Fuel assembly loading device

Abstract

The application discloses a fuel assembly loading device, which comprises a shell and a pressing assembly. The shell is provided with a containing cavity for containing a fuel assembly and a mounting hole penetrating in the radial direction. The pressing assembly comprises a plurality of pressing units. Each pressing unit comprises a pressing bolt and a pressing plate. The pressing bolt moves along the mounting hole. One end of the pressing bolt is located outside the shell, and the other end is connected with the pressing plate. In the application, the fuel assembly is placed in the containing cavity. The pressing assembly comprises a plurality of pressing units. The pressing bolt drives the pressing plate to move. The pressing plate can press the fuel assembly in the radial direction of the shell by moving. The fuel assembly is stably fixed in the containing cavity by being constrained in different directions. The fuel assembly cannot shake in the transportation process due to the gap in the radial direction. The transportation safety of the fuel assembly is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nuclear power, and more particularly to a fuel assembly loading device. Background Technology

[0002] Nuclear fuel assemblies are radioactive materials, and the integrity of the entire transport system and the critical safety of the fuel assemblies must be ensured under both normal transport conditions and transport accident conditions. Therefore, fuel assemblies are usually transported and transferred using specialized loading devices. In related technologies, the internal cavity of the loading device used to hold the fuel assembly is of a fixed size, and there is often a gap between the inner wall of the loading device and the fuel assembly. This can cause the fuel assembly to shake during transport, posing a safety hazard and failing to guarantee the safe transport of the fuel assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a fuel assembly loading device that can compress the fuel assembly and improve the transportation safety of the fuel assembly.

[0004] The fuel assembly loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0005] The housing has a receiving cavity for accommodating the fuel assembly and a radially penetrating mounting hole;

[0006] A plurality of clamping assemblies are spaced apart along the length of the housing. Each clamping assembly includes a plurality of clamping units arranged circumferentially along the housing. Each clamping unit includes a clamping bolt and a pressure plate. The pressure plate is disposed in the receiving cavity. The clamping bolt is threadedly connected to the mounting hole and can move along the mounting hole. One end of the clamping bolt is located outside the housing, and the other end is inserted into the receiving cavity and connected to the pressure plate.

[0007] The fuel assembly loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0008] In this invention, the fuel assembly is placed in the receiving cavity, and the clamping assembly includes multiple clamping units. The clamping bolt drives the pressure plate to move. The pressure plate can clamp the fuel assembly radially along the outer shell by moving. The fuel assembly is constrained in different directions and is stabilized in the receiving cavity, so that the fuel assembly will not shake during transportation due to radial gaps, thereby improving the transportation safety of the fuel assembly.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the clamping bolt inserted into the receiving cavity is rotatably connected to the pressure plate.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping unit further includes at least one first guide portion, the first guide portion being disposed on the side of the pressure plate facing away from the receiving cavity, and the inner wall of the housing being provided with at least one second guide portion, the first guide portion and the second guide portion being inserted into each other along the moving direction of the clamping bolt, and being able to move relative to each other following the movement of the clamping bolt.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping bolt includes a connected insertion portion and a flange, the pressure plate has a mounting cavity and an opening communicating with the mounting cavity, the opening being disposed on the side of the pressure plate opposite to the receiving cavity, the insertion portion passing through the opening, and the flange being located within the mounting cavity; the clamping unit further includes a clamping pad, the clamping pad abutting against the flange and the inner wall of the mounting cavity on opposite sides along the moving direction of the clamping bolt, and the flange abutting against the clamping pad and the inner wall of the mounting cavity on opposite sides along the moving direction of the clamping bolt.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pressure plate encloses the pressure holding part and the fastening sleeve, the fastening sleeve is connected to the side of the pressure holding part facing away from the receiving cavity and protrudes relative to the pressure holding part, the fastening sleeve has the mounting cavity inside, and the fastening sleeve has the opening on the side facing away from the receiving cavity.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the inner wall of the outer shell is further provided with a support block, the support block having a recessed clearance groove for at least a portion of the pressure plate to be embedded in.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping unit further includes a clamping nut, which is connected to one end of the clamping bolt located outside the housing and is used to lock the clamping bolt to the housing.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the housing includes a rotating arm and a base, at least a portion of the rotating arm is located above the base, one circumferential side of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the base to open or close the receiving cavity, and the clamping unit is mounted on the rotating arm.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping assembly further includes a plurality of support units distributed circumferentially along the housing, the support units being mounted on the base, and each clamping unit being disposed opposite to one of the support units in the direction of movement of the clamping bolt.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fuel assembly loading device further includes a support frame, and the housing is provided in two and located on opposite sides of the support frame. The rotating arm has a rotating side and a locking side. The rotating side is rotatably connected to the base, and the locking side can be locked to or detached from the support frame. The locking side is located above the rotating side.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the fuel assembly loading device of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fuel assembly loading device;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the clamping units on the outer casing;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the clamping unit;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one of the accommodating chambers in the open state;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one of the accommodating chambers in the open state.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] The components include: outer casing 100, receiving cavity 110, mounting hole 120, second guide part 130, support block 140, clearance groove 141, first receiving part 1411, second receiving part 1412, rotating arm 150, rotating side 151, locking side 152, base 160; fuel assembly 200; clamping assembly 300, clamping unit 310, clamping bolt 311, plug part 3111, flange 3112, pressure plate 312, mounting cavity 3121, opening 3122, holding part 3123, fastening sleeve 3124, clamping nut 313, washer 314, first guide part 315, clamping pad 316, liner 317, support unit 320; and support frame 400. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0031] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0032] In the description of this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel assembly loading device (hereinafter referred to as the loading device) for accommodating and securing the fuel assembly 200, thereby ensuring the safe transportation of the fuel assembly 200. Specifically, refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The loading device includes a housing 100, and the housing 100 has a receiving cavity 110 inside. The receiving cavity 110 is used to receive the fuel assembly 200. The cross-section of the receiving cavity 110 can be flexibly adjusted according to the shape of the fuel assembly 200. For example, the cross-section of the receiving cavity 110 can be set as a polygon, a circle, etc. When the cross-section of the receiving cavity 110 is set as a polygon, the cross-section of the receiving cavity 110 can be set as a rectangle, a hexagon, etc.

[0034] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The loading device also includes a clamping assembly 300, which is used to apply radial clamping force to the fuel assembly 200, so that the fuel assembly 200 is securely placed in the receiving cavity 110 and the fuel assembly 200 is prevented from shaking during transportation. At least one clamping assembly 300 is provided along the length direction of the outer shell 100. When there is only one clamping assembly 300 along the length direction of the outer shell 100, the clamping assembly 300 can be configured to have a large contact area with the fuel assembly 200 in the length direction to achieve effective clamping of the fuel assembly 200 by the clamping assembly 300. When there are multiple clamping assemblies 300 along the length direction of the outer shell 100, the clamping assemblies 300 are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the outer shell 100, and the fuel assembly 200 is clamped by the clamping assembly 300 at different positions along the length direction of the outer shell 100. Through multi-position contact, the clamping force is dispersed, the contact area between the clamping assembly 300 and the fuel assembly 200 is increased, and the clamping of the fuel assembly 200 by the clamping assembly 300 is more comprehensive, so that the fuel assembly 200 remains in a stable position within the receiving cavity 110. It should be noted that for the fuel assembly 200 which is in the form of a columnar strip, by increasing the contact area between the pressing component 300 and the fuel assembly 200 in the length direction, the pressing effect of the fuel assembly 200 in the length direction can be improved, making the position of the fuel assembly 200 in the receiving cavity 110 more stable.

[0035] Each clamping assembly 300 includes a plurality of clamping units 310 arranged circumferentially along the housing 100. Each clamping unit 310 includes a clamping bolt 311 and a pressure plate 312. The pressure plate 312 is disposed in the receiving cavity 110. The housing 100 is also provided with a radially penetrating mounting hole 120. One end of the mounting hole 120 penetrates into the receiving cavity 110, and the other end penetrates into the outside of the housing 100. The clamping bolt 311 is threaded into the mounting hole 120 and can move along the mounting hole 120. One end of the clamping bolt 311 is inserted into the receiving cavity 110 and connected to the pressure plate 312, while the other end is located outside the housing 100 to facilitate operation of the clamping bolt 311.

[0036] When the clamping bolt 311 moves within the mounting hole 120, it drives the pressure plate 312 to move synchronously, thereby changing the radial position of the pressure plate 312 in the housing 100. This allows the pressure plate 312 to move closer to or further away from the fuel assembly 200 in the receiving cavity 110. The pressure plate 312 can press the fuel assembly 200 radially along the housing 100 by moving, thus constraining and securing the fuel assembly 200 within the receiving cavity 110. This prevents the fuel assembly 200 from shaking during transportation due to radial clearance, improving the transportation safety of the fuel assembly 200.

[0037] Furthermore, the fuel assembly 200 can be constrained by moving the clamping bolt 311. The clamping unit 310 has a simple structure and is easy to operate. Multiple clamping units 310 are arranged circumferentially on the housing 100, and the clamping force of different clamping units 310 on the fuel assembly 200 is in different directions. By applying clamping force to the fuel assembly 200 in multiple directions and at different positions, effective clamping of the fuel assembly 200 is achieved, avoiding the problem of circumferential acceleration exceeding the limit due to gaps. The clamping unit 310 applies clamping force to the fuel assembly 200 through the pressure plate 312. The contact area between the pressure plate 312 and the fuel assembly 200 is large, which can avoid stress concentration and prevent excessive pressure from the clamping unit 310 on the fuel assembly 200, thus preventing damage to the fuel assembly 200. The clamping effect of the clamping unit 310 on the fuel assembly 200 is more stable.

[0038] Understandably, tightening the clamping bolt 311 allows it to move within the mounting hole 120. The inner wall of the mounting hole 120 has an internal thread that matches the external thread of the clamping bolt 311. Under the mutual compression and friction of the internal and external threads, the clamping bolt 311 is fixed within the mounting hole 120, maintaining a compressed state on the fuel assembly 200. One end of the clamping bolt 311 protrudes outside the housing 100, allowing external tools to easily operate on it. Furthermore, the end of the clamping bolt 311 is provided with a nut, or the end face of the clamping bolt 311 has a recessed hexagonal countersunk hole for external tool operation, making the movement of the clamping bolt 311 even more convenient.

[0039] In one embodiment, the clamping unit 310 further includes a clamping nut 313, which is connected to the end of the clamping bolt 311 located outside the housing 100 and is used to lock the clamping bolt 311 to the housing 100. The clamping nut 313 is sleeved on the outside of the clamping bolt 311, and external tools can directly screw the clamping nut 313, thereby causing the clamping bolt 311 to move within the mounting hole 120. When the clamping nut 313 is tightened, the clamping nut 313 is subjected to a radial force from the outer wall of the housing 100, and the clamping nut 313 and the housing 100 abut against each other and lock together, so that the clamping bolt 311 is locked in a preset position, preventing the clamping bolt 311 from loosening and affecting the clamping effect on the fuel assembly 200.

[0040] Furthermore, the clamping unit 310 also includes a washer 314. The washer 314 is sleeved on the outside of the clamping bolt 311 and is located between the outer wall of the housing 100 and the clamping nut 313. When the clamping nut 313 is tightened, the washer 314 is clamped between the outer wall of the housing 100 and the clamping nut 313. The contact area between the washer 314 and the housing 100 is relatively large, which can distribute the pressure and prevent the clamping nut 313 from loosening, making the connection between the clamping bolt 311 and the housing 100 more stable. The washer 314 is not limited to being a metal washer, a stop washer, etc.

[0041] In one embodiment, one end of the clamping bolt 311 located inside the housing 100 is rotatably connected to the pressure plate 312. The relative rotation direction of the two is parallel to the movement direction of the clamping bolt 311. When the clamping bolt 311 rotates in the mounting hole 120, the pressure plate 312 only follows the clamping bolt 311 to move radially, and can quickly clamp the fuel assembly 200, preventing the pressure plate 312 from affecting the clamping effect on the fuel assembly 200 due to rotating with the clamping bolt 311.

[0042] Furthermore, the clamping unit 310 also includes at least one first guide portion 315, which is disposed on the side of the pressure plate 312 facing away from the receiving cavity 110. The inner wall of the outer shell 100 is provided with at least one second guide portion 130. The first guide portion 315 and the second guide portion 130 are inserted into each other along the movement direction of the clamping bolt 311 and can move relative to each other as the clamping bolt 311 moves. The first guide portion 315 and the second guide portion 130 are mutually limited along the radial direction of the clamping bolt 311. During the rotation of the clamping bolt 311, the second guide portion 130 restricts the first guide portion 315 to move only along the movement direction of the clamping bolt 311, restricting the first guide portion 315 to rotate circumferentially around the pressure plate 312, so that the pressure plate 312 can only move with the clamping bolt 311 and adjust its position along the radial direction of the outer shell 100.

[0043] Understandably, the connection position of the clamping bolt 311 and the pressure plate 312 is offset from the projection position formed by the first guide part 315 along the moving direction of the clamping bolt 311. That is, the clamping bolt 311 is connected to the center position of the pressure plate 312, and the first guide part 315 is eccentrically set relative to the clamping bolt 311 so that the cooperation between the first guide part 315 and the second guide part 130 restricts the rotation of the pressure plate 312.

[0044] Furthermore, the relative movement of the first guide portion 315 and the second guide portion 130 can guide the movement of the pressure plate 312 following the clamping bolt 311, making the movement of the pressure plate 312 more stable. Multiple first guide portions 315 and second guide portions 130 can be provided, with multiple first guide portions 315 and second guide portions 130 spaced apart around the clamping bolt 311, ensuring that different positions of the pressure plate 312 are guided during movement, further improving the stability of the pressure plate 312's movement.

[0045] One of the first guide portion 315 and the second guide portion 130 is configured as a hole, and the other is configured as a column. The column is inserted into the hole and can move within the hole. In one embodiment, the inner wall of the outer casing 100 is provided with a support block 140, which is located between the inner wall of the outer casing 100 and the pressure plate 312. The second guide portion 130 is configured as a guide hole, which is provided on the support block 140. The first guide portion 315 is configured as a guide post, which is provided on the side of the pressure plate 312 facing the support block 140. The extension directions of both the guide hole and the guide post are parallel to the movement direction of the clamping bolt 311. The guide post is slidably connected within the guide hole.

[0046] The guide post can be set as a protrusion of the pressure plate 312 protruding towards the support block 140, and the guide post is integrally connected with the pressure plate 312; or, a pre-set hole is provided in the pressure plate 312, the guide post is inserted into the hole and fixed to the pressure plate 312 by welding, bonding or other means, and one end protrudes from the surface of the pressure plate 312 towards the support block 140.

[0047] In one embodiment, the clamping bolt 311 includes a connected insertion portion 3111 and a flange 3112, both located within the receiving cavity 110. The flange 3112 is connected to the side of the insertion portion 3111 facing away from the inner wall of the outer casing 100, and the width of the flange 3112 is greater than the width of the insertion portion 3111. The pressure plate 312 has a mounting cavity 3121 and an opening 3122 communicating with the mounting cavity 3121. The opening 3122 is located on the side of the pressure plate 312 facing away from the receiving cavity 110. The insertion portion 3111 passes through the opening 3122, and the flange 3112 is located inside the mounting cavity 3121. The width of the flange 3112 is greater than the opening of the opening 3122, so that the flange 3112 does not... It will disengage from the mounting cavity 3121; the clamping unit 310 also includes a clamping pad 316, the clamping pad 316 abuts against the flange 3112 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 3121 on opposite sides along the moving direction of the clamping bolt 311, and the flange 3112 abuts against the clamping pad 316 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 3121 on opposite sides along the moving direction of the clamping bolt 311, so as to eliminate the gap between the clamping bolt 311 and the pressure plate 312 in the moving direction of the clamping bolt 311, so that the movement of the clamping bolt 311 can be maximized to be converted into the movement of the pressure plate 312, avoiding the pressure plate 312 lagging behind the movement of the clamping bolt 311 due to the gap between the clamping bolt 311 and the pressure plate 312.

[0048] Understandably, the clamping pad 316 can be configured as a flexible pad so that the flange 3112 is stably clamped between the clamping pad 316 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 3121.

[0049] Furthermore, the pressure plate 312 also includes a pressing portion 3123 and a fastening sleeve 3124. The fastening sleeve 3124 is connected to the side of the pressing portion 3123 facing away from the receiving cavity 110 and protrudes relative to the pressing portion 3123. The mounting cavity 3121 is disposed inside the fastening sleeve 3124, and the opening 3122 is disposed on the side of the fastening sleeve 3124 facing away from the receiving cavity 110. The side of the pressing portion 3123 facing the receiving cavity 110 is used to press the fuel assembly 200. By providing the fastening sleeve... 3124 can increase the length of the pressure plate 312 in the moving direction of the clamping bolt 311, so that the mounting cavity 3121 has enough space for the flange 3112 and the clamping pad 316 to be installed, and the pressure plate 312 has sufficient structural strength to clamp the fuel assembly 200. This avoids reducing the structural strength of the pressure plate 312 itself due to the space opened in the pressure plate 312 for installing the flange 3112 and the clamping pad 316, which would affect the clamping effect of the clamping unit 310 on the fuel assembly 200.

[0050] In addition, the clamping unit 310 also includes a gasket 317. The gasket 317 is flexible and is disposed on the side of the pressure plate 312 facing the receiving cavity 110, such as on the side of the holding part 3123 facing the receiving cavity 110. The gasket 317 can be fixed to the surface of the pressure plate 312 by means of bonding, coating, etc. By providing the gasket 317, flexible contact between the clamping unit 310 and the fuel assembly 200 is achieved, and the friction between the clamping unit 310 and the fuel assembly 200 is increased, ensuring that the clamping unit 310 stably clamps the fuel assembly 200 and avoiding damage to the fuel assembly 200 due to hard contact.

[0051] For example, the pressure plate 312 is made of rigid materials such as alloy and stainless steel, so that the pressure plate 312 has a certain structural strength and can provide a stable pressing effect on the fuel assembly 200; the gasket 317 is made of flexible materials such as rubber and silicone, so that the pressing unit 310 can flexibly contact the fuel assembly 200, and the pressing unit 310 can more firmly press the fuel assembly 200.

[0052] Additionally, the support block 140 is provided with a recessed clearance groove 141, through which the mounting hole 120 extends. The clamping bolt 311 can be connected to the pressure plate 312 through the clearance groove 141. The clearance groove 141 is open on the side facing the receiving cavity 110, allowing the pressure plate 312 to enter and exit the clearance groove 141. When the clamping bolt 311 moves the pressure plate 312, the pressure plate 312 can enter and exit the clearance groove 141, that is, the pressure plate 312 faces the receiving cavity 110. When the cavity 110 moves, the pressure plate 312 exits from the clearance groove 141 and presses the fuel assembly 200. When the pressure plate 312 moves away from the receiving cavity 110, at least part of the pressure plate 312 is embedded in the clearance groove 141 to avoid the fuel assembly 200. When the pressure plate 312 is in the retracted state, the side of the pressing assembly 300 facing the receiving cavity 110 remains flat, so that the pressing assembly 300 can cooperate with the fuel assembly 200 and achieve pressing.

[0053] Understandably, in the case where the support block 140 is provided with a guide hole, the guide hole is connected to the relief groove 141. As the pressure plate 312 moves with the clamping bolt 311, the guide column moves along the guide hole, and the pressure plate 312 can enter and exit the relief groove 141, making the connection between the support block 140 and the pressure plate 312 more compact.

[0054] In addition, the edge of the pressure plate 312 facing away from the receiving cavity 110 is chamfered, and the open side of the clearance groove 141 is expanded outward to facilitate the entry and exit of the pressure plate 312 into and out of the clearance groove 141. The clearance groove 141 includes a first receiving portion 1411 and a second receiving portion 1412. The second receiving portion 1412 is located in the middle of the first receiving portion 1411 and protrudes away from the receiving cavity 110 relative to the first receiving portion 1411. The first receiving portion 1411 is used to receive the pressing portion 3123, and the second receiving portion 1412 is used to receive at least a portion of the fastening sleeve 3124, so that different parts of the pressure plate 312 can be embedded in the clearance groove 141.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this invention, the outer casing 100 includes a rotating arm 150 and a base 160. One side of the rotating arm 150 is rotatably connected to the base 160. The receiving cavity 110 can be opened or closed by rotating the rotating arm 150 relative to the base 160. When the receiving cavity 110 is opened, it is in an open state, which makes it easier to load the fuel assembly 200 into the receiving cavity 110 or remove the fuel assembly 200 from the receiving cavity 110. Additionally, since at least part of the rotating arm 150 is located above the base 160, the rotating arm 150 can rotate upward relative to the base 160 to open the receiving cavity 110. The receiving cavity 110 opens upward, facilitating the loading of the fuel assembly 200 into the receiving cavity 110. After the fuel assembly 200 is placed into the receiving cavity 110, it is supported by the base 160. The clamping unit 310 is installed on the rotating arm 150. After the receiving cavity 110 is closed, the clamping bolt 311 is adjusted to make the clamping unit 310 clamp the fuel assembly 200. Under the support of the base 160 and the clamping action of the clamping unit 310, the fuel assembly 200 is firmly placed in the receiving cavity 110.

[0056] It should be noted that since the clamping unit 310 is installed on the rotating arm 150, and at least the rotating arm 150 is located above the base 160 and can rotate relative to the base 160, the clamping unit 310 can be maintained by rotating the rotating arm 150 to the corresponding position, which is relatively convenient. In addition, the upper end of the clamping bolt 311 is exposed to the outside of the housing 100, and the clamping bolt 311 is not obstructed by other parts, which makes the operation of the clamping bolt 311 highly convenient.

[0057] The clamping assembly 300 also includes a plurality of support units 320 distributed circumferentially along the housing 100. The support units 320 are mounted on the base 160 and located inside the housing 100. Each clamping unit 310 is arranged opposite to a support unit 320 in the direction of movement of the clamping bolt 311, so that the fuel assembly 200 is subjected to the clamping action of the clamping unit 310 and the supporting action of the support unit 320 on two opposite sides, and is secured in the receiving cavity 110.

[0058] For example, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fuel assembly 200 has a hexagonal cross-section. The clamping assembly 300 includes three clamping units 310 and a third support unit 320. Each clamping unit 310 is disposed opposite to a support unit 320, and the support unit 320 is located below the clamping unit 310. The support unit 320 supports the fuel assembly 200, and the clamping unit 310 clamps the fuel assembly 200, so that the fuel assembly 200 is constrained in multiple directions and maintains a stable position within the receiving cavity 110.

[0059] In one embodiment, the loading device further includes a support frame 400. Two housings 100 are provided and located on opposite sides of the support frame 400. The rotating arm 150 has a rotating side 151 and a locking side 152. The rotating side 151 is rotatably connected to the base 160. The locking side 152 can be locked to the support frame 400 to keep the receiving cavity 110 closed, or the locking side 152 can be disengaged from the support frame 400, allowing the rotating arm 150 to rotate relative to the base 160 and open the receiving cavity 110. By providing the support frame 400, the two housings 100 can be connected as a single unit, and the locking side 152 can be locked using the support frame 400. In addition, the locking side 152 is located above the rotating side 151, allowing the rotating arm 150 to open upward relative to the base 160, making it easier to insert the fuel assembly 200 into the receiving cavity 110 from above the base 160, or to remove the fuel assembly 200.

[0060] For example, the locking side 152 can be locked to the top of the support frame 400. Since the top of the support frame 400 is unobstructed, the locking side 152 can be easily locked or unlocked. The locking method of the locking side 152 is not limited to this. For instance, a socket extending along the length of the housing 100 can be provided on both the locking side 152 and the support frame 400. A pin can be inserted into this socket to lock the locking side 152. Removing the pin releases the lock on the locking side 152, allowing the rotating arm 150 to rotate relative to the base 160. The rotating side 151 is rotatably connected to the base 160 via a hinge shaft. One of the base 160 and the rotating side 151 is connected to the hinge shaft, while the other has a shaft hole. The hinge shaft is inserted into the shaft hole and can rotate within it. The axis of rotation of the hinge shaft is parallel to the length of the housing 100.

[0061] In addition, the rotating arm 150 is arc-shaped, and the rotating side 151 to the locking side 152 of the rotating arm 150 are smoothly transitioned. The rotating arm 150 has no protruding parts on its surface, which can reduce the safety hazards caused by stress concentration.

[0062] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A fuel assembly loading device, characterized in that, include: The housing has a receiving cavity for accommodating the fuel assembly and a radially penetrating mounting hole; A plurality of clamping assemblies are spaced apart along the length of the housing. Each clamping assembly includes a plurality of clamping units arranged circumferentially along the housing. Each clamping unit includes a clamping bolt and a pressure plate. The pressure plate is disposed in the receiving cavity. The clamping bolt is threadedly connected to the mounting hole and can move along the mounting hole. One end of the clamping bolt is located outside the housing, and the other end is inserted into the receiving cavity and connected to the pressure plate. One end of the clamping bolt, inserted into the receiving cavity, is rotatably connected to the pressure plate; The clamping bolt includes a connected insertion part and a flange. The pressure plate has a mounting cavity and an opening communicating with the mounting cavity. The opening is located on the side of the pressure plate facing away from the receiving cavity. The insertion part passes through the opening, and the flange is located inside the mounting cavity. The clamping unit also includes a clamping pad. The clamping pad abuts against the flange and the inner wall of the mounting cavity on opposite sides along the moving direction of the clamping bolt. The flange abuts against the clamping pad and the inner wall of the mounting cavity on opposite sides along the moving direction of the clamping bolt.

2. The fuel assembly loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping unit further includes at least one first guide portion, which is disposed on the side of the pressure plate facing away from the receiving cavity. The inner wall of the outer shell is provided with at least one second guide portion. The first guide portion and the second guide portion are inserted into each other along the moving direction of the clamping bolt and can move relative to each other following the movement of the clamping bolt.

3. The fuel assembly loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure plate includes a holding part and a fastening sleeve. The fastening sleeve is connected to the side of the holding part facing away from the receiving cavity and protrudes from the holding part. The fastening sleeve has the mounting cavity inside and the opening on the side of the fastening sleeve facing away from the receiving cavity.

4. The fuel assembly loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the outer casing is also provided with a support block, and the support block is provided with a recessed clearance groove for at least a portion of the pressure plate to be embedded in.

5. The fuel assembly loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping unit further includes a clamping nut, which is connected to the end of the clamping bolt located outside the housing and is used to lock the clamping bolt to the housing.

6. The fuel assembly loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a rotating arm and a base, with at least a portion of the rotating arm located above the base. One circumferential side of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the base to open or close the receiving cavity. The clamping unit is mounted on the rotating arm.

7. The fuel assembly loading device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping assembly also includes a plurality of support units distributed circumferentially along the housing, the support units being mounted on the base, and each clamping unit being disposed opposite to one of the support units in the direction of movement of the clamping bolt.

8. The fuel assembly loading device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fuel assembly loading device also includes a support frame. The housing is provided in two parts and located on opposite sides of the support frame. The rotating arm has a rotating side and a locking side. The rotating side is rotatably connected to the base. The locking side can be locked to the support frame or disengaged from the support frame. The locking side is located above the rotating side.

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