JP3048184B2 - Machines and the use of such machines for replacing inspection entrance doors in irradiated areas - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a machine for replacing an inspection entrance door into an irradiated area and to the use of such a machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such a machine is known from French patent no.
This is described in No. 542. This machine is designed to be operated from the outside and has one port that is engaged with one opening on the biological barrier. The illuminated area extends into a single chamber located behind the biological protection wall and bounded by a second wall, which is sealed but radiolucent. And having an inspection entrance door to said irradiated area. These doors are often equipped with sensors and means to be replaced periodically such as a stirrer when gas circulates in the small chamber. However, as soon as the inspection entrance door is removed, contaminated products can flow out of the cell. Therefore, the machine for replacing the inspection entrance door must be equipped with the necessary sealing to prevent the spillage of such contaminated products, and there will be no communication between the irradiated area and the outside. must not.

[0003] Such a door replacement machine includes a rotary shuttle mechanism having two door supports in the form of recesses with means for gripping the inspection entrance door.
A first door support is placed in front of the bioprotection wall opening. The door to be removed is grasped, removed and held in the recess. Thereafter, rotation of the shuttle mechanism allows the second door support, which houses the replacement door in its recess, to be moved in front of the opening of the bioprotection wall. The replacement door is fed into the opening of the biological protection wall until it reaches the wall of the compartment. The machine must fulfill both bioprotective and sealing functions, which makes it heavy and difficult to handle due to the large amount of radiation absorber material that must be placed around the shuttle mechanism. It will be.

[0004] The required sealing can only be obtained by using multiple gaskets or packings. However, these gaskets or packings do not provide complete security. Finally, the use of the machine requires that the compartment be provided with a sleeve for connecting the bio-protection wall opening to the opening of the compartment on which the door is arranged. . In that case, the inspection entrance door is fixed to a bar extending through the sleeve. Prior to use of the machine, the rod is withdrawn to slide an inspection entrance door through the sleeve and move it near the bioprotection wall. Thereafter, the bar is removed from the inspection entrance door.
Of course, the inspection entrance door and the sleeve are made such that the sealing is never broken.

[0005] However, the overall structure is complicated and expensive. Furthermore, to avoid excessively long sleeves,
It may be necessary to locally deform the chamber to bring the test entrance door closer to the biological barrier.

[0006]

The object of the machine according to the invention is therefore to avoid the above-mentioned complexity in its installation and method. The basic creativity is that this novel machine is used between the biological barrier and the compartment wall. The machine no longer has to perform a bioprotection function, but merely needs to be sealed. The sealing is much easier to secure because the structure is greatly simplified and the minority of the problems caused by the slight imperfections of the sealing is smaller than in the case of machines used from the outside. It is possible to

In particular, currently used in the art,
It is possible to dispense with a multi-effect gasket or packing, which is arranged around the opening of the biological protection wall and whose special shape ensures the non-staining of the external area. In the case of the novel machine according to the invention, a slight contamination may occur, but around the opening of the chamber, after the occurrence of the contamination, in order to restore acceptable non-contamination. It is sufficient to carry out decontamination with.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention relates to a machine for replacing an inspection entrance door to a contaminated area.
A single enclosure having two openings and containing two door manipulation systems, each of said door manipulation systems comprising one door support and means for securing said door to said support. Have
The enclosure also includes a shuttle mechanism, wherein the door support is suspended underneath and made such that each of the door supports can be alternately positioned within the opening. Containing, said machine forming a seal between said enclosure and one wall defining a contaminated area;
The machine also has one first gasket disposed around the opening, and the machine further forms a seal between the enclosure and one of the door supports positioned within the opening. One second gasket disposed in the opening, and one third gasket disposed on the support, forming a seal between the door and the door support; A device for decontamination of a sealed volume limited in scope by three gaskets.

[0009]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to a non-limiting embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

[0010] A first embodiment of the machine comprises a single enclosure or casing with one opening 2 on one side. This enclosure 1 contains two similar door manipulation systems 3, each of which has about half the volume of said enclosure.
, Each having two parallel Archimedes spiral screws 4. The axis of the Archimedes spiral screw 4 is oriented in a direction corresponding to the direction of passage through said opening 2. These Archimedes helical screws 4 are interconnected at one end to one first pivot pivot 5,
One second pivot pivot 6 at the other end
Interconnected. This second pivot swivel bar 6
Are fixed to one pivot shaft 7 mounted on the outer enclosure 1 closer to the opening 2. On the other hand, the first pivot swiveling rod 5 crosses the side (removable cover 9) of the envelope 1 located on the opposite side of the opening 2, and the movable pivot shaft 8
It is fixed to. 1 installed outside the cover 9
Two first motors 10 drive the movable pivot shaft 8.

The two rods 5 and 6 rotate, and 1/1/3 of the rotation
Two door manipulation systems 3 for every two revolutions
One passes before the opening 2. In this position, the end of one square section of the Archimedes screw 4
11 meshes in the member 12 with the end of the shaft 13 which pivots in the cover 9 in response to the movement of the shaft of the Archimedes screw 4. The second motor 14 fixed to the outside of the cover 9 is driven by a transmission having a universal joint or a gimbal joint 43.
Driving two shafts 13 having the same movement.

A panel 15 is mounted on the Archimedes spiral screw 4 of each door manipulation system 3. One rear flange 16 for holding a mating nut for the Archimedes spiral screw 4 and one cylindrical section 17 extending from said rear flange 16 in the direction of the opening 2;
One substantially planar sealing plate 18 surrounded by said cylindrical section 17 can be seen in FIG. A cylindrical section 17 and a sealing plate 18 limit the extent of one door receiving cavity 19 to the front.

In the state of the machine shown in the figure, one panel 15 has been moved to the end of the Archimedes screw 4 and supports the latter in such a way that the Archimedes screw 4 closes the opening 2. I do. On the other hand, the other panel 15 has been retracted into the enclosure 1 near the first pivot pivot 5. This other panel 15 has a cavity 19
It holds one door 20 located therein, which itself holds one component, such as a measuring device 21.

To secure the door 20 on the panel 15, several systems can be used.
It is possible to consider using one small pneumatic jack 44 having two states, articulated on the inner surface of the sealing plate 18. The movement of the rod 45 by the jack 44 controls the rotation of the shaft 46, which drives a single disk 47 in front of the outer surface of the sealing plate 18. Means 48 fixed to the outer periphery of the disk 47 move a rod 49 articulated to the disk 47, which slides in a bearing 50 on the sealing plate 18. The end of the bar 49 penetrates into a recess (not shown) in the door 20, thus pressing the door 20 against the sealing plate 18 to secure it. The system, also shown in FIG. 6, is installed on both panels 15, but only one is shown in FIG. 1 so as not to overcomplicate the figure.

In this design, the door manipulation system 3 is subjected to a circular movement, which requires that the width of the enclosure 1 be constant. In certain applications, as shown at 1 'in FIG. 2, dimensional constraints may require that the width of the enclosure be even narrower.

The above description can be generally transferred to the embodiment of FIG. 2, except that the door manipulation system 3 is moved by the shuttle system. In this case, the mechanism is constituted by two sliding bars 5 'and 6' instead of the pivoting bars 5 and 6. The second slide bar 6 'is attached to the envelope 1'.
It can be moved over a support 7 'fixed thereon. On the other hand, the first slide bar 5 ′ has one rack, and at the end of the movable pivot shaft 8, one pinion 51 meshes thereon. A support system (not shown) fixed to the enclosure 1 'keeps the first slide bar 5' against the pinion 51.

This arrangement requires that the position of the opening 2 be centered on the enclosure 1, while one recess is provided on each side thereof for accommodating an inactive door manipulation system. ing.

Referring now to FIG. One first gasket 22 is arranged around the opening 2 in the front face 23 of the enclosure 1 and pressed against the cell wall 24 around the examination entrance door 25 to the irradiation area 26. I have. One second gasket 27 is arranged outside the cylindrical section 17 and is pressed against the edge 28 of the opening 2 when the panel 15 is brought out forward. One third flat gasket 29 located on the outer surface of the sealing plate 18 and surrounded by the front part of the cylindrical section 17 is the door to be replaced.
Pressed against 25. On the other hand, one fourth gasket 30 is sandwiched between the front surface of the door 25 and the small chamber wall 24. Four gaskets 22, 27, 29 and 30 are used for door 25
Together with the cell wall 24, the panel 15 and the enclosure 1 define a closed annular volume 52.

One liquid circuit is injected into the annular volume 52. FIG. 3 shows one perforated pipe 31 passing through the enclosure 1, which is connected to one infusion pump 32 and terminates in one liquid tank 53 at the other end. A similar liquid circuit is constituted by one pipe, one suction pump, and one liquid tank at the diametrically opposite position of the annular volume 52. This assembly makes it possible to cause the circulation of the decontamination fluid in the annular volume 52 by means of two pumps. One of the nuts 33 can be seen in the figure, which has a rear flange for engaging on the Archimedes helical screw 4.
16 are provided. Finally, several pins 34
And the shape of these pins 34 is complementary to the shape of the plurality of slots 35 in the enclosure 1 to enable accurate centering of the opening 2 around the door 25.

The method of door replacement consists of first placing the enclosure 1 on the chamber wall 24 by correctly fitting the pins 34 into the slots 35. Gaskets 22 and 29,
It is pressed against the small chamber wall 24 and the door 25. Komuro Wall 24
If is a ceiling, this pressing is obtained by the weight of the machine itself. Otherwise, enclosure 1 is a small chamber wall
It can be flanged to 24 or pressed by any mechanical means.

Subsequently, the door 25 is fixed to the panel 15 using the air jack 44. Thereafter, the Archimedes spiral screw 4 is moved to pull up the panel 15 and remove the door 25. Contaminated contents of the irradiation area 26 may be pumped into the enclosure 1. However, gaskets 22 and 29 prevent outflow of contaminated contents to the outside and in front of sealing plate 18. Without moving the enclosure 1 from the small chamber wall 24, the shuttle mechanism is rotated by half a turn, and the replacement door 20 is rotated.
Is placed before opening 2. Thereafter, the panel 15 is moved forward until the door 20 is over the irradiation area 26, and the door 20 is subsequently removed from the panel 15. However, the closed annular volume 52 has been reformed and this annular volume is decontaminated by injecting a cleaning liquid into this volume, and the used cleaning liquid is subsequently drawn off.

Thereafter, the envelope 1 can be removed. The panel 15 remains as shown, in order to completely isolate the contaminated contents of the enclosure 1 from the outside by means of a gasket 27 which closes and closes the opening 2.

After placing the machine on a container having a shape similar to the shape of the cell wall 24, a contaminated door, such as 25, is removed out of the enclosure 1. The contaminated door is placed over the container opening in the manner described above, after which decontamination takes place and the machine is removed.

In many cases, the total weight of the door and possibly the measuring device 21 is of a suitable size to obtain a proper support on the cell wall 24. However, if not, it is possible to use a system like the system of FIG. One bracket 39
Are located on two diametrically opposite centering pins 34. One pressure pad 40 is placed on the door 20 below the bracket 39.

One threaded shaft 41 with one handle wheel 42 attached to its end such that the other end of the shaft contacts the pressure pad 40 and exerts a force or load on the pad. Engage with the top of bracket 39 to hold door 20 in place. A thread is cut at the tip of the centering pin 34. These centering pins 34 extend through holes in the bracket 39 and nuts are threaded into the threads of the pin to hold the bracket 39 in place.

FIG. 5 illustrates the manner in which the machine of the present invention is used. A biological protection wall 55 surrounds the periphery of the small chamber wall 24. Two rails 56 are fixed to the inner surface of the biological protection wall 55, and one carriage 57 runs on these rails. Two slides 58 on the carriage 57 allow the lower carriage 59 to travel in a direction perpendicular to said rail 56.

The envelope 1 is disposed at the end of the rod of the jack 60, and the cylinder of the jack 60 is fixed to the lower carriage 59. The extension of the rod of the jack 60 allows the machine of the present invention to engage the cell wall 24. Camera 61
Monitors the amount between the two walls 24 and 55 and indicates whether the machine is in the desired position. The rail 56 at its opposite end reaches a compartment in which the treatment for the machine takes place. Particularly in this compartment, a container containing a contaminated or new door is placed in place.

FIG. 5 shows the device mounted on the rail 56 when the cell walls are ceilings as in FIGS. This device can be used with rails 56 with any direction.
And the compartment wall 24.

In the same manner as the air jack 44, the motors 10 and 14 are controlled by electrical cables or the like reaching the outside of the biological barrier. These electrical cables or the like are not shown to avoid overcomplicating the figure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view of one embodiment of a door changing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall view of another embodiment of the door changing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a sealing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a structural view of an inspection entrance door according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an environment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a door support according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Enclosure 2 Opening 3 Door manipulation system 7, 8, 10 Shuttle mechanism 15 Door support 20, 25 Inspection entrance door 22 First gasket 24 Small chamber wall 26 Contaminated area 27 Second gasket 29 Third gasket 31, 32, 53 Decontamination device 35 Slot 52 Sealed annular volume 55 Biological protection wall

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A machine for replacing an inspection entrance door to a contaminated area, comprising one enclosure having one opening and containing two door manipulation systems, each of said door manipulation systems. But 1
Two door supports, and means for securing the door to the supports, wherein the enclosure surrounds the door supports underneath and connects each of the door supports. It also houses a shuttle mechanism, which is made so that it can be placed alternately in said opening, said machine being arranged between one wall defining the extent of the contamination zone and said enclosure. Also having a first gasket disposed around said opening, forming a seal at
A second gasket disposed within the opening, forming a seal between the enclosure and a single door support positioned within the opening; the door and the door support; Having a third gasket mounted on the door support forming a seal between the door support and an apparatus for decontaminating a sealed volume limited by the three gaskets. Machine. 2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the third gasket is a single flat gasket located at the bottom of the door support cavity. 3. The machine according to claim 1, wherein means for centering the opening around the door is provided on the enclosure. 4. A rotating structure for moving the respective door supports in front of the opening by the shuttle mechanism;
2. The machine of claim 1 including motor means for sliding said door support through said opening. 5. A structure in which said shuttle mechanism is movable in an alternating manner for moving each of said door supports in front of said opening, and sliding said door support in said opening. The machine according to claim 1, comprising motor means for: 6. The bio-protective wall and the confined area-defining wall, wherein the machine is used between an outer bio-protective wall and a contaminated area-defining wall. Use of the machine according to claim 1 in a facility constituted by: