Apparatus and method for welding strap connections between inner grid straps of spacer grid using laser tool, and spacer grid manufactured using the same
US7968818B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for welding strap connections between inner grid straps of a spacer grid using a laser tool, and a spacer grid manufactured by the same, in which the strap connections between the inner grid straps of the spacer grid are seam-welded continuously or intermittently using the laser tool, so that the structural strength of the spacer grid is increased, a spattering phenomenon, in which a welded material is spattered during welding, is reduced, and thermal deformation is reduced. Further, fine welding is possible, and thus the welded bead of each strap connection between the inner grid straps can have a small size, and the number of welding defects can be reduced. In addition, the flow resistance of a coolant is reduced, and thereby the pressure drop of the coolant can be reduced As a result, the load on a flow pump for the coolant can be reduced, and economic efficiency and safety can be improved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.