ROBOT MODULE FOR RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING OF SPACER GRIDS OF NUCLEAR REACTOR FUEL ASSEMBLIES Russian patent published in 2009 - IPC B23K11/10 B23K37/04 B23K101/02 

FIELD: power generation.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to robot module for resistance spot welding of spacer grids of nuclear reactor fuel assemblies and may be used in nuclear power industry for construction of nuclear reactors. External profile of chuck jaws matches inner profile of spacer grid rim sections. There are horizontal base surfaces at the external side of the jaws. Over these surfaces a horizontally free-moving ring is installed. The ring is made of nonconductive nonmagnetic material, with inner surface shaped as regular hexahedron. Its lower part has a raised surface for locating the rim sections in vertical plane. In weld spots, there is a clearance between jaws. The ring is provided with slots for free location in clearances and slots of inner and outer electrodes, respectively. To the one side of slots, contacts connected to the robot module control system input are located.

EFFECT: module provides for stbilised size of finished grids and high precision of fuel assembly positioning in the reactor core; it enhances the production process degree of automation.

3 dwg