Fuel assembly connection structure and fuel assembly

Abstract

The cam is secured to the outer wall of the tube and is secured to the outer wall of the tube by a locking cam, the locking cam being secured to the cam face and the locking cam being secured to the cam face.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of reactor fuel assemblies, and specifically relates to a fuel assembly connection structure and a fuel assembly. Background Art

[0002] In the design of existing fuel assemblies, the connection mechanism between the upper tube seat and the guide tube is traditionally based on a threaded connector that is screwed directly into the guide tube hole. For example, the upper tube seat is provided with multiple guide tube holes, each of which needs to be connected to its corresponding guide tube. The threaded connector is engaged with the threads of the guide tube holes to establish a connection between the upper tube seat and the guide tube. Although the existing technology achieves structural fastening between the upper tube seat and the guide tube, this method significantly increases the complexity and time-consuming nature of the disassembly and assembly process, posing a challenge to maintenance efficiency and operational convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a fuel assembly connection structure and a fuel assembly, which can realize the convenience of connection and disassembly between the tube seat and the guide tube.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a fuel assembly connection structure, including an upper tube seat, a connecting sleeve and a locking ring;

[0005] The locking ring is sleeved on the outer side wall of the connecting sleeve, and a matching lug is protruded on the outer side wall of the locking ring. The upper tube seat is respectively penetrated by a guide tube hole and an assembly groove extending in the vertical direction. The notch of the assembly groove is opened on the side wall of the guide tube hole. The guide tube hole is used for allowing the connecting sleeve and the locking ring to extend into or exit the upper tube seat, and the assembly groove is used for allowing the matching lug to extend into or exit the upper tube seat.

[0006] Furthermore, a locking groove extending in the horizontal direction is provided on one side wall of the assembly groove. Under the action of external force, the locking ring rotates horizontally to drive the matching lug to embed into the locking groove to lock the upper tube seat.

[0007] Furthermore, the fuel assembly connection structure further comprises: an elastic member and a limiting plate;

[0008] The elastic member and the limiting plate are both coaxially sleeved on the outer side wall of the connecting sleeve;

[0009] The limiting plate is fixed on the connecting sleeve, and a stop ring wall is protruding from the outer side wall of the end of the connecting sleeve. The two ends of the elastic member respectively abut against the limiting plate and the locking ring, and the end of the locking ring away from the elastic member abuts against the stop ring wall.

[0010] Further, when the matching lug is aligned with the locking groove in the horizontal direction, the vertical lower end of the upper tube seat contacts the limiting plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the stop ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the locking ring;

[0012] The outer diameter of the limiting plate is larger than the diameter of the guide tube hole;

[0013] A supporting ring wall is coaxially protruded on the end wall of the locking ring away from the elastic member, and the supporting ring wall is in contact with the stop ring wall.

[0014] Furthermore, a fixed ring wall is protruded from the limit plate, and the fixed ring wall extends into the guide tube hole. The end of the elastic member away from the locking ring is coaxially sleeved on the outer side wall of the fixed ring wall.

[0015] Furthermore, a first hook is protruding from a side wall of the locking groove at a lower position in the vertical direction, and a second hook is protruding from a bottom wall of the mating lug, and the first hook selectively holds the second hook.

[0016] Furthermore, a gap is formed between the first hook and the end wall of the locking groove in the horizontal direction for the second hook to pass vertically downward, and a holding space is formed between the first hook and the side wall of the locking groove located below in the vertical direction for holding the second hook, and the opening direction of the holding space is away from the assembly groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the mating lugs are provided in plurality, and the plurality of mating lugs are evenly distributed on the outer side wall of the locking ring;

[0018] There are multiple assembly through slots, and the multiple assembly through slots are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the guide tube hole. The multiple assembly through slots are used to respectively correspond to the multiple matching lugs.

[0019] Furthermore, a fuel assembly is provided, comprising the above-mentioned fuel assembly connection structure.

[0020] Beneficial effects

[0021] The fuel assembly connection structure provided by the present invention, when installing the upper tube seat, first align the locking ring and connecting sleeve with the guide tube hole provided on the upper tube seat, and align the mating lug with the assembly groove. Then, the locking ring is driven into the guide tube hole through the connecting sleeve, driving the mating lug to extend into the assembly groove until the mating lug is aligned with the locking groove and stops. Afterwards, an external force is applied to the locking ring to drive the locking ring to rotate in the horizontal direction, so that the mating lug is screwed into the locking groove, achieving the locking of the upper tube seat and the mating lug, that is, achieving the locking of the upper tube seat and the connecting sleeve. Compared with the prior art, when disassembling the upper tube seat, the present application applies an external force to the locking ring, driving the locking ring to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the mating lug is relatively screwed out of the locking groove, releasing the lock between the upper tube seat and the mating lug, that is, releasing the lock between the upper tube seat and the connecting sleeve. It can be seen that the fuel assembly connection structure provided by the present invention has the characteristics of convenient disassembly and assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the fuel assembly connection structure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the fuel assembly connection structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the middle and upper tube seat;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the connection structure between the middle connecting sleeve and the locking ring;

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle locking ring;

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle connecting sleeve;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the center limit plate.

[0029] The accompanying drawings are numerals: 100, fuel assembly connection structure; 110, upper tube seat; 111, guide tube hole; 112, assembly groove; 113, locking groove; 1131, first hook; 120, connecting sleeve; 121, stop ring; 130, locking ring; 131, matching lug; 1311, second hook; 132, supporting ring; 140, elastic member; 150, limit plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral connection; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0033] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present invention, and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0034] See also Figures 1 to 7 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present application, a fuel assembly connection structure includes an upper tube seat 110, a connecting sleeve 120 and a locking ring 130; the locking ring 130 is sleeved on the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 120, and a mating lug 131 is protruded from the outer wall of the locking ring 130. The upper tube seat 110 is respectively penetrated by a guide tube hole 111 and an assembly groove 112 extending in the vertical direction, and the notch of the assembly groove 112 is opened on the side wall of the guide tube hole 111. The guide tube hole 111 is used for allowing the connecting sleeve 120 and the locking ring 130 to extend into or out of the upper tube seat 110, and the assembly groove 112 is used for allowing the mating lug 131 to extend into or out of the upper tube seat 110.

[0035] In this embodiment, a locking groove 113 extending in the horizontal direction is provided on one side wall of the assembly groove 112. Under the action of external force, the locking ring 130 rotates horizontally to drive the mating lug 131 to embed into the locking groove 113 to lock the upper tube seat 110. This application increases the stability of the connection between the upper tube seat 110 and the connecting sleeve 120.

[0036] In this embodiment, the notch of the locking groove 113 is formed on the sidewall of the guide tube hole 111, which is equivalent to the locking groove 113 being recessed on the sidewall of the guide tube hole 111, and one end of the locking groove 113 extends to the assembly groove 112. In actual use, the connecting sleeve 120 is aligned with the guide tube hole 111, and the mating lug 131 is aligned with the assembly groove 112. Then, the upper tube seat 110 is lowered, so that the connecting sleeve 120 drives the locking ring 130 and the mating lug 131 to extend into the upper tube seat 110. When the mating lug 131 is aligned with the locking groove 113 within the assembly groove 112, the lowering of the upper tube seat 110 is stopped. Then, a horizontal force is applied to the locking ring 130 to rotate the locking ring 130 in the horizontal direction, so that the mating lug 131 is relatively screwed into the locking groove 113, and the side wall of the locking groove 113 realizes the locking limit of the mating lug 131, that is, the locking of the upper tube seat 110 and the connecting sleeve 120 is achieved.

[0037] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to remove the upper tube seat 110, a reverse force is applied to the locking ring 130 to rotate the locking ring 130 in the opposite direction, thereby causing the mating lug 131 to relatively rotate out of the locking groove 113, thereby releasing the relative locking between the upper tube seat 110 and the connecting sleeve 120, thereby achieving easy removal of the upper tube seat 110. Compared with the existing method of using a threaded connector to thread with the upper tube seat 110, the present application does not require the upper tube seat 110 to be rotated to a specific angle when removing or installing the upper tube seat 110. Instead, the locking ring 130 only needs to be rotated to any angle with the depth of the locking groove 113 as the maximum rotation stroke, making the disassembly and assembly process convenient and quick.

[0038] In one possible implementation, Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in the cross-sectional view of the upper tube seat 110 and the schematic diagram of the connection structure between the connecting sleeve 120 and the locking ring 130, in this embodiment, two assembly grooves 112 are provided through the upper tube seat 110, and the two assembly grooves 112 are symmetrically arranged with the axis of the guide tube hole 111 as the center, and the locking groove 113 is provided on one side wall of each of the two assembly grooves 112, and the two locking grooves 113 are also symmetrically arranged with the axis of the guide tube hole 111 as the center.

[0039] In one possible implementation, Figure 5 As shown, two mating lugs 131 are symmetrically provided on the outer wall of the locking ring 130. The two mating lugs 131 correspond to the two assembly slots 112 and the two locking slots 113, respectively. In actual use, when the connecting sleeve 120 drives the locking ring 130 into the guide tube hole 111, the two mating lugs 131 slide along the two assembly slots 112, and stop when the two mating lugs 131 align with the two locking slots 113. At this point, rotating the locking ring 130 can cause the two mating lugs 131 to synchronously rotate into the two locking slots 113, thereby locking the upper tube seat 110 and the connecting sleeve 120.

[0040] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to remove the upper tube seat 110, a reverse force is applied to the locking ring 130 to rotate the locking ring 130 in the opposite direction, so that the two mating lugs 131 are synchronously rotated out of the two locking grooves 113 relative to each other. When the two mating lugs 131 are screwed into their respective corresponding assembly grooves 112, the relative locking between the upper tube seat 110 and the connecting sleeve 120 is released, thereby achieving easy disassembly of the upper tube seat 110.

[0041] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the number of the assembly slots 112 and the number of the mating lugs 131 can be adaptively adjusted according to actual application conditions. For example, more than two mating lugs 131 can be evenly distributed on the outer wall of the locking ring 130, and a corresponding number of the assembly slots 112 can be set. The multiple assembly slots 112 can be evenly distributed around the guide tube hole 111, and the multiple assembly slots 112 are used to respectively cooperate with the multiple mating lugs 131.

[0042] In a feasible embodiment, in order to achieve reliable locking of the mating lug 131 and the locking groove 113, a first hook 1131 is protruded on the side wall at the bottom in the vertical direction of the locking groove 113, and a second hook 1311 is protruded on the bottom wall of the mating lug 131, and the first hook 1131 selectively holds the second hook 1311.

[0043] In this embodiment, in order to prevent the locking ring 130 from vibrating when the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 are engaged, thereby causing the mating lug 131 to withdraw from the engagement with the first hook 1131, in this embodiment, a gap is formed between the first hook 1131 and the end wall of the locking groove 113 in the horizontal direction for the second hook 1311 to pass vertically downward, and a holding space for holding the second hook 1311 is formed between the first hook 1131 and the side wall below the locking groove 113 in the vertical direction, and the opening direction of the holding space is away from the assembly groove 112.

[0044] It can be seen that in this embodiment, when the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 are engaged, the direction in which the mating lug 131 withdraws from the locking groove 113 is opposite to the direction in which the first hook 1131 disengages from the second hook 1311, that is, when the locking ring 130 is vibrated and has a movement tendency to withdraw from the locking groove 113, the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 cannot be separated smoothly, that is, the upper tube seat 110 and the connecting sleeve 120 can maintain a reliable locking state.

[0045] It is understood that when the locking ring 130 rotates horizontally in the forward direction, causing the mating lug 131 to be screwed into the locking groove 113, the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 are misaligned in the horizontal direction, that is, they are not in the same plane, and therefore the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 cannot complete the engagement. In this case, the second hook 1311 needs to be moved vertically downward a certain distance relative to the first hook 1131 so that the second hook 1311 passes through the gap formed between the first hook 1131 and the end wall of the locking groove 113, so that the second hook 1311 and the first hook 1131 are horizontally aligned. When the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 are horizontally relative, the locking ring 130 rotates horizontally in the reverse direction to drive the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 to complete the engagement.

[0046] In one feasible embodiment, to ensure the reliability of the clamping state, the fuel assembly connection structure further includes: an elastic member 140 and a limiting plate 150; the elastic member 140 and the limiting plate 150 are both coaxially sleeved on the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 120; the limiting plate 150 is fixed to the connecting sleeve 120, and a stop ring 121 is protruding from the outer wall of the end of the connecting sleeve 120. The two ends of the elastic member 140 respectively abut against the limiting plate 150 and the locking ring 130, and the end of the locking ring 130 away from the elastic member 140 abuts against the stop ring 121. The design of this application introduces the elastic member 140 and the limiting plate 150 to further enhance the stability of the connection. The elastic member 140 provides additional pressure to ensure that the locking ring 130 can fit tightly on the upper tube seat 110, while the limit plate 150 limits the upward movement of the connecting sleeve 120 and the locking ring, thereby improving the stability of the entire connection structure.

[0047] In this embodiment, the elastic member 140 is a spring that constantly holds the locking ring 130 against the stop ring 121 of the connecting sleeve 120. When the mating lug 131 is screwed into the locking groove 113 and the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 are not horizontally aligned, an axial force is applied to the locking ring 130 to drive the locking ring 130 to slide toward the limit plate 150. This process compresses the spring until the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 are horizontally aligned. At this point, the locking ring 130 is rotated horizontally in the opposite direction to secure the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311. Once securement is achieved, the external force is removed, and the spring's elastic force acts on the locking ring 130, ensuring a secure engagement between the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311. When the upper tube seat 110 needs to be disassembled, the locking ring 130 is first rotated horizontally in the forward direction to disengage the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311. The second hook 1311 rotates to the gap between the first hook 1131 and the end wall of the locking groove 113. At this time, the second hook 1311 is forced by the spring to vertically upwardly pass through the gap between the first hook 1131 and the end wall of the locking groove 113, that is, the first hook 1131 and the second hook 1311 are horizontally misaligned. Afterwards, the locking ring 130 is rotated horizontally in the reverse direction to allow the mating lug 131 to smoothly rotate out of the locking groove 113 and into the assembly groove 112, thereby successfully releasing the lock between the upper tube seat 110 and the connecting sleeve 120.

[0048] It should be noted that, in another feasible embodiment, the locking ring 130 and the connecting sleeve 120 can be connected in other ways. For example, the locking ring 130 can be coaxially welded on the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 120, or can even be an integrally formed structure with the connecting sleeve 120.

[0049] In this embodiment, the limiting plate 150 not only supports the elastic member 140 but also supports and limits the upper tube seat 110. When the mating lug 131 and the locking groove 113 are horizontally aligned, the vertical lower end of the upper tube seat 110 contacts the limiting plate 150. This design ensures that before the upper tube seat 110 is properly installed and locked, the limiting plate 150 provides a physical stop, preventing over-insertion or damage to the upper tube seat 110. Specifically, the axial position of the predetermined locking groove 113 relative to the assembly slot 112, as well as the distance between the mating lug 131 and the limiting plate 150, ensure that when the connecting sleeve 120 drives the locking ring 130 into the guide tube hole 111 until one end of the upper tube seat 110 contacts the limiting plate 150, the mating lug 131 and the locking groove 113 are horizontally aligned.

[0050] It is understood that, in order to facilitate application of an axial external force to the locking ring 130, the stop ring wall 121 provided on the connecting sleeve 120 needs to give way to the locking ring 130. Therefore, the outer diameter of the stop ring wall 121 is smaller than the outer diameter of the locking ring 130. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the limiting plate 150 is larger than the diameter of the guide tube hole 111 because it supports the upper tube seat 110.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, to achieve control of the axial dimension, a coaxially projecting abutting ring wall 132 is provided on the end wall of the locking ring 130 away from the elastic member 140. The abutting ring wall 132 abuts against the stop ring wall 121. In different embodiments, the height of the abutting ring wall 132 can be adjusted according to different practical needs to ensure that the mating lug 131 can tightly fit the locking groove 113.

[0052] In a feasible embodiment, in order to achieve reliable fixation of the elastic member 140, a fixed ring wall is protruded on the limit plate 150, and the fixed ring wall extends into the guide tube hole 111. The end of the elastic member 140 away from the locking ring 130 is coaxially sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed ring wall.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the mating lug 131 is aligned with the locking groove 113 in the horizontal direction, the vertical lower end of the upper tube seat 110 contacts the limiting plate 150 .

[0054] In a feasible embodiment, the mating lugs 131 are multiple, and the multiple mating lugs 131 are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the locking ring 130; the number of the assembly grooves 112 is multiple, and the multiple assembly grooves 112 are evenly distributed circumferentially of the guide tube hole 111, and the multiple assembly grooves 112 are used to respectively cooperate with the multiple mating lugs 131.

[0055] In summary, in the fuel assembly connection structure 100 provided in this embodiment, the upper tube seat 110 can be conveniently and quickly assembled and disassembled from the connection sleeve 120 , and the structure is simple, saving time and effort.

[0056] In addition, this embodiment provides a fuel assembly, including the aforementioned fuel assembly connection structure 100. Therefore, the fuel assembly has the characteristic of being easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0057] It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that, under the premise of no conflict, the above-mentioned advantageous methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0058] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various improvements and variations without departing from the technical principles of the present application, and such improvements and variations shall also be considered within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A fuel assembly connection structure, characterized in that: It comprises an upper tube seat (110), a connecting sleeve (120) and a locking ring (130); The locking ring (130) is sleeved on the outer wall of the connecting sleeve (120), and a matching lug (131) is convexly provided on the outer wall of the locking ring (130). The upper tube seat (110) is respectively penetrated by a guide tube hole (111) and an assembly groove (112) extending in a vertical direction. The notch of the assembly groove (112) is opened on the side wall of the guide tube hole (111). The guide tube hole (111) is used for allowing the connecting sleeve (120) and the locking ring (130) to extend into or out of the upper tube seat (110), and the assembly groove (112) is used for allowing the matching lug (131) to extend into or out of the upper tube seat (110); A locking groove (113) extending in the horizontal direction is provided on one side wall of the assembly through groove (112); under the action of an external force, the locking ring (130) rotates in the horizontal direction to drive the matching lug (131) to be embedded in the locking groove (113) to lock the upper tube seat (110); A first hook (1131) is convexly provided on the side wall of the locking groove (113) located at the bottom in the vertical direction, and a second hook (1311) is convexly provided on the bottom wall of the matching lug (131), and the first hook (1131) selectively holds the second hook (1311); A gap is formed between the first hook (1131) and the end wall of the locking groove (113) in the horizontal direction for the second hook (1311) to pass vertically downward, and a holding space is formed between the first hook (1131) and the side wall of the locking groove (113) located below in the vertical direction for holding the second hook (1311), and the opening direction of the holding space is away from the assembly groove (112).

2. The fuel assembly connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: An elastic member (140) and a limiting plate (150); The elastic member (140) and the limiting plate (150) are both coaxially sleeved on the outer side wall of the connecting sleeve (120); The limiting plate (150) is fixed on the connecting sleeve (120), and a stop ring wall (121) is protruded from the outer side wall of the end of the connecting sleeve (120). The two ends of the elastic member (140) respectively abut against the limiting plate (150) and the locking ring (130), and the end of the locking ring (130) away from the elastic member (140) abuts against the stop ring wall (121).

3. The fuel assembly connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the matching lug (131) and the locking groove (113) are aligned in the horizontal direction, the vertical lower end of the upper tube seat (110) contacts the limiting plate (150).

4. The fuel assembly connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the stop ring (121) is smaller than the outer diameter of the locking ring (130); The outer diameter of the limiting plate (150) is larger than the diameter of the guide tube hole (111); A supporting ring wall (132) is coaxially protruded on the end wall of the locking ring (130) away from the elastic member (140), and the supporting ring wall (132) is in contact with the stop ring wall (121).

5. The fuel assembly connection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: A fixed ring wall is protruded from the limiting plate (150), and the fixed ring wall extends into the guide tube hole (111). One end of the elastic member (140) away from the locking ring (130) is coaxially sleeved on the outer side wall of the fixed ring wall.

6. The fuel assembly connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gap is formed between the first hook (1131) and the end wall of the locking groove (113) in the horizontal direction for the second hook (1311) to pass vertically downward, and a holding space is formed between the first hook (1131) and the side wall of the locking groove (113) located below in the vertical direction for holding the second hook (1311), and the opening direction of the holding space is away from the assembly groove (112).

7. The fuel assembly connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A plurality of the mating lugs (131) are provided, and the plurality of mating lugs (131) are evenly distributed on the outer side wall of the locking ring (130); There are multiple assembly through slots (112), and the multiple assembly through slots (112) are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the guide tube hole (111). The multiple assembly through slots (112) are used to respectively correspond to the multiple matching lugs (131).

8. A fuel assembly, characterized in that: A connection structure comprising the fuel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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