Gripping device, shearing machine and method for gripping a spent fuel assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a grabbing device for grabbing spent fuel assemblies. The grabbing device comprises a fixing assembly (4), a grabbing assembly, an execution block (3) and a driving assembly. The grabbing assembly comprises a plurality of grabbing plates (2). Each grabbing plate (2) comprises a hinged part and a grabbing part. The hinged part is hinged to the fixing assembly (4), the grabbing part is integrated with the hinged part and arranged at one end of the hinged part away from the fixing assembly (4), and the side surface of the grabbing part is provided with a through hole, the size of the through hole being greater than or equal to the size of a first boss of the spent fuel assembly. The execution block (3) is arranged in an enclosed area formed by the plurality of grabbing plates (2), and the outer side surface of the execution block (3) abuts against the inner side surface of the hinged part. The driving assembly is used for driving the execution block (3) to make reciprocating motion along the center line of the enclosed area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear industry technology, specifically relating to a gripping device, a shearing machine, and a method for gripping spent fuel assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Spent fuel reprocessing is a complex, multidisciplinary, and highly sophisticated systems engineering project. It is a crucial part of nuclear fuel cycle technology, used to recover uranium and plutonium from spent fuel assemblies and further minimize radioactive waste.

[0003] Currently, spent fuel reprocessing plants typically cut spent fuel assemblies into short segments and extract uranium and plutonium through dissolution and extraction processes. The equipment used to cut these segments is a shearing machine. During the processing of spent fuel assemblies, the shearing machine needs to grip and feed the assemblies to achieve the shearing process. Existing shearing machines lack gripping devices, resulting in low processing efficiency for spent fuel assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art by providing a gripping device, a shearing machine, and a gripping method for spent fuel assemblies, which can achieve the gripping of spent fuel assemblies.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a gripping device for gripping spent fuel assemblies, wherein the spent fuel assembly has a plurality of first protrusions on its upper outer surface. The gripping device comprises a fixing component, a gripping component, an actuating block, and a driving component. The gripping component includes a plurality of gripper plates, which surround the fixing component to form an enclosing region, into which the spent fuel assembly can be inserted. Each gripper plate includes a hinge portion and a gripping portion. The hinge portion is hinged to the fixing component, and the gripping portion is integrally connected to the hinge portion and located at the end of the hinge portion away from the fixing component. The gripping portion has a through hole on its side, the size of which is greater than or equal to the size of the first protrusion of the spent fuel assembly. The hinge portion is hinged to the fixing component at the point where the hinge portion and the gripping portion meet, and the inner surface of the hinge portion is an inclined surface. The actuating block is disposed within the enclosing region formed by the plurality of gripper plates, and the outer surface of the actuating block abuts against the inner surface of the hinge portion. The drive assembly drives the actuator block to reciprocate along the centerline of the enclosed area, causing the actuator block to slide inside the hinge. When the actuator block is at the bottom of the hinge, the plurality of gripper plates are retracted. As the drive assembly drives the actuator block forward along the hinge towards the gripping part, the gripping part gradually opens outward to allow the spent fuel assembly to be inserted into the enclosed area. As the drive assembly drives the actuator block back, the gripping part gradually retracts inward until it returns to its retracted state, so that the first boss engages within the through hole.

[0006] Therefore, in the gripping device provided by this embodiment of the invention, multiple gripper plates surround the fixing component to form an enclosing area. By providing through holes on the gripping parts, and making the size of the through holes greater than or equal to the size of the first boss of the spent fuel assembly, the first boss can be engaged in the through holes. By setting the inner surface of the hinge part as an inclined surface, and making the outer surface of the execution block abut against the inner surface of the hinge part, when the driving component drives the execution block to reciprocate along the center line of the enclosing area, the distance between the multiple gripping parts can be adjusted, so that the multiple gripping parts can be in a closed or open state. When the multiple gripping parts are in an open state, the spent fuel assembly is inserted into the enclosing area, and when the multiple gripping parts are in a closed state, the first boss of the spent fuel assembly is engaged through the through holes, thereby realizing the gripping of the spent fuel assembly by the gripping device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the fixing assembly includes a first fixing plate, a pressure-contact screw, a second fixing plate, and a lifting lug. The pressure-contact screw is fixed to the first fixing plate. The second fixing plate is fixed to the pressure-contact screw and is parallel to the first fixing plate. The lifting lug is fixed to the side of the second fixing plate away from the first fixing plate, and the hinge portion is hinged to the lifting lug.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a cylinder, a piston, a drive rod, and a compression spring. The cylinder is fixed to the first fixed plate and drives the piston forward along the hinge portion towards the gripping portion. The piston is located inside the cylinder. The drive rod is fixed to the piston; a top plate is fixed to the upper end of the cylinder, and the drive rod passes through the top plate and the second fixed plate before being fixedly connected to the actuating block. A compression spring is disposed between the top plate and the piston, one end of the compression spring abutting against the top plate and the other end abutting against the piston, for resetting the piston so that the actuating block returns to the bottom end of the hinge portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, a second protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the spent fuel assembly, the second protrusion being located below the first protrusion. The gripping device further includes a pushing component, which is detachably fixed to the pressure screw. The pushing component abuts against the second protrusion and is used to push the second protrusion when it is necessary to push and feed the spent fuel assembly.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second boss includes an annular protrusion. The pushing assembly includes a push ring disposed at the end of the pressure screw, the push ring being located on the side of the gripper plate away from the second fixing plate; the shape of the push ring is adapted to the shape of the annular protrusion, and the push ring abuts against the upper surface of the annular protrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second boss further includes an abutment plate located below the annular protrusion. The pushing assembly also includes a push rod detachably fixed to the push ring on the side away from the second fixing plate; the push rod abuts against the upper surface of the abutment plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the spent fuel assembly is planar. The pushing assembly further includes a push plate detachably fixed to the push ring on the side away from the second fixing plate, and the push rod abuts against the upper surface of the spent fuel assembly.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a shearing machine for spent fuel reprocessing, the shearing machine including a shearing machine body and the gripping device described in the first aspect above.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for gripping spent fuel assemblies. The method uses the gripping device described in the first aspect above. The method includes the following steps: a drive component drives the execution block to move forward along the hinge portion toward the gripping portion until the gripping portion of the gripper plate opens outward; the spent fuel assembly is placed into the enclosing area of ​​the gripper plate; the drive component drives the execution block to return, so that the gripping portion of the gripper plate gradually retracts inward into a retracted shape, and the first protrusion engages in the through hole of the gripping portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the gripping device includes a pushing component, then the method further includes the following steps: mounting the pushing component on the pressure contact screw; moving the gripping device to push the spent fuel assembly to the shearing position via the pushing component.

[0016] The shearing machine and the method for grabbing spent fuel assemblies provided in this embodiment of the invention have the same beneficial effects as the grabbing device described above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 : A structural diagram of a gripping device equipped with a push ring provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 : A cross-sectional view of a gripping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 : A structural diagram of a gripping device with an open gripper plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 : A structural diagram of a gripping device with a retractable gripper plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a gripping device pushing a spent fuel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 : A structural diagram of a gripping device equipped with a push rod provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 : This is a schematic diagram of another grasping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention pushing a spent fuel assembly;

[0024] Figure 8 : A structural diagram of a gripping device equipped with a push plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another gripping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention pushing a spent fuel assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] Example 1:

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a gripping device applied in a spent fuel reprocessing plant for gripping spent fuel assemblies. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the upper outer surface of the spent fuel assembly has multiple first protrusions T1, and the gripping device includes: a fixing component 4, a gripping component, an execution block 3, and a drive component.

[0029] In this embodiment, the example is given that there are two first bosses T1.

[0030] The fixing component 4 is used to fix the grabbing component, the execution block 3, and the driving component.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the gripping assembly includes multiple gripper plates 2, which surround the fixing assembly 4 to form an enclosed area, and the spent fuel assembly can be inserted into the enclosed area.

[0032] For example, the number of gripper plates 2 can be two, three, or four, etc.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment is illustrated using two gripper plates 2 as an example. The two gripper plates 2 are arranged opposite each other, and the enclosed area is the area between the two gripper plates 2.

[0034] For example, the spent fuel assembly is generally cylindrical in shape, the gripper plate 2 can be a plate with an arc shape, and the enclosed area is generally cylindrical in shape.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, each gripper plate 2 includes a hinge portion 2A and a gripping portion 2B. The hinge portion 2A is hinged to the fixing component 4. The gripping portion 2B is integrally connected to the hinge portion 2A and is located at the end of the hinge portion 2A away from the fixing component 4. The side surface of the gripping portion 2B has a through hole 2C. The size of the through hole 2C is greater than or equal to the size of the first boss T1 of the spent fuel assembly. The hinge portion 2A is hinged to the fixing component 4 at the junction of the hinge portion 2A and the gripping portion 2B. The inner surface of the hinge portion 2A is a slope.

[0036] The size of the through hole 2C is greater than or equal to the size of the first boss T1 of the spent fuel assembly, so that the first boss T1 can be fully engaged in the through hole 2C.

[0037] Understandably, when the ends of the two hinged parts 2A that are away from the gripping parts 2B move away from each other, the two gripping parts 2B will move closer to each other; when the ends of the two hinged parts 2A that are away from the gripping parts 2B move away from each other, the two gripping parts 2B will move away from each other.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the execution block 3 is disposed within the enclosed area formed by multiple gripper plates 2, and the outer side of the execution block 3 abuts against the inner side of the hinge portion 2A. The drive assembly is used to drive the execution block 3 to reciprocate along the center line of the enclosed area, so that the execution block 3 slides on the inner side of the hinge portion 2A.

[0039] For example, the outer side of the execution block 3 cooperates with the inner side of the hinge portion 2A, that is, the outer side of the execution block 3 is also a slope. This can increase the contact area between the outer side of the execution block 3 and the inner side of the hinge portion 2A, and make the execution block 3 slide more smoothly on the inner side of the hinge portion 2A.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, when the actuator 3 is at the bottom end of the hinge 2A, the multiple gripper plates 2 are in a retracted state. Figure 3 As shown, during the process of the drive assembly driving the execution block 3 to move forward along the hinge 2A towards the gripping part 2B, the gripping part 2B gradually opens outward to allow the spent fuel assembly to be inserted into the enclosed area. Figure 4 As shown, during the process of the drive component driving the execution block 3 to return, the gripping part 2B gradually retracts inward until it returns to its retracted state, so that the first boss T1 engages in the through hole 2C.

[0041] For ease of explanation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the X direction is defined as the extension direction of the center line of the enclosed area, and the Y direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the X direction.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, in the Y direction, when the actuator 3 is at the bottom end of the hinge 2A, the distance between the bottom ends of the hinge 2A is equal to the size of the actuator 3. Figure 3 As shown, when the execution block 3 is at the top of the hinge 2A, the distance between the tops of the hinge 2A is equal to the size of the execution block 3.

[0043] The inner surface of the hinge portion 2A is inclined, therefore, the distance between different positions of the inner surfaces of the two opposing hinge portions 2A is different. This causes the drive assembly to drive the actuator block 3 to slide along the inner surface of the hinge portion 2A, causing the hinge portion 2A to rotate around its hinged position with the fixing assembly 4, and driving the gripping portion 2B to rotate. This allows the two gripping portions 2B to be either closed or open. When the two gripping portions 2B are open, the distance between them is larger, and the enclosed area is larger. At this time, the gripping device can be moved to the location of the spent fuel assembly, allowing the spent fuel assembly to be inserted into the enclosed area. Then, the drive assembly causes the gripping portions 2B to close, reducing the distance between them, causing the first boss T1 to engage within the through hole 2C, thereby enabling the gripping device to grasp the spent fuel assembly.

[0044] Therefore, in the gripping device provided by this embodiment of the invention, multiple gripper plates 2 surround the fixing component 4 to form an enclosing area. By providing through holes 2C on the gripping parts 2B, and making the size of the through holes 2C greater than or equal to the size of the first boss T1 of the spent fuel assembly, the first boss T1 can be engaged in the through holes 2C. By setting the inner side of the hinge part 2A as an inclined surface, and making the outer side of the execution block 3 abut against the inner side of the hinge part 2A, when the driving component drives the execution block 3 to reciprocate along the center line of the enclosing area, the distance between the multiple gripping parts 2B can be adjusted so that the multiple gripping parts 2B can be in a closed or open state. When the multiple gripping parts 2B are in an open state, the spent fuel assembly can be inserted into the enclosing area. When the multiple gripping parts 2B are in a closed state, the first boss T1 of the spent fuel assembly is engaged through the through holes 2C on the gripping parts 2B, thereby realizing the gripping of the spent fuel assembly by the gripping device.

[0045] Furthermore, the aforementioned gripping device has a simple structure, making it easy to install and replace; and the mechanical transmission between multiple components ensures stable performance and a low failure rate.

[0046] In some examples, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the Y direction, the size of the first boss T1 is L1, the size of the portion of the spent fuel assembly near the first boss T1 is L2, and when the gripping part 2B is in the open position, the distance between the ends of the two gripping parts 2B is L3. The above L1, L2, and L3 satisfy: L2 < L1 < L3.

[0047] Understandably, spent fuel assemblies typically have fixed dimensions; for example, in the Y direction, the dimensions of L1 are 200 mm and L2 are 173 mm.

[0048] In this case, the dimensions of L3 in the Y direction can be between 202mm and 210mm.

[0049] When the gripping part 2B is in an open position, the distance between the ends of the two gripping parts 2B is relatively large, and the spent fuel assembly can smoothly enter the enclosed area formed by the multiple gripping plates 2 on the fixing component 4, so as to facilitate the gripping of the spent fuel assembly by the subsequent gripping device.

[0050] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the gripping part 2B is in a closed shape, the distance between the ends of the two gripping parts 2B in the Y direction is L4, and L1, L2, L3, and L4 satisfy: L2≤L4<L1<L3.

[0051] In this case, the dimensions of L4 in the Y direction can be between 173mm and 200mm.

[0052] When the gripping part 2B is in a closed position, the distance between the ends of the two gripping parts 2B is small, and the through hole 2C can engage the first boss T1 of the spent fuel assembly, preventing the first boss T1 from falling out of the gap between the two gripping parts 2B due to the excessive size of L4.

[0053] Furthermore, in combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the X direction, the size of the first boss T1 is L5, and the size of the through hole 2C is L6. The above L5 and L6 satisfy: L5≤L6.

[0054] For example, the size of L5 mentioned above can be 100mm.

[0055] In this case, the dimensions of the L6 mentioned above can be between 100mm and 120mm in the X direction.

[0056] In this way, when the gripping part 2B is in a retracted state, the first protrusion T1 of the spent fuel assembly can smoothly enter the through hole 2C, so as to facilitate the gripping device to grip the spent fuel assembly.

[0057] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The length L7 of the gripper plate 2 can be between 270mm and 290mm; during the process of multiple gripping parts 2B changing from an open state to a closed state, the angle of rotation of the hinge part 2A around the hinge position with the fixing component 4 is between 10° and 30°.

[0058] This reduces the resistance when the actuator 3 slides on the inner side of the hinge 2A and ensures that the gripping part 2B moves a sufficient distance so that the gripping part 2B engages with the first boss T1 through the through hole 2C.

[0059] Understandably, when the length L7 of the gripper plate 2 is large, the angle at which the hinge part 2A rotates around the hinge position with the fixing component 4 is small, which allows for a larger change in the distance between the ends of the gripping part 2B, thus enabling the gripping part 2B to engage with the first boss T1. When the length L7 of the gripper plate 2 is small, the angle at which the hinge part 2A rotates around the hinge position with the fixing component 4 needs to be large, so that the change in the distance between the ends of the gripping part 2B is large, thus enabling the gripping part 2B to engage with the first boss T1.

[0060] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fixing assembly 4 includes a first fixing plate 11, a pressure screw 5, a second fixing plate 12, and a lifting lug 10. The pressure screw 5 is fixed to the first fixing plate 11. The second fixing plate 12 is fixed to the pressure screw 5 and is parallel to the first fixing plate 11. The lifting lug 10 is fixed to the side of the second fixing plate 12 away from the first fixing plate 11, and the hinge portion 2A is hinged to the lifting lug 10.

[0061] For example, the pressure contact screw 5 is fixed to the first fixing plate 11 through the threaded hole on the first fixing plate 11, and the second fixing plate 12 is fixed to the pressure contact screw 5 through the threaded hole on the second fixing plate 12.

[0062] For example, the lifting lug 10 and the second fixing plate 12 can be an integral structure, which can increase the connection strength of the lifting lug 10 on the second fixing plate 12.

[0063] For example, both the hinge 2A and the lug 10 are provided with connecting holes, and a pivot is provided in the connecting holes, so that the hinge 2A can rotate around the pivot.

[0064] The above settings facilitate the assembly of the fixed component 4.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the drive assembly includes a cylinder 7, a piston, a drive rod, and a compression spring 6. The cylinder 7 is fixed to the first fixed plate 11 and drives the piston forward along the hinge portion 2A towards the gripping portion 2B. The piston is located inside the cylinder 7. The drive rod is fixed to the piston; a top plate 15 is fixed to the upper end of the cylinder 7, and the drive rod passes through the top plate 15 and the second fixed plate 12 before being fixedly connected to the actuator block 3. The compression spring 6 is disposed between the top plate and the piston, with one end abutting against the top plate and the other end abutting against the piston, used to reset the piston so that the actuator block 3 returns to the bottom end of the hinge portion 2A.

[0066] For example, the cylinder 7 and the first fixing plate 11 are an integral structure, so that the cylinder 7 and the first fixing plate 11 can be manufactured simultaneously in one manufacturing process, reducing the assembly complexity of the cylinder 7 and the first fixing plate 11.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, after compressed gas is introduced into cylinder 7, the compressed gas pushes the piston to move, and drives the actuator 3 to move forward along the hinge 2A towards the gripping part 2B through the drive rod. The gripping part 2B gradually opens outward, and the spent fuel assembly can be inserted into the enclosed area; at the same time, the compression spring 6 is compressed.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, after the compressed gas in cylinder 7 is depressurized, the compression spring 6 pushes the piston to reset and drives the actuator block 3 to return. The gripping part 2B gradually retracts inward until it returns to its retracted state, which can make the first boss T1 engage in the through hole 2C to achieve the gripping of the spent fuel assembly.

[0069] With the above settings, the grabbing device can be controlled to grab the spent fuel assembly by controlling whether compressed gas is introduced into the cylinder 7.

[0070] Furthermore, by setting a controller to control whether compressed gas is introduced into cylinder 7, the gripping action of the gripping device can be automatically controlled.

[0071] After the gripping device grips the spent fuel assembly, it needs to be pushed and fed to move the spent fuel assembly to the processing position, such as the position to be sheared.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, a second protrusion T2 is also provided on the outer surface of the spent fuel assembly, and the second protrusion T2 is located below the first protrusion T1. The gripping device also includes a pushing component, which is detachably fixed to the pressure contact screw 5. The pushing component abuts against the second protrusion T2 and is used to push the second protrusion T2 when it is necessary to push and feed the spent fuel assembly.

[0073] With the above configuration, the pusher assembly can be detached when there is no need to push and feed the spent fuel assembly, allowing the gripping device to grasp the spent fuel assembly. If, after grasping the spent fuel assembly, it is necessary to push and feed it, the pusher assembly can be mounted on the pressure screw 5 to push and feed the spent fuel assembly. This allows the gripping device to flexibly assemble and disassemble the pusher assembly according to the usage scenario, improving the flexibility of the gripping device.

[0074] Depending on the different structures of the spent fuel assemblies, the structure of the push assembly can include a variety of types.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the second boss T2 includes an annular protrusion 13. The pushing assembly includes a push ring 1, which is disposed at the end of the pressure contact screw 5 and is located on the side of the gripper plate 2 away from the second fixed plate. The shape of the push ring 1 is adapted to the shape of the annular protrusion 13, and the push ring 1 abuts against the upper surface of the annular protrusion 13.

[0076] For example, the push ring 1 has an arc shape.

[0077] For example, the end of the pressure screw 5 is provided with a thread, and the push ring 1 is provided with a threaded hole that matches it. The push ring 1 is threadedly connected to the pressure screw 5, which facilitates the installation and removal of the push ring 1.

[0078] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are four pressure screws 5 and two push rings 1. One push ring 1 is fixed to the end of two pressure screws 5, and the other push ring 1 is fixed to the end of the other two pressure screws 5. The gripper plate 2 is located between the two push rings 1, which allows for a gap between the two push rings 1. This prevents the push rings 1 from affecting the first boss T1 entering the enclosed area, allowing the spent fuel assembly to be easily inserted into the enclosed area between the gripper plates 2.

[0079] With the above configuration, the annular protrusion 13 can be pushed by the push ring 1 to push and feed the spent fuel assembly.

[0080] Normally, the push ring 1 can be fixed on the pressure contact screw 5 without disassembly.

[0081] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second boss T2 also includes an abutment plate 14 located below the annular protrusion 13. The pushing assembly also includes a push rod 8 detachably fixed to the push ring 1 on the side away from the second fixed plate; the push rod 8 abuts against the upper surface of the abutment plate 14.

[0082] For example, the push ring 1 is provided with a threaded hole, and the end of the push rod 8 is provided with an external thread that is adapted to it. The push rod 8 is threadedly connected to the push ring 1, which facilitates the installation and disassembly of the push rod 8.

[0083] With the above setup, the push rod 8 can be used to push the abutment plate 14 to push and feed the spent fuel assembly.

[0084] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the upper surface of the spent fuel assembly is flat. The pushing assembly also includes a push plate 9 detachably fixed to the push ring 1 on the side away from the second fixed plate, and the push rod abuts against the upper surface of the spent fuel assembly.

[0085] For example, the upper end face of the spent fuel assembly can be the end face of the spent fuel assembly before it is sheared, or it can be the end face exposed after the spent fuel assembly is sheared.

[0086] For example, the push plate 9 can be fixed to the push ring 1 with screws.

[0087] With the above settings, the upper surface of the spent fuel assembly can be pushed by the pusher plate 9 to achieve the pushing and feeding of the spent fuel assembly.

[0088] In practical use, the structure of the aforementioned pusher components can be flexibly selected based on the structure of the spent fuel components.

[0089] Example 2:

[0090] This invention also provides a shearing machine for spent fuel reprocessing. The shearing machine includes a shearing machine body and a gripping device as described in Embodiment 1 above.

[0091] For example, the shearing machine also includes a moving component capable of moving the position of the gripping device.

[0092] When spent fuel assemblies need to be sheared, the spent fuel assemblies are first gripped by a gripping device. After being moved to the shearing machine body, the spent fuel assemblies are pushed and fed by a pushing component so that the shearing machine body can shear the spent fuel assemblies.

[0093] The above settings facilitate the shearing machine's grabbing and pushing of spent fuel assemblies, thereby improving the efficiency of the shearing machine in processing spent fuel assemblies.

[0094] Example 3:

[0095] Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention also provides a method for grasping spent fuel assemblies, which uses the grasping device as described in Embodiment 1 above, and includes the following steps 1-3.

[0096] Step 1: The drive component drives the execution block 3 to move forward along the hinge part 2A towards the gripping part 2B until the gripping part 2B of the gripper plate 2 opens outward.

[0097] For example, compressed gas can be introduced into cylinder 7 of the drive assembly. The pressure of the compressed gas can be between 0.3 MPa and 0.8 MPa.

[0098] This allows the gripping parts 2B to gradually open outwards by executing the block, increasing the spacing between the gripping parts 2B of the gripper plate 2, which facilitates the subsequent insertion of spent fuel assemblies.

[0099] Step 2: Place the spent fuel assembly into the enclosed area of ​​the gripper plate 2.

[0100] Step 3: The drive component drives the execution block 3 to return, so that the gripping part 2B of the gripper plate 2 gradually retracts inward into a retracted shape, and the first boss T1 engages in the through hole 2C of the gripping part 2B.

[0101] For example, the compressed gas in cylinder 7 can be depressurized. At this time, the compression spring 6 can reset the piston, so as to drive the actuator block 3 back to the bottom of the hinge, thereby causing the gripping part 2B of the gripper plate 2 to retract inward into a retracted shape, and the first boss T1 is engaged in the through hole 2C of the gripping part 2B.

[0102] After steps 1-3, the first boss T1 of the spent fuel assembly can be gripped by the gripping part 2B to achieve the gripping of the spent fuel assembly by the gripping device.

[0103] In some embodiments, where the grasping device includes a pushing component, the above method further includes steps 4-5.

[0104] Step 4: Install the push assembly onto the pressure contact screw 5.

[0105] For example, the push component is detachably connected to the pressure contact screw 5, and the push component can be a push ring, push rod, or push plate, etc.

[0106] Step 5: Move the gripping device and push the spent fuel assembly to the position to be sheared using the pushing component.

[0107] After the gripping device grasps the spent fuel assembly, a pushing component can be installed to push the assembly to different positions, thus advancing it to the shearing position and improving the efficiency of the shearing machine in processing the spent fuel assembly. Furthermore, the pushing component is easy to install and remove, facilitating switching between different functions of the gripping device and enhancing its versatility.

[0108] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gripping device for gripping spent fuel assemblies, wherein the upper outer surface of the spent fuel assembly has a plurality of first protrusions, characterized in that, The grasping device includes: Fixed component (4); The gripping assembly includes multiple gripper plates (2), each gripper plate (2) being plate-shaped with an arc. The multiple gripper plates (2) surround the fixing assembly (4) to form an enclosing area, into which the spent fuel assembly can be inserted. Each gripper plate (2) includes a hinge portion and a gripping portion. The hinge portion is hinged to the fixing assembly (4), and the gripping portion is integrally connected to the hinge portion and located at the end of the hinge portion away from the fixing assembly (4). The side of the gripping portion has a through hole, the size of which is greater than or equal to the size of the first boss of the spent fuel assembly. The hinge portion is hinged to the fixing assembly (4) at the junction of the hinge portion and the gripping portion, and the inner side of the hinge portion is a slope. An execution block (3) is disposed within the enclosed area formed by the plurality of gripper plates (2), and the outer surface of the execution block (3) abuts against the inner surface of the hinge portion; and, A driving component is used to drive the execution block (3) to reciprocate along the center line of the enclosed area, so that the execution block (3) slides inside the hinge. When the execution block (3) is at the bottom end of the hinge, the plurality of gripper plates (2) are in a retracted state; As the drive assembly drives the execution block (3) to move forward along the direction of the hinge portion toward the gripping portion, the gripping portion gradually opens outward so that the spent fuel assembly can be inserted into the enclosed area; During the process of the drive component driving the execution block (3) to return, the gripping part gradually retracts inward until it returns to its retracted state, so that the first boss engages in the through hole; The fixing component (4) includes: First fixing plate (11); The pressure contact screw (5) is fixed on the first fixing plate (11); The second fixing plate (12) is fixed to the pressure contact screw (5) and is parallel to the first fixing plate (11); and, The lug (10) is fixed to the side of the second fixing plate (12) away from the first fixing plate (11), and the hinge is hinged to the lug (10); The spent fuel assembly is further provided with a second protrusion on its outer surface, and the second protrusion is located below the first protrusion; The gripping device also includes a pushing component, which is detachably fixed to the pressure contact screw (5). The pushing component abuts against the second boss and is used to push the second boss when it is necessary to push and feed the spent fuel assembly.

2. The gripping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component includes: The cylinder (7) is fixed on the first fixed plate (11) and is used to drive the piston to move forward along the direction of the hinge part toward the gripping part; The piston is located inside the cylinder (7); A drive rod is fixed to the piston; a top plate (15) is fixed to the upper end of the cylinder (7), and the drive rod passes through the top plate (15) and the second fixing plate (12) and is fixedly connected to the actuator block (3); and, A compression spring (6) is disposed between the top plate and the piston. One end of the compression spring (6) abuts against the top plate and the other end abuts against the piston, for resetting the piston so that the actuator (3) returns to the bottom end of the hinge.

3. The gripping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second boss includes an annular protrusion (13); The pushing component includes a push ring (1), which is disposed at the end of the pressure contact screw (5). The push ring (1) is located on the side of the claw plate away from the second fixed plate. The shape of the push ring (1) is adapted to the shape of the annular protrusion (13), and the push ring (1) abuts against the upper surface of the annular protrusion (13).

4. The gripping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second protrusion also includes an abutment plate (14) located below the annular protrusion (13). The pushing assembly also includes a push rod (8) detachably fixed to the push ring (1) on the side away from the second fixing plate; the push rod (8) abuts against the upper surface of the abutment plate (14).

5. The gripping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper surface of the spent fuel assembly is a plane; The push assembly also includes a push plate (9) detachably fixed to the push ring (1) on the side away from the second fixing plate, the push plate (9) abutting against the upper end face of the spent fuel assembly.

6. A shearing machine for spent fuel reprocessing, characterized in that: It includes a shearing machine body and a gripping device as described in any one of claims 1-5.

7. A method for grasping spent fuel assemblies, characterized in that, Using the gripping device as described in any one of claims 1-5, the method comprises the following steps: The drive component drives the execution block (3) to move forward along the hinge portion toward the gripping portion until the gripping portion of the gripper plate (2) opens outward; Place the spent fuel assembly into the enclosed area of ​​the gripper plate (2); The drive component drives the execution block (3) to return, so that the gripping part of the gripper plate (2) gradually retracts inward into a retracted shape, and the first boss engages in the through hole of the gripping part.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: The push assembly is mounted on the pressure contact screw (5); The grasping device is moved to push the spent fuel assembly to the position to be sheared via the pushing component.

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