Improved assembly including a package for transporting and / or storing radioactive material and a removable handling structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly (100) comprising a package (1) for the transport and / or storage of radioactive material, and a removable handling structure (30) designed to be removably coupled on a first axial end (8a) of the package body, the handling structure (30) comprising a support device (32) and at least two separate package handling members (40). The first end (8a) comprises one or more axial retaining elements (52) of the handling structure (30), while the handling structure (30) comprises at least one gripping device (42) comprising an axial coupling member (46) coupled to the first axial end (8a). Furthermore, in the coupled configuration of the handling structure (30), each axial coupling member (46) contacts or axially faces an axial stop surface (60) of the axial retaining element (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of packaging for transporting and / or storing radioactive materials (e.g., radioactive waste placed in drums or nuclear fuel assemblies).

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to the handling of these packages, and to means for performing conventional handling operations (such as tilting the packages from a horizontal position to a vertical position and vice versa). Background Technology

[0003] Typically, the package has a body with a defined cavity in which the radioactive material is contained. During transportation, a shock-absorbing cover is usually installed at the axial end of the package body to protect the structure of the package body in the event of a drop. The shock-absorbing cover can be removed during the storage of the radioactive material to save storage space.

[0004] Furthermore, depending on the design of the package body, the package body may optionally be equipped with handling components, such as trunnions. When such components are permanently mounted on the package body, handling operations are performed using these components, such as tilting the package from a horizontal position to a vertical position and vice versa.

[0005] However, during the transportation of the package itself, there are handling components that may cause mechanical adjustment problems in the event of a drop. In fact, these handling components have weak points that require mechanical reinforcement to meet safety requirements. This reinforcement incurs additional costs in terms of price and quality.

[0006] To address this issue, removable handling structures have been proposed. These structures are designed to be mounted on the package body only during handling operations and not during transport. For example, a removable ring solution supporting the handling trunnion is known and is configured to be fastened to the axial end of the package body using a large number of screws. Another solution involves providing discrete components, each equipped with a single handling trunnion, which are also assembled to the package body by screws.

[0007] However, these structures can still be improved in terms of their robustness and ease of assembly / disassembly on the package body. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention relates to a package for transporting and / or storing radioactive materials, the package comprising a lateral package body, a bottom, and a removable cover, the lateral package body extending about a central longitudinal axis passing through the bottom and the cover of the package, the lateral package body including a first axial end located on the cover side and a second axial end located on the bottom side of the package opposite to the first axial end.

[0009] The assembly also includes a removable transport structure designed to be removably coupled to a first axial end of the lateral package body. The transport structure includes a support device and at least two separate package transport members rigidly connected to the support device, the support device extending around the first axial end of the lateral package body in the connection configuration of the transport structure and the package.

[0010] According to the present invention, a first axial end of the lateral package body includes one or more axial holding elements of a transport structure, the one or more axial holding elements extending radially outward relative to a central longitudinal axis, each axial holding element including an axial stop surface oriented toward a second axial end of the lateral package body.

[0011] In addition, the removable transport structure includes at least one gripping device carried by a support device, each gripping device including an axially connected member coupled to a first axial end of the lateral package body.

[0012] Finally, in the connection configuration of the transport structure, each axial connection member contacts or axially faces the axial stop surface of one or more axial retaining elements disposed on the first axial end of the lateral package body.

[0013] This invention has proven particularly advantageous because it enables a highly robust mechanical connection between the removable transport structure and the first axial end of the side package body, while making assembly / disassembly very easy and quick.

[0014] The present invention may provide an implementation of one of the following optional features, either individually or in combination.

[0015] Preferably, the component is designed such that the switch from a non-connected configuration of the transport structure to a connected configuration of the transport structure and the package is performed by moving the support of the transport structure relative to a first axial end of the lateral package body. This allows for faster and easier assembly / disassembly of the removable transport structure onto the package. More preferably, the component is designed such that the relative movement is performed while both the support and the first axial end of the lateral package body remain inscribed in the same virtual relative movement plane orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the package. However, other types of relative movement between the removable transport structure and the lateral package body are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0016] According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly is designed such that relative movement is performed by rotating the support device relative to a first axial end of the lateral package body along a relative axis of rotation corresponding to the central longitudinal axis of the package. In this first embodiment, each of the axially connecting members preferably forms a bayonet or claw-type connection mechanism together with its associated axially retaining element disposed on the first axial end of the lateral package body. Assembly is found to be particularly quick and easy to implement.

[0017] Preferably, the support device includes a ring, and the gripping devices are spaced apart along the ring. However, in this first solution, without departing from the scope of the invention, the ring may be only partial and not extend 360°.

[0018] Preferably, each gripping device further includes a radial stop member that mates with a first axial end of the lateral package body. The engagement between these elements enables radial connection between the lateral package body and the removable transport structure.

[0019] According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the removable transport structure is made of a plurality of corner structural segments, each of which includes:

[0020] - Part of the support device;

[0021] -At least one of the transport components;

[0022] - At least one gripping device.

[0023] Preferably, the portion of the support device is in the form of a corner ring segment, and the at least one gripping device is in the form of a tab extending radially inward from the corner ring segment to form an axial connecting member, each tab preferably extending along its associated corner ring segment to form a single axial connecting member within each corner segment.

[0024] Preferably, in the connection configuration, the corner structure segments are installed end-to-end to form a ring structure together, or the corner structure segments are spaced apart to form only a part of the ring structure.

[0025] Preferably, the one or more axially retaining elements disposed on the first axial end of the lateral package body are formed by an annular collar extending radially outward relative to the central longitudinal axis. However, other solutions are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, such as circumferentially spaced corner collar segments.

[0026] Preferably, these portions of the support device each form a radial stop member that mates with a first axial end of the lateral package body. Similarly, the mating between these elements allows for radial connection between the lateral package body and the removable transport structure.

[0027] In this second preferred embodiment of the invention, the component can be designed such that the movement of each corner structural segment relative to the first axial end of the lateral package body is performed by translation of the corner structural segment relative to the first axial end in the virtual relative motion plane arranged orthogonally to the central longitudinal axis of the package.

[0028] According to an alternative, the component can be designed such that the corner structural segments are interconnected during the movement of the corner structural segments relative to the first axial end of the lateral package body to achieve the connection configuration, preferably:

[0029] - Only at the partial ends of the corner structure sector are they connected end-to-end;

[0030] -Or via a structural connection used to actuate the sector movement of the angular structure.

[0031] According to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, the component is designed such that switching from a non-connected configuration of the transport structure to a connected configuration of the transport structure and the package is performed by moving each gripping device of the transport structure relative to the support device of the structure. These movements can be, for example, rotation or translation.

[0032] Regardless of the intended implementation, the number of transport components is preferably two to four, and each transport component is preferably in the form of a trunnion, fork, or lug, or any other transport component known to those skilled in the art.

[0033] Preferably, in order to secure the connection, the assembly includes means for locking the removable transport structure in a connection configuration at the first axial end of the removable transport structure and the lateral package body.

[0034] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in the following non-limiting detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0035] This description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 An axial longitudinal section view of a package used for transporting and / or storing radioactive materials is presented schematically;

[0037] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a portion of an assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is presented, the assembly including the packaging shown in the previous figure (with its shock-absorbing cover removed), and a removable transport structure.

[0038] Figure 3 This presents a partial longitudinal section view of the component shown in the previous figure, in which the handling structure is connected to the package;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the components in the process of connecting the removable handling structure to the package;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the components in the previous figure during a later stage of the process of connecting the removable transport structure;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the components in the previous figure during a later stage of the process of connecting the removable transport structure;

[0042] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the tilting operation of the component from a horizontal position to a vertical position;

[0043] Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of a portion of a component according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is presented, the component comprising Figure 1 The package shown (with its shock-absorbing cover removed), and the removable handling structure;

[0044] Figure 9 A 3D view similar to the previous one is presented, showing the connection between the handling structure and the packaging.

[0045] Figure 10 This presents a partial longitudinal section view of the component shown in the previous figure, in which the handling structure is also connected to the package;

[0046] Figure 11 Presented a similar Figure 8 An exploded perspective view showing the components according to an alternative implementation;

[0047] Figure 12 A 3D view similar to the previous one is presented, showing the connection between the handling structure and the packaging.

[0048] Figure 13 Presented a similar Figure 12 An exploded perspective view, in which components are arranged in a horizontal position and presented according to another alternative embodiment;

[0049] Figure 14 The component shown in the previous image is now tilted from its horizontal position to its vertical position.

[0050] Figure 15 An exploded partial perspective view of the components according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is presented. Detailed Implementation

[0051] First refer to Figure 1The diagram schematically illustrates a package 1 used for transporting and / or storing radioactive materials. Package 1 is shown in a horizontal transport position, i.e., the central longitudinal axis 2 of the package is horizontally oriented, i.e., parallel to the ground. This transport position contrasts with a vertical storage and / or operation position, in which the central longitudinal axis 2 of the package is vertically oriented, i.e., orthogonal to the ground.

[0052] Conventionally, the package includes a package body 4, which is formed by a package bottom 5, a removable cover 6 extending along axis 2 in the opposite direction to the bottom 5, and a side package body 8. Note that the side package body 8 extends about axis 2 in a direction parallel to direction 9, which corresponds to the height direction of the package when it is in its storage position.

[0053] The bottom 5 and the cover 6 define a housing cavity 12 in the axial direction, in which radioactive material 14 is received. The cavity 12 is also defined radially by a lateral body 8.

[0054] The package body 4 is protected by one or two shock-absorbing covers 18. These covers 18 are designed to be easily assembled and removed, as their presence is not always necessary. Typically, the covers 18 are removed during storage and / or during handling operations (such as loading / unloading radioactive material from the package), and these covers are assembled at the two opposite longitudinal ends of the package body 4 during transport to equip the package. Thus, as Figure 1 As shown, a shock-absorbing cover 18 is equipped with a first axial end 8a located at the cover 6 of the lateral body 8 to cover the cover and the first end 8a axially and laterally. Similarly, another shock-absorbing cover 18 is equipped with a second axial end 8b located at the bottom 5 to cover the bottom 5 and the second end 8b axially and laterally. For this purpose, each shock-absorbing cover 18 preferably has a recess 22 to receive at least a portion of the axial ends 8a, 8b associated with each shock-absorbing cover. In other words, each axial end 8a, 8b of the lateral package body 8 is nested in the recess 22 of the corresponding shock-absorbing cover 18.

[0055] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A component 100 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is presented. Component 100 includes a package 1 without its shock-absorbing cover (the shock-absorbing cover has been removed), and a removable transport structure 30 characteristic of the invention. The transport structure 30 is designed to be removably coupled to a first axial end 8a to allow for conventional handling operations of the package, such as tilting the package from a horizontal position to a vertical position and vice versa. Clearly, this transport structure 30 is very preferably implemented when the package 1 does not have a permanent transport member on its lateral body 8.

[0056] The removable transport structure 30 first includes a support device 32, which includes a ring 34 extending 360° around axis 2. The support device 32 may also include lugs 36 extending axially from the ring 34, and reinforcing beams 38 interconnecting the lugs 36.

[0057] The transport structure 30 also includes multiple individual transport components, here trunnions 40 rigidly connected to lugs 36 of the support device 32. Each trunnion 40 is conventionally arranged radially oriented along its central longitudinal axis. These trunnions 40 are present here in a number of four, regularly distributed in the circumferential direction, but their number may be different, for example, two, opposite each other in the diametrical direction.

[0058] In such Figure 3 In the connection configuration shown, the support device 32, more specifically its ring 34, extends around the first axial end 8a.

[0059] The removable transport structure 30 also includes a plurality of gripping devices 42 supported by support devices 32. More preferably, the gripping devices 42 are spaced apart circumferentially along the ring 34, and are fastened to the ring, for example, using screws / bolts, and are mounted on the outer periphery of the ring 34. These gripping devices 42 can be configured in a quantity of eight, such as... Figure 2 As shown. However, this number can be different, for example, four.

[0060] When axis 2 (with the transport structure 30 centered on this axis) is vertically arranged, each gripping device 42 adopts a generally horizontal U-shaped form. One arm 44 of the U-shape serves as an axial support for the gripping device 42 on the ring 34. The other arm 46 of the U-shape forms an axial connection member with the first end 8a of the lateral packaging body 8, as detailed below. Finally, Figure 2 The vertically oriented U-shaped base 48 forms a radial stop member, which in... Figure 3 In the illustrated connection configuration, the components themselves contact or radially face the periphery of the first axial end 8a. The engagement between these elements 8a, 48 allows for a radial connection between the lateral package body 8 and the removable transport structure 30, which is particularly useful during tilting operations of the package 1. Alternatively, this radial connection can be achieved between the annular portion 50 at the end of the axial end 8a and the inner circumference of the ring 34, as shown. Figure 3 As shown.

[0061] The first axial end 8a of the lateral package body 8 itself includes a plurality of axial holding elements 52 of the transport structure 30. The number of axial holding elements corresponds to the number of gripping devices, as they are designed to cooperate in pairs. Each axial holding element 52 is in the form of a block of material that extends radially outward to the periphery of the first axial end 8a, i.e., protruding outward relative to the axis 2 along the radial direction of the assembly 100.

[0062] Each axial retaining element 52 is defined by an adjacent recess 54, which is horizontally L-shaped when the assembly 100 is vertically oriented. More specifically, each recess 54 includes a radially outwardly opening 56 that continues with a similarly radially outwardly opening circumferential opening 58. The combination of these two openings 56, 58 forms an L-shaped recess adapted to form a bayonet / claw engagement with the axially connecting member 46 of the associated gripping device 42.

[0063] In the connection configuration, the axial connecting member 46 faces or contacts the axial stop surface 60 defined by the axial retaining element 52, which is preferably orthogonal to the axis 2 and oriented toward the second axial end 8b of the package body. The cooperation between these two elements 52 and 60 enables an axial mechanical connection between the transport structure 30 and the package 1 at the first axial end 8a on the cover side of the package.

[0064] For mechanical connections, now refer to Figures 4 to 6 These figures illustrate the different successive steps performed in mounting the removable transport structure 30 onto the first axial end 8a of the package arranged in a horizontal position. In these figures, the number of transport trunnions 40 is reduced to two, and the number of gripping devices 42 is reduced to four, as are the number of recesses 54 and the number of axially retaining elements 52 defined by these recesses.

[0065] exist Figure 4 In the process, the transport structure 30 is first conveyed to the vicinity of the first axial end 8a and coaxial with the first axial end, wherein each axial connecting member 46 faces the radial opening 56 of its associated recess 54 and is a certain distance away from the radial opening.

[0066] To position the transport structure 30 on the axial end 8a, the structure 30 is moved axially until each axially connected member 46 is located at the bottom of the radial opening 56 of its associated recess 54. The transport structure 30 is then positioned on the package, but not connected.

[0067] In order to Figure 5 Switching from non-connected configuration Figure 6The connection configuration involves the entire transport structure 30 rotating relative to the package along axis 2 within a limited range typically encountered in a bayonet mechanism. This relative motion is performed while both the ring 34 and the first axial end 8a remain inscribed within the same virtual relative motion plane P, orthogonal to axis 2, which passes through the ring 34 and end 8a throughout the movement of the transport structure 30, thus creating the connection configuration. During this movement, each axial connection member 46 gradually inserts into the circumferential opening 58 of its associated recess 54 until it is positioned at the bottom of the opening 58, axially facing or contacting the axial retaining element 52, as... Figure 3 As shown. Therefore, the radial openings 56 are released by the gripping device 42, but one or more of them may be equipped with a locking device (not shown) for the transport structure 30 in the connection configuration. For example, the locking device may include a device installed in the radial opening 56 and forming a circumferential stop for the axial connection member 46.

[0068] When axial mechanical connection is made, push rods 62 can be connected to trunnions 40. These push rods 62 are in turn connected to lifting beams suspended on a gantry crane, thereby lifting structure 30 and triggering package 1 to tilt to a vertical position, such as... Figure 7 As shown. This tilting is then performed in a known manner by pivoting the assembly 100 along the horizontal axis of rotation (near or through the second axial end 8b of the lateral package body).

[0069] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 10 Presented is a component 100 according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. Component 100 includes a package 1 without its shock-absorbing cover (the shock-absorbing cover has been removed), and a removable transport structure 30, which is divided here into a plurality of corner structural segments 30'. More specifically, these corner structural segments are two segments 30' each approximately 180° apart, and they are designed to be mounted end-to-end in a coupling configuration to form a complete ring structure together. However, the number of segments 30' may be greater without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] Each corner segment 30' first includes a portion 32' of a support device 32, which in particular includes a corner ring segment 34'. Two end-to-end corner ring segments 34' form a ring 34 extending 360° and centered on axis 2. This feature is preferably retained in all embodiments incorporating corner ring segments, regardless of the number of segments.

[0071] The support device 32 portion 32' also includes one or more lugs 36, each lug extending axially from the annular sector 34'. Each corner sector 30' also includes one or more separate handling members, here trunnions 40 rigidly connected to the lugs 36, and each sector is provided with two trunnions. Each trunnion 40 is also conventionally oriented radially to its central longitudinal axis. The number of trunnions 40 can vary, for example, a total of two, opposite each other in the diametrical direction. As in the first embodiment, for handling operations, particularly for tilting the package 1, the trunnions 40 are intended to cooperate with push rods 62, which are in turn connected to lifting beams 64 suspended on the gantry crane.

[0072] In such Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the connection configuration shown, each part 32' of the support device 32, more specifically each corner ring segment 34', extends around the first axial end 8a.

[0073] Each corner structural segment 30' also includes a gripping device carried by a portion 32' of the support device 32. This gripping device here takes the form of a tab 46 extending radially inward from the corner ring segment 34' to form an axial connecting member. The tab 46 preferably extends along its associated corner ring segment 34' to form a single axial connecting member within each corner structural segment 30'. Furthermore, this feature is preferably retained in all embodiments involving corner ring segments.

[0074] Each corner structure segment 30' also includes another tab 66, which extends radially inward from the corner ring segment 34' and is parallel to the tab 46. The tab 66 also extends along its associated corner ring segment 34' and corresponds to the two tabs 46, 66 at the maximum axial distance from the second end of the lateral package body 8.

[0075] With the connection of the corner ring sector 34' and the two tabs 46, 66, when the axis 2 is arranged vertically, each gripping device adopts a generally horizontal U-shaped shape in the cross section considered outside the lug 36, wherein the hollow part of the U is oriented radially inward.

[0076] A single axial retaining element 52 is provided on the first axial end 8a, which is formed by an annular collar extending radially outward relative to the axis 2. Below this collar 52, an annular groove 70 is defined in the first end 8a, and the axial connecting tab 46 is intended to be received in the annular groove in the connection configuration of each structural sector 30'. This solution further strengthens the mechanical retention of the package by the handling structure.

[0077] Therefore, the tab 66 of each structural segment 30' forms one arm of the U-shape, serving as an axial support on the collar 52 at the first axial end 8a of the segment 30'. The tab 46 itself forms the other arm of the U-shape and constitutes an axial connecting member received in the groove 70, while being arranged in the connecting configuration to contact or axially face the axial stop surface 60 defined by the collar 52.

[0078] Finally, by Figures 8 to 10 The U-shaped base formed by the vertically oriented corner ring sector 34' constitutes a radial stop member. This radial stop member, in the connection configuration, either contacts itself or faces radially toward the periphery of the collar 52, such as... Figure 10 As shown. The fit between these elements 34' and 52 enables radial connection between the lateral package body 8 and the corner structure sector 30', which is particularly useful during the tilting operation of the package 1.

[0079] As described above, in the connection configuration, the axial connecting tab 46 faces or contacts the axial stop surface 60 defined by the axial retaining collar 52, which is preferably orthogonal to the axis 2 and oriented toward the second axial end of the lateral package body 8. The cooperation between these two elements 52 and 60 enables an axial mechanical connection between each corner transport structure segment 30' and the package 1 at the first axial end 8a on the cover side of the package.

[0080] For mechanical connections, each corner segment 30' is first positioned relative to the package 1, causing the corner segment to radially separate from the package. The U-shaped hollow portion of the corner segment is radially oriented towards the collar 52, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown. From this non-connected configuration, each corner structural segment 30' moves individually relative to the first axial end 8a through translation in a virtual relative motion plane P arranged orthogonally to axis 2. The translation directions of the two segments 30' are determined by... Figure 8 Arrow 74 is schematically shown in the diagram. Therefore, throughout the movement of the structural sector 30', the plane P passes through each corner ring sector 34' and the collar 52. During these movements, each axially connecting tab 46 gradually inserts into the groove 70 until it is located at the bottom of the groove, arranged axially facing or contacting the axially retaining tab 52, as shown. Figure 10 As shown.

[0081] Then, use bolts 76 to assemble the two sector segments 30' end to end, as follows: Figure 9 As shown. The connection then enables the desired transport operations to be performed, as indicated with respect to the first preferred embodiment described above.

[0082] Figure 11 and Figure 12An alternative to the second embodiment described above is shown. Therefore, elements with the same reference numerals correspond to the same or similar elements.

[0083] The only major difference is that during the assembly of the corner ring sector 30' on the first axial end 8a, the two sector segments 30' are hinged together at two adjacent ends, thus these two adjacent ends are connected end-to-end. The other two ends remain free so that the hinge structure 30 can be opened to insert the first axial end 8a between the two sector segments 30'. This feature also applies when there are more than two sector segments 30', in which case only two adjacent ends remain free to open the hinge structure.

[0084] Once this insertion is performed, and the U-shaped opening is arranged radially toward the collar 52 in plane P, a mechanical connection is achieved by pivoting the two segments 30' relative to each other along their hinge axis 78, closing the structure 30 and bringing it toward a ring geometry. Thus, each axially connecting tab 46 is gradually inserted into the groove 70 at the first end 8a until it is itself located at the bottom of the groove, arranged axially facing or contacting the axially retaining tab 52. The two segments 30' are then bolted end-to-end at their two free ends.

[0085] Obviously, in this alternative, the two connecting ends of the two corner structural segments 30' can be connected by means other than hinges; however, the chosen connection needs to allow the aforementioned opening and closing to ensure the assembly of structure 30 around package 1.

[0086] Figure 13 and Figure 14 Another alternative to the second embodiment is also shown. Therefore, elements with the same reference numerals here also correspond to the same or similar elements.

[0087] In this alternative, one of the main differences lies in the angular range of the two structural segments 30', which is much less than 180°. Therefore, the two segments 30' are preferably arranged opposite each other in the diametrical direction and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, so as to form only a partial annular structure. For example, each segment 30' can extend from 10 to 45°.

[0088] To mechanically connect these angular structural segments 30' to the axial end 8a of the lateral package body, a motion actuation structure 80 is provided to open and close the removable transport structure 30, which is thus composed of two segments with reduced angular amplitude. The structure 80 for actuating the movement of the segment 30' can take any form, for example, two actuating arms 84 arranged in an X shape and hinged at its center. With this design, both ends of the X are connected to the two segments 30' respectively, preferably hinged to two transport trunnions 40. Furthermore, the other two ends of the X are connected, for example, to a lifting beam 64, and simultaneously connected to each other by cylinders 82 capable of adjusting the distance between these two ends, thus the radial distance between the two structural segments 30' is intended to engage with the collar 52.

[0089] The handling operation of assembly 100 can be envisioned through the mechanical connection of the sector segments 30' on the collar 52 at the end 8a of the lateral package body, and through the movement of these sector segments in plane P in response to the control of cylinder 82. In these operations, Figure 14 The image shows the tilt of component 100, during which the actuator arm 84 remains vertical by pivoting relative to its hinged trunnion 40.

[0090] Figure 15 A third preferred embodiment of the invention is presented, wherein the U-shaped gripping devices 42 are all designed to engage with the same set of rings 52 on the first axial end 8a of the lateral package body 8. In this third embodiment, which shares many features with the first embodiment, the U-shaped gripping devices 42 are pivotally mounted on the ring 34 (shown only partially) of the support device 32 along a tangentially oriented pivot axis 86.

[0091] Therefore, when ring 34 rests on collar 52, the switch from the non-connected configuration of transport structure 30 to the connected configuration with package 1 is performed by pivoting each gripping device 42 relative to ring 34 along axis 86 via a U-shaped arm opposite to the arm forming the axial connecting member 46. Once these pivoting operations are performed, each axial connecting member 46 contacts or axially faces the annular axial stop surface 60 defined by collar 52.

[0092] exist Figure 15 In the third embodiment presented, the conveying member 40 takes the form of a fork that cooperates with the push rod 62. The number of gripping devices 42 can be, for example, between four and ten.

[0093] Of course, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the described invention by way of non-limiting examples and within the scope defined by the appended claims. In particular, different preferred embodiments can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. An assembly (100) comprising a package (1) for transporting and / or storing radioactive materials, the package comprising a lateral package body (8), a bottom (5), and a removable cover (6), the lateral package body (8) extending about a central longitudinal axis (2) of the package passing through the bottom and the removable cover, the lateral package body comprising a first axial end (8a) located on the cover side and a second axial end (8b) located on the bottom side of the package opposite to the first axial end. The component also includes a removable transport structure (30) designed to be removably connected to a first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body. The removable transport structure (30) includes a support device (32) and at least two separate package transport members (40) rigidly connected to the support device (32). The support device extends around the first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body in the connection configuration of the removable transport structure (30) and the package (1). Its features are, The first axial end (8a) of the side package body (8) includes one or more axial retaining elements (52) of the removable transport structure (30), the one or more axial retaining elements extending radially outward relative to the central longitudinal axis (2), each axial retaining element (52) including an axial stop surface (60) oriented toward the second axial end (8b) of the side package body. The removable transport structure (30) includes at least one gripping device (42) carried by the support device (32), each gripping device including an axially connected member (46) connected to a first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body. In the connection configuration of the removable transport structure (30), each axial connection member (46) contacts or axially faces the axial stop surface (60) of one or more axial retaining elements (52) disposed on the first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body. The components are designed such that the switching from the non-connected configuration of the removable transport structure (30) to the connected configuration of the removable transport structure (30) and the package (1) is performed by moving the support device (32) of the removable transport structure relative to the first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body. The components are designed such that relative motion is performed while both the support device (32) and the first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body are inscribed in the same virtual relative motion plane (P) orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis (2) of the package. The component is designed such that the relative movement is performed by rotating the support device (32) relative to the first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body along a relative rotation axis corresponding to the central longitudinal axis (2) of the package. Each of the axial connecting members (46) together with its associated axial retaining element (52) disposed on the first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body forms a bayonet connection mechanism.

2. The component (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support device (32) includes a ring (34), and the gripping device (42) is spaced apart along the ring.

3. The component (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the gripping devices (42) also includes a radial stop member (48) that engages with the first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body.

4. The component (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of removable transport components (40) is set to two to four, and each of the removable transport components is in the form of a trunnion, a fork or a lug.

5. The component (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The component includes means for locking the removable transport structure in a connection configuration between the removable transport structure (30) and the first axial end (8a) of the lateral package body (8).

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