EP0506511A1 - Device for fixing an object on a shipping structure, in particular device for damping a fuel assembly within a transport container - Google Patents

Device for fixing an object on a shipping structure, in particular device for damping a fuel assembly within a transport container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0506511A1
EP0506511A1 EP92400695A EP92400695A EP0506511A1 EP 0506511 A1 EP0506511 A1 EP 0506511A1 EP 92400695 A EP92400695 A EP 92400695A EP 92400695 A EP92400695 A EP 92400695A EP 0506511 A1 EP0506511 A1 EP 0506511A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flange
support block
cradle
locking
shoe
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
EP92400695A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0506511B1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Sappey
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.)
Areva NP SAS
Orano Demantelement SAS
Original Assignee
Framatome SA
Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires 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 Framatome SA, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires SA filed Critical Framatome SA
Publication of EP0506511A1 publication Critical patent/EP0506511A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0506511B1 publication Critical patent/EP0506511B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/004—Contents retaining means
    • B65D90/0066—Partition walls
    • 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 device for fixing an object to a transport structure and more particularly, a device for locking a fuel assembly for nuclear reactors in a transport container.
  • the fuel assemblies for nuclear reactors and in particular the fuel assemblies for pressurized water nuclear reactors consist of a bundle of very long fuel rods held in a framework, so that the rods are parallel to each other and arranged in a regular network. in the transverse planes of the assembly perpendicular to its longitudinal direction.
  • the fuel rods are maintained by spacer grids regularly spaced along the length of the assembly and constituting elements of the framework.
  • the fuel assemblies of pressurized water nuclear reactors currently in service have a length of more than four meters and a cross section of square shape, the side of which is close to twenty centimeters in length.
  • the fuel assemblies intended for nuclear reactors with a power of 900 MW include eight spacer grids regularly spaced along the length of the assembly and the fuel assemblies intended for reactors with a power of 1300 MW, ten spacer grids.
  • the external lateral faces of the spacer grids project slightly from the bundle of fuel rods in the assembly.
  • containers are used in which two fuel assemblies are arranged and locked during transport.
  • the transport containers comprise two half-shells which can be assembled by screwing, one of which constituting the lower half-shell of the container receives a chassis or cradle intended to support the fuel assemblies and the other of which constitutes the half-shell container top or lid.
  • the support cradle for fuel assemblies consists of an elongated structure, the T-shaped cross section of which, for each of the fuel assemblies, two support surfaces at right angles arranged on either side of the middle part of the cradle constituting a partition wall for the two assemblies.
  • the cradle rests inside the lower half-shell of the container, by means of shock absorbing studs.
  • Each of the assemblies arranged in a container comes to bear against the cradle, by two successive lateral faces at 90 ° from its spacer grids.
  • the clamping of the assemblies against the bearing faces of the cradle is ensured by flanges located at the level of each of the spacer grids of the assemblies.
  • each of the spacer grids of each of the fuel assemblies in the transport position on the cradle two half-flanges are mounted articulated on the cradle, so that they can be folded down towards the fuel assembly and support surfaces, when fixing the assembly.
  • the half-flanges in the folded position are interconnected by a screw connection.
  • Each of the half-flanges carries a device for tightening the assembly constituted by a threaded rod engaged in the corresponding half-flange and carrying at its end a support pad.
  • the tightening of the assembly is ensured by pressing, with a certain pressure, the pads on the external lateral surfaces of the spacer grids opposite the faces of these spacer grids bearing on the cradle, by means of a nut and a lock nut engaged on the threaded rod.
  • This tightening of the parts on their transport chassis is generally carried out using screwed assemblies fixed on a clamping part of the structure opposite the bearing surfaces of the object to be transported.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to propose a device for fast and simple fixing of an object on a transport structure comprising a cradle having at least one support surface on which the object rests and at least one flange pivotally mounted around an axis on the cradle, between a raised position remote from the support surface and a folded position towards the support surface as well as means for locking the flange in its folded position, this device making it possible simple and fast effective fixing of the object on the structure, without causing damage to the object to be fixed by excessive tightening.
  • the device comprises at least one clamping assembly constituted by a support block connected to the flange in an articulated fashion around an axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the flange, a shoe mounted on the support block, so as to be able to move relative to the support block, in a limited way in a direction allowing its approximation or its distance from the support block of the flange and comprising a support surface directed towards the support surface of the cradle, in the folded position of the flanges and a leaf spring interposed between the support block and the shoe, so to exert a restoring force on the pad, in a direction away from the support block and the flange.
  • a clamping assembly constituted by a support block connected to the flange in an articulated fashion around an axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the flange, a shoe mounted on the support block, so as to be able to move relative to the support block, in a limited way in a direction allowing its approximation or its distance
  • the invention also relates to a device for locking a fuel assembly in a transport container.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container for transporting fuel assemblies of a pressurized water reactor whose lid is open and which contains two assemblies in the transport position.
  • Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a fixing device according to the invention used for fixing a fuel assembly in a container as shown in Figure 1, in the closed and locked position.
  • Figure 3 is an elevational view of the fixing device shown in Figure 2, in the open position.
  • Figure 4 is an elevational view of a support pad of the fixing device shown in Figures 2 and 3, in a loose position.
  • Figure 5 is a sectional view along 5-5 of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is an elevational view of a support pad of the fixing device shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the clamping position of a fuel assembly.
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view along 7-7 of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 1 there is seen a container for transporting fuel assemblies generally designated by the reference 1 and constituted by a lower half-shell 2 and an upper half-shell 3 having substantially semi-cylindrical shapes.
  • chassis 4 or cradle for supporting fuel assemblies whose cross section has the shape of a T.
  • the cradle 4 has a base 4a and a partition wall 4b perpendicular to the base 4a.
  • the partition wall 4b delimits two bearing zones each having the shape of a dihedral at a right angle, for two fuel assemblies 6 and 7, on the cradle 4.
  • the container 1 and the cradle 4 have a length slightly greater than the length of a fuel assembly, this length being greater than four meters, in the case of fuel assemblies for a pressurized water nuclear reactor.
  • the fuel assemblies 6 and 7 are held on the cradle 4 by locking flanges 5 each consisting of two half-flanges 5a and 5b.
  • the half-flanges 5a are mounted articulated at one of their ends on the upper part of the partition wall 4b of the cradle 4 and the half-flanges 5b are articulated, at l 'one of their ends, on the base 4a of the cradle 4.
  • the locking flanges 5 are arranged at each of the spacer grids of the fuel assemblies 6 and 7 and constitute, with the cradle 4 and the clamping and locking means which will be described later, the constituent elements of the fixing device according to the invention.
  • the cradle 4 is held inside the lower half-shell 2, by damping devices not shown.
  • the half-shell 3 constitutes a cover for closing the container which can be fixed to the lower half-shell 2, by means of screwed assemblies 10 in two parts.
  • the partition wall 4b of the cradle 4 delimits two support zones 9a, 9b in the form of dihedrons at right angles to two fuel assemblies.
  • the flange 5a is folded down towards the support surface of the base 4a of the cradle 4 and delimits with the second half-flange 5b and with the support surfaces and of support of the cradle 4, a contour of substantially square shape whose side is greater than the side of a fuel assembly with square section such as one of the assemblies 6 or 7.
  • the half-flange 5a is hingedly attached at one of its ends to the upper part of the partition wall 4b of the cradle 4, by means of a support 12 fixed on the partition wall 4b and a hinge pin 11 disposed in the longitudinal direction of the container 1.
  • the half-flange 5b is hingedly attached to the base 4a of the cradle 4 and placed in its folded position.
  • the half-flange 5a comprises at its end opposite to the articulation 11, a junction piece 14 whose external part located above the flange 5a has a hollow cylindrical part 15 .
  • the half-flange 5b comprises at its end opposite to its end connected to the base 4a of the cradle 4, a junction piece 16 whose external part has a hollow part 17 open towards the outside.
  • the hollow parts 15 and 17 of the joining pieces 14 and 16 are juxtaposed and constitute a single housing for a locking rod 20 of the fixing device.
  • junction piece 16 secured to the half-flange 5b further comprises a locking housing 18 in an arrangement opposite to the junction piece 14.
  • the locking rod 20 is slidably mounted on the half-flange 5a, by means of a support fitting 21 comprising an opening in which the rod 20 is slidably engaged.
  • the locking rod 20 is also engaged in the hollow part 15 of the junction piece 14 which, with the opening of the support 21, guides the rod 20 in translation in the direction of its axis.
  • the rod 20 has at its end located at the front of the junction piece 14, a lug 22 having a bearing surface of a rounded shape corresponding to the shape of the housing 18 of the junction piece 16.
  • the rod 20 comprises, at its end opposite the lug 22, a pusher 24 fixed by nuts 23 engaged on a threaded part of the rod 20.
  • the locking rod 20 is returned in the direction going from the pusher 24 towards the lug 22, by a spring 25 interposed between the support 21 and an annular stop 26 secured to the rod 20.
  • the locking rod 20 can be introduced from the outside into the hollow part 17 of the junction piece 16, by tilting the half-flanges 5a and 5b, the lug 22 being outside the housing 18.
  • An operating lever 30 is articulated at one of its ends secured to a cam constituted by an eccentric 32, on the support 21, by means of an axis 31.
  • the lever 30 comprises, at its end opposite the articulation 31, a locking finger 33 provided with a return spring and capable of coming to engage in an opening 34 of the half-flange 5a.
  • the lever 30 can be moved by pivoting relative to the half-flange 5a, between a folded position shown in FIG. 2, in which the lever 30 can be locked on the half-flange 5a, by the finger 33 and a raised position 30 'away from the flange 5a shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3.
  • the external actuating surface of the eccentric 32 cooperates with the pusher 24 to cause a retraction of the rod 20, against the action of the return spring 25, in the direction going from the lug 22 towards the pusher 24.
  • the outer surface of the eccentric 32 directed towards the pusher 24 of the rod 20 allows a forward movement of the locking rod 20 in the direction of the arrow 27, the eccentric 32 comprising an external surface remote from the axis 31 which is arranged opposite the pusher 24 in the folded position of the lever 30 and an external surface close to the axis 11 which is arranged opposite of the pusher 24, in the raised position 30 ′ of the lever 30 such that the displacement of the locking rod 20 does not begin until after the lever 30 has crossed the vertical position.
  • the fixing device further comprises means for clamping the assembly 6 on the support surface of the cradle 4 which will be described with reference to all of FIGS. 2 to 7.
  • clamping means such as the means generally designated by the reference 35 are fixed on the half-flanges 5a and 5b, pr through eye bolts 36 of fixing nuts 37 and locknuts 37 ′.
  • the means 35 comprise a support block 38, a shoe 40 and a leaf spring 41 interposed between the support block 38 and the shoe 40.
  • the support block 38 has a central opening in which is engaged the end 36a of the eye bolt 36, delimited by two side walls traversed by aligned openings opening into the central cavity ( Figure 5).
  • Part 36a of the eye bolt has a through opening located in alignment openings in the side walls of the support block 38.
  • the circular openings of the side walls of the block 38 and the corresponding opening of the part 36a of the eye bolt have an axis parallel to the articulation and pivot axis 11 of the half-flange 5a.
  • a hinge pin 42 is engaged in the aligned openings of the block 38 and the eye bolt and stopped by stop rings 43, so that the support block 38 is pivotally fixed relative to the half-flange 5a at the end of the eye bolt 36.
  • the shoe 40 comprises a flat support plate 40a and two parallel lateral faces 40b whose spacing is slightly greater than the width of the support block 38.
  • Each of the lateral faces of the shoe 40 has a central notch 44 opening out at the upper part of the face 40b and two closed oblong openings 45 placed symmetrically with respect to the notch 44, in the upper part of the face 40b.
  • Two brake pins 46 are fixed on the lateral faces of the support block 38, with a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the oblong slots 45 of the shoe 40.
  • Each of the brake pins 46 is engaged in a slot 45, so as to ensure the connection of the support block 38 and the shoe 40, while allowing a certain latitude of movement of the shoe 40 relative to the support block 38, in the axial direction of the eye bolt 36.
  • the spring 41 is a leaf spring having a convex part directed towards the shoe 38 which comprises an external bearing surface 38a of concave shape coming into contact with the external convex surface of the leaf spring 41.
  • the leaf spring 41 is in support by its ends on the internal face of the support plate 40a of the shoe 40.
  • the spring 41 which is interposed between the support block 38 and the shoe 40 further comprises an opening passing through its wall at the top of its convex part, in which is engaged a centering pin 48 fixed on the contact surface 38a of the block support 38.
  • return and holding springs 49 are fixed at one of their ends to the pads 40 and at their other end to the half-flanges 5a and 5b, so as to maintain the pad 40 in such a position, with respect to the half-flanges 5a and 5b, that the support plate 40a is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface and parallel to the lateral surface of the assembly 6 formed by the external face of a spacer, during the pivoting of the half -flanges 5a and 5b, between their open position and their closed position shown in Figures 3 and 2 respectively.
  • the spring 49 also makes it possible to place the shoe 40 in a retracted position, when the half-flanges 5a and 5b are opened, to allow the assembly 6 of the cradle 4 to be unloaded easily.
  • the locking of an assembly 6 resting on the support surface of the cradle 4 is carried out by folding the half-flanges 5a and 5b in the direction of the assembly 6, of the support surface of the cradle 4 and of the partition wall, the lever 30 being in its raised position 30 ′.
  • the support plates 40a of the pads 40 come into contact with the upper and lateral surfaces of the assembly 6 and, by pushing on the half-flanges 5a and 5b, there is a coincidence of the joining pieces 14 and 16 of the flanges 5a and 5b respectively and an introduction of the locking rod 20 in the hollow part 17 of the connecting piece 16.
  • the lever 30 is then folded down manually, to its position shown in FIG. 2 and locked in this position by the locking finger 33.
  • the folding of the lever 30 causes the rotation of the eccentric 32 which actuates the pusher 24 and the locking rod 20 in the direction of the retraction of the rod, opposite to the direction of the arrow 27.
  • the lug 22 of the locking rod cooperates with the housing 18 to achieve the locking of the half-flange 5a on the half-flange 5b.
  • the support force of the half-flanges 5a and 5b is transmitted by the eye bolts 36, the nuts 37 and the axis 42 to the support blocks 38 which transmit the tightening force to the pads 40, by the intermediate of the springs 41. This gives simultaneous locking of the half-flanges 5a and 5b and a tightening of the assembly, with a perfectly determined force.
  • the spring has a shape and characteristics such that its deformation, when closing and locking the flange, allows to obtain a predetermined clamping force.
  • This clamping force is calculated so that the fixing device and the spring support accelerations of the order of 6g, in the closed position of the half-flanges 5a and 5b.
  • the deformation of the spring makes it possible to absorb the dimensional differences of the spacer grids of the assembly.
  • the nuts 37 and the locknuts 37 ′ ensuring the fixing of the bolts 36 on the half-flanges 5a and 5b allow an adaptation of the fixing device to the different designs of fuel assemblies and an adjustment of the tightening force so that the fixing device resists accelerations of the order of 6g.
  • the brake pins 46 allow braking and blocking of the shoe 40 relative to the support block, these brake pins cooperating with the edges of the openings 45 and which can possibly come into abutment against the end part of the openings 45, in the case where the fuel assembly is subjected to accelerations greater than 6g which cause it to move relative to the support surface of the cradle.
  • brake pins 46 also ensure the connection of the pad 40 and the block 38, in all the positions of the fixing device.
  • a fixing device which comprises a plurality of pivoting flanges provided with clamping means of the type described above, arranged at several spacer grids spaced along the length of the assembly.
  • three flanges provided with locking means are placed at the level of the first, fifth and eighth spacers starting from the base of the assembly.
  • flanges fitted with locking means are arranged at the first, sixth and tenth grid-spacers starting from the foot of the assembly.
  • clamps for holding assemblies of the same type but which are not provided with locking means can be placed at the level of the other spacer grids of the assemblies.
  • the unlocking and opening of the flanges are carried out after opening the container, by unlocking the operating lever which is then raised to its position 30 ′ shown in FIG. 3.
  • the pivoting up of the lever 30 leads to an advance of the locking rod 20, under the effect of return spring 25.
  • the half-flange 5a can then be pivoted upwards and the half-flange 5b downwards, so as to release the assembly 6.
  • the return spring 49 of the shoe 40 makes it possible to place the shoe in a released position favoring the passage and the release of the fuel assembly.
  • the clamping and locking of a fuel assembly as well as the unlocking of this assembly can therefore be carried out by simple and rapid operations which do not use screwed assemblies and which do not require the use of special tightening tools. or loosening such as torque wrenches.
  • the clamping force of the fuel assemblies in their transport container can be easily adjusted to a perfectly determined value, so that no control is necessary when clamping and locking the fuel assemblies.
  • the shoe, the support block and the spring of the clamping device fixed on the pivoting flange can have a shape different from that which has been described and include fixing means, assembly and adjustment, of any type.
  • the flanges may consist of two half-flanges pivotally mounted on the cradle of the container and each comprising a shoe and a clamping device as described above or also made of a single piece pivotally mounted on the cradle and coming attach to a fixed junction piece secured to part of the cradle.
  • the locking means of the flange can be different from the means which have been described which comprise a locking rod actuated by an operating lever and comprising a locking lug.
  • the fixing device according to the invention can be used to clamp and lock different objects from a fuel assembly, on a transport structure.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Methods And Devices For Loading And Unloading (AREA)

Abstract

Le dispositif comporte un berceau (4) ayant au moins une surface de support sur laquelle repose l'objet (6), au moins une bride (5a, 5b) montée pivotante sur le berceau (4) et des moyens de verrouillage (14, 16, 20) de la bride (5a, 5b) dans sa position rabattue. Le dispositif comporte de plus un bloc d'appui (38) relié à la bride (5a, 5b) de manière articulée, un patin (40) monté sur le bloc d'appui (38) de façon à pouvoir se déplacer de manière limitée et ayant une surface d'appui (40a) dirigée vers l'objet (6), dans la position rabattue de la bride (5a, 5b) et un ressort à lame (41) intercalé entre le bloc d'appui (38) et le patin (40). <IMAGE>The device comprises a cradle (4) having at least one support surface on which the object (6) rests, at least one flange (5a, 5b) pivotally mounted on the cradle (4) and locking means (14, 16, 20) of the flange (5a, 5b) in its folded position. The device further comprises a support block (38) connected to the flange (5a, 5b) in an articulated manner, a shoe (40) mounted on the support block (38) so as to be able to move in a limited manner and having a bearing surface (40a) directed towards the object (6), in the folded position of the flange (5a, 5b) and a leaf spring (41) interposed between the bearing block (38) and the shoe (40). <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif de fixation d'un objet sur une structure de transport et plus particulièrement, un dispositif de verrouillage d'un assemblage combustible pour réacteurs nucléaires dans un conteneur de transport.The invention relates to a device for fixing an object to a transport structure and more particularly, a device for locking a fuel assembly for nuclear reactors in a transport container.

Les assemblages combustibles pour réacteurs nucléaires et en particulier les assemblages combustibles des réacteurs nucléaires à eau sous pression sont constitués par un faisceau de crayons combustibles de grande longueur maintenus dans une ossature, de manière que les crayons soient parallèles entre eux et disposés suivant un réseau régulier dans les plans transversaux de l'assemblage perpendiculaires à sa direction longitudinale.The fuel assemblies for nuclear reactors and in particular the fuel assemblies for pressurized water nuclear reactors consist of a bundle of very long fuel rods held in a framework, so that the rods are parallel to each other and arranged in a regular network. in the transverse planes of the assembly perpendicular to its longitudinal direction.

Les crayons combustibles sont maintenus par des grilles-entretoises régulièrement espacées suivant la longueur de l'assemblage et constituant des éléments de l'ossature.The fuel rods are maintained by spacer grids regularly spaced along the length of the assembly and constituting elements of the framework.

Les assemblages combustibles des réacteurs nucléaires à eau sous pression actuellement en service ont une longueur supérieure à quatre mètres et une section transversale de forme carrée dont le côté a une longueur voisine de vingt centimètres. Les assemblages combustibles destinés aux réacteurs nucléaires d'une puissance de 900 MW comportent huit grilles-entretoises régulièrement espacées suivant la longueur de l'assemblage et les assemblages combustibles destinés aux réacteurs d'une puissance de 1300 MW, dix grilles-entretoises. Les faces latérales externes des grilles-entretoises sont légèrement saillantes par rapport au faisceau de crayons combustibles de l'assemblage.The fuel assemblies of pressurized water nuclear reactors currently in service have a length of more than four meters and a cross section of square shape, the side of which is close to twenty centimeters in length. The fuel assemblies intended for nuclear reactors with a power of 900 MW include eight spacer grids regularly spaced along the length of the assembly and the fuel assemblies intended for reactors with a power of 1300 MW, ten spacer grids. The external lateral faces of the spacer grids project slightly from the bundle of fuel rods in the assembly.

Pour effectuer le transport des assemblages combustibles, par exemple des assemblages combustibles neufs destinés au rechargement du coeur d'un réacteur nucléaire, on utilise des conteneurs dans lesquels deux assemblages combustibles sont disposés et verrouillés pendant le transport.To transport the fuel assemblies, for example new fuel assemblies intended for recharging the core of a nuclear reactor, containers are used in which two fuel assemblies are arranged and locked during transport.

Les conteneurs de transport comportent deux demi-coquilles qui peuvent être assemblées par vissage dont l'une constituant la demi-coquille inférieure du conteneur reçoit un châssis ou berceau destiné à assurer le support des assemblages combustibles et dont l'autre constitue la demi-coquille supérieure ou couvercle du conteneur.The transport containers comprise two half-shells which can be assembled by screwing, one of which constituting the lower half-shell of the container receives a chassis or cradle intended to support the fuel assemblies and the other of which constitutes the half-shell container top or lid.

Le berceau de support des assemblages combustibles est constitué par une structure allongée dont la section transversale en forme de T ménage, pour chacun des assemblages combustibles, deux surfaces de support à angle droit disposées de part et d'autre de la partie médiane du berceau constituant une paroi de séparation des deux assemblages.The support cradle for fuel assemblies consists of an elongated structure, the T-shaped cross section of which, for each of the fuel assemblies, two support surfaces at right angles arranged on either side of the middle part of the cradle constituting a partition wall for the two assemblies.

Le berceau repose à l'intérieur de la demicoquille inférieure du conteneur, par l'intermédiaire de plots amortisseurs.The cradle rests inside the lower half-shell of the container, by means of shock absorbing studs.

Chacun des assemblages disposé dans un conteneur vient en appui contre le berceau, par deux faces latérales successives à 90° de ses grilles-entretoises. Le serrage des assemblages contre les faces d'appui du berceau est assuré par des brides situées au niveau de chacune des grilles-entretoises des assemblages.Each of the assemblies arranged in a container comes to bear against the cradle, by two successive lateral faces at 90 ° from its spacer grids. The clamping of the assemblies against the bearing faces of the cradle is ensured by flanges located at the level of each of the spacer grids of the assemblies.

Dans la technique connue, au niveau de chacune des grilles-entretoises de chacun des assemblages combustibles en position de transport sur le berceau, deux demi-brides sont montées articulées sur le berceau, de manière à pouvoir être rabattues en direction de l'assemblage combustible et des surfaces de support, lors de la fixation de l'assemblage. Les demi-brides en position rabattue sont reliées entre elles par un assemblage vissé. Chacune des demi-brides porte un dispositif de serrage de l'assemblage constitué par une tige filetée engagée dans la demi-bride correspondante et portant à son extrémité un patin d'appui. Le serrage de l'assemblage est assuré par mise en appui, avec une certaine pression, des patins sur les surfaces latérales externes des grilles-entretoises opposées aux faces de ces grilles-entretoises en appui sur le berceau, grâce à un écrou et à un contre-écrou engagés sur la tige filetée.In the known technique, at each of the spacer grids of each of the fuel assemblies in the transport position on the cradle, two half-flanges are mounted articulated on the cradle, so that they can be folded down towards the fuel assembly and support surfaces, when fixing the assembly. The half-flanges in the folded position are interconnected by a screw connection. Each of the half-flanges carries a device for tightening the assembly constituted by a threaded rod engaged in the corresponding half-flange and carrying at its end a support pad. The tightening of the assembly is ensured by pressing, with a certain pressure, the pads on the external lateral surfaces of the spacer grids opposite the faces of these spacer grids bearing on the cradle, by means of a nut and a lock nut engaged on the threaded rod.

Pour assurer le serrage et le bridage de l'assemblage sur le berceau, il est donc nécessaire de rabattre chacune des deux demi-brides, d'assurer l'assemblage des deux demi-brides par serrage de l'assemblage vissé et de mettre les patins en appui par serrage au couple de chacun des écrous.To ensure the tightening and clamping of the assembly on the cradle, it is therefore necessary to fold down each of the two half-flanges, ensure the assembly of the two half-flanges by tightening the screwed assembly and put the pads in support by tightening to the torque of each of the nuts.

Ces opérations qui doivent être effectuées pour chacune des grilles-entretoises des assemblages combustibles sont relativement longues et nécessitent l'intervention d'un personnel bien entraîné, dans la mesure où une fixation défectueuse des assemblages résultant d'un serrage insuffisant peut se traduire par des détériorations des assemblages pendant leur transport. De même, un serrage excessif des patins peut entraîner des détériorations des grilles-entetoises des assemblages.These operations, which must be carried out for each of the spacer grids of the fuel assemblies, are relatively long and require the intervention of well-trained personnel, since faulty fixing of the assemblies resulting from insufficient tightening can result in damage to the assemblies during transport. Likewise, excessive tightening of the pads can lead to deterioration of the spacer grids of the assemblies.

En outre, l'utilisation de clés de serrage des assemblages vissés et des écrous des patins entraîne un certain risque de chute de ces clés dont la masse est importante, sur les assemblages combustibles et donc de détérioration des crayons des assemblages. Ces chutes d'outillage peuvent également entraîner des accidents corporels pour les opérateurs chargés de la mise en conteneur des assemblages combustibles.In addition, the use of tightening wrenches for screwed assemblies and pad nuts results in a certain risk of these keys, the mass of which is large, falling onto the fuel assemblies and therefore damaging the rods of the assemblies. These falling tools can also lead to personal injury for operators responsible for putting fuel assemblies in containers.

Il est bien évident que les dispositifs de serrage suivant l'art antérieur présentent également des inconvénients similaires, au moment du déchargement des assemblages combustibles, après ouverture d'un conteneur. Il est en effet nécessaire de réaliser le desserrage des patins et le desserrage des brides avant d'avoir relevé le berceau et les assemblages à la verticale, cette opération pouvant être réalisées en utilisant un dispositif mécanique de relevage des châssis.It is obvious that the clamping devices according to the prior art also have similar drawbacks, when unloading the fuel assemblies, after opening a container. It is indeed necessary to loosen the pads and loosening the flanges before having raised the cradle and the assemblies vertically, this operation can be carried out using a mechanical device for lifting the chassis.

De manière plus générale, dans de nombreux secteurs de l'industrie, il est nécessaire d'effectuer le transport de pièces lourdes à l'intérieur de conteneurs ou sur des châssis de transport, après avoir effectué un serrage ou un bridage efficace des pièces.More generally, in many sectors of industry, it is necessary to carry out the transport of heavy parts inside containers or on transport frames, after having carried out an effective clamping or clamping of the parts.

Ce serrage des pièces sur leur châssis de transport est généralement effectué en utilisant des assemblages vissés fixés sur une partie de bridage de la structure en regard des surfaces d'appui de l'objet à transporter.This tightening of the parts on their transport chassis is generally carried out using screwed assemblies fixed on a clamping part of the structure opposite the bearing surfaces of the object to be transported.

Le couple de serrage de ces assemblages vissés doit être soigneusement contrôlé.The tightening torque of these screwed connections must be carefully checked.

Les opérations correspondantes sont donc relativement longues et délicates et nécessitent le plus souvent l'intervention d'un personnel très compétent.The corresponding operations are therefore relatively long and delicate and most often require the intervention of very competent personnel.

Le but de l'invention est donc de proposer un dispositif de fixation rapide et simple d'un objet sur une structure de transport comportant un berceau ayant au moins une surface de support sur laquelle repose l'objet et au moins une bride montée pivotante autour d'un axe sur le berceau, entre une position relevée éloignée de la surface de support et une position rabattue en direction de la surface de support ainsi que des moyens de verrouillage de la bride dans sa position rabattue, ce dispositif permettant de réaliser de manière simple et rapide une fixation efficace de l'objet sur la structure, sans entraîner de détérioration de l'objet à fixer par un serrage excessif.The object of the invention is therefore to propose a device for fast and simple fixing of an object on a transport structure comprising a cradle having at least one support surface on which the object rests and at least one flange pivotally mounted around an axis on the cradle, between a raised position remote from the support surface and a folded position towards the support surface as well as means for locking the flange in its folded position, this device making it possible simple and fast effective fixing of the object on the structure, without causing damage to the object to be fixed by excessive tightening.

Dans ce but, le dispositif suivant l'invention comporte au moins un ensemble de serrage constitué par un bloc d'appui relié à la bride de manière articulée autour d'un axe sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de pivotement de la bride, un patin monté sur le bloc d'appui, de façon à pouvoir se déplacer par rapport au bloc d'appui, de manière limitée dans une direction permettant son rapprochement ou son éloignement du bloc d'appui de la bride et comportant une surface d'appui dirigée vers la surface de support du berceau, dans la position rabattue des brides et un ressort à lame intercalé entre le bloc d'appui et le patin, de manière à exercer une force de rappel sur le patin, dans un sens l'éloignant du bloc d'appui et de la bride.To this end, the device according to the invention comprises at least one clamping assembly constituted by a support block connected to the flange in an articulated fashion around an axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the flange, a shoe mounted on the support block, so as to be able to move relative to the support block, in a limited way in a direction allowing its approximation or its distance from the support block of the flange and comprising a support surface directed towards the support surface of the cradle, in the folded position of the flanges and a leaf spring interposed between the support block and the shoe, so to exert a restoring force on the pad, in a direction away from the support block and the flange.

L'invention est également relative à un dispositif de verrouillage d'un assemblage combustible dans un conteneur de transport.The invention also relates to a device for locking a fuel assembly in a transport container.

Afin de bien faire comprendre l'invention, on va maintenant décrire, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en se référant aux figures jointes en annexe, un mode de réalisation du dispositif suivant l'invention utilisé pour le verrouillage d'assemblages combustibles d'un réacteur nucléaire à eau sous pression, dans des conteneurs de transport.In order to clearly understand the invention, a description will now be given, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended figures, an embodiment of the device according to the invention used for locking fuel assemblies d '' a pressurized water nuclear reactor in transport containers.

La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un conteneur de transport d'assemblages combustibles d'un réacteur à eau sous pression dont le couvercle est ouvert et qui contient deux assemblages en position de transport.FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container for transporting fuel assemblies of a pressurized water reactor whose lid is open and which contains two assemblies in the transport position.

La figure 2 est une vue en élévation latérale d'un dispositif de fixation suivant l'invention utilisé pour la fixation d'un assemblage combustible dans un conteneur tel que représenté sur la figure 1, en position fermée et verrouillée.Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a fixing device according to the invention used for fixing a fuel assembly in a container as shown in Figure 1, in the closed and locked position.

La figure 3 est une vue en élévation du dispositif de fixation représenté sur la figure 2, en position ouverte.Figure 3 is an elevational view of the fixing device shown in Figure 2, in the open position.

La figure 4 est une vue en élévation d'un patin d'appui du dispositif de fixation représenté sur les figures 2 et 3, dans une position desserrée.Figure 4 is an elevational view of a support pad of the fixing device shown in Figures 2 and 3, in a loose position.

La figure 5 est une vue en coupe suivant 5-5 de la figure 4.Figure 5 is a sectional view along 5-5 of Figure 4.

La figure 6 est une vue en élévation d'un patin d'appui du dispositif de fixation représenté sur les figures 2 et 3, en position de bridage d'un assemblage combustible.Figure 6 is an elevational view of a support pad of the fixing device shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the clamping position of a fuel assembly.

La figure 7 est une vue en coupe suivant 7-7 de la figure 6.FIG. 7 is a sectional view along 7-7 of FIG. 6.

Sur la figure 1, on voit un conteneur de transport d'assemblages combustibles désigné de manière générale par le repère 1 et constitué par une demi-coquille inférieure 2 et une demi-coquille supérieure 3 ayant des formes sensiblement semi-cylindriques.In FIG. 1, there is seen a container for transporting fuel assemblies generally designated by the reference 1 and constituted by a lower half-shell 2 and an upper half-shell 3 having substantially semi-cylindrical shapes.

Dans la demi-coquille inférieure 2 et suivant toute sa longueur est disposé un châssis 4 ou berceau de support d'assemblages combustibles dont la section transversale a la forme d'un T.In the lower half-shell 2 and along its entire length is disposed a chassis 4 or cradle for supporting fuel assemblies whose cross section has the shape of a T.

Le berceau 4 comporte une base 4a et une paroi de séparation 4b perpendiculaire à la base 4a.The cradle 4 has a base 4a and a partition wall 4b perpendicular to the base 4a.

La paroi de séparation 4b délimite deux zones d'appui ayant chacune la forme d'un dièdre à angle droit, pour deux assemblages combustibles 6 et 7, sur le berceau 4.The partition wall 4b delimits two bearing zones each having the shape of a dihedral at a right angle, for two fuel assemblies 6 and 7, on the cradle 4.

Le conteneur 1 et le berceau 4 ont une longueur légèrement supérieure à la longueur d'un assemblage combustible, cette longueur étant supérieure à quatre mètres, dans le cas d'assemblages combustibles pour un réacteur nucléaire à eau sous pression.The container 1 and the cradle 4 have a length slightly greater than the length of a fuel assembly, this length being greater than four meters, in the case of fuel assemblies for a pressurized water nuclear reactor.

Les assemblages combustibles 6 et 7 sont maintenus sur le berceau 4 par des brides de verrouillage 5 constituées chacune de deux demi-brides 5a et 5b.The fuel assemblies 6 and 7 are held on the cradle 4 by locking flanges 5 each consisting of two half-flanges 5a and 5b.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 1, les demi-brides 5a sont montées articulées à l'une de leurs extrémités sur la partie supérieure de la paroi de séparation 4b du berceau 4 et les demi-brides 5b sont articulées, à l'une de leurs extrémités, sur la base 4a du berceau 4.In the embodiment represented in FIG. 1, the half-flanges 5a are mounted articulated at one of their ends on the upper part of the partition wall 4b of the cradle 4 and the half-flanges 5b are articulated, at l 'one of their ends, on the base 4a of the cradle 4.

Les brides de verrouillage 5 sont disposées au niveau de chacune des grilles-entretoises des assemblages combustibles 6 et 7 et constituent avec le berceau 4 et les moyens de serrage et de verrouillage qui seront décrits ultérieurement, les éléments constitutifs du dispositif de fixation suivant l'invention.The locking flanges 5 are arranged at each of the spacer grids of the fuel assemblies 6 and 7 and constitute, with the cradle 4 and the clamping and locking means which will be described later, the constituent elements of the fixing device according to the invention.

Le berceau 4 est maintenu à l'intérieur de la demi-coquille inférieure 2, par des dispositifs amortisseurs non représentés.The cradle 4 is held inside the lower half-shell 2, by damping devices not shown.

La demi-coquille 3 constitue un couvercle de fermeture du conteneur qui peut être fixé sur la demicoquille inférieure 2, par l'intermédiaire d'assemblages vissés 10 en deux parties.The half-shell 3 constitutes a cover for closing the container which can be fixed to the lower half-shell 2, by means of screwed assemblies 10 in two parts.

La paroi de séparation 4b du berceau 4 délimite deux zones d'appui 9a, 9b en forme de dièdres à angle droit pour deux assemblages combustibles.The partition wall 4b of the cradle 4 delimits two support zones 9a, 9b in the form of dihedrons at right angles to two fuel assemblies.

Dans la position fermée et verrouillée du dispositif de fixation représenté sur la figure 2, la bride 5a est rabattue en direction de la surface de support de la base 4a du berceau 4 et délimite avec la seconde demi-bride 5b et avec les surfaces de support et d'appui du berceau 4, un contour de forme sensiblement carrée dont le côté est supérieur au côté d'un assemblage combustible à section carrée tel que l'un des assemblages 6 ou 7.In the closed and locked position of the fixing device shown in FIG. 2, the flange 5a is folded down towards the support surface of the base 4a of the cradle 4 and delimits with the second half-flange 5b and with the support surfaces and of support of the cradle 4, a contour of substantially square shape whose side is greater than the side of a fuel assembly with square section such as one of the assemblies 6 or 7.

La demi-bride 5a est fixée de manière articulée à l'une de ses extrémités sur la partie supérieure de la paroi de séparation 4b du berceau 4, par l'intermédiaire d'un support 12 fixé sur la paroi de séparation 4b et d'un axe d'articulation 11 disposé dans la direction longitudinale du conteneur 1.The half-flange 5a is hingedly attached at one of its ends to the upper part of the partition wall 4b of the cradle 4, by means of a support 12 fixed on the partition wall 4b and a hinge pin 11 disposed in the longitudinal direction of the container 1.

La demi-bride 5b est fixée de manière articulée sur la base 4a du berceau 4 et placée dans sa position rabattue.The half-flange 5b is hingedly attached to the base 4a of the cradle 4 and placed in its folded position.

Comme il est visible sur les figures 2 et 3, la demi-bride 5a comporte à son extrémité opposée à l'articulation 11, une pièce de jonction 14 dont la partie externe située au-dessus de la bride 5a présente une partie creuse cylindrique 15.As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the half-flange 5a comprises at its end opposite to the articulation 11, a junction piece 14 whose external part located above the flange 5a has a hollow cylindrical part 15 .

De même, la demi-bride 5b comporte à son extrémité opposée à son extrémité reliée à la base 4a du berceau 4, une pièce de jonction 16 dont la partie externe présente une partie creuse 17 ouverte vers l'extérieur.Similarly, the half-flange 5b comprises at its end opposite to its end connected to the base 4a of the cradle 4, a junction piece 16 whose external part has a hollow part 17 open towards the outside.

Dans la position rabattue de la bride 5a, comme représenté sur la figure 2, les parties creuses 15 et 17 des pièces de jonction 14 et 16 sont juxtaposées et constituent un logement unique pour une tige de verrouillage 20 du dispositif de fixation.In the folded position of the flange 5a, as shown in FIG. 2, the hollow parts 15 and 17 of the joining pieces 14 and 16 are juxtaposed and constitute a single housing for a locking rod 20 of the fixing device.

La pièce de jonction 16 solidaire de la demi-bride 5b comporte de plus un logement de verrouillage 18 dans une disposition opposée à la pièce de jonction 14.The junction piece 16 secured to the half-flange 5b further comprises a locking housing 18 in an arrangement opposite to the junction piece 14.

La tige de verrouillage 20 est montée coulissante sur la demi-bride 5a, par l'intermédiaire d'une ferrure de support 21 comportant une ouverture dans laquelle la tige 20 est engagée à glissement.The locking rod 20 is slidably mounted on the half-flange 5a, by means of a support fitting 21 comprising an opening in which the rod 20 is slidably engaged.

La tige de verrouillage 20 est également engagée dans la partie creuse 15 de la pièce de jonction 14 qui assure avec l'ouverture du support 21, le guidage de la tige 20, en translation suivant la direction de son axe.The locking rod 20 is also engaged in the hollow part 15 of the junction piece 14 which, with the opening of the support 21, guides the rod 20 in translation in the direction of its axis.

La tige 20 comporte à son extrémité située à l'avant de la pièce de jonction 14, un ergot 22 ayant une surface d'appui d'une forme arrondie correspondant à la forme du logement 18 de la pièce de jonction 16.The rod 20 has at its end located at the front of the junction piece 14, a lug 22 having a bearing surface of a rounded shape corresponding to the shape of the housing 18 of the junction piece 16.

La tige 20 comporte, à son extrémité opposée à l'ergot 22, un poussoir 24 fixé par des écrous 23 engagés sur une partie filetée de la tige 20.The rod 20 comprises, at its end opposite the lug 22, a pusher 24 fixed by nuts 23 engaged on a threaded part of the rod 20.

La tige de verrouillage 20 est rappelée dans le sens allant du poussoir 24 vers l'ergot 22, par un ressort 25 intercalé entre le support 21 et une butée annulaire 26 solidaire de la tige 20.The locking rod 20 is returned in the direction going from the pusher 24 towards the lug 22, by a spring 25 interposed between the support 21 and an annular stop 26 secured to the rod 20.

Lorsque la demi-bride 5a est dans sa position relevée comme représenté sur la figure 3, la tige 20 est placée, sous l'effet de la poussée du ressort 25, dans une position avancée, comme indiqué de manière schématique par la flèche 27.When the half-flange 5a is in its raised position as shown in FIG. 3, the rod 20 is placed, under the effect of the thrust of the spring 25, in an advanced position, as indicated schematically by the arrow 27.

Dans sa position avancée, la tige de verrouillage 20 peut être introduite par l'extérieur dans la partie creuse 17 de la pièce de jonction 16, par basculement des demi-brides 5a et 5b, l'ergot 22 se trouvant à l'extérieur du logement 18.In its advanced position, the locking rod 20 can be introduced from the outside into the hollow part 17 of the junction piece 16, by tilting the half-flanges 5a and 5b, the lug 22 being outside the housing 18.

Un levier de manoeuvre 30 est articulé à l'une de ses extrémités solidaire d'une came constituée par un excentrique 32, sur le support 21, par l'intermédiaire d'un axe 31.An operating lever 30 is articulated at one of its ends secured to a cam constituted by an eccentric 32, on the support 21, by means of an axis 31.

Le levier 30 comporte, à son extrémité opposée à l'articulation 31, un doigt de verrouillage 33 muni d'un ressort de rappel et susceptible de venir s'engager dans une ouverture 34 de la demi-bride 5a.The lever 30 comprises, at its end opposite the articulation 31, a locking finger 33 provided with a return spring and capable of coming to engage in an opening 34 of the half-flange 5a.

Le levier 30 peut être déplacé par pivotement par rapport à la demi-bride 5a, entre une position rabattue représentée sur la figure 2, dans laquelle le levier 30 peut être verrouillé sur la demi-bride 5a, par le doigt 33 et une position relevée 30′ éloignée de la bride 5a représentée en pointillés sur la figure 3.The lever 30 can be moved by pivoting relative to the half-flange 5a, between a folded position shown in FIG. 2, in which the lever 30 can be locked on the half-flange 5a, by the finger 33 and a raised position 30 'away from the flange 5a shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3.

Dans la position rabattue du levier 30, la surface d'actionnement extérieure de l'excentrique 32 coopère avec le poussoir 24 pour provoquer un recul de la tige 20, à l'encontre de l'action du ressort de rappel 25, dans le sens allant de l'ergot 22 vers le poussoir 24.In the folded position of the lever 30, the external actuating surface of the eccentric 32 cooperates with the pusher 24 to cause a retraction of the rod 20, against the action of the return spring 25, in the direction going from the lug 22 towards the pusher 24.

Ce mouvement de recul de la tige 20 assure l'introduction de l'ergot 22 dans le logement 18 de la pièce de jonction 16 et le verrouillage de la demi-bride 5a sur la demi-bride 5b.This backward movement of the rod 20 ensures the introduction of the lug 22 into the housing 18 of the junction piece 16 and the locking of the half-flange 5a on the half-flange 5b.

Dans la position relevée 30′ du levier 30 représentée sur la figure 3, la surface extérieure de l'excentrique 32 dirigée vers le poussoir 24 de la tige 20 permet un mouvement d'avance de la tige de verrouillage 20 dans le sens de la flèche 27, l'excentrique 32 comportant une surface externe éloignée de l'axe 31 qui est disposée en face du poussoir 24 dans la position rabattue du levier 30 et une surface externe proche de l'axe 11 qui est disposée en vis-à-vis du poussoir 24, dans la position relevée 30′ du levier 30 telles que le déplacement de la tige de verrouillage 20 ne commence qu'après que le levier 30 ait franchi la position verticale.In the raised position 30 ′ of the lever 30 shown in Figure 3, the outer surface of the eccentric 32 directed towards the pusher 24 of the rod 20 allows a forward movement of the locking rod 20 in the direction of the arrow 27, the eccentric 32 comprising an external surface remote from the axis 31 which is arranged opposite the pusher 24 in the folded position of the lever 30 and an external surface close to the axis 11 which is arranged opposite of the pusher 24, in the raised position 30 ′ of the lever 30 such that the displacement of the locking rod 20 does not begin until after the lever 30 has crossed the vertical position.

Le dispositif de fixation suivant l'invention comporte de plus des moyens de serrage de l'assemblage 6 sur la surface de support du berceau 4 qui seront décrits en se référant à l'ensemble des figures 2 à 7.The fixing device according to the invention further comprises means for clamping the assembly 6 on the support surface of the cradle 4 which will be described with reference to all of FIGS. 2 to 7.

Ces moyens de serrage tels que le moyen désigné de manière générale par le repère 35 sont fixés sur les demi-brides 5a et 5b, pr l'intermédiaire de boulons à oeil 36 d'écrous de fixation 37 et de contre-écrous 37′.These clamping means such as the means generally designated by the reference 35 are fixed on the half-flanges 5a and 5b, pr through eye bolts 36 of fixing nuts 37 and locknuts 37 ′.

Les moyens 35 comportent un bloc d'appui 38, un patin 40 et un ressort à lame 41 intercalé entre le bloc d'appui 38 et le patin 40.The means 35 comprise a support block 38, a shoe 40 and a leaf spring 41 interposed between the support block 38 and the shoe 40.

Le bloc d'appui 38 présente une ouverture centrale dans laquelle est engagée l'extrémité 36a du boulon à oeil 36, délimitée par deux parois latérales traversées par des ouvertures alignées débouchant dans la cavité centrale (figure 5). La partie 36a du boulon à oeil comporte une ouverture traversante située dans l'alignement des ouvertures des parois latérales du bloc d'appui 38.The support block 38 has a central opening in which is engaged the end 36a of the eye bolt 36, delimited by two side walls traversed by aligned openings opening into the central cavity (Figure 5). Part 36a of the eye bolt has a through opening located in alignment openings in the side walls of the support block 38.

Les ouvertures circulaires des parois latérales du bloc 38 et l'ouverture correspondante de la partie 36a du boulon à oeil ont un axe parallèle à l'axe d'articulation et de pivotement 11 de la demi-bride 5a.The circular openings of the side walls of the block 38 and the corresponding opening of the part 36a of the eye bolt have an axis parallel to the articulation and pivot axis 11 of the half-flange 5a.

Un axe d'articulation 42 est engagé dans les ouvertures alignées du bloc 38 et du boulon à oeil et arrêté par des bagues de butée 43, de manière que le bloc d'appui 38 soit fixé de manière pivotante par rapport à la demi-bride 5a à l'extrémité du boulon à oeil 36.A hinge pin 42 is engaged in the aligned openings of the block 38 and the eye bolt and stopped by stop rings 43, so that the support block 38 is pivotally fixed relative to the half-flange 5a at the end of the eye bolt 36.

Le patin 40 comporte une plaque plane d'appui 40a et deux faces latérales parallèles 40b dont l'écartement est légèrement supérieur à la largeur du bloc d'appui 38.The shoe 40 comprises a flat support plate 40a and two parallel lateral faces 40b whose spacing is slightly greater than the width of the support block 38.

Chacune des faces latérales du patin 40 comporte une échancrure centrale 44 débouchant à la partie supérieure de la face 40b et deux ouvertures oblongues fermées 45 placées de manière symétrique par rapport à l'échancrure 44, dans la partie supérieure de la face 40b.Each of the lateral faces of the shoe 40 has a central notch 44 opening out at the upper part of the face 40b and two closed oblong openings 45 placed symmetrically with respect to the notch 44, in the upper part of the face 40b.

Deux goupilles-freins 46 sont fixées sur les faces latérales du bloc d'appui 38, avec un écartement correspondant à l'écartement des lumières oblongues 45 du patin 40.Two brake pins 46 are fixed on the lateral faces of the support block 38, with a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the oblong slots 45 of the shoe 40.

Chacune des goupilles-freins 46 est engagée dans une lumière 45, de manière à assurer la liaison du bloc d'appui 38 et du patin 40, tout en permettant une certaine latitude de déplacement du patin 40 par rapport au bloc d'appui 38, dans la direction axiale du boulon à oeil 36.Each of the brake pins 46 is engaged in a slot 45, so as to ensure the connection of the support block 38 and the shoe 40, while allowing a certain latitude of movement of the shoe 40 relative to the support block 38, in the axial direction of the eye bolt 36.

Le ressort 41 est un ressort à lame présentant une partie convexe dirigée vers le patin 38 qui comporte une surface d'appui externe 38a de forme concave venant en contact avec la surface convexe externe du ressort à lame 41. Le ressort à lame 41 est en appui par ses extrémités sur la face interne de la plaque d'appui 40a du patin 40.The spring 41 is a leaf spring having a convex part directed towards the shoe 38 which comprises an external bearing surface 38a of concave shape coming into contact with the external convex surface of the leaf spring 41. The leaf spring 41 is in support by its ends on the internal face of the support plate 40a of the shoe 40.

Le ressort 41 qui est intercalé entre le bloc d'appui 38 et le patin 40 comporte de plus une ouverture traversant sa paroi au sommet de sa partie convexe, dans laquelle est engagé un pion de centrage 48 fixé sur la surface de contact 38a du bloc d'appui 38.The spring 41 which is interposed between the support block 38 and the shoe 40 further comprises an opening passing through its wall at the top of its convex part, in which is engaged a centering pin 48 fixed on the contact surface 38a of the block support 38.

Lorsque les demi-brides 5a et 5b sont dans leur position ouverte, comme représenté sur la figure 3, les patins 40 sont dans leur position au repos représentée sur la figure 4. Les ressorts 41 maintiennent l'écartement entre les blocs d'appui 38 et les patins 40 à leur valeur maximale, les goupilles 46 étant en butée contre la partie supérieure des ouvertures oblongues 45.When the half-flanges 5a and 5b are in their open position, as shown in Figure 3, the pads 40 are in their rest position shown in Figure 4. The springs 41 maintain the spacing between the support blocks 38 and the pads 40 at their maximum value, the pins 46 being in abutment against the upper part of the oblong openings 45.

De plus, des ressorts de rappel et de maintien 49 sont fixés à l'une de leurs extrémités sur les patins 40 et à leur autre extrémité sur les demi-brides 5a et 5b, de manière à maintenir le patin 40 dans une position telle, par rapport aux demi-brides 5a et 5b, que la plaque d'appui 40a soit sensiblement perpendiculaire à la surface supérieure et parallèle à la surface latérale de l'assemblage 6 constitué par la face externe d'une entretoise, lors du pivotement des demi-brides 5a et 5b, entre leur position d'ouverture et leur position de fermeture représentées respectivement sur les figures 3 et 2.In addition, return and holding springs 49 are fixed at one of their ends to the pads 40 and at their other end to the half-flanges 5a and 5b, so as to maintain the pad 40 in such a position, with respect to the half-flanges 5a and 5b, that the support plate 40a is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface and parallel to the lateral surface of the assembly 6 formed by the external face of a spacer, during the pivoting of the half -flanges 5a and 5b, between their open position and their closed position shown in Figures 3 and 2 respectively.

Le ressort 49 permet également de placer le patin 40 dans une position effacée, lors de l'ouverture des demi-brides 5a et 5b, pour permettre d'effectuer facilement le déchargement de l'assemblage 6 du berceau 4.The spring 49 also makes it possible to place the shoe 40 in a retracted position, when the half-flanges 5a and 5b are opened, to allow the assembly 6 of the cradle 4 to be unloaded easily.

Le verrouillage d'un assemblage 6 reposant sur la surface de support du berceau 4 est effectué en rabattant les demi-brides 5a et 5b en direction de l'assemblage 6, de la surface de support du berceau 4 et de la paroi de séparation, le levier 30 étant dans sa position relevée 30′.The locking of an assembly 6 resting on the support surface of the cradle 4 is carried out by folding the half-flanges 5a and 5b in the direction of the assembly 6, of the support surface of the cradle 4 and of the partition wall, the lever 30 being in its raised position 30 ′.

Les plaques d'appui 40a des patins 40 viennent en contact avec les surfaces supérieures et latérales de l'assemblage 6 et, par poussée sur les demi-brides 5a et 5b, on assure une mise en coïncidence des pièces de jonction 14 et 16 des brides 5a et 5b respectivement et une introduction de la tige de verrouillage 20 dans la partie creuse 17 de la pièce de jonction 16.The support plates 40a of the pads 40 come into contact with the upper and lateral surfaces of the assembly 6 and, by pushing on the half-flanges 5a and 5b, there is a coincidence of the joining pieces 14 and 16 of the flanges 5a and 5b respectively and an introduction of the locking rod 20 in the hollow part 17 of the connecting piece 16.

Le levier 30 est alors rabattu manuellement, jusqu'à sa position représentée sur la figure 2 et verrouillé dans cette position par le doigt de verrouillage 33.The lever 30 is then folded down manually, to its position shown in FIG. 2 and locked in this position by the locking finger 33.

Le rabattement du levier 30 entraîne la rotation de l'excentrique 32 qui actionne le poussoir 24 et la tige de verrouillage 20 dans le sens du recul de la tige, opposé au sens de la flèche 27. L'ergot 22 de la tige de verrouillage coopère avec le logement 18 pour réaliser le verrouillage de la demi-bride 5a sur la demi-bride 5b.The folding of the lever 30 causes the rotation of the eccentric 32 which actuates the pusher 24 and the locking rod 20 in the direction of the retraction of the rod, opposite to the direction of the arrow 27. The lug 22 of the locking rod cooperates with the housing 18 to achieve the locking of the half-flange 5a on the half-flange 5b.

Les déplacements des demi-brides 5a et 5b par pivotement, lors de leur verrouillage, en direction de l'assemblage 6 et de la surface de support du berceau 4 et de la cloison de séparation produit un déplacement des blocs d'appui 38 dans la direction axiale des boulons 36, par rapport aux patins 40 dont les plaques d'appui 40a sont en contact avec l'assemblage 6. Les ressorts 41 se trouvent comprimés entre les blocs d'appui 38 et la surface interne de la plaque d'appui 40a des patins 40.The displacements of the half-flanges 5a and 5b by pivoting, when they are locked, in the direction of the assembly 6 and of the support surface of the cradle 4 and of the partition produces a displacement of the support blocks 38 in the axial direction of the bolts 36, with respect to the pads 40 whose support plates 40a are in contact with the assembly 6. The springs 41 are compressed between the support blocks 38 and the internal surface of the support plate 40a skates 40.

Le bloc d'appui 38 et le patin 40 sont alors dans leur position relative représentée sur les figures 6 et 7, les goupilles 46 se trouvant au voisinage de la partie inférieure des lumières 45.The support block 38 and the shoe 40 are then in their relative position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pins 46 being located in the vicinity of the lower part of the slots 45.

L'effort d'appui des demi-brides 5a et 5b est transmis par les boulons à oeil 36, les écrous 37 et l'axe 42 aux blocs d'appui 38 qui transmettent l'effort de serrage aux patins 40, par l'intermédiaire des ressorts 41. On obtient ainsi simultanément un verrouillage des demi-brides 5a et 5b et un serrage de l'assemblage, avec une force parfaitement déterminée.The support force of the half-flanges 5a and 5b is transmitted by the eye bolts 36, the nuts 37 and the axis 42 to the support blocks 38 which transmit the tightening force to the pads 40, by the intermediate of the springs 41. This gives simultaneous locking of the half-flanges 5a and 5b and a tightening of the assembly, with a perfectly determined force.

En effet, le ressort présente une forme et des caractéristiques telles que sa déformation, lors de la fermeture et du verrouillage de la bride, permette d'obtenir un effort de serrage prédéterminé.Indeed, the spring has a shape and characteristics such that its deformation, when closing and locking the flange, allows to obtain a predetermined clamping force.

Cet effort de serrage est calculé de manière que le dispositif de fixation et le ressort supportent des accélérations de l'ordre de 6g, dans la position fermée des demi-brides 5a et 5b. De plus, la déformation du ressort permet d'absorber les différences dimensionnelles des grilles-entretoises de l'assemblage.This clamping force is calculated so that the fixing device and the spring support accelerations of the order of 6g, in the closed position of the half-flanges 5a and 5b. In addition, the deformation of the spring makes it possible to absorb the dimensional differences of the spacer grids of the assembly.

Les écrous 37 et les contre-écrous 37′ assurant la fixation des boulons 36 sur les demi-brides 5a et 5b permettent une adaptation du dispositif de fixation aux différentes conceptions d'assemblages combustibles et un ajustement de l'effort de serrage pour que le dispositif de fixation résiste à des accélérations de l'ordre de 6g.The nuts 37 and the locknuts 37 ′ ensuring the fixing of the bolts 36 on the half-flanges 5a and 5b allow an adaptation of the fixing device to the different designs of fuel assemblies and an adjustment of the tightening force so that the fixing device resists accelerations of the order of 6g.

Dans sa position déformée, comme représenté sur la figure 6, la surface convexe externe du ressort 41 vient épouser la surface concave 38a du bloc d'appui 38.In its deformed position, as shown in FIG. 6, the external convex surface of the spring 41 comes to marry the concave surface 38a of the support block 38.

Les goupilles freins 46 permettent de réaliser un freinage et un blocage du patin 40 par rapport au bloc d'appui, ces goupilles freins coopérant avec les bords des ouvertures 45 et pouvant venir éventuellement en butée contre la partie d'extrémité des ouvertures 45, dans le cas où l'assemblage combustible est soumis à des accélérations supérieures à 6g qui entraînent son déplacement par rapport à la surface de support du berceau.The brake pins 46 allow braking and blocking of the shoe 40 relative to the support block, these brake pins cooperating with the edges of the openings 45 and which can possibly come into abutment against the end part of the openings 45, in the case where the fuel assembly is subjected to accelerations greater than 6g which cause it to move relative to the support surface of the cradle.

On évite ainsi une séparation totale de l'assemblage combustible et du berceau, lorsque le conteneur subit de fortes accélérations ou des chocs.This avoids total separation of the fuel assembly and the cradle, when the container undergoes strong accelerations or shocks.

Bien entendu, les goupilles freins 46 assurent également la liaison du patin 40 et du bloc 38, dans toutes les positions du dispositlf de fixation.Of course, the brake pins 46 also ensure the connection of the pad 40 and the block 38, in all the positions of the fixing device.

Dans le cas où de manière accidentelle, le levier 30 viendrait à être déverrouillé à l'intérieur du conteneur, l'extrémité du levier vient buter contre le couvercle du conteneur et sa configuration est prévue de manière que, dans cette position d'ouverture partielle, l'excentrique continue à maintenir la tige de verrouillage et l'ergot 22, dans leur position de verrouillage. Le déverrouillage de la bride 5a ne peut être obtenu que lorsque le levier 30 parvient au-delà de sa position verticale.In the event that accidentally, the lever 30 comes to be unlocked inside the container, the end of the lever abuts against the container cover and its configuration is provided so that, in this partially open position, the eccentric continues to hold the locking rod and the lug 22, in their position lock. Unlocking the flange 5a can only be obtained when the lever 30 reaches beyond its vertical position.

Le bridage et le verrouillage d'un assemblage combustible dans un conteneur de transport sont réalisés en utilisant un dispositif de fixation suivant l'invention qui comporte une pluralité de brides pivotantes munies de moyens de serrage du type décrit ci-dessus, disposées au niveau de plusieurs grilles-entretoises espacées suivant la longueur de l'assemblage.The clamping and locking of a fuel assembly in a transport container is carried out using a fixing device according to the invention which comprises a plurality of pivoting flanges provided with clamping means of the type described above, arranged at several spacer grids spaced along the length of the assembly.

Dans le cas des assemblages combustibles pour réacteur nucléaire d'une puissance de 900 MW, trois brides munies de moyens de verrouillage sont disposés au niveau de la première, de la cinquième et de la huitième entretoises en partant du pied de l'assemblage.In the case of fuel assemblies for a nuclear reactor with a power of 900 MW, three flanges provided with locking means are placed at the level of the first, fifth and eighth spacers starting from the base of the assembly.

Dans le cas des assemblages combustibles pour des réacteurs nucléaires d'une puissance de 1300 MW, des brides munies de moyens de verrouillage sont disposées au niveau de la première, de la sixième et de la dixième grille-entretoise en partant du pied de l'assemblage.In the case of fuel assemblies for nuclear reactors with a power of 1300 MW, flanges fitted with locking means are arranged at the first, sixth and tenth grid-spacers starting from the foot of the assembly.

D'autres brides de maintien des assemblages de même type mais qui ne sont pas munis de moyen de verrouillage peuvent être disposées au niveau des autres grilles-entretoises des assemblages.Other clamps for holding assemblies of the same type but which are not provided with locking means can be placed at the level of the other spacer grids of the assemblies.

Le déverrouillage et l'ouverture des brides sont effectués après ouverture du conteneur, en réalisant le déverrouillage du levier de manoeuvre qui est ensuite relevé dans sa position 30' représentée sur la figure 3. Le pivotement vers le haut du levier 30 entraîne une avancée de la tige de verrouillage 20, sous l'effet du ressort de rappel 25. On peut alors faire pivoter la demi-bride 5a vers le haut et la demi-bride 5b vers le bas, de manière à libérer l'assemblage 6.The unlocking and opening of the flanges are carried out after opening the container, by unlocking the operating lever which is then raised to its position 30 ′ shown in FIG. 3. The pivoting up of the lever 30 leads to an advance of the locking rod 20, under the effect of return spring 25. The half-flange 5a can then be pivoted upwards and the half-flange 5b downwards, so as to release the assembly 6.

Le ressort de rappel 49 du patin 40 permet de placer le patin dans une position dégagée favorisant le passage et le dégagement de l'assemblage combustible.The return spring 49 of the shoe 40 makes it possible to place the shoe in a released position favoring the passage and the release of the fuel assembly.

Le bridage et le verrouillage d'un assemblage combustible ainsi que le déverrouillage de cet assemblage peuvent donc être réalisés par des opérations simples et rapides qui ne mettent pas en oeuvre des assemblages vissés et qui ne nécessitent pas l'utilisation d'outils spéciaux de serrage ou de desserrage tels que des clés dynamométriques.The clamping and locking of a fuel assembly as well as the unlocking of this assembly can therefore be carried out by simple and rapid operations which do not use screwed assemblies and which do not require the use of special tightening tools. or loosening such as torque wrenches.

On peut ainsi réduire considérablement le temps d'intervention des opérateurs pour réaliser le bridage et le verrouillage ou, au contraire, le déverrouillage des assemblages combustibles, à l'intérieur d'un conteneur de transport. Dans la mesure où ces opérations doivent être effectuées sur un très grand nombre de conteneurs, dans les unités de production des assemblages combustibles ou sur le site des réacteurs nucléaires, il en résulte des gains de temps extrêmement importants.It is thus possible to considerably reduce the intervention time of the operators for carrying out the clamping and the locking or, on the contrary, the unlocking of the fuel assemblies, inside a transport container. Insofar as these operations must be carried out on a very large number of containers, in the production units of the fuel assemblies or on the site of the nuclear reactors, this results in extremely significant time savings.

De plus, l'effort de serrage des assemblages combustibles dans leur conteneur de transport peut être réglé facilement à une valeur parfaitement déterminée, de telle sorte qu'aucun contrôle ne s'avère nécessaire au moment du bridage et du verrouillage des assemblages combustibles.In addition, the clamping force of the fuel assemblies in their transport container can be easily adjusted to a perfectly determined value, so that no control is necessary when clamping and locking the fuel assemblies.

Ces opérations peuvent être effectuées sans avoir recours à un personnel compétent et entraîné.These operations can be carried out without using competent and trained personnel.

L'invention ne se limite pas au mode de réalisation qui a été décrit.The invention is not limited to the embodiment which has been described.

C'est ainsi que le patin, le bloc d'appui et le ressort du dispositif de serrage fixés sur la bride pivotante peuvent avoir une forme différente de celle qui a été décrite et comporter des moyens de fixation, d'assemblage et de réglage, d'un type quelconque.Thus the shoe, the support block and the spring of the clamping device fixed on the pivoting flange can have a shape different from that which has been described and include fixing means, assembly and adjustment, of any type.

Les brides peuvent être constituées de deux demi-brides montées pivotantes sur le berceau du conteneur et comportant chacune un patin et un dispositif de serrage tel qu'il a été décrit plus haut ou encore réalisées en une seule plèce montée pivotante sur le berceau et venant se fixer sur une pièce de jonction fixe solidaire d'une partie du berceau.The flanges may consist of two half-flanges pivotally mounted on the cradle of the container and each comprising a shoe and a clamping device as described above or also made of a single piece pivotally mounted on the cradle and coming attach to a fixed junction piece secured to part of the cradle.

Les moyens de verrouillage de la bride peuvent être différents des moyens qui ont été décrits qui comportent une tige de verrouillage actionnée par un levier de manoeuvre et comportant un ergot de verrouillage.The locking means of the flange can be different from the means which have been described which comprise a locking rod actuated by an operating lever and comprising a locking lug.

Enfin, le dispositif de fixation suivant l'invention peut être utilisé pour réaliser le bridage et le verrouillage d'objets différents d'un assemblage combustible, sur une structure de transport.Finally, the fixing device according to the invention can be used to clamp and lock different objects from a fuel assembly, on a transport structure.

Claims (10)

1.- Dispositif de fixation d'un objet (6) sur une structure de transport (1) comportant un berceau (4) ayant au moins une surface de support sur laquelle repose l'objet (6) et au moins une bride (5) montée pivotante autour d'un axe (11) sur le berceau (4), entre une position relevée éloignée de la surface de support et de l'objet (6) et une position rabattue en direction de la surface de support et de l'objet (6) ainsi que des moyens de verrouillage de la bride (5) dans sa position rabattue, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte au moins un ensemble de serrage constitué par un bloc d'appui (38) relié à la bride (5) de manière articulée autour d'un axe (42) sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de pivotement (11) de la bride (5a), un patin (40) monté sur le bloc d'appui (38), de manière à pouvoir à se déplacer par rapport au bloc d'appui (38), de manière limitée dans une direction permettant son rapprochement ou son éloignement du bloc d'appui (38) et de la bride (5) et comportant une surface d'appui (40a) dirigée vers la surface de support du berceau (4), dans la position rabattue de la bride (5) et un ressort à lame (41) intercalé entre le bloc d'appui (38) et le patin (40), de manière à exercer une force de rappel sur le patin (40), dans un sens l'éloignant du bloc d'appui (38) et de la bride (5). 1.- Device for fixing an object (6) on a transport structure (1) comprising a cradle (4) having at least one support surface on which the object (6) rests and at least one flange (5 ) pivotally mounted around an axis (11) on the cradle (4), between a raised position distant from the support surface and the object (6) and a folded position towards the support surface and the object (6) and means for locking the flange (5) in its folded position, characterized in that it comprises at least one clamping assembly constituted by a support block (38) connected to the flange (5) articulated around an axis (42) substantially parallel to the pivot axis (11) of the flange (5a), a shoe (40) mounted on the support block (38), so to be able to move relative to the support block (38), in a limited way in a direction allowing its approach or its distance from the support block (38) and the flange (5) and c omportant a bearing surface (40a) directed towards the support surface of the cradle (4), in the folded position of the flange (5) and a leaf spring (41) interposed between the support block (38) and the shoe (40), so as to exert a restoring force on the shoe (40), in a direction away from the support block (38) and the flange (5). 2.- Dispositif suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que le bloc d'appui (38) est relié à la bride (5a) par l'intermédiaire d'un boulon à oeil (36) fixé sur la bride (5a) par l'intermédiaire d'un écrou (37) et d'un contre-écrou (37′) ayant une partie d'extrémité (36a) présentant une ouverture engagée dans une cavité du bloc d'appui (38), au niveau d'ouvertures traversant le bloc d'appui (38), un axe de pivotement (42) étant engagé dans les ouvertures placées en coïncidence de la partie d'extrémité (36a) du boulon à oeil (36) et du bloc d'appui (38). 2.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support block (38) is connected to the flange (5a) via an eye bolt (36) fixed on the flange (5a) by means of a nut (37) and a lock nut (37 ′) having an end portion (36a) having an opening engaged in a cavity of the support block (38), at the level d openings passing through the support block (38), a pivot axis (42) being engaged in the openings placed in coincidence with the end part (36a) of the eye bolt (36) and the support block (38). 3.- Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé par le fait qu'un ressort de rappel (49) du patin (40) en position effacée est intercalé entre le patin (40) et la bride (5a). 3.- Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a return spring (49) of the shoe (40) in the retracted position is interposed between the shoe (40) and the flange (5a) . 4.- Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé par le fait que le patin (40) comporte deux faces latérales parallèles entre lesquelles est engagé le bloc d'appui (38), comportant chacune deux ouvertures oblongues traversantes (45), dans chacune desquelles est engagée une goupille frein (46) solidaire du bloc d'appui (38). 4.- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shoe (40) has two parallel side faces between which is engaged the support block (38), each comprising two oblong through openings ( 45), in each of which is engaged a brake pin (46) integral with the support block (38). 5.- Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé par le fait que le ressort à lame (41) comporte une ouverture traversante dans laquelle est engagé un pion de centrage (48) solidaire d'une face (38a) du bloc d'appui (38) placée en contact avec le ressort (41). 5.- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the leaf spring (41) has a through opening in which is engaged a centering pin (48) integral with one face (38a) of the support block (38) placed in contact with the spring (41). 6.- Dispositif suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé par le fait que la bride (5) est constituée par une première demi-bride (5a) et par une seconde demi-bride (5b) articulées à l'une de leurs extrémités sur le berceau (4) et mobiles entre une position d'ouverture où les demi-brides sont écartées l'une de l'autre et une position de fermeture où les demi-brides viennent en contact par leurs extrémités opposées à leurs extrémités articulées et peuvent être reliées par les moyens de verrouillage de la bride (5), chacune des demi-brides (5a, 5b) comportant un ensemble de serrage constitué par un bloc d'appui (38), un patin (40) et un ressort (41). 6.- Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flange (5) is constituted by a first half-flange (5a) and by a second half-flange (5b) articulated to one of their ends on the cradle (4) and movable between an open position where the half-flanges are spaced from one another and a closed position where the half-flanges come into contact by their ends opposite their articulated ends and can be connected by the flange locking means (5), each of the half-flanges (5a, 5b) comprising a clamping assembly constituted by a support block (38), a shoe (40) and a spring (41). 7.- Dispositif de fixation selon la revendication 6, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de verrouillage de la bride (5) comportent une première pièce de jonction (14) solidaire de la première demi-bride (5a), une seconde pièce de jonction (16) solidaire de la seconde demi-bride (5b), comportant un logement de verrouillage (18), la première et la seconde pièce de jonction étant disposées de manière que deux parties creuses (15, 17) de ces pièces qui sont juxtaposées dans la position de fermeture de la bride (5) constituent un logement unique (15, 17), une tige de verrouillage (20) montée coulissante sur la première demi-bride (5a) et comportant un ergot de verrouillage (22) à l'une de ses extrémités et un poussoir (24) à son autre extrémité, un ressort de rappel (25) de la tige de verrouillage (20) dans le sens allant du poussoir (24) vers l'ergot (22) et un levier de manoeuvre (30) monté pivotant sur la première demi-bride (5a) entre une position relevée et une position rabattue, solidaire d'une came (32) d'actionnement du poussoir (24) de la tige de verrouillage (20) et comportant un moyen de verrouillage (33, 34) en position rabattue, sur la première demi-bride (5a), la came (32) ayant une forme telle qu'elle permette un rappel de la tige de verrouillage (20) sous l'effet du ressort (25), dans une position permettant son engagement dans le logement (15, 17) des pièces de jonction (14, 16), dans la position relevée du levier (30) et qu'elle provoque un recul de la tige (20) à l'encontre du ressort de rappel (25), dans la position rabattue du levier (30), assurant une introduction et un verrouillage de l'ergot (22) dans le logement de verrouillage (18) de la seconde pièce de jonction (16). 7. A fixing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking means of the flange (5) comprise a first part of junction (14) secured to the first half-flange (5a), a second junction piece (16) secured to the second half-flange (5b), comprising a locking housing (18), the first and the second piece of junction being arranged so that two hollow parts (15, 17) of these parts which are juxtaposed in the closed position of the flange (5) constitute a single housing (15, 17), a locking rod (20) slidably mounted on the first half-flange (5a) and comprising a locking lug (22) at one of its ends and a pusher (24) at its other end, a return spring (25) of the locking rod (20 ) in the direction from the pusher (24) towards the lug (22) and an operating lever (30) pivotally mounted on the first half-flange (5a) between a raised position and a folded position, integral with a cam (32) actuating the pusher (24) of the locking rod (20) and comprising a locking means (33, 34) in the folded position, on the first half-flange (5a), the cam (32) having a shape such that it allows a return of the locking rod (20) under the effect of the spring (25), in a position allowing its engagement in the housing (15, 17) of the junction pieces (14, 16), in the raised position of the lever (30) and that it causes a retraction of the rod (20) against the spring of return (25), in the folded position of the lever (30), ensuring introduction and locking of the lug (22) in the locking housing (18) of the second junction piece (16). 8.- Dispositif suivant la revendication 7 dans le cas d'un berceau comportant une base (4a) et une paroi de séparation (4b) perpendiculaires entre elles caractérisé par le fait que la première demi-bride (5a) est articulée sur la paroi de séparation (4b) et la seconde demi-bride (5b) sur la base (4a) du berceau (4). 8.- Device according to claim 7 in the case of a cradle comprising a base (4a) and a partition wall (4b) perpendicular to each other characterized in that the first half-flange (5a) is articulated on the wall separation (4b) and the second half-flange (5b) on the base (4a) of the cradle (4). 9.- Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 7 et 8, caractérisé par le fait que la came (32) est réalisée sous la forme d'un excentrique. 9.- Device according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the cam (32) is made in the form of an eccentric. 10.- Dispositif de fixation suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, pour la fixation, dans un conteneur de transport (1) d'un assemblage combustible (6) pour réacteur nucléaire comportant des grilles-entretoises espacées suivant sa longueur, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte une pluralité de brides (5) montées pivotantes sur le berceau (4), chacune au niveau d'une grille-entretoise de l'assemblage combustible (6) reposant sur la surface de support (4a) du berceau (4), de manière que le patin (40) relié à la bride pivotante (5) vienne en appui sur une face externe de la grille-entretoise de l'assemblage combustible (6). 10. A fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, for fixing, in a transport container (1) of a fuel assembly (6) for a nuclear reactor comprising spacer grids spaced along its length, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of flanges (5) pivotally mounted on the cradle (4), each at the level of a spacer grid of the fuel assembly (6) resting on the support surface (4a) of the cradle (4), so that the shoe (40) connected to the pivoting flange (5) comes to bear on an external face of the spacer grid of the fuel assembly (6).
EP92400695A 1991-03-25 1992-03-16 Device for fixing an object on a shipping structure, in particular device for damping a fuel assembly within a transport container Expired - Lifetime EP0506511B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9103586 1991-03-25
FR9103586A FR2674668B1 (en) 1991-03-25 1991-03-25 DEVICE FOR FIXING AN OBJECT TO A TRANSPORT STRUCTURE AND IN PARTICULAR LOCKING DEVICE FOR A FUEL ASSEMBLY IN A CONTAINER.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0506511A1 true EP0506511A1 (en) 1992-09-30
EP0506511B1 EP0506511B1 (en) 1994-06-08

Family

ID=9411084

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92400695A Expired - Lifetime EP0506511B1 (en) 1991-03-25 1992-03-16 Device for fixing an object on a shipping structure, in particular device for damping a fuel assembly within a transport container

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5263063A (en)
EP (1) EP0506511B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69200173T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2054523T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2674668B1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA922128B (en)

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WO1996007184A2 (en) * 1994-09-01 1996-03-07 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Shipping container and holding apparatus for a nuclear fuel assembly
CN107226299A (en) * 2017-05-17 2017-10-03 贵州航天天马机电科技有限公司 A kind of supporting mechanism
CN111792168A (en) * 2019-04-09 2020-10-20 中车唐山机车车辆有限公司 Storage device

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US5406600A (en) * 1993-10-08 1995-04-11 Pacific Nuclear Systems, Inc. Transportation and storage cask for spent nuclear fuels
US5353317A (en) * 1993-12-15 1994-10-04 Siemens Power Corporation Shipping shim for nuclear reactor fuel assemblies
DE19548118C2 (en) * 1995-12-21 2002-02-07 Karlsruhe Forschzent Double-lid lock for closing two openings that can be connected to each other
FR2760562B1 (en) * 1997-03-05 1999-05-28 Toshiba Kk APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING AND TRANSPORTING NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLIES
FR2765721B1 (en) * 1997-07-04 2000-09-29 Toshiba Kk FUEL TRANSPORT CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR CONVEYING A FUEL ASSEMBLY
FR2774800B1 (en) * 1998-02-10 2000-05-05 Framatome Sa TRANSPORT CONTAINER FOR NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLIES
US6868081B1 (en) * 1999-04-13 2005-03-15 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Method and apparatus for simultaneous multiline phone and data services over a single access facility
EP1573750B1 (en) * 2002-12-19 2009-04-08 TN International Fuel assembly transport container
KR101170080B1 (en) * 2010-07-12 2012-07-31 한전원자력연료 주식회사 Lid frame of the shipping container transporting fresh nuclear fuel assemblies and the shipping container
KR101180858B1 (en) * 2010-07-12 2012-09-07 한전원자력연료 주식회사 Lid frame with gap compensator to fill in a space between lid frame and fresh nuclear fuel assembly and the shipping container
US9831006B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2017-11-28 Bwxt Mpower, Inc. Shipping container for unirradiated nuclear fuel assemblies
CN112071460B (en) * 2020-07-28 2022-11-25 中国核电工程有限公司 Pressing device of new fuel assembly and transport container

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WO1996007184A2 (en) * 1994-09-01 1996-03-07 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Shipping container and holding apparatus for a nuclear fuel assembly
WO1996007184A3 (en) * 1994-09-01 1996-05-30 Westinghouse Electric Corp Shipping container and holding apparatus for a nuclear fuel assembly
CN107226299A (en) * 2017-05-17 2017-10-03 贵州航天天马机电科技有限公司 A kind of supporting mechanism
CN107226299B (en) * 2017-05-17 2019-01-04 贵州航天天马机电科技有限公司 A kind of supporting mechanism
CN111792168A (en) * 2019-04-09 2020-10-20 中车唐山机车车辆有限公司 Storage device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2674668A1 (en) 1992-10-02
FR2674668B1 (en) 1993-07-16
ZA922128B (en) 1993-09-24
DE69200173D1 (en) 1994-07-14
EP0506511B1 (en) 1994-06-08
DE69200173T2 (en) 1995-02-02
US5263063A (en) 1993-11-16
ES2054523T3 (en) 1994-08-01

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