초록 ▼

A sub-assembly for a spacer in a nuclear fuel bundle includes at least first and second ferrules lying adjacent one another for receiving respective nuclear fuel rods. Each ferrule has fuel rod contacting points along one side of the ferrule for abutting a fuel rod within the ferrule, and a substant

A sub-assembly for a spacer in a nuclear fuel bundle includes at least first and second ferrules lying adjacent one another for receiving respective nuclear fuel rods. Each ferrule has fuel rod contacting points along one side of the ferrule for abutting a fuel rod within the ferrule, and a substantially I-shaped opening along a side of the ferrule opposite the one side. A substantially I-shaped spring adapted to seat within the opening includes a spring body lying in a plane and having opposite horizontal end portions connected by a vertical stem portion, a central portion of each of the horizontal end portions projecting away from the substantially I-shaped opening to one side of the plane and a center portion of the vertical stem projecting into the substantially I-shaped opening to an opposite side of the plane. The spring is adapted to be disposed between the adjacent ferrules with the vertical stem seated in the opening of the first ferrule with the center portion of the stem adapted to bear against the fuel rod within the first ferrule and maintaining the fuel rod against the fuel rod contacting points of the first ferrule. The horizontal end portions lie with the central portions of each end portion bearing directly against the second ferrule circumferentially between a pair of the fuel rod contacting points of the second ferrule.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A sub-assembly for a spacer useful in a nuclear fuel bundle for maintaining a matrix of a plurality of nuclear fuel rods passing through the spacer in spaced-apart relation, comprising at least first and second ferrules lying adjacent one another for receiving respectiv

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A sub-assembly for a spacer useful in a nuclear fuel bundle for maintaining a matrix of a plurality of nuclear fuel rods passing through the spacer in spaced-apart relation, comprising at least first and second ferrules lying adjacent one another for receiving respective nuclear fuel rods, each ferrule having fuel rod contacting points along one side of the ferrule for abutting a fuel rod within the ferrule, and a substantially I-shaped opening along a side of the ferrule opposite said one side; anda substantially I-shaped spring including a spring body lying in a plane and having opposite horizontal end portions connected by a vertical stem portion, a central portion of each of said horizontal end portions projecting away from said substantially I-shaped opening to one side of said plane and a center portion of said vertical stem projecting into said substantially I-shaped opening to an opposite side of said plane, the spring being disposed between the adjacent ferrules with said vertical stem seated in said opening of said first ferrule with the center portion of the stem adapted to bear against the fuel rod within said first ferrule and maintaining the fuel rod against the fuel rod contacting points of said first ferrule, said horizontal end portions lying with the central portions of each end portion bearing directly against said second ferrule circumferentially between a pair of said fuel rod contacting points of said second ferrule.