the collimator and the detector it houses relative to the radiation source as well as possible, the end of the support rod is equipped with a bracket that can be oriented in different planes, which increases the overall size and weight of the measuring equipment.

[0006] However, on the one hand, these collimators cannot reach some small spaces, and on the other hand, the field of view of the detectors housed in these collimators, that is, the three-dimensional range of detection, is limited. Therefore, it is usually necessary to move these collimators, which can be complicated considering the overall size of the area to be explored and increases the risk of the operator being exposed to radiation. In addition, it is usually difficult to position the detector on the axis of the radioactive source to be measured, which means that the necessary processing of the obtained measurement data is required to correct it by calculation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to at least partially solve the above problems encountered in the solutions of the prior art.

[0008] In this regard, an object of the present invention is a head for housing an instrument. The head is at least partially spherical. The head includes a first part and a second part that can move relative to the first part.

[0009] The first part includes a body and a connecting end piece. The connecting end piece is configured to rigidly fasten the first part to a support rod.

[0010] The second part includes a spherical cap body. The second part includes a port that opens to the outside of the head and leads to the housing for the instrument. The housing is located within the head. The second part is at least rotatably movable relative to the first part about a rotational axis that is designed to be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the support rod.

[0011] The body has a spherical shape that is truncated by a joint surface from the second part to the first part, and the joint surface is substantially planar. The joint surface from the second part to the first part is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the support rod, and / or the longitudinal axis of the port is inclined relative to the joint surface from the second part to the first part.

[0012] With the head according to the present invention, it is possible to more easily perform work in harsh environments such as radioactive environments that are not suitable for human intervention, while limiting the mass and overall dimensions of the equipment including the head and the instrument housed in the head, and ensuring protection of the instrument from the surrounding environment.

[0013] In particular, with the head, it is possible to reliably perform work in narrow or hard-to-reach spaces and to be able to identify the working position of the instrument.

[0014] For example, the instrument can perform observation operations (in which case the instrument can be a camera), distance measurement operations (in which case the instrument can be a telemeter), cutting operations (in which case the instrument can be a laser head), decontamination operations (in which case the instrument can be a laser head or a nozzle for spraying decontamination products).

[0015] The rotatability of the second part relative to the first part increases the field of view / operating range of the instrument, especially when the connecting rod is likely to be remotely translated and / or rotated directly by the operator or through remote operation or telemanipulation.

[0016] The partially spherical shape of the head optimizes its mass and overall dimensions. The head has a simple geometric shape, which makes manufacturing easier and, if necessary, makes cleaning and / or decontamination easier.

[0017] The joint surface from the second part to the first part is substantially planar. The joint surface can be non-planar in some places to limit the leakage path at the joint between the first part and the second part, so as to better protect the instrument from the head environment or isolate the instrument from the head environment. At least most of the joint surface is planar.

[0018] Due to the inclination of the joint surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the support rod, the field of view / operating range of the instrument is expanded.

[0019] The present invention may optionally include one or more of the following features in combination or individually.

[0020] According to one feature, the first part substantially comprises a hemisphere, and the second part comprises a hemisphere.

[0021] According to another feature, the connecting end piece has a cylindrical shape, and the longitudinal axis of the connecting end piece is preferably designed to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support rod.

[0022] According to one feature, the port is formed by a rotational surface, preferably a cone, a frustum of a cone or a straight cylinder.

[0023] According to one feature, the port opens into the housing substantially at the center of the head. This tends to be beneficial for the operation of the instrument and the power supply of the instrument within the head.

[0024] According to another feature, the port forms the housing for the instrument. For example, this would be any small instrument that is suitable for operation in a harsh environment and not suitable for human intervention.

[0025] According to another feature, the longitudinal axis of the port intersects the longitudinal axis of the support rod.

[0026] Preferably, the axis perpendicular to the mating surface is also inclined to the longitudinal axis of the support rod.

[0027] According to one feature, the longitudinal axis of the port is inclined to the mating surface at an angle between 25° and 155°, preferably between 25° and 85° and between 95° and 155°, and more preferably approximately 25°.

[0028] According to one feature, the mating surface is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the support rod at an angle between 25° and 155°, preferably between 25° and 85° and between 95° and 155°, and more preferably approximately 25°.

[0029] According to another feature, the inclination angle of the port with respect to the mating surface is substantially equal to the inclination angle of the mating surface with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support rod. Selecting a small inclination angle can increase the field of view / operating range of the instrument, i.e., the operating / observation three-dimensional range of the instrument.

[0030] According to one feature, the first part and / or the second part comprises shielding material against radioactive rays such as X-rays and / or gamma rays.

[0031] According to one feature, the first part and / or the second part comprises thermal, chemical, bacterial, electrical and / or magnetic isolation materials.

[0032] Thus, the head is adapted to the environment to ensure the protection of the instrument housed therein. When the instrument housed in the head housing is a radioactive ray measuring device, the port made in the second part composed of shielding material enables the collimation function to be ensured, and the head thus becomes a collimating head.

[0033] The invention also relates to a collimator, which includes the head defined above, and the head is a collimating head designed to house a radioactive ray detector.

[0034] The invention also relates to a device, which includes the head defined above and a support rod.

[0035] Preferably, the device is a collimating device, especially when the head includes shielding material for radioactive rays such as X-rays and / or gamma rays.

[0036] According to a feature, the device includes an actuator configured to move the second part relative to the first part.

[0037] According to a feature, the actuator includes a drive shaft, and the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support rod.

[0038] According to a feature, the actuator includes a transmission device. It is a better solution that the transmission device includes a first transmission element and a second transmission element.

[0039] According to a feature, the transmission device includes an angular transmission gear, especially a bevel gear.

[0040] The bevel gear has the following advantages: reliable and robust, with satisfactory efficiency and reduction ratio, simple structure and low cost.

[0041] According to a feature, the first transmission element is housed in the first part.

[0042] According to a feature, the second transmission element is rigidly integrated with the second part.

[0043] The second transmission element is, for example, attached to the second part. Alternatively, the second transmission element is integral with the second part and forms a part of the second part.

[0044] According to a feature, the device includes means for controlling the position of the port relative to the longitudinal axis of the support rod.

[0045] Therefore, the position control means can perform accurate work through the instrument carried by the head while protecting the operator from the influence of the environment where the head is located.

[0046] The invention also relates to a control device, namely a measuring device and / or a monitoring device. The control device includes a head as defined above, or a device as defined above, in particular a collimation device. The control device also includes an instrument at least partially housed in the head housing. The instrument is preferably a measuring instrument.

[0047] According to one feature, the instrument includes a detector, in particular an X-ray detector and / or a gamma-ray detector.

[0048] The control device facilitates or can even perform accurate (by collimation) and extensive (by scanning a large area of the environment to be explored) inspection operations through the detector and the head or device as defined above, especially in a radioactive environment, while limiting the mass and overall size of the control device and limiting the exposure of the operator to a harsh environment unsuitable for human intervention, such as a radioactive environment.

[0049] According to one feature, the detector extends within the head such that the longitudinal axis of the detector is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support rod.

[0050] According to another feature, the control device includes power supply or signal transmission means for the detector.

[0051] According to one feature, the power supply or signal transmission means for the detector extends within the head substantially along the longitudinal axis of the support rod.

[0052] Therefore, the risk of damaging the power supply or signal transmission cables of the detector during the movement of the second part relative to the first part is reduced.

[0053] Finally, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing the head or the device as defined above, in particular a collimation device. The head is made of a single material or multiple materials. In the latter case, the first material is located around a second material different from the first material. The first material is selected to have stronger mechanical tolerance and be easily decontaminated, while the second material is selected to have the ability to absorb radiation and provide mechanical, radiation, thermal, chemical, bacterial, electrical, and / or magnetic isolation.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the manufacturing method includes the step of manufacturing the outer skin of the head with the first material. Even more preferably, this manufacturing step is carried out by additive manufacturing.

[0055] According to one feature, the second material is a shielding material for radioactive rays such as X-rays and / or gamma rays.

[0056] Preferably, the first material includes stainless steel.

[0057] Preferably, the second material includes lead, copper, and / or tungsten.

[0058] Since the outer skin is made of a first material, the head has satisfactory mechanical strength and heat resistance while protecting the instrument from the surrounding radiation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be better understood after reading the description of the schematic embodiments given by way of illustration and in no way by way of limitation, in which:

[0060] - Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the detection holes are oriented in a first direction;

[0061] - Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the control device, wherein the detection holes are oriented in a second direction;

[0062] - Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of the control device;

[0063] - Figure 4 is a partial top view of the control device;

[0064] - Figure 5 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the control device;

[0065] - Figure 6 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a second movable part of the control device;

[0066] - Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of a control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0067] Identical, similar or equivalent parts in the figures have the same reference numerals for easy switching between the figures.

[0068] Figures 1 to 6 Shows a control device in a radioactive environment according to a first embodiment, in this case a measuring device 1. This radioactive environment can be, for example, a nuclear industrial facility, such as the primary circuit pipes of a nuclear reactor, a storage tank for radioactive materials or a storage package for radioactive materials.

[0069] The measuring device 1 has a longitudinal axis X-X corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the support rod 22. The axial direction is the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X of the measuring device 1.

[0070] The measuring device 1 is configured to accurately measure X-rays and / or gamma rays in a radioactive environment from a given radiation source while protecting the detector 3 housed in the head 5 of the measuring device 1 from radioactivity.

[0071] The measuring device 1 includes a device 2 and a detector 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 2 is a collimating device. The collimating device 2 includes a support rod 22, a head 5, and an actuator 8. The head 5 is configured to house the illustrated detector 3. The actuator 8 is at least partially housed within the head 5 and at least partially housed within the rod 22.

[0072] The collimating device 2 further includes position control means (not shown in the figures) for controlling the position of a port 73 that passes through an outer skin 52 of the head 5.

[0073] The support rod 22 is to be inserted into an opening in a radioactive environment. The support rod 22 is designed to be remotely moved by an operator, either directly or through remote operation or telemanipulation, into the radioactive environment while protecting the operator from radioactivity.

[0074] More specifically, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the detector 3 forms the instrument of the device 1. In the two illustrated schematic embodiments, the detector 3 is an X-ray detector and / or a gamma-ray detector, such as a probe. The detector 3 may also include additional measuring instruments, such as a telemeter or a camera.

[0075] Generally, the detector 3 is at least partially housed within a portion 6 of the head 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the detector 3 is rigidly integrated with the support rod 22. The longitudinal axis of the detector is parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod 22.

[0076] The measuring device 1 includes a power supply and signal transmission device 30 for supplying power to the detector 3 and transmitting signals from the detector 3. The power supply and signal transmission device 30 includes at least one cable and / or optical fiber cable that is housed within the support rod 22 and the head 5 by being electrically / optically connected to the detector 3.

[0077] The head 5 has a partially spherical shape. The head 5 is configured to at least partially isolate the detector 3 radioactively while enabling the detector 3 to measure collimated radiation through the port 73.

[0078] The head 5 includes an outer skin 52 and an inner portion 54 surrounded by the outer skin 52. The head 5 includes a first portion 6 and a second portion 7 that are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis R-R. The first portion 6 and the second portion 7 are in mechanical contact with each other on a substantially planar joint surface S1. The first portion 6 and the second portion 7 together define a housing 50 for the sensor 3 within the head 5.

[0079] More specifically, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6, the outer skin 52 defines the head 5 towards the outside world. The outer skin 52 is made of a first material that has sufficient mechanical strength to limit the deformation of the head 5 and is convenient for decontamination. The first material typically includes stainless steel.

[0080] The inner part 54 is located within the outer skin 52. The inner part 54 defines the housing 50 towards the outside world. The inner part 54 occupies most of the substantial volume of the head 5. The inner part 54 is made of a second material that is a radiation (typically X-rays and / or gamma rays) shielding material for the detector 3. The second material can have a lower mechanical strength than the first material but provides better radiation protection for the detector 3 than the first material. The second material includes, for example, lead, copper, and / or tungsten.

[0081] The housing 50 of the detector includes a cylindrical part 53 and a central spherical cavity 51, and the cylindrical part 53 extends along the longitudinal axis X-X of the connecting rod.

[0082] The cylindrical part 53 is a straight cylinder whose generatrix is parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X. The cylindrical part 53 opens to the outside of the head 5 through a connecting end piece 62 for connecting the head 5 to the support rod 22. The cylindrical part 53 occupies most of the volume of the housing 50. The cylindrical part 53 forms a hole for inserting the detector 3 and the power supply device 30 of the detector. The cylindrical part 53 accommodates the power supply device 30 of the detector and accommodates most of the detector 3 along the longitudinal direction of the detector. The cylindrical part 53 is provided in the fixed first part 6 of the head, which limits the risk of damaging the power supply device 30 and to a lesser extent the detector 3 during the movement of the second part 7 relative to the first part 6.

[0083] The central cavity 51 is substantially located at the center of the partial sphere formed by the head 5. The central cavity 51 leads to the cylindrical part 53.

[0084] Comprehensive reference Figures 1 to 6 , the first part 6 is fixed relative to the support rod 22. The first part 6 includes a body 60, a connecting end piece 62, a first guiding member 64, and a first circumferential stop 61. The first part 6 is integrally formed.

[0085] The connecting end piece 62 is a straight cylinder whose generatrix is parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod. The connecting end piece 62 extends from the body 60 around the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod. The connecting end piece 62 is configured to rigidly fasten the head 5 to the support rod 22. The connecting end piece 62 includes an external thread 63 that is configured to mechanically engage the support rod 22, and the external thread 63 is attached to the support rod 22 by clamping.

[0086] The body 60 of the first part 6 has a substantially spherical shape truncated by the mating surface S1. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 60 has a substantially hemispherical shape.

[0087] The second part 7 includes a body 70 and a second guiding member 74. A port 73 passes through the second part 7, and the port 73 forms a detection hole for the detector 3. The second part 7 is integrally formed.

[0088] The body 70 of the second part has a spherical shape truncated by the mating surface S1. The body 70 of the second part has a shape that is generally complementary to the body 60 of the first part to form a sphere. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 70 has a hemispherical shape.

[0089] The port 73 passes through the body 70 of the second part into the housing 50 of the detector 3 and opens to the outside at the head 5. The port 73 passes into the housing 50 at the central cavity 51. In the illustrated embodiment, the port 73 has the shape of a cylinder or a straight cone with an axis of Y - Y. The longitudinal axis Y - Y of the port intersects the longitudinal axis X - X of the support rod. The longitudinal axis Y - Y of the port is inclined with respect to the mating surface S1, in particular by an angle α, where the angle α is between 25° and 155°, preferably between 25° and 85° and between 95° and 155°. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is approximately equal to 25°.

[0090] In Figure 1 it, the longitudinal axis Y - Y of the port is oriented along the first direction Y1 - Y1, in particular with respect to the longitudinal axis X - X of the support rod, to measure X - rays and / or gamma rays from this first direction Y1 - Y1.

[0091] In Figure 2 it, the longitudinal axis Y - Y of the port is oriented along the second direction Y2 - Y2, in particular with respect to the longitudinal axis X - X of the support rod, to measure X - rays and / or gamma rays from this second direction Y2 - Y2.

[0092] The mating surface S1 from the second part to the first part is planar on most of its surface, in particular except at the guiding members 64, 74, which makes it possible to limit the radiation leakage path; the mating surface S1 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X - X of the support rod, in particular by an angle β, where the angle β is between 25° and 155°, preferably between 25° and 85° and between 95° and 155°. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β is approximately equal to 25°.

[0093] The mating surface S1 is non-planar at the first guiding member 64 and the second guiding member 74 to limit the radiation leakage path at the junction between the first part 6 and the second part 7. Due to these discontinuities in the flatness of the mating surface S1, the detector 3 is better protected from the surrounding radioactivity while being able to more accurately measure the radioactive rays arriving through the port 73.

[0094] The axis of rotation R-R of the second part 7 relative to the first part 6 is orthogonal to the mating surface S1. The axis of rotation R-R is inclined to the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod. The axis of rotation R-R intersects the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod. The axis of rotation R-R passes through the diameter of the central cavity 51, which further limits the risk of damaging the detector 3 during the movement of the second part 7 relative to the first part 6.

[0095] The first guiding member 64 and the second guiding member 74 together constitute a guiding member for guiding the movement of the second part 7 relative to the first part 6.

[0096] The first guiding member 64 includes a first recess 65 and a second recess 67 provided in the body 60 of the first part 6 at the mating surface S1. These recesses 65, 67 each have the shape of an annular groove around the axis of rotation R-R of the second part 7 relative to the first part 6. These annular grooves 65, 67 are radially spaced apart from each other by an annular rib relative to the axis of rotation R-R.

[0097] The second guiding member 74 includes a first protrusion 75 and a second protrusion 77 protruding from the body 70 of the second part 7 at the mating surface S1. These protrusions 75, 77 each have the shape of an annular rib around the axis of rotation R-R of the second part 7 relative to the first part 6. These annular ribs 75, 77 are radially spaced apart from each other by an annular groove relative to the axis of rotation R-R.

[0098] The second guiding member 74 is adapted to mechanically mate with the first guiding member 64 in a form-fitting manner at the mating surface S1. More specifically, the protrusions 75, 77 of the second part are inserted into the recesses 65, 67 of the first part 6, enabling the second part 7 to rotate relative to the first part 6 around the axis of rotation R-R without slipping along the mating surface S1.

[0099] The actuator 8 is adapted to move the second part 7 relative to the first part 6. The actuator 8 includes a driving device and a transmission device 82.

[0100] The drive device includes a drive shaft 80, the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 80 being parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod 22, and the drive shaft 80 being at least partially received in the support rod 22. The drive shaft 80 is hollow and generally cylindrical, having a circular cross-section around the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod. At least part of the interior of the drive shaft 80 receives the detector 3. The drive shaft 80 is also at least partially received in the connecting end piece 62. The drive shaft 80 is rotatably movable about its longitudinal axis, for example, by being driven by a motor (not shown in the figure).

[0101] The transmission 82 includes a first transmission element 84 and a second transmission element 86. Since the axis of rotation R-R of the second transmission element 86 is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation X-X of the first transmission element 84, the transmission forms an angular transmission gear. Since the axis of rotation R-R of the second transmission element 86 intersects the axis of rotation X-X of the first transmission element 84, the transmission 82 forms a bevel gear.

[0102] The first transmission element 84 is a first gear, the axis of revolution of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod 22 and the drive shaft 80. The first transmission element 84 is received inside the first part 6 around the detector 3. The first transmission element 84 is rotatably movable relative to the first part 6 and the detector 3. The first transmission element 84 is rotationally integral with the drive shaft 80, and the drive shaft 80 drives the first transmission element 84 movably relative to the first part 6.

[0103] The second transmission element 86 is a second gear, the axis of revolution of which is the axis of rotation R-R of the second part 7. The second transmission element 86 is located at the engagement surface S1 which it at least partially defines. The second transmission element 86 is movably driven relative to the first part 6 by the first transmission element 84 which meshes with it. The second transmission element 86 is rotationally integral with the body 70 of the second part. In the illustrated embodiment, the second transmission element 86 is rigidly integral with the body 70 of the second part by being attached to or integral with the body 70 of the second part.

[0104] The first transmission element 82 is mechanically connected to the drive shaft 80 by being rotationally integral with the drive shaft 80 through a connecting device. The connecting device includes at least one first lug 26 and at least one second lug 28. Each first lug 26 is rigidly integral with the drive shaft 80, for example, by protruding radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 80. Each second lug 28 is rigidly integral with the first transmission element 84, for example, by protruding axially along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 80. Each second lug 28 is designed to mechanically engage one of the first lugs 26 in a form-fitting manner, for example, by rotating against the first lug 26.

[0105] In the first embodiment shown, the drive shaft 80 includes at least three first lugs 26, which are circumferentially uniformly distributed relative to the longitudinal axis X-X of the drive shaft. The first gear includes at least three second lugs 28, which are circumferentially uniformly distributed relative to the longitudinal axis X-X of the drive shaft.

[0106] The drive shaft 80 and the connecting end piece 62 further include circumferential stoppers 61, 81 to limit the rotational movement of the drive shaft 80 relative to the connecting end piece 62. The circumferential stoppers 61, 81 are used to limit the rotation of the second part 7 relative to the first part 6 about the rotation axis R-R.

[0107] The first circumferential stopper 61 axially projects from the upper edge of the connecting end piece 62 along the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod. The first circumferential stopper 61 has a cylindrical attachment shape.

[0108] The second circumferential stopper 81 projects radially outward from the drive shaft 80 relative to the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod. The second circumferential stopper 81 has a cylindrical attachment shape. The second circumferential stopper 81 is configured to be in mechanical contact with the first circumferential stopper 61, thereby limiting the rotational stroke of the actuator 8 relative to the first part 6.

[0109] According to the method for manufacturing the head 5, the head 5 is manufactured in several steps. First, the outer skin 52 of the head is manufactured from a first material by additive manufacturing, for example by laser melting of metal powder. The outer skin 52 of the first part 6 is particularly manufactured independently of the outer skin of the second part 7. Then, the inner part 54 is manufactured within the outer skin 52. The inner part 54 is made, for example, from a second material by casting.

[0110] Figure 7 The measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment is shown. The measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment is mainly different from the measuring device of the first embodiment in that the support rod 22 and the head 5 of the collimation device 2 are integrated. Figure 7 The control device 10 for controlling the position of the port 73 relative to the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod is also shown, which can also be used in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] The control device 10 for controlling the position of the port 73 includes a first scale 11 marked on the support rod 22 and a second scale 12 marked on the drive shaft 80. Assuming that the support rod 22 is inclined relative to the engagement surface S1, the first scale 11 and the second scale 12 enable the position of the port 73 to be visually recognized relative to the longitudinal axis X-X of the support rod.

[0112] The measuring equipment 1 according to the first or second embodiment facilitates performing measurement operations using the detector 3 and the collimating device 2 in a radioactive environment while limiting the exposure of the operator to the radioactive environment and limiting the mass and overall dimensions of the measuring equipment 1.

[0113] Assuming that the connecting rod 22 can be translated and / or rotated by the operator or remotely, the rotatability of the second part 6 relative to the first part 7 enhances the field of view of the detector 3.

[0114] Due to the small non-zero angles β formed by the engagement surface S1 with the longitudinal axis X-X of the connecting rod and α between the port 73 and the engagement surface S1, the field of view of the detector 3 is enhanced.

[0115] The partially spherical shape of the head 5 optimizes its mass and overall dimensions. Moreover, the head 5 has a simple geometric shape, which makes manufacturing and decontamination easier.

[0116] Due to the outer skin 52 being made of a first material, the head 5 has satisfactory mechanical strength. Moreover, due to the inner part 54 made of a second shielding material, the head 5 protects the detector 3 from radiation.

[0117] Of course, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the above-described invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0118] Alternatively, the equipment 1 can be a device for supporting an instrument and configured to at least partially protect and / or isolate the instrument 3 mechanically, radiologically, thermally, chemically, bacteriologically, electrically, and / or magnetically.

[0119] Alternatively, the equipment 1 includes an instrument 3 different from the detector, such as a sampling, cleaning, and / or decontamination tool.

[0120] The instrument 3 can be mainly housed in the second part 7, especially in the port 73. The instrument 3 can be attached to the second part 7, for example when the instrument 3 is a telemeter, a camera, and / or a sampling tool.

[0121] When the equipment 1 does not have radiation isolation, electrical isolation, and / or magnetic isolation functions, the head 5 of the equipment 1 does not have shielding material. In particular, the equipment 1 can include only the outer skin 52 without the inner part 54 to limit its mass and overall dimensions.

[0122] The head 5 can have variable shapes and dimensions, especially shapes and dimensions adapted to the opening for inserting the head 5. The head 5 is, for example, cylindrical instead of partially spherical. The head 5 can be completely spherical or almost completely spherical.

[0123] Alternatively, the first part 6 is hinged to the support rod 22 instead of being rigidly integrally formed with the support rod 22. Various types of mechanical connections are possible between the head 5 and the support rod 22, such as by soldering, brazing, welding, snap - fitting, etc.

[0124] The second part 7 can move in a complex motion relative to the first part 6, and this complex motion preferably includes at least one rotational motion. For example, the second part 7 can move relative to the first part 6 in a screw - connected manner.

[0125] The head 5 can be manufactured without additive manufacturing, especially by casting when it is made of a single constituent material, typically the first material.

[0126] When the instrument 3 is a sampling tool, the port 73 is a sampling hole. When the instrument 3 is a cleaning and / or decontamination tool, the port 73 is a jet port.

[0127] The port 73 can have a variable shape. In particular, the port 73 can form a conical and / or frustoconical opening leading into the central cavity 51. The size of the port 73 can be varied, for example, by providing an interchangeable second part 7 for a single first part 6. Complementary parts of the port 73, such as gaskets, can also be inserted to modify the shape or size of the port 73.

[0128] The control device 10 for controlling the position of the port can be configured to automatically identify the relative position of the port 73 with respect to the longitudinal axis X - X of the device 1. For example, the control device 10 includes a control unit (not shown), and this control unit can be outside the head 5.

Claims

1. A head (5) for accommodating an instrument (3), wherein, the head (5) is at least partially spherical, and wherein the head (5) comprises: a first part (6), wherein the first part (6) comprises a body (60) and a connecting end piece (62), the connecting end piece (62) being configured to rigidly fasten the first part (6) to a support rod (22), and a second part (7), wherein the second part (7) comprises a spherical cap body and a port (73) opening to the outside of the head (5), the port (73) leading into a housing (50) capable of accommodating the instrument (3), the housing (50) being located within the head (5), wherein the second part (7) is at least capable of rotating and moving relative to the first part (6) about a rotation axis (R-R), wherein the rotation axis (R-R) is configured to be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the support rod (22), wherein the body (60) has a spherical shape truncated by a joint surface (S1) from the second part to the first part, the joint surface (S1) being substantially planar, wherein the joint surface (S1) is inclined to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the support rod (22), and / or the longitudinal axis (Y-Y, Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2) of the port (73) is inclined to the joint surface (S1).

2. The head (5) according to claim 1, wherein, the second part (7) comprises a hemisphere, and / or wherein the connecting end piece (62) has a cylindrical shape.

3. The head (5) according to claim 1, wherein, the port (73) is formed by a rotary surface.

4. The head (5) according to claim 1, wherein, the port (73) substantially leads into the housing (50) at the center (51) of the head (5), and / or the port (73) constitutes the housing for the instrument (3).

5. The head (5) according to claim 1, wherein, the longitudinal axis (Y-Y, Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2) of the port (73) is configured to intersect the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the support rod (22), and / or the axis perpendicular to the joint surface (S1) is configured to be inclined to the longitudinal axis of the support rod (22).

6. The head (5) according to claim 1, wherein, the longitudinal axis (Y-Y, Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2) of the port is configured to be inclined to the joint surface (S1) at an angle (α), the angle (α) being between 25° and 155°, and / or wherein the joint surface (S1) is configured to be inclined to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the support rod at an angle (β), the angle (β) being between 25° and 155°.

7. The head according to claim 1, wherein, the first part (6) and / or the second part (7) comprises a shielding material against radioactive rays, and / or a thermal, chemical, bacterial, electrical and / or magnetic isolation material.

8. An apparatus, comprising a head (5) according to claim 1, a support rod (22), and actuators (80, 82), the actuators (80, 82) being configured to move the second part (7) relative to the first part (6).

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, the actuators (80, 82) include a drive shaft (80), the longitudinal axis of which is to be parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the support rod.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, the actuators (80, 82) include a transmission device (82), the transmission device (82) including skew bevel gears.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, the actuators (80, 82) include a transmission device (82), the transmission device (82) including a first transmission element (84) and a second transmission element (86), wherein the first transmission element (84) is received in the first part (6), and / or the second transmission element (86) is rigidly integrated with the second part (7).

12. The apparatus according to claim 8, including means (10) for controlling the position of the port (73) relative to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the support rod.

13. A control equipment (1), comprising: a head (5) according to claim 1 or an apparatus according to claim 8, and a measuring instrument (3), the measuring instrument (3) being received in a housing (50) of the head (5), wherein the measuring instrument (3) includes a detector.

14. The control equipment (1) according to claim 13, wherein, the detector extends within the head (5) such that the longitudinal axis of the detector is parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the support rod (22), and / or the control equipment (1) includes power supply or signal transmission means (30) for the detector, the power supply or signal transmission means (30) extending substantially along the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the support rod within the head (5).

15. The control equipment (1) according to claim 13, wherein, the apparatus is a collimation apparatus.

16. A manufacturing method of a head (5) according to claim 1 or an apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, the head (5) is made of at least a first material and a second material, wherein the first material has stronger mechanical properties than the second material, and the first material surrounds the second material, the manufacturing method includes the step of manufacturing an outer skin (52) of the head with the first material.

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 16, wherein, the second material is a shielding material against radioactive rays.

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