EP1573750A1 - Method and device for locking a nuclear fuel assembly in position in a housing - Google Patents

Method and device for locking a nuclear fuel assembly in position in a housing

Info

Publication number
EP1573750A1
EP1573750A1 EP02808356A EP02808356A EP1573750A1 EP 1573750 A1 EP1573750 A1 EP 1573750A1 EP 02808356 A EP02808356 A EP 02808356A EP 02808356 A EP02808356 A EP 02808356A EP 1573750 A1 EP1573750 A1 EP 1573750A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
assembly
connecting member
fuel assembly
esi
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP02808356A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1573750B1 (en
Inventor
Roger Lahille
Laurent Stachetti
Olivier Bernard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TN International SA
Original Assignee
Cogema Logistics SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cogema Logistics SA filed Critical Cogema Logistics SA
Publication of EP1573750A1 publication Critical patent/EP1573750A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1573750B1 publication Critical patent/EP1573750B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/06—Details of, or accessories to, the containers
    • G21F5/12—Closures for containers; Sealing arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/005—Containers for solid radioactive wastes, e.g. for ultimate disposal
    • G21F5/008—Containers for fuel elements
    • G21F5/012—Fuel element racks in the containers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for blocking a nuclear fuel assembly in a housing designed to receive this assembly.
  • the invention also relates to a device designed to implement this blocking method.
  • fuel assembly designates a nuclear fuel assembly.
  • such an assembly comprises a rigid frame which supports a bundle of tubes, each tube containing a stack of nuclear fuel pellets and being closed at its ends.
  • the invention applies in particular to the transport of fresh fuel assemblies, that is to say not irradiated. It can be used for all types of fuel assemblies, and in particular for those intended for pressurized water and boiling water nuclear reactors.
  • Each transport package includes a cavity in which is housed a basket provided with one or more housings.
  • the shapes and dimensions of the housings are such that each of them can receive a single nuclear fuel assembly.
  • the number of housings provided in the same basket depends on the size of the fuel assemblies that one wishes to transport.
  • Document FR-A-2 773 415 proposes to block a fuel assembly of square section inside its housing by placing, on two of the adjacent faces of the latter, adjustable clamping means which apply the assembly against the two other sides of the housing.
  • the adjustable clamping means are operated from the open end of the housing. They can be fully mechanical or incorporate gas cylinders.
  • the locking devices described in this document fulfill their function satisfactorily. However, they have the significant disadvantages of having a mass and a high manufacturing price, as well as a large size. In fact, the blocking devices are integrated into the walls of the cells, which significantly increases the thickness. The number of cells contained in the same package is therefore reduced by the presence of these devices. Consequently, the transport capacity of the packages is limited, which leads to increasing the number of transport operations to be carried out for recharging the core of a nuclear reactor. The overall price of delivery is increased.
  • documents FR-A-2 674 667, FR-A-2 674 668 and FR-A-2 774 800 propose to clamp an assembly in its housing by making two adjacent sides of the housing on an articulated part of the packaging and placing clamping means on this articulated part.
  • the invention particularly relates to a device designed to block a fuel assembly inside a housing by simple means, inexpensive and having a minimum size in the direction of 1, 'thickness of the walls of the housing, such so that more assemblies can be transported simultaneously.
  • this result is obtained by means of a device for blocking a fuel assembly in a housing, the assembly comprising an upper end piece, and the housing comprising a first open end and a second end, the device being characterized in that it comprises means capable of producing a rigid connection between the upper end piece of the fuel assembly and the open end of the housing, in a predetermined relative position such that
  • the assembly bears against at least one face of the housing over at least part of its length, said means capable of producing a rigid connection
  • the blocking of the fuel assembly is effected by a device which connects the upper end of the assembly to the open end of the housing, this device can be placed in the housing, above the assembly . Consequently, the thickness of the walls which separate the adjacent housings can be given a minimum value. For a given size of the packaging, it is therefore possible to transport a larger number of assemblies than with the locking devices of the prior art. In addition, the mass and the manufacturing cost of the device according to the invention are reduced compared to the prior art.
  • the fuel assembly and housing usually have polygonal sections, the more often square.
  • the predetermined relative position between the upper end piece of the fuel assembly and the open end of the housing is then such that the upper end piece bears against two adjacent faces of the housing.
  • the device further comprises a part of reduced section of the housing, located near the bottom thereof, said part of reduced section having substantially equal dimensions. to those of a lower nozzle of the fuel assembly.
  • the predetermined relative position defined by the means capable of producing a rigid connection is such that the fuel assembly is not in contact with a shim placed in the second end of the housing.
  • the means capable of producing a rigid connection comprise a connecting member capable of being fixed on the upper end of the assembly by first clamping means and capable of being fixed in the open end of the housing by second clamping means.
  • the connecting member advantageously incorporates transverse displacement means, capable of moving the upper end piece of the assembly towards and away from the two adjacent faces of the housing, as well as means of axial displacement , able to move the assembly away from the second end of the housing and towards said second end.
  • transverse displacement means capable of moving the upper end piece of the assembly towards and away from the two adjacent faces of the housing
  • means of axial displacement able to move the assembly away from the second end of the housing and towards said second end.
  • the first clamping means, the second clamping means, the transverse displacement means and the axial displacement means are actuated by separate control members, able to be operated separately.
  • the connecting member has a longitudinal axis capable of being oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fuel assembly.
  • the first clamping means then preferably comprise jaws capable of moving over a first part of the connecting member in directions that are substantially radial with respect to said axis.
  • the second clamping means comprise a bayonet ring capable of turning on a second part of the connecting member around said axis.
  • the axial displacement means comprise means for controlling one. relative displacement between the first and the second part along said axis and the transverse - •• displacement means comprise at least one slide capable of moving on the first part of the connecting member in a direction substantially radial with respect to said axis. The slide then also forms part of the second clamping means.
  • the first clamping means, the second clamping means and the axial displacement means are actuated by a single control member, and the transverse displacement means are actuated by another member.
  • control able to be operated separately from one single control member.
  • the single control member is advantageously a screw, anchored in a rotary manner on the connecting member, said screw acting on thrust rods forming both the first clamping means and the axial displacement means, and acting on jaws forming the second clamping means, by means of control rods articulated on the connecting member, on a nut engaged on the screw, on the thrust rods and on the jaws, and the means transverse displacement include thrust pads anchored on the connecting member.
  • the first clamping means, the transverse displacement means and the axial displacement means are. actuated by a single control member.
  • the second clamping means then comprise a separate fixing member.
  • the single control member is advantageously a screw, anchored in a rotary manner on the connecting member, said screw acting on claws forming at the same time the first clamping means, the axial displacement means and the transverse displacement means, by means of a nut engaged on the screw and on which said claws are articulated.
  • the invention also relates to a method of blocking a fuel assembly in a housing, the assembly comprising an upper nozzle, and the housing comprising a first open end and a second end, the method being characterized in that it is to make a connection rigid between the upper end of the fuel assembly and the open end of the housing above the upper end of the assembly, in a predetermined relative position such that the fuel assembly is not in contact with the bottom of the housing and is in abutment against at least one face of the housing over at least part of its length.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a fuel assembly maintained: "inside a housing of a basket of a transport packaging using a blocking device according to the invention
  • - Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the assembly of Figure 1, held in its housing by the locking device 1 according to the invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing, in locked mode, a system for fixing the upper nozzle of a fuel assembly of a pressurized water nuclear reactor, according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • - Figure 4 is a sectional view comparable to Figure 3, showing the fastening system when the fuel assembly is removed;
  • - Figure 5 is a sectional view comparable to Figures 3 and 4, showing the fixing system when it is introduced into the upper end;
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of the fastening system of Figure 3;
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view along the line VII-VII of Figure 6;
  • - Figure 8 is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of Figure 6;
  • - Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view showing, in blocked mode, a system for fixing the upper nozzle of a fuel assembly of a boiling water nuclear reactor, according to a second embodiment of the invention;
  • - Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view showing, in non-laterally tightened mode, the transverse displacement means which equip .the fixing system of Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 is a top view of the fastening system of Figure 9;
  • FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view of a system for fixing the upper nozzle of a fuel assembly of a pressurized water nuclear reactor, illustrating a third embodiment of the invention
  • - Figure 13 is a view comparable to Figure 12, showing the fastening system when engaging the claws of said system with the upper end of the assembly; and - Figure 14 is a view comparable to Figures 12 and 13, which shows the fixing system when locking the assembly in the high position and laterally offset.
  • One or more housings L can be arranged in the same basket, without going beyond the ambit of the invention.
  • Each housing L is dimensioned to receive a single assembly A.
  • the interior dimensions of the housing L are slightly greater than those of assembly A.
  • the assemblies A and the housings L generally have polygonal sections, most often square as illustrated schematically in FIG. 2.
  • fuel assemblies A always include a rigid frame which supports a bundle of rods.
  • Each pencil comprises a tube closed at its ends and in which is placed a stack of nuclear fuel pellets.
  • the rigid frame comprises in particular an upper end piece ES, a lower end piece El and rods rigidly connecting these end pieces.
  • the upper end piece ES can take different forms, depending on the type of reactor for which the assembly is intended.
  • each housing L is delimited laterally by a tubular wall T whose section has a shape identical to that of the assembly A. This shape is square in FIG. 2. When the housing L is oriented vertically like the illustrates Figure 2, it is open at its upper end and fitted with a wedge C at its lower end.
  • the bottom F of the cavity of the packaging in which the basket is placed blocks the lower end of the housing L.
  • the wedge C is designed to axially support the assembly A at its lower end piece El.
  • the open end of the housing L is materialized by a support plate, called "head plate" PT, fixed on the upper end of the tubular wall T.
  • the packaging is generally oriented in such a way that 1 longitudinal axis of each housing L is substantially vertical.
  • the transport takes place while the housings L are in the lying position, substantially horizontal.
  • the assemblies A are then supported on two adjacent lateral faces of the housing L, turned downwards so as to form a V between them, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the device for locking the assembly A in its housing L mainly comprises a fixing system 10, designed to make a rigid connection between the upper end piece ES of the assembly A and the open end of the housing L, materialized by the PT head plate.
  • this rigid connection defines a predetermined relative position between the assembly A and its housing L.
  • the relative position thus defined is such that the fuel assembly A is not in contact with the shim C provided in the lower end of the housing L.
  • This clearance allows the assembly to expand along its axis inside its housing without interfering with that -this.
  • the value of this play can be around 6 mm.
  • the fastening system 10 advantageously comprises axial displacement means able to move the assembly away from the bottom F of the housing L and towards said bottom.
  • the fastening system 10 also comprises transverse displacement means, arranged so as to move the upper end piece ES of the assembly A towards the two adjacent lateral faces of the housing L intended to be turned downwards during transport of the packaging, and away from these two faces side.
  • This movement is made possible by the fact that there is a predetermined play, in the transverse direction, between the assembly A and the housing L, over the major part of the height thereof. This play is necessary for the correct introduction of the assembly into its housing during loading.
  • the value of this transverse play is approximately 6 mm.
  • the blocking device further comprises a portion 12 of reduced section of the housing L, located near the bottom thereof. More specifically, this part 12 of reduced section is located at the level of the lower end piece El of assembly A and its dimensions are substantially equal to those of this end piece. Thus, the transverse displacement of the lower end piece El of the assembly A is greatly limited in the lower part of the housing - L.
  • Part 12 of reduced section of the housing L is materialized by overhanging parts formed on the adjacent side faces of the housing L opposite the two adjacent side faces intended to be turned downwards during transport of the packaging.
  • the two faces of the housing L intended to be turned downwards when the assembly is in a horizontal position have notches in their upper and lower parts, in line with the end caps ES and El. Consequently, taking into account the slight difference in cross-section between the end pieces and the current part of the assembly, the grids of the latter then come into contact with the two aforementioned faces of the housing, as shown in FIG. 1.
  • This first embodiment of the invention relates to a fixing system 10 intended to be interposed between the upper nozzle ESI of a fuel assembly Al intended for a pressurized water nuclear reactor and a head plate PT1 materializing the end open housing Ll.
  • the upper end piece ESI in this case comprises a solid lower plate PI, the square section of which defines the section of the assembly.
  • the upper end piece ESI also includes an upper plate PS situated above and at a distance from the plate PI, when the assembly is oriented vertically.
  • the upper plate - PS is hollowed out in its central part and rigidly connected to the PI plate by junction pieces not visible in the figures and located at the four corners of the ESI endpiece.
  • the housing L1 is formed in this case inside a tube T of square section, the open upper end of which is fixed, for example by welding, in a hole TR of the same section, machined in the head plate PT1.
  • the fastening system 10 comprises a connecting member 14 capable of being placed on the head plate PT1 so as to be centered on the hole TR made in it as well as on the recess of the plate upper PS of the upper end ESI of the assembly.
  • the connecting member 14 comprises a flat bearing face 16 intended to be turned downwards when the assembly is oriented vertically.
  • the connecting member 14 is fixed on the head plate PT1 and on the upper end piece ESI of the assembly Al, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the bearing face 16 is supported both on the upper face of the head plate and on the upper face of the nozzle.
  • Two centering fingers 18 protrude downward from the bearing face 16.
  • the centering fingers 18 penetrate into holes formed in the upper plate PS of the upper end piece ESI, so as to ensure centering of the 'connecting member 14 on this tip (see Figure 7).
  • the connecting member 14 In its part located above the bearing face 16 the connecting member 14 supports, on its outer periphery, a ring 20 capable of freely rotating around a longitudinal axis 22 of said member 14, oriented parallel to the 'axis of the housing Ll when the connecting member 14 is fixed thereon.
  • the crown 20 is provided externally with two lugs 24. These two lugs 24 are located in diametrically opposite locations.
  • two flanges 26 are fixed, for example by means of screws, on the upper face of the head plate PT1, in diametrically opposite locations on either side of the hole TR, on one of the diagonals of the square formed in section by this hole.
  • the pins 24 can either be engaged with the flanges 26, that is to say trapped between them and the upper face of the head plate PT1, or angularly offset with respect to said flanges 26.
  • the connecting member is secured to the plate PT1 head. Otherwise, the connecting member is detached from the head plate.
  • the arrangement thus produced forms a rigid connection of the "bayonet" type.
  • the connecting member 14 also supports a first control member 27, mounted rotating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 22.
  • the first control member 27 is provided with an operating head 28. This makes it possible to control a rotation of the first control member 27 using a suitable tool.
  • the first control member 27 is integral with a pinion 30. This pinion 30 is engaged on a toothed sector 32 provided for this purpose inside the crown 20.
  • the arrangement which has just been described makes it possible to secure the connecting member 14 of the head plate PT or on the contrary to separate these two parts by controlling the rotation of the first control member 27 in one or the other sense using a suitable tool.
  • the first control member 27, the crown 20 provided with its lugs 24 and the flanges 26 thus form means for making a rigid connection between the connecting member 14 and the open end of the housing L.
  • the connecting member 14 supports a second control member 34, arranged along its longitudinal axis 22 and able to rotate around said axis.
  • the second control member 34 is provided with an operating head 36. This makes it possible to control a rotation of the second control member 34 using a suitable tool.
  • the second control member 34 has a thread 38.
  • a cylindrical piece 40 is engaged on this thread 38 by a thread 42.
  • the cylindrical piece 40 is secured to a disc 44 centered on the longitudinal axis 22.
  • the disc 44 has teeth 46 • at its periphery. This toothing 46 is engaged on a pinion 48, integral with a third control member 50 carried by the connecting member 14.
  • the third control member 50 is mounted on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 and able to rotate around said axis. At its accessible end on the upper face of the connecting member 14, the third control member 50 is provided with an operating head 52. This makes it possible to control a rotation of the third control member 50 using a suitable tool.
  • the cylindrical piece 40 is integral with a pin 54 whose axis is offset by relative to the longitudinal axis 22.
  • This pin 54 enters a cam groove 56 machined in a slider 58.
  • the slider 58 is itself mounted so that it can slide in a tubular part 59.
  • Said tubular part is supported by a tubular part 64 mounted on the cylindrical part 40, so that the tubular part 59 can slide along the longitudinal axis 22, while being immobilized in rotation around this axis.
  • the tubular part 59 projects downwards inside the recess formed in the upper plate PS of the upper end piece ESI.
  • the slide 58 is able to move relative to the tubular part 59 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 22 and oriented diagonally relative to the square formed in section by the housing L1.
  • bearing surfaces 60 formed on pads 62 integral with the slider 58 can come to bear against the adjacent faces of the housing L1 opposite to those which must be oriented downwards when the packaging is transported in a horizontal position.
  • the arrangement which has just been described makes it possible, by acting on the third control member 50, to move the upper end piece ESI of the assembly transversely towards said faces intended to be oriented downward, by bearing on the faces opposed by the pads 62.
  • the control member 50 thus constitutes, with the cylindrical part 40 and the slide 58, means for transversely moving the upper end piece ESI of the assembly.
  • This assembly is also part of the second clamping means, by the fact that it makes it possible to clamp laterally the connecting member 14 in the open end of the housing L1.
  • the cylindrical part 40 coaxially supports the tubular part 64. More specifically, the tubular part 64 is mounted on the cylindrical part 40, along the longitudinal axis 22, so as to be able to rotate freely around said cylindrical part 40 , while being linked to it in the direction of the longitudinal axis 22.
  • the tubular part 64 is integral with a disc 66, also centered on the longitudinal axis 22.
  • the disc 66 is provided with a toothing 68. This toothing 68 is engaged on a pinion 70, integral with a fourth control member 72 carried by the connecting member 14.
  • the fourth control member 72 is mounted on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 and able to rotate around said axis. At its accessible end on the upper face of the connecting member 14, the fourth control member 72 is provided with an operating head 74. This makes it possible to control a rotation of the fourth control member 72 using a suitable tool.
  • the tubular part 64 is integral with a plate carrying a spiral toothing 76 on its face turned downwards. Said face is situated in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 22.
  • each of the jaws 78 are mounted in the tubular part 59, so that they can slide parallel to the faces of the housing L1, towards and away from said faces, in said tubular part.
  • each of the jaws 78 On its upper face, each of the jaws 78 has a spiral toothing which engages on the spiral toothing 76 carried by the tubular piece 64.
  • each of the jaws 78 supports swiveling manner a V (not illustrated) capable of coming to bear against the lower internal corner of one recess formed in the upper plate PS of the upper end piece ESI of the assembly.
  • the second control member 34 thus constitutes, with the thread 38 and the internal thread 42, means for axial displacement of the assembly.
  • the heights of the teeth 46 and 68 of the discs 44 and 66, which are axially movable with the parts 40 and 64, and that of the teeth of the pinions 48 and 70, which are axially fixed relative to the connecting member 14, are determined so that these teeth remain continuously engaged.
  • the fastening system 10 is mounted on the upper nozzle ESI of the fuel assembly before the latter is introduced into its housing L1. To this end, the slide 58 and the jaws 78 are first retracted into the connecting member 14 and the parts 40 and 64 are placed in the high position relative to this connecting member. In addition, the crown 20 is placed in the "unlocked" position.
  • the tubular part 59 and the connecting member 14 are introduced into the recess of the plate upper PS of the upper end piece ESI until the bearing face 16 comes into contact with the upper face of this end piece.
  • the fourth control member 72 is then actuated, so as to bring the jaws 78 against the lower internal corners of the recess formed in the upper plate PS.
  • the fastening system 10 is then rigidly secured to the upper end piece ESI of the assembly.
  • the assembly is then suspended from the fixing system 10, which thus allows the assembly to be handled in a safe manner.
  • the fastening system 10 to which the assembly is suspended is then brought above the housing L1 and gradually lowered.
  • the lower end piece El is positioned in the transverse direction by the section part 12. reduced housing ( Figure 1).
  • the bearing face 16 of the connecting member 14 comes to bear on the upper face of the head plate PT1
  • the lower end piece El remains separated from - the wedge C and from the bottom F of the cavity .
  • the operator then actuates the third control member 50, so as to bring the pads 62 to bear against the two faces of the housing L1 intended to be turned upwards during the subsequent transport of the packaging (FIG. 2).
  • the upper end piece ESI is thus applied against the two other faces of the housing L1, intended to be turned downwards during transport. There is therefore made a transverse clamping of the upper end piece ESI in the housing L.
  • the operator then actuates the first control member 27 (FIG. 6), so as to secure the fixing system 10 of the head plate PT1.
  • the operator preferably applies a pre-established tightening torque, so as to perform a function of embedding the upper end piece ESI in the housing L. This therefore takes into account the accelerations likely to be encountered under normal conditions of transport.
  • the operator When the transport is complete, the operator first activates the first control member 27, in order to separate the fixing system 10 from the head plate PT1.
  • the operator actuates the fourth control member 72, in order to separate the fixing system 10 from the upper ESI nozzle.
  • the fastening system 10 can then be removed, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and the assembly unloaded from the transport packaging using the tools usually used in nuclear power plants.
  • This second embodiment of the invention relates to a fastening system 10 'intended to be interposed between the upper nozzle ES2 of a fuel assembly A2 intended for a nuclear water reactor boiling water and a PT2 head plate materializing the open end of an L2 housing.
  • the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly A2 comprises in this case a solid plate P2, forming a square in top view, to which is fixed a handle AN forming an inverted U in view next to.
  • the AN handle is located in a plane passing through a diagonal of the square and the longitudinal axis of the assembly.
  • the housing L2 is delimited inside a tube T, the open upper end of which is welded into a hole TR machined in the head plate PT2.
  • the fixing system 10 ′ comprises a connecting member 14 ′ capable of coming to be placed on the head plate PT2 so as to be centered on the hole TR made in it Ci as well as on the handle AN of the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly.
  • the connecting member 14 ' is in the form of a square plate whose dimensions are substantially the same as those of the hole TR in which it is placed.
  • a single control member, materialized by a screw 80, is anchored in the center of the connecting member 14 ', so as to project upwards when the fixing system 10' is placed on the housing L2 and when the latter this is oriented vertically. More specifically, the screw 80 is articulated on the connecting member 14 'by a ball joint 82. At its upper end, the screw 80 is provided with an operating head 81 allowing its actuation using a suitable tool.
  • a nut 84 is engaged on the screw 80.
  • the first ends of two rods 86 are articulated on the nut 84 by a common axis, orthogonal to that of the screw 80.
  • the opposite ends of each of the rods 86 are articulated on the first ends of two control rods 88 by axes 90 parallel to the articulation axis of the rods 86 on the nut 84.
  • Each of the control rods 88 is itself articulated on the connecting member 14 'by an axis 92 parallel to the axes 90. More specifically, the axes 92 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the ball joint 82.
  • the second end of each of the control rods 88, located below the connecting member 14 ', is articulated at the end of a thrust rod 94 by an axis 96, parallel to the axes 90 and 92.
  • the thrust rods 94 are supported by gravity on stop rods 98 integral with the connecting member 14 '. Their opposite ends can thus come to bear under the upper branch of the handle AN of the upper end piece ES2, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 7.
  • the rods 86, the control rods 88 and the thrust rods 94 are arranged in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis 22 'of the connecting member 14' and by a diagonal of the square formed in top view by said member.
  • the thrust rods 94 thus form, at the same time, means of axial clamping of the connecting member 14 'on the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly A2 and means of axial displacement of the latter parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 'of the connecting member 14'.
  • the connecting member 14 supports two jaws 100 capable of sliding along the diagonal of the square that it forms in top view. More specifically, the jaws 100 are located at the two opposite points of the aforementioned square. Each of them comprises a projecting part 102, capable of being placed in a housing 104 provided for this purpose at the entrance to the hole TR formed in the head plate PT2.
  • Two articulated rods 106 connect the jaws 100 to each of the control rods 88, at a location of these located between the axes 90 and 92.
  • the jaws 100 thus constitute means for axial clamping of the connecting member 14 'on the head plate PT embodying the open end of the housing L2.
  • a damping element (not shown) is advantageously interposed between each link 106 and the jaw 100 which corresponds to it.
  • This damping element allows the jaws 100 to fulfill their clamping function whatever the precise position in which the thrust rods 94 bring the upper branch of the handle AN to bear against the underside of the connecting member 14 '.
  • two rigid protective sheets 108 protrude downward, from two adjacent edges of the square plate forming the connecting member 14 '. More specifically, the protective sheets 108 are arranged along the sides intended to be turned upwards during the subsequent horizontal transport of the packaging. They extend down to between the plate massive P2 of the upper end piece ES2 and the housing L2, when the fixing system 10 'is fixed in the upper part of a housing L2 containing an assembly A2.
  • Each of the protective sheets 108 carries, on its face intended to be turned towards the interior of the housing L2, a leaf spring 110 provided with a support element 112 at its lower end. A part of this support element 112 is received between the protective sheet 108 and the adjacent edge of the solid plate P2, when the fixing system 10 'is introduced into the upper part of a housing L2 containing an assembly A2. Thanks to the leaf spring 110, the support element 112 ensures the lateral displacement of the upper end of the assembly.
  • the arrangement which has just been described allows an operator to move the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly A2 towards the two faces of the housing L2 intended to be oriented downwards during the subsequent transport of the assembly in its packaging. in horizontal position.
  • a thrust shoe 114 in the form of a wedge, is interposed between each protective sheet 108 and the support element 112 which corresponds to it.
  • Each thrust shoe 114 comprises a threaded hole in which is engaged a control screw 116. This is mounted on the connecting member 14 'so as to be able to rotate freely relative to the latter, while being linked said member parallel to its axis 22 '.
  • Each of the two control screws 116 comprises an operating head
  • the thrust pads 114 thus constitute means for transversely clamping the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly in its housing L2.
  • the fastening system 10 is designed to be mounted at the top of the housing L2 while the assembly A2 has already been introduced therein. Consequently, the lower end of the assembly then rests on the wedge C and on the bottom F of the cavity of the packaging.
  • the operator brings the fixing system 10 'above the assembly A2.
  • the fastening system is then in its unlocked position, that is to say that the nut 84 is in the low position on the screw 80.
  • the ends of the thrust rods 94 are distant from the underside of the plate forming the connecting member 14 'and spaced from each other by a distance greater than the width of the handle AN.
  • the jaws 100 are retracted towards the center of the connecting member 14 '.
  • the lower end of the protective sheets 108 enters the housing L2.
  • the upper branch of the handle AN is automatically centered by a drain 99 located in the lower part of the connecting member 14 '.
  • the support elements 112 mounted on the leaf springs 110 simultaneously provide prepositioning of the upper end piece ES2 against the corner of the housing intended to be turned downwards during the horizontal transport of the packaging.
  • a precise centering of the fastening system 10 'on the housing is then ensured by the embedding of the connecting member 14' on a complementary machining formed at the entrance of the hole TR of the head plate PT2.
  • the final positioning of the system is obtained when the connecting member 14 'comes to bear on the head plate PT2.
  • This third embodiment of the invention relates to a 10 "fixing system intended to be interposed between the upper nozzle ES3 of a fuel assembly A3 intended for a nuclear pressurized water reactor and a head plate PT3 materializing the open end of a housing L3.
  • the upper end piece ES3 of the assembly A3 comprises in this case a lower solid plate P3, forming a square in top view.
  • the upper end piece ES3 also includes an upper plate PS situated above and at a distance from the solid plate P3, when the assembly is oriented vertically.
  • the upper plate PS is hollowed out in its central part and rigidly connected to the plate P3 by connecting pieces PJ located at the four corners of the end piece.
  • the housing L3 is formed as previously inside a tube T of square section, the open upper end of which is fixed, for example by welding, in a hole TR of the same section, machined in the head plate PT3.
  • the fastening system 10 "comprises a connecting member 14" capable of being placed on the head plate PT3 so as to be centered on the hole TR made in the latter using guide pins not shown.
  • Clamping means such as screws 119 are provided to ensure a rigid connection between the connecting member 14 "and the head plate PT3 when the screws are put in place.
  • the connecting member 14 " is provided with balusters 121 which project downwards. For simplicity, only one of these balusters 121 is shown in FIG. 10. The lower faces of these balusters 121 form abutment surfaces. come to bear on the upper face of the upper plate PS of - the upper end piece ES3 of the assembly. -
  • a single control member 120 is rotatably supported at the center of the connecting member 14 ", while being immobilized on said member parallel to its axis 22 ". At its upper end, the single control member 120 is provided with an operating head 122 enabling it to be actuated using a suitable tool.
  • the single control member 120 In its lower part, located below the connecting member 14 ", the single control member 120 comprises a thread 124 on which is engaged a nut 126. Said nut 126 is immobilized in rotation relative to the member link 14 ", so that a rotation of the single control member 120 has the effect of controlling a displacement of the nut 126 upwards or downwards, parallel to the axis 22 ".
  • each of the claws 128 is articulated on one nut 126 by their upper ends. This articulation is provided by pivot axes 130 oriented in directions orthogonal to the axis 22 "of the connecting member 14". More precisely, the pivot axes of the claws 128 are all arranged in the same plane perpendicular to the axis 22 ", at equal distance therefrom. In addition, the pivot axes 130 of the claws 128 arranged on either side other of the longitudinal axis 22 "are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the pivot axes 130 of the other two claws 128. At its lower end, each of the claws 128 comprises a bent portion 140, which projects substantially at right angles to the outside.
  • two adjacent claws 128 are equipped with support rollers 142. More specifically, these rollers 142 equip the claws 128 intended to come into contact against the internal faces of the parts of the recessed upper plate PS which will be applied against the faces of the L3 housing intended to be turned downwards during the subsequent transport of the packaging in a horizontal position.
  • each of the claws 128 further comprises, on its side facing the longitudinal axis 22 ", a lug 132 placed above a stop rod 134 secured to the connecting member 14".
  • a torsion spring 136 is wound around each of the pivot axes 130 and is supported both on a rod 138 integral with the nut 126 and on the corresponding claw 128, so as to apply a lateral force on the end piece.
  • the lugs 132 of the claws 128 not equipped with rollers 142 are terminated by a stop 133 provided to come into abutment against a surface 127 of the nut 126, when the bent portions 140 of the claws 128 are placed under the plate upper PS of the upper end piece ES3.
  • the lateral displacement of the upper end piece ES3 towards the two required faces of the housing L can thus be ensured by the two claws 128 provided with rollers 142, under the action of the lateral forces exerted on said end piece by the springs 136.
  • the single control member 120 makes it possible to control the pivoting of the claws 128 which form both means for clamping the connecting member 14 "on the upper end piece ES3 of the assembly and means for axial displacement of the assembly along the longitudinal axis 22 ".
  • the springs 136 form means for transversely moving the upper end piece ES3 towards the corner of the housing L3 intended to be turned downwards during the transport of the packaging to the horizontal.
  • an actuation of the single control member 120 has the effect of spreading the claws 128, of moving them up along the axis 22 "and of position the bent parts 140 under the upper plate PS.
  • the two rollers 142 first come into contact with the corresponding inner faces of the obviously of the upper plate PS of the upper end piece ES3.
  • a transverse displacement of this end piece towards the aforementioned lower corner of the housing L3 is then obtained by means of the springs 136.
  • the bent portions 140 of the claws 128 then come to bear under the upper plate PS, which has the effect of lifting the assembly in his accommodation.
  • the upper plate PS is brought to bear against the lower faces of the columns 121 carried by the connecting member 14 ", which has the effect of securing this member of the upper end piece ES3 of the assembly.
  • the fixing system 10 is intended to be mounted in the top of the housing - L3 while the assembly A3 has already been introduced therein. lower end of the assembly then rests on the wedge C and on the bottom F of the packaging.
  • the operator brings the fixing system 10 "above the assembly A3.
  • the fixing system is then in its retracted or unlocked position, that is to say that the nut 126 is in the low position by relative to the single control member 120.
  • the bent parts 140 are retracted towards the axis 22 "and away from the underside of the recess formed in the upper plate PS.
  • the fixing system 10 is introduced into the upper part of the housing L3 as illustrated in FIG. 12 and centered on the head plate PT3 using pins (not shown).
  • the connecting member 14" is then secured to the PT3 head plate, for example by means of screws 119.
  • the rollers 142 come into contact with the two corresponding faces of the recess formed in the upper plate PS, which has the effect of applying the upper end piece ES3 against the aforementioned lower angle of the housing L3 ( Figure 13).
  • this housing may in particular belong to a device for transporting assemblies, to a storage basket in a swimming pool or to a storage area for combustible assemblies, provided in any installation.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Machine Parts And Wound Products (AREA)
  • Automatic Assembly (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for locking a fuel assembly in position in a housing of a transport container. According to the invention, a fixing system (10) is placed between the upper end piece (ES) of a fresh fuel assembly (A) which is to be transported and the open end of a housing (L) in which the assembly is to be disposed, such as to form a rigid connection therebetween. The fixing system (10) maintains the lower end piece of the assembly (A) at a distance from the base of the housing (L1) and presses the upper end piece (ES) laterally against the housing corner which is designed to face downwards during the subsequent transport of the assembly in the horizontal position. In addition, the lower end piece (EI) of the assembly (A) is held in place laterally by a reduced section portion (12) of the housing (L).

Description

PROCEDE ET DISPOSITIF DE BLOCAGE D'UN ASSEMBLAGE COMBUSTIBLE NUCLEAIRE DANS UN LOGEMENT METHOD AND DEVICE FOR LOCKING A NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLY IN A HOUSING
DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION
Domaine techniqueTechnical area
L'invention concerne un procédé de blocage d'un assemblage combustible nucléaire dans un logement prévu pour recevoir cet assemblage. L'invention concerne également un dispositif conçu pour mettre en œuvre ce procédé de blocage .The invention relates to a method for blocking a nuclear fuel assembly in a housing designed to receive this assembly. The invention also relates to a device designed to implement this blocking method.
Dans l'ensemble du texte, l'expression "assemblage combustible" désigne un assemblage de combustible nucléaire. De façon connue, un tel assemblage comprend une ossature rigide qui supporte un faisceau de tubes, chaque tube contenant un empilement de pastilles de combustible nucléaire et étant fermé à ses extrémités .Throughout the text, the expression "fuel assembly" designates a nuclear fuel assembly. In known manner, such an assembly comprises a rigid frame which supports a bundle of tubes, each tube containing a stack of nuclear fuel pellets and being closed at its ends.
L'invention s'applique notamment au transport des assemblages combustibles frais, c'est-à-dire non irradiés. Elle peut être utilisée pour tous les types d'assemblages combustibles, et notamment pour ceux qui sont destinés à des réacteurs nucléaires à eau sous pression et à eau bouillante.The invention applies in particular to the transport of fresh fuel assemblies, that is to say not irradiated. It can be used for all types of fuel assemblies, and in particular for those intended for pressurized water and boiling water nuclear reactors.
Etat de la techniqueState of the art
Le transport des assemblages combustibles frais entre leur site de fabrication et le réacteur nucléaire dans lequel ils doivent être utilisés s'effectue habituellement dans des emballages de transport prévus à cet effet . Chaque emballage de transport comprend une cavité dans laquelle est logé un panier muni d'un ou plusieurs logements. Les formes et les dimensions des logements sont telles que chacun d'entre eux peut recevoir un seul assemblage combustible nucléaire. Le nombre des logements prévus dans un même panier dépend de la taille des assemblages combustibles que l'on désire transporter.The transportation of fresh fuel assemblies between their manufacturing site and the nuclear reactor in which they are to be used is usually carried out in transport packaging provided for this purpose. Each transport package includes a cavity in which is housed a basket provided with one or more housings. The shapes and dimensions of the housings are such that each of them can receive a single nuclear fuel assembly. The number of housings provided in the same basket depends on the size of the fuel assemblies that one wishes to transport.
Afin de garantir la qualité des assemblages combustibles frais à leur arrivée sur le site du réacteur nucléaire, il est nécessaire d'immobiliser lesdits assemblages à l'intérieur de l'emballage. Cette immobilisation est faite, d'une part en bridant le panier dans la cavité de l'emballage et, d'autre part, en bloquant chacun des assemblages combustibles dans son logement. L'invention concerne la réalisation de cette fonction . de blocage des assemblages dans leur logement .In order to guarantee the quality of the fresh fuel assemblies on their arrival at the nuclear reactor site, it is necessary to immobilize said assemblies inside the packaging. This immobilization is made, on the one hand by clamping the basket in the cavity of the packaging and, on the other hand, by blocking each of the fuel assemblies in its housing. The invention relates to the realization of this function. locking assemblies in their housing.
Le document FR-A-2 773 415 propose de bloquer un assemblage combustible de section carrée à l'intérieur de son logement en plaçant, sur deux des faces adjacentes de ce dernier, des moyens de serrage réglables qui appliquent l'assemblage contre les deux autres faces du logement . Les moyens de serrage réglables sont manœuvres depuis l'extrémité ouverte du logement. Ils peuvent être entièrement mécaniques ou intégrer des vérins à gaz.Document FR-A-2 773 415 proposes to block a fuel assembly of square section inside its housing by placing, on two of the adjacent faces of the latter, adjustable clamping means which apply the assembly against the two other sides of the housing. The adjustable clamping means are operated from the open end of the housing. They can be fully mechanical or incorporate gas cylinders.
Les dispositifs de blocage décrits dans ce document remplissent leur fonction de manière satisfaisante. Toutefois, ils ont pour inconvénients notables de présenter une masse et un prix de fabrication élevés, ainsi qu'un encombrement important. En effet, les dispositifs de blocage sont intégrés dans les parois des alvéoles, ce qui en augmente sensiblement l'épaisseur. Le nombre des alvéoles contenues dans un même emballage est donc diminué par la présence de ces dispositifs. Par conséquent, la capacité de transport des emballages est limitée, ce qui conduit à augmenter le nombre de transports à réaliser pour une recharge du cœur d'un réacteur nucléaire. Le prix global de la livraison s'en trouve accru.The locking devices described in this document fulfill their function satisfactorily. However, they have the significant disadvantages of having a mass and a high manufacturing price, as well as a large size. In fact, the blocking devices are integrated into the walls of the cells, which significantly increases the thickness. The number of cells contained in the same package is therefore reduced by the presence of these devices. Consequently, the transport capacity of the packages is limited, which leads to increasing the number of transport operations to be carried out for recharging the core of a nuclear reactor. The overall price of delivery is increased.
Les documents FR-A-2 758 646, FR-A-2 760 562 et FR-A-2 765 721 proposent des solutions voisines de celle qui est décrite dans le document FR-A-2 773 415. Ces solutions présentent toutes les mêmes inconvénients de poids, d'encombrement et de coût.The documents FR-A-2 758 646, FR-A-2 760 562 and FR-A-2 765 721 propose solutions similar to that which is described in the document FR-A-2 773 415. These solutions present all the same disadvantages of weight, size and cost.
Par ailleurs, les documents FR-A-2 674 667, FR-A-2 674 668 et FR-A-2 774 800 proposent de brider un assemblage dans son logement en réalisant deux côtés adjacents du logement sur une partie articulée de l'emballage et en plaçant des moyens de serrage sur cette partie articulée.Furthermore, documents FR-A-2 674 667, FR-A-2 674 668 and FR-A-2 774 800 propose to clamp an assembly in its housing by making two adjacent sides of the housing on an articulated part of the packaging and placing clamping means on this articulated part.
Cet agencement présente des inconvénients encore plus grands que les précédents, puisqu'il interdit de transporter plus de deux assemblages combustibles à la fois.This arrangement has even greater disadvantages than the previous ones, since it prohibits the transport of more than two fuel assemblies at the same time.
Esiposë de 1 ' inventionEsiposë of the invention
L'invention a notamment pour objet un dispositif conçu pour bloquer un assemblage combustible à l'intérieur d'un logement par des moyens simples, peu coûteux et présentant un encombrement minimal dans le sens de 1,' épaisseur des parois du logement, de telle sorte qu'un nombre accru d'assemblages peut être transporté simultanément.The invention particularly relates to a device designed to block a fuel assembly inside a housing by simple means, inexpensive and having a minimum size in the direction of 1, 'thickness of the walls of the housing, such so that more assemblies can be transported simultaneously.
Conformément à l'invention, ce résultat est obtenu au moyen d'un dispositif de blocage d'un assemblage- combustible dans un logement, l'assemblage comprenant un embout supérieur, et le logement comprenant une première extrémité ouverte et une deuxième extrémité, le dispositif étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens aptes à réaliser une liaison rigide entre l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage combustible et l'extrémité ouverte du logement, dans une position relative prédéterminée telle queAccording to the invention, this result is obtained by means of a device for blocking a fuel assembly in a housing, the assembly comprising an upper end piece, and the housing comprising a first open end and a second end, the device being characterized in that it comprises means capable of producing a rigid connection between the upper end piece of the fuel assembly and the open end of the housing, in a predetermined relative position such that
1 ' assemblage est en appui contre au moins une face du logement sur une partie au moins de sa longueur, lesdits moyens aptes à réaliser une liaison rigideThe assembly bears against at least one face of the housing over at least part of its length, said means capable of producing a rigid connection
- étant placés au-dessus de l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage.- being placed above the upper end of the assembly.
Du fait que le blocage de l'assemblage combustible est effectué par un -dispositif qui relie l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage à l'extrémité ouverte du logement, ce dispositif peut être placé dans le logement, au-dessus de l'assemblage. Par conséquent, on peut donner à l'épaisseur des parois qui séparent les logements adjacents une valeur minimale. Pour un encombrement donné de l'emballage, il est donc possible de transporter un plus grand nombre d'assemblages qu'avec les dispositifs de blocage de l'art antérieur. De plus, la masse et le coût de fabrication du dispositif selon l'invention sont réduits par rapport à l'art antérieur.Because the blocking of the fuel assembly is effected by a device which connects the upper end of the assembly to the open end of the housing, this device can be placed in the housing, above the assembly . Consequently, the thickness of the walls which separate the adjacent housings can be given a minimum value. For a given size of the packaging, it is therefore possible to transport a larger number of assemblies than with the locking devices of the prior art. In addition, the mass and the manufacturing cost of the device according to the invention are reduced compared to the prior art.
L'assemblage combustible et le logement présentent habituellement des sections polygonales, le plus souvent carrées. La position relative prédéterminée entre l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage combustible et l'extrémité ouverte du logement est alors telle que 1 ' embout supérieur est en appui contre deux faces adjacentes du logement.The fuel assembly and housing usually have polygonal sections, the more often square. The predetermined relative position between the upper end piece of the fuel assembly and the open end of the housing is then such that the upper end piece bears against two adjacent faces of the housing.
Avantageusement, pour assurer un bon positionnement de l'autre extrémité de l'assemblage, le dispositif comprend de plus une partie de section réduite du logement, située à proximité du fond de celui-ci, ladite partie de section réduite ayant des dimensions sensiblement égales à celles d'un embout inférieur de l'assemblage combustible.Advantageously, to ensure proper positioning of the other end of the assembly, the device further comprises a part of reduced section of the housing, located near the bottom thereof, said part of reduced section having substantially equal dimensions. to those of a lower nozzle of the fuel assembly.
En outre, la position relative prédéterminée définie par les moyens aptes à réaliser une liaison rigide est telle que l'assemblage combustible n'est pas en contact avec une cale placée dans la deuxième extrémité du logement .In addition, the predetermined relative position defined by the means capable of producing a rigid connection is such that the fuel assembly is not in contact with a shim placed in the second end of the housing.
De préférence, les moyens aptes à réaliser une liaison rigide comprennent un organe de liaison apte à être f-ixé- sur l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage par des premiers moyens de bridage et apte à être fixé dans l'extrémité ouverte du logement par des deuxièmes moyens de bridage .Preferably, the means capable of producing a rigid connection comprise a connecting member capable of being fixed on the upper end of the assembly by first clamping means and capable of being fixed in the open end of the housing by second clamping means.
Dans ce cas, l'organe de liaison intègre avantageusement des moyens de déplacement transversal, aptes à déplacer l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage vers les deux faces adjacentes du logement et en éloignement de celles-ci, ainsi que des moyens de déplacement axial, aptes à déplacer l'assemblage en éloignement de la deuxième extrémité du logement et vers ladite deuxième extrémité . Selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, les premiers moyens de bridage, les deuxièmes moyens de bridage, les moyens de déplacement transversal et les moyens de déplacement axial sont actionnés par des organes de commande distincts, aptes à être manœuvres séparément .In this case, the connecting member advantageously incorporates transverse displacement means, capable of moving the upper end piece of the assembly towards and away from the two adjacent faces of the housing, as well as means of axial displacement , able to move the assembly away from the second end of the housing and towards said second end. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the first clamping means, the second clamping means, the transverse displacement means and the axial displacement means are actuated by separate control members, able to be operated separately.
Dans ce cas, l'organe de liaison a un axe longitudinal apte à être orienté parallèlement à un axe longitudinal de l'assemblage combustible. Les premiers moyens de bridage comprennent alors, de préférence, des mors aptes à se déplacer sur une première partie de l'organe de liaison selon des directions sensiblement radiales par rapport audit axe. Par ailleurs, les deuxièmes moyens de bridage comprennent une couronne à baïonnette apte à tourner sur une deuxième partie de l'organe de liaison autour dudit axe. En outre, les moyens de déplacement axial comprennent des moyens pour commander un. déplacement relatif entre la première et la deuxième partie selon ledit axe et les moyens de déplacement -•• transversal comprennent au moins un coulisseau apte à se déplacer sur la première partie de l'organe de liaison selon une direction sensiblement radiale par rapport audit axe. Le coulisseau fait alors également partie des deuxièmes moyens de bridage. Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, les premiers moyens • de bridage, les deuxièmes moyens de bridage et les moyens de déplacement axial sont actionnés par un organe de commande unique, et les moyens de déplacement transversal sont actionnés par un autre organe de commande apte à être manœuvré séparément de 1 ' organe de commande unique. Dans ce cas, l'organe de commande unique est avantageusement une vis, ancrée de façon tournante sur l'organe de liaison, ladite vis agissant sur des bielles de poussée formant à la fois les premiers moyens de bridage et les moyens de déplacement axial, et agissant sur des mors formant les deuxièmes moyens de bridage, par l'intermédiaire de bielles de commande articulées sur l'organe de liaison, sur un écrou en prise sur la vis, sur les bielles de poussée et sur les mors, et les moyens de déplacement transversal comprennent des patins de poussée ancrés sur l'organe de liaison.In this case, the connecting member has a longitudinal axis capable of being oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fuel assembly. The first clamping means then preferably comprise jaws capable of moving over a first part of the connecting member in directions that are substantially radial with respect to said axis. Furthermore, the second clamping means comprise a bayonet ring capable of turning on a second part of the connecting member around said axis. In addition, the axial displacement means comprise means for controlling one. relative displacement between the first and the second part along said axis and the transverse - •• displacement means comprise at least one slide capable of moving on the first part of the connecting member in a direction substantially radial with respect to said axis. The slide then also forms part of the second clamping means. According to a second embodiment of the invention, the first clamping means, the second clamping means and the axial displacement means are actuated by a single control member, and the transverse displacement means are actuated by another member. control able to be operated separately from one single control member. In this case, the single control member is advantageously a screw, anchored in a rotary manner on the connecting member, said screw acting on thrust rods forming both the first clamping means and the axial displacement means, and acting on jaws forming the second clamping means, by means of control rods articulated on the connecting member, on a nut engaged on the screw, on the thrust rods and on the jaws, and the means transverse displacement include thrust pads anchored on the connecting member.
Selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, les premiers moyens de bridage, les moyens de déplacement transversal et les moyens de déplacement axial sont . actionnés par un organe de commande unique. Les deuxièmes moyens de bridage comprennent alors un organe de fixation séparé.According to a third embodiment of the invention, the first clamping means, the transverse displacement means and the axial displacement means are. actuated by a single control member. The second clamping means then comprise a separate fixing member.
Dans ce cas, l'organe- -de commande unique est avantageusement une vis, ancrée de façon tournante sur l'organe de liaison, ladite vis agissant sur des griffes formant à la fois les premiers moyens de bridage, les moyens de déplacement axial et les moyens de déplacement transversal, par l'intermédiaire d'un écrou en prise sur la vis et sur lequel sont articulées lesdites griffes.In this case, the single control member is advantageously a screw, anchored in a rotary manner on the connecting member, said screw acting on claws forming at the same time the first clamping means, the axial displacement means and the transverse displacement means, by means of a nut engaged on the screw and on which said claws are articulated.
L'invention a également pour objet un procédé de blocage d'un assemblage combustible dans un logement, l'assemblage comprenant un embout supérieur, et le logement comprenant une première extrémité ouverte et une deuxième extrémité, le procédé étant caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à réaliser une liaison rigide entre 1 ' embout supérieur de 1 ' assemblage combustible et l'extrémité ouverte du logement au-dessus de l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage, dans une position relative prédéterminée telle que l'assemblage combustible ne soit pas en contact avec le fond du logement et soit en appui contre au moins une face du logement sur une partie au moins de sa longueur.The invention also relates to a method of blocking a fuel assembly in a housing, the assembly comprising an upper nozzle, and the housing comprising a first open end and a second end, the method being characterized in that it is to make a connection rigid between the upper end of the fuel assembly and the open end of the housing above the upper end of the assembly, in a predetermined relative position such that the fuel assembly is not in contact with the bottom of the housing and is in abutment against at least one face of the housing over at least part of its length.
Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings
On décrira à présent, à titre d'exemples illustratifs et non limitatifs, différents modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention, en se référant aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels : - la figure 1 est une vue en coupe verticale schématique représentant un assemblage combustible maintenu : à "1 '-intérieur d'un logement d'un panier d'un emballage de transport à l'aide d'un -dispositif de blocage conforme à l'invention ; - la figure 2 est une vue de dessus schématique de l'assemblage de la figure 1, maintenu dans son logement par le dispositif de blocage selon 1 ' invention ;We will now describe, by way of illustrative and nonlimiting examples, various preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a fuel assembly maintained: "inside a housing of a basket of a transport packaging using a blocking device according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the assembly of Figure 1, held in its housing by the locking device 1 according to the invention;
- la figure 3 est une vue en coupe verticale représentant, en mode bloqué, un système de fixation de l'embout supérieur d'un assemblage combustible de réacteur nucléaire à eau sous pression, selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;- Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view showing, in locked mode, a system for fixing the upper nozzle of a fuel assembly of a pressurized water nuclear reactor, according to a first embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 4 est une vue en coupe comparable à la figure 3, représentant le système de fixation lorsque l'assemblage combustible est déposé ; - la figure 5 est une vue en coupe comparable aux figures 3 et 4, représentant le système de fixation au moment où il est introduit dans l'embout supérieur ;- Figure 4 is a sectional view comparable to Figure 3, showing the fastening system when the fuel assembly is removed; - Figure 5 is a sectional view comparable to Figures 3 and 4, showing the fixing system when it is introduced into the upper end;
- la figure 6 est une vue de dessus du système de fixation de la figure 3 ;- Figure 6 is a top view of the fastening system of Figure 3;
- la figure 7 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne VII-VII de la figure 6 ;- Figure 7 is a sectional view along the line VII-VII of Figure 6;
- la figure 8 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne VIII-VIII de la figure 6 ; - la figure 9 est une vue en coupe verticale représentant, en mode bloqué, un système de fixation de l'embout supérieur d'un assemblage combustible de réacteur nucléaire à eau bouillante, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ; - la figure 10 est une vue en coupe verticale représentant, en mode non serré latéralement, les moyens de déplacement transversal qui équipent .le système de fixation de la figure 9 ; la figure 11 est une vue de dessus du système de fixation de la figure 9 ;- Figure 8 is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of Figure 6; - Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view showing, in blocked mode, a system for fixing the upper nozzle of a fuel assembly of a boiling water nuclear reactor, according to a second embodiment of the invention; - Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view showing, in non-laterally tightened mode, the transverse displacement means which equip .the fixing system of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a top view of the fastening system of Figure 9;
- la figure 12 est une vue en coupe verticale d'un système de fixation de l'embout supérieur d'un assemblage combustible de réacteur nucléaire à eau sous pression, illustrant un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;- Figure 12 is a vertical sectional view of a system for fixing the upper nozzle of a fuel assembly of a pressurized water nuclear reactor, illustrating a third embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 13 est une vue comparable à la figure 12, représentant le système de fixation lors de la venue en prise des griffes dudit système avec l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage ; et - la figure 14 est une vue comparable aux figures 12 et 13, qui représente le système de fixation lors du blocage de l'assemblage en position haute et décalée latéralement .- Figure 13 is a view comparable to Figure 12, showing the fastening system when engaging the claws of said system with the upper end of the assembly; and - Figure 14 is a view comparable to Figures 12 and 13, which shows the fixing system when locking the assembly in the high position and laterally offset.
Description détaillée de différents modes de réalisation préférés de l'inventionDetailed description of various preferred embodiments of the invention
Comme on l'a représenté schématiquement sur la figure 1, lorsqu'un assemblage combustible nucléaire frais A doit être acheminé sur le site d'un réacteur nucléaire, il est placé à l'intérieur d'un logement L prévu à cet effet dans un panier, conçu pour être lui- même logé dans un emballage de transport.As shown schematically in Figure 1, when a fresh nuclear fuel assembly A must be routed to the site of a nuclear reactor, it is placed inside a housing L provided for this purpose in a basket, designed to be housed in a transport packaging.
Un ou plusieurs logements L peuvent être aménagés dans un même panier, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. Chaque logement L est dimensionné pour recevoir un seul assemblage A. A cet effet, les dimensions intérieures du logement L sont légèrement supérieures à celles de l'assemblage A.One or more housings L can be arranged in the same basket, without going beyond the ambit of the invention. Each housing L is dimensioned to receive a single assembly A. For this purpose, the interior dimensions of the housing L are slightly greater than those of assembly A.
Les assemblages A et les logements L ont généralement des sections polygonales, le plus souvent carrées comme 1 ' illustre- schématiquement la figure 2.The assemblies A and the housings L generally have polygonal sections, most often square as illustrated schematically in FIG. 2.
Quel que soit le type de réacteur nucléaire auquel ils sont destinés, les assemblages combustibles A comprennent toujours une ossature rigide qui supporte un faisceau de crayons . Chaque crayon comprend un tube fermé à ses extrémités et dans lequel est placé un empilement de pastilles de combustible nucléaire. L'ossature rigide comporte notamment un embout supérieur ES, un embout inférieur El et des tiges reliant rigidement ces embouts. Comme on le verra par la suite, l'embout supérieur ES peut prendre des formes différentes, selon le type de réacteur auquel est destiné l'assemblage. D'autre part, chaque logement L est délimité latéralement par une paroi tubulaire T dont la section a une forme identique à celle de l'assemblage A. Cette forme est carrée sur la figure 2. Lorsque le logement L est orienté verticalement comme l'illustre la figure 2, il est ouvert à son extrémité haute et muni d'une cale C à son extrémité basse. Le fond F de la cavité de l'emballage dans laquelle est placé le panier obture l'extrémité basse du logement L. La cale C est conçue pour supporter axialement l'assemblage A au niveau de son embout inférieur El. L'extrémité ouverte du logement L est matérialisée par une plaque support, dite "plaque de tête" PT, fixée sur l'extrémité supérieure de la paroi tubulaire T. Lors du chargement et du déchargement des assemblages A, l'emballage est généralement orienté de façon telle, que 1 ' axe longitudinal de chaque logement L soit sensiblement vertical. En revanche, le transport s '-effectue alors que les logements L sont en position couchée, sensiblement horizontale. Les assemblages A sont alors en appui sur deux faces latérales adjacentes du logement L, tournées vers le bas de façon à former un V entre elles, comme illustré sur la figure 2.Whatever the type of nuclear reactor for which they are intended, fuel assemblies A always include a rigid frame which supports a bundle of rods. Each pencil comprises a tube closed at its ends and in which is placed a stack of nuclear fuel pellets. The rigid frame comprises in particular an upper end piece ES, a lower end piece El and rods rigidly connecting these end pieces. As will be seen later, the upper end piece ES can take different forms, depending on the type of reactor for which the assembly is intended. On the other hand, each housing L is delimited laterally by a tubular wall T whose section has a shape identical to that of the assembly A. This shape is square in FIG. 2. When the housing L is oriented vertically like the illustrates Figure 2, it is open at its upper end and fitted with a wedge C at its lower end. The bottom F of the cavity of the packaging in which the basket is placed blocks the lower end of the housing L. The wedge C is designed to axially support the assembly A at its lower end piece El. The open end of the housing L is materialized by a support plate, called "head plate" PT, fixed on the upper end of the tubular wall T. During the loading and unloading of the assemblies A, the packaging is generally oriented in such a way that 1 longitudinal axis of each housing L is substantially vertical. On the other hand, the transport takes place while the housings L are in the lying position, substantially horizontal. The assemblies A are then supported on two adjacent lateral faces of the housing L, turned downwards so as to form a V between them, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
Afin de garantir la qualité des assemblages acheminés jusqu'au site du réacteur, les déplacements relatifs entre l'assemblage A et son emballage de transport doivent être limités. A cet effet, un premier dispositif de blocage est prévu entre chaque assemblage A et son logement L et un deuxième dispositif de blocage est prévu entre le panier et l'emballage de transport. Ce deuxième dispositif de blocage ne fait pas partie de l'invention. Conformément à 1 ' invention et comme l'illustrent schématiquement les. figures 1 et 2, le dispositif de blocage de l'assemblage A dans son logement L comprend principalement un système de fixation 10, conçu pour réaliser une liaison rigide entre l'embout supérieur ES de l'assemblage A et l'extrémité ouverte du logement L, matérialisée par la plaque de tête PT.In order to guarantee the quality of the assemblies sent to the reactor site, the relative movements between assembly A and its transport packaging must be limited. To this end, a first blocking device is provided between each assembly A and its housing L and a second blocking device is provided between the basket and the transport packaging. This second blocking device is not part of the invention. In accordance with the invention and as illustrated schematically. Figures 1 and 2, the device for locking the assembly A in its housing L mainly comprises a fixing system 10, designed to make a rigid connection between the upper end piece ES of the assembly A and the open end of the housing L, materialized by the PT head plate.
Plus précisément, cette liaison rigide définit une position relative prédéterminée entre l'assemblage A et son logement L. La position relative ainsi définie est telle que l'assemblage combustible A n'est pas en contact avec la cale C prévue dans l'extrémité basse du logement L. On ménage ainsi un jeu prédéterminé entre l'embout inférieur El de l'assemblage A et la cale C. Ce jeu permet à l'assemblage de se dilater selon son axe à 1 ' intérieur de son logement sans interférer avec celui-ci. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la valeur de ce jeu peut être d'environ 6 mm. ' -- Pour amener l'assemblage A dans cette position relative prédéterminée, et inversement, le système de fixation 10 comprend avantageusement des moyens de déplacement axial aptes à déplacer l'assemblage en éloignement du fond F du logement L et vers ledit fond. Dans les modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention illustrés sur les figures, le système de fixation 10 comporte également des moyens de déplacement transversal, agencés de façon à déplacer l'embout supérieur ES de l'assemblage A vers les deux faces latérales adjacentes du logement L prévues pour être tournées vers le bas lors du transport de l'emballage, et en éloignement de ces deux faces latérales. Ce déplacement est rendu possible par le fait qu'il existe un jeu prédéterminé, dans le sens transversal, entre l'assemblage A et le logement L, sur la majeure partie de la hauteur de celui-ci. Ce jeu est nécessaire à la bonne introduction de l'assemblage dans son logement lors du chargement. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la valeur de ce jeu transversal est d'environ 6 mm.More precisely, this rigid connection defines a predetermined relative position between the assembly A and its housing L. The relative position thus defined is such that the fuel assembly A is not in contact with the shim C provided in the lower end of the housing L. There is thus provided a predetermined clearance between the lower end piece El of the assembly A and the shim C. This clearance allows the assembly to expand along its axis inside its housing without interfering with that -this. By way of nonlimiting example, the value of this play can be around 6 mm. '- To bring the assembly A in this predetermined relative position, and vice versa, the fastening system 10 advantageously comprises axial displacement means able to move the assembly away from the bottom F of the housing L and towards said bottom. In the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures, the fastening system 10 also comprises transverse displacement means, arranged so as to move the upper end piece ES of the assembly A towards the two adjacent lateral faces of the housing L intended to be turned downwards during transport of the packaging, and away from these two faces side. This movement is made possible by the fact that there is a predetermined play, in the transverse direction, between the assembly A and the housing L, over the major part of the height thereof. This play is necessary for the correct introduction of the assembly into its housing during loading. By way of nonlimiting example, the value of this transverse play is approximately 6 mm.
Dans les modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention, le dispositif de blocage comprend de plus une partie 12 de section réduite du logement L, située à proximité du fond de celui-ci. Plus précisément, cette partie 12 de section réduite est située au niveau de l'embout inférieur El de l'assemblage A et ses dimensions sont sensiblement égales à celles de cet embout. Ainsi, le déplacement transversal de l'embout inférieur El de l'assemblage A est fortement limité dans la partie basse du logement- L.In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the blocking device further comprises a portion 12 of reduced section of the housing L, located near the bottom thereof. More specifically, this part 12 of reduced section is located at the level of the lower end piece El of assembly A and its dimensions are substantially equal to those of this end piece. Thus, the transverse displacement of the lower end piece El of the assembly A is greatly limited in the lower part of the housing - L.
La partie 12 de section réduite du logement L est matérialisée par des -parties en surplomb formée sur les faces latérales adjacentes du logement L opposées aux deux faces latérales adjacentes prévues pour être tournées vers le bas lors du transport de l'emballage.Part 12 of reduced section of the housing L is materialized by overhanging parts formed on the adjacent side faces of the housing L opposite the two adjacent side faces intended to be turned downwards during transport of the packaging.
Par ailleurs, les deux faces du logement L prévues pour être tournées vers le bas lorsque l'assemblage est en position horizontale (comme illustré sur la figure 2) présentent des décrochements dans leurs parties haute et basse, au droit des embouts ES et El. Par conséquent, compte tenu de la légère différence de section entre les embouts et la partie courante de l'assemblage, les grilles de ce dernier viennent alors au contact des deux faces précitées du logement, comme le montre la figure 1.Furthermore, the two faces of the housing L intended to be turned downwards when the assembly is in a horizontal position (as illustrated in FIG. 2) have notches in their upper and lower parts, in line with the end caps ES and El. Consequently, taking into account the slight difference in cross-section between the end pieces and the current part of the assembly, the grids of the latter then come into contact with the two aforementioned faces of the housing, as shown in FIG. 1.
On décrira à présent un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, en se référant aux figures 3 à 8.A first embodiment of the invention will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.
Ce premier mode de réalisation de l'invention concerne un système de fixation 10 prévu pour être interposé entre l'embout supérieur ESI d'un assemblage combustible Al destiné à un réacteur nucléaire à eau sous pression et une plaque de tête PT1 matérialisant l'extrémité ouverte d'un logement Ll .This first embodiment of the invention relates to a fixing system 10 intended to be interposed between the upper nozzle ESI of a fuel assembly Al intended for a pressurized water nuclear reactor and a head plate PT1 materializing the end open housing Ll.
Comme le montrent les figures 3 à 8, l'embout supérieur ESI comprend dans ce cas une plaque massive inférieure PI, dont la section carrée définit la section de l'assemblage. L'embout supérieur ESI comprend également une plaque supérieure PS située au- dessus et- à distance de la plaque PI, lorsque l'assemblage est orienté verticalement. La plaque supérieure - PS est évidée dans sa partie centrale et reliée rigidement à la plaque PI par des pièces de jonction non visibles sur les figures et situées aux quatre coins de l'embout ESI.As shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the upper end piece ESI in this case comprises a solid lower plate PI, the square section of which defines the section of the assembly. The upper end piece ESI also includes an upper plate PS situated above and at a distance from the plate PI, when the assembly is oriented vertically. The upper plate - PS is hollowed out in its central part and rigidly connected to the PI plate by junction pieces not visible in the figures and located at the four corners of the ESI endpiece.
On voit également plus en détail sur les figures 3 et 4 que le logement Ll est formé dans ce cas à l'intérieur d'un tube T de section carrée, dont l'extrémité supérieure ouverte est fixée, par exemple par soudage, dans un trou TR de même section, usiné dans la plaque de tête PT1.It can also be seen in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4 that the housing L1 is formed in this case inside a tube T of square section, the open upper end of which is fixed, for example by welding, in a hole TR of the same section, machined in the head plate PT1.
Le système de fixation 10 comprend un organe de liaison 14 apte à venir se placer sur la plaque de tête PT1 de façon à être centré sur le- trou TR pratiqué dans celle-ci ainsi que sur 1 ' évidément de la plaque supérieure PS de l'embout supérieur ESI de 1 'assemblage.The fastening system 10 comprises a connecting member 14 capable of being placed on the head plate PT1 so as to be centered on the hole TR made in it as well as on the recess of the plate upper PS of the upper end ESI of the assembly.
L'organe de liaison 14 comprend une face d'appui plane 16 prévue pour être tournée vers le bas lorsque l'assemblage est orienté verticalement. Lorsque l'organe de liaison 14 est fixé sur la plaque de tête PT1 et sur l'embout supérieur ESI de l'assemblage Al, comme l'illustre la figure 3, la face d'appui 16 est en appui à la fois sur la face supérieure de la plaque de tête et sur la face supérieure de l'embout.The connecting member 14 comprises a flat bearing face 16 intended to be turned downwards when the assembly is oriented vertically. When the connecting member 14 is fixed on the head plate PT1 and on the upper end piece ESI of the assembly Al, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the bearing face 16 is supported both on the upper face of the head plate and on the upper face of the nozzle.
Deux doigts de centrage 18 font saillie vers le bas à partir de la face d'appui 16. Les doigts de centrage 18 pénètrent dans des trous formés dans la plaque supérieure PS de l'embout supérieur ESI, de façon à assurer un centrage de l'organe de liaison 14 sur cet embout (voir la figure 7) .Two centering fingers 18 protrude downward from the bearing face 16. The centering fingers 18 penetrate into holes formed in the upper plate PS of the upper end piece ESI, so as to ensure centering of the 'connecting member 14 on this tip (see Figure 7).
Dans sa partie située au-dessus de la face d'appui 16 l'organe de liaison 14 supporte, sur sa périphérie extérieure, une couronne 20 apte à- tourner librement autour d'un axe longitudinal 22 dudit organe 14, orienté parallèlement à l'axe du logement Ll lorsque l'organe de liaison 14 est fixé sur celui-ci.In its part located above the bearing face 16 the connecting member 14 supports, on its outer periphery, a ring 20 capable of freely rotating around a longitudinal axis 22 of said member 14, oriented parallel to the 'axis of the housing Ll when the connecting member 14 is fixed thereon.
Comme le montrent en particulier les figures 6 et 7, la couronne 20 est munie extérieurement de deux ergots 24. Ces deux ergots 24 sont situés en des emplacements diamétralement opposés.As shown in particular in Figures 6 and 7, the crown 20 is provided externally with two lugs 24. These two lugs 24 are located in diametrically opposite locations.
Par ailleurs, deux brides 26 sont fixées, par exemple au moyen de vis, sur la face supérieure de la plaque de tête PT1, en des emplacements diamétralement opposés de part et d'autre du trou TR, sur l'une des diagonales du carré formé en section par ce trou. Selon la position angulaire de la couronne 20 autour de son axe 22, lorsque la face d'appui 16 de l'organe de liaison 14 repose sur la face supérieure de la plaque de tête PT1, les ergots 24 peuvent être soit en prise avec les brides 26, c'est-à-dire emprisonnées entre celles-ci et la face supérieure de la plaque de tête PT1, soit décalés angulairement par rapport auxdites brides 26. Dans le premier cas, l'organe de liaison est solidarisé de la plaque de tête PT1. Dans le cas contraire, l'organe de liaison est désolidarisé de la plaque de tête. L'agencement ainsi réalisé forme une liaison rigide du type "à baïonnette".Furthermore, two flanges 26 are fixed, for example by means of screws, on the upper face of the head plate PT1, in diametrically opposite locations on either side of the hole TR, on one of the diagonals of the square formed in section by this hole. Depending on the angular position of the crown 20 around its axis 22, when the bearing face 16 of the connecting member 14 rests on the upper face of the head plate PT1, the pins 24 can either be engaged with the flanges 26, that is to say trapped between them and the upper face of the head plate PT1, or angularly offset with respect to said flanges 26. In the first case, the connecting member is secured to the plate PT1 head. Otherwise, the connecting member is detached from the head plate. The arrangement thus produced forms a rigid connection of the "bayonet" type.
Comme le montre en particulier la figure 8, l'organe de liaison 14 supporte également un premier organe de commande 27, monté tournant autour d'un axe parallèle à l'axe longitudinal 22. A son extrémité accessible sur la face supérieure de l'organe de liaison 14, le premier organe de commande 27 est muni d'une tête de manœuvre 28.-- Celle-ci permet de commander une rotation du premier organe de commande 27 à l'aide d'un outil adapté.As shown in particular in Figure 8, the connecting member 14 also supports a first control member 27, mounted rotating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 22. At its accessible end on the upper face of the connecting member 14, the first control member 27 is provided with an operating head 28. This makes it possible to control a rotation of the first control member 27 using a suitable tool.
Le premier organe de commande 27 est solidaire d'un pignon 30. Ce pignon 30 est en prise sur un secteur denté 32 prévu à cet effet à l'intérieur de la couronne 20.The first control member 27 is integral with a pinion 30. This pinion 30 is engaged on a toothed sector 32 provided for this purpose inside the crown 20.
L'agencement qui vient d'être décrit permet de solidariser l'organe de liaison 14 de la plaque de tête PT ou au contraire de désolidariser ces deux pièces en commandant la rotation du premier organe de commande 27 dans l'un ou l'autre sens à l'aide d'un outil approprié. Le premier organe de commande 27-, la couronne 20 munie de ses ergots 24 et les brides 26 forment ainsi des moyens pour réaliser une liaison rigide entre l'organe de liaison 14 et l'extrémité ouverte du logement L.The arrangement which has just been described makes it possible to secure the connecting member 14 of the head plate PT or on the contrary to separate these two parts by controlling the rotation of the first control member 27 in one or the other sense using a suitable tool. The first control member 27, the crown 20 provided with its lugs 24 and the flanges 26 thus form means for making a rigid connection between the connecting member 14 and the open end of the housing L.
Dans sa partie supérieure centrale, l'organe de liaison 14 supporte un deuxième organe de commande 34, disposé selon son axe longitudinal 22 et apte à tourner autour dudit axe. A son extrémité accessible sur la face supérieure de l'organe de liaison 14, le deuxième organe de commande 34 est muni d'une tête de manœuvre 36. Celle-ci permet de commander une rotation du deuxième organe de commande 34 à l'aide d'un outil adapté .In its central upper part, the connecting member 14 supports a second control member 34, arranged along its longitudinal axis 22 and able to rotate around said axis. At its accessible end on the upper face of the connecting member 14, the second control member 34 is provided with an operating head 36. This makes it possible to control a rotation of the second control member 34 using a suitable tool.
A son extrémité opposée, le deuxième organe de commande 34 comporte un filetage 38. Une pièce cylindrique 40 est en prise sur ce filetage 38 par un taraudage 42. A son extrémité haute, la pièce cylindrique 40 est solidaire d'un disque 44 centré sur l'axe longitudinal 22. Le disque 44 porte une denture 46 • à -sa périphérie. Cette denture 46 est en prise sur un- pignon 48, solidaire d'un troisième organe de commande 50 porté par l'organe de liaison 14.At its opposite end, the second control member 34 has a thread 38. A cylindrical piece 40 is engaged on this thread 38 by a thread 42. At its upper end, the cylindrical piece 40 is secured to a disc 44 centered on the longitudinal axis 22. The disc 44 has teeth 46 • at its periphery. This toothing 46 is engaged on a pinion 48, integral with a third control member 50 carried by the connecting member 14.
Comme les organes de commande 27 et 34, le troisième organe de commande 50 est monté sur un axe parallèle à l'axe longitudinal 22 et apte à tourner autour dudit axe. A son extrémité accessible sur la face supérieure de l'organe de liaison 14, le troisième organe de commande 50 est muni d'une tête de manœuvre 52. Celle-ci permet de commander une rotation du troisième organe de commande 50 à l'aide d'un outil adapté.Like the control members 27 and 34, the third control member 50 is mounted on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 and able to rotate around said axis. At its accessible end on the upper face of the connecting member 14, the third control member 50 is provided with an operating head 52. This makes it possible to control a rotation of the third control member 50 using a suitable tool.
A son extrémité basse, la pièce cylindrique 40 est solidaire d'un pion 54 dont l'axe est décalé par rapport à l'axe longitudinal 22. Ce pion 54 pénètre dans une rainure de came 56 usinée dans un coulisseau 58. Le coulisseau 58 est lui-même monté de façon à pouvoir coulisser dans une pièce tubulaire 59. Ladite pièce tubulaire est supportée par une pièce tubulaire 64 montée sur la pièce cylindrique 40, de façon telle que la pièce tubulaire 59 peut coulisser selon l'axe longitudinal 22, tout en étant immobilisée en rotation autour de cet axe. La pièce tubulaire 59 fait saillie vers le bas à l'intérieur de l'évidement formé dans la plaque supérieure PS de 1 ' embout supérieur ESI .At its lower end, the cylindrical piece 40 is integral with a pin 54 whose axis is offset by relative to the longitudinal axis 22. This pin 54 enters a cam groove 56 machined in a slider 58. The slider 58 is itself mounted so that it can slide in a tubular part 59. Said tubular part is supported by a tubular part 64 mounted on the cylindrical part 40, so that the tubular part 59 can slide along the longitudinal axis 22, while being immobilized in rotation around this axis. The tubular part 59 projects downwards inside the recess formed in the upper plate PS of the upper end piece ESI.
Plus précisément, le coulisseau 58 est apte à se déplacer par rapport à la pièce tubulaire 59 selon une direction orthogonale à l'axe longitudinal 22 et orientée en diagonale par rapport au carré formé en section par le logement Ll . Ainsi, des surface d'appui 60 formées sur des patins 62 solidaires du coulisseau 58 peuvent venir en appui contre les faces adjacentes du logement Ll opposées à celles qui doivent être orientées vers le bas lorsque l'emballage est transporté en position horizontale.More specifically, the slide 58 is able to move relative to the tubular part 59 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 22 and oriented diagonally relative to the square formed in section by the housing L1. Thus, bearing surfaces 60 formed on pads 62 integral with the slider 58 can come to bear against the adjacent faces of the housing L1 opposite to those which must be oriented downwards when the packaging is transported in a horizontal position.
L'agencement qui vient d'être décrit permet, en agissant sur le troisième organe de commande 50, de déplacer l'embout supérieur ESI de l'assemblage transversalement vers lesdites faces prévues pour être orientées vers le bas, en prenant appui sur les faces opposées par les patins 62. L'organe de commande 50 constitue ainsi, avec la pièce cylindrique 40 et le coulisseau 58, des moyens de déplacement transversal de l'embout supérieur ESI de l'assemblage. Cet ensemble fait également partie des deuxièmes moyens de bridage, par le fait qu'il permet de brider latéralement l'organe de liaison 14 dans l'extrémité ouverte du logement Ll .The arrangement which has just been described makes it possible, by acting on the third control member 50, to move the upper end piece ESI of the assembly transversely towards said faces intended to be oriented downward, by bearing on the faces opposed by the pads 62. The control member 50 thus constitutes, with the cylindrical part 40 and the slide 58, means for transversely moving the upper end piece ESI of the assembly. This assembly is also part of the second clamping means, by the fact that it makes it possible to clamp laterally the connecting member 14 in the open end of the housing L1.
Dans sa partie centrale, la pièce cylindrique 40 supporte coaxialement la pièce tubulaire 64. Plus précisément, la pièce tubulaire 64 est montée sur la pièce cylindrique 40, selon l'axe longitudinal 22, de façon à pouvoir tourner librement autour de ladite pièce cylindrique 40, tout en étant liée à celle-ci dans la direction de l'axe longitudinal 22. Dans sa partie haute, située en dessous du disque 44, la pièce tubulaire 64 est solidaire d'un disque 66, également centré sur l'axe longitudinal 22. Sur sa périphérie extérieure, le disque 66 est muni d'une denture 68. Cette denture 68 est en prise sur un pignon 70, solidaire d'un quatrième organe de commande 72 porté par l'organe de liaison 14.In its central part, the cylindrical part 40 coaxially supports the tubular part 64. More specifically, the tubular part 64 is mounted on the cylindrical part 40, along the longitudinal axis 22, so as to be able to rotate freely around said cylindrical part 40 , while being linked to it in the direction of the longitudinal axis 22. In its upper part, located below the disc 44, the tubular part 64 is integral with a disc 66, also centered on the longitudinal axis 22. On its outer periphery, the disc 66 is provided with a toothing 68. This toothing 68 is engaged on a pinion 70, integral with a fourth control member 72 carried by the connecting member 14.
Comme les organes de commande 27, 34 et 50, le quatrième organe de commande 72 est monté sur un axe parallèle à l'axe longitudinal 22 et apte à tourner autour dudit axe. A son extrémité accessible sur la face supérieure de l'organe de liaison 14, le quatrième organe de commande 72 est muni d'une tête de manœuvre 74. Celle-ci permet de commander une rotation du quatrième organe de commande 72 à l'aide d'un outil adapté.Like the control members 27, 34 and 50, the fourth control member 72 is mounted on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 and able to rotate around said axis. At its accessible end on the upper face of the connecting member 14, the fourth control member 72 is provided with an operating head 74. This makes it possible to control a rotation of the fourth control member 72 using a suitable tool.
A son extrémité basse, la pièce tubulaire 64 est solidaire d'une plaque portant une denture en spirale 76 sur sa face tournée vers le bas. Ladite face est située dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal 22.At its lower end, the tubular part 64 is integral with a plate carrying a spiral toothing 76 on its face turned downwards. Said face is situated in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 22.
Quatre mors 78 sont montés dans la pièce tubulaire 59, de façon à pouvoir coulisser parallèlement aux faces du logement Ll, vers lesdites faces et en éloignement d'elles, dans ladite pièce tubulaire. Sur sa face supérieure, chacun des mors 78 présente une denture en spirale qui est en prise sur la denture en spirale 76 portée par la pièce tubulaire 64. Dans la partie haute de sa face tournée vers l'extérieur, chacun des mors 78 supporte de manière rotulante un V (non illustré) apte à venir en appui contre le coin interne inférieure de 1 ' évidement formé dans la plaque supérieure PS de l'embout supérieur ESI de l'assemblage.Four jaws 78 are mounted in the tubular part 59, so that they can slide parallel to the faces of the housing L1, towards and away from said faces, in said tubular part. On its upper face, each of the jaws 78 has a spiral toothing which engages on the spiral toothing 76 carried by the tubular piece 64. In the upper part of its face facing outwards, each of the jaws 78 supports swiveling manner a V (not illustrated) capable of coming to bear against the lower internal corner of one recess formed in the upper plate PS of the upper end piece ESI of the assembly.
L'agencement qui vient d'être décrit permet, en agissant sur le quatrième organe de commande 72, d'amener les quatre mors 78 simultanément en appui contre les coins internes inférieurs de l'évidement formé dans la plaque supérieure PS . Cet ensemble constitue ainsi des moyens de liaison rigide entre l'organe de liaison 14 et l'embout supérieur ESI de 1 ' assemblage. Pour que le système de fixation 10 puisse être mis en place sur l'embout supérieur ESI de l'assemblage et séparé de celui-ci, les courses du coulisseau 58 et des mors 78 sont suffisantes pour que ces pièces puissent s'escamoter et permettre l'introduction de l'organe de liaison 14 dans l'embout supérieur ES au travers de 1 ' évidement formé dans la plaque supérieure PS.The arrangement which has just been described makes it possible, by acting on the fourth control member 72, to bring the four jaws 78 simultaneously to bear against the lower internal corners of the recess formed in the upper plate PS. This assembly thus constitutes rigid connection means between the connection member 14 and the upper end piece ESI of the assembly. So that the fixing system 10 can be put in place on the ESI upper end piece of the assembly and separated from it, the strokes of the slide 58 and the jaws 78 are sufficient for these parts to retract and allow the introduction of the connecting member 14 into the upper end piece ES through the recess formed in the upper plate PS.
On comprend que la manœuvre conjointe des deux organes de commande 27 et 72 permet de réaliser une liaison rigide entre l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage et l'extrémité ouverte du logement, au travers de l'organe de liaison 14 et de la pièce tubulaire 59. Enfin, du fait que la pièce cylindrique 40 est normalement immobilisée en rotation par le troisième organe de commande 50, en prise sur la denture 46 du disque 44 par l'intermédiaire du pignon 48, une rotation du deuxième organe de commande 34 a pour effet de déplacer, selon l'axe longitudinal 22, la pièce cylindrique 40 et les pièces tubulaires 59 et 64. Si l'embout supérieur ESI de l'assemblage combustible n'est pas bloqué contre les faces latérales du logement Ll par le coulisseau 58, cet agencement permet de commander un déplacement limité de l'assemblage selon l'axe longitudinal 22.It is understood that the joint operation of the two control members 27 and 72 allows a rigid connection to be made between the upper end of the assembly and the open end of the housing, through the connecting member 14 and the part. tubular 59. Finally, because the cylindrical part 40 is normally immobilized in rotation by the third control member 50, engaged on the teeth 46 of the disc 44 by means of the pinion 48, a rotation of the second control member 34 has the effect to move, along the longitudinal axis 22, the cylindrical part 40 and the tubular parts 59 and 64. If the upper end piece ESI of the fuel assembly is not blocked against the lateral faces of the housing Ll by the slide 58, this arrangement makes it possible to control a limited displacement of the assembly along the longitudinal axis 22.
Le deuxième organe de commande 34 constitue ainsi, avec le filetage 38 et le taraudage 42, des moyens de déplacement axial de l'assemblage.The second control member 34 thus constitutes, with the thread 38 and the internal thread 42, means for axial displacement of the assembly.
Il est à noter que les hauteurs des dentures 46 et 68 des disques 44 et 66, mobiles axialement avec les pièces 40 et 64, et celle des dentures des pignons 48 et 70, axialement fixes par rapport à l'organe de liaison 14, sont déterminées afin que ces dentures restent continuellement en prise.It should be noted that the heights of the teeth 46 and 68 of the discs 44 and 66, which are axially movable with the parts 40 and 64, and that of the teeth of the pinions 48 and 70, which are axially fixed relative to the connecting member 14, are determined so that these teeth remain continuously engaged.
Dans ce premier mode de réalisation de 1 ' invention, le système de fixation 10 est monté sur l'embout supérieur ESI de l'assemblage combustible avant que celui-ci ne soit introduit dans son logement Ll. A cet effet, le coulisseau 58 et les mors 78 sont d'abord escamotés dans l'organe de liaison 14 et les pièces 40 et 64 sont placées en position haute par rapport à cet organe de liaison. En outre, la couronne 20 est placée en position "déverrouillée".In this first embodiment of the invention, the fastening system 10 is mounted on the upper nozzle ESI of the fuel assembly before the latter is introduced into its housing L1. To this end, the slide 58 and the jaws 78 are first retracted into the connecting member 14 and the parts 40 and 64 are placed in the high position relative to this connecting member. In addition, the crown 20 is placed in the "unlocked" position.
La pièce tubulaire 59 et l'organe de liaison 14 sont introduits dans l'évidement de la plaque supérieure PS de l'embout supérieur ESI jusqu'à ce que la face d'appui 16 vienne en contact avec la face supérieure de cet embout. On actionne alors le quatrième organe de commande 72, de façon à amener les mors 78 contre les coins internes inférieurs de l'évidement formé dans la plaque supérieure PS. Le système de fixation 10 est alors solidarisé rigidement de l'embout supérieur ESI de l'assemblage.The tubular part 59 and the connecting member 14 are introduced into the recess of the plate upper PS of the upper end piece ESI until the bearing face 16 comes into contact with the upper face of this end piece. The fourth control member 72 is then actuated, so as to bring the jaws 78 against the lower internal corners of the recess formed in the upper plate PS. The fastening system 10 is then rigidly secured to the upper end piece ESI of the assembly.
L'assemblage est alors suspendu au système de fixation 10, qui permet ainsi de réaliser, de façon sûre, la manutention de l'assemblage.The assembly is then suspended from the fixing system 10, which thus allows the assembly to be handled in a safe manner.
Le système de fixation 10 auquel est suspendu l'assemblage est alors amené au-dessus du logement Ll et descendu progressivement. A la fin de la descente, l'embout inférieur El est positionné dans le sens transversal par la partie 12 de section . réduite du logement (figure 1). De plus, lorsque la face d'appui 16 de l'organe de liaison 14 vient en appui sur la face supérieure de la plaque de tête PT1, l'embout inférieur El reste écarté de - la cale C et du fond F de la cavité.The fastening system 10 to which the assembly is suspended is then brought above the housing L1 and gradually lowered. At the end of the descent, the lower end piece El is positioned in the transverse direction by the section part 12. reduced housing (Figure 1). In addition, when the bearing face 16 of the connecting member 14 comes to bear on the upper face of the head plate PT1, the lower end piece El remains separated from - the wedge C and from the bottom F of the cavity .
L'opérateur actionne alors le troisième organe de commande 50, de façon à amener les patins 62 en appui contre les deux faces du logement Ll prévues pour être tournées vers le haut lors du transport ultérieur de l'emballage (figure 2). On applique ainsi l'embout supérieur ESI contre les deux autres faces du logement Ll, prévues pour être tournées vers le bas lors du transport. On réalise donc un bridage transversal de l'embout supérieur ESI dans le logement L. L'opérateur actionne ensuite le premier organe de commande 27 (figure 6) , de façon à solidariser le système de fixation 10 de la plaque de tête PT1. Pour chacune des opérations précitées, l'opérateur applique de préférence un couple de serrage préétabli, de façon à réaliser une fonction d'encastrement de l'embout supérieur ESI dans le logement L. On prend ainsi en compte les accélérations susceptibles d'être rencontrées dans les conditions normales de transport .The operator then actuates the third control member 50, so as to bring the pads 62 to bear against the two faces of the housing L1 intended to be turned upwards during the subsequent transport of the packaging (FIG. 2). The upper end piece ESI is thus applied against the two other faces of the housing L1, intended to be turned downwards during transport. There is therefore made a transverse clamping of the upper end piece ESI in the housing L. The operator then actuates the first control member 27 (FIG. 6), so as to secure the fixing system 10 of the head plate PT1. For each of the aforementioned operations, the operator preferably applies a pre-established tightening torque, so as to perform a function of embedding the upper end piece ESI in the housing L. This therefore takes into account the accelerations likely to be encountered under normal conditions of transport.
Lorsque le transport est terminé, l'opérateur actionne tout d'abord le premier organe de commande 27, afin de désolidariser le système de fixation 10 de la plaque de tête PT1.When the transport is complete, the operator first activates the first control member 27, in order to separate the fixing system 10 from the head plate PT1.
L'opérateur actionne ensuite le troisième organe de commande 50, de façon à escamoter le coulisseau 58 et à supprimer le bridage transversal de l'embout supérieur ESI dans le logement Ll.The operator then actuates the third control member 50, so as to retract the slider 58 and to remove the transverse clamping of the upper end piece ESI in the housing L1.
L'opérateur actionne alors le deuxième organe de commande 34, de façon à déposer l'assemblage dans le fond de son logement.The operator then actuates the second control member 34, so as to deposit the assembly in the bottom of its housing.
- - Enfin, l'opérateur actionne le quatrième organe de commande 72, afin de désolidariser le système de fixation 10 de l'embout supérieur ESI. Le système de fixation 10 peut alors être déposé, comme l'illustre la figure .4, et l'assemblage déchargé de l'emballage de transport à l'aide des outils habituellement utilisés dans les centrales nucléaires.- - Finally, the operator actuates the fourth control member 72, in order to separate the fixing system 10 from the upper ESI nozzle. The fastening system 10 can then be removed, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and the assembly unloaded from the transport packaging using the tools usually used in nuclear power plants.
On décrira à présent un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, en se référant aux figures 9 à 11.A second embodiment of the invention will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.
Ce deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention concerne un système de fixation 10' prévu pour être interposé entre l'embout supérieur ES2 d'un assemblage combustible A2 destiné à un réacteur nucléaire à eau bouillante et une plaque de tête PT2 matérialisant l'extrémité ouverte d'un logement L2.This second embodiment of the invention relates to a fastening system 10 'intended to be interposed between the upper nozzle ES2 of a fuel assembly A2 intended for a nuclear water reactor boiling water and a PT2 head plate materializing the open end of an L2 housing.
Comme l'illustrent les figures 9 à 11, l'embout supérieur ES2 de l'assemblage A2 comprend dans ce cas une plaque massive P2, formant un carré en vue de dessus, à laquelle est solidarisée une anse AN formant un U inversé en vue de côté. L'anse AN est située dans un plan passant par une diagonale du carré et par l'axe longitudinal de l'assemblage. Comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, le logement L2 est délimité à l'intérieur d'un tube T dont 1 ' extrémité supérieure ouverte est soudée dans un trou TR usiné dans la plaque de tête PT2.As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly A2 comprises in this case a solid plate P2, forming a square in top view, to which is fixed a handle AN forming an inverted U in view next to. The AN handle is located in a plane passing through a diagonal of the square and the longitudinal axis of the assembly. As in the first embodiment, the housing L2 is delimited inside a tube T, the open upper end of which is welded into a hole TR machined in the head plate PT2.
Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 9 à 11, le système de fixation 10' comprend un organe de liaison 14' apte à venir se placer sur la plaque de tête PT2 de façon à être centré sur le trou TR pratiqué dans celle-ci ainsi que sur l'anse AN de l'embout supérieur ES2 de l'assemblage. Dans ce cas, l'organe de- liaison 14' se présente sous la forme d'une plaque carrée dont les dimensions sont sensiblement les mêmes que celles du trou TR dans lequel elle vient se placer.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the fixing system 10 ′ comprises a connecting member 14 ′ capable of coming to be placed on the head plate PT2 so as to be centered on the hole TR made in it Ci as well as on the handle AN of the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly. In this case, the connecting member 14 'is in the form of a square plate whose dimensions are substantially the same as those of the hole TR in which it is placed.
Un organe de commande unique, matérialisé par une vis 80, est ancré au centre de l'organe de liaison 14', de façon à faire saillie vers le haut lorsque le système de fixation 10 ' est placé sur le logement L2 et lorsque celui-ci est orienté verticalement. Plus précisément, la vis 80 est articulée sur l'organe de liaison 14' par une rotule 82. A son extrémité supérieure, la vis 80 est munie d'une tête de manœuvre 81 permettant son actionnement à l'aide d'un outil adapté .A single control member, materialized by a screw 80, is anchored in the center of the connecting member 14 ', so as to project upwards when the fixing system 10' is placed on the housing L2 and when the latter this is oriented vertically. More specifically, the screw 80 is articulated on the connecting member 14 'by a ball joint 82. At its upper end, the screw 80 is provided with an operating head 81 allowing its actuation using a suitable tool.
Un écrou 84 est en prise sur la vis 80. Les premières extrémités de deux biellettes 86 sont articulées sur 1 ' écrou 84 par un axe commun, orthogonal à celui de la vis 80. Les extrémités opposées de chacune des biellettes 86 sont articulées sur les premières extrémités de deux bielles de commandes 88 par des axes 90 parallèles à l'axe d'articulation des biellettes 86 sur 1 ' écrou 84.A nut 84 is engaged on the screw 80. The first ends of two rods 86 are articulated on the nut 84 by a common axis, orthogonal to that of the screw 80. The opposite ends of each of the rods 86 are articulated on the first ends of two control rods 88 by axes 90 parallel to the articulation axis of the rods 86 on the nut 84.
Chacune des bielles de commande 88 est elle- même articulée sur l'organe de liaison 14' par un axe 92 parallèle aux axes 90. Plus précisément, les axes 92 sont disposés symétriquement de part et d'autre de la rotule 82. La deuxième extrémité de chacune des bielles de commande 88, située en dessous de l'organe de liaison 14', est articulée à l'extrémité d'une bielle de poussée 94 par un axe 96, parallèle aux axes 90 et 92. Les bielles de poussée 94 prennent appui par gravité sur des tiges de butée 98 solidaires de l'organe de liaison 14'. Leurs extrémités opposées peuvent ainsi venir en appui sous la branche supérieure de 1 ' anse AN de 1 ' embout supérieur ES2 , comme l'illustre notamment la figure 7. Les biellettes 86, les bielles de commande 88 et les bielles de poussée 94 sont disposées dans un plan passant par l'axe longitudinal 22' de l'organe de liaison 14' et par une diagonale du carré formé en vue de dessus par ledit organe . Comme on le comprendra mieux par la suite, les bielles de poussée 94 forment ainsi, à la fois, des moyens de bridage axial de l'organe de liaison 14' sur l'embout supérieur ES2 de l'assemblage A2 et des moyens de déplacement axial de celui-ci parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal 22' de l'organe de liaison 14'.Each of the control rods 88 is itself articulated on the connecting member 14 'by an axis 92 parallel to the axes 90. More specifically, the axes 92 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the ball joint 82. The second end of each of the control rods 88, located below the connecting member 14 ', is articulated at the end of a thrust rod 94 by an axis 96, parallel to the axes 90 and 92. The thrust rods 94 are supported by gravity on stop rods 98 integral with the connecting member 14 '. Their opposite ends can thus come to bear under the upper branch of the handle AN of the upper end piece ES2, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 7. The rods 86, the control rods 88 and the thrust rods 94 are arranged in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis 22 'of the connecting member 14' and by a diagonal of the square formed in top view by said member. As will be better understood below, the thrust rods 94 thus form, at the same time, means of axial clamping of the connecting member 14 'on the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly A2 and means of axial displacement of the latter parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 'of the connecting member 14'.
L'organe de liaison 14' supporte deux mors 100 aptes à coulisser selon la diagonale du carré qu'il forme en vue de dessus. Plus précisément, les mors 100 sont situés aux deux points opposés du carré précité. Chacun d'entre eux comprend une partie en saillie 102, apte à venir se placer dans un logement 104 prévu à cet effet à l'entrée du trou TR formé dans la plaque de tête PT2. Deux biellettes articulées 106 relient les mors 100 à chacune des bielles de commande 88, en un emplacement de celles-ci situé entre les axes 90 et 92. Les mors 100 constituent ainsi des moyens de bridage axial de l'organe de liaison 14' sur la plaque de tête PT matérialisant l'extrémité ouverte du logement L2.The connecting member 14 'supports two jaws 100 capable of sliding along the diagonal of the square that it forms in top view. More specifically, the jaws 100 are located at the two opposite points of the aforementioned square. Each of them comprises a projecting part 102, capable of being placed in a housing 104 provided for this purpose at the entrance to the hole TR formed in the head plate PT2. Two articulated rods 106 connect the jaws 100 to each of the control rods 88, at a location of these located between the axes 90 and 92. The jaws 100 thus constitute means for axial clamping of the connecting member 14 'on the head plate PT embodying the open end of the housing L2.
Un élément amortisseur (non représenté) est avantageusement interposé- entre chaque biellette 106 et le mors 100 qui lui correspond. Cet élément amortisseur permet aux mors 100 de remplir leur fonction de bridage quelle que soit la position précise dans laquelle les bielles de poussée 94 amènent la branche supérieure de l'anse AN en appui contre la face inférieure de l'organe de liaison 14'. Comme l'illustre plus précisément la figure 8, deux tôles rigides de protection 108 font saillie vers le bas, à partir de deux bords adjacents de la plaque carrée formant l'organe de liaison 14'. Plus précisément, les tôles de protection 108 sont disposées le long des côtés prévus pour être tournés vers le haut lors du transport ultérieur horizontal de l'emballage. Elles s'étendent vers le bas jusqu'entre la plaque massive P2 de l'embout supérieur ES2 et le logement L2 , lorsque le système de fixation 10' est fixé dans la partie haute d'un logement L2 contenant un assemblage A2. Chacune des tôles de protection 108 porte, sur sa face prévue pour être tournée vers 1 ' intérieur du logement L2, un ressort à lame 110 muni d'un élément d'appui 112 à son extrémité inférieure. Une partie de cet élément d'appui 112 est reçue entre la tôle de protection 108 et le bord adjacent de la plaque massive P2, lorsque le système de fixation 10' est introduit dans la partie haute d'un logement L2 contenant un assemblage A2. Grâce au ressort à lame 110, l'élément d'appui 112 assure le déplacement latéral de l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage.A damping element (not shown) is advantageously interposed between each link 106 and the jaw 100 which corresponds to it. This damping element allows the jaws 100 to fulfill their clamping function whatever the precise position in which the thrust rods 94 bring the upper branch of the handle AN to bear against the underside of the connecting member 14 '. As illustrated more precisely in FIG. 8, two rigid protective sheets 108 protrude downward, from two adjacent edges of the square plate forming the connecting member 14 '. More specifically, the protective sheets 108 are arranged along the sides intended to be turned upwards during the subsequent horizontal transport of the packaging. They extend down to between the plate massive P2 of the upper end piece ES2 and the housing L2, when the fixing system 10 'is fixed in the upper part of a housing L2 containing an assembly A2. Each of the protective sheets 108 carries, on its face intended to be turned towards the interior of the housing L2, a leaf spring 110 provided with a support element 112 at its lower end. A part of this support element 112 is received between the protective sheet 108 and the adjacent edge of the solid plate P2, when the fixing system 10 'is introduced into the upper part of a housing L2 containing an assembly A2. Thanks to the leaf spring 110, the support element 112 ensures the lateral displacement of the upper end of the assembly.
L'agencement qui vient d'être décrit permet à un opérateur de déplacer 1 ' embout supérieur ES2 de 1 ' assemblage A2 vers les deux faces du logement L2 prévues pour être orientées vers le bas lors du transport ultérieur de l'assemblage dans son emballage en position horizontale.The arrangement which has just been described allows an operator to move the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly A2 towards the two faces of the housing L2 intended to be oriented downwards during the subsequent transport of the assembly in its packaging. in horizontal position.
Un patin de poussée 114, en forme de coin, est interposé entre chaque tôle de protection 108 et l'élément d'appui 112 qui lui correspond. Chaque patin de poussée 114 comprend un trou taraudé dans lequel est en prise une vis de commande 116. Celle-ci est montée sur l'organe de liaison 14' de façon à pouvoir tourner librement par rapport à celui-ci, tout en étant lié audit organe parallèlement à son axe 22'. Chacune des deux vis de commande 116 comprend une tête de manœuvreA thrust shoe 114, in the form of a wedge, is interposed between each protective sheet 108 and the support element 112 which corresponds to it. Each thrust shoe 114 comprises a threaded hole in which is engaged a control screw 116. This is mounted on the connecting member 14 'so as to be able to rotate freely relative to the latter, while being linked said member parallel to its axis 22 '. Each of the two control screws 116 comprises an operating head
118 accessible au-dessus de l'organe de liaison 14', de façon à permettre leur actionnement par des outils appropriés .118 accessible above the connecting member 14 ', so as to allow their actuation by appropriate tools.
Les patins de poussée 114 constituent ainsi des moyens de bridage transversal de 1 ' embout supérieur ES2 de l'assemblage dans son logement L2.The thrust pads 114 thus constitute means for transversely clamping the upper end piece ES2 of the assembly in its housing L2.
Dans le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention illustré sur les figures 9 à 11, le système de fixation 10' est prévu pour être monté dans le haut du logement L2 alors que l'assemblage A2 a déjà été introduit dans celui-ci. Par conséquent, l'embout inférieur de l'assemblage repose alors sur la cale C et sur le fond F du de la cavité de l'emballage.In the second embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, the fastening system 10 'is designed to be mounted at the top of the housing L2 while the assembly A2 has already been introduced therein. Consequently, the lower end of the assembly then rests on the wedge C and on the bottom F of the cavity of the packaging.
L'opérateur amène le système de fixation 10' au-dessus de l'assemblage A2. Le système de fixation se trouve alors dans sa position déverrouillée, c'est-à- dire que l' écrou 84 est en position basse sur la vis 80. Dans ces conditions, les extrémités des bielles de poussée 94 sont éloignées de la face inférieure de la plaque formant l'organe de liaison 14' et écartées l'une de l'autre d'une distance supérieure à la largeur de l'anse AN. Par ailleurs, les mors 100 sont rétractés vers le centre de l'organe de liaison 14'.The operator brings the fixing system 10 'above the assembly A2. The fastening system is then in its unlocked position, that is to say that the nut 84 is in the low position on the screw 80. Under these conditions, the ends of the thrust rods 94 are distant from the underside of the plate forming the connecting member 14 'and spaced from each other by a distance greater than the width of the handle AN. Furthermore, the jaws 100 are retracted towards the center of the connecting member 14 '.
Lorsque le système de fixation est mis en place, l'extrémité inférieure des tôles de protection 108 pénètre dans le logement L2. La branche supérieure de l'anse AN est automatiquement centrée par un avaloir 99 situé dans la partie inférieure de l'organe de liaison 14'. Les éléments d'appui 112 montés sur les ressorts à lame 110 assurent de façon simultanée un prépositionnement de l'embout supérieur ES2 contre le coin du logement prévu pour être tourné vers le bas lors du transport à l'horizontale de l'emballage. Un centrage précis du système de fixation 10' sur le logement est ensuite assuré par l'encastrement de l'organe de liaison 14' sur un usinage complémentaire formé à 1 ' entrée du trou TR de la plaque de tête PT2. Le positionnement définitif du système est obtenu lorsque l'organe de liaison 14' vient en appui sur la plaque de tête PT2.When the fixing system is put in place, the lower end of the protective sheets 108 enters the housing L2. The upper branch of the handle AN is automatically centered by a drain 99 located in the lower part of the connecting member 14 '. The support elements 112 mounted on the leaf springs 110 simultaneously provide prepositioning of the upper end piece ES2 against the corner of the housing intended to be turned downwards during the horizontal transport of the packaging. A precise centering of the fastening system 10 'on the housing is then ensured by the embedding of the connecting member 14' on a complementary machining formed at the entrance of the hole TR of the head plate PT2. The final positioning of the system is obtained when the connecting member 14 'comes to bear on the head plate PT2.
L'opérateur actionne alors la vis 80 formant 1 ' organe de commande unique des moyens de bridage axial de l'organe de liaison 14' sur la plaque de tête PT2 , des moyens de bridage axial de l'organe de liaison sur l'embout supérieur ES2 de l'assemblage et des moyens de déplacement axial de l'assemblage.The operator then actuates the screw 80 forming the single control member of the axial clamping means of the connecting member 14 'on the head plate PT2, axial clamping means of the connecting member on the end piece upper ES2 of the assembly and means of axial displacement of the assembly.
Les extrémités des bielles de poussée 94 viennent ainsi se placer sous la branche supérieure deThe ends of the thrust rods 94 thus come to be placed under the upper branch of
1 ' anse AN et amènent ladite branche en appui contre la face inférieure de la plaque formant 1 ' organe de liaison 14', comme l'illustre la figure 7. L'embout1 AN handle and bring said branch in abutment against the underside of the plate forming 1 'connecting member 14', as illustrated in Figure 7. The tip
--supérieur ES2 de l'assemblage A2 est alors rendu solidaire de l'organe de liaison 14' et l'embout- inférieur El (figure 1) est écarté de la cale C et du fond F de l'emballage. Simultanément, les parties en saillie 102 des mors 100 sont reçues dans les logements 104 de la plaque de tête PT2 , ce qui a pour effet de solidariser celle-ci de l'organe de liaison 14'.--superior ES2 of the assembly A2 is then made integral with the connecting member 14 ′ and the lower end piece El (FIG. 1) is moved away from the wedge C and from the bottom F of the packaging. Simultaneously, the protruding parts 102 of the jaws 100 are received in the housings 104 of the head plate PT2, which has the effect of joining the latter to the connecting member 14 '.
L'opérateur actionne ensuite les deux vis de commande 116, de façon à bloquer latéralement l'embout supérieur ES2 contre le coin du logement L2 prévu pour être tourné vers le bas lors du transport ultérieur de l'emballage en position horizontale.The operator then actuates the two control screws 116, so as to laterally block the upper end piece ES2 against the corner of the housing L2 intended to be turned downwards during the subsequent transport of the packaging in a horizontal position.
A l'arrivée sur le site du réacteur nucléaire auquel l'assemblage combustible A2 est destiné, un opérateur desserre tout d'abord les deux vis de commande 116, afin de libérer la pression de serrage contre le coin bas précité.On arrival at the nuclear reactor site for which the A2 fuel assembly is intended, a operator first loosens the two control screws 116, in order to release the clamping pressure against the aforementioned bottom corner.
L'opérateur actionne ensuite la vis 80, de façon à désolidariser l'assemblage du système de fixation 10' tout en le gardant suspendu, à déposer ledit assemblage dans le fond de son logement L2 et à désolidariser le système de fixation 10' de la plaque de tête PT2. On décrira à présent un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, en se référant aux figures 12 à 14.The operator then actuates the screw 80, so as to separate the assembly from the fastening system 10 'while keeping it suspended, to deposit said assembly in the bottom of its housing L2 and to separate the fastening system 10' from the PT2 head plate. A third embodiment of the invention will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.
Ce troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention concerne un système de fixation 10" prévu pour être interposé entre l'embout supérieur ES3 d'un assemblage combustible A3 destiné à un réacteur nucléaire à eau sous -pression et une plaque de tête PT3 matérialisant l'extrémité ouverte d'un logement L3.This third embodiment of the invention relates to a 10 "fixing system intended to be interposed between the upper nozzle ES3 of a fuel assembly A3 intended for a nuclear pressurized water reactor and a head plate PT3 materializing the open end of a housing L3.
Comme l'illustrent les figures 12 à 14, l'embout supérieur ES3 de l'assemblage A3 comprend dans ce cas une plaque massive inférieure P3, formant un carré en vue de dessus. L'embout supérieur ES3 comprend également une plaque supérieure PS située au-dessus et à distance de la plaque massive P3, lorsque l'assemblage est orienté verticalement. La plaque supérieure PS est évidée dans sa partie centrale et reliée rigidement à la plaque P3 par des pièces de jonction PJ situées aux quatre coins de l'embout.As illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14, the upper end piece ES3 of the assembly A3 comprises in this case a lower solid plate P3, forming a square in top view. The upper end piece ES3 also includes an upper plate PS situated above and at a distance from the solid plate P3, when the assembly is oriented vertically. The upper plate PS is hollowed out in its central part and rigidly connected to the plate P3 by connecting pieces PJ located at the four corners of the end piece.
On voit également plus en détail sur les figures 12 à 14 que le logement L3 est formé comme précédemment à l'intérieur d'un tube T de section carrée, dont l'extrémité supérieure ouverte est fixée, par exemple par soudage, dans un trou TR de même section, usiné dans la plaque de tête PT3.It can also be seen in more detail in FIGS. 12 to 14 that the housing L3 is formed as previously inside a tube T of square section, the open upper end of which is fixed, for example by welding, in a hole TR of the same section, machined in the head plate PT3.
Le système de fixation 10" comprend un organe de liaison 14" apte à venir se placer sur la plaque de tête PT3 de façon à être centré sur le trou TR pratiqué dans celle-ci à l'aide de pions de guidage non représentés .The fastening system 10 "comprises a connecting member 14" capable of being placed on the head plate PT3 so as to be centered on the hole TR made in the latter using guide pins not shown.
Des moyens de bridage tel que des vis 119 sont prévus pour assurer une liaison rigide entre l'organe de liaison 14" et la plaque de tête PT3 lorsque les vis sont mises en place.Clamping means such as screws 119 are provided to ensure a rigid connection between the connecting member 14 "and the head plate PT3 when the screws are put in place.
L'organe de liaison 14" est muni de colonnettes 121 qui font saillie vers le bas. Pour simplifier, une seule de ces colonnettes 121 est représentée sur la figure 10. Les faces inférieures de ces colonnettes 121 forment des surfaces de butée .aptes à venir en appui sur la face supérieure de la plaque supérieure PS de - 1 ' embout supérieur ES3 de 1 ' assemblage .- Un organe de commande unique 120 est supporté de façon tournante au centre de l'organe de liaison 14", tout en étant immobilisé sur ledit organe parallèlement à son axe 22". A son extrémité supérieure, l'organe de commande unique 120 est muni d'une tête de manœuvre 122 permettant son actionnement à l'aide d'un outil adapté.The connecting member 14 "is provided with balusters 121 which project downwards. For simplicity, only one of these balusters 121 is shown in FIG. 10. The lower faces of these balusters 121 form abutment surfaces. come to bear on the upper face of the upper plate PS of - the upper end piece ES3 of the assembly. - A single control member 120 is rotatably supported at the center of the connecting member 14 ", while being immobilized on said member parallel to its axis 22 ". At its upper end, the single control member 120 is provided with an operating head 122 enabling it to be actuated using a suitable tool.
Dans sa partie inférieure, située en dessous de l'organe de liaison 14", l'organe de commande unique 120 comprend un filetage 124 sur lequel est en prise un écrou 126. Ledit écrou 126 est immobilisé en rotation par rapport à l'organe de liaison 14", de telle sorte qu'une rotation de l'organe de commande unique 120 a pour effet de commander un déplacement de l' écrou 126 vers le haut ou vers le bas, parallèlement à l'axe 22".In its lower part, located below the connecting member 14 ", the single control member 120 comprises a thread 124 on which is engaged a nut 126. Said nut 126 is immobilized in rotation relative to the member link 14 ", so that a rotation of the single control member 120 has the effect of controlling a displacement of the nut 126 upwards or downwards, parallel to the axis 22 ".
Quatre griffes 128 sont articulées sur 1 ' écrou 126 par leurs extrémités supérieures. Cette articulation est assurée par des axes de pivotement 130 orientés selon des directions orthogonales à l'axe 22" de l'organe de liaison 14". Plus précisément, les axes de pivotement des griffes 128 sont tous disposés dans un même plan perpendiculaire à l'axe 22", à égale distance de celui-ci. De plus, les axes de pivotement 130 des griffes 128 disposées de part et d'autre de l'axe longitudinal 22" sont parallèles entre eux et orthogonaux aux axes de pivotement 130 des deux autres griffes 128. A son extrémité inférieure, chacune des griffes 128 comprend une partie coudée 140, qui fait saillie sensiblement à angle droit vers l'extérieur. Au-dessus de la partie coudée 140, deux griffes 128 adjacentes sont équipées de rouleaux d'appui 142. Plus précisément, ces rouleaux 142 équipent les griffes 128 prévues pour venir en contact contre les faces internes des parties de la plaque supérieure évidée PS qui seront appliquées contre les faces du logement L3 prévues pour être tournées vers le bas lors du transport ultérieur de l'emballage en position horizontale.Four claws 128 are articulated on one nut 126 by their upper ends. This articulation is provided by pivot axes 130 oriented in directions orthogonal to the axis 22 "of the connecting member 14". More precisely, the pivot axes of the claws 128 are all arranged in the same plane perpendicular to the axis 22 ", at equal distance therefrom. In addition, the pivot axes 130 of the claws 128 arranged on either side other of the longitudinal axis 22 "are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the pivot axes 130 of the other two claws 128. At its lower end, each of the claws 128 comprises a bent portion 140, which projects substantially at right angles to the outside. Above the bent part 140, two adjacent claws 128 are equipped with support rollers 142. More specifically, these rollers 142 equip the claws 128 intended to come into contact against the internal faces of the parts of the recessed upper plate PS which will be applied against the faces of the L3 housing intended to be turned downwards during the subsequent transport of the packaging in a horizontal position.
L'extrémité supérieure de chacune des griffes 128 comprend de plus, sur son côté tourné vers l'axe longitudinal 22", un ergot 132 placé au-dessus d'une tige de butée 134 solidaire de l'organe de liaison 14". Un ressort de torsion 136 est enroulé autour de chacun des axes de pivotement 130 et prend appui à la fois sur une tige 138 solidaire de 1 ' écrou 126 et sur la griffe 128 correspondante, de façon à appliquer un effort latéral sur 1 ' embout .The upper end of each of the claws 128 further comprises, on its side facing the longitudinal axis 22 ", a lug 132 placed above a stop rod 134 secured to the connecting member 14". A torsion spring 136 is wound around each of the pivot axes 130 and is supported both on a rod 138 integral with the nut 126 and on the corresponding claw 128, so as to apply a lateral force on the end piece.
Les ergots 132 des griffes 128 non équipées de rouleaux 142 (voir plus loin) sont terminées par une butée 133 prévue pour venir en appui contre une surface 127 de l' écrou 126, lorsque les parties coudées 140 des griffes 128 sont placées sous la plaque supérieure PS de l'embout supérieur ES3. On limite ainsi la rotation vers l'extérieur de chacune des deux griffes non équipées de rouleaux, afin que ces griffes ne puissent pas appliquer un effort latéral sur la plaque supérieure PS . Le déplacement latéral de 1 ' embout supérieur ES3 vers les deux faces requises du logement L peut ainsi être assuré par les deux griffes 128 munies de rouleaux 142, sous l'action des efforts latéraux exercés sur ledit embout par les ressorts 136.The lugs 132 of the claws 128 not equipped with rollers 142 (see below) are terminated by a stop 133 provided to come into abutment against a surface 127 of the nut 126, when the bent portions 140 of the claws 128 are placed under the plate upper PS of the upper end piece ES3. This limits the outward rotation of each of the two claws not equipped with rollers, so that these claws cannot apply a lateral force on the upper plate PS. The lateral displacement of the upper end piece ES3 towards the two required faces of the housing L can thus be ensured by the two claws 128 provided with rollers 142, under the action of the lateral forces exerted on said end piece by the springs 136.
Dans ce troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de commande unique 120 permet de commander le pivotement des griffes 128 qui forment à la fois des moyens de bridage de l'organe de liaison 14" sur l'embout supérieur ES3 de l'assemblage et des moyens de déplacement axial de 1 ' assemblage selon 1 ' axe longitudinal 22". Par ailleurs, les ressorts 136 forment des moyens de déplacement transversal de 1 ' embout supérieur ES3 vers le coin du logement L3 prévu pour être tourné vers le bas lors du transport de 1 ' emballage à 1 ' horizontalIn this third embodiment of the invention, the single control member 120 makes it possible to control the pivoting of the claws 128 which form both means for clamping the connecting member 14 "on the upper end piece ES3 of the assembly and means for axial displacement of the assembly along the longitudinal axis 22 ". Furthermore, the springs 136 form means for transversely moving the upper end piece ES3 towards the corner of the housing L3 intended to be turned downwards during the transport of the packaging to the horizontal.
Ainsi, un actionnement de l'organe de commande unique 120, à partir de la position escamotée illustrée sur la figure 12, a pour effet d'écarter les griffes 128, de les déplacer vers le haut selon l'axe 22" et de positionner les parties coudées 140 sous la plaque supérieure PS. Les deux rouleaux 142 viennent d'abord en contact avec les faces intérieures correspondantes de 1 ' évidemment de la plaque supérieure PS de l'embout supérieur ES3. Un déplacement transversal de cet embout vers le coin inférieur précité du logement L3 est ensuite obtenu grâce aux ressorts 136. Les parties coudées 140 des griffes 128 viennent alors en appui sous la plaque supérieure PS, ce qui a pour effet de soulever l'assemblage dans son logement. Finalement, la plaque supérieure PS est amenée en appui contre les faces inférieures des colonnettes 121 portées par l'organe de liaison 14", ce qui a pour effet de solidariser cet organe de l'embout supérieur ES3 de l'assemblage.Thus, an actuation of the single control member 120, from the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 12, has the effect of spreading the claws 128, of moving them up along the axis 22 "and of position the bent parts 140 under the upper plate PS. The two rollers 142 first come into contact with the corresponding inner faces of the obviously of the upper plate PS of the upper end piece ES3. A transverse displacement of this end piece towards the aforementioned lower corner of the housing L3 is then obtained by means of the springs 136. The bent portions 140 of the claws 128 then come to bear under the upper plate PS, which has the effect of lifting the assembly in his accommodation. Finally, the upper plate PS is brought to bear against the lower faces of the columns 121 carried by the connecting member 14 ", which has the effect of securing this member of the upper end piece ES3 of the assembly.
Dans le troisième mode de réalisation deIn the third embodiment of
- l'invention illustré sur les figures 12 à 14, le système de fixation 10" est prévu pour être monté dans le haut du logement- L3 alors que l'assemblage A3 a déjà été introduit dans celui-ci. Par conséquent, l'embout inférieur de l'assemblage repose alors sur la cale C et sur le fond F de l'emballage.- The invention illustrated in Figures 12 to 14, the fixing system 10 "is intended to be mounted in the top of the housing - L3 while the assembly A3 has already been introduced therein. lower end of the assembly then rests on the wedge C and on the bottom F of the packaging.
L'opérateur amène le système de fixation 10" au-dessus de l'assemblage A3. Le système de fixation se trouve alors dans sa position rétractée ou déverrouillée, c'est-à-dire que l' écrou 126 est en position basse par rapport à l'organe de commande unique 120. Dans ces conditions, les parties coudées 140 sont rétractées vers l'axe 22" et éloignées de la face inférieure de l'évidement formé dans la plaque supérieure PS. Le système de fixation 10" est introduit dans la partie supérieure du logement L3 comme l'illustre la figure 12 et centré sur la plaque de tête PT3 à l'aide de pions (non représentés). L'organe de liaison 14" est alors solidarisé de la plaque de tête PT3 , par exemple au moyen des vis 119.The operator brings the fixing system 10 "above the assembly A3. The fixing system is then in its retracted or unlocked position, that is to say that the nut 126 is in the low position by relative to the single control member 120. Under these conditions, the bent parts 140 are retracted towards the axis 22 "and away from the underside of the recess formed in the upper plate PS. The fixing system 10 "is introduced into the upper part of the housing L3 as illustrated in FIG. 12 and centered on the head plate PT3 using pins (not shown). The connecting member 14" is then secured to the PT3 head plate, for example by means of screws 119.
L'opérateur actionne alors l'organe de commande unique 120, ce qui a pour effet de déplacer 1' écrou 126 et les griffes 128 vers le haut. Les griffes 128 pivotent progressivement vers l'extérieur autour de leurs axes 130, permettant aux parties coudées 140 de se positionner sous la plaque supérieure PS. Par l'intermédiaire des ressorts 136, les rouleaux 142 viennent au contact des deux faces correspondantes de l'évidement formé dans la plaque supérieure PS, ce qui a pour effet d'appliquer l'embout supérieur ES3 contre l'angle inférieur précité du logement L3 (figure 13) .The operator then actuates the single control member 120, which has the effect of moving the nut 126 and the claws 128 upwards. The claws 128 gradually pivot outwards around their axes 130, allowing the bent portions 140 to be positioned under the upper plate PS. By means of the springs 136, the rollers 142 come into contact with the two corresponding faces of the recess formed in the upper plate PS, which has the effect of applying the upper end piece ES3 against the aforementioned lower angle of the housing L3 (Figure 13).
La poursuite de 1 ' actionnement de l'organe de commande 120 a pour effet de soulever l'assemblage A3 et d'amener la plaque supérieure PS en appui contre les faces inférieures des colonnettes 121 portées par l'organe de liaison 14", comme l'illustre la figure 14.Continued actuation of the control member 120 has the effect of lifting the assembly A3 and bringing the upper plate PS into abutment against the lower faces of the balusters 121 carried by the connecting member 14 ", as illustrated in Figure 14.
Lorsque le transport est terminé, l'opérateur actionne en sens inverse l'organe de commande unique 120. Cette manœuvre se traduit par la descente de 1" écrou 126 et des griffes 128. Ces dernières se libèrent progressivement de l'embout supérieur ES3 de l'assemblage, qui est alors posé sur les cales C (figure 1) . Lorsque les griffes 128 sont suffisamment rétractées, le système de fixation 10" est enlevé. Le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention permettent ainsi de réaliser une liaison rigide entre 1 ' embout supérieur de 1 ' assemblage et 1 ' extrémité ouverte du logement, quel que soit le type d'assemblage que l'on désire transporter. Cet agencement particulièrement simple conduit à un encombrement sensiblement réduit dans le sens transversal, par rapport aux dispositifs de blocage de l'art antérieur.When the transport is complete, the operator actuates the single control member 120 in the opposite direction. This maneuver results in the descent of 1 "nut 126 and claws 128. These latter are gradually released from the upper end piece ES3 of the assembly, which is then placed on the shims C (FIG. 1). When the claws 128 are sufficiently retracted, the fixing system 10 "is removed. The method and the device according to the invention thus make it possible to produce a rigid connection between the upper end of the assembly and the open end of the housing, whatever the type of assembly which it is desired to transport. This particularly simple arrangement results in a substantially reduced bulk in the transverse direction, compared with the locking devices of the prior art.
Il est à noter que l'invention s'applique au blocage d'un assemblage combustible dans un logement quelconque. Ainsi, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, ce logement peut notamment appartenir à un dispositif de transport d'assemblages, à un panier de stockage en piscine ou à une zone de stockage d'assemblages combustibles, prévue dans une installation quelconque. It should be noted that the invention applies to the blocking of a fuel assembly in any housing. Thus, by way of nonlimiting example, this housing may in particular belong to a device for transporting assemblies, to a storage basket in a swimming pool or to a storage area for combustible assemblies, provided in any installation.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif de blocage d'un assemblage combustible (Al, A2, A3) dans un logement (Ll, L2 , L3) d'un panier de transport, l'assemblage comprenant un embout supérieur (ESI, ES2 , ES3) , et le logement comprenant une première extrémité ouverte et une deuxième extrémité, le dispositif étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens (10, 10', 10") aptes à réaliser une liaison rigide entre l'embout supérieur1. Device for blocking a fuel assembly (Al, A2, A3) in a housing (L1, L2, L3) of a transport basket, the assembly comprising an upper nozzle (ESI, ES2, ES3), and the housing comprising a first open end and a second end, the device being characterized in that it comprises means (10, 10 ', 10 ") capable of producing a rigid connection between the upper end piece
(ESI, ES2 , ES3) de l'assemblage combustible et l'extrémité ouverte du logement (Ll, L2, L3) , dans une position relative prédéterminée telle que l'assemblage est en appui contre au moins une face du logement sur une partie au moins de sa longueur, lesdits moyens aptes à réaliser une liaison rigide étant placés au-dessus de l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage.(ESI, ES2, ES3) of the fuel assembly and the open end of the housing (Ll, L2, L3), in a predetermined relative position such that the assembly is pressed against at least one face of the housing on a part at least its length, said means capable of producing a rigid connection being placed above the upper end of the assembly.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'assemblage combustible (Al, A2 , A3) et le logement (Ll, L2, L3) présentent des sections polygonales et ladite position relative prédéterminée est telle que l'embout supérieur (ESI, ES2, ES3) est en appui contre deux faces adjacentes du logement.2. Device according to claim 1, in which the fuel assembly (Al, A2, A3) and the housing (L1, L2, L3) have polygonal sections and said predetermined relative position is such that the upper nozzle (ESI, ES2, ES3) bears against two adjacent faces of the housing.
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'assemblage combustible (Al, A2, A3) et le logement (Ll, L2, L3) présentent des sections carrées.3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the fuel assembly (Al, A2, A3) and the housing (L1, L2, L3) have square sections.
4. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le dispositif comprend de plus une partie de section réduite (12) du logement (Ll, L2 , L3), située à proximité de la deuxième extrémité de celui-ci, ladite partie de section réduite ayant des dimensions sensiblement égales à celles d'un embout inférieur (El) de l'assemblage combustible.4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the device further comprises a reduced section part (12) of the housing (L1, L2, L3), located near the second end thereof, said portion of reduced section having dimensions substantially equal to those of a lower nozzle (El) of the fuel assembly.
5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite position relative prédéterminée est telle que l'assemblage combustible est suspendu par l'embout supérieur.5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said predetermined relative position is such that the fuel assembly is suspended by the upper nozzle.
6. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits moyens6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said means
(10, 10', 10") aptes à réaliser une liaison rigide comprennent un organe de liaison (14, 14', 14") apte à être fixé sur l'embout supérieur (ESI, ES2, ES3) de l'assemblage par des premiers moyens de bridage (78, 94, 140) et apte à être fixé dans l'extrémité ouverte du logement (Ll, L2, L3) par des deuxièmes moyens de bridage (24, 26, 62, 102, 104, 119) .(10, 10 ', 10 ") capable of making a rigid connection include a connecting member (14, 14', 14") capable of being fixed on the upper end piece (ESI, ES2, ES3) of the assembly by first clamping means (78, 94, 140) and capable of being fixed in the open end of the housing (Ll, L2, L3) by second clamping means (24, 26, 62, 102, 104, 119) .
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 6, combinée avec l'une quelconque des revendications 2 et 3, dans lequel l'organe de liaison (14, 14', 14") intègre des moyens de déplacement transversal (58, 114, 142), aptes à déplacer l'embout supérieur (ESI, ES2, ES3) de l'assemblage vers les deux faces adjacentes du logement (Ll, L2, L3) et en éloignement de celles-ci.7. Device according to claim 6, combined with any one of claims 2 and 3, in which the connecting member (14, 14 ', 14 ") integrates transverse displacement means (58, 114, 142), able to move the upper end piece (ESI, ES2, ES3) of the assembly towards and away from the two adjacent faces of the housing (L1, L2, L3).
8. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'organe de liaison (14, 14', 14") intègre des moyens de déplacement axial (38 et 42, 94, 140), aptes à déplacer l'assemblage (Al, A2, A3) en éloignement de la deuxième extrémité (F) du logement (Ll, L2 , L3) et vers ladite deuxième extrémité.8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting member (14, 14 ′, 14 ") includes means for axial displacement (38 and 42, 94, 140), capable of displacing the assembly (Al, A2, A3) away from the second end (F) of the housing (Ll, L2, L3) and towards said second end.
9. Dispositif selon les revendications 7 et 8 combinées, dans lequel les premiers moyens de bridage (78), les deuxièmes moyens de bridage (24, 26), les moyens de déplacement transversal (58) et les moyens de déplacement axial (38, 42) sont actionnés par des organes de commande distincts (72, 27, 50, 34), aptes a être manœuvres séparément .9. Device according to claims 7 and 8 combined, in which the first clamping means (78), the second clamping means (24, 26), the transverse displacement means (58) and the axial displacement means (38, 42) are actuated by separate control members (72, 27, 50, 34), capable of being operated separately.
10. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel, l'organe de liaison (14) ayant un axe longitudinal (22) apte à être orienté parallèlement à un axe longitudinal de l'assemblage combustible (Al), les premiers moyens de bridage comprennent des mors10. Device according to claim 9, in which the connecting member (14) having a longitudinal axis (22) able to be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fuel assembly (Al), the first clamping means comprise bits
(78) aptes à se déplacer sur- une ^première partie (64) de l'organe de liaison selon des directions sensiblement radiales par rapport audit axe, les deuxièmes moyens de bridage comprennent une couronne à baïonnette (20) apte à tourner sur une deuxième partie de l'organe de liaison (14) autour dudit axe, les moyens de déplacement axial comprennent des moyens (38, 42) pour commander un déplacement relatif entre la première partie et la deuxième partie selon ledit axe et les moyens de déplacement transversal comprennent au moins un coulisseau (58) apte à se déplacer sur la première partie (64) de l'organe de liaison selon une direction sensiblement radiale par rapport audit axe, ledit coulisseau faisant également partie des deuxièmes moyens de bridage .(78) able to move over a first part (64) of the connecting member in directions which are substantially radial with respect to said axis, the second clamping means comprise a bayonet ring (20) capable of turning on a second part of the connecting member (14) around said axis, the axial displacement means comprise means (38, 42) for controlling a relative displacement between the first part and the second part along said axis and the transverse displacement means comprise at least one slide (58) capable of moving over the first part (64) of the connecting member in a direction that is substantially radial relative to said axis, said slide also forming part of the second clamping means.
11. Dispositif selon les revendications 7 et 8 combinées, dans lequel les premiers moyens de bridage11. Device according to claims 7 and 8 combined, wherein the first clamping means
(94) , les deuxièmes moyens de bridage (102) et les moyens de déplacement axial (94) sont actionnés par un organe de commande unique (80) , et les moyens de déplacement transversal (114) sont actionnés par un autre organe de commande (116) apte à être manœuvré séparément de l'organe de commande unique.(94), the second clamping means (102) and the axial displacement means (94) are actuated by a single control member (80), and the transverse displacement means (114) are actuated by another control member (116) able to be operated separately from the single control member.
12. Dispositif selon la revendication 11, dans lequel l'organe de commande unique (80) est une vis, ancrée de façon tournante sur l'organe de liaison12. Device according to claim 11, in which the single control member (80) is a screw, rotatably anchored on the connecting member
(14'), ladite vis agissant sur des bielles de poussée(14 '), said screw acting on thrust rods
(94) formant à la fois les premiers moyens de bridage et les moyens de- déplacement axial, et agissant sur des mors (100) formant les deuxièmes moyens de bridage, par l'intermédiaire de bielles de commande (86, 88, 106) articulées sur l'organe de liaison (14'), sur un écrou (84) en prise sur la vis, sur les bielles de poussée (94) et sur les mors (100) , et les moyens de déplacement transversal comprennent des patins de poussée (114) ancrés sur l'organe de liaison (14').(94) forming both the first clamping means and the axial displacement means, and acting on jaws (100) forming the second clamping means, by means of control rods (86, 88, 106) articulated on the connecting member (14 '), on a nut (84) engaged on the screw, on the thrust rods (94) and on the jaws (100), and the means of transverse displacement comprise skids of thrust (114) anchored on the connecting member (14 ').
13. Dispositif selon les revendications 7 et 8 combinées, dans lequel les premiers moyens de bridage (140) , les moyens de déplacement transversal (142) et les moyens de déplacement axial (140) sont actionnés par un organe de commande unique (120) et les deuxièmes moyens de bridage comprennent un organe de fixation séparé .13. Device according to claims 7 and 8 combined, wherein the first clamping means (140), the transverse displacement means (142) and the axial displacement means (140) are actuated by a single control member (120) and the second clamping means comprise a separate fixing member.
14. Dispositif selon la revendication 13, dans lequel l'organe de commande unique (120) est une vis, ancrée de façon tournante sur l'organe de liaison14. Device according to claim 13, in which the single control member (120) is a screw, anchored in a rotary manner on the connecting member.
(14"), ladite vis agissant sur des griffes (128) formant à la fois les premiers moyens de bridage, les moyens de déplacement axial et les moyens de déplacement transversal, par l'intermédiaire d'un écrou(14 "), said screw acting on claws (128) forming at the same time the first clamping means, the axial displacement means and the transverse displacement means, by means of a nut
(126) en prise sur la vis et sur lequel sont articulées lesdites griffes.(126) engaged on the screw and on which said claws are articulated.
15. Procédé de blocage d'un assemblage combustible (Al, A2, A3) dans un logement (Ll, L2 , L3) d'un panier de transport, l'assemblage comprenant un embout supérieur (ESI, ES2, ES3) , et le logement comprenant une première extrémité ouverte et une deuxième extrémité (F) , le procédé étant caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à réaliser une liaison rigide entre l'embout supérieur (ESI, ES2, ES3) de l'assemblage combustible et l'extrémité ouverte du logement (Ll, L2, L3) au-dessus de l'embout supérieur de l'assemblage, dans une position relative prédéterminée telle que l'assemblage combustible ne soit pas en contact avec le fond (F) du logement et soit en appui contre au moins une face du logement sur une partie au moins de sa longueur.15. Method for blocking a fuel assembly (Al, A2, A3) in a housing (L1, L2, L3) of a transport basket, the assembly comprising an upper nozzle (ESI, ES2, ES3), and the housing comprising a first open end and a second end (F), the method being characterized in that it consists in making a rigid connection between the upper nozzle (ESI, ES2, ES3) of the fuel assembly and the open end of the housing (L1, L2, L3) above the upper end of the assembly, in a predetermined relative position such that the fuel assembly is not in contact with the bottom (F) of the housing and either pressing against at least one face of the housing over at least part of its length.
16. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel on place un embout inférieur (El) de l'assemblage combustible dans une partie de section réduite (12) du logement, située à proximité de la deuxième extrémité de celui-ci, de façon à maintenir ledit embout inférieur transversalement dans le logement .16. The method of claim 15, wherein placing a lower nozzle (El) of the fuel assembly in a section portion reduced (12) of the housing, located near the second end thereof, so as to maintain said lower nozzle transversely in the housing.
17. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 15 et 16, dans lequel l'assemblage combustible (Al, A2 , A3) et le logement (Ll, L2 , L3) présentent des sections polygonales et on réalise ladite liaison rigide dans une position relative prédéterminée telle que l'embout supérieur (ESI, ES2, ES3) est en appui contre deux faces adjacentes du logement .17. Method according to any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein the fuel assembly (Al, A2, A3) and the housing (L1, L2, L3) have polygonal sections and said rigid connection is made in a position predetermined relative such that the upper end piece (ESI, ES2, ES3) bears against two adjacent faces of the housing.
18. Procédé selon la revendication 17, dans lequel on fixe un organe de liaison (14) sur l'embout supérieur (ESI) de l'assemblage combustible (Al) placé hors du logement (Ll) , on introduit ensuite l'assemblage combustible équipé de l'organe de liaison dans le logement orienté sensiblement verticalement, on applique l'embout supérieur (ESI) contre lesdites deux faces adjacentes du logement, puis on fixe l'organe de liaison (14) dans l'extrémité ouverte du logement.18. The method of claim 17, wherein one fixes a connecting member (14) on the upper nozzle (ESI) of the fuel assembly (Al) placed outside the housing (Ll), then introduces the fuel assembly equipped with the connecting member in the housing oriented substantially vertically, the upper end piece (ESI) is applied against said two adjacent faces of the housing, then the connecting member (14) is fixed in the open end of the housing.
19. Procédé selon la revendication 17, dans lequel on introduit un organe de liaison (14') au- dessus de l'embout supérieur (ES2) de l'assemblage combustible (A2) , celui-ci étant placé dans le logement (L2) orienté sensiblement verticalement, on soulève l'assemblage tout en fixant l'organe de liaison dans l'extrémité ouverte du logement, puis on applique l'embout supérieur (ESI) contre lesdites deux faces adjacentes du logement.19. The method of claim 17, wherein one introduces a connecting member (14 ') above the upper nozzle (ES2) of the fuel assembly (A2), the latter being placed in the housing (L2 ) oriented substantially vertically, the assembly is lifted while fixing the connecting member in the open end of the housing, then apply the upper end piece (ESI) against said two adjacent faces of the housing.
20. Procédé selon la revendication 17, dans lequel on introduit un organe de liaison (14") au- dessus de l'embout supérieur (ES3) de l'assemblage combustible (A3) , celui-ci étant placé dans le logement (L3) orienté sensiblement verticalement, on fixe l'organe de liaison dans l'extrémité ouverte du logement, on amène l'embout supérieur (ES3) contre lesdites deux faces adjacentes du logement, puis on soulève l'assemblage (A3) et on le serre contre l'organe de liaison (14") et contre lesdites deux faces adj acentes du logement . 20. The method of claim 17, wherein one introduces a connecting member (14 ") above the upper nozzle (ES3) of the fuel assembly (A3), the latter being placed in the housing (L3 ) oriented substantially vertically, the connecting member is fixed in the open end of the housing, the upper end piece (ES3) is brought against said two adjacent faces of the housing, then the assembly is lifted (A3) and it is tightened against the connecting member (14 ") and against said two adjacent surfaces of the housing.
EP02808356A 2002-12-19 2002-12-19 Fuel assembly transport container Expired - Lifetime EP1573750B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FR2002/004459 WO2004066313A1 (en) 2002-12-19 2002-12-19 Method and device for locking a nuclear fuel assembly in position in a housing

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EP1573750A1 true EP1573750A1 (en) 2005-09-14
EP1573750B1 EP1573750B1 (en) 2009-04-08

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US (1) US20080049886A1 (en)
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JP (1) JP4291277B2 (en)
AU (1) AU2002365009A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60231922D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004066313A1 (en)

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US20080049886A1 (en) 2008-02-28
JP4291277B2 (en) 2009-07-08
AU2002365009A1 (en) 2004-08-13
JP2006511811A (en) 2006-04-06
DE60231922D1 (en) 2009-05-20
WO2004066313A1 (en) 2004-08-05
EP1573750B1 (en) 2009-04-08

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