In-place sensor, material transfer device and in-place detection method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of position detection, and discloses an in-place sensor, a material transfer device and an in-place detection method, the in-place sensor is adopted to replace an electronic contact in the prior art, and therefore the problem that the service life of the position sensor is short due to aging of the electronic contact is solved. The in-place sensor comprises a connecting block, a first air guide pipe, an exhaust hole plugging assembly and a differential pressure sensor. A first cavity is formed in the connecting block; the connecting block is provided with an air inlet, an exhaust hole and an air guide opening. The first end of the first air guide pipe is communicated with a compressed air source, and the second end of the first air guide pipe is communicated with the air inlet. The exhaust hole plugging assembly is arranged in the first cavity, and one end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly penetrates through the exhaust hole and extends out of the connecting block to form a detection end. The first end of the differential pressure sensor is arranged on the first air guide pipe, and the second end of the differential pressure sensor is communicated with the air guide port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of position detection, and particularly relates to a position-in-place sensor, a material transfer device, and a position-in-place detection method. Background Art

[0002] In the field of automatic control, the position of a moving device is usually detected by a position sensor, so that the actions of the moving device can be automatically controlled according to the position of the moving device, realizing the reliable operation of the moving device.

[0003] Commonly used position sensors usually conduct and transmit electrical signals through the action of electronic contacts. However, the electronic contacts are prone to aging and poor contact after long-term operation, resulting in a short service life of the position sensor. Therefore, workers need to regularly replace the position sensor, increasing the maintenance workload of the workers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a position-in-place sensor, a material transfer device, and a position-in-place detection method in view of the above deficiencies existing in the prior art. By using this position-in-place sensor, the electronic contacts in the prior art can be replaced, thereby solving the problem of the short service life of the position sensor caused by the aging of the electronic contacts.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a position-in-place sensor, which includes a connection block, a first air duct, an exhaust hole plugging assembly, and a differential pressure sensor. The connection block has a first cavity inside; the connection block has an air inlet, an exhaust hole, and an air guide port, and the air inlet, the exhaust hole, and the air guide port are all communicated with the first cavity. The first end of the first air duct is communicated with a compressed air source, and the second end of the first air duct is communicated with the air inlet, for introducing compressed gas into the first cavity to keep the pressure in the first cavity constant. The exhaust hole plugging assembly is arranged in the first cavity, and one end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly passes through the exhaust hole and extends out of the connection block to form a detection end. The exhaust hole plugging assembly is used to plug the exhaust hole when the detection end is not subjected to an external force. The first end of the differential pressure sensor is arranged on the first air duct, and the second end of the differential pressure sensor is communicated with the air guide port, for detecting the pressure difference between the first air duct and the first cavity, so as to judge whether the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located according to the pressure difference. When the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located and abuts against the detection end, an external force can be applied to the detection end, thereby opening the exhaust hole, so that the gas in the first cavity flows out through the exhaust hole, and the air pressure in the first cavity decreases, thereby generating a pressure difference between the first air duct and the first cavity.

[0006] In some embodiments, the exhaust hole plugging assembly includes a pressing shaft and an elastic member. The pressing shaft is slidably disposed in the exhaust hole. The first end of the pressing shaft extends outside the connecting block to form a detection end. The second end of the pressing shaft extends into the first cavity, and the second end of the pressing shaft has a convex portion. When the pressing shaft slides along the exhaust hole in the direction away from the first cavity, the convex portion can block the exhaust hole after abutting against the inner side wall of the exhaust hole. The elastic member is disposed in the first cavity. One end of the elastic member abuts against the inner side wall of the first cavity opposite to the exhaust hole, and the other end abuts against the second end of the pressing shaft, and is used to make the pressing shaft have a tendency to slide along the exhaust hole in the direction away from the first cavity when the pressing shaft is not subjected to an external force, so as to maintain the state where the convex portion blocks the exhaust hole. When the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located and abuts against the detection end, by applying an external force towards the first cavity to the detection end, the pressing shaft can be pushed to slide along the exhaust hole in the direction towards the first cavity, thereby opening the exhaust hole.

[0007] In some embodiments, a roller is provided at the first end of the pressing shaft. The axial direction of the rotation axis of the roller is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the pressing shaft, and the roller forms the detection end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the connecting block includes a T-shaped block and a connecting seat. A transverse groove is provided in the transverse portion of the T-shaped block. Both the air inlet and the air guide port are provided on the T-shaped block and are both communicated with the transverse groove. The connecting seat is buckled at the opening of the transverse groove and encloses the first cavity with the transverse groove. A guide tube is provided on the side of the connecting seat away from the T-shaped block, and the exhaust hole is formed inside the guide tube. The pressing shaft is slidably disposed in the guide tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, a longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity is provided inside the longitudinal portion of the T-shaped block, and the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity is communicated with the transverse groove. The air inlet is provided at one end of the longitudinal portion of the T-shaped block away from the transverse groove and is communicated with the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air guide port is provided on the transverse portion of the T-shaped block, and the air guide port and the opening of the transverse groove are respectively located at opposite ends of the transverse portion of the T-shaped block, and the air guide port is communicated with the groove through a slit hole.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second end of the first air duct communicates with the air inlet through a first quick-connector assembly. The in-place sensor further includes a second air duct that communicates with the air guide port through a second quick-connector assembly; the second end of the differential pressure sensor is disposed on the second air duct.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aperture of the transverse groove is larger than the aperture of the guide tube, and the aperture of the guide tube is larger than the aperture of the slit hole.

[0013] Thus, the in-place sensor provided by the embodiment of the present invention can introduce compressed gas into the first cavity through the compressed gas source by providing a first cavity inside the connection block and making the compressed gas source communicate with the first cavity through the air inlet and the first air duct, so as to keep the pressure in the first cavity constant. By providing an exhaust hole plugging assembly inside the first cavity and making one end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly extend through the exhaust hole to the outside of the connection block to form a detection end, when the object to be detected does not move to the position where the detection end is located and the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly does not receive the external force applied by the object to be detected, the exhaust hole plugging assembly can maintain the state of plugging the exhaust hole, and when the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located and abuts against the detection end, and the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly receives the external force applied by the object to be detected, the exhaust hole plugging assembly can open the exhaust hole. When the exhaust hole is plugged, the instantaneous air pressure in the first cavity is equal to the air pressure in the first air duct, and there is no pressure difference between the first air duct and the first cavity, that is, the pressure difference is equal to 0; when the exhaust hole is opened, the instantaneous air pressure in the first cavity will be less than the air pressure in the first air duct, and there is a pressure difference between the first air duct and the first cavity, that is, the pressure difference is not equal to 0. Therefore, by providing a differential pressure sensor, the pressure difference between the first air duct and the first cavity can be detected, and then it can be determined whether the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located according to the above pressure difference, so as to realize the in-place detection function of the in-place sensor. Compared with the prior art, the in-place sensor in the embodiment of the present invention does not use electronic contacts, so there is no problem of malfunction due to aging and poor contact of the electronic contacts, thereby improving the service life of the in-place sensor, improving the maintenance period of the in-place sensor or achieving the effect of maintenance-free, and reducing the maintenance workload of workers.

[0014] Second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a material transfer device, which includes a support base, a transfer rack, a driving member, the in-place sensor in the first aspect, and a controller. The support base is disposed in the hot cell. The transfer rack is slidably disposed on the support base for receiving the spent fuel assembly and driving the spent fuel assembly to move. The driving member is disposed on the transfer rack and is in transmission connection with the support base for driving the transfer rack to move on the support base. The differential pressure sensor of the in-place sensor is disposed outside the hot cell, and the connection block of the in-place sensor is disposed on the support base. After the transfer rack moves to the target position, it can abut against the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly; the differential pressure sensor in the in-place sensor is a differential pressure sensor with remote transmission function, and the differential pressure sensor can convert the detected differential pressure between the first air duct and the first cavity into a differential pressure signal for transmission. The controller is disposed outside the hot cell and is electrically connected to the differential pressure sensor and the driving member respectively, and is used for judging whether the transfer rack moves to the target position after receiving the differential pressure signal, and when judging that the transfer rack moves to the target position, sending a control signal to the driving member to make the driving member stop acting, so that the spent fuel assembly stops moving.

[0015] Third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an in-place detection method for detecting the position of an object to be detected in a hot cell. The in-place detection method uses the in-place sensor in the first aspect; in the in-place sensor, the differential pressure sensor is placed outside the hot cell, and the connection block is placed inside the hot cell; the in-place detection method includes: placing the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly at the detection position so that when the object to be detected moves to the detection position, it can abut against the detection end; introducing compressed gas into the first air duct so that the first cavity maintains a constant pressure; detecting the differential pressure between the first air duct and the first cavity in real time through the differential pressure sensor; judging whether the object to be detected moves to the detection position according to the differential pressure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the judging whether the object to be detected moves to the detection position according to the differential pressure is specifically: if the differential pressure between the first air duct and the first cavity is equal to 0, it is judged that the object to be detected has not moved to the position where the detection end is located; if the differential pressure between the first air duct and the first cavity is not equal to 0, it is judged that the object to be detected has moved to the detection position.

[0017] The material transfer device and the in-place detection method provided by the embodiments of the present invention have the same beneficial effects as the above in-place sensor, and will not be elaborated here. Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 : A structural diagram of an in-place sensor provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 : A cross-sectional view of a position sensor provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Among them, 1 - roller; 2 - connecting seat; 3 - rotating shaft; 4 - pressing shaft; 5 - O-ring;

[0021] 6 - connecting block; 7 - elastic member; 8 - first square washer; 9 - first quick connector; 10 - second quick connector; 11 - first quick plug; 12 - second quick plug; 13 - first clamp;

[0022] 14 - second clamp; 15 - first air duct; 16 - second air duct; 17 - second square washer; A1 - air inlet; A2 - exhaust hole; A3 - air guiding port; Q1 - first cavity; Q2 - longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity. Detailed implementation manners

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments.

[0024] Embodiment 1:

[0025] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a position sensor, which is applied in an automatic control system and is used to detect whether an object moves to a target position.

[0026] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the position sensor includes a connecting block 6, a first air duct 15, an exhaust hole plugging assembly, and a differential pressure sensor ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 are not shown).

[0027] As Figure 2 shown, the connecting block 6 internally has a first cavity Q1. The connecting block 6 has an air inlet A1, an exhaust hole A2, and an air guiding port A3, and the air inlet A1, the exhaust hole A2, and the air guiding port A3 are all communicated with the first cavity Q1. The first end of the first air duct 15 is communicated with a compressed air source, and the second end of the first air duct 15 is communicated with the air inlet A1, and is used to introduce compressed gas into the first cavity Q1 to keep the pressure in the first cavity Q1 constant. The exhaust hole plugging assembly is arranged in the first cavity Q1, and one end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly passes through the exhaust hole A2 and extends out of the connecting block 6 to form a detection end, and the exhaust hole plugging assembly is used to plug the exhaust hole A2 when the detection end is not subjected to an external force.

[0028] Exemplarily, the compressed air source can be an external constant pressure gas pipeline capable of providing continuous compressed gas, or an air compressor.

[0029] Exemplarily, the compressed gas introduced into the first cavity Q1 by the compressed gas source is compressed air, and the pressure value of the compressed gas can be set to 0.3 MPa - 0.5 MPa, for example, 0.3 MPa, 0.4 MPa or 0.5 MPa. Setting the pressure value within this range can keep the first air duct 15 at a relatively high air pressure. When the exhaust hole A2 is opened later to reduce the air pressure in the first cavity Q1, the pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 is relatively large, thereby improving the sensitivity of the pressure difference sensor to detect the pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1.

[0030] It can be understood that when the first cavity Q1 is in a closed state, after the compressed gas source introduces compressed gas into the first cavity Q1 through the air inlet A1, the air pressure in the first cavity Q1 will remain the same as the air pressure of the compressed gas source (or the air pressure in the first air duct 15) and remain constant; when the exhaust hole A2 is opened and the first cavity Q1 is in communication with the external atmosphere through the exhaust hole A2, the gas in the first cavity Q1 will leak into the external atmosphere, and the instantaneous air pressure in the first cavity Q1 will decrease; when the exhaust hole A2 is blocked and the first cavity Q1 becomes closed again, the compressed gas source will introduce compressed gas into the first cavity Q1 through the air inlet A1 again, and the air pressure in the first cavity Q1 will be made to remain the same as the air pressure of the compressed gas source (or the air pressure in the first air duct 15) and remain constant again.

[0031] Moreover, since the first air duct 15 is directly connected to the compressed gas source, even if the gas in the first cavity Q1 leaks into the external atmosphere, the pressure in the first air duct 15 will remain approximately equal to the pressure of the compressed gas source because the first air duct 15 is closer to the compressed gas source.

[0032] Therefore, when the exhaust hole A2 is opened, the instantaneous air pressure in the first cavity Q1 will be less than the air pressure in the first air duct 15; after the exhaust hole A2 is blocked, the instantaneous air pressure in the first cavity Q1 will gradually recover to be equal to the air pressure in the first air duct 15.

[0033] Exemplarily, the exhaust hole blocking assembly has a plug to block the exhaust hole A2 with the plug.

[0034] Exemplarily, the detection end of the exhaust hole blocking assembly is arranged on the movement track of the object to be detected, so that when the object to be detected moves to abut against the detection end, an external force can be applied to the detection end, thereby opening the exhaust hole A2 by the exhaust hole blocking assembly and reducing the instantaneous air pressure in the first cavity Q1.

[0035] Correspondingly, when the object to be detected does not move to the detection end, the detection end of the exhaust hole blocking assembly will not be subjected to an external force. At this time, the exhaust hole blocking assembly will maintain the state of blocking the exhaust hole A2, and thus maintain the air pressure in the first cavity Q1.

[0036] In the embodiment of the present invention, in combination with Figure 2 , the first end of the differential pressure sensor is arranged on the first air duct 15, and the second end of the differential pressure sensor is communicated with the air guide port A3, and is used for detecting the differential pressure between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1, so as to judge whether the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located according to the differential pressure. When the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located and abuts against the detection end, an external force can be applied to the detection end, so as to open the exhaust hole A2, so that the gas in the first cavity Q1 flows out through the exhaust hole A2, and the air pressure in the first cavity Q1 decreases, so that a differential pressure is generated between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1.

[0037] It should be noted that the air guide port A3 is only used to conduct the gas in the first cavity Q1 to the second end of the differential pressure sensor, and the gas in the first cavity Q1 will not leak to the outside from the air guide port A3 to affect the air pressure in the first cavity Q1.

[0038] Exemplarily, the differential pressure sensor is a differential pressure sensor in the prior art, and the differential pressure sensor can directly display the differential pressure between the first end and the second end, or convert the detected differential pressure into an electric signal for remote transmission.

[0039] It can be understood that in combination with Figure 2 , when the object to be detected does not move to the position where the detection end is located, the detection end is not subjected to an external force and will maintain the blocking state of the exhaust hole A2, and the first cavity Q1 is in a sealed state. Under the action of the compressed air source, the air pressure in the first cavity Q1 remains the same as the air pressure of the compressed air source (or the air pressure in the first air duct 15). At this time, the differential pressure detected by the differential pressure sensor between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 is 0; when the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located and abuts against the detection end, an external force can be applied to the detection end, so as to open the exhaust hole A2, so that the gas in the first cavity Q1 flows out through the exhaust hole A2, and the air pressure in the first cavity Q1 decreases. At this time, the differential pressure detected by the differential pressure sensor between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 is not 0.

[0040] Therefore, through the differential pressure value between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 detected by the differential pressure sensor, it can be judged whether the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located, and the in-place detection function of the in-place sensor is realized. Compared with the prior art, the in-place sensor in the embodiment of the present invention does not use electronic contacts, so there is no problem of malfunction due to aging and poor contact of the electronic contacts. Therefore, the service life of the in-place sensor can be improved, the maintenance period of the in-place sensor can be increased or the effect of maintenance-free can be achieved, and the maintenance workload of workers can be reduced.

[0041] Therefore, for the in-place sensor provided by the embodiment of the present invention, by arranging a first cavity Q1 inside the connecting block 6 and enabling the compressed air source to communicate with the first cavity Q1 through the air inlet A1 and the first air duct 15, compressed gas can be introduced into the first cavity Q1 through the compressed air source so as to keep a constant pressure inside the first cavity Q1. By arranging an exhaust hole plugging component inside the first cavity Q1, one end of the exhaust hole plugging component extends out of the connecting block 6 through the exhaust hole A2 to form a detection end. When the object to be detected does not move to the position where the detection end is located and the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging component does not receive the external force applied by the object to be detected, the exhaust hole plugging component can maintain the state of plugging the exhaust hole A2, and when the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located and abuts against the detection end, and the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging component receives the external force applied by the object to be detected, the exhaust hole plugging component opens the exhaust hole A2. When the exhaust hole A2 is plugged, the instantaneous air pressure inside the first cavity Q1 is equal to the air pressure inside the first air duct 15, and there is no pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 (i.e., the pressure difference is equal to 0); when the exhaust hole A2 is opened, the instantaneous air pressure inside the first cavity Q1 will be less than the air pressure inside the first air duct 15, and there is a pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 (i.e., the pressure difference is not equal to 0). Therefore, by arranging a pressure difference sensor, the pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 can be detected, and further, it can be judged whether the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located according to the above-mentioned pressure difference, so as to realize the in-place detection function of the in-place sensor. Compared with the prior art, the in-place sensor in the embodiment of the present invention does not use electronic contacts, so there is no problem of failure due to aging and poor contact of the electronic contacts, thereby improving the service life of the in-place sensor, improving the maintenance period of the in-place sensor or achieving the effect of maintenance-free, and reducing the maintenance workload of workers.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the exhaust hole plugging assembly includes a pressing shaft 4 and an elastic member 7. The pressing shaft 4 is slidably disposed in the exhaust hole A2. The first end of the pressing shaft 4 extends outside the connecting block 6 to form a detection end. The second end of the pressing shaft 4 extends into the first cavity Q1, and the second end of the pressing shaft 4 has a convex portion. When the pressing shaft 4 slides along the exhaust hole A2 in the direction away from the first cavity Q1, the convex portion can abut against the inner side wall of the exhaust hole A2 to plug the exhaust hole A2. The elastic member 7 is disposed in the first cavity Q1. One end of the elastic member 7 abuts against the inner side wall of the first cavity Q1 opposite to the exhaust hole A2, and the other end abuts against the second end of the pressing shaft 4, and is used to make the pressing shaft 4 have a tendency to slide along the exhaust hole A2 in the direction away from the first cavity Q1 when the pressing shaft 4 is not subjected to an external force, so as to maintain the state where the convex portion plugs the exhaust hole A2. When the object to be detected moves to the position where the first end of the pressing shaft 4 is located and abuts against the first end of the pressing shaft 4, by applying an external force towards the first cavity Q1 to the first end of the pressing shaft 4, the pressing shaft 4 can be pushed to slide along the exhaust hole A2 in the direction towards the first cavity Q1, thereby opening the exhaust hole A2.

[0043] Exemplarily, the shape of the exhaust hole A2 is a straight cylindrical shape. The pressing shaft 4 can slide along the inner side wall of the exhaust hole A2.

[0044] It can be understood that the outer diameter of the convex portion is larger than the inner diameter of the exhaust hole A2, so that the convex portion can plug the exhaust hole A2 after abutting against the inner side wall of the exhaust hole A2.

[0045] Exemplarily, at the position on the inner side wall of the first cavity Q1 where the exhaust hole A2 is provided corresponding to the convex portion, a groove adapted to the convex portion is provided to improve the sealing performance between the inner side wall of the first cavity Q1 where the exhaust hole A2 is provided and the convex portion.

[0046] Exemplarily, the elastic member 7 is a compression spring. The elastic force parameter of the elastic member 7 is determined according to the on-site situation, but it is necessary to ensure that when an external force is applied to the first end of the pressing shaft 4 by the object to be detected towards the first cavity Q1, the elastic member 7 can be compressed, so that the convex portion no longer plugs the exhaust hole A2, thereby smoothly opening the exhaust hole A2.

[0047] Exemplarily, in combination with Figure 2 , when the object to be detected has not moved to the position where the first end of the pressing shaft is located and has not abutted against the first end of the pressing shaft, the pressing shaft 4 is in Figure 2When receiving the elastic force of the elastic member 7 in the horizontal direction, it has a tendency to slide outward from the exhaust hole A2 to the outside of the first cavity Q1. The convex part of the pressing shaft 4 falls into the above-mentioned groove and remains in contact with the inner side wall of the first cavity Q1 where the exhaust hole A2 is provided, achieving sealing between the convex part of the pressing shaft 4 and the inner side wall of the first cavity Q1 where the exhaust hole A2 is provided, thereby closing the exhaust hole A2 through the convex part. When the object to be detected moves to the position where the first end of the pressing shaft 4 is located and abuts against the first end of the pressing shaft 4, the object to be detected applies an external force towards the inside of the first cavity Q1 to the first end of the pressing shaft 4, which can push the pressing shaft 4 to slide along the exhaust hole A2 towards the inside of the first cavity Q1. The convex part of the pressing shaft 4 no longer abuts against the inner side wall of the first cavity Q1 where the exhaust hole A2 is provided, and the sealing between the convex part of the pressing shaft 4 and the inner side wall of the first cavity Q1 where the exhaust hole A2 is provided is no longer present, thereby opening the exhaust hole A2.

[0048] Through the above settings, the elastic member 7 can keep the first end of the pressing shaft 4 closed to the exhaust hole A2 when no external force is applied, and compress the elastic member 7 to open the exhaust hole A2 when an external force is applied to the first end of the pressing shaft 4.

[0049] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a roller 1 is provided at the first end of the pressing shaft 4. The axial direction of the rotation shaft 3 of the roller 1 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the pressing shaft 4, and the roller 1 forms the above-mentioned detection end.

[0050] Exemplarily, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a receiving groove extending along the axial direction of the pressing shaft 4 is provided at the first end of the pressing shaft 4. The rotation shaft 3 of the roller 1 is rotatably arranged on the two side walls of the receiving groove, and a part of the roller 1 is located inside the receiving groove. Correspondingly, a yielding groove is provided on the side wall of the exhaust hole A2 corresponding to the position of the roller 1, so that when the object to be detected pushes the roller 1 to move towards the inside of the first cavity Q1, the roller 1 will not collide with the connecting block 6.

[0051] As Figure 2 shown, by providing the roller 1, the lateral force applied by the object to be detected on the roller 1 can be converted into an axial force that can push the pressing shaft 4 to move along the exhaust hole A2. Even if the object to be detected does not move axially along the pressing shaft 4 (for example, the moving direction of the object to be detected forms an acute angle with the axis of the pressing shaft 4) to the detection end, after the object to be detected abuts against the roller 1, an external force can be applied to the roller 1 to push the pressing shaft 4 to slide along the exhaust hole A2 towards the inside of the first cavity Q1 to open the exhaust hole A2.

[0052] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the connecting block 6 includes a T-shaped block and a connecting seat 2. The transverse part of the T-shaped block is provided with a transverse groove; the air inlet A1 and the air guide port A3 are both arranged on the T-shaped block and are both communicated with the transverse groove. The connecting seat 2 is buckled at the opening of the transverse groove and encloses a first cavity Q1 with the transverse groove; a guide pipe is arranged on the side of the connecting seat 2 away from the T-shaped block, and the exhaust hole A2 is formed inside the guide pipe. The pressing shaft 4 is slidably arranged inside the guide pipe.

[0053] Exemplarily, the T-shaped block is fixed on the T-shaped block by screws.

[0054] Exemplarily, the connecting seat 2 has a circular protrusion corresponding to the position of the transverse groove. The outer diameter of the circular protrusion is adapted to the inner diameter of the transverse groove. After the connecting seat 2 is buckled at the opening of the transverse groove, the circular protrusion is snapped into the opening of the transverse groove to achieve the seal between the connecting seat 2 and the T-shaped block and ensure the tightness of the first cavity Q1 enclosed by the connecting seat 2 and the transverse groove.

[0055] Exemplarily, as Figure 2 shown, an O-ring 5 is arranged between the circular protrusion of the connecting seat 2 and the inner side wall of the transverse groove to enhance the seal between the circular protrusion of the connecting seat 2 and the inner side wall of the transverse groove, thereby increasing the seal between the connecting seat 2 and the T-shaped block.

[0056] It can be understood that the inner diameter of the exhaust hole A2 formed inside the guide pipe is larger than the outer diameter of the pressing shaft 4 to form a gap between the guide pipe and the pressing shaft 4, facilitating the gas in the first cavity Q1 to flow out through the gap.

[0057] Through the above settings, it is convenient for the assembly of the connecting block 6 and the processing of the transverse groove on the T-shaped block.

[0058] In some embodiments, in Figure 2 the longitudinal part of the T-shaped block, a longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2 is arranged inside, and the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2 is communicated with the transverse groove. The air inlet A1 is arranged at one end of the longitudinal part of the T-shaped block away from the transverse groove and is communicated with the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2.

[0059] Exemplarily, the volume of the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2 is larger than the volume of the first cavity Q1.

[0060] As Figure 2 shown, the compressed gas input through the air inlet A1 by the first air duct 15 first enters the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2, and then enters the first cavity Q1 (transverse groove) through the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2. The longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2 can store part of the compressed gas.

[0061] After the exhaust hole A2 is opened, a part of the gas in the first cavity Q1 (transverse groove) is discharged through the exhaust hole A2, and the air pressure in the first cavity Q1 decreases. After the exhaust hole A2 is closed, the compressed gas stored in the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2 can be promptly supplemented into the first cavity Q1, which is beneficial to quickly restore the constant pressure state in the first cavity Q1.

[0062] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, the air guide port A3 is provided on the transverse part of the T-shaped block, and the air guide port A3 and the opening of the transverse groove are respectively located at opposite ends of the transverse part of the T-shaped block. The air guide port A3 is communicated with the groove through a slit hole.

[0063] Exemplarily, the size of the slit hole is much smaller than the inner diameter size of the transverse groove to reduce the gas flow rate through the slit hole, and can reduce the fluctuation amplitude of the air pressure at the air guide port A3 when the air pressure in the first cavity Q1 changes.

[0064] Through the above settings, when the air guide port A3 is opened and the air pressure in the first cavity Q1 (transverse groove) changes due to the discharge of the gas in the first cavity Q1 through the exhaust hole A2, the change in the air pressure in the first cavity Q1 can be quickly transmitted to the second end of the differential pressure sensor through the air guide port A3, improving the timeliness of the differential pressure sensor for detecting the differential pressure between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1.

[0065] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the second end of the first air duct 15 is communicated with the air inlet A1 through a first quick connector assembly.

[0066] Exemplarily, the first quick connector assembly may include a quick connector, and the second end of the first air duct 15 is communicated with the air inlet A1 through the quick connector.

[0067] Alternatively, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the first quick connector assembly includes a first clamp 13, a first quick plug 11 and a first quick connector 9. The second end of the first air duct 15 is fixed on the first quick plug 11 through the first clamp 13, and the first quick plug 11 and the first quick connector 9 are connected by a plugging method.

[0068] Exemplarily, a first internal thread is formed at the air inlet A1 of the T-shaped block, and the first quick connector 9 is connected to the T-shaped block through the first internal thread at the air inlet A1, so that the first quick connector 9 is communicated with the air inlet A1, and further the second end of the first air duct 15 is communicated with the air inlet A1.

[0069] Exemplarily, a first square gasket 8 is provided between the T-shaped block and the first quick connector 9 to increase the sealing performance between the T-shaped block and the first quick connector 9.

[0070] With the above settings, it is convenient to achieve the quick connection between the first air duct 15 and the T-shaped block.

[0071] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the in-place sensor further includes a second air duct 16, and the second air duct 16 communicates with the air guide port A3 through a second quick connector assembly; the second end of the differential pressure sensor is disposed on the second air duct 16.

[0072] Exemplarily, the second quick connector assembly may include a quick connector, and the second air duct 16 communicates with the air guide port A3 through the quick connector.

[0073] Or, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the second quick connector assembly includes a second clamp 14, a second quick plug 12 and a second quick connector 10. The second air duct 16 is fixed on the second quick plug 12 through the second clamp 14, and the second quick plug 12 and the second quick connector 10 are connected by a plugging method.

[0074] Exemplarily, a second internal thread is formed at the air guide port A3 of the T-shaped block, and the second quick connector 10 is connected to the T-shaped block through the second internal thread at the air guide port A3, so that the second quick connector 10 communicates with the air guide port A3, and further realizes the communication between the second air duct 16 and the air guide port A3.

[0075] Exemplarily, a second square gasket 17 is disposed between the T-shaped block and the second quick connector 10 to increase the sealing performance between the T-shaped block and the second quick connector 10.

[0076] With the above settings, it is convenient to achieve the quick connection between the second air duct 16 and the T-shaped block.

[0077] In some embodiments, the aperture of the transverse groove is larger than the aperture of the guide tube, and the aperture of the guide tube is larger than the aperture of the slit hole.

[0078] Exemplarily, the aperture (diameter) of the transverse groove is 20 mm; the aperture (diameter) of the guide tube is 10 mm, that is, the aperture (diameter) of the exhaust hole A2 is 10 mm; the aperture (diameter) of the slit hole is 0.5 mm.

[0079] It can be understood that if the convex part at the second end of the pressing shaft 4 is to block the exhaust hole A2, the size of the convex part needs to be larger than the outer diameter of the exhaust hole A2. By setting the aperture of the transverse groove to be larger, it is convenient to form a convex part at the second end of the pressing shaft 4 that can block the exhaust hole A2. The aperture of the slit hole is set to be smaller, which can reduce the gas flow through the slit hole, thereby helping to reduce the fluctuation amplitude of the air pressure in the second air duct 16 and also preventing too much gas in the second air duct 16 from flowing out through the exhaust hole A2.

[0080] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2 and the transverse groove are connected through a communication hole. The aperture (diameter) of the communication hole can be 11 mm, which is larger than the aperture size of the exhaust hole A2, so as to quickly transport the gas in the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity Q2 to the first cavity Q1 to supplement the gas in the first cavity Q1.

[0081] In the nuclear power field, the automatic transfer of spent fuel assemblies is often involved in the nuclear power plant (radioactive environment). When automatically rotating the spent fuel assembly to a specific position, a position sensor is usually required. The disadvantages of the position sensors in the prior art, such as short service life and the need for regular replacement, result in maintenance personnel often entering the radioactive environment, thus increasing the radiation exposure of the maintenance personnel when replacing the position sensor.

[0082] It can be understood that in the in-place sensor of the present application, only the differential pressure sensor contains electronic devices, and other parts do not contain electronic devices. After leading the differential pressure sensor out of the hot cell and setting the connection block 6 and the exhaust hole plugging assembly of the in-place sensor in the hot cell, the in-place sensor can be applied to detect the in-place signal of an object in a radioactive environment; the in-place sensor of the present application has a long service life, can reduce the maintenance period, and further reduce the time for maintenance personnel to enter the radioactive environment for maintenance and be exposed to the radioactive environment, thereby reducing the radiation exposure of the maintenance personnel.

[0083] Embodiment 2:

[0084] The embodiment of the present invention provides a material transfer device for use in a nuclear power plant. The material transfer device includes a support base, a transfer rack, a driving member, the in-place sensor in Embodiment 1, and a controller.

[0085] The support base is arranged in the hot cell. The transfer rack is slidably arranged on the support base and is used to receive the spent fuel assembly and drive the spent fuel assembly to move. The driving member is arranged on the transfer rack and is in transmission connection with the support base, and is used to drive the transfer rack to move on the support base.

[0086] Exemplarily, a slide rail is arranged on the support base, and the transfer rack is slidably connected to the support base through the slide rail.

[0087] Exemplarily, the driving member includes a driving motor. A rack is provided on the support base, and a gear is provided at the driving end of the driving motor. The driving motor is meshed and connected with the rack on the support base through the gear. When the driving motor rotates, it drives the gear to rotate. Under the action of the rack on the support base, the transfer rack moves along the slide rail on the support base, thereby driving the spent fuel assembly on the transfer rack to move.

[0088] The differential pressure sensor of the in-place sensor is arranged outside the hot cell, and the connecting block 6 of the in-place sensor is arranged on the support base. After the transfer rack moves to the target position, it can abut against the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly. The differential pressure sensor in the in-place sensor is a differential pressure sensor with remote transmission function. The differential pressure sensor can convert the detected differential pressure between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 into a differential pressure signal for transmission. The controller is arranged outside the hot cell and is electrically connected to the differential pressure sensor and the driving member respectively. It is used to judge whether the transfer rack has moved to the target position after receiving the differential pressure signal, and when it judges that the transfer rack has moved to the target position, it sends a control signal to the driving member to make the driving member stop acting, so that the spent fuel assembly stops moving.

[0089] Exemplarily, in the in-place sensor, the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly is arranged at the target position of the transfer rack, so that after the transfer rack moves to the target position, it can abut against the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly and apply an external force to the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly.

[0090] Exemplarily, the second end of the differential pressure sensor is communicated with the air guide port A3 through the second air duct 16.

[0091] Exemplarily, the controller is a programmable logic controller in the prior art. The programmable logic controller is a digital operation electronic system specially designed for application in industrial environments. The model of the controller can be S7-200c produced by Siemens. A program can be preset in the controller to judge whether the transfer rack has moved to the target position according to the differential pressure signal after receiving the differential pressure signal, and send a corresponding control signal to the driving member.

[0092] By arranging the differential pressure sensor and the controller outside the hot cell, the radioactive environment in the hot cell can be avoided from affecting the normal operation of the differential pressure sensor and the controller, enabling the differential pressure sensor and the controller to operate stably for a long time, thereby improving the operation reliability of the material transfer device in the radioactive environment.

[0093] Embodiment 3:

[0094] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for detecting in-place state, which is used to detect the position of an object to be detected in a hot cell. This in-place detection method uses the in-place sensor in Embodiment 1. In this in-place sensor, a differential pressure sensor is placed outside the hot cell, and a connecting block 6 is placed inside the hot cell, thereby avoiding the influence of the radioactive environment inside the hot cell on the operation of the differential pressure sensor and enabling the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly on the connecting block 6 to normally detect the object to be detected inside the hot cell.

[0095] This in-place detection method includes:

[0096] Placing the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly at the detection position so that when the object to be detected moves to the detection position, it can abut against the detection end;

[0097] Introducing compressed gas into the first air duct 15 to keep the pressure in the first cavity Q1 constant;

[0098] Real-time detecting the pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 through the differential pressure sensor;

[0099] Judging whether the object to be detected has moved to the detection position according to the pressure difference.

[0100] Exemplarily, the compressed gas can be compressed air, and the pressure value of the compressed gas can be set to 0.3 MPa - 0.5 MPa, such as 0.3 MPa, 0.4 MPa or 0.5 MPa.

[0101] Exemplarily, the differential pressure sensor is a differential pressure sensor in the prior art. The differential pressure sensor can directly output the pressure difference between the first end and the second end, or convert the detected pressure difference into an electrical signal for remote transmission.

[0102] On-site personnel can view the pressure difference value displayed by the differential pressure sensor in real time, thereby detecting whether the object to be detected has moved to the detection position according to the pressure difference value, and realizing the detection of the position of the object to be detected in the hot cell.

[0103] In some embodiments, judging whether the object to be detected has moved to the detection position according to the pressure difference in the above steps is specifically: if the pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 is equal to 0, it is judged that the object to be detected has not moved to the position where the detection end is located; if the pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 is not equal to 0, it is judged that the object to be detected has moved to the detection position.

[0104] It can be understood that when the pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 is equal to 0, it can be determined that the first cavity Q1 in the connecting block 6 of the in-place sensor is in a sealed state, that is, the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly is not subjected to an external force, and the object to be detected does not abut against the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly. Therefore, it can be determined that the object to be detected has not moved to the position where the detection end is located. When the pressure difference between the first air duct 15 and the first cavity Q1 is not equal to 0, it can be determined that the first cavity Q1 in the connecting block 6 of the in-place sensor is in an open state, that is, the detection end of the exhaust hole plugging assembly is subjected to an external force applied by the object to be detected towards the detection end. Therefore, it can be determined that the object to be detected has moved to the position where the detection end is located and abuts against the detection end. Therefore, it can be determined whether the object to be detected has moved to the detection position according to the pressure difference.

[0105] It can be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments adopted to illustrate the principle of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For those of ordinary skill 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 regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A position sensor, characterized in that: include: A connecting block (6) having a first cavity inside; the connecting block (6) having an air inlet, an air outlet and an air guide port, the air inlet, the air outlet and the air guide port all being in communication with the first cavity; a first air duct (15), wherein a first end of the first air duct (15) is connected to a compressed air source, and a second end of the first air duct (15) is connected to the air inlet, and is used to introduce compressed gas into the first cavity so as to maintain a constant pressure in the first cavity; an exhaust hole plugging component, which is arranged in the first cavity, and one end of the exhaust hole plugging component extends through the exhaust hole to the outside of the connecting block (6) to form a detection end, and the exhaust hole plugging component is used to plug the exhaust hole when the detection end is not subjected to external force; and, a pressure difference sensor, wherein a first end of the pressure difference sensor is arranged on the first air duct (15), and a second end of the pressure difference sensor is connected to the air duct port, and is used to detect the pressure difference between the first air duct (15) and the first cavity, so as to determine whether the object to be detected has moved to the position where the detection end is located according to the pressure difference; When the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located and abuts against the detection end, an external force can be applied to the detection end, thereby opening the exhaust hole, so that the gas in the first cavity flows out through the exhaust hole, and the air pressure in the first cavity is reduced, thereby generating a pressure difference between the first air guide tube (15) and the first cavity.

2. The in-place sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust hole plugging assembly comprises: A tightening shaft (4) is slidably arranged in the exhaust hole, a first end of the tightening shaft (4) extends to the outside of the connecting block (6) to form a detection end, a second end of the tightening shaft (4) extends into the first cavity, and the second end of the tightening shaft (4) has a protrusion; when the tightening shaft (4) slides along the exhaust hole toward the outside of the first cavity, the protrusion abuts against the inner side wall of the exhaust hole to block the exhaust hole; and, An elastic member (7) is arranged in the first cavity; one end of the elastic member (7) abuts against the inner wall of the first cavity opposite to the exhaust hole, and the other end abuts against the second end of the pressing shaft (4), and is used to make the pressing shaft (4) have a tendency to slide along the exhaust hole toward the outside of the first cavity when the pressing shaft (4) is not subjected to external force, so as to maintain the state in which the protrusion blocks the exhaust hole; When the object to be detected moves to the position where the detection end is located and abuts against the detection end, by applying an external force to the detection end into the first cavity, the pressing shaft (4) can be pushed to slide along the exhaust hole into the first cavity, thereby opening the exhaust hole.

3. The in-place sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: A roller (1) is provided at the first end of the clamping shaft (4), the axial direction of the rotating shaft (3) of the roller (1) is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the clamping shaft (4), and the roller (1) forms the detection end.

4. The in-place sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connection block (6) comprises: A T-shaped block, wherein a transverse groove is provided on the transverse portion of the T-shaped block; the air inlet and the air guide port are both provided on the T-shaped block and are both connected to the transverse groove; and, A connecting seat (2) is buckled at the opening of the transverse groove and encloses the first cavity together with the transverse groove; a guide tube is provided on the side of the connecting seat (2) away from the T-shaped block, and the exhaust hole is formed inside the guide tube; and the tightening shaft (4) is slidably arranged in the guide tube.

5. The in-place sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: A longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity is provided inside the longitudinal portion of the T-shaped block, and the longitudinal pressure stabilizing cavity is communicated with the transverse groove; The air inlet is arranged at one end of the longitudinal portion of the T-shaped block away from the transverse groove and is communicated with the longitudinal pressure stabilizing chamber.

6. The in-place sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The air guide port is arranged on the transverse part of the T-shaped block, and the openings of the air guide port and the transverse groove are respectively located at opposite ends of the transverse part of the T-shaped block, and the air guide port is connected with the groove through a slit hole.

7. The in-place sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second end of the first air guide pipe (15) is connected to the air inlet via a first quick connector assembly; The in-place sensor further comprises a second air duct (16), wherein the second air duct (16) is connected to the air port via a second quick connector assembly; the second end of the differential pressure sensor is arranged on the second air duct (16).

8. The in-place sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that: The aperture of the transverse groove is larger than the aperture of the guide tube, and the aperture of the guide tube is larger than the aperture of the slit hole.

9. A material transfer device, characterized in that: include: A support seat, arranged in the hot chamber; A transfer rack, slidably disposed on the support seat, for receiving the spent fuel assembly and driving the spent fuel assembly to move; A driving member, which is arranged on the transfer frame and is in transmission connection with the support seat, and is used for driving the transfer frame to move on the support seat; The in-place sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pressure differential sensor of the in-place sensor is arranged outside the hot room, the connecting block (6) of the in-place sensor is arranged on the supporting seat, and the transfer frame can abut against the detection end of the exhaust hole blocking component after moving to the target position; the pressure differential sensor in the in-place sensor is a pressure differential sensor with a remote transmission function, and the pressure differential sensor can convert the detected pressure difference between the first air duct (15) and the first cavity into a pressure differential signal for transmission; and, The controller is arranged outside the hot chamber and is electrically connected to the pressure difference sensor and the driving member, respectively, and is used to determine whether the transfer rack has moved to the target position after receiving the pressure difference signal, and when it is determined that the transfer rack has moved to the target position, send a control signal to the driving member to stop the driving member from moving, thereby stopping the movement of the spent fuel assembly.

10. A method for detecting the position of an object to be detected in a thermal chamber, characterized in that: Use the in-place sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8; in the in-place sensor, the differential pressure sensor is placed outside the hot room, and the connecting block (6) is placed inside the hot room; The in-place detection method comprises: Placing the detection end of the exhaust hole blocking component at the detection position so that the object to be detected can abut against the detection end when it moves to the detection position; Introducing compressed gas into the first air duct (15) to maintain a constant pressure in the first cavity; The pressure difference between the first airway (15) and the first cavity is detected in real time by a pressure difference sensor; It is determined whether the object to be detected moves to the detection position according to the pressure difference.

11. The arrival detection method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The step of judging whether the object to be detected has moved to the detection position based on the pressure difference is specifically as follows: if the pressure difference between the first air duct (15) and the first cavity is equal to 0, then judging that the object to be detected has not moved to the position where the detection end is located; and if the pressure difference between the first air duct (15) and the first cavity is not equal to 0, then judging that the object to be detected has moved to the detection position.

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