Remote control device and remote control method

Abstract

To enable suppressing a decrease in operation torque transmission efficiency even in a long remote control distance, and further to enable absorbing a relief margin in construction and relative displacement between buildings as well as avoiding an interference object.SOLUTION: An integral structure shaft 16 is configured to have a flexible shaft 11 with required flexibility, a piping material 12 with rigidity and a fixture 13 for connecting one end of the piping material 12 to both ends of the flexible shaft 11, and a remote control device is configured such that a torque transmission route 20 from a torque generation device to a remotely controlled valve is formed by the integral structure shaft 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a remote control device and a remote control method for remotely controlling a valve to be operated. [Background technology]

[0002] The Nuclear Regulation Authority requires that valves that need to be operated in the event of a serious accident be provided with a means of mechanically remote operation. This is to prevent gases generated by meltdown of the nuclear fuel inside the reactor pressure vessel in the event of a loss of core cooling function due to a serious accident from accumulating inside the reactor containment vessel and causing the pressure to exceed the design limit.

[0003] In other words, by operating the vent valve installed in the nuclear power plant and directing the gas to the filter vent system, it is possible to prevent overpressure damage to the reactor containment vessel. This vent valve can be operated by AC power during normal operation and DC power in an emergency. However, the Nuclear Regulation Authority further requires a means of mechanical remote operation, taking into account the total power loss and accident environment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5976518 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6650590 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A device using a flexible shaft has been proposed as a mechanical remote opening and closing device for a valve (Patent Document 1). Also, a valve driving method has been proposed in which a valve is driven by a driving device such as a bicycle using a flexible shaft (Patent Document 2).

[0006] However, the remote opening and closing devices in Patent Documents 1 and 2 use flexible shafts, and there is a problem that the transmission efficiency of the operating torque decreases in proportion to the square of the remote operating distance. In addition, the use of a large number of gears to reduce the valve operating torque may result in remote operation of the valve lasting several hours. The fact that it takes a long time to operate the valve is undesirable from the perspective of safety measures in the event of a serious accident and radiation exposure of workers.

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention have been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device and a remote control method that can suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency of operating torque even when the remote control distance is long, and further, can absorb the clearance required for construction and the relative displacement between buildings, and can avoid interference. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The remote control device in an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an integral structure shaft is formed having a flexible shaft having flexibility, a piping material having rigidity, and a fastener for connecting one end of the piping material to both ends of the flexible shaft, and this integral structure shaft is configured to form a torque transmission path from the torque generating device to the valve to be remotely controlled.

[0009] A remote control method in an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an integrated structure shaft is used that is composed of a flexible shaft having flexibility, a piping material having rigidity, and a fastener that connects one end of the piping material to both ends of the flexible shaft, and an operating torque is transmitted from a torque generating device to a remotely controlled valve via a torque transmission path formed by this integrated structure shaft, thereby opening and closing the remotely controlled valve. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, even when the remote operation distance is long, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the operating torque, and further, it is possible to absorb the clearance required for construction and the relative displacement between buildings, and to avoid interference. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an application example of a remote control device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 shows the configuration of the one-piece structure shaft of FIG. 2, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a plan view. [Figure 4] IV arrow view of FIG. 3(A). [Diagram 5] 3(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 6] 4 shows the joining structure using the fixture in FIG. 3, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a plan view. [Figure 7] FIG. 6(A) is a view taken along arrow VII. [Figure 8] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 8 . [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the support device of FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 12] A cross-sectional view taken along line EFGHIJKL in Figure 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an application example of a remote control device according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an enlarged part of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, an integral structure shaft 16 has one flexible shaft 11 and two piping materials 12, one of the two piping materials 12 is connected to one end of the flexible shaft 11, and the other of the two piping materials 12 is connected to the other end of the flexible shaft 11. Specifically, the remote control device 10 is configured such that one end of each of the two piping materials 12 is connected to both ends of the flexible shaft 11 using a fastener 13, and a universal joint 15 is connected to the other end of these piping materials 12 using a piece 14 to form an integral structure shaft 16, and the multiple integral structure shafts 16 are connected to each other by connecting the universal joints 15 to each other to connect them in the axial direction.

[0013] 1, the remote control device 10 forms a torque transmission path 20 from the torque generator 17 to a valve drive device 19 that drives the target valve 18, and transmits operating torque from the torque generator 17 via the valve drive device 19 to the target valve 18 via this torque transmission path 20 to remotely open and close the target valve 18. Here, the vertical load of the integrated structure shaft 16 that constitutes the remote control device 10 is supported by support devices 22 provided on building structural materials 21 such as walls, ceilings, and floors around the torque transmission path 20.

[0014] The remote control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a location where the distance from the torque generating device 17 to the valve 18 to be operated is long, and where the valve 18 is affected by at least one of the following: clearance for construction in this area, relative displacement between buildings, and obstructions 23. For example, there is an underground filter vent facility where the torque transmission path 20 needs to go underground from a remote control room installed on the ground. In this filter vent facility, the valve 18 to be operated is long distance, and the remote control device 10 is assumed to be placed across many obstructions 23 and buildings. In this example, the valve 18 to be operated is a valve installed in a nuclear power plant, and requires a mechanical remote opening and closing operation in the event of a power loss. The obstructions 23 are piping, a power source, a support structure, electrical instrumentation, cables, a power panel, and the like.

[0015] In the remote control device 10 shown in Fig. 1, the torque generating device 17 generates an operating torque by human power, and this operating torque is transmitted to a through shaft 24 that penetrates a building structural material 21. This through shaft 24 is connected to the integrated structural shaft 16 (flexible shaft 11, piping material 12, fixture 13, piece 14, and universal joint 15) to transmit the operating torque.

[0016] In a location where there are no obstructions 23 or the like and no restrictions on placement, this integral structure shaft 16 may not use the flexible shaft 11 and may instead connect the piping material 12 alone via the piece 14 and universal joint 15 to improve torque transmission efficiency. In addition, for the vertical direction, the piping material 12 is connected to an L-shaped joint 25 equipped with a bevel gear via the piece 14, and the torque of this piping material 12 is transmitted to the bevel gear of the L-shaped joint 25.

[0017] By the remote operation device 10 in which the multiple integral structure shafts 16, through shafts 24, and L-joints 25 as described above are connected, the operation torque from the torque generator 17 is transmitted to the valve 18 to be operated via the valve drive device 19. At this time, the flexible shaft 11 of the integral structure shaft 16 absorbs the clearance allowance and relative displacement between buildings during construction, and avoids interference 23. In addition, the piping material 12 suppresses a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the operation torque even if the torque transmission path 20 is long.

[0018] Next, the standard configuration of the remote control device 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the flexible shaft 11 has a structure in which multiple wires are wound inside, is covered with a coating on the outside, and is configured with metal parts on both ends. The flexible shaft 11 is configured so that it can transmit operation torque by the internal wire. In addition, the flexibility of the flexible shaft 11 enables the remote control device 10 to absorb the clearance during construction and the relative displacement between buildings, and to avoid interference 23.

[0019] The length of the flexible shaft 11 can be changed according to the required flexibility, allowing for good response (absorption, avoidance) to clearance, relative displacement between buildings, and interference with obstacles 23. Also, setting the flexible shaft 11 to a minimum length makes it possible to suppress a decrease in torque transmission efficiency caused by bending of the flexible shaft 11. Furthermore, fitting grooves 26 are formed in the metal parts at both ends of the flexible shaft 11, into which metal flexible shaft fixing rings 27 can be fitted.

[0020] 2, 3 and 5, the piping material 12 has rigidity, which keeps the torque transmission efficiency of the remote control device 10 high. One end of the piping material 12 is formed with a fitting groove 28 into which a metallic piping material fixing ring 29 can be fitted. The other end of the piping material 12 is inserted into a bottomed cylindrical piece 14 and connected to the piece 14, and a universal joint 15 is further connected to the piece 14. As a result, the piping material 12 is connected to the universal joint 15 via the piece 14 so as to rotate integrally around the axis, and transmits the operating torque to the universal joint 15.

[0021] 2, 3, 6 and 7 are provided as a pair, and are fastened together, for example, by a bolt 31 and a nut 32. As shown in Fig. 8, the pair of fasteners 13 clamp both ends of the flexible shaft 11 and one end of the piping material 12 from both sides in the vertical direction via a flexible shaft fixing ring 27 fitted into the fitting groove 26 of the flexible shaft 11 and a piping material fixing ring 29 fitted into the fitting groove 28 of the piping material 12, and are fastened together by the bolt 31 and the nut 32. As a result, the fastener 13 connects the flexible shaft 11 and the piping material 12 to rotate integrally around the axis, and enables the transmission of operating torque between the flexible shaft 11 and the piping material 12.

[0022] The fastening of the pair of fasteners 13 as described above is not limited to the bolts 31 and nuts 32, but may be fastened by male and female threads or by a detachable structure. The pair of fasteners 13 are fastened in a detachable manner by the above-mentioned fastening means.

[0023] Here, the integral rotational connection between the flexible shaft 11 and the piping material 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of recesses 26X, for example, two recesses facing each other, are formed in the circumferential direction in the fitting grooves 26 provided at both ends of the flexible shaft 11. When the flexible shaft fixing ring 27 is fitted into the fitting groove 26, the convex portions 27X on the inner circumferential side of the flexible shaft fixing ring 27 engage with the recesses 26X of the fitting groove 26.

[0024] Further, a fitting groove 33 is continuously formed in the circumferential direction on the inner circumference of the pair of fixtures 13. A plurality of recesses 33Y, for example, four recesses 33Y are formed in the circumferential direction at equal intervals in this fitting groove 33. When the flexible shaft fixing ring 27 fits into the fitting groove 33 of the fixture 13, the convex portion 27Y on the outer periphery of the flexible shaft fixing ring 27 engages with the recesses 33Y of the fitting groove 33. In this way, the flexible shaft 11 is configured to rotate integrally with the fixture 13 via the flexible shaft fixing ring 27.

[0025] 8 and 10, a plurality of recesses 28X, for example, two recesses facing each other, are formed in the circumferential direction in the fitting groove 28 provided at one end of the piping material 12. When the piping material fixing ring 29 is fitted into the fitting groove 28, the protrusions 29X on the inner circumferential side of the piping material fixing ring 29 engage with the recesses 28X of the fitting groove 28.

[0026] Further, a fitting groove 34 is continuously formed in the circumferential direction on the inner circumference of the pair of fixtures 13. A plurality of recesses 34Y, for example, four recesses 34Y are formed in the fitting groove 34 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. When the piping material fixing ring 29 is fitted into the fitting groove 34 of the fixture 13, the protrusions 29Y on the outer circumferential side of the piping material fixing ring 29 engage with the recesses 34Y of the fitting groove 34. In this way, the piping material 12 is configured to rotate integrally with the fixture 13 via the piping material fixing ring 29.

[0027] As described above, the flexible shaft 11 and the piping material 12 are joined together by the fixture 13, the flexible shaft fixing ring 27, and the piping material fixing ring 29 so as to rotate as a single unit.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the universal joint 15 is a joint having two degrees of freedom that allows rotation in two directions perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of integral shafts 16 are connected by connecting the universal joint 15 of one integral shaft 16 to the universal joint 15 of the other integral shaft 16, and an operating torque is transmitted from one integral shaft 16 to the other integral shaft 16. When connecting the universal joints 15 of one and the other integral shafts 16, the rotation directions of the respective universal joints 15 are set to be the same or different. As a result, the connected plurality of integral shafts 16 are bent in any direction to transmit an operating torque.

[0029] 2, 11 and 12, the support device 22 is configured to have a device body 35, a sliding member 36 and a pressing plate 37, and the device body 35 is attached to the building structural material 21. The sliding member 36 is accommodated in the device body 35 so as to be rotatable about its axis, and is provided so as to be in sliding contact with the outer circumferential surface of the piping material 12 of the integral structure shaft 16. The pressing plate 37 is fixed to the device body 35 using, for example, a bolt 38, and restricts the axial movement of the sliding member 36, and sets a gap T between the pressing plate 37 and the outer circumferential surface of the piping material 12.

[0030] As described above, the sliding member 36 is provided rotatably about its axis and is in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the piping material 12, so that when the piping material 12 rotates about its axis due to the operating torque, the frictional resistance caused by the support device 22 supporting the load of the integral structure shaft 16 is reduced. In addition, a gap T is set between the pressing plate 37 and the piping material 12, so that the rotation about the axis of the piping material 12 that transmits the operating torque is not restricted.

[0031] As configured as above, this embodiment provides the following advantages (1) to (4). (1) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the integrally-structured shaft 16 has a flexible shaft 11 with flexibility, so that it can absorb the clearance required for construction and the relative displacement between buildings, and can avoid interference 23. In addition, the integrally-structured shaft 16 has a piping material 12 with rigidity, so that it can suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the operation torque even if the remote operation distance is long. In particular, by setting the flexible shaft 11 for avoiding interference to a minimum (or at least shorter than the distance of the piping 12) and setting the rigid piping 12 to a long distance, the integrally-structured shaft 16 as a whole can suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency.

[0032] (2) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a pair of fasteners 13 that connect the flexible shaft 11 and the piping material 12 to rotate together are removably fastened by bolts 31, nuts 32, etc. This allows the pair of fasteners 13 to be removed, improving ease of installation and maintenance.

[0033] (3) As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the support device 22 supporting the load of the integral shaft 16 has a sliding member 36 that is rotatable about its axis relative to the device body 35 and is provided in sliding contact with the outer circumferential surface of the piping material 12 of the integral shaft 16, and a retaining plate 37 that restricts the axial movement of the sliding member 36 has a gap T set between the sliding member 36 and the outer circumferential surface of the piping material 12. As a result, the support device 22 can reduce frictional resistance against the piping material 12 of the integral shaft 16, thereby suppressing a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the operating torque. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the position of the support device 22 relative to the integral shaft 16, the earthquake resistance of the remote control device 10 can be improved.

[0034] (4) In an installation location of the remote control device 10 where there are no restrictions on placement, the flexible shaft 11 is not used in the one-piece shaft 16, but the one-piece shaft 16 may be formed of the piping material 12, the pieces 14, and the universal joints 15, and the universal joints 15 of the one-piece shaft 16 may be connected to form the remote control device 10. This can further suppress the decrease in the transmission efficiency of the operating torque.

[0035] (5) Since the one-piece structure shaft 16 has the piping 12 that has rigidity, there is no need to use gears when using this one-piece structure shaft 16 to operate the valve 18 to be operated, and therefore the valve 18 to be operated can be operated in a short time.

[0036] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention, and these substitutions, changes, and combinations are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 10... remote control device, 11... flexible shaft, 12... piping material, 13... fixing device, 14... piece, 15... universal joint, 16... integral structure shaft, 17... torque generating device, 18... valve to be operated, 20... torque transmission path, 21... building structure material, 22... support device, 23... interference, 26... fitting groove, 27... flexible shaft fixing ring, 28... fitting groove, 29... piping material fixing ring, 35... device body, 36... sliding member, 37... pressing plate, T... gap

Claims

1. An integral structure shaft is configured by including a flexible shaft having flexibility, a piping material having rigidity, and a fixture for connecting one end of the piping material to both ends of the flexible shaft, The remote control device is characterized in that the integral structure shaft is configured to form a torque transmission path from the torque generating device to the valve to be remotely controlled.

2. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein a universal joint is connected to the other end of the piping material, and a plurality of integral structure shafts are connected in the axial direction by the universal joint.

3. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible shaft has an internal structure in which a wire is wound, an external structure covered with a coating, and further has metal portions at both ends.

4. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible shaft has fitting grooves formed at both ends thereof, into which metal flexible shaft fixing rings can be fitted.

5. 5. The remote control device according to claim 4, wherein the piping member has a fitting groove formed at one end thereof into which a metal piping member fixing ring can be fitted.

6. The remote control device described in claim 5, characterized in that the fixing device is configured to connect the flexible shaft and the piping material by clamping and fastening both ends of the flexible shaft and one end of the piping material via a flexible shaft fixing ring and a piping material fixing ring.

7. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastener is configured to removably connect the flexible shaft and the piping material by fastening with a bolt and a nut, by fastening with a male screw and a female screw, or by fastening with a detachable structure.

8. 3. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein a piece is connected to the other end of the piping material, and a universal joint is connected to the piece.

9. 3. The remote control device according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection of the multiple integral structure shafts is achieved by connecting a universal joint of one of the integral structure shafts to a universal joint of the other of the integral structure shafts, and the rotation directions of these connected universal joints are set to be the same or different.

10. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the integral structure shaft is supported by a support device provided on a building structural member around a torque transmission path.

11. The remote control device according to claim 10, characterized in that the support device is configured to include a device main body, a sliding member that is rotatably mounted on the device main body around an axis and can slide against an outer circumferential surface of a piping material of an integrated structure shaft, and a pressing plate that is fixed to the device main body to restrict axial movement of the sliding member and form a gap between the sliding member and the outer circumferential surface of the piping material.

12. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the multiple connected integral structure shafts are installed in locations that are affected by at least one of construction clearance, relative displacement between buildings, and interference in the area from the torque generating device to the remotely controlled valve.

13. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remotely controlled valve is a valve that is installed in a nuclear power plant and requires remote mechanical opening and closing in the event of a power loss.

14. An integrated structure shaft is used, which is configured to include a flexible shaft having flexibility, a piping material having rigidity, and a fixture for connecting one end of the piping material to both ends of the flexible shaft, A remote control method comprising the steps of: transmitting an operating torque from a torque generating device to a remotely controlled valve via a torque transmission path formed by this integrally structured shaft, thereby opening and closing the remotely controlled valve.

Images