A continuous automatic loading device for radioactive particle magazines

Abstract

This utility model discloses a continuous automatic loading device for radioactive particle magazines, including a particle vibration sorting component, a magazine fixing device, and a base plate. The particle vibration sorting component has a continuous conveying track, and vibration causes radioactive particles to move forward sequentially within the conveying track. The particle magazine is installed within the magazine fixing device, and particles are sequentially loaded into the particle magazine. The outlet of the particle vibration sorting component and the particle inlet of the particle magazine are aligned in a straight line. The particle magazine is located at the outlet end of the particle vibration sorting component, and the lowest point of the particles output from the outlet of the particle vibration sorting component is not lower than the upper surface of the particle magazine. Beneficial effects: This utility model neatly arranges randomly distributed radioactive particles within a continuous conveying track, and they move forward sequentially until they reach the inlet of the particle magazine. Under the action of gravity, the particles fall continuously into the particle magazine, improving the particle loading efficiency and reducing the labor intensity and radiation risk for operators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a medical radiotherapy device, specifically a continuous automatic loading device for radioactive particle magazines, belonging to the field of medical radioactive particle application technology. Background Technology

[0002] Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a treatment method that uses ionizing radiation as a means of treatment, primarily for cancer. Its principle lies in using a large amount of radiation energy to destroy the chromosomes of cells, preventing cell division and growth, thereby eliminating rapidly dividing and growing cancer cells. Although radiation therapy is very effective in treating cancer, it also causes some side effects, mainly due to the effects of radiation on normal tissues in the treated area.

[0003] With advancements in medical technology, a new treatment technique has emerged that can reduce the impact of radiation on normal tissue in the treatment area. This technique involves implanting radioactive particles into tumor tissue for brachytherapy, and by carefully calculating the radiation dose and the decay period of the radionuclide, the side effects of radiotherapy can be effectively controlled while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.

[0004] Radioactive particles used in brachytherapy are miniature radioactive sources containing radioactive nuclides, commonly including 125I, 103Pd, and 131Cs. Each radioactive particle consists of a core and a casing. The core is typically a microsphere or short rod containing the radioactive nuclide, while the casing is usually a biocompatible medical titanium tube (with a wall thickness of approximately 0.05 mm) sealed at both ends. The radioactive particles are sealed without pores, have smooth, rounded ends, and are free of burrs or unevenness. Their dimensions are mostly 0.8±0.03 mm in diameter and 4.5±0.2 mm in length, but sizes such as 0.6±0.03 mm in diameter and 4.5±0.2 mm in length, or other sizes, are also available.

[0005] The main methods of using radioactive particles are extracorporeal minimally invasive puncture implantation and intraoperative placement. For extracorporeal minimally invasive puncture implantation, the number and location of radioactive particles are first determined using a treatment planning system and imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound. Then, a puncture needle is inserted into the predetermined location, and the radioactive particles are implanted one by one into the body using a radioactive particle implantation gun and magazine. Therefore, before extracorporeal minimally invasive puncture implantation, the radioactive particles need to be loaded into the magazine. The radioactive particle magazine mainly consists of a particle chamber assembly, a push rod assembly, and a shielding shell assembly. The radioactive particles are arranged horizontally in the particle chamber assembly. The movable push rod of the push rod assembly is inserted into the particle chamber assembly and presses against the radioactive particles. The push rod assembly is fixed to the particle chamber assembly by threads. The shielding shell assembly is fitted over the particle chamber assembly and fixed to the push rod assembly by threads. During use, the radioactive particle magazine with the shielding shell assembly removed is inserted into the implantation gun.

[0006] Currently, loading radioactive particle magazines is primarily done manually. Operators, wearing lead gloves and behind lead glass, first fix the particle magazine assembly to the loading bracket. Then, using tweezers, they pick up a radioactive particle from its center, insert it through the opening of the assembly, and pull it down along the channel groove to the bottom of the assembly. Next, they use tweezers to pick up another radioactive particle from its center, insert it through the opening, and pull it down along the channel groove to place it on top of the previous particle. This process is repeated until the predetermined number of radioactive particles are loaded into the assembly. After loading the predetermined number of radioactive particles, the movable push rod of the push rod assembly is inserted into the assembly and pressed onto the radioactive particles. The push rod assembly is then secured to the assembly with threads. Finally, the shielding shell assembly is fitted over the assembly and secured to the push rod assembly with threads. Radioactive particles are tiny and radioactive. The current manual method used to load radioactive particle magazines is inconvenient and inefficient. Because the shell of radioactive particles is very thin, it is easy to flatten the shell and leave dents when picking up radioactive particles with tweezers. Moreover, the operation is labor-intensive and the radiation dose received by the operators is high.

[0007] Chinese patent CN111840818A discloses a device and method for loading radioactive particle magazines. This patented solution, under the control of a control system, uses an escapement system in conjunction with a slide rail system to sequentially extract radioactive particles from a vibration system, transfer the extracted particles to an assembly platform, and load them into the particle chamber assembly of the radioactive particle magazine. However, due to the considerable depth of the radioactive particle magazine, it is impossible to achieve a neat, horizontal stacking of particles during their descent, thus affecting the success rate of loading. Furthermore, this solution employs a claw machine-style loading method, which suffers from low loading efficiency and the tendency for particles to fall out.

[0008] Chinese patent CN118903716A discloses a radioactive particle magazine loading device and its usage method, which uses a particle gun to pneumatically inject particles into a particle chamber to complete the loading, omitting the particle chamber installation step. This technical solution requires an external power source to inject particles one by one into the particle chamber. Each particle loading requires particle grabbing, pushing, and injection, and various drive modules need to cooperate to complete a complete set of conveying and loading actions. It cannot achieve continuous particle loading, the pushing mechanism is prone to squeezing particles during pushing, causing particle damage, and due to the small diameter of the first air passage, it is difficult for particles to enter the first air passage neatly, resulting in low loading efficiency. Therefore, it has the problems of low loading efficiency and complex structure. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Purpose of the invention: The purpose of this utility model is to address the problems of low particle loading efficiency, low loading success rate and complex overall structure in the existing technology, and to provide a continuous automatic loading device for radioactive particle magazines.

[0010] Technical Solution: A continuous automatic loading device for radioactive particle magazines includes a particle vibration sorting component, a magazine fixing device, and a base plate. The particle vibration sorting component is vibratoryly mounted on the base plate, and the magazine fixing device is fixedly mounted on the base plate. The particle vibration sorting component has a continuous conveying track, and the radioactive particles move forward sequentially within the conveying track through vibration. The particle magazine is detachably mounted in the magazine fixing device, and the sorted particles in the particle vibration sorting component are sequentially loaded into the particle magazine. The outlet of the particle vibration sorting component is aligned with the particle inlet of the particle magazine. The particle magazine is positioned close to but not in contact with the outlet of the particle vibration sorting component, and the lowest point of the particles output from the outlet of the particle vibration sorting component is not lower than the upper surface of the particle magazine.

[0011] This invention uses a particle vibration sorting component to neatly arrange random radioactive particles in a continuous transport track, and then move them forward in sequence until they reach the entrance of the particle magazine. Under the action of gravity, the particles fall into the particle magazine one after another.

[0012] The installation gap between the outlet end of the particle vibration sorting component and the particle magazine is slightly larger than the amplitude of the particle vibration sorting component, but less than one-quarter of the particle length.

[0013] The grabbing process has been eliminated, eliminating the need for an additional power source to drive the particles into the particle magazine; this improves the particle loading efficiency and reduces the labor intensity and radiation risk for operators.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, to achieve neat arrangement and orderly output of radioactive particles, the particle vibration sorting component includes a spiral vibrating disk, a vibration component, and a sorting track component. The spiral vibrating disk is vibratingly mounted on the base plate via the vibration component, and a spiral conveying track is provided inside the spiral vibrating disk. The sorting track component has a particle channel that allows only one particle to pass through at a time, and the sorting track component is fixedly installed at the outlet of the spiral vibrating disk. The spiral conveying track is smoothly connected to the bottom of the particle channel to form a continuous conveying track.

[0015] The problem this invention aims to solve is the automatic and orderly loading of radioactive particles into a particle magazine. Before loading begins, the radioactive particles need to be poured into a spiral vibratory feeder. The vibratory feeder is driven to vibrate by a vibration component, causing the radioactive particles to fall into the spiral conveyor track and achieve particle alignment. To solve the problem of particle stacking, a particle channel that allows only one particle to pass through is set in the sorting track component and smoothly connected to the spiral conveyor track, thereby achieving an orderly output of radioactive particles and providing input assurance for continuous automatic loading.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, to improve the continuity of radioactive particles in the spiral conveyor track, the spiral vibrating disk is inclined, with the inlet of the spiral conveyor track located at the lower point on the inclined side and the outlet of the spiral conveyor track located at the highest point on the inclined side.

[0017] The spiral vibratory feeder can also be set horizontally, and is conventionally set to horizontal.

[0018] Because the spiral vibrating disk is tilted and the entrance of the spiral conveyor track is located at the lowest point on the tilted side, radioactive particles will focus at the entrance of the spiral conveyor track, and particles will continuously enter the spiral conveyor track through vibration.

[0019] The sorting track assembly is horizontally positioned, which keeps the particles horizontally output to the particle magazine entrance, making it easier for the particles to be loaded. Furthermore, the sorting track assembly and the spiral vibratory plate can be equipped with vibration devices to improve the conveying efficiency of the sorting track assembly.

[0020] The sorting track component can tilt downwards in the direction the particles are moving, allowing them to slide down to the entrance of the particle magazine using gravity.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, in order to enable overlapping particles to enter the particle channel in an orderly manner and to accommodate particles of different sizes, the sorting track assembly includes a chute base plate and a cover plate. The cover plate is detachably installed above the chute base plate. The chute base plate is provided with a chute for sorting particles. The chute base plate and the cover plate are assembled to form a particle channel. The chute on the chute base plate is smoothly connected to the bottom of the spiral conveyor track.

[0022] Different cover plates can be used to accommodate particles of different diameters. For example, grooves and grooves on the cover plate can accommodate large-diameter particles, while protrusions and grooves on the cover plate can accommodate small-diameter particles.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, in order to enable overlapping particles to enter the particle channel one by one in an orderly manner and to rearrange the overlapping particles, the cover plate near the exit end of the spiral conveying track has a slanted end face that is narrow at the front and wide at the back, with the slanted end face facing the inside of the spiral vibrating disk. The sorting track assembly and the spiral vibrating disk form a continuously closed disc-shaped structure that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, with only the inner side of the particle channel entrance remaining open.

[0024] When the particles stack up and enter the junction of the chute and the cover plate on the bottom plate of the chute, the cover plate will prevent the particles stacked on top from entering the particle channel, so that the particles enter the particle channel in a single, horizontal, orderly and stable manner. When the particles stacked on top come into contact with the beveled end face, they will fall back into the spiral vibrating disk along the beveled end face. Since the beveled end face is a smooth transition, it will not damage the particles.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, to improve the success rate of radioactive particle loading, the top of the magazine fixing device is provided with a detachable limiting plate, and the limiting plate is provided with a limiting groove that opens toward the outlet side of the particle vibration sorting component, and the limiting groove matches the particle magazine inlet.

[0026] Matching here includes position, size, and shape. Position matching means the limiting slot is directly opposite the particle magazine inlet; size matching means the size of the limiting slot is equal to or smaller than the particle magazine inlet, or the limiting slot is a trapezoidal slot that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the bottom width is not greater than the width of the particle magazine inlet. Different particle sizes can be accommodated by replacing the limiting plates with limiting slots of different specifications.

[0027] Since the particle channel and the limiting groove are both larger than the particle diameter, the particle vibration sorting component will not damage the particles due to rigid contact when conveying them forward.

[0028] If a particle entering the limiting groove fails to fully reach the loading position, the particles behind will push the particles in front forward, causing them to enter the loading position. Therefore, under the combined action of the particle vibration sorting component and the limiting groove, radioactive particles can accurately enter the loading position above the particle magazine inlet.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, in order to confirm whether radioactive particles have entered the filling position and to count the filling, a sensing device is installed on the limiting plate, and the sensing end of the sensing device penetrates the limiting plate from the side to detect whether there are radioactive particles at the front end of the limiting groove.

[0030] The sensing end of the sensing device detects whether there are radioactive particles at the front end of the limiting groove to confirm whether the particles have completely entered the filling position. If the particles are not filled in place, the sensing end of the sensing device will not detect the presence of the particles. Only when the particles are filled to the front end of the limiting groove can the sensing device detect the particles and transmit the detection signal to complete one count.

[0031] Priority is given to preventing the radioactive particles from tilting during the loading process in the particle magazine. The particle magazine is detachably installed in the magazine fixing device with its opening facing upward. The slot of the particle magazine is equipped with a liftable particle support device. The particle support device starts a descent program according to the signal of the sensing device. After each descent program is started, the particle support device moves downward by a distance of one particle diameter.

[0032] Because the particle magazine needs to hold multiple particles, its storage slots are relatively deep. During the loading process, particles may tilt as they fall, resulting in uneven stacking. When the first particle is loaded, the particle support device is initially positioned at the highest point in the magazine. When a particle enters the loading position, the sensor detects its presence and sends a detection signal to activate the particle support device. The support device moves downwards by a distance equal to the diameter of one particle, allowing the particle to descend into the magazine. Each time the sensor detects a particle, it initiates the particle support device's descent and completes a count. When the sensor's count reaches a set value, the particle support device rises back to its initial position and restarts the count.

[0033] In order to achieve connectivity in particle loading, the particle support device includes a support plate and a lifting drive assembly. The support plate is located in the storage slot of the particle magazine, and the lifting drive assembly drives the support plate to move up and down in the storage slot of the particle magazine.

[0034] The continuous particle loading can be achieved by controlling the working parameters of the lifting drive component. After loading a batch of particles, the lifting drive component drives the support plate to descend by the diameter of one particle until the entire particle magazine is loaded. After replacing with a new empty particle magazine, the lifting drive component drives the support plate to return to the initial position.

[0035] Priority is given to the automated connection and loading of real particles, including a controller and a human-machine interface display operating system. The controller is connected to the human-machine interface display operating system, a sensing device, a particle vibration sorting component, and a lifting drive component. The human-machine interface display operating system sets control parameters for the controller, and the sensing device feeds back detection signals to the controller. The controller controls the start and stop of the particle vibration sorting component and the lifting drive component's lifting movement according to the parameters set by the human-machine interface display operating system and the detection signals fed back by the sensing device.

[0036] The human-machine interface display operating system sets the loading quantity according to the particle magazine parameters. The particle magazine is loaded into the magazine fixing device, and the particle vibration sorting component is activated. Particles enter the top of the particle magazine, and the sensing device detects the particles and feeds a signal back to the controller. The controller controls the lifting drive component to start and complete a single descent program and complete one count. The controller displays the count value on the operating terminal of the human-machine interface display operating system. The above detection, descent, and counting steps are repeated until the set particle loading quantity value is reached. The controller then shuts down the particle vibration sorting component. After the particle magazine is removed, the lifting drive component resets to its initial state. After replacing the particle magazine, the particle vibration sorting component is restarted.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, to improve operator safety, the radiation shielding housing, particle vibration sorting assembly, magazine fixing device and base plate are located inside the radiation shielding housing, while the operating terminal of the human-machine interface display operating system is located outside the radiation shielding housing. The radiation shielding shell is provided with a particle delivery port on its upper part, and the delivery port is provided with a radiation shielding cover. The radiation shielding shell includes a particle magazine replacement port for the magazine fixing device.

[0038] This invention encloses radioactive particles in a sealed space using a radiation-proof shell and a radiation-proof cover, reducing radiation leakage. At the same time, the addition of a particle magazine replacement port improves the convenience of operation and maintenance.

[0039] Beneficial effects: This invention uses a particle vibration sorting component to neatly arrange randomly distributed radioactive particles within a continuous conveying track, moving them sequentially forward until they reach the entrance of the particle magazine. Under the influence of gravity, the particles fall continuously into the magazine. This eliminates the gripping process and eliminates the need for an additional power source to drive the particles into the magazine; it improves particle loading efficiency and reduces the labor intensity and radiation risk for operators. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the particle magazine of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model after removing the radiation shielding shell; Figure 3 This is a top view of the particle loading section structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged top view of the particle loading section of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a front view of the particle loading section structure of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a partial enlarged view of the main structure of the particle loading part of this utility model; Figure 7 These are front and rear views of the particle magazine of this utility model during installation; Figure 8 A stereoscopic view of the particle loading section structure of this utility model Figure 1 ; Figure 9 A stereoscopic view of the particle loading section structure of this utility model Figure 2 ; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the particle support device of this utility model; Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the overall appearance of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, this is the particle magazine that needs to be loaded in this application. The particle magazine described in this application is the particle chamber in the background art. The upper part is the inlet, the bottom is provided with an output through hole, and the side is provided with a vertically arranged channel groove.

[0046] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, a continuous automatic loading device for radioactive particle magazines includes a particle vibration sorting component 1, a magazine fixing device 2, and a base plate 3. The particle vibration sorting component 1 is vibratingly mounted on the base plate 3, and the magazine fixing device 2 is fixedly mounted on the base plate 3. The particle vibration sorting component 1 has a continuous conveying track 11, and the radioactive particles move forward sequentially within the conveying track 11 through vibration. The particle magazine 4 is detachably mounted in the magazine fixing device 2, and the sorted particles in the particle vibration sorting component 1 are sequentially loaded into the particle magazine 4. The outlet of the particle vibration sorting component 1 and the particle inlet of the particle magazine 4 are in a straight line. The particle magazine 4 is positioned close to but not in contact with the outlet end of the particle vibration sorting component 1, and the lowest point of the particles output from the outlet of the particle vibration sorting component 1 is not lower than the upper surface of the particle magazine 4.

[0047] This utility model uses a particle vibration sorting component 1 to neatly arrange randomly distributed radioactive particles within a continuous conveying track 11, which then moves forward sequentially until it reaches the entrance of a particle magazine 4. The particles fall into the magazine 4 sequentially under gravity. The installation gap 4 between the outlet end of the particle vibration sorting component 1 and the particle magazine 4 is slightly larger than the amplitude of the particle vibration sorting component 1, but less than one-quarter of the particle length. If the gap is too large, particles may fall into the gap during transport, leading to filling failure. This application eliminates the gripping process, eliminating the need for an additional power source to drive the particles into the particle magazine 4; it improves particle filling efficiency and reduces the labor intensity and radiation risk for operators.

[0048] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 8, in order to achieve neat arrangement and orderly output of radioactive particles, the particle vibration sorting component 1 includes a spiral vibrating disk 12, a vibration component 13, and a sorting track component 14. The spiral vibrating disk 12 is vibratingly mounted on the base plate 3 via the vibration component 13. A spiral conveying track 111 is provided inside the spiral vibrating disk 12. The sorting track component 14 is provided with a particle channel 112 that allows only one particle to pass through. The sorting track component 14 is fixedly installed at the outlet of the spiral vibrating disk 12. The spiral conveying track 111 and the bottom of the particle channel 112 are smoothly connected to form a continuous conveying track 11.

[0049] The problem this invention aims to solve is to automatically and orderly load radioactive particles into the particle magazine 4. Before loading begins, the radioactive particles need to be poured into the spiral vibratory disk 12. The vibration component 13 drives the spiral vibratory disk 12 to vibrate, causing the radioactive particles to fall into the spiral conveying track 111 and achieve particle arrangement. To solve the problem of particle stacking, the sorting track component 1 is equipped with a particle channel 112 that allows only one particle to pass through at a time and is smoothly connected to the spiral conveying track 111, thereby achieving orderly output of radioactive particles and providing input assurance for continuous automatic loading.

[0050] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, in order to improve the continuity of radioactive particles in the spiral conveying track 111, the spiral vibrating disk 12 is inclined, and the outlet of the spiral conveying track 111 is located at the highest point on the inclined side.

[0051] Because the spiral vibrating disk 12 is inclined and the entrance of the spiral conveying track 111 is located at the lower point of the inclined side, radioactive particles will focus at the entrance of the spiral conveying track 111, and particles will continuously enter the spiral conveying track 111 through vibration.

[0052] The spiral vibratory plate 12 can also be set horizontally, and is conventionally set to horizontal (no diagram provided for conventional setting).

[0053] The sorting track assembly 14 is set horizontally, which can keep the particles in a horizontal state and output them to the entrance of the particle magazine 4, which is more conducive to the loading of particles; and the sorting track assembly 14 and the spiral vibrating plate 12 can be equipped with vibration devices to improve the conveying efficiency of the sorting track assembly 14.

[0054] The sorting track assembly 14 can tilt downward in the direction of particle movement, allowing the particles to slide down to the entrance of the particle magazine 4 using gravity (not shown in the parallel embodiment).

[0055] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in order to enable overlapping particles to enter the particle channel 112 in an orderly manner and to accommodate particles of different sizes, the sorting track assembly 14 includes a chute bottom plate 141 and a cover plate 142. The cover plate 142 is detachably installed above the chute bottom plate 141. The chute bottom plate 141 is provided with a chute for sorting particles. The chute bottom plate 141 and the cover plate 142 are assembled to form the particle channel 112. The chute on the chute bottom plate 141 is smoothly connected to the bottom of the spiral conveying track 111.

[0056] By replacing different cover plates 142, particles of different diameters can be accommodated. For example, grooves and sliding grooves can be provided on cover plates 142 to accommodate large-diameter particles; protrusions and sliding grooves can be provided on cover plates 142 to accommodate small-diameter particles.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, in order to enable overlapping particles to enter the particle channel 112 one by one in an orderly manner and to rearrange the overlapping particles, the cover plate 142 is close to the exit end of the spiral conveying track 111 with a beveled end face 143 that is narrow at the front and wide at the back. The beveled end face 143 faces the inside of the spiral vibrating disk 12. The sorting track assembly 14 and the spiral vibrating disk 12 form a continuously closed disc-shaped structure with a larger top and a smaller bottom, leaving only the inner side of the particle channel 112 entrance.

[0058] When the particles stack up at the junction of the chute and the cover plate 142 on the bottom plate 141, the cover plate 142 will prevent the particles stacked on top from entering the particle channel 112, so that the particles enter the particle channel 112 in a single, orderly and stable manner. When the particles stacked on top come into contact with the beveled end face 143, they will fall back into the spiral vibrating disk 12 along the beveled end face 143. Since the beveled end face 143 is a smooth transition, it will not damage the particles.

[0059] like Figure 7 and 8 As shown, in order to improve the success rate of radioactive particle loading, the top of the magazine fixing device 2 is provided with a detachable limiting plate 21. The limiting plate 21 is provided with a limiting groove 22 that opens towards the outlet side of the particle vibration sorting component 1. The limiting groove 22 matches the inlet of the particle magazine 4.

[0060] Matching here includes position, size, and shape. Position matching means that the limiting groove 22 is directly opposite the inlet of the particle magazine 4. Size matching means that the size of the limiting groove 22 is equal to the size of the inlet of the particle magazine 4, or the size of the limiting groove 22 is smaller than the size of the inlet of the particle magazine 4, or the limiting groove 22 is a trapezoidal groove that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, and the bottom width is not greater than the width of the inlet of the particle magazine 4. Different particle sizes can be accommodated by replacing the limiting plate 21 with different specifications of limiting groove 22 (detailed drawings of the limiting groove structure are not provided).

[0061] Since the dimensions of both the particle channel 112 and the limiting groove 22 are larger than the particle diameter, the particles will not be damaged due to rigid contact when the particle vibration sorting component 1 transports the particles forward.

[0062] If a particle entering the limiting groove 22 fails to fully enter the loading position, the particles behind will push the particles in front forward to enter the loading position. Therefore, under the combined action of the particle vibration sorting component 1 and the limiting groove 22, the radioactive particles can accurately enter the loading position above the inlet of the particle magazine 4.

[0063] like Figure 3 and 9 As shown, in order to confirm whether radioactive particles have entered the filling position and to count the filling, a sensing device 23 is installed on the limiting plate 21. The sensing end of the sensing device 23 penetrates the limiting plate 21 from the side to detect whether there are radioactive particles at the front end of the limiting groove 22.

[0064] The sensing end of the sensing device 23 detects whether there are radioactive particles at the front end of the limiting groove to confirm whether the particles have completely entered the filling position. If the particles are not filled in place, the sensing end of the sensing device 23 will not detect the presence of the particles. Only when the particles are filled to the front end of the limiting groove 22 can the sensing device detect the particles and transmit the detection signal to complete one count.

[0065] like Figure 9 and 10 As shown, in order to avoid tilting in the particle magazine 4 during the loading process of radioactive particles, the particle magazine 4 is detachably installed in the magazine fixing device 2 with the opening facing upward. The storage slot of the particle magazine 4 is provided with a liftable particle support device 5. The particle support device 5 starts the descent program according to the signal of the sensing device 23. After each descent program is started, the particle support device 5 moves downward by a distance of one particle diameter.

[0066] Because particle magazine 4 needs to hold multiple particles, its storage slot is relatively deep. During the loading process, particles may tilt as they fall, resulting in uneven stacking. When the first particle is loaded, the particle support device 5 is initially positioned at the highest point within the magazine. When a particle enters the loading position, the sensor 23 detects its presence and sends a detection signal to activate the particle support device 5. The support device 5 moves downwards by the diameter of one particle, causing the particle to descend into the magazine 4. Each time the sensor 23 detects a particle, it initiates the descent of the particle support device 5 and completes one count. When the count value of the sensor 23 reaches a set value, the particle support device 5 rises back to its initial position and restarts the counting process.

[0067] like Figure 1 , 9 As shown in Figure 10, in order to achieve the connectivity of particle loading, the particle support device 5 includes a support plate 51 and a lifting drive assembly 52. ​​The support plate 51 is located in the storage slot of the particle magazine 4, and the lifting drive assembly 52 drives the support plate 51 to move up and down in the storage slot of the particle magazine 4.

[0068] The continuous particle loading can be achieved by controlling the working parameters of the lifting drive assembly 52. ​​After loading a batch of particles, the lifting drive assembly drives the support plate 51 to descend by the diameter of one particle until the entire particle magazine 4 is loaded. After replacing with a new empty particle magazine 4, the lifting drive assembly 52 drives the support plate 51 to reset to the initial position.

[0069] like Figure 11 As shown, for the automated connection and loading of real particles, this device also includes a controller 6 and a human-machine interface display operating system 7. The controller 6 is connected to the human-machine interface display operating system 7, the sensing device 23, the particle vibration sorting component 1, and the lifting drive component 52. The human-machine interface display operating system 7 sets control parameters for the controller 6, and the sensing device 23 feeds back detection signals to the controller 6. The controller 6 controls the start and stop of the particle vibration sorting component 1 and the lifting drive component 52 according to the parameters set by the human-machine interface display operating system 7 and the detection signals fed back by the sensing device 23.

[0070] The human-machine interface display operating system 7 sets the loading quantity according to the parameters of the particle magazine 4. The particle magazine 4 is loaded into the magazine fixing device 2. The particle vibration sorting component 1 is activated. The particles enter the area above the particle magazine 4. The sensing device 23 detects the particles and sends a signal back to the controller 6. The controller 6 controls the lifting drive component 52 to start and complete a single descent program and complete one count. The controller 6 displays the count value on the operating terminal of the human-machine interface display operating system 7. The above detection, descent and counting steps are repeated until the set particle loading quantity value is reached. The controller 6 then closes the particle vibration sorting component 1. After the particle magazine 4 is removed, the lifting drive component 52 is reset to the initial state. After the particle magazine 4 is replaced, the particle vibration sorting component 1 is restarted.

[0071] like Figure 11 As shown, in order to improve the safety of operators, this device also includes a radiation shielding shell 8, a particle vibration sorting component 1, a magazine fixing device 2 and a base plate 3 located inside the radiation shielding shell 8, and the operation terminal of the human-machine interaction display operating system 7 located outside the radiation shielding shell 8; a particle delivery port is provided on the top of the radiation shielding shell 8, and a radiation shielding cover plate 9 is provided on the delivery port; the radiation shielding shell 8 includes a particle magazine 4 replacement port of the magazine fixing device 2.

[0072] This invention encloses radioactive particles in a sealed space using a radiation-proof outer shell 8 and a radiation-proof cover plate 9, reducing radiation leakage. At the same time, the addition of a particle magazine replacement port 4 improves the convenience of operation and maintenance.

[0073] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0074] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A continuous automatic loading device for a radioactive particle magazine, comprising a particle vibration sorting component (1), a magazine fixing device (2), and a base plate (3), wherein the particle vibration sorting component (1) is vibratingly mounted on the base plate (3), the magazine fixing device (2) is fixedly mounted on the base plate (3), the particle vibration sorting component (1) is provided with a continuous conveying track (11), and the radioactive particles move forward sequentially within the conveying track (11) by vibration; the particle magazine (4) is detachably mounted within the magazine fixing device (2), and the particles sorted in the particle vibration sorting component (1) are sequentially loaded into the particle magazine (4); characterized in that: The outlet of the particle vibration sorting component (1) and the inlet of the particle in the particle magazine (4) are in a straight line. The particle magazine (4) is located close to but not in contact with the outlet of the particle vibration sorting component (1). The lowest point of the particles output from the outlet of the particle vibration sorting component (1) is not lower than the upper surface of the particle magazine (4).

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: The particle vibration sorting component (1) includes a spiral vibrating disk (12), a vibration component (13), and a sorting track component (14). The spiral vibrating disk (12) is vibratingly mounted on the base plate (3) via the vibration component (13). A spiral conveying track (111) is provided inside the spiral vibrating disk (12). The sorting track component (14) is provided with a particle channel (112) that allows only one particle to pass through. The sorting track component (14) is fixedly installed at the outlet of the spiral vibrating disk (12). The spiral conveying track (111) is smoothly connected to the bottom of the particle channel (112) to form a continuous conveying track (11).

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein: The spiral vibratory plate (12) is inclined, and the outlet of the spiral conveying track (111) is located at the highest point on the inclined side.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein: The sorting track assembly (14) includes a chute base plate (141) and a cover plate (142). The cover plate (142) is detachably installed above the chute base plate (141). The chute base plate (141) is provided with a chute for particle sorting. The chute base plate (141) and the cover plate (142) are assembled to form a particle channel (112). The chute on the chute base plate (141) is smoothly connected to the bottom of the spiral conveying track (111).

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein: The cover plate (142) is close to the outlet end of the spiral conveying track (111) with a beveled end face (143) that is narrow at the front and wide at the back. The beveled end face (143) faces the inside of the spiral vibrating disk (12). The sorting track assembly (14) and the spiral vibrating disk (12) form a continuously closed disc-shaped structure with a larger top and a smaller bottom, leaving only the particle channel (112) entrance on the inner side.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: The magazine fixing device (2) has a detachable mounting limit plate (21) on its top. The limit plate (21) has a limit groove (22) that opens toward the outlet side of the particle vibration sorting component (1). The limit groove (22) matches the inlet of the particle magazine (4).

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: A sensing device (23) is installed on the limiting plate (21). The sensing end of the sensing device (23) penetrates the limiting plate (21) from the side to detect whether there are radioactive particles at the front end of the limiting groove (22).

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein: The particle magazine (4) is detachably installed in the magazine fixing device (2) with its opening facing upward. The storage slot of the particle magazine (4) is equipped with a liftable particle support device (5). The particle support device (5) starts the descent program according to the signal of the sensing device (23). After each descent program is started, the particle support device (5) moves downward by a distance of one particle diameter.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein: The particle support device (5) includes a support plate (51) and a lifting drive assembly (52). The support plate (51) is located in the storage slot of the particle magazine (4), and the lifting drive assembly (52) drives the support plate (51) to move up and down in the storage slot of the particle magazine (4).

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein: The system includes a controller (6) and a human-machine interface display operating system (7). The controller (6) is connected to the human-machine interface display operating system (7), the sensing device (23), the particle vibration sorting component (1), and the lifting drive component (52) respectively. The human-machine interface display operating system (7) sets control parameters for the controller (6), and the sensing device (23) feeds back detection signals to the controller (6). The controller (6) controls the start and stop of the particle vibration sorting component (1) and the lifting drive component (52) respectively according to the parameters set by the human-machine interface display operating system (7) and the detection signals fed back by the sensing device (23).

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: The radiation shielding shell (8), the particle vibration sorting component (1), the magazine fixing device (2) and the base plate (3) are located inside the radiation shielding shell (8), and the operation terminal of the human-computer interaction display operating system (7) is located outside the radiation shielding shell (8); The radiation shielding shell (8) is provided with a particle delivery port on its upper part, and a radiation shielding cover plate (9) is provided on the delivery port. The radiation shield (8) includes a replacement port for the particle magazine (4) of the magazine fixing device (2).

Images