GB1575287A - Connecting apparatus for limited rotary or rectillinear motion - Google Patents

Description

(54) CONNECTING APPARATUS FOR LIMITED ROTARY OR RECTILINEAR MOTION (71) We, WESTINGHOUSE ELEC TRIC CORPORATION of Westinghouse Building, Gateway Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America, a corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, United States of America do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to apparatus for providing cable connection between two members having relative motion in a horizontal plane, especially members having limited lateral space therebetween, particularly adaptable to the rotating plugs of the reactor vessel head of a nuclear reactor.

This invention described herein was made in the course of, or under, a contract with the United States- Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA).

Certain types of nuclear reactors require that refueling and maintenance operations be performed remotely, that is, without removal of the reactor vessel head. A plurality of rotating plugs have been provided for these operations which, through controlled rotation, allow remote access to core locations. It is important, however, that electrical and other connections be maintained to the various plugs and reactor components during relative motion. This requirement is complicated by the large number of connections and further by spatial limitations in the reactor head vicinity.

This is particularly a concern with respect to the small rotating plug through which an in-vessel transfer machine must operate to shuffle fuel between the core and storage locations without removal of the reactor vessel head. Further, it is desirable that electrical signal level separation be provided among the various cables.

In the prior art, reactor designers faced with these limitations have utilized apparatus similar to a split tank-type track having a fixed end and a moveable end. The cables are contained within supporting plates or carriers, having openings bored to the size of the cable diameters, which are positioned between a plurality of chain links. The links are assembled to a close tolerance, allowing bending of the apparatus as necessary during motion. Although such apparatus properly perform the cable connection function, they are not without deficiencies. The tracks require a significant amount of space, which can effect the design of the connected components or limit the number of cables utilized. Further, the track system requires a large number of individual interlocking components. The large number of pins and sliding joints adds a potential for failure and a significant cost to the reactor systems.

In other applications where it is desirable to provide electrical connections between movable components, systems have been proposed which have similar deficiencies, particularly in the complexity and relatively large number of components required. Two such applications are described in U.S.

Patent No. 3,351,612 in the name of R.L.

Guntner, and U.S. Patent No. 3,537,059 in the name of E.W. Howe.

It therefore is the principal object of the present invention to provide apparatus which allows continuous connection of the large number of cables or hoses during rotation and refueling operations which also minimizes interference with personnel and other equipment while additionally providing electrical signal separation.

With this object in view, the present invention resides in apparatus for providing cable connection between a first member and a second member movable within a horizontal plane with respect to said first member with a plurality of flexible cables, each said cable being stationary at one portion with respect to said first member and stationary at another portion with respect to said second member, said apparatus comprising a first plurality of vertical laterally spaced plates each having laterally extending upper restraints associated with said first member and a second plurality of vertical laterally spaced plates each having a laterally extending lower restraint associated with said second member such that said first plates are laterally aligned with said second plates and are vertically spaced from each other a preselected distance, said cables being positioned in the space between two adjacent first and corresponding two adjacent second plates and between their respective restraints so as to form a generally C-shaped loop in a substantially vertical orientation which slidingly moves with respect to said plates upon relative motion of said first and second members, and flexible bodies arranged in the spaces between adjacent vertical plates and affixed to one of said first vertical plates for supporting the upper portion of each said looped cable, each of said flexible bodies having an upper section and a crimped lower segment, said lower segment being spaced from one of said vertical plates a distance less than the diameter of the cable and said upper section being spaced from said last-named plate a distance greater than said diameter, such that, upon relative motion of said members in one direction said loops of said cables contact said crimped segment from below, flex said segment laterally, and pass above said segment, and upon relative motion in the opposite direction said loops flex said segment laterally and pass free from said segment.

On relative motion of the members, a portion of the cables slide from between one pair of vertical plates to between the mating pair of surfaces, the C-shaped loop sliding with respect to both members. The flexible devices flex laterally during these motions so that the cables pass freely into and out of contact with the devices, but nevertheless are supported thereby when in a horizontal position.

The invention will become more readily apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof shown, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially sectioned, of a nuclear reactor; Figure 2 is an elevation view, in section, of one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein; Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a spring device in accordance with this invention; and Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C are elevation views showing relative movement among components of this invention.

Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown a nuclear reactor including a reactor vessel 10 sealingly affixed to a vessel head 12. The vessel is supported within a stationary enclosure, such as a concrete support 11. A nuclear core 14 comprised of a plurality of vertically oriented fuel assemblies is positioned within the vessel so that a coolant fluid, such as liquid sodium or gaseous helium, can be circulated through the core 14. The fluid enters the vessel 10 through a plurality of inlet nozzles 18, flows upwardly through the core, absorbing heat energy, and is discharged through outlet nozzles 20 to heat transfer and other apparatus, typically for the ultimate purpose of electrical power generation.

The vessel head 12 includes a stationary outer ring 22, a large rotating plug 24, an intermediate rotating plug 26, and a small rotating plug 28. The stationary outer ring is concentrically arranged about the large plug 24, while the intermediate 26 and small 28 plugs are arranged off-center. For refueling or maintenance, the plugs are rotating in a preselected sequence which positions an in-vessel transfer mechanism 30 directly above each core assembly location. The transfer mechanism 30 is typically positioned upon the small rotating plug 28 during refueling periods, and is subsequently removed from the vessel head area until the next refueling or maintenance outage.

During reactor power generation, and also during refueling, hundreds of electrical and other connections must be maintained between equipment external to the vessel 10, and within the vessel and atop the rotating plugs. The connections are made through a plurality of conduits such as cables 32 which transfer power, fluids, and electrical signals for reactor control and instrumentation.

Typical of the services supplied merely through the transfer machine are those for heaters, motor drives, jacks and blowers, limit switch connectors, compressed gases, thermocouples and ground wires. Hydraulic services can also be supplied.

In accordance with this invention the cables or hoses are supported within vertically oriented compartments 34, shown best in Figure 2. It is to be understood that the following description of invention embodiments as applied to a nuclear reactor is merely exemplary, and that the invention can advantageously be used in many other applications involving limited reciprocating rotary or rectilinear motion among members. The Figure shows one structural arrangement for the compartments 34, which includes a plurality of upper vertical plates or surfaces 36 and a plurality of second lower vertical surfaces 38. Substantially all of the surfaces 36, 38 include a laterally extending restraint 40, which can together form an integral upper plate 42 or lower plate 43, extending along the width of the plurality of surfaces 36, 38. The affixed set of lower surfaces 38 are affixed to one of the relatively movable members, such as the intermediate rotating plug 26, and the upper set of surfaces is affixed to the other member, such as the small rotating plug 28.

Both the upper and lower surfaces are also provided with means for affixing the surfaces to their respective supporting members, such as welds 48 or bolts 50 or other fastening devices. The vertical surfaces 36, 38 need not be directly affixed to the relatively movable members, but can be affixed to extension components such as the riser plate 51. As the elevation of the relatively movable members such as the intermediate 26 and small 28 rotating plugs is typically fixed, each set of vertical surfaces is affixed to the respective member so as to laterally align the surfaces 36, 38. The surfaces are also affixed to the members with a preselected gap or space 52 between the laterally aligned surfaces. The gap 52 allows free relative motion, the upper surfaces 36 not containing the lower surfaces 38.

The vertical surfaces 36, 38 can have various shapes, dependent on the type of motion of the two members. As shown in Figure 3, where rotary motion is required, the surfaces are arcuate or circular, although they are preferably rectangular for relative rectilinear motion. The surfaces 36, 38 can be comprised of any structurally sound material, although they are preferably metallic and capable of providing electrical signal separation between laterally adjacent compartments 34.

The cables 32 are positioned between two consecutive aligned upper 36 and lower 38 surfaces, between their respective restraints 40, so that each cable forms a singular generally rotated-U-shaped or C-shaped loop 56 in a substantially vertical plane. A plurality of cables 32 can be positioned between one aligned pair of surfaces 36, 38.

The cables are then positioned adjacent one another such that the loop 56 of one cable (56a) is contained within the vertical area enclosed by the loop (56b) of its adjacent outermost cable. This necessarily requires that the bend radius 58a be smaller than the bend radius 58b. The term "radius" is here used to define the substantially circular shape each loop will take, although the loop will not be perfectly arcuate. The number of cables between any two sets of consecutive vertical surfaces is therefore determined by the minimum allowable cable bend radius and the height of the surfaces, 36, 38 between respective restraints 40. Although cables 32 of varying size and shape can be utilized, in the preferred nuclear reactor arrangement all of the cables are of circular cross section with a substantially common outside diameter of 1 in. + 1/8 in. The height of the gap 52 is preferably smaller than the cable diameter to alleviate any possible binding upon motion. Also, the lateral spacing between consecutive parallel vertical surfaces 36, 38 is less than two cable diameters to alleviate crossing of cables upon rotation or translation. A spacing providing approximately 1-1/2 times the cable diameter between consecutive surfaces is preferred.

The cables 32 can extend from one movable member to the other, or terminate in quick-disconnect electrical or fluid apparatus 63 such as that shown in Figure 6.

Portions of the cables, such as their end portions, are, however, substantially fixed or stationary relative to the respective movable members. These portions of the cables can also be held in place by means such as clips 64 shown in Figure 3. The required length of the cables will, of course, be determined in accordance with the amount of rotary or rectilinear travel and the size of the relatively movable members.

The upper surfaces 36 are also provided with a plurality of flexible devices 65 for supporting the upper portion of each looped cable. One embodiment of a device 65 is shown in additional detail in Figure 4, and includes a body or wire 66 affixed by a bearing 67 to vertical surface 36 and to the horizontal surface 40 by a bearing 73. The wire is shaped to have a generally vertical upper section 68 and a generally crimped or triangular lower segment 69 positioned 90" from surface 36 by spring 71. The lower segment includes a portion spaced from vertical surface 36a a distance less than the diameter of the cables. The vertical section 68 is spaced from vertical surface 36a a distance greater than the cable diameter. A crimped rectangular segment 69 is positioned about the central portion of spring 71. Upon relative motion of the members in one direction, the loops of the cables contact the protruding triangular segment from below, rotate the segment laterally sliding and compressing spring 71, and pass above the segment, which rotates back to a position substantially perpendicular to surface 36, so as to then be supported atop the triangular segment. Upon relative motion in the opposite direction the loops cause the segment to rotate laterally and allow the cables to pass freely from the device 65. The device 65 can take many alternative configurations, including others which can be rotated, pushed aside or flexed by the passing cable loops to spring back into position to support the upper portion of the cables, or pushed aside as the cables return to the lower position.

The operation of the connecting apparatus is simple, having a minimal number of moving components. In addition to the movable members, only the affixed vertical surfaces, the cables themselves, and the affected flexible devices 65 are in motion.

Rectilinear movement is illustrated in Figures 5A, SB, and SC. These Figures can also be viewed as illustrating relative rotary motion. The cables 32 and surfaces 36, 38 are initially positioned as shown in Figure 5A. In this example, the upper surface 36 is fixed, while the surface 38 is moved from left to right, as shown by the arrow to, for example, the positions shown in Figures SB and SC. As shown, a portion of the cables is transferred from adjacent the lower surfaces 38 to adjacent the upper surfaces 36, as the loops 56 and cables slide. If the Figures are viewed in reverse order, that is, from Figure SC toward Figure 5A, it is seen that a portion of the cables shift from the upper surfaces to the lower surfaces. It is also seen that the cables will move into and out of the flexible devices 65 through the loops 56.

It will be apparent that many additional features can be incorporated in the connection apparatus, particularly for nuclear application. For example, a seal can be placed across the gap 52 of the outermost or innermost surfaces 36, 38 to insure that objects are not accidentally inserted through the gap. Also, for additional electrical separation or hazard protection, some compartments 34 can be left empty or filled with a suitable material. It will also be apparent that the connecting apparatus provides reliable operation and ease of maintenance or cable replacement. The cables can be replaced merely by disconnecting the extremities, removing the old cables from between surfaces 36, 38, and reinserting new cables in the looped configuraton. Also, it will be noted that the described apparatus is particularly applicable where limited lateral space among components is available.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. Apparatus for providing cable connection between a first member and a second member movable within a horizontal plane with respect to said first member with a plurality of flexible cables, each said cable being stationary at one portion with respect to said first member and stationary at another portion with respect to said second member, said apparatus comprising a first plurality of vertical laterally spaced plates each having laterally extending upper restraints associated with said first member and a second plurality of vertical laterally spaced plates each having a laterally extending lower restraint associated with said second member such that said first plates are laterally aligned with said second plates and are vertically spaced from each other a preselected distance, said cables being positioned in the space between two adjacent first and corresponding two adjacent second plates and between their respective restraints so as to form a generally C-shaped loop in a substantially vertical orientation which slidingly moves with respect to said plates upon relative motion of said first and second members, and flexible bodies arranged in the spaces between adjacent vertical plates and affixed to one of said first vertical plates for supporting the upper portion of each said looped cable, each of said flexible bodies having an upper section and a crimped lower segment, said lower segment being spaced from one of said vertical plates a distance less than the diameter of the cable and said upper section being spaced from said last-named plate a distance greater than said diameter, such that, upon relative motion of said members in one direction, said loops of said cables contact said crimped segment from below, flex said segment laterally, and pass above said segment, and upon relative motion in the opposite direction said loops flex said segment laterally and pass free from said segment.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said cables is adjacent another one of said cables such that the loop of said one cable is of smaller radius than the loop of said adjacent cable and is contained within the substantially vertical area enclosed by the loop of said adjacent cable.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein all of said cables have a substantially similar outside diameter, characterized in that the lateral spacing between consecutive vertical plates is approximately 1-1/2 times said diameter while said preselected distance is less than said diameter.

4. An apparatus for providing cable connections between a first member and a second member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (4)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. rotated, pushed aside or flexed by the passing cable loops to spring back into position to support the upper portion of the cables, or pushed aside as the cables return to the lower position. The operation of the connecting apparatus is simple, having a minimal number of moving components. In addition to the movable members, only the affixed vertical surfaces, the cables themselves, and the affected flexible devices 65 are in motion. Rectilinear movement is illustrated in Figures 5A, SB, and SC. These Figures can also be viewed as illustrating relative rotary motion. The cables 32 and surfaces 36, 38 are initially positioned as shown in Figure 5A. In this example, the upper surface 36 is fixed, while the surface 38 is moved from left to right, as shown by the arrow to, for example, the positions shown in Figures SB and SC. As shown, a portion of the cables is transferred from adjacent the lower surfaces 38 to adjacent the upper surfaces 36, as the loops 56 and cables slide. If the Figures are viewed in reverse order, that is, from Figure SC toward Figure 5A, it is seen that a portion of the cables shift from the upper surfaces to the lower surfaces. It is also seen that the cables will move into and out of the flexible devices 65 through the loops 56. It will be apparent that many additional features can be incorporated in the connection apparatus, particularly for nuclear application. For example, a seal can be placed across the gap 52 of the outermost or innermost surfaces 36, 38 to insure that objects are not accidentally inserted through the gap. Also, for additional electrical separation or hazard protection, some compartments 34 can be left empty or filled with a suitable material. It will also be apparent that the connecting apparatus provides reliable operation and ease of maintenance or cable replacement. The cables can be replaced merely by disconnecting the extremities, removing the old cables from between surfaces 36, 38, and reinserting new cables in the looped configuraton. Also, it will be noted that the described apparatus is particularly applicable where limited lateral space among components is available. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. Apparatus for providing cable connection between a first member and a second member movable within a horizontal plane with respect to said first member with a plurality of flexible cables, each said cable being stationary at one portion with respect to said first member and stationary at another portion with respect to said second member, said apparatus comprising a first plurality of vertical laterally spaced plates each having laterally extending upper restraints associated with said first member and a second plurality of vertical laterally spaced plates each having a laterally extending lower restraint associated with said second member such that said first plates are laterally aligned with said second plates and are vertically spaced from each other a preselected distance, said cables being positioned in the space between two adjacent first and corresponding two adjacent second plates and between their respective restraints so as to form a generally C-shaped loop in a substantially vertical orientation which slidingly moves with respect to said plates upon relative motion of said first and second members, and flexible bodies arranged in the spaces between adjacent vertical plates and affixed to one of said first vertical plates for supporting the upper portion of each said looped cable, each of said flexible bodies having an upper section and a crimped lower segment, said lower segment being spaced from one of said vertical plates a distance less than the diameter of the cable and said upper section being spaced from said last-named plate a distance greater than said diameter, such that, upon relative motion of said members in one direction, said loops of said cables contact said crimped segment from below, flex said segment laterally, and pass above said segment, and upon relative motion in the opposite direction said loops flex said segment laterally and pass free from said segment.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said cables is adjacent another one of said cables such that the loop of said one cable is of smaller radius than the loop of said adjacent cable and is contained within the substantially vertical area enclosed by the loop of said adjacent cable.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein all of said cables have a substantially similar outside diameter, characterized in that the lateral spacing between consecutive vertical plates is approximately 1-1/2 times said diameter while said preselected distance is less than said diameter.

4. An apparatus for providing cable connections between a first member and a second member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.