Quick and reliable dismounting connection assembly and method for dismounting and assembling it

Abstract

This application discloses a quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly and its disassembly and assembly methods, relating to the field of nuclear reaction fuel. The quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly includes an upper tube seat, a connecting sleeve, an elastic element, and a locking element. The upper tube seat has a through hole; the connecting sleeve is clearance-fitted with the upper tube seat, and the side wall of the connecting sleeve has a radially outwardly protruding sleeve protrusion, with a radially outwardly protruding sleeve lug at the end of the connecting sleeve away from the sleeve protrusion; the elastic element is located between the connecting sleeve and the upper tube seat, with one end abutting against the sleeve protrusion; the locking element is located between the elastic element and the sleeve lug, and has a locking lug; the locking element can overcome the elastic force of the elastic element under external force, move towards the sleeve protrusion, and rotate around the axis of the connecting sleeve, so that the locking lug locks or unlocks the sleeve lug. This invention features rapid and efficient disassembly and assembly, and does not damage the product during the disassembly and assembly process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of nuclear reaction fuels, and more specifically, to a fast and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly and its disassembly and assembly methods. Background Technology

[0002] A nuclear fuel assembly refers to a complete set of fuel elements assembled together, consisting of several fuel elements, sockets, connecting sleeves, and positioning grids. Nuclear fuel assemblies should have high output power, and loading and unloading should be as convenient as possible. In related technologies, during the operating cycle of a nuclear reactor, fuel rods need to be replaced when they reach their design burnup, experience performance abnormalities, or meet periodic maintenance requirements. Replacing fuel rods requires separating the connecting assemblies, particularly removing the upper socket. However, existing connection methods are mainly threaded connections and expansion joints. Threaded connections suffer from slow assembly and disassembly, affecting efficiency, while expansion joints can easily damage the product, leading to a high scrap rate.

[0003] In the process of developing this application, the applicant discovered that the relevant technology has at least the following problems: the existing nuclear fuel assembly connection method is slow to assemble or disassemble or easily damages the product, causing it to be scrapped. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a fast and reliable disassembly and assembly connection component and its disassembly and assembly methods, the main purpose of which is to solve the problem that existing connection methods are slow to disassemble or assemble, or easily damage products and cause them to be scrapped.

[0005] To achieve the objectives of this application, the technical solution adopted is as follows: This application provides a quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection component, including: Upper tube seat, wherein the upper tube seat is provided with a through hole; A connecting sleeve is inserted into the through hole and has a clearance fit with the upper tube seat. The side wall of the connecting sleeve is provided with a radially outward protruding sleeve boss, which abuts against the end face of the upper tube seat. The end of the connecting sleeve away from the sleeve boss is provided with a radially outward protruding sleeve lug. An elastic element is sleeved outside the connecting sleeve and located inside the through hole, with one end of the elastic element abutting against the sleeve boss. A locking member is sleeved outside the connecting sleeve and located inside the through hole. The locking member abuts against the other end of the elastic member. The locking member is provided with a locking lug that protrudes radially outward. The locking member, under the action of an external force, can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member and move towards the sleeve boss, rotating around the axis of the connecting sleeve. When the locking member moves between the elastic member and the sleeve lug, the locking member rotates until the locking lug contacts the sleeve lug, and the elastic member pushes the locking member to abut and lock against the connecting sleeve; when the locking member rotates until the locking lug and the sleeve lug are misaligned axially in the connecting sleeve, the locking member is unlocked from the connecting sleeve.

[0006] In some embodiments, the sleeve lug is provided with a tenon groove, which is provided on the end face of the sleeve lug facing the locking member; the end face of the locking member facing the sleeve lug is provided with a tenon, which is adapted to the shape of the tenon groove, and when the locking member abuts and locks with the connecting sleeve, the tenon is located in the tenon groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, the locking lug is arc-shaped and extends circumferentially along the locking member, the arc angle is 30~50°, and the radial cross-sectional thickness of the locking lug is greater than the annular wall thickness of the locking member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the upper tube seat is provided with a limiting block, which abuts against the locking lug in the circumferential direction to provide rotational limitation for the locking lug.

[0009] In some embodiments, the limiting block includes an upper stop block and a lower stop block. Both the upper stop block and the lower stop block protrude radially inward along the upper tube seat and extend axially into a strip shape. The radial length of the upper stop block is greater than the radial length of the lower stop block, which is used to limit the locking member axially and radially. The upper stop block cooperates with the tenon to limit the locking member circumferentially. The inner wall of the upper tube seat is also provided with a support platform, which is connected to the end of the lower stop block near the sleeve boss. The axial length of the lower stop block is not less than the axial length of the locking member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sleeve lug is arc-shaped, and the arc of the sleeve lug is 80~100°.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of sleeve lugs is two, and the two sleeve lugs are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the connecting sleeve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the number of locking lugs is two, and the two locking lugs are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the locking member.

[0013] In some embodiments, an assembly method for the quick and reliable disassembly / reassembly connection assembly includes the following steps: S1: The upper tube seat is inserted into the connecting sleeve, so that the connecting sleeve and the upper tube seat are in clearance fit, and one end of the upper tube seat inserted into the connecting sleeve abuts against the sleeve boss. S2: Place the elastic element between the upper tube seat and the connecting sleeve, and place the locking element on the side of the elastic element away from the sleeve boss, so that the locking element abuts against the elastic element; S3: The locking member is pressed axially to compress the elastic member, and the locking member is rotated to move the locking lug to the side of the sleeve lug near the sleeve boss for locking.

[0014] In some embodiments, a disassembly method for the quick and reliable disassembly / reassembly connection assembly includes the following steps: S1: The locking member is pressed axially to compress the elastic member, and the locking member is rotated to unlock the locking lug by disengaging it from the sleeve lug. S2: Remove the locking element from the through hole; S3: Remove the upper tube seat axially from the connecting sleeve.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, this application provides a quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly comprising an upper tube seat, a connecting sleeve, an elastic element, and a locking element. The upper tube seat has a through hole; the connecting sleeve is clearance-fitted with the upper tube seat, and the side wall of the connecting sleeve is provided with a radially outwardly protruding sleeve protrusion, and the end of the connecting sleeve away from the sleeve protrusion is provided with a radially outwardly protruding sleeve lug; the elastic element is located between the connecting sleeve and the upper tube seat, and one end of the elastic element abuts against the sleeve protrusion; the locking element is located between the elastic element and the sleeve lug, and is provided with a locking lug; the locking element can overcome the elastic force of the elastic element under the action of external force, move towards the sleeve protrusion, and rotate around the axis of the connecting sleeve, so that the locking lug and the sleeve lug are locked or unlocked.

[0016] In this invention, when the locking member moves between the elastic member and the sleeve lug, the locking member rotates until the locking lug contacts the sleeve lug, and the elastic member pushes the locking member to abut and lock against the connecting sleeve. When the locking member rotates until the locking lug and the sleeve lug are misaligned axially in the connecting sleeve, the locking member unlocks from the connecting sleeve. The change between the locked and unlocked states of the overall connecting assembly can be completed simply by squeezing the locking member to rotate around the axis of the connecting sleeve, which features rapid assembly and disassembly with high efficiency, and will not damage the product during the assembly and disassembly process. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper tube seat provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the connecting sleeve, elastic element, and locking element provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a top view of the connecting sleeve, elastic element, and locking element provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting sleeve provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a top view of the connecting sleeve provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connecting sleeve provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic element provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the locking member provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the attached diagram: 100 - Quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly; 110 - Upper tube seat; 111 - Through hole; 112 - Limiting block; 112a - Upper stop block; 112b - Lower stop block; 113 - Support; 120 - Connecting sleeve; 121 - Sleeve boss; 122 - Sleeve lug; 123 - Tenon; 130 - Elastic element; 140 - Locking element; 141 - Locking lug; 142 - Tenon. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0022] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this invention is usually placed, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0026] A nuclear fuel assembly refers to a complete set of fuel elements assembled together. It consists of several fuel elements, connecting components, a lower tube socket, control rod guide tubes, and positioning grids, among other parts.

[0027] When replacing fuel rods, the connecting components need to be separated first, especially the upper tube seat. Existing connection methods are mainly threaded connections and expansion joints. Threaded connections are slow to install and remove, affecting efficiency, while expansion joints can easily damage the product, leading to a high scrap rate.

[0028] The fast and reliable assembly and disassembly connection components and their assembly and disassembly methods provided in the embodiments of the present invention can solve this problem.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a fast and reliable assembly and disassembly connection component and its assembly and disassembly methods, which will be described in detail below.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, a quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly includes: an upper tube seat 110, which has a through hole 111; a connecting sleeve 120, which passes through the through hole 111 and is clearance-fitted with the upper tube seat 110; the side wall of the connecting sleeve 120 is provided with a radially outward protruding sleeve boss 121, which abuts against the end face of the upper tube seat 110; and the end of the connecting sleeve 120 away from the sleeve boss 121 is provided with a radially outward protruding sleeve lug 122; and an elastic element 130. Located outside the connecting sleeve 120 and inside the through hole 111, one end of the elastic member 130 abuts against the sleeve boss 121; the locking member 140 is sleeved outside the connecting sleeve 120 and located inside the through hole 111, with the other end of the locking member 140 abutting against the elastic member 130, and the locking member 140 is provided with a radially outward protruding locking lug 141; wherein, the locking member 140 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 130 under the action of external force, move toward the sleeve boss 121 and rotate around the axis of the connecting sleeve 120. When the locking member 140 moves between the elastic member 130 and the sleeve lug 122, the locking member 140 rotates until the locking lug 141 contacts the sleeve lug 122, and the elastic member 130 pushes the locking member 140 to abut and lock against the connecting sleeve 120; when the locking member 140 rotates until the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122 are misaligned in the axial direction of the connecting sleeve 120, the locking member 140 is unlocked from the connecting sleeve 120.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly includes an upper tube seat 110, a connecting sleeve 120, an elastic element 130, and a locking element 140. The upper tube seat 110 has a through hole 111 that extends through the upper tube seat 110, and the radial cross-section of the through hole 111 is circular. Preferably, the through hole 111 is a stepped hole or a straight hole, facilitating the insertion of other components. The upper tube seat 110 can be designed as square, circular, or irregularly shaped according to actual needs. The connecting sleeve 120 is cylindrical and passes through the through hole 111. The end of the connecting sleeve 120 away from the sleeve boss 121 is clearance-fitted with the upper tube seat 110, allowing the connecting sleeve 120 to move freely axially within the through hole 111 of the upper tube seat 110. The side wall of the connecting sleeve 120 is provided with a radially outward protruding sleeve boss 121, which abuts against the end face of the upper tube seat 110 to axially limit the upper tube seat 110 and prevent the upper tube seat 110 from moving axially along the connecting sleeve 120 and directly penetrating the connecting sleeve 120. The end of the connecting sleeve 120 away from the sleeve boss 121 is provided with a radially outward protruding sleeve lug 122. The elastic element 130 is sleeved outside the connecting sleeve 120 and located inside the through hole 111. One end of the elastic element 130 abuts against the sleeve boss 121, which supports the elastic element 130. The locking member 140 is sleeved outside the connecting sleeve 120 and located inside the through hole 111. Axially, the locking member is positioned between the elastic member 130 and the sleeve lug 122. The locking member 140 has a radially outwardly protruding locking lug 141. The locking lug 141 cooperates with the sleeve lug 122 to achieve circumferential locking of the locking member 140. The locking member 140 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 130 under external force, move axially along the connecting sleeve 120, and rotate about the axis of the connecting sleeve 120. Figure 8 As shown, in its natural state, the elastic force of the elastic element 130 pushes the locking element 140 away from the sleeve boss 121. The elastic element 130 is a spring or other component that can store or release elastic potential energy through its own deformation. The elastic coefficient of the elastic element 130 is selected according to the required locking force.

[0032] When locking the quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly, insert the upper tube seat 110 onto the connecting sleeve 120 until one end face of the upper tube seat 110 contacts the sleeve boss 121. At this time, press the locking member 140 axially, causing it to move towards the sleeve boss 121 against the elastic force of the elastic member 130. Simultaneously, under the action of external force, the locking member 140 rotates axially around the connecting sleeve 120 until the locking lug 141 is in a position opposite to the sleeve lug 122. Release the pressure on the locking member 140. Under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member 130, the locking member 140 is pushed away from the sleeve boss 121 in the opposite direction. Since the locking lug 141 has rotated to a position opposite to the sleeve lug 122, the axial movement of the locking member 140 is restricted by the sleeve lug 122, and the locking lug 141 abuts against the sleeve lug 122. At this time, the locking lug 141 is located in the axial space between the elastic member 130 and the sleeve lug 122.

[0033] When the quick and reliable disassembly and assembly of the connecting components is used for unlocking, axial pressure is applied to the locking member 140, which is in the locked state. This causes it to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 130 and move a small distance towards the sleeve boss 121. When the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122 are axially disengaged, the locking member 140 is rotated. When the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122 are axially misaligned, the locking member 140 is pushed back to a position away from the sleeve boss 121 under the elastic force of the elastic member 130. At this time, the locking member 140 is unlocked from the connecting sleeve 120.

[0034] The above design achieves rapid operation through the cooperation of the pressing and rotating locking element 140 and the sleeve lug 122, under the action of the elastic element 130, without any tools. After locking, the continuous preload of the elastic element 130 and the mechanical self-locking of the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122 combine to ensure high reliability and vibration resistance and anti-loosening capability of the connection. Locking and unlocking can be completed simply by pressing and rotating the locking element 140, without any tools, making the operation quick and easy. The continuous preload of the elastic element 130 and the mechanical interlocking of the sleeve lug 122 and the locking lug 141 give the connection good vibration resistance and anti-loosening capability, making it especially suitable for use in vibrating environments.

[0035] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the sleeve lug 122 is provided with a tenon 123, which is provided on the end face of the sleeve lug 122 facing the locking member 140; the locking member 140 is provided with a tenon 142 on the end face of the sleeve lug 122, which is adapted to the shape of the tenon 142 and the tenon 142 is located in the tenon 123 when the locking member 140 abuts and locks with the connecting sleeve 120.

[0036] The sleeve lug 122 has a tenon 123 on its end face facing the sleeve boss 121. The tenon 123 extends radially to the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 120, giving it a certain connection length. The axial cross-sectional shape of the tenon 123 can be rectangular, dovetail-shaped, or arc-shaped. Preferably, the axial cross-sectional shape of the tenon 123 is rectangular, which can provide clockwise and counterclockwise positioning and is easy to process. The locking lug 141 has a tenon 142 on its end face facing the sleeve lug 122. The tenon 142 is adapted to the shape of the tenon 123 and is integrally formed with the locking lug 141. The tenon 142 can move circumferentially and rotate axially under the action of the locking member 140. When the locking lug 141 is located between the sleeve lug 122 and the elastic element 130, and is in contact with the sleeve lug 122, the sleeve lug 122 and the locking lug 141 are engaged by the mortise and tenon structure formed by the tenon groove 123 and the tenon 142, which fixes the relative position between the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122, preventing changes in their relative position due to external factors. To unlock, the locking element 140 must be pressed first to disengage the tenon 142 from the tenon groove 123 before the locking lug 141 can be rotated to the unlocked position. This design fundamentally solves the problem of micro-rotation that may exist in end-face friction locking. The mortise and tenon structure forms a direct mechanical interlock, enhancing the torsional resistance and circumferential stability of the connection, preventing loosening due to vibration, and increasing the mechanical performance and reliability of the quick and reliable assembly / disassembly component while retaining its original ease of operation. When unlocking, the locking piece 140 must be pressed first to disengage the tenon 142 from the mortise 123 before it can be rotated, which increases the threshold for accidental operation and improves safety.

[0037] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the locking lug 141 is arc-shaped and extends circumferentially along the locking member 140. The arc angle is 30~50°, and the radial cross-sectional thickness of the locking lug 141 is greater than the annular wall thickness of the locking member 140.

[0038] The locking lug 141 is arc-shaped and extends along the axial direction of the locking member 140, with an arc angle of 30-50°. If the arc angle is less than 30°, the bearing area of ​​the locking lug 141 is too small, affecting the tightness; if the arc angle is greater than 50°, the rotation angle required for rotational locking increases, which is not conducive to rapid operation. Preferably, the arc angle is set to 40°, which ensures sufficient bearing area and structural strength while achieving optimal operational efficiency of locking / unlocking with a small rotation angle around the axial direction. There are two locking lugs 141, which are arranged opposite each other, with a circumferential interval of 180° between the radial axes of symmetry of the two locking lugs 141, that is, they are completely symmetrically distributed. This layout ensures that the clamping force acting on the connecting sleeve 120 is evenly distributed in the locked state, improving the connection stability. The radial cross-sectional thickness of the locking lug 141 is greater than the annular wall thickness of the locking member 140, creating a thickness difference between the locking lug 141 and the locking member 140. This facilitates the placement of other components within the through hole 111 to separately limit their respective positions. For example, the through hole 111 can be designed as a stepped hole. The section with a smaller radial diameter is used to accommodate and guide the locking member 140 body, while the section with a larger diameter is used to accommodate the protruding locking lug 141. The locking lug 141, being thicker than the radial cross-sectional thickness of the locking member 140, can mate with the stepped surface of the stepped hole, limiting the maximum axial movement of the locking member 140. In other embodiments of the invention, the number of locking lugs 141 can be one, three, four, etc., and the number of locking lugs 141 can correspond to the number of sleeve lugs 122. The relative circumferential angle between each locking lug 141 can be adaptively adjusted. By designing the locking lug 141 as an arc with a specific curvature and symmetrically distributed, the operating torque and bearing area are optimized; the cross-sectional thickness of the locking lug 141 is greater than the wall thickness of the locking member 140, which simplifies the internal assembly of the through hole 111 and the axial positioning of the locking member 140, and facilitates the manufacturing and assembly of the entire quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the upper tube seat 110 is provided with a limiting block 112, which abuts against the locking lug 141 in the circumferential direction to form a rotational limit on the locking lug 141.

[0040] The upper tube seat 110 is provided with a limiting block 112, which is disposed within the through hole 111. Its core function is to abut against the locking lug 141 on the locking member 140 in the circumferential direction, thereby providing a clear stop point for the rotational movement of the locking lug 141 and achieving rotational limitation. Preferably, there are two limiting blocks 112, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the upper tube seat 110. The circumferential angle between the two limiting blocks is designed to be 120~140°. In the preferred embodiment of this application, the angle is 130°, which provides both limited rotational stroke restriction and sufficient rotational space for the locking lug 141 between the locked and unlocked states. In other embodiments of the present invention, the number of limiting blocks 112 is one, three, four, etc., and the relative circumferential angles of the multiple limiting blocks 112 need to be adjusted accordingly.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting block 112 includes an upper stop block 112a and a lower stop block 112b. Both the upper stop block 112a and the lower stop block 112b protrude radially inward along the upper tube seat 110 and extend axially into a strip shape. The radial length of the upper stop block 112a is greater than the radial length of the lower stop block 112b, which is used to limit the locking member 140 axially and radially. The upper stop block 112a cooperates with the tenon 142 to limit the locking member 140 circumferentially. The inner wall of the upper tube seat 110 is also provided with a support 113, which is connected to one end of the lower stop block 112b near the sleeve boss 121. The axial length of the lower stop block 112a is not less than the axial length of the locking member 140.

[0042] The limiting block 112 consists of strip-shaped structures that protrude radially inward from both ends of the upper tube seat 110 and extend axially thereafter. These are an upper stop block 112a and a lower stop block 112b, which are connected axially to form a whole. The radial length of the upper stop block 112a is greater than that of the lower stop block 112b. The upper stop block 112a is used to position the locking lug 141 axially, while the lower stop block 112b is used to radially interfere with the outer diameter surface of the locking lug 141. This design reliably and accurately limits the circumferential rotation position of the locking lug 141. Although the radial length of the upper stop block 112a is greater than that of the lower stop block 112b, there is a gap between the upper stop block 112a and the connecting sleeve 120. The size of this gap is greater than the thickness of the locking member 140 body, so it will not interfere with the removal or insertion of the locking member 140. When the locking member 140 rotates along the connecting sleeve 120, the locking lug 141 on the locking member 140 can smoothly pass through the end of the upper stop 112a toward the sleeve boss 141, and the outer side of the locking lug 141 can pass through the inner side of the lower stop 112b until the locking member 140 rotates to a position opposite to the sleeve lug 122 and then releases, completing the locking process. During this process, the limiting block 112 does not obstruct the movement. The upper stop 112a cooperates with the tenon 142 to circumferentially limit the locking member 140. Therefore, the limiting block 112 can limit the circumferential rotation position of the locking lug 141 through interference in the axial direction and the radial direction. The above design improves the efficiency of disassembly and assembly and the user experience, while ensuring the repeatability and reliability of the mechanism's operation. Meanwhile, a support platform 113 is also provided on the inner wall of the upper tube seat 110. When the locking member 140 is pressed towards the sleeve boss 121 under the action of external force, the support platform 113 provides axial limit for the axial movement of the locking lug 141, thereby indirectly limiting the maximum compression stroke of the elastic member 130 and preventing the elastic member 130 from being over-compressed and causing irreversible damage. The support platform 113 is located at the end of the lower stop block 112b facing the sleeve boss 121 and is integrally formed with the lower stop block 112b, so that the support platform 113 and the lower stop block 112b together form a support structure that can stably withstand the axial pressure of the locking lug 141. When the locking member 140 moves axially to the appropriate position, the end face of the locking lug 141 facing the sleeve boss 121 contacts the end face of the support platform 113 and limits the stroke, thereby preventing the elastic member 130 from being over-compressed. The circumferential length of the lower stop 112b is not less than the axial length of the locking member 140 body. During unlocking, when the locking lug 141 moves axially toward the sleeve boss 121, the end face of the locking lug 141 toward the sleeve boss 121 contacts the end face of the support 113, and the elastic member 130 is no longer further compressed. In the above design, the limiting block 112 mainly serves to limit the axial rotation of the locking member 140, and the support 113 is used to limit the axial movement of the locking member 140 toward the sleeve boss 121.The limit block 112 and the support 113 together achieve precise control over the circumferential rotation and axial movement of the locking element 140, preventing the locking element 140 from rotating excessively or the elastic element 130 from being over-compressed, effectively protecting the structure of the elastic element 130, avoiding component failure caused by improper operation, and improving the overall durability and maintenance cost of the product.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the sleeve lug 122 is arc-shaped, and the arc of the sleeve lug 122 is 80~100°.

[0044] The sleeve lug 122 is arc-shaped with an arc angle of 80-100°, specifically 90°. The sleeve lug 122 and the connecting sleeve 120 are integrally formed. The design of the sleeve lug 122 provides a stable and reliable end face contact for the locking lug 141 in the axial direction. The preferred arc angle of 90° achieves an optimal balance between the contact area and the operational form. The arc design of the sleeve lug 122 complements the arc shape of the locking lug 141. During unlocking, when the locking element 140 needs to be rotated circumferentially, the larger arc angle of 80-100° provides a longer, smoother rotation path for the locking element 140. This allows for misalignment of the sleeve lug 122 and the locking lug 141 without precise alignment, improving operational convenience. Setting the lower limit of the arc to 80° is to prevent the sleeve lug 122 from being unable to withstand the axial thrust of the locking member 140 due to an excessively small angle, which could cause structural damage. Setting the upper limit to 100° is to prevent the angle from being too large, which could obstruct the rotation path of the locking member 140 in the circumferential direction or cause unnecessary interference with other structures inside the upper tube seat 110.

[0045] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, there are two sleeve lugs 122, which are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the connecting sleeve 120.

[0046] The sleeve lugs 122 are two in number, symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the connecting sleeve 120, with the central axis of the two sleeve lugs 122 spaced 180° apart circumferentially. The two sleeve lugs 122 typically cooperate with two corresponding locking lugs 141. In the locked state, the axial preload applied by the elastic element 130 is uniformly and symmetrically transmitted to the contact surfaces of the sleeve lugs 122 and the locking lugs 141, effectively preventing tilting or jamming of the connecting sleeve 120 or the upper sleeve seat 110 due to unilateral force, thus ensuring the stability of the connection. The symmetrical sleeve lugs 122 provide stable positioning for the axial movement of the locking element 140. In other embodiments of the invention, the number of sleeve lugs 122 can be one, three, four, etc., and the relative angles between the sleeve lugs 122 can be adjusted adaptively.

[0047] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, there are two locking lugs 141, which are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the locking member 140.

[0048] The locking lugs 121 are two in number, 141 symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the locking member 140, with the central axis of the two locking lugs 141 spaced 180° apart axially. The two symmetrical locking lugs 121 and the sleeve lug 122 form two pairs of precisely symmetrical forces when locked. When the elastic member 130 releases the axial preload, the axial force is transmitted to the sleeve lug 122 through the locking lugs 141. The structural design of the two locking lugs 141 eliminates the eccentric moment that could cause the locking member 140 to tilt or jam, ensuring that the locking force is uniformly transmitted along the axis of the connecting sleeve 120, achieving stable connection rigidity. During operation, whether pressing or rotating the locking member 140, the two locking lugs 141 can move axially and rotate synchronously and smoothly, improving operational reliability. In other embodiments of the present invention, the number of locking lugs 141 may be one, three, four, etc., and the number of locking lugs 141 may correspond to the number of sleeve lugs 122. The relative angle between each locking lug 141 may be adjusted adaptively.

[0049] The working principle of the quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection assembly provided in this application is as follows: When the locking element 140 is positioned between the elastic element 130 and the sleeve lug 122, under the axial compression thrust of the elastic element 130, the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122 abut against the end of the sleeve boss 121, and the entire quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly is in a locked state. When the locking element 140 rotates until the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122 are offset axially in the connecting sleeve 120, and when the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122 disengage, the locking element 140 and the connecting sleeve 120 are unlocked, and the entire quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly is in an unlocked state. The change of state of the quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly can be completed simply by pressing the locking element 140 axially and rotating it along the axis of the connecting sleeve 120, which has the characteristics of rapid disassembly and assembly and high efficiency, and will not cause damage to the product during the disassembly and assembly process.

[0050] In some embodiments, an assembly method for quickly and reliably assembling and disassembling connection components includes the following steps: S1: The upper tube seat 110 is inserted into the connecting sleeve 120, so that the connecting sleeve 120 and the upper tube seat 110 are in clearance fit, and one end of the upper tube seat 110 inserted into the connecting sleeve 120 abuts against the sleeve boss 121. S2: Place the elastic element 130 between the upper tube seat 110 and the connecting sleeve 120, and place the locking element 140 on the side of the elastic element 130 away from the sleeve boss 121, so that the locking element 140 abuts against the elastic element 130. S3: The locking member 140 is pressed along the axial direction to compress the elastic member 130, and the locking member 140 is rotated to move the locking lug 141 to the side of the sleeve lug 122 near the sleeve boss 121 for locking.

[0051] In practical applications, the assembly method for quick and reliable disassembly and assembly of connection components includes the following steps: S1: The upper tube seat 110 is inserted into the connecting sleeve 120, with one end contacting the sleeve boss 121. The end of the upper tube seat 110 away from the sleeve boss 121 is flush with the end face of the connecting sleeve 120. The sleeve boss 121 provides support for the upper tube seat 110. The connecting sleeve 120 and the upper tube seat 110 are clearance-fitted to prevent a certain position on the outside of the connecting sleeve 120 from contacting the inner wall of the upper tube seat 110, while also preventing an excessively large gap between a certain position and the inner wall of the upper tube seat 110, thus preventing obstruction of the insertion of the elastic element 130 and the locking element 140 into the through hole 111.

[0052] S2: Place the locking member 140 between the upper tube seat 110 and the connecting sleeve 120, so that the locking member 140 contacts the end face of the pre-placed elastic member 130 away from the sleeve boss 121. Without external force, the elastic member 130 supports the locking member 140 due to its own elasticity, ensuring that the locking member 140 is not directly positioned between the elastic member 130 and the sleeve lug 122.

[0053] S3: The locking member 140 is axially compressed to compress the elastic member 130, and the locking member 140 is rotated axially around the connecting sleeve 120 so that the locking lug 141 moves to the side of the sleeve lug 122 near the sleeve boss 121 for locking. The operator can apply external force to the locking member 140 to compress the elastic member 130. In the compressed state, the end face of the locking member 140 away from the sleeve boss 121 is lower than the end face of the sleeve lug 122 near the sleeve boss 121, which facilitates the rotation and movement of the locking lug 141 to a position opposite to the sleeve lug 122, where they abut against each other for locking.

[0054] The assembly method provided in the embodiments of the present invention is an assembly method implemented during the replacement of fuel rods, which differs from the initial installation method of the fast and reliable disassembly and assembly connection components in nuclear fuel assemblies.

[0055] When the quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection assembly is to be installed for the first time, the following steps are included: First, the upper tube seat 110 is fitted onto the connecting sleeve 120, with one side of the upper tube seat 110 contacting the connecting sleeve 121, and the connecting sleeve 120 and the upper tube seat 110 having a clearance fit; then, the elastic element 130 and the locking element 140 are sequentially placed between the through hole 111 and the connecting sleeve 120, so that the side of the locking element 140 near the sleeve boss 121 contacts the side of the elastic element 130 away from the sleeve boss 121; the locking element 140 is axially pressed to compress the elastic element 130, and the locking element 140 is rotated around the axis of the connecting sleeve 120 so that the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122 abut against the side facing the sleeve boss 121 to lock.

[0056] In some embodiments, a disassembly method for quickly and reliably assembling and disassembling connecting components includes the following steps: S1: The locking member 140 is pressed along the axial direction to compress the elastic member 130, and the locking member 140 is rotated to release the locking lug 141 from the sleeve lug 122 to unlock it; S2: Remove the locking member 140 from the through hole 111; S3: Remove the upper tube seat 110 from the connecting sleeve 120 axially.

[0057] In practical applications, the method for quickly and reliably disassembling and assembling connection components includes the following steps: S1: Under the action of external force, the locking member 140 is compressed along the axial direction to compress the elastic member 130. In the compressed state of the elastic member 130, there is a gap between the side of the locking member 140 away from the sleeve boss 121 and the side of the sleeve lug 122 facing the sleeve boss 121. This allows the locking member 140 to rotate around the axis of the connecting sleeve 120. When the locking lug 141 and the sleeve lug 122 are offset in the axial direction of the connecting sleeve 120, the compressive thrust of the elastic member 130 on the locking member 140 gradually decreases until it disappears. The elastic member 130 stretches and releases its elastic potential energy, and the locking member 140 is unlocked from the connecting sleeve 120.

[0058] S2: After the elastic element 130 stretches and releases its elastic potential energy, the locking element 140 moves axially away from the sleeve boss 121, and the operator can remove the locking element from the through hole 111.

[0059] S3: Remove the upper tube seat 110 from the connecting sleeve 120. During the removal of the upper tube seat 110, the elastic element 130 is always sleeved outside the connecting sleeve 120, which can prevent the elastic element 130 from being lost when it is removed separately.

[0060] The assembly method provided in the embodiments of the present invention is a disassembly method implemented during the replacement of fuel rods, which differs from the final removal method of the fast and reliable disassembly and assembly connection components in nuclear fuel assemblies.

[0061] When the final removal of the quick and reliable assembly is required, the following steps are included: first, compress the elastic element 130 by pressing the locking catch 140 along the axial direction, and rotate the locking catch 140 so that the locking lug 141 is axially offset from the sleeve lug 122 to unlock it; then, remove the locking catch 140 and the elastic element 130 sequentially from the through hole 111; then, remove the upper tube seat 110 from the connecting sleeve 120, and remove the connecting sleeve 120 with other tools.

[0062] The quick and reliable disassembly and assembly connection component provided in this embodiment has at least the advantages of rapid disassembly and assembly, high efficiency, and no damage to the product during the disassembly and assembly process.

[0063] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection component, characterized in that, include: Upper tube seat (110), wherein the upper tube seat (110) is provided with a through hole (111). A connecting sleeve (120) is inserted into the through hole (111) and has a clearance fit with the upper tube seat (110). The side wall of the connecting sleeve (120) is provided with a sleeve boss (121) that protrudes radially outward. The sleeve boss (121) abuts against the end face of the upper tube seat (110). The end of the connecting sleeve (120) away from the sleeve boss (121) is provided with a sleeve lug (122) that protrudes radially outward. Elastic element (130), the elastic element (130) is sleeved outside the connecting sleeve (120) and located inside the through hole (111), one end of the elastic element (130) abuts against the sleeve boss (121); Locking member (140), the locking member (140) is sleeved outside the connecting sleeve (120) and located inside the through hole (111). The locking member (140) abuts against the other end of the elastic member (130). The locking member (140) is provided with a locking lug (141) that protrudes radially outward. The locking member (140) can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member (130) under the action of external force and move toward the sleeve boss (121) and rotate around the axis of the connecting sleeve (120); when the locking member (140) moves between the elastic member (130) and the sleeve lug (122), the locking member (140) rotates until the locking lug (141) and the sleeve lug (122) come into contact, and the elastic member (130) pushes the locking member (140) to abut and lock with the connecting sleeve (120); when the locking member (140) rotates until the locking lug (141) and the sleeve lug (122) are misaligned in the axial direction of the connecting sleeve (120), the locking member (140) and the connecting sleeve (120) are unlocked.

2. The quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve lug (122) is provided with a tenon (123), which is located on the end face of the sleeve lug (122) facing the locking member (140); the locking member (140) is provided with a tenon (142) on the end face of the sleeve lug (122), which is adapted to the shape of the tenon (142) and when the locking member (140) abuts and locks with the connecting sleeve (120), the tenon (142) is located in the tenon (123).

3. The quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking lug (141) is arc-shaped and extends circumferentially along the locking member (140). The arc is 30~50°. The radial cross-sectional thickness of the locking lug (141) is greater than the annular wall thickness of the locking member (140).

4. The quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper tube seat (110) is provided with a limiting block (112), which abuts against the locking lug (141) in the circumferential direction to form a rotational limit on the locking lug (141).

5. A quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting block (112) includes an upper stop block (112a) and a lower stop block (112b). Both the upper stop block (112a) and the lower stop block (112b) protrude radially inward along the upper tube seat (110) and extend axially into a strip shape. The radial length of the upper stop block (112a) is greater than the radial length of the lower stop block (112b), and it is used to limit the locking member (140) axially and radially. The upper stop block (112a) cooperates with the tenon (142) to limit the locking member (140) circumferentially. The inner wall of the upper tube seat (110) is also provided with a support (113). The support (113) is connected to the end of the lower stop block (112b) near the sleeve boss (121). The axial length of the lower stop block (112a) is not less than the axial length of the locking member (140).

6. The quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve lug (122) is arc-shaped, and the arc of the sleeve lug (122) is 80~100°.

7. The quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of sleeve lugs (122) is two, and the two sleeve lugs (122) are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the connecting sleeve (120).

8. The quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of locking lugs (141) is two, and the two locking lugs (141) are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the locking member (140).

9. An assembly method for a quick and reliable assembly / disassembly connection assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: The upper tube seat (110) is inserted into the connecting sleeve (120) so that the connecting sleeve (120) and the upper tube seat (110) are in clearance fit, and one end of the upper tube seat (110) inserted into the connecting sleeve (120) abuts against the sleeve boss (121). S2: Place the elastic element (130) between the upper tube seat (110) and the connecting sleeve (120), and place the locking element (140) on the side of the elastic element (130) away from the sleeve boss (121) so that the locking element (140) abuts against the elastic element (130). S3: The locking member (140) is pressed axially to compress the elastic member (130), and the locking member (140) is rotated to move the locking lug (141) to the side of the sleeve lug (122) near the sleeve boss (121) for locking.

10. A method for disassembling a fast and reliable assembly / disassembly connection component according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: The locking member (140) is pressed axially to compress the elastic member (130), and the locking member (140) is rotated to release the locking lug (141) from the sleeve lug (122) to unlock it; S2: Remove the locking member (140) from the through hole (111); S3: Remove the upper tube seat (110) from the connecting sleeve (120) axially.

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