An apparatus for transferring radioactive material

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of radioactive material transportation technology, and more particularly to a device for transferring radioactive materials, comprising: a frame, casters at the bottom of the frame, a first guide rail at the top of the frame, and a first slider sliding on the first guide rail; a shielding cover connected to the first slider; a lifting mechanism disposed on the frame, a shielding device placed on the lifting mechanism, the shielding cover covering the shielding device, and the shielding device holding the radioactive material; and a control system installed inside the frame, the control system being used to regulate the lifting mechanism. This invention provides a device for transferring radioactive materials, solving the technical problem of high cost in existing radioactive material transfer facilities, improving the transfer efficiency and safety of radioactive materials, and reducing the risk of radioactive contamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radioactive material transportation technology, and more particularly to a device for transferring radioactive materials. Background Technology

[0002] The production process of radioactive isotopes typically involves multiple process steps carried out within a shielded enclosure, particularly within an isolator (also known as a hot chamber) that shields against ionizing radiation, providing a safe space for handling radioactive materials. These steps involve the feeding of radioactive materials and the removal of solid radioactive waste (e.g., vials, disposable kits, vials, and process waste) and liquid radioactive waste generated during the process from the shielded enclosure.

[0003] Typically, when radioactive materials are moved into the hot chamber or waste is transferred from the hot chamber, a dedicated shielding material transfer hot chamber is set up next to the radiation shielding process hot chamber. Material handling is done through a hatch between the transfer hot chamber and the process operation hot chamber. Using gloves or robotic arms on the transfer hot chamber, raw materials are removed from the shielding container and transferred through the hatch to the process operation hot chamber, or waste is transferred from the process hot chamber to the shielding material transfer hot chamber, loaded into a shielding container, and then removed from the production line. This method completes the transfer of radioactive materials or radioactive waste.

[0004] Traditional methods of transferring radioactive materials and waste into and out of process hot chambers require dedicated transfer hot chambers. The complexity of these transfer hot chamber systems leads to high production line construction costs. Furthermore, if multiple other hot chambers are located between the hot chamber for transferring materials or the transfer hot chamber for transferring waste, the materials must be traversed through each of these intermediate hot chambers, making the process cumbersome and increasing the risks associated with the transfer.

[0005] Furthermore, during the handling of raw materials and radioactive waste, radioactive materials and waste are simultaneously located within the transfer hot chamber space along with the shielding container. Radioactive aerosols within the hot chamber can contaminate the surface of the shielding container. If radioactive contamination exists on the surface of the shielding container during its transport from the production line to the transfer hot chamber, it can lead to an accident involving radioactive aerosol contamination of the external environment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention provides a device for transferring radioactive materials, which solves the technical problem of high cost in existing radioactive material transfer devices, improves the transfer efficiency and safety of radioactive materials, and reduces the risk of radioactive contamination.

[0007] This invention provides an apparatus for transferring radioactive materials, comprising: The frame has casters at the bottom and a first guide rail at the top, with a first slider sliding on the first guide rail. A shielding cover connected to the first slider; A lifting mechanism is provided on the vehicle frame, a shield is placed on the lifting mechanism, a shielding cover is used to cover the shield, and the shield is used to hold radioactive materials. A control system installed inside the vehicle frame is used to regulate the lifting mechanism.

[0008] A further improvement of the device for transferring radioactive materials according to the present invention is that a first placement plate is connected to the top of the first slider, a shielding cover is installed on the first placement plate, a first motor is installed on the first placement plate, the first motor has a rotatable gear, a rack is provided on the top of the frame, the gear is meshed with the rack, and the shielding cover and the first motor are connected by grippers.

[0009] A further improvement of the device for transferring radioactive materials according to the present invention is that the lifting mechanism comprises: The second guide rail is mounted on the vehicle frame; A second slider is slidably mounted on the second guide rail, and a lifting base plate is installed on the top of the second slider; Four lifting guide rods are erected on top of the lifting base plate; A height-adjustable lifting top plate is connected to the four lifting guide rods, and the shield is placed on the lifting top plate.

[0010] A further improvement of the device for transferring radioactive materials of the present invention is that a lifting link is provided between two adjacent lifting guide rods, and the extending direction of the lifting link is parallel to the extending direction of the first guide rail. A rotatable lifting screw is provided between the lifting base plate and the lifting connecting rod. The lifting top plate is provided with a threaded hole corresponding to the position of the lifting screw. The lifting top plate is screwed to the lifting screw through the threaded hole.

[0011] A further improvement of the device for transferring radioactive materials according to the present invention is that a lifting motor is installed on the top of the lifting base plate, the lifting motor has a rotating shaft, a lifting gear is provided on the rotating shaft, and a lifting screw forms a gear segment corresponding to the position of the lifting gear, and the lifting gear is meshed with the gear segment.

[0012] A further improvement of the device for transferring radioactive materials according to the present invention is that a shielding mounting plate is provided on the lifting top plate, a rotating chassis is rotatably provided on the top of the shielding mounting plate, a shielding motor is provided on the lifting top plate, the shielding motor is driven and connected to the rotating chassis, and the shield is installed on the rotating chassis.

[0013] A further improvement of the device for transferring radioactive materials according to the present invention is that the shielding device has an outer shielding barrel, the outer shielding barrel is provided with shielding ear plates, a shielding protrusion is provided at the center of the bottom of the outer shielding barrel, a plurality of shielding limiting blocks are provided at the bottom edge of the outer shielding barrel, a first slot is provided on the rotating base corresponding to the shielding protrusion, and a second slot is provided on the rotating base corresponding to the shielding limiting blocks. The shielding protrusion is engaged in the first slot, and the shielding limiting blocks are engaged in the second slot.

[0014] A further improvement of the device for transferring radioactive materials of the present invention is that a buffer limiting block is provided on the top of the lifting base plate; The frame is provided with a frame limiting plate, the buffer limiting block corresponds to the frame limiting plate, the lifting base plate is provided with a limiting groove corresponding to the position of the frame limiting plate, and a buffer spring is provided between the frame limiting plate and the buffer limiting block.

[0015] A further improvement of the device for transferring radioactive materials of the present invention is that one end of the lifting base plate protrudes outward to form a protruding section, a limiting cam is provided at the bottom of the protruding section, a frame bottom rail is provided at the bottom of the frame, and the limiting cam is located on the frame bottom rail.

[0016] A further improvement of the device for transferring radioactive materials of the present invention is that a steering wheel is provided at the bottom of the frame and a push rod is provided at the end of the frame.

[0017] This invention discloses a device for transferring radioactive materials. Casters enable the movement of the vehicle frame, facilitating its transport to a shielded room. A lifting mechanism allows for precise adjustment of the shield's position. Adjusting the position of the shielding cover ensures it is properly positioned over the shield, thereby enhancing the shielding effect on the radioactive materials and ensuring their stability and safety during transfer. The control system monitors and adjusts the lifting mechanism's movements in real time, maintaining high efficiency in various environments.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device for transferring radioactive materials provided by the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a device for transferring radioactive materials provided by the present invention. Figure 2 The frame cover plate is omitted.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a device for transferring radioactive materials provided by the present invention. Figure 3 The frame cover plate is omitted.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a device for transferring radioactive materials provided by the present invention. Figure 4 The frame cover plate is omitted.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a lifting mechanism and a shielding device in an apparatus for transferring radioactive materials provided by the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a shield in a device for transferring radioactive materials provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle frame in a device for transferring radioactive materials provided by the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the device for transferring radioactive materials provided by the present invention.

[0028] Figure label: 11. Frame; 12. Push rod; 13. First guide rail; 14. First slider; 15. Frame bottom rail; 16. Caster; 17. Frame cover plate; 18. Frame limiting plate; 19. Steering wheel; 2. Control panel; 31. First motor; 32. Rack; 33. Gear; 34. Gripper; 35. First placement plate; 36. Shielding cover; 4. Shielding device; 41. Shielding outer barrel; 42. Shielding ear plate; 43. Shielding protrusion; 44. Shielding limiting block; 5. Lifting device Mechanism; 501, Lifting base plate; 502, Limiting cam; 503, Second guide rail; 504, Second slider; 505, Lifting top plate; 506, Lifting guide rod; 507, Lifting connecting rod; 508, Lifting lead screw; 511, Lifting motor; 512, Gear section; 513, Lifting gear; 514, Buffer spring; 521, Shielded motor; 522, Shielded mounting plate; 6, Control system; 7, Shielded room; 71, Panel; 72, Indoor track. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this invention but should not be used to limit the scope of this invention.

[0030] The following is combined Figures 1 to 8 The present invention describes an apparatus for transferring radioactive materials, comprising: The frame 11 has casters 16 at its bottom and a first guide rail 13 at its top, with a first slider 14 sliding on the first guide rail 13. The shielding cover 36 is connected to the first slider 14; The lifting mechanism 5 is installed on the vehicle frame 11, the shield 4 is placed on the lifting mechanism 5, the shield cover 36 is used to cover the shield 4, and the shield 4 is used to hold radioactive materials. The control system 6 is installed inside the frame 11 and is used to regulate the lifting mechanism 5.

[0031] The frame 11 is moved by casters 16, facilitating its movement to the shielding room 7. The lifting mechanism 5 allows for precise adjustment of the shielding device 4. Adjusting the position of the shielding cover 36 to cover the shielding device 4 further enhances the shielding effect on radioactive materials, ensuring their stability and safety during transfer. The control system 6 monitors and adjusts the lifting mechanism 5 in real time, maintaining efficient operation in various environments.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the top of the first slider 14 is connected to a first placement plate 35, the shielding cover 36 is installed on the first placement plate 35, the first placement plate 35 is equipped with a first motor 31, the first motor 31 has a rotatable gear 33, the top of the frame 11 is provided with a rack 32, the gear 33 is meshed with the rack 32, and the shielding cover 36 and the first motor 31 are connected by a gripper 34.

[0033] Preferably, when the first motor 31 starts, the gear 33 moves horizontally along the rack 32, thereby driving the first placement plate 35 and the shielding cover 36 to slide on the first guide rail 13. This ensures that the movement of the shielding cover 36 is more stable and precise, avoiding errors or safety hazards that may be caused by manual operation.

[0034] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the lifting mechanism 5 includes: a second guide rail 503 mounted on the vehicle frame 11; a second slider 504 slidably disposed on the second guide rail 503, with a lifting base plate 501 mounted on the top of the second slider 504; four lifting guide rods 506 erected on the top of the lifting base plate 501; and a lifting top plate 505 height-adjustably connected to the four lifting guide rods 506, with the shield 4 placed on the lifting top plate 505.

[0035] Preferably, the second slider 504 moves along the second guide rail 503 to counteract the longitudinal force on the lifting mechanism 5 and the shield 4, thereby ensuring that the lifting mechanism 5 has higher stability and reliability during operation.

[0036] Preferably, the height of the shield 4 is changed by moving the top plate 505 along the four lifting guide rods 506, thereby facilitating the tight covering of the shield 4 with the shielding cover 36 and improving the shielding effect on radioactive materials.

[0037] Specifically, a lifting link 507 is provided between two adjacent lifting guide rods 506, and the extension direction of the lifting link 507 is parallel to the extension direction of the first guide rail 13. A rotatable lifting screw 508 is provided between the lifting base plate 501 and the lifting connecting rod 507. The lifting top plate 505 is provided with a threaded hole corresponding to the position of the lifting screw 508. The lifting top plate 505 is screwed to the lifting screw 508 through the threaded hole.

[0038] Specifically, a lifting motor 511 is installed on the top of the lifting base plate 501. The lifting motor 511 has a rotating shaft, and a lifting gear 513 is provided on the rotating shaft. The lifting screw 508 forms a gear segment 512 corresponding to the position of the lifting gear 513, and the lifting gear 513 is meshed with the gear segment 512.

[0039] Preferably, when the lifting motor 511 starts, the lifting gear 513 drives the lifting screw 508 to rotate through meshing with the gear segment 512, thereby causing the lifting top plate 505 to rise or fall smoothly along the lifting guide rod 506, improving the accuracy of the height adjustment of the lifting top and reducing the displacement deviation of the lifting top caused by external vibration or load changes.

[0040] Furthermore, a shielding mounting plate 522 is provided on the lifting top plate 505, and a rotating chassis is rotatably provided on the top of the shielding mounting plate 522. A shielding motor 521 is provided on the lifting top plate 505, and the shielding motor 521 is driven and connected to the rotating chassis. The shielder 4 is installed on the rotating chassis.

[0041] Preferably, through the precise control of the shielded motor 521, the rotating chassis can achieve multi-angle rotation, thereby facilitating the placement of the shielded outer barrel 41 on the rotating chassis.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the shield 4 has an outer shielding barrel 41, and a shielding ear plate 42 is provided on the outside of the outer shielding barrel 41. A shielding protrusion 43 is provided at the center of the bottom of the outer shielding barrel 41, and a plurality of shielding limiting blocks 44 are provided at the bottom edge of the outer shielding barrel 41. A first slot is provided on the rotating base corresponding to the shielding protrusion 43, and a second slot is provided on the rotating base corresponding to the shielding limiting block 44. The shielding protrusion 43 is engaged in the first slot, and the shielding limiting block 44 is engaged in the second slot.

[0043] Preferably, the shielding cover 36 is disposed on the outer shielding barrel 41.

[0044] Preferably, the outer shielding barrel 41 is securely connected via the shielding protrusion 43 and the first and second slots, respectively, and the shielding limiting block 44 engages with the second slot, facilitating disassembly and maintenance. The shielding ear plate 42 facilitates manual handling of the outer shielding barrel 41. The shielding motor 521, through precise drive control, allows the rotating chassis to adjust its angle as needed, thereby changing the position and orientation of the shielding device 4 to adapt to different operational requirements.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a buffer limit block is provided on the top of the lifting base plate 501; The frame 11 is provided with a frame limiting plate 18, the buffer limiting block corresponds to the frame limiting plate 18, the lifting base plate 501 is provided with a limiting groove corresponding to the position of the frame limiting plate 18, and a buffer spring 514 is provided between the frame limiting plate 18 and the buffer limiting block.

[0046] Preferably, the lateral force of the lifting mechanism 5 is counteracted by the extension and retraction of the buffer spring 514, thereby improving the positional stability of the lifting mechanism 5 and the shield 4.

[0047] Furthermore, one end of the lifting base plate 501 protrudes outward to form a protruding section, and a limiting cam 502 is provided at the bottom of the protruding section. A frame bottom rail 15 is provided at the bottom of the frame 11, and the limiting cam 502 is located on the frame bottom rail 15.

[0048] Preferably, the limiting cam 502 and the chassis bottom rail 15 can effectively limit the range of movement of the lifting platform 501, preventing it from shifting or shaking during operation.

[0049] Better, such as Figure 8 As shown, the shielded room 7 is equipped with an openable and closable panel 71, and an indoor track 72 is provided at the bottom of the shielded room 7. The indoor track 72 matches the chassis bottom track 15. When the chassis 11 enters the shielded room 7, the chassis bottom track 15 is located between the indoor tracks 72, which facilitates the positioning and stability of the chassis 11 and ensures that no accidental displacement will occur during the transfer of radioactive materials.

[0050] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the bottom of the frame 11 is equipped with steering wheels 19, and the end of the frame 11 is equipped with a push rod 12. The steering wheels 19 allow adjustment of the movement direction of the frame 11, facilitating its entry into the shielded room 7. The steering wheels 19 are also equipped with a locking device to fix the position of the frame 11 when needed, further enhancing the safety and stability of the equipment during operation. Operators can push the frame 11 using the push rod 12, allowing the equipment to move flexibly between different working areas.

[0051] Preferably, a control panel 2 is provided at the end of the frame 11. The control panel 2 is connected to the control system 6. The first motor 31, the lifting motor 511 and the shielded motor 521 can be freely adjusted through the control panel 2, which can improve the adjustment efficiency of the frame 11.

[0052] Preferably, a detection component is provided on the frame 11. The detection component is used to detect the moving speed of the frame 11, the moving direction of the frame 11, the moving speed of the shielding cover 36, and the covering status of the shielding cover 36 and the shielding device 4. The detection component is connected to the control system 6, and the control screen 2 can display the detection results of the detection component, so as to facilitate the operator to flexibly adjust the status of the equipment according to the detection results and improve the accuracy of the equipment entering the shielding chamber 7.

[0053] Preferably, the frame 11 is provided with a frame cover 17, which has openings on the side and top of the shield 4 to facilitate the placement of the shield 4 onto the rotating chassis.

[0054] In one specific implementation case, the steering wheel 19 and caster 16 are moved by the control system 6, and the direction of the moving speed of the frame 11 is adjusted by the control panel 2, so that the frame 11 can smoothly enter the shielded room 7. Once the detection component is in the designated position inside the shielded chamber 7, panel 71 closes the shielded chamber 7; When the lifting motor 511 starts, the lifting gear 513 drives the lifting screw 508 to rotate through meshing with the gear segment 512, thereby causing the lifting top plate 505 to descend smoothly along the lifting guide rod 506, so that the shield 4 and the shield cover 36 are separated. When the first motor 31 starts, the gear 33 moves horizontally along the rack 32, thereby driving the first placement plate 35 and the shielding cover 36 to slide on the first guide rail 13, thereby causing the shielding cover 36 and the shielder 4 to be misaligned. The gripper 34 inside the shielding chamber 7 removes the radioactive material from the shielding device 4, and the shielding motor 521 controls the rotating chassis to rotate, thus facilitating the smooth removal of the radioactive material. When the radioactive material is removed, the first motor 31 is started, and the gear 33 moves horizontally along the rack 32, thereby driving the first placement plate 35 and the shielding cover 36 to slide on the first guide rail 13, so that the shielding cover 36 and the shielding device 4 are in the corresponding positions; at the same time, the lifting motor 511 is started, and the lifting gear 513 drives the lifting screw 508 to rotate through meshing with the gear segment 512, so that the lifting top plate 505 rises smoothly along the lifting guide rod 506, so that the shielding device 4 and the shielding cover 36 fit tightly together; Panel 71 opens the shielded room 7, and control system 6 controls the vehicle frame 11 to move out of the shielded room 7, so as to facilitate the next operation of retrieving radioactive materials.

[0055] The device for transferring radioactive materials according to the present invention adopts a frame 11 as a transfer trolley, which can not only effectively reduce the construction cost of the production line, but also simplify the maintenance process of the production line and control the operating cost. At the same time, the device can reduce the difficulty of material transfer, reduce the risks in the material transfer process, and eliminate the hidden danger of radioactive aerosol pollution, thus ensuring high operational safety.

[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for transferring radioactive material, characterized by, include: The frame has casters at the bottom and a first guide rail at the top, with a first slider sliding on the first guide rail. A shielding cover connected to the first slider; A lifting mechanism is provided on the vehicle frame, a shield is placed on the lifting mechanism, a shielding cover is used to cover the shield, and the shield is used to hold radioactive materials. A control system installed inside the vehicle frame is used to regulate the lifting mechanism.

2. An apparatus for transferring radioactive material as defined in claim 1, wherein, The top of the first slider is connected to a first placement plate, the shielding cover is installed on the first placement plate, the first placement plate is equipped with a first motor, the first motor has a rotatable gear, the top of the frame is provided with a rack, the gear is meshed with the rack, and the shielding cover and the first motor are connected by a gripper.

3. An apparatus for transferring radioactive material as defined in claim 1, wherein, The lifting mechanism includes: The second guide rail is mounted on the vehicle frame; A second slider is slidably mounted on the second guide rail, and a lifting base plate is installed on the top of the second slider; Four lifting guide rods are erected on top of the lifting base plate; A height-adjustable lifting top plate is connected to the four lifting guide rods, and the shield is placed on the lifting top plate.

4. An apparatus for transferring radioactive material as defined in claim 3, wherein, A lifting link is provided between two adjacent lifting guide rods, and the extension direction of the lifting link is parallel to the extension direction of the first guide rail. A rotatable lifting screw is provided between the lifting base plate and the lifting connecting rod. The lifting top plate is provided with a threaded hole corresponding to the position of the lifting screw. The lifting top plate is screwed to the lifting screw through the threaded hole.

5. The device for transferring radioactive materials according to claim 4, characterized in that, A lifting motor is installed on the top of the lifting base plate. The lifting motor has a rotating shaft and a lifting gear is provided on the rotating shaft. The lifting screw forms a gear segment corresponding to the position of the lifting gear, and the lifting gear is meshed with the gear segment.

6. The device for transferring radioactive materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, A shielding mounting plate is provided on the lifting top plate, and a rotating chassis is rotatably mounted on the top of the shielding mounting plate. A shielding motor is provided on the lifting top plate, and the shielding motor is driven and connected to the rotating chassis. The shield is installed on the rotating chassis.

7. The device for transferring radioactive materials according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shield has an outer shielding barrel, and shielding ear plates are provided on the outside of the outer shielding barrel. A shielding protrusion is provided at the center of the bottom of the outer shielding barrel, and a plurality of shielding limiting blocks are provided at the bottom edge of the outer shielding barrel. A first slot is provided on the rotating base corresponding to the shielding protrusion, and a second slot is provided on the rotating base corresponding to the shielding limiting blocks. The shielding protrusion is engaged in the first slot, and the shielding limiting blocks are engaged in the second slot.

8. The device for transferring radioactive materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, A buffer limit block is provided at the top of the lifting base plate; The frame is provided with a frame limiting plate, the buffer limiting block corresponds to the frame limiting plate, the lifting base plate is provided with a limiting groove corresponding to the position of the frame limiting plate, and a buffer spring is provided between the frame limiting plate and the buffer limiting block.

9. The device for transferring radioactive materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the lifting base plate protrudes outward to form a protruding section. A limiting cam is provided at the bottom of the protruding section. A frame bottom rail is provided at the bottom of the frame, and the limiting cam is located on the frame bottom rail.

10. The apparatus for transferring radioactive materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the frame is equipped with a steering wheel, and the end of the frame is equipped with a push rod.

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