A locking mechanism for a connector

Abstract

The present invention provides a locking mechanism for a connector, comprising: an inner ring, an outer ring sleeved outside the inner ring, a pressure sensor and a handle, wherein the two ends of the inner ring along its axial direction are respectively a first port and a second port, and the two ends of the outer ring along its axial direction are respectively a third port and a fourth port; wherein the pressure sensor comprises a first pressure head and a second pressure head, and the first pressure head of the pressure sensor is fixedly connected to the first port of the inner ring; the handle passes through the third port of the outer ring and is axially movable and connected to the second pressure head of the pressure sensor; when in use, the handle drives the outer ring to move upward along the axial direction of the inner ring, so that the fourth port of the outer ring abuts against the connector snap ring and applies a force to the connector snap ring, thereby locking the connector. The locking mechanism can achieve locking of the connector without relying on other external tools.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of launch vehicle connectors, and in particular to a locking mechanism for connectors. Background Art

[0002] Usually, launch vehicles use connectors to connect ground pipelines with onboard equipment. During the launch preparation phase, the connector needs to be manually docked with the rocket body. During the docking process, the docking force is large, the docking operation is difficult, and the docking force cannot be quantitatively controlled. In addition, there is no clear indicator of whether the connector is docked in place during the docking operation, the docking reliability is low, and the docking process will bring external driving force to the rocket body, which may cause damage to the rocket body.

[0003] In order to simplify the docking and locking of the connector and the arrow, it is particularly important to design a locking mechanism for the connector. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a locking mechanism for a connector.

[0005] The present invention provides a locking mechanism for a connector, comprising: an inner ring, an outer ring sleeved on the outside of the inner ring, a pressure sensor and a handle, wherein the two ends of the inner ring along its axial direction are respectively a first port and a second port, and the two ends of the outer ring along its axial direction are respectively a third port and a fourth port; wherein the pressure sensor comprises a first pressure head and a second pressure head, and the first pressure head of the pressure sensor is fixedly connected to the first port of the inner ring; the handle passes through the third port of the outer ring and is axially movably connected to the second pressure head of the pressure sensor; the pressure sensor is used to measure the locking force of the connector; when in use, the connector is placed in the locking mechanism, wherein the outer wall of the inner ring is gap-matched with the inner wall of the connector barrel, and is fixedly connected by a first connecting piece, and the inner wall of the outer ring is gap-matched with the outer wall of the connector barrel; the handle moves upward along the axial direction of the inner ring to drive the outer ring to move upward along the axial direction of the inner ring, so that the fourth port of the outer ring abuts against the connector clamping ring and applies a force to the connector clamping ring, thereby locking the connector.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting member is a pin; pin holes are provided on both sides of the inner ring; the pin passes through the pin holes of the inner ring and both sides of the connector cylinder to fix the inner ring to the connector cylinder.

[0007] Invention According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure head of the pressure sensor is fixedly connected to the first port of the inner ring via a second connecting member.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting member is a hexagon socket screw; the hexagon socket screw penetrates the first port of the inner ring from the inner side of the inner ring to the outside and is threadedly connected to the first pressure head of the pressure sensor.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure sensor is an S-type pressure sensor.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it also includes a transition piece; one end of the transition piece is fixedly connected to the second pressure head of the S-type pressure sensor; the handle passes through the third port of the outer ring and is threadedly connected to the other end of the transition piece.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, outer ring openings are arranged on both sides of the outer ring along the axial direction of the outer ring; the pin shaft is also used to penetrate the outer ring openings so that the outer ring can move relative to the inner ring.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring is provided with a plurality of process observation holes along its axial direction at the third port close to the outer ring.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth port of the outer ring is provided with an outer flap along its circumference, and the outer flap is used to push the connector clamping ring to lock the connector.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is a small clearance fit between the outer wall of the inner ring and the inner wall of the connector barrel, and between the inner wall of the outer ring and the outer wall of the connector barrel.

[0015] According to the locking mechanism for the connector of the present invention, the handle moves upward along the axial direction of the inner ring to drive the outer ring to move upward along the axial direction of the inner ring, so that the fourth port of the outer ring abuts against the connector snap ring and applies force to the connector snap ring, thereby locking the connector. The docking operation process is simple and does not require reliance on other external tools, solving the problem of difficult docking operations between the connector and the arrow.

[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following drawings are a part of the specification of the present invention, and illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description of the specification, the accompanying drawings are used to explain the principles of the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 is a front view of a locking mechanism for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1Cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0020] Description of reference numerals:

[0021] 1-inner ring, 2-outer ring, 3-pin shaft, 4-hexagon socket screw, 5-pressure sensor, 6-transition piece, 7-handle, 8-connector cylinder, 9-outer flap, 10-connector clamping ring, 11-outer ring opening, 12-observation process hole, 13-first pressure head, 14-second pressure head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will be described in detail below. In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain the present invention and are used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and are not configured to limit the present invention. In addition, the structural components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the sizes of some structural components or areas in the drawings may be enlarged for other structural components or areas to help understand the embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] The directional words appearing in the following description are all directions shown in the figures, and do not limit the specific structure of the embodiments of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] In addition, the terms "include", "comprise", "have" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a structure or component including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other mechanical elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent in the structure or component. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "include..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the article or device including the elements.

[0025] Spatial relationship terms such as "below", "below", "under", "low", "above", "on", "high", etc. are used to facilitate the description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element, indicating that these terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in addition to orientations different from those shown in the figures. In addition, for example, "one element is above / below another element" can mean that the two elements are in direct contact, or it can mean that there are other elements between the two elements. In addition, for example: up, down, left, right, front or back, etc., are only references to the directions of the accompanying drawings, used to facilitate the description to explain the position of the elements or the connection orientation between the elements. Similarly, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are also used to describe various elements, regions, parts, etc., and do not specifically refer to the meaning of order or sequence, and should not be regarded as limiting. Similar terms represent similar elements throughout the description.

[0026] In the process of describing the present invention below, only "rocket", "launch vehicle" or "missile" may be used in certain scene descriptions. This is only for the convenience of description, and its connotation is not limited to the specific words used. Generally, the rocket or launch vehicle of the present invention includes not only aerospace vehicles used to carry satellites or spacecraft or other probes, but also various types of missiles, rockets and other weapons used to carry military payloads, as well as similar products that can send payloads into the air. When interpreting the above specific words, those skilled in the art shall not limit the carrier to only one of the launch vehicle or missile based on the specific words used to describe the scene, thereby narrowing the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] For those skilled in the art, the present invention can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is only intended to provide a better understanding of the present invention by showing examples of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 1 is a front view of a locking mechanism for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0029] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the present invention provides a locking mechanism for a connector, comprising: an inner ring 1, an outer ring 2 sleeved outside the inner ring 1, a sensor 5 and a handle 7. The two ends of the inner ring 1 along its axial direction are respectively a first port and a second port, and the two ends of the outer ring 2 along its axial direction are respectively a third port and a fourth port. Among them, the pressure sensor 5 includes a first pressure head 13 and a second pressure head 14, and the first pressure head 13 of the pressure sensor 5 is fixedly connected to the first port of the inner ring 1. The handle 7 passes through the third port of the outer ring 2 and is axially movable and connected to the second pressure head 14 of the pressure sensor 5. The pressure sensor 5 is used to measure the locking force of the connector. When in use, the connector is placed in the locking mechanism, wherein the outer wall of the inner ring 1 is gap-matched with the inner wall of the connector barrel 8, and is fixedly connected through the first connecting member, and the inner wall of the outer ring 2 is gap-matched with the outer wall of the connector barrel 8. The handle 7 moves upward along the axial direction of the inner ring 1 to drive the outer ring 2 to move upward along the axial direction of the inner ring 1, so that the fourth port of the outer ring 2 abuts against the connector clamping ring 10 and applies a force to the connector clamping ring 10, thereby locking the connector.

[0030] Specifically, during the launch preparation phase of the carrier rocket, the rocket body needs to be connected to the ground equipment through a connector. At present, the connector needs to be docked with the rocket body manually. However, since docking requires a large docking force, manual docking operations are complicated and difficult. Manually docking the connector with the rocket body will cause uneven connector docking force along the axial direction of the connector, resulting in uneven force on the connector retaining ring. Moreover, during the docking and locking process, a lateral driving force will be generated on the rocket body. In addition, during manual docking, the locking force of the connector cannot be accurately controlled.

[0031] In this embodiment, the handle 7 is moved axially upward along the inner ring 1 to drive the outer ring 2 to move axially upward along the inner ring 1, so that the fourth port of the outer ring 2 abuts the connector snap ring 10 and applies a force to the connector snap ring 10, thereby locking the connector. The docking operation process is simple, labor-saving, convenient and fast, and does not need to rely on other external tools, which solves the problem of difficult docking operations between the connector and the arrow. In addition, the entire fourth port of the outer ring 2 directly abuts the connector snap ring 10, and the pressure sensor 5 is used to measure and display the locking force of the connector, so that the force applied by the outer ring 2 to the connector snap ring 10 is more uniform, and the locking force of the connector can be accurately controlled, thereby achieving accurate quantitative locking of the connector. In addition, the locking mechanism provided in this embodiment is fixedly connected to the connector barrel 8, and the locking force of the locking mechanism is converted into an internal force between the locking mechanism and the connector, so that no lateral external force is generated on the rocket body.

[0032] When the locking mechanism of this embodiment is used, the target value of the locking force can be preset according to the actual situation. As the handle 7 moves upward along the axial direction of the inner ring 1, the display value of the pressure sensor 5 increases. When the display value of the pressure sensor 5 reaches the target value, it indicates that the connector is locked. The present invention does not impose specific restrictions on the specific shape, structure and connection method of the handle 7.

[0033] Further, the handle 7 is threadedly connected to the second pressure head of the pressure sensor 5, and the handle 7 is rotatably connected to the third port of the outer ring 2. For example, a boss is provided below the connection between the handle 7 and the third port of the outer ring 2 to abut against the third port of the outer ring 2.

[0034] Specifically, when using the locking mechanism of this embodiment, the inner ring 1 is fixedly connected to the connector barrel 8 using the first connecting piece, the handle 7 passes through the third port of the outer ring 2, and the rotating handle 7 is connected to the second pressure head of the pressure sensor 5. In the process of rotating the handle 7, since a boss is provided below the connection between the handle 7 and the third port of the outer ring 1, the boss of the handle 7 will drive the outer ring 2 to move axially upward along the inner ring 1. In the process of the outer ring 2 moving axially upward along the inner ring 1, the fourth port of the outer ring 2 will abut the connector snap ring 10, and apply a force to the connector snap ring 10, pushing the connector snap ring to move axially upward along the connector barrel 8, thereby locking the connector. After locking the connector, rotate the handle 7 in the opposite direction, withdraw the outer ring 2, disassemble the first connecting piece, withdraw the inner ring 1 and the pressure sensor 5, and complete the docking and locking of the connector and the arrow body.

[0035] In the locking device provided in this embodiment, the handle 7 is threadedly connected to the second pressure head of the pressure sensor 5. The handle 7 serves as a rotating force-applying end, and the connector is axially locked and force-increased through threaded transmission, without relying on other external tools, and the operation is simple and labor-saving.

[0036] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting member is a pin 3. Pin holes are provided on both sides of the inner ring 1, and the pin 3 passes through the pin holes of the inner ring 1 and both sides of the connector cylinder 8 to fix the inner ring 1 with the connector cylinder 8.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure head 13 of the pressure sensor 5 is fixedly connected to the first port of the inner ring 1 via a second connecting member.

[0038] Furthermore, the second connecting member is a hexagon socket screw 4. The hexagon socket screw 4 penetrates the first port of the inner ring 1 from the inner side to the outside and is threadedly connected with the first pressure head 13 of the pressure sensor 5.

[0039] like Figure 2As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure sensor 5 is an S-type pressure sensor.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the locking mechanism of this embodiment uses an S-type pressure sensor in order to clearly explain the technical solution of the present invention, and does not impose specific restrictions on the model of the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can also be a spring-type pressure sensor, an intelligent pressure sensor, or an electronic pressure sensor, etc., which can achieve the technical effect of the present invention.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism includes, in addition to the inner ring 1, the outer ring 2, the handle 7 and the pressure sensor 5, a transition piece 6, one end of which is fixedly connected to the second pressure head 14 of the pressure sensor 5. The handle 7 passes through the third port of the outer ring 2 and is threadedly connected to the other end of the transition piece 6.

[0042] In this embodiment, adding the transition piece 6 increases the space for relative movement between the pressure sensor 5 and the outer ring 2 .

[0043] Specifically, when the locking mechanism of this embodiment is used, the hexagon socket screw 4 is used to penetrate the first port of the inner ring 1 from the inside to the outside, and then is threadedly connected to the first pressure head 13 of the pressure sensor 5, and one end of the transition piece 6 is fixedly connected to the second pressure head 14 of the pressure sensor 5. Then, the inner ring 1 is fixedly connected to the connector barrel 8 using the pin 3, the handle 7 penetrates the third port of the outer ring 2, and the handle 7 is rotated to connect with the transition piece 6. The handle 7 is rotated, and the handle 7 drives the outer ring 2 to move upward along the axial direction of the inner ring 1.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, outer ring openings 11 are provided on both sides of the outer ring 2 along the axial direction of the outer ring 2. The pin 3 is also used to penetrate the outer ring opening 11 so that the outer ring 2 can move relative to the inner ring 1.

[0045] In this embodiment, outer ring openings 11 are provided on both sides of the outer ring 2 along the axial direction of the outer ring 2 , which effectively reduces the requirement of the mechanism for the axial length of the inner ring 1 .

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, at a position close to the third port of the outer ring 2, the outer ring 2 is provided with a plurality of process observation holes 12 along its axial direction.

[0047] In this embodiment, the observation process hole 12 can be used to observe the connection status between the pressure sensor 5 and the transition piece 6 , and between the transition piece 6 and the handle 7 .

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth port of the outer ring 2 is provided with an outer flap 9 along its circumference, and the outer flap 9 is used to push the connector clamping ring 10 to lock the connector.

[0049] The locking mechanism of this embodiment is provided with an outer flap along the axial direction of the fourth port of the outer ring 2, so that the connector clamping ring 10 can be subjected to more uniform force during the locking process and is not easily deformed.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is a small clearance fit between the outer wall of the inner ring 1 and the inner wall of the connector cylinder 8 , and between the inner wall of the outer ring 2 and the outer wall of the connector cylinder 8 .

[0051] In the locking mechanism of this embodiment, there is a small gap between the outer wall of the inner ring 1 and the inner wall of the connector cylinder 8, and between the inner wall of the outer ring 2 and the outer wall of the connector cylinder 8, which can ensure good coaxiality between the inner ring 1, the outer ring 2 and the connector cylinder 8. When the outer ring 2 applies force to the connector clamping ring 10, the force on the connector clamping ring 10 along the axial direction of the connector cylinder 8 is more uniform.

[0052] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other and have corresponding technical effects.

[0053] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a connector, characterized in that: include: An inner ring, an outer ring sleeved outside the inner ring, a pressure sensor and a handle, wherein the two ends of the inner ring along its axial direction are respectively a first port and a second port, and the two ends of the outer ring along its axial direction are respectively a third port and a fourth port; Wherein, the pressure sensor comprises a first pressure head and a second pressure head, and the first pressure head of the pressure sensor is fixedly connected to the first port of the inner ring; The handle passes through the third port of the outer ring and is axially movably connected to the second pressure head of the pressure sensor; The pressure sensor is used to measure the locking force of the connector; When in use, the connector is placed in the locking mechanism, wherein the outer wall of the inner ring is in clearance with the inner wall of the connector barrel, and is fixedly connected by the first connecting piece, and the inner wall of the outer ring is in clearance with the outer wall of the connector barrel; the handle moves upward along the axial direction of the inner ring to drive the outer ring to move upward along the axial direction of the inner ring, so that the fourth port of the outer ring abuts against the connector snap ring and applies a force to the connector snap ring arranged on the outer side wall of the connector barrel, thereby locking the connector; The first connecting member is a pin; pin holes are provided on both sides of the inner ring; the pin passes through the pin holes of the inner ring and both sides of the connector cylinder to fixedly connect the inner ring with the connector cylinder.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pressure head of the pressure sensor is fixedly connected to the first port of the inner ring through a second connecting member.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second connecting member is a hexagon socket screw; the hexagon socket screw penetrates the first port of the inner ring from the inner side of the inner ring to the outside and is threadedly connected to the first pressure head of the pressure sensor.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressure sensor is an S-type pressure sensor.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also included are transition pieces; One end of the transition piece is fixedly connected to the second pressure head of the S-type pressure sensor; The handle passes through the third port of the outer ring and is threadedly connected to the other end of the transition piece.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: Outer ring openings are arranged on both sides of the outer ring along the axial direction of the outer ring; The pin shaft is also used to penetrate the outer ring opening so that the outer ring can move relative to the inner ring.

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer ring is provided with a plurality of process observation holes along its axial direction at the third port close to the outer ring.

8. The locking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fourth port of the outer ring is provided with an outer flap along its circumference, and the outer flap is used to push the connector clamping ring to lock the connector.

9. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: There is a small clearance fit between the outer wall of the inner ring and the inner wall of the connector cylinder, and between the inner wall of the outer ring and the outer wall of the connector cylinder.

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