Probe for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of machines, power generators, turbines, and steam generators

Abstract

The invention relates to a probe for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of machines, power generators, turbines, and steam generators, comprising a movable elongated probe shaft (101) which has a proximal end (102) and a distal end (103) and comprising a probe head (1) which is arranged on the distal end (103) of the probe shaft (101) and which is equipped with at least one sensor (3). The probe shaft (101) has a non-metal composite material into which at least two elongated hollow bodies (10) made of plastic of the polyimide group are integrated, wherein the elongated hollow bodies (10) extend continuously from the proximal end (102) to the probe head (1) at the distal end (103) of the probe shaft (101).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] The invention relates to a probe for the inspection, maintenance and repair of machines, power generators, turbines and steam generators, comprising an elongated, movable probe shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, and a probe head arranged at the distal end of the probe shaft, which is equipped with at least one sensor.

[0003] Probes are used to examine areas of machines, turbines, and steam generators that are not easily visible or accessible. These include, but are not limited to, cavities or confined spaces within machines, turbines, and steam generators. Steam generators are heat exchangers with heating or cooling tubes. Steam generators are used, among other things, in nuclear power plants. Primary fluid, heated by the core of the nuclear reactor, flows through a bundle of tubes in a steam generator. Secondary fluid, usually water, which is fed into the space surrounding the tubes, absorbs heat from the tubes. The resulting steam is used to drive turbines. Common probes have an elongated, flexible probe shaft with a proximal and a distal end. The distal end is equipped with a probe head. The probe head has a sensor for examining the device in question.This could be an image sensor, for example. The image sensor can be part of a camera with an imaging system integrated into the probe head. The camera often contains CCD or CMOS image sensors. These convert optical images into electrical signals. Since little or no ambient light usually penetrates the cavities, the probe is often equipped with a light source that illuminates the cavity to be examined. In addition, a tool can be attached to the probe to process the examined part of a machine, generator, turbine, or steam generator under visual inspection, if necessary, or to retrieve a foreign part. Alternatively or cumulatively, the probe head can be equipped with other sensors, such as temperature sensors or ultrasonic sensors.Thanks to the flexible probe shaft, the probe can be inserted into cavities of any shape, even if their access is angled. The probe shaft usually has one or more channels in which supply lines for at least one sensor, possibly a light source or tools, are arranged. The signal reflected from a structure to be examined in the cavity, for example light, is coupled into the sensor when the probe is inserted into the cavity and converted by the sensor into electrical signals. The sensor can therefore also be referred to as a transmitter or transducer. At the proximal end of the probe shaft, a connection to a signal processing unit, for example an image processing system, is usually provided.This signal processing processes the electrical signals in such a way that they can be displayed on a visual device, such as a monitor, or used to control tools.

[0004] For the investigation of hard-to-reach cavities, probes are equipped with a probe head that is movably mounted on the probe shaft, for example, via a joint or hinge. The probe head can be moved relative to the probe shaft. This allows the probe head to be aligned relative to the probe shaft so that the sensor located in the probe head can detect a desired area.

[0005] Known endoscopic probes, which feature a round-section probe shaft, are unsuitable for inspecting such steam generators or other machines with small gaps between pipes. To be inserted into the gaps, the probe shaft must be sufficiently flexible. However, a disadvantage is that the probe shaft tilts downward in an undesirable manner under the influence of gravity. Therefore, certain areas in the steam generator or machine cannot be reached with the probe head.

[0006] Depending on where it is used, various requirements are placed on the probe. The probe shaft must exhibit high axial stability, at least in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, to prevent the distal end of the probe shaft, together with the probe head, from undesirably tilting downward. An undesirable tilt of the probe shaft will result in the area being examined not being detected by the sensor located in the probe head. A further requirement is that the probe head must be reliably connected to the probe shaft to prevent the probe head from undesirably detaching from the probe shaft and remaining in the cavity being examined. Depending on the application, this can be associated with significant disadvantages.Forces can be exerted on the probe head by the structure being examined, particularly if the probe head becomes caught or jammed in the structure, or if the user triggers a sudden movement of the probe head. US Pat. No. 5,570,969 A discloses a probe designed as a spray lance for use in steam generators. The probe shaft has a rectangular cross-section and is equipped with hoses for the water supply. The probe head does not have a sensor, but rather nozzles through which the water supplied in the probe shaft is released into the area around the spray lance. The probe is equipped with a fiber rope that is attached to the probe head via a wedge-shaped counterpart. However, even with such a rope, it cannot be guaranteed that the probe head will remain attached to the probe shaft and not break off.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a probe for the inspection, maintenance and repair of machines, generators, turbines and steam generators, which has a high axial stability of the probe shaft at least in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the probe shaft and at the same time high flexibility in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the probe shaft, wherein the first and the second direction are different, and in which the probe head is connected to the probe shaft in such a reliable manner that an undesired detachment of the probe head from the probe shaft is excluded or at least the risk is significantly reduced.

[0008] This object is achieved by a probe having the features of claim 1. The probe is characterized in that the probe shaft consists essentially of at least one non-metallic composite material in which at least two elongated hollow bodies made of plastics from the polyimide group are embedded, wherein the elongated hollow bodies extend continuously from the proximal end to the probe head at the distal end of the probe shaft. The elongated hollow bodies are embedded in the non-metallic composite material in such a way that they cannot become detached from the composite material. They are preferably enclosed by the composite material on all sides. The hollow bodies can, for example, be cast or glued to the composite material. The combination of non-metallic composite material and the hollow bodies made of polyimide embedded therein results in the probe shaft being well stabilized against forces acting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.This ensures that the probe does not undesirably tilt downward at the site of use, but can maintain a substantially horizontal orientation over at least part of the length of the probe shaft. Furthermore, the hollow polyimide bodies embedded in the composite material, extending from the proximal end of the probe shaft to the probe head, have the stability of the combination of materials that ensures that the probe head is reliably held to the probe shaft and cannot become undesirably detached from the probe shaft at the site of use if the probe becomes jammed or jammed.

[0009] The elongated hollow bodies are arranged in the probe shaft such that their longitudinal axes extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probe shaft. The hollow bodies are aligned parallel to each other.

[0010] Hollow bodies made of polyimide also offer other key advantages. Thanks to this material, the hollow bodies can be designed with very thin walls. This results in the hollow bodies being lightweight and the interior of the hollow bodies being able to be used to accommodate actuators and / or supply lines for the sensor, any tools, or lighting on the probe head. Due to the thin wall thickness of the hollow bodies, the probe shaft nevertheless has a comparatively small cross-section, allowing the probe to be easily inserted into cavities. This is particularly true for the spaces in heating or cooling tube arrangements in heat exchangers. Furthermore, hollow bodies made of polyimide do not restrict the mobility of the probe shaft in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the probe shaft. Furthermore, hollow bodies made of polyimide have the advantage of a low coefficient of friction.The supply lines or parts of actuators guided in the hollow bodies therefore slide without significant resistance on the inner surface of the hollow bodies, which facilitates the insertion and removal of the supply lines, actuators or other components into the hollow bodies and increases the mobility of the probe equipped with supply lines, actuators or other components.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the probe shaft has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rectangular cross-section has a height and a width, wherein the height is at least five times greater than the width of the cross-section. The height corresponds to the cross-sectional length. However, in order to distinguish the cross-sectional length from the length of the probe, the term height is used here. This shape of the cross-section contributes to the probe having mobility in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, which enables the probe to be inserted into cavities past obstacles. This direction of increased mobility runs parallel to the narrow side of the rectangular cross-section. Parallel to the long side of the rectangular cross-section, on the other hand, the mobility of the probe is so severely restricted that the probe cannot sink significantly in an undesirable manner when it is aligned horizontally.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the non-metallic composite material of the probe shaft comprises polyurethane or epoxy resin with a semi-elastic final consistency. This material is resistant to external influences at the site of use.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the non-metallic composite material of the probe shaft is halogen-free. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, carbon fibers are embedded in the non-metallic composite material of the probe shaft.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the carbon fibers form a flat layer in the composite material of the probe shaft, wherein the layer extends from the proximal to the distal end of the probe shaft.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, aramid fibers are embedded in the non-metallic composite material of the probe shaft. The aramid fibers are advantageously embedded along the entire length of the probe shaft, from the proximal to the distal end. The aramid fibers increase the tensile strength of the probe. The aramid fibers can, for example, be embedded in single or multiple layers in the composite material. The elongated aramid fibers are preferably aligned in the composite material so that they are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probe. For example, an aramid tape can be embedded in the composite material.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the

[0018] Probe head movably arranged on the probe shaft.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the

[0020] The probe head is connected to the probe shaft via a hinge, the hinge comprising a head hinge arranged on the probe head and a shaft hinge arranged on the probe shaft. Preferably, a hinge pin connecting the head hinge to the shaft hinge is detachably arranged such that it can be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance without having to disassemble other parts. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one safety cable is arranged in the probe shaft, securing the shaft hinge to the probe shaft. This prevents the entire shaft hinge from accidentally becoming detached from the probe shaft and lost at the site of use.In particular, it can be prevented that the shaft hinge piece tears off the probe shaft if external forces act on the probe head, for example, if the probe head becomes tilted at the site of use. The safety rope can be made of steel, especially stainless steel, carbon fiber, or other fibers.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the safety cable is guided from the proximal end to the distal end of the probe shaft and back again. It is advantageously approximately twice the length of the probe shaft. At its deflection at the distal end of the probe shaft, the safety cable forms a loop, which is received in a retaining device of the shaft hinge piece. The retaining device can be, for example, a through-hole, an eyelet, a hook, or a bolt in the shaft hinge piece.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the probe head and the head hinge are formed from a single piece. The probe head and head hinge are formed as a single piece. This has the advantage that the head hinge cannot become accidentally detached from the probe head.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a spring is mounted on the distal end of the probe shaft and on the probe head. This spring is deflected when the probe head moves relative to the probe shaft and exerts a restoring force on the probe head toward an initial position. The spring provides the probe with additional flexibility, thus preventing damage to the probe or the object being examined in the event of a collision with an obstacle. Furthermore, the spring facilitates guiding the probe along tight radii.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring is designed as a helical spring and accommodated in one of the elongated hollow bodies. It can extend from the hollow body of the probe shaft into a cavity in the probe head.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a stop is arranged on the probe shaft or on the probe head, which limits the range of movement of the probe head relative to the probe shaft. This ensures that the angular range within which the probe head can move is limited. Deflection beyond this range is prevented, as this could lead to damage to the probe, the sensor, or the supply lines, actuators, or other components arranged in the hollow bodies.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one elastic fiberglass epoxy rod is loosely accommodated in one of the elongated hollow bodies. The fiberglass epoxy rod is preferably attached to the shaft hinge or to the head hinge. Such a rod can prevent the probe shaft from undesired bending. Preferably, the fiberglass rod can be combined with a spring, so that both together prevent the probe shaft from bending.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor in the probe head is designed as an image sensor. The image sensor can be part of a camera with a lens and, if necessary, other optical components.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the

[0029] Several cameras are arranged on the probe head, each with a different field of view, viewing direction, and / or focal range. Each of these cameras has at least one image sensor.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, supply lines for the at least one sensor are arranged in at least one of the elongated hollow bodies. These can be electrical lines for the power supply or the signal line, or lines that enable cooling of the probe head.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one light source is arranged in the probe head. This light source can emit light in the visible spectral range. Alternatively or cumulatively, light sources can be provided that emit light in the infrared or ultraviolet spectral range.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, tools are accommodated in the elongated hollow bodies. This can be, for example, a retrieval tool. The tool is inserted into one of the hollow bodies and advanced to the probe head. A cavity or channel can be provided on the probe head, which adjoins one of the hollow bodies in the probe shaft. This channel in the probe head preferably has an opening on one end face of the probe head through which the tool can exit the probe head, thus enabling processing.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the probe shaft is equipped with openings through which tools are inserted into the elongated hollow bodies. These openings can be located on a front side at the proximal end of the probe shaft or on a side of the probe shaft at a certain distance from the proximal end. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a cleaning nozzle is arranged on the probe, which is supplied with a cleaning fluid via the hollow bodies in the probe shaft. This cleaning fluid can be liquid or gaseous.

[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a tube filled with a liquid or gaseous medium for moving or variably stiffening the probe shaft is accommodated in one of the elongated hollow bodies. The tube can also be operated as a pneumatic muscle.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the probe head is made of high-alloy steel. The probe head is thus resistant to the conditions prevailing at the site of use.

[0036] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the probe head is made of titanium.

[0037] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the probe head is made of acrylic glass.

[0038] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a metal housing is arranged at the proximal end of the probe shaft. The metal housing encloses the elongated hollow bodies embedded in a non-metallic composite material. The housing is preferably fastened by one or more connecting bolts that extend through the metal housing into one or more holes in the composite material. Preferably, an aramid band is located in the composite material at this point. Through-holes are provided in this aramid band through which the connecting bolts are inserted. The connecting bolts can be welded to the metal housing, thus providing a positive fit. The elongated hollow bodies can be joined together in the metal housing to form a connector. The length of the elongated hollow bodies is selected so that they can expand when the probe is rolled up, thus increasing overall flexibility.The ends of the safety rope, which serves to attach and secure the shaft hinge piece, can be attached to the metal housing.

[0039] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor is designed as an eddy current sensor and equipped with at least one coil with which material inhomogeneities on machines, generators, turbines, or steam generators are detected by generating eddy currents. The eddy current sensor can be combined with an image sensor, in particular a camera, or can be arranged on the probe head without an image sensor.

[0040] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the probe shaft has a smooth surface on its outer surface. This reduces the risk of the probe shaft becoming caught or jammed at the site of use.

[0041] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the probe shaft is provided with a profile on its outer side, at least in certain sections. This profile allows the mobility of the probe shaft to be specifically influenced in the relevant section.

[0042] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the profile has several parallel, elongated recesses and / or elevations. These can extend over the entire probe shaft or only over part of the probe shaft.

[0043] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the elongated depressions and / or elevations are aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe shaft. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the elongated depressions and / or elevations are aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the probe shaft.

[0044] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the elongated depressions and / or elevations are aligned at an angle different from 0° and 90° relative to a longitudinal axis of the probe shaft.

[0045] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the probe shaft having a rectangular cross-section has different profiles on at least two of its surfaces extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe shaft.

[0046] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description, the drawings and the claims.

[0047] drawing

[0048] The drawing shows exemplary embodiments of the probe according to the invention. They show:

[0049] Figure 1 first embodiment of a probe in a side view,

[0050] Figure 2 perspective view of the greatly shortened probe shaft of the probe according to Figure 1 ,

[0051] Figure 3 Cross section through the probe shaft according to Figure 2, Figure 4 Distal end of the probe shaft according to Figure 2 with probe head in longitudinal section,

[0052] Figure 5 Probe shaft according to Figure 2 in longitudinal section,

[0053] Figure 6 Probe shaft of a second embodiment,

[0054] Figure 7 Probe shaft of a third embodiment,

[0055] Figure 8 Probe shaft of a fourth embodiment,

[0056] Figure 9 Probe shaft of a fifth embodiment.

[0057] Description of the embodiment

[0058] Figures 1 to 5 show a probe 100 with a probe shaft 101 and a probe head 1. The probe shaft has a proximal end 102 and a distal end 103. At the distal end 103, the probe head 1 is movably attached to the probe shaft 101 via a hinge 104. The hinge 104 has a shaft hinge piece 4, which is arranged on the probe shaft 101 and firmly connected thereto. The hinge 104 further comprises a head hinge piece 106, which forms part of the probe head 1. The shaft hinge piece 4 and the head hinge piece 106 are connected to one another via a connecting bolt 19. A metal housing 14 is arranged on the probe shaft 101 at the proximal end 102. The probe shaft 101 comprises a non-metallic composite material 9 into which a total of ten elongated hollow bodies 10 made of polyimide are embedded. Furthermore, an aramid tape 8 and carbon fibers 11 are embedded in the composite material.Embedding is achieved by casting the composite material, polyurethane or epoxy resin in this example, together with the hollow bodies 10, the aramid tape, and the carbon fibers in a casting process. The carbon fibers are applied along the hollow bodies for reinforcement before casting to ensure stability while maintaining high flexibility.

[0059] Figure 2 shows the probe shaft 101 greatly shortened so that both the proximal end 102 and the distal end 103 can be seen.

[0060] The hollow bodies 10 are arranged parallel in the probe shaft 101. They enable the direct and straight guidance of various inserts such as safety cables 6, a spring 5, rods 7, electrical conductors 3, and optical conductors not shown in the drawing.

[0061] Figure 3 shows the rectangular cross-section of the probe shaft 101. The illustration shows the arrangement of the hollow bodies 10. The parallel hollow bodies 10 are arranged in two groups of five each, laterally next to the aramid band 8. The central arrangement of the aramid band provides stabilization and, at the same time, connects the probe shaft 101 to the shaft hinge piece 4 and the metal housing 14 at the proximal end 102. The carbon fibers 11, which are arranged in single or multi-layers above and below or at a short distance from the hollow bodies 10, serve as axial reinforcement. The composite material 9 made of polyurethane or epoxy resin encloses all components and, due to its special material properties, provides an elastic, flexible, and reinforcing function.

[0062] Figure 4 shows the distal end 103 of the probe shaft 101 with the probe head 1. The elongated hollow bodies 10 are firmly connected to the shaft hinge piece 4. The safety cables 6 form a loop 107 at the distal end 103, which is received on a bolt 18 of the shaft hinge piece 4. A camera with an integrated image sensor 3 and specially adapted optics 2 is arranged in the probe head 1. A supply line 13 of the camera is guided through one of the hollow bodies 10 to the proximal end 102 of the probe shaft 101. The movement of the probe head 1 relative to the probe shaft 101 is limited by a positive fit by the hinge 104 and by a non-positive fit by the spring 5. This spring 5 is designed as a helical spring. It is received with a first section in one of the hollow bodies 10 of the probe shaft 101 and with a second section in the probe head 1. A deflection of the probe head 1 leads to a deflection of the spring 5.Its spring force pushes the probe head back to its original position.

[0063] A tool holder 15 is provided in the probe head 1, which is located as an extension of one of the elongated hollow bodies 10. A tool (not shown in the drawing) can be advanced through the hollow body to the tool holder. Tools that can be used include pliers, crocodiles, or cleaning nozzles. Cleaning nozzles are used for cleaning particularly hard-to-reach areas in cavities, such as heat exchangers.

[0064] Figure 5 shows the proximal end of the probe shaft in longitudinal section. The illustration shows that the proximal ends of the elongated hollow bodies are loosely received in the metal housing. This achieves particular flexibility of the hollow bodies in the axial direction of the probe shaft. The metal housing 14 is attached to the probe shaft 101 by bolts 16, which are inserted into through-holes 20 in the aramid band 8 and are positively connected, in particular welded, to the metal housing. The through-holes 20 in the aramid band can also be used for transporting the probe.

[0065] The proximal end of the probe shaft serves to bundle the contents of the hollow polyimide bodies and to accommodate an electrical connector. The ends of the safety cables 6 are attached laterally to a deflection pin 12. This attachment allows the cables to be retracted or extended and finely adjusted as desired. All electrical and / or optical cables and conductors converge at the open end of the metal housing to form a cable connector and are bundled therein. A recess 17 is provided in the metal housing 14 for this cable connector, which is not shown in the drawing. The cable connector serves as a connection to an image processing unit (also not shown in the drawing) and a viewing device.

[0066] Figures 6 to 9 show various embodiments of a probe shaft. While the probe shaft 101 according to Figures 1 to 5 has a smooth surface on the outer sides, the outer side of the probe shaft 201 according to Figure 6, the probe shaft 301 according to Figure 7, the probe shaft 401 according to Figure 8, and the probe shaft 501 according to Figure 9 is equipped with different profiles. The probe shafts are shown in abbreviated form in Figures 6 to 9. The profile 202 of the probe shaft 201 in Figure 6 has several parallel depressions 203 and elevations 204 that are aligned perpendicular to the geometric longitudinal axis 205 of the probe shaft 201. The geometric longitudinal axis 205 is indicated by a dashed line. The profile 302 of the probe shaft 301 in Figure 7 has two elevations 304 and two depressions 303 which are aligned parallel to the geometric longitudinal axis 305 of the probe shaft 301.The profile 402 of the probe shaft 401 according to Figure 8 is formed by a plurality of parallel depressions 403 and elevations 404, which are aligned at an angle of approximately 50° relative to the geometric longitudinal axis 405 of the probe shaft. The profile 502 of the probe shaft 501 in Figure 9 is formed by a plurality of depressions 503, each of the depressions 503 being composed of two rectilinear sections 503a, 503b. The two sections 503a, 503b of a depression 503 enclose an angle of approximately 120°. The angle between the first section 503a and the geometric longitudinal axis 505 of the probe shaft 501 is approximately 60°. The angle between the second section 503b and the geometric longitudinal axis 505 of the probe shaft 501 is also approximately 60°. Between each two depressions 503 there is an elevation 504.

[0067] All features of the invention can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination with one another.

[0068] Reference number list

[0069] 1 probe head

[0070] 2 optical unit

[0071] 3 image sensor

[0072] 4 shaft hinge piece

[0073] 5 spring

[0074] 6 safety rope

[0075] 7 bars

[0076] 8 Aramid tape

[0077] 9 Composite material

[0078] 10 Elongated hollow body made of polyimide

[0079] 11 Carbon fiber

[0080] 12 bolts for proximal attachment of the safety rope

[0081] 13 Supply line

[0082] 14 metal housings

[0083] 15 Tool holder

[0084] 16 bolts for attaching the metal housing to the aramid band

[0085] 17 Recess for cable connector

[0086] 18 bolts for distal attachment of the safety rope

[0087] 19 connecting bolts

[0088] 20 passage opening

[0089] 100 probe

[0090] 101 Probe shaft

[0091] 102 proximal end

[0092] 103 distal end

[0093] 104 Hinge

[0094] 106 Head hinge piece

[0095] 107 Loop

[0096] 201 Probe shaft profile recess elevation geometric longitudinal axis of the probe shaft Probe shaft profile recess elevation geometric longitudinal axis of the probe shaft Probe shaft profile recess elevation geometric longitudinal axis of the probe shaft Probe shaft profile recess a section of the recess b section of the recess elevation geometric longitudinal axis of the probe shaft

Claims

CLAIMS Probe for the inspection, maintenance and repair of machines, power generators, turbines and steam generators with an elongated, movable probe shaft (101) which has a proximal end (102) and a distal end (103), with a probe head (1) arranged at the distal end (103) of the probe shaft (101) and which is equipped with at least one sensor (3), wherein the probe shaft (101) has a non-metallic composite material in which at least two elongated hollow bodies (10) made of plastics from the polyimide group are embedded, wherein the elongated hollow bodies (10) extend continuously from the proximal end (102) to the probe head (1) at the distal end (103) of the probe shaft (101). Probe according to claim 1, characterized in that the probe shaft (101) has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

3. Probe according to claim 2, characterized in that the rectangular cross-section has a height and a width, the height being at least five times greater than the width of the cross-section.

4. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-metallic composite material of the probe shaft (101) comprises polyurethane or epoxy resin in a semi-elastic final consistency.

5. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-metallic composite material of the probe shaft (101) is halogen-free.

6. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that carbon fibers (11) are embedded in the non-metallic composite material of the probe shaft (101).

7. Probe according to claim 6, characterized in that the carbon fibers (11) form a flat layer in the composite material of the probe shaft (101), the layer extending from the proximal to the distal end of the probe shaft (101).

8. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that aram id fibers (8) are embedded in the non-metallic composite material of the probe shaft (101).

9. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the probe head (1) is movably arranged on the probe shaft (101).

10. Probe according to claim 9, characterized in that the probe head (1) is connected to the probe shaft (101) via a hinge (104), wherein the hinge (104) has a head hinge piece (106) arranged on the probe head (1) and a shaft hinge piece (4) arranged on the probe shaft (101). A probe according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one safety cable (6) is arranged in the probe shaft (101), with which the shaft hinge piece (4) is secured to the probe shaft (101). A probe according to claim 11, characterized in that the safety cable (6) is guided from the proximal end (102) to the distal end (103) of the probe shaft (101) and back again, and in that the safety cable (6) forms a loop (107) at its deflection at the distal end of the probe shaft (101), which loop is received in a holding device (18) of the shaft hinge piece (4). Probe according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that a spring (5) is accommodated at the distal end (103) of the probe shaft (101) and at the probe head (1), which spring (5) is deflected upon movement of the probe head (1) relative to the probe shaft (101) and exerts a restoring force on the probe head (1) in the direction of an initial position.Probe according to claim 13, characterized in that the spring (5) is designed as a helical spring, and in that the spring (5) is accommodated in one of the elongated hollow bodies (10). Probe according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that a stop is arranged on the probe shaft (101) or on the probe head (1), which stop limits the range of movement of the probe head (1) relative to the probe shaft (101). Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an elastic glass fiber epoxy rod is loosely accommodated in one of the elongated hollow bodies (10), and in that the glass fiber epoxy rod is fastened to the shaft hinge piece (4) or to the head hinge piece (105).

17. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (3) in the probe head is designed as an image sensor.

18. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that supply lines (13) for the at least one sensor (3) are arranged in at least one of the elongated hollow bodies (10).

19. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one light source is arranged in the probe head (1).

20. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that tools are accommodated in the elongated hollow bodies (10).

1. Probe according to claim 20, characterized in that the probe shaft (101) is equipped with lateral openings through which tools are inserted into the elongated hollow bodies (10).

2. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hose is accommodated in one of the elongated hollow bodies (10), which hose is filled with a liquid or gaseous medium by pressurization for variably stiffening the probe shaft.

3. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the probe head (1) is made of high-alloy steel.

4. Probe according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the probe head (1) is made of titanium.

25. Probe according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the probe head (1) is made of acrylic glass.

26. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor is designed as an eddy current sensor and is equipped with at least one coil with which material inhomogeneities are detected by eddy current generation on machines, generators, turbines or steam generators.

27. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the probe shaft has a smooth surface on its outer side.

28. Probe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the probe shaft is provided with a profile on its outer side at least in sections.

29. Probe according to claim 28, characterized in that the profile has a plurality of elongated depressions and / or elevations running parallel to one another.

30. Probe according to claim 29, characterized in that the elongated depressions and / or elevations are aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe shaft.

31. Probe according to claim 29, characterized in that the elongated depressions and / or elevations are aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the probe shaft.

32. Probe according to claim 2 and claim 28, characterized in that the probe shaft is provided with different profiles on at least two of its four surfaces extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe shaft.

Images