A multifunctional modular combination valve for a space vehicle cold gas pressurization system

Abstract

The application provides a multifunctional modular combination valve for a space vehicle cold air pressurization system, comprising a valve body and a subassembly installed on the valve body, wherein the subassembly comprises an electric explosion valve, a buffer valve, a pressure reducing valve, a safety valve and a pressure sensor; the valve body is a structure with multiple cavities inside; an air inlet interface and an air outlet interface are arranged side by side on one side of the valve body; the valve body is externally provided with mounting portions corresponding to the subassembly; and each subassembly is threadedly and sealingly connected to the valve body. The application has the advantages of compact structure, small size, simplified pressurization system structure layout, reduced space envelope size, improved assembly process, improved maintainability, satisfaction of the demand for miniaturization, light weight and integration of a new generation of aircraft, reduction in the number of high-pressure pipelines and welds in the pressurization system, reduction in the system weight, improvement in the sealing reliability and anti-mechanical environment performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerospace technology, and specifically relates to a multifunctional modular combination valve for a spacecraft cold air pressurization system. Background Technology

[0002] For spacecraft, compression rocket engine systems are typically equipped with a pressurization subsystem to match and regulate the working pressure of downstream tanks, solenoid valves, and gas explosion valves. When the rocket engine system is initially inactive, the pressurized gas is reliably sealed in a high-pressure cylinder by a high-pressure isolation device. During operation, the high-pressure isolation device opens, and the high-pressure gas in the cylinder, after being regulated by a pressure-reducing and stabilizing unit, outputs stable target pressure compression gas to the downstream tanks and valves. After the engine shuts down, the downstream propellant output stops, the pressure-reducing valve closes as the downstream pressure changes, and the pressurization subsystem ceases operation.

[0003] The next generation of spacecraft is designed to accomplish more complex missions, making the integration of numerous functional modules inevitable. However, the spacecraft must balance performance enhancement with weight reduction, resulting in extremely stringent requirements for internal space and weight. Existing pressurization systems typically connect dispersed gas cylinders, valves, and other components through pipelines, resulting in numerous joints and welds, large space occupation, heavy weight, and poor sealing reliability, failing to meet the requirements for miniaturization and lightweight missions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a multi-functional modular combination valve for a spacecraft cold air pressurization system. This changes the distributed structural layout and pipeline connection method of the individual functional components in the existing pressurization system, and integrates the original complete pressurization system into a single valve body to minimize space. This solves the problems of existing systems having a large number of joints and welds, large space occupation, heavy weight, poor sealing reliability, and inability to meet the mission requirements of miniaturization and lightweighting.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a multifunctional modular combination valve for a spacecraft cooling gas pressurization system, comprising a valve body and components mounted on the valve body. The components include an electric detonation valve, a buffer valve, a pressure reducing valve, a safety valve, and a pressure sensor. The valve body is a structure with multiple cavities inside. An air inlet and an air outlet are arranged side by side on one side of the valve body. The valve body has mounting parts for the corresponding components on its exterior. Each component is connected to the valve body by a threaded seal. A pressure sensor and a primary pressure reducing valve are mounted on the side of the valve body perpendicular to the surface of the air inlet along the axial direction of the air inlet. On the same side of the valve body, one end of a safety valve and a secondary pressure reducing valve is mounted along the axial direction of the air outlet. On the opposite side of the valve body where the primary and secondary pressure reducing valves are mounted, an electric detonation valve and a buffer valve are mounted along the axial direction of the air inlet. On the same side of the valve body, the other end of a secondary pressure reducing valve is mounted along the axial direction of the air outlet.

[0006] Preferably, the internal cavity of the valve body forms a gas passage after the various components are installed. The air inlet and the pressure sensor form a sensor passage for detecting high-pressure gas pressure. When the detected pressure reaches the set value, the electric explosion valve is energized and detonated. Gas flows in from the air inlet and then flows to the buffer valve. After passing through the first-stage pressure reducing valve and the second-stage pressure reducing valve in sequence, it flows out from the air outlet to form a gas passage.

[0007] Preferably, the wall thickness of the valve body at its thinnest point between the pressure sensor and the electric explosion valve is 2.2 mm.

[0008] Preferably, the buffer valve and the first-stage pressure reducer are connected via a gas passage with their vertical positions opposite each other.

[0009] Preferably, the primary pressure reducing valve and the secondary pressure reducing valve are connected in series and arranged in parallel. The primary pressure reducing valve adopts a forward plunger structure, and the secondary pressure reducing valve adopts a reverse unloading plunger structure. The outlet of the secondary pressure reducing valve is connected to the safety valve. The safety valve adopts a piston differential structure. When the outlet pressure of the secondary pressure reducing valve rises abnormally and reaches the high pressure predetermined value of the safety valve, the medium force acting on the valve core of the safety valve overcomes the spring force and causes the safety valve to open automatically. When the medium pressure decreases due to the discharge of the safety valve and reaches the low pressure predetermined value, the valve closes automatically. When the medium pressure is between the two predetermined values, the valve remains closed and sealed.

[0010] Preferably, the electric explosion valve is normally closed, and the electric explosion tube is a double-bridge electric explosion tube with insensitive function, which forms a seal through an O-ring + retaining ring structure when closed.

[0011] Preferably, a filter is provided at the inlet of the primary pressure reducing valve.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention has a compact structure and small size, which simplifies the structural layout of the pressurization system, reduces the spatial envelope size, improves assembly processability, enhances maintainability, and meets the requirements of miniaturization, lightweighting, and integration of the next generation of aircraft; it reduces the number of high-pressure pipelines and welds in the pressurization system, reduces system weight, and improves sealing reliability and resistance to mechanical environment; in addition, the electro-explosive valve assembly on the combination valve is designed as a separately detachable structure, which facilitates replacement and reuse after the electro-explosive valve is detonated, meeting the requirement of reusability and improving economy. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the combined valve structure Figure 1 .

[0014] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the combined valve structure Figure 2 .

[0015] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA.

[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of BB.

[0017] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the CC cross-section structure.

[0018] Reference numerals: 1-Inlet port, 2-Pressure sensor, 3-First-stage pressure reducing valve, 4-Second-stage pressure reducing valve, 5-Safety valve, 6-Valve body, 7-Outlet port, 8-Buffer valve, 9-Electric explosion valve, 10-Sensor passage. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0020] The principle of this invention is as follows: A pressure sensor 2 is installed at the high-pressure gas inlet. The inlet of the pressure sensor 2 is connected to the air inlet 1 of the combination valve (i.e., the gas cylinder outlet) through a sensor passage 10. An electric explosion valve 9 is installed after the pressure sensor 2. The inlet of the electric explosion valve 9 is connected to the air inlet 1 of the combination valve (i.e., the gas cylinder outlet) through a gas flow channel. The function of the electric explosion valve 9 is to reliably isolate the pressurized gas within the high-pressure gas cylinder when not in operation, preventing pressurized gas from being output downstream. The opening of the electric explosion valve 9 is controlled by energizing the electric explosion tube installed at its upper end. A buffer valve 8 is installed after the electric explosion valve 9. The buffer valve 8 is used to mitigate the impact of the high-pressure, high-speed airflow on the downstream pressure reducing valve at the moment of ignition of the electric explosion valve 9, preventing accidental damage to the pressure reducing valve. After the buffer valve 9 is the pressure reducing valve. A filter is installed at the inlet of the pressure reducing valve to prevent foreign matter from entering the pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve has a two-stage series structure. The pressure reducing valve is used to regulate the high-pressure gas in the upstream gas cylinder to the target flow rate and pressure and output it downstream. A safety valve 5 is installed at the outlet of the pressure reducing valve. Its inlet is connected to the gas outlet port 7 of the combination valve through a gas flow channel. The function of the safety valve 5 is to open and release gas when the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve exceeds a certain pressure, so as to prevent the failure of the pressure reducing valve from causing the downstream components to fail.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the combination valve mainly consists of components such as an electric explosion valve 9, a buffer valve 8, a primary pressure reducing valve 3, a secondary pressure reducing valve 4, a safety valve 5, and a pressure sensor 2. All components share the same valve body 6. The inlet port 1 and outlet port 2 of the combination valve are both located on one side wall of the valve body 6. The valve body 6 has mounting points for the corresponding components on its exterior, and each component is fastened to the valve body 6 via threaded connections. A sealing structure is designed at the connection points between each component and the valve body 6 to prevent gas leakage. The valve body 6 also contains mounting points for each component and gas flow channels to ensure the functionality of each valve.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a multi-functional modular combination valve for a spacecraft's cold air pressurization system is disclosed. The valve body 6 is a structure with multiple internal cavities. An air inlet 1 and an air outlet 7 are arranged side-by-side on one side of the valve body 6. A pressure sensor 2 and a primary pressure reducing valve 3 are mounted axially along the air inlet 1 on the side of the valve body 6 perpendicular to the side where the air inlet 1 is located. A safety valve 5 and one end of a secondary pressure reducing valve 4 are mounted axially along the air outlet 7 on the same side of the valve body 6. An electric detonation valve 9 and a buffer valve 8 are mounted axially along the air inlet 1 on the opposite side of the valve body 6 where the primary and secondary pressure reducing valves 3 and 4 are mounted. The other end of the secondary pressure reducing valve 4 is mounted axially along the air outlet 7 on the same side of the valve body 6. The secondary pressure reducing valve 4 penetrates the valve body 6 and protrudes from its two opposite end faces. The thinnest part of the valve body between the pressure sensor 2 and the electric detonation valve 9 has a wall thickness of 2.2 mm, saving installation space.

[0023] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the internal cavity of the valve body 6 forms a gas passage after the various components are installed. The air inlet 1 and the pressure sensor 2 form a sensor passage 10, which is used to detect the high-pressure gas pressure. When the detected pressure reaches the set value, the electric detonation valve 9 is energized and detonated. Through the three cross-sectional views, we can see the flow of gas in the valve when it is working. The gas flows in from the air inlet 1 and then flows to the buffer valve 8. Then it passes through the first-stage pressure reducing valve 3 and the second-stage pressure reducing valve 4 in sequence and flows out from the air outlet 7 to form a gas passage. The buffer valve 8 and the first-stage pressure reducing valve 4 are connected through the gas passage with their upper and lower positions opposite each other.

[0024] like Figure 4 As shown, the primary pressure reducing valve 3 and the secondary pressure reducing valve 4 are connected in series and arranged in parallel. The primary pressure reducing valve 3 adopts a non-unloading positive plunger structure, and the secondary pressure reducing valve 4 has a plunger structure for pressure stabilization. This combined valve reduces the pressure of the high-pressure gas source, ensuring that its pressure and flow rate meet the requirements of the rocket engine system. When the high-pressure gas passes through the narrow passage formed between the valve and the housing of the pressure reducing valve, the gas is throttled. After throttling, the gas pressure decreases, and the degree of decrease depends on the flow area between the valve and the housing. When the inlet pressure changes, the internal moving parts of the pressure reducing valve automatically adjust the valve opening height under the action of the inlet and outlet pressures and the spring, controlling the gas flow channel area, thereby ensuring the stability of the pressure reducing valve's output pressure.

[0025] The outlet of the secondary pressure reducing valve 4 is connected to the safety valve 5. When the outlet pressure of the secondary pressure reducing valve 4 rises abnormally for some reason and reaches the preset high-pressure value of the safety valve 5, the medium force acting on the valve core overcomes the spring force, causing the safety valve 5 to open automatically and release pressure to prevent further pressure increases. When the medium pressure decreases due to the release of pressure from the safety valve and reaches the preset low-pressure value, the safety valve 5 automatically closes again to prevent further medium discharge. When the medium pressure is within the normal operating pressure, i.e., between the preset high-pressure and preset low-pressure values, the valve remains closed and sealed. The safety valve 5 of this invention features a constant flow rate and, to adapt to high pressure miniaturization, a differential inlet pressure design. This design allows for working flow exhaust even with a small opening gap, achieving constant flow pressure relief compared to traditional flat-plate safety valves. This safety valve 5 differs in structure from direct-acting flat-plate safety valves. Traditional flat-plate safety valves typically use non-metallic plastic seals. When the spring preload reaches the non-metallic seal pressure, the safety valve is closed and opens when the pressure abnormally rises. While simple in structure, this design suffers from poor sealing reliability. After opening, the force-bearing area increases with the differential area, resulting in a lower reseating pressure compared to the opening pressure. In contrast, this piston-type differential safety valve features constant flow discharge. The safety valve 5 uses a rubber ring seal. Due to flow restriction at the outlet, the force-bearing area after opening remains the differential plunger cross-sectional area, providing a stable reseating pressure. The rubber ring ensures reliable sealing, allowing the safety valve 5 to immediately return to its sealed position after the pressure stabilizes after opening.

[0026] The electric explosion valve 9 is normally closed, and the electric explosion tube is a double-bridge electric explosion tube with insensitive function. When closed, it forms a seal through the O-ring + retaining ring structure.

[0027] The combination valve has a total of 8 functional areas, namely: The air intake interface area is used to introduce high-pressure gas up to 60MPa.

[0028] The sensor functional area is used to detect the pressure of high-pressure gas.

[0029] The function of the electric explosion valve is to control whether high-pressure gas is allowed to flow.

[0030] The buffer valve functional area is used to control the impact of the instantaneous flow rate of high-pressure gas on the pressure reducer.

[0031] The primary pressure reduction zone is used to initially reduce the pressure of high-pressure gas.

[0032] The secondary pressure reduction zone is designed to stabilize the high-pressure gas at the required working pressure.

[0033] The safety valve functional area serves as overpressure protection.

[0034] The gas outlet interface is designed to output low-pressure gas within the pressure range of 3MPa-4MPa to power the downstream storage tanks and valves of the compression system.

[0035] The entire 8 functional areas rotate the combination valve one full turn. The air inlet 1 and air outlet 7 are designed in the same direction, which is convenient for users to insert and connect.

[0036] The processing technology of the combination valve is as follows: assemble and debug the safety valve 5, assemble the components of the electric explosion valve 9, buffer valve 8, primary pressure reducing valve 3, secondary pressure reducing valve 4, safety valve 5, and pressure sensor 2 into the valve body 6 to form the combination valve, debug the performance of the primary and secondary pressure reducing valves, and install the electric explosion tube.

[0037] The working process of the combined valve is as follows: During operation, the electric detonator receives a command and detonates, the electric detonator 9 disconnects and opens, and the high-pressure gas in the cylinder enters the buffer valve 8 through the gas channel formed by the disconnection of the electric detonator 9. Under the action of the high-pressure medium, the valve core of the buffer valve 8 overcomes the spring force and closes rapidly. The high-pressure gas flows out from the small-diameter channel in the middle of the valve core of the buffer valve 8. At this time, the gas enters the first-stage pressure reducing valve 3 through the filter at a small flow rate. After the pressure reducing valve's downstream cavity is pressurized, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the buffer valve 8 is balanced. At this time, the flow channel of the buffer valve 8 is fully opened, and the buffer valve 8 completes its initial pressure building process protection function. The high-pressure gas enters the first-stage pressure reducing valve 3 at a large flow rate. After being reduced and stabilized by the two-stage pressure reducing valves, it flows out to the downstream components. After the engine is shut down, the downstream propellant working medium of the whole system stops outputting, while the upstream pressurized gas continues to output. The outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve rises rapidly, and the valve cores of the second-stage pressure reducing valve 4 and the first-stage pressure reducing valve 3 close successively under the force balance of the sensitive elements. The pressure reducing valves enter the locked state, and the pressurized gas in the cylinder stops outputting.

[0038] The above describes specific embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Any modifications or equivalent transformations based on the technical solutions of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional modular combination valve for a space vehicle cryogenic air pressurization system, characterized by: The system includes a valve body and components mounted on the valve body. These components include an electric explosion valve, a buffer valve, a pressure reducing valve, a safety valve, and a pressure sensor. The valve body is a structure with multiple internal cavities. An inlet and an outlet are arranged side-by-side on one side of the valve body. Mounting portions for the corresponding components are located on the exterior of the valve body. All components are connected to the valve body via threaded seals. The pressure reducing valve includes a primary pressure reducing valve and a secondary pressure reducing valve. A pressure sensor and a primary pressure reducing valve are mounted axially along the inlet on one side of the valve body perpendicular to the inlet surface. A safety valve is mounted axially along the outlet on the same side of the valve body. At one end of the valve body, an electric detonation valve and a buffer valve are installed along the axial direction of the air inlet on the opposite side of the valve body where the primary and secondary pressure reducing valves are located. At the other end of the valve body, along the axial direction of the air outlet, the secondary pressure reducing valve is installed on the same side of the valve body. The internal cavity of the valve body forms a gas passage after the various components are installed. The air inlet and the pressure sensor form a sensor passage for detecting high-pressure gas pressure. When the detected pressure reaches the set value, the electric detonation valve is energized and detonated. Gas flows in from the air inlet and then flows to the buffer valve. It then passes through the primary pressure reducing valve and the secondary pressure reducing valve in sequence before flowing out from the air outlet to form a gas passage.

2. A multi-functional modular combination valve for a cold gas pressurization system of a space vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thinnest part of the valve body between the pressure sensor and the electric explosion valve has a wall thickness of 2.2 mm.

3. The multifunctional modular combination valve for a spacecraft cooling gas pressurization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer valve and the first-stage pressure reducing valve are connected via a gas passage and are positioned opposite each other vertically.

4. A multi-functional modular combination valve for a spacecraft cooling gas pressurization system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The primary and secondary pressure reducing valves are connected in series and arranged in parallel. The primary pressure reducing valve adopts a forward plunger structure, and the secondary pressure reducing valve adopts a reverse unloading plunger structure. The outlet of the secondary pressure reducing valve is connected to the safety valve. The safety valve adopts a piston differential structure. When the outlet pressure of the secondary pressure reducing valve rises abnormally and reaches the high pressure preset value of the safety valve, the medium force acting on the valve core of the safety valve overcomes the spring force and causes the safety valve to open automatically. When the medium pressure decreases due to the discharge of the safety valve and reaches the low pressure preset value, the valve closes automatically. When the medium pressure is between the two preset values, the valve remains closed and sealed.

5. A multi-functional modular combination valve for a spacecraft cooling gas pressurization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric explosion valve is normally closed, and the electric explosion tube is a double-bridge electric explosion tube with insensitive function. When closed, it forms a seal through an O-ring + retaining ring structure.

6. A multi-functional modular combination valve for a spacecraft cooling gas pressurization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A filter is installed at the inlet of the primary pressure reducing valve.

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