Patent ID: 6115440
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
A quick release, removable top nozzle assembly for use in a nuclear fuel assembly having a plurality of thimble tubes, said top nozzle assembly comprising:an adaptor plate having a plurality of spaced circular openings extending through said adaptor plate and aligned with said thimble tubes, selected ones of said openings being counterbored from above to form an annular internal, upwardly facing shoulder, and having at least one slot extending axially through said shoulder, said opening having a cylindrical wall with at least one outwardly extending detent therein; andquick release couplings for said selected ones of said openings in said adaptor plate comprising:a sleeve adapted to be secured to a thimble tube and extend through a selected one of said openings in said adaptor plate;a latch assembly rotatably mounted on said sleeve and having at least one outwardly projecting latch ear configured to pass through said at least one axial slot with said latch assembly in a first rotational position with said latch ear aligned with said slot, and said latch assembly having a second rotational position with said latch ear overlaying said shoulder, said latch assembly also having at least one radially compliant projection projecting radially outward and engaging said at least one detent in said cylindrical wall of said opening in said adaptor plate to latch said latch assembly in said second position;retainer means securing said latch assembly on said sleeve; anda support plate fixed to and extending generally transversely to said sleeve and on which said adaptor plate seats, and at least one boss extending upward on said support plate and sized to engage said at least one axial slot; andsaid boss having an inner arcuate surface with an outwardly extending boss detent which is engaged by said radially compliant projection to latch said annular latch member in said first rotational position.