JP7612139B2 - Remote Control Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a remote control device, and in particular to a remote control device equipped with a shaft that penetrates a structure (such as a wall or floor) that divides a space.

For example, in nuclear power plants, during operation or during an accident, workers may not be able to enter areas where manual operation handles are installed. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to remotely operate such handles from locations where workers can enter.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a valve opening and closing device that remotely operates a valve opening and closing device installed inside the reactor building of a nuclear power plant. The valve opening and closing device described in Patent Document 1 includes an actuator that opens and closes the valve body installed inside the reactor building, two flexible shafts, a motor that inputs torque to the actuator, and a through shaft that penetrates the wall of the reactor building.

A through hole is formed in the wall of the reactor building, an outer pipe is placed through this through hole, and a through shaft is placed through the outer pipe. In addition, both ends of the through shaft are supported by bearings of the inner bearing part and the outer bearing part, which are fixed to the wall of the reactor building by bolts or the like.

JP 2014-118995 A

However, since the through shaft cannot be inserted into the through hole when some structure (bearings, etc. in Patent Document 1) is attached to both ends of the through shaft, the through shaft must be inserted with one structure removed. In addition, the remote control device requires periodic maintenance, and the through shaft must be removed to the outside during maintenance and then returned to its original position after maintenance.

Therefore, the invention described in Patent Document 1 had problems in that it was difficult to maintain the parallelism of the through-hole shaft when removing and inserting it, and because the through-hole shaft was heavy, the work took a long time.

The present invention was devised in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a remote control device that can shorten the time required for removing and inserting a through shaft.

According to the present invention, there is provided a remote control device for operating equipment arranged inside a structure that partitions a space from outside the structure, the remote control device comprising: a sleeve arranged in a through hole formed in the structure; a through shaft insertable into the sleeve; a support member arranged on a first end side of the through shaft; a bearing arranged on a second end side of the through shaft; and a collar arranged on the inner circumference of the sleeve and engaging with the bearing, wherein the through shaft comprises a spline shaft portion formed on the first end and a spline coupling engaging with the spline shaft portion, and the support member is arranged in the spline coupling .

The support member may be an annular member disposed on the outer periphery of the through shaft.

The collar may include a tapered portion formed on the first end side and tapering toward the second end side.

The sleeve may include a relatively thin first sleeve and a relatively thick second sleeve, and the collar may be disposed between the first sleeve and the second sleeve.

The through shaft may have a strength designed to match the allowable torque at the weakest point of the remote control device.

The remote control device may include plates connected to both ends of the sleeve and fixed to the structure.

The remote control device may be provided with a cover member that water-tightly seals the outer end of the sleeve.

According to the remote control device of the present invention described above, the first end of the through shaft is supported by a support member, and the second end of the through shaft is supported by a bearing and a collar. This makes it possible to maintain the parallelism of the through shaft while supporting its weight, and to easily move the through shaft within the sleeve. Therefore, according to the present invention, the time required for the removal and insertion of the through shaft can be reduced.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 10A to 10D are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure for installing the remote control device from the outside, in which (a) shows the sleeve insertion process, (b) shows the cover member installation process, (c) shows the gear box installation process, and (d) shows the mortar injection process. 10A to 10D are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure for installing the remote control device from the inside, in which (a) shows the sleeve insertion process, (b) shows the gear box installation process, (c) shows the cover member installation process, and (d) shows the mortar injection process. 5A to 5C are explanatory views showing a procedure for removing the through shaft to the outside, in which FIG. 5A shows a lid member removing step, FIG. 5B shows a stopper removing step, and FIG. 5C shows a through shaft removing step. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure for removing the through-shaft to the inside, in which (a) shows the step of removing the flexible shaft from the gearbox, (b) shows the step of removing the gearbox, and (c) shows the step of removing the through-shaft.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Here, Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 only shows the configuration of the penetration part of the structure, and omits the illustration of the equipment to be remotely controlled, the handle for remote control, etc.

The remote control device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a device for operating equipment (not shown) arranged inside a structure W that divides a space from outside the structure W, and includes a sleeve 2 arranged in a through hole H formed in the structure W, a through shaft 3 that can be inserted into the sleeve 2, a support member 4 arranged on the first end 3a side of the through shaft 3, a bearing 5 arranged on the second end 3b side of the through shaft 3, and a collar 6 arranged on the inner circumference of the sleeve 2 and fitted with the bearing 5.

The structure W is, for example, a bulkhead of a reactor building. In FIG. 1, the left side of the structure W indicates the indoor side (inside), and the right side indicates the outdoor side (outside). In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the term "first end side" refers to the indoor side (inside), and the term "second end side" refers to the outdoor side (outside).

The structure W is not limited to the bulkhead of the reactor building. The structure W is made of concrete, for example, and a horizontal hole is drilled by boring to form the through hole H.

The sleeve 2 is a metallic cylinder configured so that the through-hole shaft 3 can be inserted therein. The sleeve 2 is inserted into the through-hole H, and both ends are supported by a plate 7 fixed to the structure W. The plate 7 is a metal plate with an opening in the approximate center, and is positioned so as to block the through-hole H, for example, by a stud bolt or the like arranged on the wall surface of the structure W.

The sleeve 2 is inserted into the opening of the plate 7, and both ends of the sleeve 2 are connected to the plate 7 without any gaps by a connecting means such as welding. The space formed by the sleeve 2 and the through hole H is filled with building materials such as mortar.

The sleeve 2 also includes a relatively thin first sleeve 21 and a relatively thick second sleeve 22. The first sleeve 21 is disposed on the first end 3a side of the through shaft 3, and the second sleeve 22 is disposed on the second end 3b side of the through shaft 3. A collar 6 is disposed between the first sleeve 21 and the second sleeve 22. The first sleeve 21 is connected to the first end side of the collar 6 by a connecting means such as welding. The second sleeve 22 is connected to the second end side of the collar 6 by a connecting means such as welding.

The first sleeve 21 and the second sleeve 22 may have the same thickness. The first sleeve 21 and the second sleeve 22 may be formed of a single cylinder that is not divided by the collar 6. In this case, the collar 6 is disposed inside the sleeve 2.

A gear box 8 for transmitting torque to a remotely operated device is connected to the plate 7 arranged on the indoor side (inside). A joint part 81 connected to the through shaft 3 so as to be able to transmit torque, and a flexible shaft 82 connected to the remotely operated device so as to be able to transmit torque are connected to the gear box 8. Although not shown, a bevel gear is built into the gear box 8.

A cover member 9 that watertightly seals the outer end of the sleeve 2 is placed on the plate 7 arranged on the outdoor side (outside). The cover member 9 is configured to be removable. The cover member 9 is removed from the plate 7 during remote operation or maintenance, and is configured to allow access to the through shaft 3 from the outdoor side (outside). The cover member 9 may be equipped with a handle 91 that is held by an operator and a seal member 92 that fits tightly against the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 2.

The through shaft 3 is a metallic shaft member that is inserted into the sleeve 2 and transmits torque to the flexible shaft 82. The through shaft 3 includes, for example, a spline shaft portion 31 formed at the first end portion 3a, and a spline coupling 32 that fits into the spline shaft portion 31.

A spline is formed at the tip of the joint portion 81 of the gearbox 8, and the through shaft 3 and the joint portion 81 are connected via the spline shaft coupling 32 so that torque can be transmitted. The spline shaft coupling 32 is a part with a roughly cylindrical shape, and its inner surface is configured so that it can be connected to the spline shaft portion 31.

In this embodiment, the spline shaft portion 31 and the joint portion 81 form the male side of the joint structure, and the spline shaft coupling 32 forms the female side of the joint structure. Note that the joint structure is not limited to the spline shaft coupling structure, and any structure that connects the through shaft 3 in a manner that allows torque transmission may be used.

A support member 4 is disposed on the outer periphery of the splined shaft coupling 32. The support member 4 is, for example, a flange-shaped annular member whose diameter is expanded in the radial direction of the splined shaft coupling 32. This configuration makes it easier for the support member 4 to move smoothly in the axial direction when it is brought into contact with the inner periphery of the sleeve 2.

The support member 4 may be an annular member arranged on the outer periphery of the through shaft 3, and its location may be changed depending on the joint structure of the through shaft 3, or it may be arranged directly on the through shaft 3.

The through shaft 3 also includes, for example, a reduced diameter portion 33 formed at the second end 3b, and a connection portion 34 that connects a handle (not shown) that transmits torque to the through shaft 3. The bearing 5 is inserted into the reduced diameter portion 33. The connection portion 34 is formed with a smaller diameter than the reduced diameter portion 33, and is configured so that the bearing 5 can be inserted from the second end 3b. The connection portion 34 is, for example, a threaded portion.

The bearing 5 is, for example, a radial bearing such as a ball bearing. The bearing 5 is inserted into the reduced diameter portion 33 and engaged with the step portion, and is positioned by a stopper 51 fixed to the collar 6. The stopper 51 is a short cylinder with a flange portion, and after the short cylinder portion is inserted into the opening of the collar 6, the flange portion is fixed to the back surface of the collar 6 with a fastener such as a bolt.

The collar 6 is a metal part with a generally cylindrical shape. The collar 6 has a tapered portion 61 formed on the first end side and tapering toward the second end side. The tapered portion 61 is configured to guide the through shaft 3 with the bearing 5 disposed therein into an opening formed around the bearing 5 when the through shaft 3 is inserted from the indoor side (inside).

The through shaft 3 may also have a strength designed to match the allowable torque at the weakest point of the remote control device 1. The weakest point of the remote control device 1 is, for example, a clutch at the joint of the flexible shaft connected between the gear box 8 and the equipment to be remotely operated.

This design allows the through shaft 3 to be lighter and have a smaller diameter. In addition, by reducing the diameter of the through shaft 3, the diameter of the sleeve 2 and the through hole H can be reduced.

Next, the procedure for installing the remote control device 1 from the outdoor side (outside) will be described with reference to Figures 2(a) to 2(d). Here, Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure for installing the remote control device from the outside, with (a) showing the sleeve insertion process, (b) showing the lid member installation process, (c) showing the gear box installation process, and (d) showing the mortar injection process.

As a preliminary step, a through hole H is formed in the structure W, and the through shaft 3 is attached to the sleeve 2. In addition, a centering jig 23 and a temporary roller 24 are attached to the first end side (first sleeve 21) of the sleeve 2. The centering jig 23 is, for example, a number of pin members arranged radially on the sleeve 2.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the sleeve 2 with the through shaft 3 attached is inserted from the outdoor side (outside). At this time, the temporary rollers 24 are arranged on the sleeve 2, so that the sleeve 2 can be easily moved inside the through hole H. In addition, in this embodiment, the through shaft 3 and the sleeve 2 are lightweight, so the labor required for the insertion work can be reduced.

After the sleeve 2 is inserted to a predetermined position, the plate 7 and the cover member 9 are installed from the outdoor side (outside) as shown in FIG. 2(b). The plate 7 is fixed to a stud bolt or the like that is fixed to the wall surface of the structure W. The cover member 9 is positioned so as to seal the opening of the sleeve 2, and is fixed to the plate 7.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2(c), the plate 7 and the gear box 8 are installed from the indoor side (inside). At this time, the temporary rollers 24 are removed in advance. The plate 7 is fixed to a stud bolt or the like fixed to the wall surface of the structure W. In addition, the joint portion 81 of the gear box 8 is fitted into the splined shaft coupling 32 of the through shaft 3. After the gear box 8 is installed, the flexible shaft 82 is connected to the gear box 8.

As shown in FIG. 2(d), mortar M is injected from an injection port formed in the indoor (inner) plate 7 into the space formed between the sleeve 2 and the through hole H. When injecting mortar M, the cover member 9 may be temporarily removed and a U-shaped pipe may be connected to the outdoor (outer) plate 7 to circulate the mortar M.

Next, the procedure for installing the remote control device 1 from the indoor side (inside) will be described with reference to Figures 3(a) to 3(d). Here, Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure for installing the remote control device from the inside, with (a) showing the sleeve insertion process, (b) showing the gear box installation process, (c) showing the lid member installation process, and (d) showing the mortar injection process.

As a preliminary step, a through hole H is formed in the structure W, and the through shaft 3 is attached to the sleeve 2. In addition, a centering jig 23 and a temporary roller 24 are attached to the second end side (second sleeve 22) of the sleeve 2. The centering jig 23 is, for example, a number of pin members arranged radially on the sleeve 2.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the sleeve 2 with the through shaft 3 attached is inserted from the indoor side (inside). At this time, the temporary rollers 24 are arranged on the sleeve 2, so that the sleeve 2 can be easily moved inside the through hole H. In addition, in this embodiment, the through shaft 3 and the sleeve 2 are lightweight, so the labor required for the insertion work can be reduced.

After inserting the sleeve 2 to a predetermined position, the plate 7 and gearbox 8 are installed from the indoor side (inside) as shown in FIG. 3(b). The plate 7 is fixed to a stud bolt or the like fixed to the wall surface of the structure W. The joint part 81 of the gearbox 8 is fitted into the splined shaft coupling 32 of the through shaft 3. After the gearbox 8 is installed, the flexible shaft 82 is connected to the gearbox 8.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the plate 7 and the lid member 9 are installed from the outdoor side (outside). At this time, the temporary roller 24 is removed. The plate 7 is fixed to a stud bolt or the like that is fixed to the wall surface of the structure W. The lid member 9 is positioned so as to seal the opening of the sleeve 2, and is fixed to the plate 7.

As shown in FIG. 3(d), mortar M is injected from an injection port formed in the indoor (inner) plate 7 into the space formed between the sleeve 2 and the through hole H. When injecting mortar M, the cover member 9 may be temporarily removed and a U-shaped pipe may be connected to the outdoor (outer) plate 7 to circulate the mortar M.

In the above-described embodiment, the sleeve 2 and the plate 7 are constructed separately, so that the sleeve 2 with the through shaft 3 attached can be inserted into the through hole H from both the outdoor side (outside) and the indoor side (inside).

Next, the procedure for removing the through shaft 3 from the sleeve 2 to the outdoor side (outside) will be described with reference to Figures 4(a) to 4(c). Here, Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure for taking out the through shaft to the outside, where (a) shows the lid member removal process, (b) shows the stopper removal process, and (c) shows the through shaft removal process.

When the through shaft 3 is to be removed outdoors (outside) for maintenance or the like, the cover member 9 is removed from the plate 7 as shown in FIG. 4(a). Next, the stopper 51 is removed from the collar 6 as shown in FIG. 4(b).

In this state, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the through shaft 3 can be pulled outdoors (outside) to be removed. At this time, the splined shaft coupling 32 also moves, so the through shaft 3 can be easily moved while maintaining its parallelism by the support member 4. When the through shaft 3 is completely removed to the outside, the splined shaft coupling 32 is engaged with the collar 6 and remains inside the sleeve 2.

After maintenance is completed, when inserting the through shaft 3 into the sleeve 2 from the outdoor side (outside), the spline shaft portion 31 is fitted into the spline shaft coupling 32, and then the through shaft 3 is moved all the way to the back, and the spline shaft coupling 32 is fitted into the joint portion 81.

Next, the procedure for removing the through shaft 3 from the sleeve 2 to the indoor side (inside) will be described with reference to Figures 5(a) to 5(c). Here, Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure for taking out the through shaft to the inside, where (a) shows the process of removing the flexible shaft of the gearbox, (b) shows the process of removing the gearbox, and (c) shows the process of removing the through shaft.

When the through shaft 3 is to be removed to the indoor side (inside) for maintenance or the like, the flexible shaft 82 is removed from the gear box 8 as shown in FIG. 5(a). Next, the gear box 8 is removed as shown in FIG. 5(b).

In this state, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the through shaft 3 can be removed indoors (inside) by pulling it toward the indoor side (inside). At this time, the bearing 5 also moves, so the through shaft 3 can be easily moved while maintaining the parallelism of the through shaft 3 by the bearing 5. Note that the spline coupling 32 may be removed first before removing the through shaft 3.

After maintenance is completed, when inserting the through shaft 3 into the sleeve 2 from the indoor side (inside), the through shaft 3 can be inserted into the sleeve 2 with the bearing 5 attached. At this time, the through shaft 3 can be easily centered by bringing the bearing 5 into contact with the tapered portion 61 of the collar 6.

According to the remote control device 1 of this embodiment described above, the first end 3a of the through shaft 3 is supported by the support member 4, and the second end 3b of the through shaft 3 is supported by the bearing 5 and the collar 6. This makes it possible to maintain the parallelism of the through shaft 3 while supporting its weight, and to easily move the through shaft 3 within the sleeve 2. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the time required for the removal and insertion of the through shaft 3 can be shortened.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the through shaft 3 is attached to the sleeve 2 and then installed in the through hole H is described, but the sleeve 2 may be installed in the through hole H first, and then the through shaft 3 may be attached to the sleeve 2.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Remote control device 2 Sleeve 3 Through shaft 3a First end 3b Second end 4 Support member 5 Bearing 6 Collar 7 Plate 8 Gear box 9 Cover member 21 First sleeve 22 Second sleeve 23 Centering jig 24 Temporary roller 31 Spline shaft portion 32 Spline shaft coupling 33 Reduced diameter portion 34 Connection portion 51 Stopper 61 Tapered portion 81 Joint portion 82 Flexible shaft 91 Handle 92 Sealing member

Claims (7)

A remote control device for operating a device disposed inside a structure that divides a space from outside the structure, comprising:
A sleeve disposed in a through hole formed in the structure;
a through shaft insertable into the sleeve;
A support member disposed on a first end side of the through shaft;
a bearing disposed on a second end side of the through shaft;
a collar disposed on an inner periphery of the sleeve and fitted with the bearing ;
The through shaft includes a spline shaft portion formed at the first end portion and a spline shaft coupling fitted to the spline shaft portion, and the support member is disposed at the spline shaft coupling.
A remote control device comprising: The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is an annular member disposed on the outer periphery of the through shaft. The remote control device according to claim 1 , wherein the collar has a tapered portion formed on the first end side and tapered toward the second end side. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises a relatively thin first sleeve and a relatively thick second sleeve, and the collar is disposed between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the through shaft has a strength designed to match the allowable torque at the weakest point of the remote control device. The remote control device according to claim 1, further comprising a plate connected to both ends of the sleeve and fixed to the structure. The remote control device according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover member for sealing an outer end of the sleeve in a water-tight manner.