A low-energy electron beam surface sterilization system for box materials

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system for box material, shielding device is provided with disinfection space, input space and output space, the wall of disinfection space is embedded with partition. Irradiation equipment is provided with ray radiation area, mechanical arm device includes first mechanical arm group and second mechanical arm group, first mechanical arm group is used to grab box and rotate around first axis, and second mechanical arm group is used to grab box and rotate around second axis.Input roller device extends to the disinfection space and is located in the movable range of the first mechanical arm group. Formed with movable space between output roller device and input roller device, and first mechanical arm group or second mechanical arm group moves in movable space and grabs box. The wall of disinfection space is embedded with partition, to block the leakage path of electron beam, avoid ray pollution. First mechanical arm group and second mechanical arm group rotate box alternately driven, to make irradiation equipment kill different surface of box one by one.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of disinfection technology, and specifically to a low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system for boxed materials. Background Technology

[0002] During logistics and transportation, packaging boxes need to be disinfected to prevent the spread of bacteria or viruses carried by the boxes, especially when boxes are transported across regions, which could lead to the spread of harmful bacteria or viruses. In related technologies, electron beams are used to disinfect the surface of boxes during logistics and transportation. Currently, most electron beam radiation sterilization devices use electron beams with an energy of 10 MeV. This energy level of electron beam has a certain penetrating power to the irradiated object, which can affect product quality. Furthermore, the irradiation environment is prone to radiation pollution.

[0003] Chinese public document CN216702993U discloses an irradiation disinfection device and an irradiation disinfection conveyor line. The irradiation disinfection device is used to irradiate goods with an electron beam to kill viruses and bacteria, and the irradiation disinfection method is applied to the irradiation disinfection device. This allows for control of the irradiation dose received by different goods, avoiding incomplete disinfection due to insufficient irradiation dose or damage to the quality of the goods due to excessive irradiation dose.

[0004] Existing disinfection devices use high-energy electron beams for disinfection, which is unsuitable for situations requiring only surface sterilization or where the electron beam might damage the interior of the object being irradiated. Conversely, using lower-energy electron beams makes it difficult to disinfect the non-irradiated surfaces of the enclosure, leading to technical issues such as disinfection radiation or incomplete disinfection. Therefore, improvements are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this invention provides a low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system for box-type materials, which solves the technical problems of incomplete disinfection of the box and complex disinfection structure.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system for box-type materials is provided, the low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system comprising:

[0007] The shielding device is provided with a disinfection space, an input space and an output space that extend outward from the disinfection space, and the walls of the disinfection space are fitted with partitions.

[0008] The irradiation equipment and the robotic arm device are located in the disinfection space. The irradiation equipment is provided with a radiation area. The robotic arm device includes a first robotic arm group and a second robotic arm group. The first robotic arm group is used to grasp the box and rotate it around a first axis. The second robotic arm group is used to grasp the box and rotate it around a second axis. The first axis and the second axis intersect.

[0009] An input roller conveyor extending along the input space, the input roller conveyor extending into the disinfection space and located within the range of motion of the first robotic arm assembly;

[0010] An output roller conveyor extends along the output space, the output roller conveyor extends from the disinfection space and is located within the range of motion of the second robotic arm group, and an active space is formed between the output roller conveyor and the input roller conveyor, and the first robotic arm group or the second robotic arm group moves the gripping box within the active space.

[0011] In one embodiment, the irradiation device includes an electron beam emitter and a driver for rotating the electron beam emitter. The electron beam emitter is provided with a radiating end, and the driver drives the electron beam emitter to adjust the emission angle of the radiating end.

[0012] In one embodiment, the length direction of the radiating end is parallel to the length direction of the active space.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electron beam energy output by the electron beam emitter is less than or equal to 300 keV.

[0014] In one embodiment, the robotic arm device includes a truss, a first robotic arm assembly and a second robotic arm assembly are slidably mounted on the truss, the first robotic arm assembly is movable between the activity space and the input roller conveyor, and the second robotic arm assembly is movable between the activity space and the output roller conveyor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first robotic arm assembly includes a horizontal drive member sliding on the truss, a lifting assembly mounted on the horizontal drive member, and a clamping assembly rotatably mounted on the lifting assembly. The clamping assembly rotates relative to the lifting assembly. The clamping assembly includes two opposing clamping arms and a clamping seat located at the end of the clamping arms. The clamping seat rotates relative to the clamping arms.

[0016] In one embodiment, the robotic arm device further includes a shelf located in the disinfection space, the shelf being situated between the initial positions of the first robotic arm assembly and the second robotic arm assembly.

[0017] In one embodiment, a 3D vision detection device is also included, which is installed at the front end of the input roller conveyor. The 3D vision detection device is used to detect the dimensional parameters of each surface of the box. The first robotic arm group and the second robotic arm group adjust the rotation angle and height based on the dimensional parameters.

[0018] In one embodiment, the input space is provided with at least one curved channel located on the back side of the disinfection space.

[0019] In one embodiment, the input space includes an input channel, a transverse channel curved relative to the input channel, a longitudinal channel curved relative to the transverse channel, and a preparation channel intersecting the longitudinal channel. The transverse channel, the longitudinal channel, and the preparation channel constitute a curved channel. A barrier wall is formed between the input channel and the disinfection space. The width of the barrier wall is greater than the width of the radiation area.

[0020] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention can include the following beneficial effects: partitions are embedded in the walls of the disinfection space to block the leakage path of the electron beam and avoid radiation contamination. The first and second robotic arm groups drive the chamber to rotate alternately, allowing the irradiation equipment to disinfect different surfaces of the chamber one by one. Furthermore, the disinfection is limited to the surface of the chamber, ensuring comprehensive disinfection with a controllable disinfection range. The input roller conveyor and output roller conveyor are spaced apart, with an activity space constructed between them to facilitate chamber movement and allow for the adaptation to chambers of different sizes, thus expanding the disinfection range.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of a low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an irradiation device and a robotic arm according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first robotic arm assembly according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an irradiation device rotating toward the ground, according to one embodiment.

[0028] In the figure, shielding device 10; disinfection space 11; input space 12; transverse channel 121; longitudinal channel 122; preparation channel 123; input channel 124; output space 13; irradiation equipment 20; electron beam emitter 21; radiation end 211; driver 22; robotic arm device 30; first robotic arm assembly 31; horizontal drive component 311; lifting assembly 312; clamping assembly 313; clamping arm 3131; clamping seat 3132; second robotic arm assembly 32; truss 33; slide rail 331; shelf 34; input roller conveyor device 40; roller conveyor assembly 41; reversing assembly 42; push rod mechanism 43; output roller conveyor device 50. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual images. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" or similar designation indicating a connection between components should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system for box-type materials. The disinfection system is used to disinfect the box, which can be configured as a rectangular box or a box structure of other shapes. The low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system includes a shielding device 10, an irradiation device 20, a robotic arm device 30, an input roller conveyor device 40, and an output roller conveyor device 50.

[0033] The shielding device 10 includes a disinfection space 11, an input space 12 extending outwards from the disinfection space 11 in a curved manner, and an output space 13. The input space 12 and output space 13 are curved relative to the disinfection space 11 to form a maze-like channel structure. A partition, which can be a lead plate, is embedded in the wall of the disinfection space 11. Preferably, the cross-sectional dimension of the disinfection space 11 is larger than that of the input space 12, and the cross-sectional dimension of the disinfection space 11 is larger than that of the output space 13. Preferably, the input space 12 has at least one curved channel located on the back side of the disinfection space 11. The curved channel forms a curved maze-like channel structure, which can prevent the disinfection rays of the electron beam from being reflected and output along the channel, thus avoiding impact on the health of external personnel. The partition embedded in the wall of the disinfection space 11 blocks the leakage path of the electron beam, preventing radiation contamination.

[0034] The input roller conveyor 40 extends along the input space 12 and into the disinfection space 11, where it transports the container into the disinfection space 11 from the outside. The output roller conveyor 50 extends along the output space 13 and from the disinfection space 11, where the disinfected container is output and transferred.

[0035] The irradiation device 20 and the robotic arm device 30 are located within the disinfection space 11. The irradiation device 20 outputs an electron beam with disinfection function, forming a radiation area in the output direction of the electron beam. The energy of the output electron beam of the irradiation device 20 is adjustable. Preferably, the electron beam energy output by the electron beam emitter 21 is less than or equal to 300 keV. An electron beam energy of less than or equal to 300 keV is used for surface disinfection of the enclosure without penetrating into the enclosure, thus avoiding radiation impact on objects inside the enclosure. Examples of suitable electron beam energies include 200 keV, 250 keV, 260 keV, 280 keV, and 300 keV.

[0036] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the robotic arm device 30 includes a first robotic arm assembly 31 and a second robotic arm assembly 32. The first and second robotic arm assemblies 31 and 32 are arranged opposite each other and grip the container at different angles, thereby orienting different faces of the container toward the irradiation device 20 to perform disinfection operations. Specifically, the first robotic arm assembly 31 grips the container and rotates it circumferentially around a first axis, while the second robotic arm assembly 32 grips the container and rotates it circumferentially around a second axis, wherein the first and second axes intersect. The container is designed as a rectangular structure. The first robotic arm assembly 31 grips two opposite planes of the container and rotates them, rotating all four planes in turn to disinfect them sequentially. Then, the second robotic arm assembly 32 grips the two surfaces of the container that have been disinfected and rotates them to complete the disinfection process on the remaining two surfaces.

[0037] The input roller conveyor 40 is located within the working range of the first robotic arm group 31, and the output roller conveyor 50 is located within the working range of the second robotic arm group 32. An active space is formed between the output roller conveyor 50 and the input roller conveyor 40. Either the first robotic arm group 31 or the second robotic arm group 32 grasps the container and moves it within this active space. The first robotic arm group 31 and the second robotic arm group 32 alternately drive the container to rotate, allowing the irradiation equipment 20 to disinfect different surfaces of the container one by one. Furthermore, this disinfection is limited to the surface of the container, ensuring comprehensive disinfection with a controllable disinfection range. The input roller conveyor 40 and the output roller conveyor 50 are spaced apart, with an active space between them, facilitating the movement and motion of the container. This allows for the disinfection of containers of different sizes and specifications, expanding the disinfection range.

[0038] The input space 12 is provided with at least one curved maze structure to increase the barrier space section at the input port of the irradiation device 20 and increase the size of the barrier space. More preferably, the input space 12 includes an input channel 124, a transverse channel 121 curved relative to the input channel 124, a longitudinal channel 122 curved relative to the transverse channel 121, and a preparation channel 123 intersecting the longitudinal channel 122. The transverse channel 121, longitudinal channel 122, and preparation channel 123 constitute a curved channel. The transverse channel 121, longitudinal channel 122, and preparation channel 123 form an approximately U-shaped curved maze space. The input channel 124 communicates with the transverse channel 121 and is spatially offset from the disinfection space 11.

[0039] A barrier wall is formed between the input channel 124 and the disinfection space 11, and the width of the barrier wall is greater than the width of the radiation area. Lead plates or other materials with high radiation blocking rates are embedded in the barrier wall to control the main irradiation area of ​​the electron beam within the disinfection area. Preferably, the barrier wall forms one side wall of the transverse channel 121, the longitudinal channel 122, and the preparation channel 123, and the barrier wall is a retaining wall for a curved labyrinth space. Preferably, the barrier wall has a concave structure on the side facing the irradiation device 20 to reflect the electron beam in the irradiation direction. For example, the side wall of the barrier wall is set as a concave arc shape, or the side wall of the barrier wall is set as a concave multi-segment plane, with multiple planes forming an arc or V-shape.

[0040] An input roller conveyor 40 is laid along the input space 12 to transport the boxes to be disinfected. The input roller conveyor 40 is composed of multiple roller conveyor assemblies 41. A reversing assembly 42 is provided at the intersection of two roller conveyor assemblies 41 to realize the reversing action of transporting the boxes along roller conveyor assemblies 41 in different directions. Optionally, the roller conveyor assembly 41 includes a roller conveyor frame, multiple parallel rollers installed on the roller conveyor frame, and a linkage mechanism for driving the parallel rollers to rotate. The linkage mechanism can be configured as belt linkage, gear linkage, or chain linkage, etc. The reversing assembly 42 includes a lifting frame and multiple reversing wheels installed on the lifting frame. The multiple reversing wheels are distributed at intervals between the parallel rollers. At least one reversing wheel is configured as a drive wheel to drive the box to change direction and enter another roller conveyor assembly 41.

[0041] More preferably, a push rod mechanism 43 is installed at one end of the roller conveyor assembly 41 located in the preparation channel 123. The push rod mechanism 43 pushes the box on the roller conveyor assembly 41 to move towards the first robotic arm group 31, so as to facilitate the first robotic arm group 31 to grasp. The push rod mechanism 43 can be configured as a cylinder mechanism or a linkage mechanism to perform linear reciprocating movement.

[0042] The robotic arm device 30 includes a truss 33, with a first robotic arm assembly 31 and a second robotic arm assembly 32 slidably mounted on the truss 33. The first robotic arm assembly 31 moves between the activity space and the input roller conveyor 40, while the second robotic arm assembly 32 moves between the activity space and the output roller conveyor 50. The truss 33 is a frame structure made of tubular material, and a slide rail 331 is mounted on the truss 33 for sliding connection between the first robotic arm assembly 31 and the second robotic arm assembly 32. A preparation channel 123 is located at one end of the truss 33, and a roller conveyor assembly 41 within the preparation channel 123 extends below the first robotic arm assembly 31. The first robotic arm assembly 31 grasps a box on the roller conveyor assembly 41 and moves the box to the front of the irradiation equipment 20. The first robotic arm assembly 31 drives the box to move up and down and rotate around a first axis to perform surface disinfection on the four sides of the box on the first axis. After the first robotic arm group 31 completes its process, the second robotic arm group 32 clamps the box and rotates it to disinfect the remaining surface of the box.

[0043] Optionally, the first robotic arm group 31 and the second robotic arm group 32 have the same structure. The first robotic arm group 31 is used as an example for illustration.

[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the first robotic arm assembly 31 includes a horizontal drive member 311 sliding on a truss 33, a lifting assembly 312 mounted on the horizontal drive member 311, and a clamping assembly 313 rotatably mounted on the lifting assembly 312. A slide rail 331 is mounted on the top of the truss 33, and the horizontal drive member 311 moves along the slide rail 331 to drive the first robotic arm assembly 31 to switch between the preparation channel 123 and the disinfection space 11. The lifting assembly 312 drives the clamping assembly 313 to move up and down to accommodate boxes of different sizes. Simultaneously, the lifting assembly 312 drives the clamping assembly 313 to move up and down. This also ensures that the center of the irradiation device 20 is substantially consistent with the center of the irradiation device 20, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of disinfection.

[0045] The clamping assembly 313 rotates relative to the lifting assembly 312. The clamping assembly 313 includes two opposing clamping arms 3131 and a clamping seat 3132 located at the end of each clamping arm 3131. The clamping seat 3132 rotates relative to the clamping arms 3131. The two clamping arms 3131 are movable relative to each other to clamp or release the box, thus adapting to box structures of different sizes. The clamping seat 3132 is located at the end of the clamping arms 3131 to clamp and fix the box. Preferably, the clamping seat 3132 is provided with a disc-shaped clamping plate and a clamping motor that drives the clamping plate to rotate. The clamping motor drives the clamping plate to rotate, thereby causing the box to rotate with the clamping plate. Preferably, the clamping plate is made of rubber, nylon, or a rigid component with an elastic layer composite structure. Preferably, the clamping plate has a large area to increase the clamping area and reduce the pressure on the clamping surface of the box.

[0046] The first robotic arm assembly 31 and the second robotic arm assembly 32 can switch their gripping of the box directly or via a transfer mechanism. Furthermore, the robotic arm device 30 also includes a shelf 34 located in the disinfection space 11, between the initial positions of the first robotic arm assembly 31 and the second robotic arm assembly 32. The shelf 34 is used to temporarily store the box that has been disinfected by the first robotic arm assembly 31. The second robotic arm assembly 32 then removes the box from the shelf 34 to perform disinfection on the remaining surfaces.

[0047] The irradiation device 20 includes an electron beam emitter 21 and a driver 22 for rotating the electron beam emitter 21. The electron beam emitter 21 has a radiating end 211, which can be elongated or circular. When the radiating end 211 is elongated, its length direction is parallel to the length direction of the moving space. The length direction of the moving space is the relative movement direction of the first robotic arm group 31 and the second robotic arm group 32.

[0048] Furthermore, the driver 22 drives the electron beam emitter 21 to adjust the emission angle of the radiating end 211. The emission angle of the radiating end 211 is adjustable to adapt to different product disinfection angles and disinfection ranges. Preferably, the emission angle of the radiating end 211 is between 90 degrees and 270 degrees to achieve a wide-area disinfection. When the radiating end 211 is at 270 degrees, it faces the ground, which prevents electron beam radiation.

[0049] In one embodiment, the low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system further includes a 3D vision detection device installed at the front end of the input roller conveyor 40. The 3D vision detection device detects the dimensional parameters of each surface of the container. The first robotic arm group 31 and the second robotic arm group 32 adjust their rotation angle and height based on these dimensional parameters. The 3D vision detection device can detect the dimensional parameters of the container to be disinfected and transmit these parameters to the control system. The control system controls the operation of the first robotic arm group 31 and the second robotic arm group 32 based on the dimensional parameters to correspondingly grasp the container at the appropriate position and angle, thereby achieving centered disinfection of the container and precise positioning of the grasping position.

[0050] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0051] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system for box-type materials, characterized in that, The low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system includes: The shielding device is provided with a disinfection space, an input space and an output space that extend outward from the disinfection space, and the walls of the disinfection space are fitted with partitions. The irradiation equipment and the robotic arm device are located in the disinfection space. The irradiation equipment is provided with a radiation area. The robotic arm device includes a first robotic arm group and a second robotic arm group. The first robotic arm group is used to grasp the box and rotate it around a first axis. The second robotic arm group is used to grasp the box and rotate it around a second axis. The first axis and the second axis intersect. An input roller conveyor extending along the input space, the input roller conveyor extending into the disinfection space and located within the range of motion of the first robotic arm assembly; An output roller conveyor device extends along the output space, the output roller conveyor device extends from the disinfection space and is located within the range of motion of the second robotic arm group, and an active space is formed between the output roller conveyor device and the input roller conveyor device, and the first robotic arm group or the second robotic arm group moves the gripping box within the active space. The irradiation device includes an electron beam emitter and a driver for driving the electron beam emitter to rotate. The electron beam emitter is provided with a radiating end, and the driver drives the electron beam emitter to adjust the emission angle of the radiating end. The electron beam emitted by the electron beam emitter has an energy of less than or equal to 300 keV, so as to disinfect the surface of the box and avoid radiation impact on the objects inside the box. The input space is provided with at least one curved channel located on the back side of the disinfection space. The input space includes an input channel, a transverse channel curved relative to the input channel, a longitudinal channel curved relative to the transverse channel, and a preparation channel intersecting the longitudinal channel. The transverse channel, the longitudinal channel, and the preparation channel constitute the curved channel. A barrier wall is formed between the input channel and the disinfection space. The width of the barrier wall is greater than the width of the radiation area. The barrier wall has an oblique concave structure on the side facing the irradiation equipment to reflect the electron beam to the irradiation direction.

2. The low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length direction of the radiating end is parallel to the length direction of the active space.

3. The low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm device includes a frame, and a first robotic arm group and a second robotic arm group are slidably mounted on the frame. The first robotic arm group moves between the activity space and the input roller conveyor, and the second robotic arm group moves between the activity space and the output roller conveyor.

4. The low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first robotic arm assembly includes a horizontal drive component that slides on the truss, a lifting assembly mounted on the horizontal drive component, and a clamping assembly that is rotatably mounted on the lifting assembly. The clamping assembly rotates relative to the lifting assembly. The clamping assembly includes two opposing clamping arms and a clamping seat located at the end of the clamping arms. The clamping seat rotates relative to the clamping arms.

5. The low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The robotic arm device also includes a shelf located in the disinfection space, which is situated between the initial positions of the first robotic arm assembly and the second robotic arm assembly.

6. The low-energy electron beam surface disinfection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a visual 3D inspection device installed at the front end of the input roller conveyor. The visual 3D inspection device is used to detect the dimensional parameters of each side of the box. The first robotic arm group and the second robotic arm group adjust the rotation angle and height based on the dimensional parameters.

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