Fuel rod gap measuring device

Abstract

This invention relates to a fuel rod gap measuring device, comprising: an opening and closing assembly including a first movable member and a second movable member rotatably disposed thereon; the first movable member and the second movable member cooperate to form an opening and closing structure; the opening and closing structure is configured to be inserted into the gap between two adjacent fuel rods and simultaneously perform an opening and closing action; and a measuring probe disposed on the opening and closing assembly to measure the gap between the two adjacent fuel rods when the opening and closing structure performs the opening and closing action. This fuel rod gap measuring device solves the problem of measuring the gap between fuel rods in a high-radioactivity environment by inserting the opening and closing structure of the opening and closing assembly into the gap between two adjacent fuel rods and simultaneously performing an opening and closing action, and then measuring the gap between the two adjacent fuel rods using a measuring probe during the opening and closing action of the opening and closing structure. It improves the convenience and safety of measurement, and also has the advantages of high positioning accuracy and simple operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nuclear fuel detection technology, and more particularly to a fuel rod gap measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, fuel rods undergo a certain degree of deformation after several combustion cycles, and deformation is one of the main factors affecting fuel rod performance. By measuring the gap between fuel rods after combustion cycles, necessary data support can be provided for evaluating the degree of fuel rod deformation during reactor operation and for the development of new fuel rods. However, fuel rods are usually in a highly radioactive environment, making it difficult to measure the gap between fuel rods manually, and it is also difficult to ensure safety during the measurement process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fuel rod gap measuring device that can solve the above-mentioned problem.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: constructing a fuel rod gap measuring device, comprising:

[0005] An opening and closing assembly includes a first movable member and a second movable member that are rotatably configured; the first movable member and the second movable member cooperate to form an opening and closing structure; the opening and closing structure is configured to insert into the gap between two adjacent fuel rods and perform opening and closing actions simultaneously.

[0006] A measuring probe is mounted on the opening and closing assembly to measure the gap between two adjacent fuel rods when the opening and closing structure is in operation.

[0007] Preferably, the opening and closing assembly further includes a spring structure connecting the first movable member and the second movable member;

[0008] The first movable component includes a first main body segment and a first extension segment. The first extension segment is disposed on the side of the first main body segment opposite to the second movable component and extends from one end of the first main body segment. The first extension segment and the first main body segment form a first step.

[0009] The second movable component includes a second main body segment and a second extension segment; the second extension segment is disposed on the side of the second main body segment opposite to the first movable component, and extends from one end of the second main body segment, the second extension segment and the second main body segment forming a second step; the second step cooperates with the first step;

[0010] The opening and closing structure is formed by the first extension section and the second extension section.

[0011] Preferably, the opening and closing assembly further includes a first bracket and a second bracket;

[0012] The first bracket is connected to the first movable component; the second bracket is connected to the second movable component; the first bracket and the second bracket move relative to each other through the opening and closing of the first movable component and the second movable component.

[0013] The measuring probe is mounted on the first bracket and oriented toward the second bracket to measure the relative movement distance between the first bracket and the second bracket.

[0014] Preferably, the first bracket and the second bracket are arranged alternately;

[0015] The first bracket includes a first fixing part, a first connecting part, and a first extension part; the first fixing part is disposed on one side of the first movable member and connected to the first movable member; the first connecting part is connected to the first fixing part and extends toward the second movable member; the first extension part is connected to one end of the first connecting part toward the second movable member and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first connecting part; the measuring probe is mounted on the first extension part;

[0016] The second bracket includes a second fixing part, a second connecting part, and a second extension part; the second fixing part is disposed on one side of the second movable member and connected to the second movable member, the second connecting part is connected to the second fixing part and extends toward the first movable member, and the second extension part is connected to one end of the second connecting part toward the first movable member and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second connecting part, and is disposed opposite to the first extension part.

[0017] Preferably, the opening and closing assembly further includes a rotating structure that rotatably connects the first movable member and the second movable member;

[0018] The rotating structure includes a support base, a first rotating shaft, and a second rotating shaft;

[0019] The first movable component and the second movable component are arranged side by side on the support base with a gap between them; the first movable component is provided with a first through hole; the second movable component is provided with a second through hole;

[0020] The support base is provided with a first shaft hole and a second shaft hole; the first shaft hole is provided corresponding to the first through hole; the second shaft hole is provided corresponding to the second through hole;

[0021] The first rotating shaft passes through the first through hole and into the first shaft hole;

[0022] The second rotating shaft passes through the second through hole and into the second shaft hole.

[0023] Preferably, the opening and closing assembly further includes a limiting member sleeved on the first movable member and the second movable member.

[0024] Preferably, it also includes a moving mechanism that drives the opening and closing components to move forward.

[0025] Preferably, the fuel rod gap measuring device further includes a mounting base for mounting the opening and closing assembly;

[0026] The moving mechanism includes a base, a guide rail, and a slider;

[0027] The guide rail is mounted on the base and extends along the feeding direction, and the slider is connected to the mounting base and slidably disposed on the guide rail.

[0028] Preferably, it further includes a swing mechanism that drives the opening and closing component to swing in the vertical direction;

[0029] The fuel rod gap measuring device also includes a mounting base for mounting the opening and closing assembly; the mounting base is provided with a shaft hole.

[0030] The swing mechanism includes a swing arm, a third rotating shaft, and an elastic element. The third rotating shaft passes through the shaft hole. The swing arm is connected to both ends of the third rotating shaft. The elastic element is connected to the swing arm and the mounting base.

[0031] The opening and closing assembly is connected to the swing arm.

[0032] Preferably, the opening and closing assembly further includes a support base, and the first movable member and the second movable member are arranged side by side and spaced apart on the support base;

[0033] The support base and the swing arm are connected by a fourth rotating shaft, which allows the support base to rotate.

[0034] The fuel rod gap measuring device of the present invention has the following advantages: the fuel rod gap measuring device solves the problem of measuring the gap between fuel rods in a high-radioactivity environment by inserting the opening and closing structure of the opening and closing component into the gap between two adjacent fuel rods and performing opening and closing actions simultaneously, and then measuring the gap between two adjacent fuel rods by measuring the opening and closing action of the opening and closing structure through the measuring probe. This improves the convenience and safety of measurement, and also has the advantages of high positioning accuracy and simple operation. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fuel rod gap measuring device in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of the fuel rod gap measuring device shown;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial structural cross-sectional view of the fuel rod gap measuring device shown;

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the fuel rod gap measuring device shown.

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of another part of the fuel rod gap measuring device shown.

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the first movable component of the fuel rod gap measuring device.

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the second movable component of the fuel rod gap measuring device shown;

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the first support structure of the fuel rod gap measuring device shown.

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the second support structure of the fuel rod gap measuring device shown;

[0045] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the swing arm structure of the fuel rod gap measuring device shown;

[0046] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the opening and closing structure of the fuel rod gap measuring device in its first position.

[0047] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the opening and closing structure of the fuel rod gap measuring device in its second position. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "vertical," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They are only for the convenience of describing the technical solution and do not indicate that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0049] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. When an component is referred to as being "on" or "below" another component, the component can be located "directly" or "indirectly" on the other component, or there may be one or more intermediary components. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first," "second," "third," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] Figure 1 Some preferred embodiments of the fuel rod gap measuring device of the present invention are shown. The fuel rod gap measuring device is capable of measuring the gap between fuel rods in a highly radioactive environment and can automatically locate the gap in an environment inaccessible and unmanageable by humans.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the fuel rod gap measuring device includes a mounting base 10, an opening / closing assembly 20, and a measuring probe 30. The mounting base 10 is used to mount the opening / closing assembly 20. The opening / closing assembly 20 can be inserted into the gap between two adjacent fuel rods, and the assembly can open and close as the feed proceeds. The measuring probe 30 is disposed on the opening / closing assembly 20 and is used to measure the gap between two adjacent fuel rods when the assembly opens and closes.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the mounting base 10 may include an upper base 11 and a lower base 12. The upper base 11 serves to support the opening and closing assembly 20. The lower base 12 may be disposed at the bottom of the upper base 11 and may be detachably assembled with the upper base 11. In some embodiments, the lower base 12 may be integrally formed with the upper base 11. In some embodiments, the lower base 12 may be omitted.

[0053] In some embodiments, the upper seat 11 may include a main body 111 and a support platform 112. The main body 111 may be longitudinally arranged and may extend in a direction perpendicular to the lower seat 12. The support platform 112 is disposed at the end of the main body 111 away from the lower seat 12. The support platform 112 may be used to support the opening and closing assembly 20.

[0054] The mounting base 10 is provided with a shaft hole 113. Specifically, the shaft hole 113 can be provided on one side of the support platform 112 and can extend from the support platform 112. The shaft hole 113 can be used for rotatable mounting of the swing mechanism 40.

[0055] In some embodiments, the upper seat 11 is provided with two first fixing ears 114, which are disposed on opposite sides of the support platform 112 and spaced apart axially along the shaft hole portion 113. These ears can be used to fix the elastic member 43. Each first fixing ear 114 protrudes from the support platform 112. Each first fixing ear 114 has a first fixing hole 1141. In some embodiments, the upper seat 11 is provided with two second fixing ears 115. These two second fixing ears 115 are disposed on opposite sides of the support platform 112, supporting the angle formed between the platform 112 and the main body portion 111, and extending in the opposite direction to the support platform 112. These two second fixing ears 115 are spaced apart axially along the shaft hole portion 113 and can be used to fix another elastic member 43. Each second fixing ear 115 has a second fixing hole 1151.

[0056] like Figure 4 , Figures 6 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the opening / closing assembly 20 includes a first movable member 21 and a second movable member 22 rotatably disposed. The first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 cooperate to form an opening / closing structure 20a, which is inserted into the gap between two adjacent fuel rods and simultaneously performs an opening and closing action. The measuring probe 30 can measure the change in the gap between the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 when the opening / closing structure 20a is performing the opening and closing action, thereby measuring the gap between two adjacent fuel rods.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 may be arranged side by side on the support platform 112 and located between the two first fixed ears 114, and extend in a direction parallel to the support platform 112.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first movable member 21 may be longitudinally arranged, and the first movable member 21 may include a first main body segment 21a and a first extension segment 21b; the first extension segment 21b is disposed on the side of the first main body segment 21a opposite to the second movable member 22, and extends from one end of the first main body segment 21a, and the first extension segment 21b may form a first step with the first main body segment 21a.

[0059] The first main body segment 21a may be longitudinally arranged. A first protrusion 211 and a second protrusion 212 are provided on the side of the first main body segment 21a opposite to the second movable member 22. The second protrusion 212 is located at the end of the first main body segment 21a. In some embodiments, a third protrusion 213 may be provided on the first main body segment 21a, located on the side of the first main body segment 21a facing away from the support platform 112. In some embodiments, a first through hole 2111 is provided on the first movable member 21, corresponding to the first protrusion 211. In some embodiments, a first connecting through hole 214 is provided on a section of the first main body segment 21a away from the first extension segment 21b. There may be at least one first connecting through hole 214; generally, there may be two first connecting through holes 214, which may be arranged along the length direction of the first main body segment 21a.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first extension segment 21b may be disposed on one side of the second protrusion 212 and may extend from one end of the second protrusion 212 away from the first protrusion 211. The thickness of the first extension segment 21b is less than the thickness of the first main body segment 21a, thereby forming a first step with the first main body segment 21a. A first limiting groove 215 for cooperating with the fuel rod is formed between the end faces of the first extension segment 21b and the first main body segment 21a.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first movable member 21 may be longitudinally arranged, and the first movable member 21 may include a second main body segment 22a and a second extension segment 22b; the second extension segment 22b is disposed on the side of the second main body segment 22a opposite to the first movable member 21, and extends from one end of the second main body segment 22a, and the second extension segment 22b may form a second step with the second main body segment 22a.

[0062] The second main body segment 22a may be longitudinally arranged. A fourth protrusion 221 and a fifth protrusion 222 are provided on the side of the second main body segment 22a opposite to the first movable member 21. The fifth protrusion 222 is located at the end of the second main body segment 22a. In some embodiments, a sixth protrusion 223 may be provided on the second main body segment 22a, located on the side of the second main body segment 22a facing away from the support platform 112. In some embodiments, a second through hole 2211 is provided on the first movable member 21, corresponding to the fourth protrusion 221. In some embodiments, a second connecting through hole 224 is provided on a section of the second main body segment 22a away from the second extension segment 22b. There may be at least one second connecting through hole 224; generally, there may be two second connecting through holes 224, which may be arranged along the length of the second main body segment 22a.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second extension segment 22b may be disposed on one side of the fifth protrusion 222 and may extend from one end of the fifth protrusion 222 away from the fourth protrusion 221. The thickness of the second extension segment 22b is less than the thickness of the second main body segment 22a, thereby forming a second step with the second main body segment 22a. The second step may mate with the first step. A second limiting groove 225 for mates with the fuel rod is formed between the end faces of the second extension segment 22b and the second main body segment 22a.

[0064] In some embodiments, the opening and closing structure 20a can be formed by a first extension segment 21b and a second extension segment 22b. The first extension segment 21b and the second extension segment 22b can open to form a V-shaped opening, thus forming the open state of the opening and closing structure 20a. The first extension segment 21b can be superimposed on the second extension segment 22b, and the first step can be erected on the second step to form the closed state of the opening and closing structure 20a.

[0065] Specifically, before measurement, that is, before the opening / closing structure 20a enters the gap between the two fuel rods, the opening / closing structure 20a can first open until the first extension 21b contacts the outer wall of one of the fuel rods, and the second extension 22b contacts the outer wall of the other fuel rod. At this time, the opening / closing structure 20a is in the first position, as can be seen from [reference needed]. Figure 11 A first gap is formed between the end of the first extension 21b and the end of the second extension 22b. As the opening and closing structure 20a continues to advance, the first extension 21b and the second extension 22b gradually approach each other, and the first gap gradually narrows until the first limiting groove 215 is in contact with one of the fuel rods and the second limiting groove 225 is in contact with the other fuel rod. At this time, the opening and closing structure 20a is in the second position, as shown in the figure. Figure 12A second gap is formed between the end of the first extension 21b and the end of the second extension 22b. The measuring probe 30 can measure the gap between two adjacent fuel rods by measuring the gap change of the first and second moving parts when the opening and closing structure 20a is operated, that is, the gap change from the first gap to the second gap.

[0066] In some other embodiments, the opening and closing structure 20a can be closed when inserted into the gap between the fuel rods and in place, and open as the opening and closing structure 20a exits the gap. The measuring probe 30 can also measure the change in the gap between the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 from the closing to the opening of the opening and closing structure 20a, that is, the change in the gap between the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 from the second position to the first position.

[0067] In some embodiments, the opening and closing assembly further includes a rotating structure 23, which is rotatably connected to the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22. In some embodiments, the rotating structure 23 may include a support base 231, a first rotating shaft 232, and a second rotating shaft 233. The first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 may be spaced apart and arranged side by side on the support base 231. In some embodiments, the support base 231 may be generally square-shaped, and the support base 231 is provided with a first shaft hole 2311 and a second shaft hole 2312, which may be spaced apart along the width direction of the support base 231. The first shaft hole 2311 may be correspondingly arranged with the first movable member 21, specifically, it may be correspondingly arranged with the first through hole 2111 of the first movable member 21. The second shaft hole 2312 may be correspondingly arranged with the second movable member 22, specifically, it may be correspondingly arranged with the second through hole 2211 of the second movable member 22. The first rotating shaft 232 can pass through the first through hole 2111 into the first shaft hole 2311, thereby enabling the first movable member 21 to rotate. The second rotating shaft 233 can pass through the second through hole 2211 into the second shaft hole 2312, thereby enabling the second movable member 22 to rotate.

[0068] It should be noted that by setting the rotating structure 23, the first movable part 21 and the second movable part 22 can be rotated, thereby realizing the opening and closing action of the opening and closing assembly 20.

[0069] like Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the opening and closing assembly further includes a first bracket 24 and a second bracket 25. The first bracket 24 can be connected to the first movable member 21, and the second bracket 25 can be connected to the second movable member 22. The first bracket 24 and the second bracket 25 can be driven to move relative to each other by the opening and closing of the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22. The first bracket 24 can be used for mounting the measuring probe 30.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first bracket 24 may be disposed at one end of the first movable member 21 away from the coupling structure 20a, and may be connected and fixed to the first connecting through hole 214 of the first movable member 21 by means of a connecting component. In some embodiments, the connecting component may be a screw-on component.

[0071] In some embodiments, the second bracket 25 may be disposed at one end of the second movable member 22 away from the coupling structure 20a, and may be connected and fixed to the second connecting through hole 224 of the second movable member 22 by means of a connecting component. In some embodiments, the connecting component may be a screw-on component.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first support 24 and the second support 25 can be staggered, so that when the opening and closing structure 20a is open, the first support 24 and the second support 25 can be relatively far apart, and when the opening and closing structure 20a is closed, the first support 24 and the second support 25 can be relatively close together, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the measurement probe 30.

[0073] Specifically, in some embodiments, the first bracket 24 may include a first fixing part 241, a first connecting part 242, and a first extension part 243. The first fixing part 241 is disposed on one side of the first movable member 21 and connected to the first movable member 21; the first connecting part 242 is connected to the first fixing part 241 and extends toward the second movable member 22; the first extension part 243 is connected to one end of the first connecting part 242 toward the second movable member 22 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first connecting part 242.

[0074] Specifically, the first fixing part 241 can be an elongated block shape, which can fit against the side of the first movable member 21 away from the second movable member 22, and is connected to the first movable member 21 by a connecting component. A first through hole 2411 can be provided on the first fixing part 241, which can correspond to a first connecting through hole 214 on the first movable member 21. A first connecting part 242 is horizontally disposed above the first fixing part 241, and is stepped with the first fixing part 241, spanning across the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22. A first extension part 243 can be located on the second movable member 22 and extends along the length of the second movable member 22 towards the direction away from the coupling structure 20a. The first extension 243 can hold the measuring probe 30. It may include a first gripper 243a and a second gripper 243b that are openable and closable. A semi-cylindrical first groove may be provided on the side of the first gripper 243a facing the second gripper 243b, and a semi-cylindrical second groove may be provided on the side of the second gripper 243b facing the first gripper 243a. The first groove and the second groove can be assembled to form a mounting hole 2431 for fixing the measuring probe 30. The first gripper 243a has a first mounting hole 2432 on one side of the mounting hole 2431, and the second gripper 243b has a second mounting hole 2433 on one side of the mounting hole 2431. The first mounting hole 2432 and the second mounting hole 2433 are correspondingly provided and connected to each other for fastener installation, thereby ensuring that the first gripper 243a and the second gripper 243b hold and fix the measuring probe 30.

[0075] In some embodiments, the second bracket 25 may include a second fixing portion 251, a second connecting portion 252, and a second extension portion 253. The second fixing portion 251 may be disposed on one side of the second movable member 22 and connected to the second movable member 22. The second connecting portion 252 is connected to the second fixing portion 251 and extends toward the first movable member 21. The second extension portion 253 is connected to the end of the second connecting portion 252 facing the first movable member 21 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second connecting portion 252, and is disposed opposite to the first extension portion 243.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second fixing portion 251 may be longitudinally arranged, and may fit against the side of the second movable member 22 away from the first movable member 21. The second fixing portion 251 may be provided with a second through hole 2511, which may correspond to a second connecting through hole 224 on the second movable member 22. The two can be connected by a connecting assembly. The second connecting portion 252 is connected to one end of the second fixing portion 251 and is bent relative to the second fixing portion 251. It may span across the bottom surfaces of the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22. The second extension portion 253 may be perpendicular to the second connecting portion 252, and may be parallel to and opposite to the first extension portion 243, allowing them to move relative to each other.

[0077] In some embodiments, the opening and closing assembly 20 further includes a limiting member 26, which is sleeved on the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22. Specifically, the limiting member 26 can be a rectangular frame structure, which is connected and fixed to the end of the support base 231 away from the mounting base 10. The limiting member 26 can be sleeved on the section of the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 away from the first bracket 24 and the second bracket 25, and the opening and closing structure 20a can extend through the limiting member 26. By setting the limiting member 26, the opening range of the opening and closing structure 20a can be limited.

[0078] In some embodiments, the opening and closing assembly 20 further includes two connecting rods 27. One connecting rod 27 can be connected to the first movable member 21, specifically, it can be connected to the third protrusion 213 of the first movable member 21 and is bendable; the other connecting rod 27 can be connected to the second movable member 22, specifically, it can be connected to the sixth protrusion 223 of the second movable member 22 and is bendable.

[0079] In some embodiments, the opening / closing assembly 20 further includes a spring structure 28, which can be connected to the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22. The spring structure 28 is disposed between the two connecting rods 27. One end of the spring structure 28 can be connected to one of the connecting rods 27, and the other end can be connected to the other connecting rod 27. When the measurement is completed, that is, when the opening / closing structure 20a retracts from the gap between the fuel rods, the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 can be reset under the elastic force of the spring structure 28. In some embodiments, the spring structure 28 can be a torsion spring.

[0080] When no measurement is being performed, the opening and closing structure 20a is in an open state under the action of the elastic structure 28. That is, the initial state of the opening and closing structure 20a can be an open state. As the opening and closing structure 20a is fed in, the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 are driven by the fuel rods on both sides to perform a merging action until one side of the fuel rod is in close contact with the first groove 215 of the first movable member 21, and the other side of the fuel rod is in close contact with the inner wall of the second groove 225 of the second movable member 22. At this time, the gap between the fuel rods can be magnified, and then the relative movement distance between the first support 24 and the second support 25, that is, the compression amount of the elastic structure 28, can be measured by the measuring probe 30, thereby realizing the measurement of the fuel rod gap.

[0081] In some embodiments, the opening and closing assembly 20 further includes a connecting structure 29, which may include a first connector 291 and a second connector 292. The first connector 291 may be a connecting piece, which may be horizontally disposed between the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22. The first connector 291 may be provided with a first through hole 2911 and a second through hole 2912. The first through hole 2911 is correspondingly disposed with the first rotating shaft 232, and the second through hole 2912 is correspondingly disposed with the second rotating shaft 233. There may be two second connectors 292, which may be connecting bolts. One second connector 292 may pass through the first through hole 2911 and be connected to the first rotating shaft 232, and the other second connector 292 may pass through the through hole 2912 and be connected to the second rotating shaft 233, thereby connecting the first movable member 21, the second movable member 22 and the rotating structure 23 to form an assembly.

[0082] In some embodiments, the measuring probe 30 is mounted on the first bracket 24 and positioned toward the second bracket 25. It can measure the change in the gap between the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 when the opening and closing structure 20a performs the opening and closing action by measuring the distance of relative movement between the first bracket 24 and the second bracket 25, and thus measure the size of the gap between two adjacent fuel rods.

[0083] Specifically, the measuring probe 30 can be a ranging sensor, which can be positioned towards the second extension 253 of the second bracket 25. When the opening and closing structure 20a is in the first position, the distance between the measuring probe 30 and the second extension 253 can be a first distance. When the opening and closing structure 20a is in the second position, the distance between the measuring probe 30 and the second extension 253 can be a second distance. The gap between the fuel rods is equal to the compression of the elastic structure 28. The compression of the elastic structure 28 can be equal to the change in the gap between the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22 when the opening and closing structure 20a performs its opening and closing action, which is also equal to the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

[0084] like Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the fuel rod gap measuring device further includes a swing mechanism 40 that drives the opening and closing assembly 20 to swing in the vertical direction. The swing mechanism 40 can be used to adjust the relative position of the gap between the opening and closing assembly 20 and the fuel rod, so that the opening and closing assembly 20 can be aligned with the gap between the fuel rods.

[0085] In some embodiments, the swing mechanism 40 may include a swing arm 41, a third rotating shaft 42, and an elastic member 43. The third rotating shaft 42 may pass through the shaft hole 113; the swing arm 41 may be sleeved on the outer periphery of the shaft hole 113 and connected to both ends of the third rotating shaft 42. The swing arm 41 may be connected to the opening and closing assembly 20, thereby driving the opening and closing assembly 20 to swing in the vertical direction by swinging. The elastic member 43 may be connected to the swing arm 41 and the mounting base 10 to limit the swing angle of the swing arm 41 and facilitate the return of the swing arm 41 to its original position.

[0086] In some embodiments, the swing arm 41 may include a first connecting arm 411 and a second connecting arm 412, which are arranged side by side and spaced apart, and may be arranged in parallel. The length of the first connecting arm 411 may be greater than the length of the second connecting arm 412. The first connecting arm 411 may be connected to one end of the third rotating shaft 42, and the second connecting arm 412 may be connected to the other end of the third rotating shaft 42. A first connecting through hole 4111 may be provided on the first connecting arm 411, and a second connecting through hole 4121 may be provided on the second connecting arm 412. The first connecting through hole 4111 can be connected to the third rotating shaft 42 by a first pin, and the second connecting through hole 4121 can be connected to the third rotating shaft 42 by a second pin.

[0087] In some embodiments, the swing arm 41 further includes a first baffle 413 disposed between the first connecting arm 411 and the second connecting arm 412, the first baffle 413 being integrally formed with the first connecting arm 411 and the second connecting arm 412. A first mounting through hole 4131 may be provided at the central axis of the first baffle 413.

[0088] In some embodiments, the swing arm 41 further includes a second baffle 414, which is disposed at one end of the first connecting arm 411 and spaced apart from the first baffle 413, and may be arranged parallel to the first baffle 413. The second baffle 414 has a second mounting through hole 4141. In some embodiments, the lower end of the second baffle 414 may have an extension boss 416 extending away from the upper seat 11, which may be bent along with the second baffle 414. The extension boss 416 may be stepped and spaced apart from the support base 231, and may have a connection fixing hole 4161. The connection fixing hole 4161 may be connected to a tension spring 234, which may be connected to a rotating connecting rod 2313 disposed on one side of the support base 231. The support base 231 may have its rotation range limited by the tension spring 234.

[0089] When the swing arm 41 is connected to the opening / closing assembly 20, the support base 23 and the swing arm 41 can be connected by a fourth rotating shaft 50. Specifically, the support base 23 can be partially inserted between the first baffle 413 and the second baffle 414, and the fourth rotating shaft 50 can pass through the support base 23 and be installed in the first mounting through hole 4131 and the second mounting through hole 4141. By setting this fourth rotating shaft 50, the support base 23 and the swing arm 41 can be rotated, thus enabling the opening / closing assembly 20 to be rotated.

[0090] In some embodiments, the swing arm 41 further includes connecting protrusions 415, which can be in two sets. The two sets of connecting protrusions 415 can be disposed on the upper and lower sides of the first baffle 413. Each set of connecting protrusions 415 can have two parts. The two connecting protrusions 415 in one set can be correspondingly disposed with the two first fixing ears 114, and the two connecting protrusions 415 in the other set can be correspondingly disposed with the two second fixing ears 115.

[0091] In some embodiments, the elastic element 43 can be in two sets, with each set containing two elastic elements 43. Each elastic element 43 in one set can be correspondingly connected to a connecting protrusion 415 and a first fixing ear 114, while each elastic element 43 in the other set can be correspondingly connected to a connecting protrusion 415 and a second fixing ear 115. In some embodiments, the elastic element 43 can be a tension spring.

[0092] For example Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the fuel rod gap measuring device further includes a moving mechanism 60 that drives the opening / closing assembly 20 forward. By providing the moving mechanism 60, the opening / closing assembly 20 can move back and forth, thereby moving from a first position to a second position or from a second position to a first position.

[0093] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism 60 may include a base 61, a guide rail 62, and a slider 63. The guide rail 62 may be mounted on the base 61 and extend along the feed direction. In some embodiments, there may be two sets of guide rails 62, which may be spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the feed direction. The slider 63 may be connected to the mounting base 10 and slidably disposed on the guide rail 62. Specifically, the slider 63 may be configured one-to-one with the guide rail 62 and is connected and fixed to the lower base 12 by a connecting component.

[0094] In some embodiments, the base 61 may be generally plate-shaped. A first mounting portion 611 and a second mounting portion 612 may be sequentially arranged on the base 61 in the feeding direction. The first mounting portion 611 and the second mounting portion 612 may be located between two sets of guide rails 62. A fixed shaft 613 is provided between the first mounting portion 611 and the second mounting portion 612. A spring 64 may be sleeved on the fixed shaft 613. The lower base 12 is provided with an extension protrusion 121 extending towards the base 61. The fixed shaft 613 may pass through the extension protrusion 121 and connect to the first mounting portion 611. The spring 64 may abut against the extension protrusion 121 and the second mounting portion 612. When an external force drives the opening and closing assembly 20 to move, the entire assembly of the mounting base 10, including the opening and closing assembly 20 and the swing mechanism 40, may move along the length of the guide rail 62, and the spring force of the spring 64 facilitates resetting.

[0095] To accommodate the measurement of fuel assemblies, the fuel rod gap measuring device is equipped with four degrees of freedom: forward and backward movement, up and down swing, left and right rotation, and opening and closing motion. Each degree of freedom corresponds to a relative position state of the fuel rod, and the four degrees of freedom working together can handle various relative position states of the fuel rod.

[0096] By setting the moving mechanism 60, the opening and closing assembly 20 and the measuring probe 30 can move back and forth, thereby achieving close contact with the fuel rod and eliminating measurement errors caused by insufficient contact. When the opening and closing structure 20a in the fuel rod gap measuring device slowly advances into the gap to be measured, the front sections of the first extension 21b and the second extension 22b of the opening and closing structure 20a contact the surface of the fuel rod. As the opening and closing structure 20a continues to advance, the spring 64 is compressed, and the first extension 21b and the second extension 22b then closely contact the fuel rod to be measured.

[0097] Both the swing mechanism 40 and the fourth rotating shaft 50 are designed to adapt to the position of the fuel rod being measured. When the fuel rod is slightly tilted around its vertical center, the swing mechanism 40 of the fuel rod gap measuring device will rotate or stretch under the action of a reaction force while moving forward, thereby automatically aligning itself with the fuel rod being measured. The swing mechanism 40 and the fourth rotating shaft 50 will actively allow the opening and closing structure 20a to adapt to the fuel rod being measured.

[0098] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can freely combine the above technical features without departing from the concept of the present invention, and can also make several modifications and improvements, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made with respect to the scope of the claims of the present invention should fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel rod gap measuring device, characterized in that, include: The opening and closing assembly (20) includes a first movable member (21) and a second movable member (22) that are rotatably disposed; the first movable member (21) and the second movable member (22) cooperate to form an opening and closing structure (20a); the opening and closing structure (20a) is configured to insert into the gap between two adjacent fuel rods and perform opening and closing actions simultaneously; A measuring probe (30) is disposed on the opening and closing assembly (20) to measure the gap between two adjacent fuel rods when the opening and closing structure (20a) performs an opening and closing action; The opening and closing assembly (20) further includes an elastic structure (28) connecting the first movable member (21) and the second movable member (22). The first movable component (21) includes a first main body section (21a) and a first extension section (21b). The first extension section (21b) is disposed on the side opposite to the first main body section (21a) and the second movable component (22), and extends from one end of the first main body section (21a). The first extension section (21b) and the first main body section (21a) form a first step. The second movable component (22) includes a second main body section (22a) and a second extension section (22b); the second extension section (22b) is disposed on the side of the second main body section (22a) opposite to the first movable component (21), and extends from one end of the second main body section (22a), the second extension section (22b) and the second main body section (22a) forming a second step; the second step cooperates with the first step; The opening and closing structure (20a) is formed by the first extension segment (21b) and the second extension segment (22b); The opening and closing assembly (20) also includes a first bracket (24) and a second bracket (25); The first bracket (24) is connected to the first movable member (21); the second bracket (25) is connected to the second movable member (22); the first bracket (24) and the second bracket (25) move relative to each other through the opening and closing of the first movable member (21) and the second movable member (22); The measuring probe (30) is mounted on the first bracket (24) and oriented toward the second bracket (25) to measure the relative movement distance between the first bracket (24) and the second bracket (25); The first bracket (24) and the second bracket (25) are staggered; The first bracket (24) includes a first fixing part (241), a first connecting part (242), and a first extension part (243); the first fixing part (241) is disposed on one side of the first movable member (21) and connected to the first movable member (21); the first connecting part (242) is connected to the first fixing part (241) and extends toward the second movable member (22); the first extension part (243) is connected to one end of the first connecting part (242) toward the second movable member (22) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first connecting part (242); the measuring probe (30) is mounted on the first extension part (243). The second bracket (25) includes a second fixing part (251), a second connecting part (252), and a second extension part (253); the second fixing part (251) is disposed on one side of the second movable member (22) and connected to the second movable member (22); the second connecting part (252) is connected to the second fixing part (251) and extends toward the first movable member (21); the second extension part (253) is connected to one end of the second connecting part (252) toward the first movable member (21) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second connecting part (252), and is disposed opposite to the first extension part (243).

2. The fuel rod gap measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening and closing assembly (20) further includes a rotating structure (23) that rotatably connects the first movable member (21) and the second movable member (22). The rotating structure (23) includes a support base (231), a first rotating shaft (232), and a second rotating shaft (233). The first movable member (21) and the second movable member (22) are spaced apart and arranged side by side on the support base (231); the first movable member (21) is provided with a first through hole (2111); the second movable member (22) is provided with a second through hole (2211). The support base (231) is provided with a first shaft hole (2311) and a second shaft hole (2312); the first shaft hole (2311) is correspondingly provided with the first through hole (2111); the second shaft hole (2312) is correspondingly provided with the second through hole (2211); The first rotating shaft (232) passes through the first through hole (2111) and into the first shaft hole (2311). The second rotating shaft (233) passes through the second through hole (2211) and into the second shaft hole (2312).

3. The fuel rod gap measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening and closing assembly (20) also includes a limiting member fitted onto the first movable member (21) and the second movable member (22).

4. The fuel rod gap measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a moving mechanism (60) that drives the opening and closing component (20) to be fed in.

5. The fuel rod gap measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fuel rod gap measuring device also includes a mounting base (10) for mounting the opening and closing assembly (20); The moving mechanism (60) includes a base (61), a guide rail (62), and a slider (63); The guide rail (62) is mounted on the base (61) and extends along the feeding direction. The slider (63) is connected to the mounting base (10) and is slidably disposed on the guide rail (62).

6. The fuel rod gap measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a swing mechanism (40) that drives the opening and closing assembly (20) to swing in the vertical direction; The fuel rod gap measuring device also includes a mounting base (10) for mounting the opening and closing assembly (20); the mounting base (10) is provided with a shaft hole (113). The swing mechanism (40) includes a swing arm (41), a third rotating shaft (42), and an elastic element (43). The third rotating shaft (42) passes through the shaft hole (113). The swing arm (41) is connected to both ends of the third rotating shaft (42). The elastic element (43) is connected to the swing arm (41) and the mounting base (10). The opening and closing assembly (20) is connected to the swing arm (41).

7. The fuel rod gap measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The opening and closing assembly (20) further includes a support base (231), on which the first movable member (21) and the second movable member (22) are spaced apart and arranged side by side; The support base (231) and the swing arm (41) are connected by a fourth rotating shaft (50) so that the support base (231) can be rotated.

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