A device for studying underwater handling of a block of core shutoff during refueling of a nuclear reactor

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of taking and placing tools, and provides a device for studying underwater taking and placing of a core block during fuel replacement of a reactor, which comprises a cylinder, a sliding rod coaxially and slidably connected in the cylinder, an actuating mechanism arranged at one end of the sliding rod and used for driving the sliding rod to move and reset, a grabbing assembly connected to the other end of the sliding rod, the grabbing assembly comprising a positioning sleeve, a grabbing hook and a jacking rod, the positioning sleeve being connected to the cylinder and used for being inserted into a circular hole arranged on the positioning block, the grabbing hook being movably connected to the positioning sleeve through a pin shaft, the jacking rod being slidably connected to the positioning sleeve, one end of the jacking rod being connected to the sliding rod, and the other end of the jacking rod abutting against the middle of the pair of grabbing hooks and used for opening or closing the grabbing hook to take or place the positioning block, the positioning sleeve is inserted into the circular hole arranged on the positioning block, the sliding rod is driven by the actuating mechanism to move or reset, the jacking rod is driven by the sliding rod to abut against the grabbing hook, the taking and placing of the positioning block are realized, the positioning operation is facilitated, the positioning block is effectively prevented from falling, and the safety and reliability of the operation are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of handling and placement tools, and more specifically, to an apparatus for underwater handling and placement of core packing blocks during refueling studies. Background Technology

[0002] The research reactor is primarily used for tasks such as materials irradiation testing and isotope production. During materials irradiation testing, the amount of nuclear fuel loaded and the number of irradiation channels 90 vary depending on the specific irradiation task. After the irradiation task is completed, the corresponding irradiation device 92 needs to be removed from the reactor core. Figure 5 , 6 As shown, after extraction, pre-drilled holes 930 of the corresponding size will be formed inside the reactor core. Subsequently, the filling blocks 94 will be positioned and backfilled underwater. After backfilling, the upper surface of the filling block 94 will be flush with the upper surface of the grid plate 93. The filling block 94 will have circular holes 940 of the same size as the grid plate 93 inside, so as to insert more fuel elements and isotope assemblies.

[0003] Because the distance between the flat top cover 917 end face of the research reactor and the grid plate 93 is approximately 9 meters, operators need to use long-handled tools to grab, transport, and backfill the plug block 94 underwater. Meanwhile, the irradiation device 92 and control rod guides inside the reactor are higher than the upper end face of the grid plate 93, obstructing the operator's view. Furthermore, the fitting clearance between the plug block 94 and the pre-drilled hole 930 in the grid plate 93 is only 0.1 mm. Therefore, during installation, operators must rotate the plug block 94 underwater to ensure that the locating pin of the plug block 94 aligns with the locating groove 420 on the pre-drilled hole 930 and is embedded inside the pre-drilled hole 930 in the grid plate 93. If the plug block 94 is slightly tilted, it may result in improper installation or jamming between the two, making positioning and handling difficult. Additionally, there is a safety risk that the plug block 94 may detach from the tool and fall during handling and transport. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling, which solves the above-mentioned technical problems, facilitates positioning operations, effectively prevents packing blocks from falling, and improves the safety and reliability of operations.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a device for underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling, comprising a cylinder, a sliding rod coaxially slidably connected inside the cylinder, an actuator for driving the sliding rod to move and reset at one end of the sliding rod, and a gripping assembly connected to the other end of the sliding rod, the gripping assembly comprising a positioning sleeve, a gripping hook, and a top rod, the positioning sleeve being connected to the cylinder for inserting into a circular hole opened on the positioning packing block, the gripping hooks being movably connected in pairs to the positioning sleeve via pins, the top rod being slidably connected to the positioning sleeve, one end of the top rod being connected to the sliding rod, and the other end of the top rod abutting against the middle of the pair of gripping hooks for opening or closing the gripping hooks to handle the packing block.

[0006] Furthermore, the actuator includes a slider, a connector, and a return spring. The slider is sealed and slidably connected to the cylinder. The bottom end of the slider is connected to the top end of the sliding rod. The top end of the slider is provided with a piston that is sealed and slidably connected to the inner wall of the cylinder. The inner wall of the cylinder, the piston, and the slider together form a cavity. The connector is used to connect the air pump and the cavity. The force-bearing surface of the piston on the cavity side is greater than the force-bearing surface of the slider on the cavity side. The return spring is limited and abuts against the top end of the piston.

[0007] Preferably, the slider sidewall is connected to an indicator post, and the cylinder sidewall is provided with a first limiting strip hole for moving and abutting the limiting indicator post.

[0008] Furthermore, the grab hook includes a first abutting part, a second abutting part, and a grabbing part. The first abutting part and the grabbing part form a lever with a pin as the fulcrum, and the second abutting part and the grabbing part form a lever with a pin as the fulcrum.

[0009] Preferably, the push rod includes a straight rod, a convex ball, and a guide cone from top to bottom. The convex ball is in movable contact with the first abutment part or the second abutment part, and a groove is provided between the first abutment part and the second abutment part to accommodate the convex ball.

[0010] Preferably, a limiting ring is fixedly fitted onto the straight rod, which movably abuts against the positioning sleeve to limit the sliding of the top rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the bottom of the cylinder is provided with a connecting seat for connecting multiple positioning sleeves, and the sliding rod is fixed with a connecting plate for connecting the corresponding top rods of multiple positioning sleeves by a pin. The connecting plate is movably sleeved on the cylinder, and the cylinder is provided with a second limiting strip hole for movably abutting the limiting pin.

[0012] Furthermore, the cylinder body includes an upper connecting cylinder, an extension cylinder, and a lower connecting cylinder connected in sequence, and the sliding rod includes an extension rod and a lower connecting rod connected in sequence.

[0013] Furthermore, the top of the cylinder is threadedly sealed with a top cover, and the top cover is movably connected with a lifting ring.

[0014] Furthermore, a camera is installed on the outer wall of the cylinder to observe the placement and removal of the packing blocks.

[0015] The present invention has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0016] (1) The positioning sleeve is inserted into the round hole on the positioning block, and the sliding rod is driven to move or reset by the actuator, which drives the top rod to abut against the hook, so as to realize the picking and placing of the filling block, which facilitates the positioning operation, effectively prevents the filling block from falling, and improves the safety and reliability of the operation.

[0017] (2) By applying pressure difference to the piston movement and compressing the return spring, the self-locking of the packing block can be effectively achieved after the air pump is turned off, thus improving the safety of operation.

[0018] (3) By cooperating with the first limiting strip hole and the indicator post, cooperating with the pin and the second lower strip hole, and cooperating with the limiting ring and the positioning sleeve, multiple limits are achieved on the movement stroke of the top rod, ensuring the stability of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This invention provides a schematic diagram of a device for studying the underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling.

[0021] Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the positioning sleeve in a device for underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling, provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the function of the grab hook and the top rod in a device for underwater retrieval and placement of core packing blocks during refueling, provided by the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the core structure in the existing technology;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fit between the grid plate and the filler block in the prior art;

[0026] Icons: 1-Cylinder, 10-Cavity, 11-First limiting strip hole, 12-Second limiting strip hole, 101-Upper connecting cylinder, 102-Extension cylinder, 103-Lower connecting rod, 2-Sliding rod, 201-Extension rod, 202-Lower connecting rod, 3-Actuator, 31-Slider, 32-Connector, 33-Reset spring, 34-Piston, 35-Indicator post, 4-Grip assembly, 41-Positioning sleeve, 42-Grip hook, 420-Groove, 42 1-First abutting part, 422-Second abutting part, 423-Grabbing part, 43-Top rod, 431-Straight rod, 432-Convex ball, 433-Guide cone, 434-Limiting ring, 44-Pin, 5-Connecting seat, 6-Connecting plate, 61-Pin, 7-Top cover, 8-Lifting ring, 90-Irradiation channel, 91-Flat top cover, 92-Irradiation device, 93-Grid plate, 930-Reserved hole, 94-Stuffing block, 940-Round hole. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments 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, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0029] Example

[0030] like Figure 1-4 As shown in this embodiment, a device for underwater handling of core packing blocks during refueling is disclosed. The device includes a cylinder 1, a sliding rod 2 coaxially slidably connected inside the cylinder 1, an actuator 3 for driving the sliding rod 2 to move and reset at one end, and a gripping assembly 4 connected to the other end of the sliding rod 2. The gripping assembly 4 includes a positioning sleeve 41, a gripping hook 42 and a top rod 43. The positioning sleeve 41 is connected to the cylinder 1 for inserting into a circular hole 940 opened on the positioning packing block 94. The gripping hook 42 is movably connected in pairs to the positioning sleeve 41 through a pin 44. The top rod 43 is slidably connected to the positioning sleeve 41. One end of the top rod 43 is connected to the sliding rod 2, and the other end of the top rod 43 abuts against the middle of the pair of gripping hooks 42 for opening or closing the gripping hooks 42 to handle the packing block 94.

[0031] Specifically, the cylinder 1 can be composed of an upper connecting cylinder 101, an extension cylinder 102 and a lower connecting cylinder connected in sequence, and the sliding rod 2 can be composed of an extension rod 201 and a lower connecting rod 202 connected in sequence. The upper connecting cylinder 101, the lower connecting cylinder and the lower connecting rod 202 can be manufactured according to a unified standard, and by replacing the extension cylinder 102 and the extension rod 201 with different lengths, it can adapt to the loading and unloading of the packing block 94 at different water depths.

[0032] This embodiment uses the grasping of the packing block 94 as an example to illustrate the working method and principle: First, the actuator 3 drives the sliding rod 2 to move, thereby driving the top rod 43 to move synchronously. The top rod 43 then acts on the gripping hook 42, causing it to close and fully retract into the positioning sleeve 41. Then, the lowering device positions and inserts the positioning sleeve 41 into the round hole 940 on the packing block 94. The actuator 3 then performs a reset, and the sliding rod 2 moves in the opposite direction, driving the top rod 43 to move synchronously. The top rod 43 acts on the gripping hook 42, causing it to open. Part of the gripping hook 42 extends out of the positioning sleeve 41, thereby locking and engaging the packing block 94. The lifting device can then grasp the packing block 94. This facilitates positioning and grasping, effectively prevents the packing block 94 from falling, and improves the safety and reliability of the operation.

[0033] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the actuator 3 provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a slider 31, a connector 32, and a return spring 33. The slider 31 is slidably and sealed within the cylinder 1. The bottom end of the slider 31 is connected to the top end of the sliding rod 2. The top end of the slider 31 is provided with a piston 34 that is slidably and sealed with the inner wall of the cylinder 1. The inner wall of the cylinder 1, the piston 34, and the slider 31 together form a cavity 10. The connector 32 is used to connect the air pump and the cavity 10. The force-bearing surface of the piston 34 on one side of the cavity 10 is larger than the force-bearing surface of the slider 31 on one side of the cavity 10. The return spring 33 is limited and abuts against the top of the piston 34. Specifically, an external air pump inflates the cavity 10 through connector 32. Since the force-bearing surface of piston 34 on one side of cavity 10 is greater than that of slider 31 on the same side of cavity 10, under the action of pressure difference, the piston 34 moves upward, compressing the return spring 33, and moves upward through sliding rod 2 and push rod 43, causing the grab hook 42 to close. After the positioning sleeve 41 is accurately inserted and positioned, the air pump is turned off, and piston 34 moves downward under the reset action of return spring 33, causing sliding rod 2 and push rod 43 to move upward, abutting the grab hook 42 to open and lock the filling block 94.

[0034] Preferably, the slider 31 is connected to an indicator post 35 on its side wall, and the cylinder 1 has a first limiting strip hole 11 for moving and abutting the limiting indicator post 35 on its side wall. Specifically, the indicator post 35 can be connected to the side wall of the slider 31 by screw thread engagement, and moves synchronously with the sliding rod 2 to indicate the relative position of the sliding rod 2 in the cylinder 1. The first limiting strip hole 11 is arranged along the axial direction of the cylinder 1. On the one hand, it can limit the radial position of the sliding rod 2. On the other hand, it can limit the axial movement stroke of the sliding rod 2 and the top rod 43.

[0035] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the gripper hook 42 provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a first abutment portion 421, a second abutment portion 422, and a gripping portion 423. The first abutment portion 421 and the gripping portion 423 form a lever with a pin 44 as the fulcrum, and the second abutment portion 422 and the gripping portion 423 also form a lever with a pin 44 as the fulcrum. The push rod 43 includes, from top to bottom, a straight rod 431, a convex ball 432, and a guide cone 433. The convex ball 432 movably abuts against the first abutment portion 421 or the second abutment portion. A groove 420 is provided between the first abutment portion 421 and the second abutment portion 422 to accommodate the convex ball 432. It should be noted that the gripper hook 42 is Z-shaped overall, and the pin 44 is hinged. At the upper part of the grab hook 42, the push rod 43 is inserted between the pair of grab hooks 42. The guide cone 433 pushes the grab hooks 42 apart to both sides, so that the convex ball 432 is smoothly placed between the grooves 420 of the grab hook 42. When the push rod 43 moves upward, the convex ball 432 abuts against the first abutment part 421 and pryes the pair of grab hooks 42 together and closes, retracting into the positioning sleeve 41. The air pump continues to work, that is, the grab hooks 42 are always stored in the positioning sleeve 41. When the push rod 43 moves downward, the convex ball 432 abuts against the second abutment part 422, so that the pair of grab hooks 42 separate and open, extending out of the positioning sleeve 41, playing a locking role. Due to the action of the return spring 33, the self-locking function is realized.

[0036] Preferably, a limiting ring 434 is sleeved and fixed on the straight rod 431, which is movably abutted against the positioning sleeve 41 to limit the sliding of the limiting rod 43, thereby assisting in the movement of the limiting rod 43.

[0037] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figure 1As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the cylinder 1 is provided with a connecting seat 5 for connecting multiple positioning sleeves 41. The sliding rod 2 is fixed with a connecting plate 6 for connecting the corresponding top rods 43 of the multiple positioning sleeves 41 by a pin 61. The connecting plate 6 is movably sleeved on the cylinder 1. The cylinder 1 is provided with a second limiting strip hole 12 for movably abutting the limiting pin 61. It should be noted that the multiple positioning sleeves 41 are connected to the bottom of the connecting seat 5 by threaded connection and are fixed with the connecting nut. The installation position relationship of the multiple positioning sleeves 41 on the connecting seat 5 should correspond to the multiple round holes 940 opened on the filling block 94 to ensure smooth insertion and positioning. The connecting plate 6 is connected and fixed to the end of the sliding rod 2 by the pin 61, and the top rod 43 is fastened to the connecting plate 6 by the nut, so that the top rod 43, the connecting plate 6 and the sliding rod 2 form a whole and move synchronously, ensuring structural strength while facilitating maintenance and replacement.

[0038] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the top of the cylinder 1 is threadedly sealed with a top cover 7, and the top cover 7 is movably connected with a lifting ring 8. Specifically, the return spring 33 acts between the piston 34 and the top cover 7, and the top cover 7 is detachably connected to the top of the cylinder 1, which facilitates the replacement of the return spring 33 and the sealing maintenance of the piston 34. In addition, the outer wall of the cylinder 1 is provided with a camera for observing the placement and removal of the packing block 94, which enables the operator to position the operation and promptly detect and handle potential problems, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of the operation.

[0039] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for studying the underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling, characterized in that, The device includes a cylindrical body (1), a sliding rod (2) is coaxially slidably connected inside the cylindrical body (1), an actuator (3) is provided at one end of the sliding rod (2) for driving the sliding rod (2) to move and reset, and a gripping assembly (4) is connected at the other end of the sliding rod (2). The gripping assembly (4) includes a positioning sleeve (41), a gripping hook (42) and a top rod (43). The positioning sleeve (41) is connected to the cylindrical body (1) for inserting into a circular hole (940) on the positioning filling block (94). The gripping hook (42) is movably connected in pairs to the positioning sleeve (41) through a pin (44). The top rod (43) is slidably connected to the positioning sleeve (41). One end of the top rod (43) is connected to the sliding rod (2), and the other end of the top rod (43) abuts against the middle of the pair of gripping hooks (42) for opening or closing the gripping hooks (42) to pick up and put down the filling block (94). The bottom of the cylinder (1) is provided with a connecting seat (5) for connecting multiple positioning sleeves (41). The sliding rod (2) is fixed with a connecting plate (6) for connecting multiple positioning sleeves (41) to the top rod (43) by means of a pin (61). The connecting plate (6) is movably sleeved on the cylinder (1). The cylinder (1) is provided with a second limiting strip hole (12) for movably abutting against and limiting the pin (61).

2. The apparatus for underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator (3) includes a slider (31), a connector (32), and a return spring (33). The slider (31) is sealed and slidably connected inside the cylinder (1). The bottom end of the slider (31) is connected to the top end of the sliding rod (2). The top end of the slider (31) is provided with a piston (34) that is sealed and slidably connected to the inner wall of the cylinder (1). The inner wall of the cylinder (1), the piston (34), and the slider (31) together form a cavity (10). The connector (32) is used to connect the air pump and the cavity (10). The force-bearing surface of the piston (34) on the side of the cavity (10) is greater than the force-bearing surface of the slider (31) on the side of the cavity (10). The return spring (33) is limited and abuts against the top end of the piston (34).

3. The apparatus for underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The slider (31) has an indicator post (35) connected to its side wall, and the cylinder (1) has a first limiting strip hole (11) for moving and limiting the indicator post (35).

4. The apparatus for underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hook (42) includes a first abutting part (421), a second abutting part (422), and a gripping part (423). The first abutting part (421) and the gripping part (423) form a lever with the pin (44) as the fulcrum, and the second abutting part (422) and the gripping part (423) form a lever with the pin (44) as the fulcrum.

5. The apparatus for underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The top rod (43) includes, from top to bottom, a straight rod (431), a convex ball (432), and a guide cone (433). The convex ball (432) movably abuts against the first abutting part (421) or the second abutting part (422). A groove (420) is provided between the first abutting part (421) and the second abutting part (422) for transitionally accommodating the convex ball (432).

6. The apparatus for underwater retrieval and placement of core packing blocks during refueling research as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A limiting ring (434) is fixedly fitted onto the straight rod (431) and is movably abutted against the positioning sleeve (41) to limit the sliding of the top rod (43).

7. The apparatus for underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder (1) includes an upper connecting cylinder (101), an extension cylinder (102) and a lower connecting cylinder connected in sequence, and the sliding rod (2) includes an extension rod (201) and a lower connecting rod (202) connected in sequence.

8. The apparatus for underwater handling of core packing blocks during refueling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the cylinder (1) is threadedly sealed with a top cover (7), and the top cover (7) is movably connected with a lifting ring (8).

9. The apparatus for underwater handling of reactor core packing blocks during refueling as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the cylinder (1) is equipped with a camera for observing the placement and removal of the packing block (94).

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