A flaring device for a casing tube

Abstract

This invention discloses a flaring device for fuel rod cladding tubes, comprising a conveyor frame, a loading / unloading mechanism, an alignment mechanism, a longitudinal conveying mechanism, and a flaring mechanism. The loading / unloading mechanism, alignment mechanism, longitudinal conveying mechanism, and flaring mechanism are all mounted on the conveyor frame, arranged in a straight line. The loading / unloading mechanism is positioned between the alignment mechanism and the flaring mechanism. The loading / unloading mechanism is used for loading and unloading cladding tubes and for carrying the cladding tubes. The alignment mechanism is used to push one end of the cladding tube on the loading / unloading mechanism to a preset initial position. The longitudinal conveying mechanism is used to move the cladding tube on the loading / unloading mechanism towards the flaring mechanism. The flaring mechanism is used to flare the cladding tube moved from the longitudinal conveying mechanism. This invention can flare the cladding tubes of fuel rods, ensuring that the roundness and dimensions of the inner diameter of the cladding tube end meet the requirements for fit tolerance (overfit) with the end plug.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear engineering technology, and specifically relates to a device for flaring cladding tubes. Background Technology

[0002] The MOX fuel rods used in fast neutron reactors consist of cladding tubes, fuel pellets, and end plugs. The fuel pellets are housed in the cladding tubes, and the end plugs are located at the ends of the cladding tubes.

[0003] During the assembly of MOX fuel rods, the cladding tube raw material is usually cut off at the end before use. Cutting may cause the inner diameter roundness and dimensions of the cladding tube end to not meet the requirements of the fit tolerance (overfit) with the end plug, causing abnormal conditions such as jamming or stuck during assembly of the cladding tube and the end plug, resulting in assembly failure. Therefore, it is necessary to flare the cut cladding tube to ensure that the inner diameter roundness and dimensions of the cladding tube end meet the requirements of the fit tolerance (overfit) with the end plug.

[0004] Since MOX fuel rods are a newly designed component in recent years, there are currently no devices on the market for automatic flaring of cladding tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cladding tube flaring device to address the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art. This device can flare the cladding tube of the fuel rod to ensure that the inner diameter roundness and dimensions of the cladding tube end meet the requirements for fit tolerance (overfit) with the end plug.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is:

[0007] A flaring device for cladding tubes includes a conveyor frame, a loading / unloading mechanism, an alignment mechanism, a longitudinal conveying mechanism, and a flaring mechanism. The loading / unloading mechanism, the alignment mechanism, the longitudinal conveying mechanism, and the flaring mechanism are all mounted on the conveyor frame. The loading / unloading mechanism, the alignment mechanism, and the flaring mechanism are arranged in a straight line, with the loading / unloading mechanism positioned between the alignment mechanism and the flaring mechanism. The loading / unloading mechanism is used for loading and unloading cladding tubes, and for carrying the cladding tubes.

[0008] The alignment mechanism is used to push one end of the casing tube on the loading and unloading mechanism to a preset initial position. The longitudinal transmission mechanism is used to move the casing tube on the loading and unloading mechanism toward the flaring mechanism. The flaring mechanism is used to flare the casing tube that has been moved from the longitudinal transmission mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, the loading and unloading mechanism includes a first cylinder, a top plate, a baffle, support rollers, and a base. The base is mounted on the conveyor frame. The first cylinder, the baffle, and the support rollers are all located on the base and arranged in a straight line. The height of the baffle is higher than the height of the top plate. The top plate is connected to the output end of the first cylinder and can move up and down under the drive of the first cylinder. The top edge of the top plate is provided with a first recess and a second recess. The top edge of the baffle is inclined, and the top edge of the baffle is at its maximum angle. The highest point is located on the side close to the first recess, and a third recess is provided on the top edge of the baffle. The first and second recesses are located on both sides of the third recess, and the third recess is directly opposite the support roller. When feeding, the first cylinder drives the top plate to move upward until the shell tube on the first recess passes the highest point of the baffle and slides down onto the support roller. When unloading, the first cylinder drives the top plate to move upward until the shell tube on the support roller passes the third recess and slides down onto the second recess of the top plate.

[0010] Preferably, there are multiple loading and unloading mechanisms, which are sequentially and parallelly distributed between the alignment mechanism and the flaring mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the alignment mechanism includes a second cylinder, a push plate, and an alignment mechanism seat. The alignment mechanism seat is installed at one end of the conveyor frame, the second cylinder is disposed on the alignment mechanism seat, and the push plate is connected to the output end of the second cylinder and can move towards the upper and lower feeding mechanism under the drive of the second cylinder, so that one end of the casing tube reaches the initial position.

[0012] Preferably, the longitudinal transmission mechanism includes a servo motor, a rotary gripper, a linear guide assembly, and a longitudinal transmission mechanism base. The longitudinal transmission mechanism base is mounted on the transmission frame and located below the loading and unloading mechanism. The linear guide assembly includes a linear guide rail and a slider. The linear guide rail is laid on the longitudinal transmission mechanism base and extends towards the flaring mechanism. The slider slides on the linear guide rail. The rotary gripper is mounted on the slider and is used to grip the casing tube. The output end of the servo motor is connected to the slider on the linear guide rail and is used to drive the slider to move along the length of the linear guide rail, thereby driving the casing tube to move towards the flaring mechanism.

[0013] Preferably, the flaring mechanism includes a third cylinder, a flaring rod, a parallel gripper, and a guide sleeve. The third cylinder, the parallel gripper, and the guide sleeve are sequentially mounted on the transmission frame and are arranged in a straight line with the loading / unloading mechanism and the alignment mechanism. The guide sleeve is located at one end closer to the loading / unloading mechanism. When the longitudinal transmission mechanism moves the casing tube toward the flaring mechanism, the casing tube passes through the guide sleeve and enters the parallel gripper. The parallel gripper is used to hold the casing tube tightly. The flaring rod is connected to the output end of the third cylinder and is used to move toward the parallel gripper under the drive of the third cylinder and extend into the casing tube to achieve flaring of the casing tube.

[0014] Preferably, the device further includes a control component, which is electrically connected to the loading / unloading mechanism, the alignment mechanism, the longitudinal transmission mechanism, and the flaring mechanism, respectively. The control component is used to control the loading / unloading mechanism to load the casing tube, and after the casing tube is loaded, to control the alignment mechanism to push the casing tube to the initial position. After the casing tube reaches the initial position, the control mechanism moves the casing tube toward the flaring mechanism and controls the flaring mechanism to flare the casing tube. After the flaring is completed, the control mechanism returns the casing tube and controls the loading / unloading mechanism to unload the casing tube.

[0015] Preferably, the flaring mechanism further includes a displacement sensor, which is disposed on the flaring rod and near one end of the parallel pneumatic gripper, for detecting the distance the flaring rod extends into the casing tube; and the flaring mechanism further includes a tension / compression sensor, which is disposed between the third cylinder and the flaring rod, for detecting the magnitude of the force exerted by the third cylinder on the flaring rod.

[0016] Preferably, the control component includes a first position sensor, a second position sensor, a third position sensor, and a controller, wherein:

[0017] The first position sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the position of the top plate. When the top plate rises to the limit position, it sends a first signal to the controller and a second signal to the controller when the top plate falls to the limit position. The controller is electrically connected to the first cylinder and is used to control the first cylinder to drive the top plate to rise. After receiving the first signal, it controls the first cylinder to drive the top plate to fall, and after receiving the second signal, it controls the first cylinder to stop.

[0018] The second position sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the position of the push plate. When the push plate moves to the limit position in the direction of the loading and unloading mechanism, it sends a third signal to the controller. The controller is also electrically connected to the second cylinder and is used to control the second cylinder to drive the push plate to move in the direction of the loading and unloading mechanism. After receiving the third signal, the controller controls the second cylinder to drive the push plate back.

[0019] The third position sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the position of the slider. When the slider moves to its limit position in the direction of the flaring mechanism, it sends a fourth signal to the controller. The controller is also electrically connected to the servo motor and is used to control the servo motor to drive the slider to move in the direction of the flaring mechanism. After receiving the fourth signal, the controller controls the servo motor to drive the slider back. The third position sensor is also used to send a fifth signal to the controller after the slider returns. The controller is also used to control the servo motor to drive the slider to move in the direction of the flaring mechanism again after receiving the fifth signal.

[0020] The controller is also electrically connected to the rotary gripper, and is used to control the rotary gripper to close to grip the casing tube, and to control the rotary gripper to open to release the casing tube when the fourth signal is received, and to control the rotary gripper to close again to grip the casing tube again after the fifth signal is received, until the casing tube passes through the guide sleeve and enters the parallel gripper.

[0021] The controller is also connected to the third cylinder and the displacement sensor respectively. The displacement sensor is also used to transmit the detected depth value of the flaring rod extending into the casing tube to the controller. The controller has a preset depth threshold, which is used to control the third cylinder to push the flaring rod to move in the direction of the parallel gripper so as to extend into the casing tube in the parallel gripper. After receiving the depth value, the controller compares it with the depth threshold. When the comparison result is that the depth value is equal to the depth threshold, the controller controls the third cylinder to stop pushing the flaring rod or to drive the flaring rod back.

[0022] Preferably, the controller is also electrically connected to the tension / compression sensor, which is also used to send the detected force value to the controller. The controller is also preset with a pressure threshold. The controller is also used to receive the force value and compare it with the pressure threshold. When the comparison result is that the force value is equal to the pressure threshold, the controller controls the third cylinder to reduce the force value on the flared rod or controls the third cylinder to stop.

[0023] The cladding tube flaring device of the present invention can flare the cladding tube of fuel rods, ensuring that the roundness and dimensional tolerance (overfit) of the inner diameter of the cladding tube end meets the requirements with the end plug. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, by setting up a control component, the cladding tube can be automatically fed, aligned, longitudinally transported, flared, and unloaded during the flaring process, achieving fully automated production, ensuring production quality, improving production efficiency, and effectively reducing manual labor. By setting up displacement sensors and tension / compression sensors, incomplete flaring due to abnormal depth or force can be effectively avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flaring device for the casing tube in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the loading and unloading mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the alignment mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal transmission mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flaring mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of the I position in the image.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Flaring mechanism, 2. Loading / unloading mechanism, 3. Longitudinal transmission mechanism, 4. Conveyor frame, 5. Alignment mechanism, 6. Base, 7. First cylinder, 8. Top plate, 81. First recess, 82. Second recess, 9. Baffle, 91. Third recess, 10. Support roller, 11. Alignment mechanism seat, 12. Second cylinder, 13. Push plate, 14. Servo motor, 15. Rotary gripper, 16. Linear guide rail, 17. Longitudinal transmission mechanism seat, 18. Third cylinder, 19. Flaring rod, 20. Parallel gripper, 21. Guide sleeve, 22. Guide sleeve base, 23. Gripper seat, 24. Flaring seat, 25. Displacement sensor, 26. Tension / compression sensor, 27. Cylinder seat, 28. Sheath tube. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "above" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience and simplification of 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 invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "setting," "installation," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a flaring device for a casing tube, which includes a transmission frame 4, a loading / unloading mechanism 2, an alignment mechanism 5, a longitudinal transmission mechanism 3, and a flaring mechanism 1. The loading / unloading mechanism 2, the alignment mechanism 5, the longitudinal transmission mechanism 3, and the flaring mechanism 1 are all mounted on the transmission frame 4. The loading / unloading mechanism 2, the alignment mechanism 5, and the flaring mechanism 1 are arranged in a straight line, and the loading / unloading mechanism 2 is located between the alignment mechanism 5 and the flaring mechanism 1. The loading / unloading mechanism 2 is used for loading and unloading the casing tube and carrying the casing tube 28. The alignment mechanism 5 is used to push one end of the casing tube 8 on the loading / unloading mechanism 2 to a preset initial position. The longitudinal transmission mechanism 3 is used to move the casing tube 28 on the loading / unloading mechanism 2 toward the flaring mechanism 1. The flaring mechanism 1 is used to flare the casing tube 28 that has moved from the longitudinal transmission mechanism 3.

[0037] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the loading and unloading mechanism 2 includes a first cylinder 7, a top plate 8, a baffle 9, a support roller 10, and a base 6, wherein:

[0038] The base 6 is bolted to the conveyor frame 4. The first cylinder 7, baffle 9, and support roller 10 are all bolted to the base 6 and arranged in a straight line. The top plate 8 is located on one side of the baffle 9. The height of the baffle 9 is higher than the height of the top plate 8. The top plate 8 is connected to the output end of the first cylinder 7 and can move up and down under the drive of the first cylinder 7. The top edge of the top plate 8 is provided with a first recess 81 and a second recess 82. The span of the two sides of the top plate 8 is greater than the span of the two sides of the baffle 9. The first recess 1 and the second recess 82 extend outward from the two sides of the baffle 9, respectively. The top edge of the baffle 9 is inclined, and the highest point of the top edge of the baffle 9 is located on the side close to the first recess 81. The top edge of the baffle 9 is provided with a third recess 91. The first recess 81 and the second recess 82 are located on both sides of the third recess 91, and the third recess 91 is directly opposite the support roller 10.

[0039] Before the cladding tube is loaded, the cladding tube 28 is placed on the first recess 81 on the top plate 8, which is located on the side of the baffle 9.

[0040] When the casing tube is being fed, the first cylinder 7 drives the top plate 8 to move upward until the casing tube 28, which is located in the first recess 81, slides down onto the support roller 10 after passing the highest point of the baffle 9 under the action of gravity, and is simultaneously locked in the third recess 91 of the baffle 9.

[0041] When the casing tube is unloaded, the first cylinder 7 drives the top plate 8 to move upward until the casing tube 28 on the support roller 10 slides over the third recess 91 under the action of gravity and falls onto the second recess 82 on the other side of the baffle 9 on the top plate 8.

[0042] In this embodiment, the base 6 is preferably made of aluminum profile. The first cylinder 7 is preferably a cylinder with a guide rod, and the guide rod of the first cylinder is connected to the top plate 8.

[0043] In some embodiments, there are multiple loading and unloading mechanisms 2, which are arranged in parallel between the alignment mechanism 5 and the flaring mechanism 1. That is, multiple loading and unloading mechanisms 2 are arranged along the length of the casing tube 28. By arranging multiple loading and unloading mechanisms 2 to operate simultaneously, the loading and unloading process of the casing tube can be ensured to be smooth, and deformation of the casing tube 28 can be avoided.

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown in 3, the alignment mechanism 5 includes a second cylinder 12, a push plate 13, and an alignment mechanism seat 11, wherein:

[0045] Alignment mechanism seat 11 is installed at one end of the conveyor frame 4. Second cylinder 7 is located on alignment mechanism seat 11. Push plate 13 is connected to the output end of second cylinder 12 and can move towards the upper and lower feeding mechanism 2 under the drive of second cylinder 12, so that one end of the shell tube 28 reaches the initial position, thereby ensuring that all shell tubes 28 have the same initial position before moving towards flaring mechanism 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second cylinder 12 is preferably a compact cylinder.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in 4, the longitudinal transmission mechanism 3 includes a servo motor 14, a rotary gripper 15, a linear guide assembly, and a longitudinal transmission mechanism base 17, wherein:

[0048] The longitudinal transmission mechanism seat 17 is installed on the transmission frame 4 and is located below the loading and unloading mechanism 2. The linear guide assembly includes a linear guide 16 and a slider. The linear guide 16 is laid on the longitudinal transmission mechanism seat 17 and extends in the direction of the flaring mechanism 1. The slider slides on the linear guide 16.

[0049] The rotating pneumatic gripper 15 is mounted on the slider and is used to grip the casing tube 28.

[0050] The output end of the servo motor 14 is connected to the slider on the linear guide rail 16, which drives the slider to move along the length direction of the linear guide rail 16, that is, to realize the longitudinal transmission of the casing tube 28, so as to drive the casing tube to move towards the flaring mechanism 1, and after the flaring of the casing tube 28 is completed, the casing tube 28 is moved back to the initial position.

[0051] Specifically, before the longitudinal transmission begins, the rotary gripper 15 opens. After the casing tube is loaded and slides onto the support roller 10, the rotary gripper 15 closes and clamps the casing tube 28. Then, the servo motor 14 drives the slider to move towards the flaring mechanism 1 on the linear guide rail 16. Due to the limited stroke of the slider, when the slider reaches its limit position, the rotary gripper 15 opens and releases the casing tube 28. The servo motor 14 drives the slider to move in the opposite direction along the linear guide rail 16. When the slider moves in the opposite direction to its limit position, the rotary gripper 15 closes again and clamps the casing tube 28 again. Then, the servo motor 14 drives the slider to move towards the flaring mechanism 1 on the linear guide rail 16 again. After repeating the above actions multiple times, the casing tube 28 is longitudinally transmitted to the designated position (flaring station).

[0052] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the flaring mechanism 1 includes a third cylinder 18, a flaring rod 19, a parallel pneumatic gripper 20, and a guide sleeve 21, wherein:

[0053] The third cylinder 18, the parallel gripper 20, and the guide sleeve 21 are sequentially mounted on the transmission frame 4 and are arranged in a straight line with the loading / unloading mechanism 2 and the alignment mechanism 5. The guide sleeve 21 is located at the end closer to the loading / unloading mechanism 2. Specifically, the third cylinder 18 is mounted on the transmission frame 4 through the cylinder seat 27, the parallel gripper 20 is mounted on the transmission frame 4 through the gripper seat 23, and the guide sleeve 21 is mounted on the transmission frame 4 through the guide sleeve base 22. When the longitudinal transmission mechanism 3 moves the casing tube 28 toward the flaring mechanism 1, the casing tube 28 passes through the guide sleeve 21 and enters the parallel gripper 20, reaching the flaring position. The parallel gripper 20 is used to hold the casing tube 28 tightly so that a uniform frictional force is generated when the parallel gripper 20 holds the casing tube 28 to prevent the casing tube 28 from axially displacing during the flaring process.

[0054] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, one end of the flaring rod 19 is connected to the output end of the third cylinder 18, and the other end of the flaring rod 19 passes through the flaring seat 24. The flaring seat 24 is mounted on the transmission frame 4. The flaring rod 19 is used to move in the direction of the parallel pneumatic gripper 20 and extend into the casing tube 28 under the drive of the third cylinder 18 to realize the flaring of the casing tube 28. After the flaring of the casing tube is completed, the flaring rod 19 is withdrawn from the casing tube 28.

[0055] In this embodiment, the third cylinder 18 is preferably a compact cylinder.

[0056] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the flaring mechanism 1 also includes a displacement sensor 25, which is located on the flaring rod 19 and close to one end of the parallel pneumatic gripper 20. The displacement sensor 25 is used to detect the distance that the flaring rod 19 extends into the casing tube 28, so as to avoid insufficient or excessive depth of the flaring rod 19 extending into the casing tube 28.

[0057] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the flaring mechanism 1 also includes a tension / compression sensor 26, which is located between the third cylinder 18 and the flaring rod 19. The tension / compression sensor 26 is used to detect the magnitude of the force exerted by the third cylinder 18 on the flaring rod 19, so as to avoid insufficient or excessive force on the flaring rod.

[0058] In some embodiments, the device further includes a control component (not shown in the figure), which is electrically connected to the loading / unloading mechanism 2, the alignment mechanism 5, the longitudinal transmission mechanism 3, and the flaring mechanism 1, respectively. The control component is used to control the loading / unloading mechanism 2 to load the casing tube, and after the casing tube is loaded, to control the alignment mechanism 5 to push the casing tube 28 to the initial position. After the casing tube 28 reaches the initial position, the control mechanism 3 moves the casing tube 28 toward the flaring mechanism 1 and controls the flaring mechanism 1 to flare the casing tube 28. After the flaring is completed, the control mechanism 3 returns the casing tube 28 and controls the loading / unloading mechanism 2 to unload the casing tube.

[0059] Specifically, the control components include a first position sensor, a second position sensor, a third position sensor, and a controller (not shown in the figure), wherein:

[0060] The first position sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the position of the top plate 8. When the top plate 8 rises to its limit position, it sends a first signal to the controller; when the top plate 8 descends to its limit position, it sends a second signal to the controller. The controller is electrically connected to the first cylinder 7 and is used to control the first cylinder 7 to drive the top plate 8 upwards. Upon receiving the first signal, the controller controls the first cylinder 7 to drive the top plate 8 downwards; and upon receiving the second signal, the controller controls the first cylinder 7 to stop. The second position sensor is also electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the position of the push plate 13 and to move the push plate 13 towards the upward / downward feeding mechanism 2. When the slider reaches its limit position, a third signal is sent to the controller. The controller is also electrically connected to the second cylinder 12 and is used to control the second cylinder 12 to drive the push plate 13 to move towards the upward / downward feeding mechanism 2. After receiving the third signal, the controller controls the second cylinder 12 to drive the push plate 13 back. The third position sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the position of the slider. When the slider moves to its limit position towards the flaring mechanism 1, a fourth signal is sent to the controller. The controller is also electrically connected to the servo motor 14 and is used to control the servo motor 14 to drive the slider to move towards the flaring mechanism 1. After receiving the fourth signal, the controller controls the servo motor 14 to move towards the flaring mechanism 1. Motor 14 drives the slider back. The third position sensor is also used to send a fifth signal to the controller after the slider returns. The controller is also used to control the servo motor 14 to drive the slider to move again towards the flaring mechanism 1 after receiving the fifth signal. The controller is also electrically connected to the rotary gripper 15 to control the rotary gripper 15 to close to grip the casing tube 28, and to control the rotary gripper 15 to open to release the casing tube 28 when receiving the fourth signal, and to control the rotary gripper 15 to close again to grip the casing tube 28 again after receiving the fifth signal, until the casing tube 28 passes through the guide sleeve 21 and enters the flat... In the pneumatic gripper 20, the controller is also connected to the third cylinder 18 and the displacement sensor 25 respectively. The displacement sensor 25 is also used to transmit the detected depth value of the flared rod 19 into the shell tube 28 to the controller. The controller has a preset depth threshold, which is used to control the third cylinder 18 to push the flared rod 19 towards the parallel gripper 20 so that it can be inserted into the shell tube 28 in the parallel gripper 20. After receiving the depth value, the controller compares it with the depth threshold. When the comparison result is that the depth value is equal to the depth threshold, the controller controls the third cylinder 18 to stop pushing the flared rod 19 or to drive the flared rod 19 back.

[0061] In some embodiments, the controller is also electrically connected to the tension / compression sensor 26, which is also used to send the detected force value to the controller. The controller is also preset with a pressure threshold. The controller is also used to receive the force value and compare it with the pressure threshold. When the comparison result is that the force value is equal to the pressure threshold, the controller controls the third cylinder 18 to reduce the force value on the flared rod or controls the third cylinder 18 to stop.

[0062] The cladding tube flaring device of this embodiment can flare the cladding tube of the fuel rod, ensuring that the roundness and size of the inner diameter of the cladding tube end and the fit tolerance (overfit) between the cladding tube and the end plug meet the requirements. Furthermore, by setting up control components, the cladding tube can be automatically fed, aligned, longitudinally transported, flared, and unloaded during the flaring process, achieving fully automated production, ensuring production quality, improving production efficiency, and effectively reducing manual workload. By setting up displacement sensors and tension / compression sensors, incomplete flaring due to abnormal depth or force can be effectively avoided.

[0063] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for flaring a casing tube, characterized in that, It includes a conveyor frame (4), a loading and unloading mechanism (2), an alignment mechanism (5), a longitudinal conveying mechanism (3), and a flaring mechanism (1). The loading / unloading mechanism, the alignment mechanism, the longitudinal conveying mechanism, and the flaring mechanism are all mounted on the conveyor frame. The loading / unloading mechanism, the alignment mechanism, and the flaring mechanism are arranged in a straight line, with the loading / unloading mechanism positioned between the alignment mechanism and the flaring mechanism. The loading and unloading mechanism is used for loading and unloading the cladding tube, as well as carrying the cladding tube (28). The alignment mechanism is used to push one end of the casing tube on the loading and unloading mechanism to a preset initial position. The longitudinal transmission mechanism is used to move the casing tube on the loading and unloading mechanism toward the flaring mechanism. The flaring mechanism is used to flare the casing tube that has been moved by the longitudinal transmission mechanism; The loading and unloading mechanism includes a first cylinder (7), a top plate (8), a baffle (9), a support roller (10), and a base (6). The base is mounted on the transmission frame. The first cylinder, the baffle, and the support roller are all mounted on the base and arranged in a straight line. The height of the baffle is higher than the height of the top plate. The top plate is connected to the output end of the first cylinder and can move up and down under the drive of the first cylinder. The top edge of the top plate is provided with a first recess (81) and a second recess (82). The span of the two sides of the top plate is greater than the span of the two sides of the baffle. The first recess and the second recess extend outward from the two sides of the baffle, respectively. The top edge of the baffle is inclined, and the highest point of the top edge of the baffle is located on the side close to the first recess. The top edge of the baffle is provided with a third recess (91). The first recess and the second recess are located on both sides of the third recess, and the third recess is directly opposite the support roller. Before the cladding tube is fed, it is placed on the first recess on the top plate, located on the side of the baffle. During feeding, the first cylinder drives the top plate to move upward until the casing tube on the first recess passes the highest point of the baffle and slides down onto the support roller. During unloading, the first cylinder drives the top plate to move upward until the casing tube on the support roller slides over the third recess and onto the second recess of the top plate.

2. The flaring device for a cladding tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple loading and unloading mechanisms, which are arranged in parallel between the alignment mechanism and the flaring mechanism.

3. The flaring device for a sheathed tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alignment mechanism includes a second cylinder (12), a push plate (13), and an alignment mechanism seat (11). The alignment mechanism seat is installed at one end of the conveyor frame, the second cylinder is located on the alignment mechanism seat, the push plate is connected to the output end of the second cylinder and can move towards the upper and lower feeding mechanism under the drive of the second cylinder, so that one end of the casing tube reaches the initial position.

4. The flaring device for a sheathed tube according to claim 3, characterized in that, The longitudinal transmission mechanism includes a servo motor (14), a rotary gripper (15), a linear guide assembly, and a longitudinal transmission mechanism base (17). The longitudinal transmission mechanism seat is mounted on the transmission frame and located below the loading and unloading mechanism. The linear guide assembly includes a linear guide rail (16) and a slider. The linear guide rail is laid on the longitudinal transmission mechanism seat and extends towards the flaring mechanism. The slider slides on the linear guide rail. The rotating pneumatic gripper is mounted on the slider and is used to grip the casing tube. The output end of the servo motor is connected to the slider on the linear guide rail, and is used to drive the slider to move along the length of the linear guide rail, so as to drive the cladding tube to move towards the flaring mechanism.

5. The flaring device for a sheathed tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flaring mechanism includes a third cylinder (18), a flaring rod (19), a parallel pneumatic gripper (20), and a guide sleeve (21). The third cylinder, the parallel gripper, and the guide sleeve are sequentially mounted on the transmission frame and are arranged in a straight line with the loading / unloading mechanism and the alignment mechanism. The guide sleeve is located at the end closer to the loading / unloading mechanism. When the longitudinal transmission mechanism moves the casing tube towards the flaring mechanism, the casing tube passes through the guide sleeve and enters the parallel gripper, which is used to hold the casing tube tightly. The flaring rod is connected to the output end of the third cylinder and is used to move in the direction of the parallel pneumatic gripper under the drive of the third cylinder and extend into the casing tube to achieve flaring of the casing tube.

6. The flaring device for a sheathed tube according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes control components, The control component is electrically connected to the loading / unloading mechanism, the alignment mechanism, the longitudinal transmission mechanism, and the flaring mechanism, respectively. It is used to control the loading / unloading mechanism to load the casing tube, and after the casing tube is loaded, to control the alignment mechanism to push the casing tube to the initial position. After the casing tube reaches the initial position, it controls the longitudinal transmission mechanism to move the casing tube toward the flaring mechanism and controls the flaring mechanism to flare the casing tube. After the flaring is completed, it controls the longitudinal transmission mechanism to return the casing tube and controls the loading / unloading mechanism to unload the casing tube.

7. The flaring device for a sheathed tube according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flaring mechanism also includes a displacement sensor (25). The displacement sensor is mounted on the flared rod and near one end of the parallel pneumatic gripper, and is used to detect the distance the flared rod extends into the casing tube; and... The flaring mechanism also includes a tension / compression sensor (26). The tension / compression sensor is located between the third cylinder and the flaring rod, and is used to detect the magnitude of the force exerted by the third cylinder on the flaring rod.

8. The flaring device for a sheathed tube according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control component includes a first position sensor, a second position sensor, a third position sensor, and a controller. The first position sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the position of the top plate. It sends a first signal to the controller when the top plate rises to its limit position and a second signal to the controller when the top plate descends to its limit position. The controller is electrically connected to the first cylinder and is used to control the first cylinder to drive the top plate to rise, and to control the first cylinder to drive the top plate to fall after receiving the first signal, and to control the first cylinder to stop when receiving the second signal. The second position sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the position of the pusher plate. When the pusher plate moves to its limit position in the direction of the loading and unloading mechanism, it sends a third signal to the controller. The controller is also electrically connected to the second cylinder and is also used to control the second cylinder to drive the push plate to move towards the upward and downward feeding mechanism, and to control the second cylinder to drive the push plate back after receiving the third signal; The third position sensor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the position of the slider. When the slider moves to its limit position in the direction of the flaring mechanism, it sends a fourth signal to the controller. The controller is also electrically connected to the servo motor, used to control the servo motor to drive the slider to move towards the flaring mechanism, and to control the servo motor to drive the slider back after receiving the fourth signal. The third position sensor is also used to send a fifth signal to the controller after the slider returns. The controller is also used to control the servo motor to drive the slider to move again toward the flaring mechanism after receiving the fifth signal; The controller is also electrically connected to the rotary gripper, and is used to control the rotary gripper to close to grip the casing tube, and to control the rotary gripper to open to release the casing tube when the fourth signal is received, and to control the rotary gripper to close again to grip the casing tube again after the fifth signal is received, until the casing tube passes through the guide sleeve and enters the parallel gripper. The controller is also connected to the third cylinder and the displacement sensor respectively. The displacement sensor is also used to transmit the detected depth value of the flaring rod extending into the casing tube to the controller. The controller has a preset depth threshold, which is used to control the third cylinder to push the flaring rod to move in the direction of the parallel gripper so as to extend into the casing tube in the parallel gripper. After receiving the depth value, the controller compares it with the depth threshold. When the comparison result is that the depth value is equal to the depth threshold, the controller controls the third cylinder to stop pushing the flaring rod or to drive the flaring rod back.

9. The flaring device for a casing tube according to claim 8, characterized in that, The controller is also electrically connected to the tension / compression sensor. The tension / compression sensor is also used to send the detected force value to the controller. The controller also has a preset pressure threshold. The controller is also used to receive the force value and compare it with the pressure threshold. When the comparison result is that the force value is equal to the pressure threshold, the controller controls the third cylinder to reduce the force value on the flaring rod or controls the third cylinder to stop.

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