Connector and connector sealing connection structure for rocket fairing

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector and a connector sealing connection structure for a rocket fairing. The connector provided by the present invention is used to match and dock with an arrow flange, and at least includes: a ground flange, a locking mechanism arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange, and an adjustment mechanism for regulating the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a first end for locking the ground flange in the length direction, and a second end for cooperating with the adjustment mechanism, and a connecting end connected to the outer wall of the ground flange is provided between the first end and the second end. The locking mechanism is rotatably arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange, and the first end and the second end can perform a lever movement in a direction away from or close to the ground flange with the connecting end as a fulcrum. The first end is used to press and dock the ground flange with the arrow flange. The present invention uses the adjustment mechanism to apply a force away from the ground flange to the second end, thereby pressing the first end against the arrow flange, so that the arrow flange and the ground flange are connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of space launch vehicles, in particular to a connector for a rocket fairing and a connector sealing connection structure. Background Art

[0002] During the rocket launch, the satellite is placed inside the fairing. Usually, before the launch of the satellite inside the fairing of the launch vehicle, the connector needs to be used to deliver temperature-controlled air to the fairing to ensure that the satellite inside the fairing has a good temperature and humidity environment. During the launch, the fairing needs to be reliably separated from the connector and the ground pipeline, that is, the ground pipeline needs to be reliably separated from the rocket part at zero seconds of the rocket launch (when the rocket is ignited).

[0003] The current connectors used for fairings cannot adapt themselves during installation, and have the disadvantages of being easily accidentally detached in a vibrating environment and not being detached in time during rocket launch. Therefore, it is urgent to provide a connector that is simple to connect and assemble and has a zero-second detachment function. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above technical problems in the related art, the present invention provides a connector and a connector sealing connection structure for a rocket fairing, which has light weight, simple assembly, good sealing connection effect, and can complete the zero-second detachment of the connector and the rocket body in a simple and fast way. The problems of low sealing safety, accidental detachment of the connector under vibration environment and low applicability of the connector in the existing connection structure are solved, and the zero-second detachment between the connector and the rocket body fairing is achieved.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector for a rocket fairing, which is used to match and dock with an arrow flange, including a ground flange, a locking mechanism arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange, and an adjusting mechanism for regulating the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a first end for locking the ground flange in the length direction, and a second end for cooperating with the adjusting mechanism, and a connecting end connected to the outer wall of the ground flange is provided between the first end and the second end. The locking mechanism is rotatably arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange through the connecting end, so that the first end and the second end can perform a lever movement in a direction away from or close to the ground flange with the connecting end as a fulcrum. The ground flange has a first sealing end protruding outwardly along the outer wall of the ground flange, and the arrow flange has a second sealing end protruding outwardly along the outer wall of the arrow flange. The first sealing end is used to match and dock with the second sealing end, and the first end is used to press the second sealing end against the first sealing end, thereby completing the rapid docking of the ground flange and the arrow flange.

[0006] The adjusting mechanism applies a force to the second end portion to move the second end portion away from the ground flange, so that the first end portion presses the second sealing end, and the second sealing end and the first sealing end are pressed and sealed to each other.

[0007] In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes: a clamping ring arranged around the outer wall of the ground flange and a leaf spring for adjusting the position of the clamping ring. One end of the leaf spring is fixed to the position of the ground flange close to the first sealing end, and the other end acts on the inner side of the clamping ring; the position where the leaf spring acts on the clamping ring has a wedge-shaped surface extending outward, and the wedge-shaped surface is used to abut against the inner side of the clamping ring to prevent the clamping ring from falling off in a vibration environment.

[0008] In one embodiment, the side of the leaf spring close to the clamping ring is set on the outer wall of the ground flange by an adjusting screw, and the adjusting screw is used to adjust the fit between the leaf spring and the clamping ring. A locking nut is arranged outside the adjusting screw to prevent the adjusting screw from loosening.

[0009] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a claw and an ear plate for setting the claw on the outer wall of the ground flange; the ear plate is arranged parallel to the axis of the ground flange and has a first through hole. The claw has the first end and the second end formed in the length direction thereof, the first end of the claw is used to press the second sealing end, and the inner side of the second end of the claw is used to abut against the outer side of the clamp ring.

[0010] A connecting end for connecting to the ear plate is provided at a position between the first end and the second end; the connecting end is a connecting plate arranged parallel to the ear plate and has a second through hole adapted to the first through hole; a pin shaft passes through the first through hole and the second through hole, so that the claw can be rotatably provided on the outer wall of the ground flange, so that the first end and the second end can realize the locking and falling off of the ground flange and the upper flange with the connecting plate as a fulcrum.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first end of the claw further has a wedge surface that cooperates with the second sealing end.

[0012] In any of the above embodiments, at least two groups of leaf springs are provided, and each group of leaf springs is equidistantly arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange in the circumferential direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least two groups of the locking mechanisms are provided, and each group of the locking mechanisms is equidistantly arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange in the circumferential direction. In the circumferential direction of the ground flange, the leaf springs and the locking mechanisms are alternately arranged.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first sealing end is provided with a sealing groove with a trapezoidal cross section at a position for docking with the second sealing end, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove for achieving sealing between the ground flange and the arrow flange.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connector of the present invention further comprises a sensor for detecting connector docking and disconnection signals. The sensor is arranged inside the connector, wherein the cable is connected to the outside through the threading hole, so that the sensor is isolated from the external environment.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention further provides a connector sealing connection structure, comprising the connector described in any one of the above embodiments and an arrow-shaped flange that cooperates with the connector.

[0017] The connector sealing connection structure of the embodiment of the present invention uses the leaf spring force to support the snap ring to prevent the snap ring from falling off, so that the claws can press and fix the flange on the arrow and the flange on the ground, thereby preventing the connector from accidentally falling off in a vibration environment. During the rocket takeoff process, the snap ring is connected and pulled with a rope to break away from the restriction of the leaf spring, so that the claws release the grip on the flange on the arrow, and the connector can fall off in zero seconds.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the detailed description and upon viewing the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the first overall structure of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a second overall structural diagram of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 3 is a third overall structural diagram of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the contact position between the clamping ring and the second end of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the sealing groove and the sealing ring of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments. Spatial relationship terms such as "below", "below", "under...", "low", "above", "on...", "high", etc. are used to facilitate the description to explain the positioning of an 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, "an 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, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are also used to describe various elements, regions, parts, etc., and should not be regarded as limitations. Similar terms represent similar elements throughout the description.

[0026] See also Figure 1 One aspect of the present invention provides a connector for a rocket fairing, which is used to match and dock with a flange 100 on the rocket to ensure that the connector will not accidentally fall off in a vibration environment, and at the same time ensure that the connector can be detached in zero seconds when the rocket takes off.

[0027] The connector provided by the present invention comprises: a ground flange 200, a locking mechanism 1 arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange 200, and an adjusting mechanism 2 for adjusting the locking mechanism 1. The locking mechanism 1 has a first end for locking the ground flange 200 in the length direction, and a second end for cooperating with the adjusting mechanism 2, and a connecting end connected to the outer wall of the ground flange 200 is provided between the first end and the second end. The locking mechanism 1 is rotatably arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange 200 through the connecting end, so that the first end and the second end can perform a lever movement in a direction away from or close to the ground flange 200 with the connecting end as a fulcrum.

[0028] Specifically, under the action of the adjustment mechanism 2 on the second end, a force is applied to the second end to move away from the ground flange 200. Since the first end and the second end perform a lever motion with the connection end as a fulcrum, when the second end is subjected to a force moving away from the ground flange 200, the first end moves toward the ground flange 200, thereby pressing the arrow flange 100 to the ground flange 200.

[0029] Among them, the arrow flange 100 is a simulation part of the rocket arrow interface, and its end face is provided with a positioning pin hole for positioning with the ground flange 200. The ground flange 200 has a first sealing end 201 protruding outward along the outer wall of the ground flange, and the arrow flange 100 has a second sealing end 101 protruding outward along the outer wall of the arrow flange. The first sealing end 201 is used to match and dock with the second sealing end 101, and the first end of the locking mechanism 1 is used to press the second sealing end 101 onto the first sealing end 201, thereby completing the rapid docking of the ground flange 200 and the arrow flange 100.

[0030] Specifically, the adjustment mechanism 2 is used to apply a force to the second end of the locking mechanism 1 so that the second end is applied away from the ground flange 200, so that the first end is close to the second sealing end of the arrow-up flange and the second sealing end 101 is pressed against the first sealing end 201, thereby sealingly connecting the arrow-up flange 100 with the ground flange 200.

[0031] The connector of the embodiment of the present invention can directly control one end of the locking mechanism through an adjustment mechanism, and indirectly realize the control of the other end of the locking mechanism, and can quickly complete the pressing or releasing action of the other end on the flange on the arrow, thereby, the connection between the flange on the arrow and the ground flange can be realized simply and quickly, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the connector, and at the same time, the connector can be detached in zero seconds, thereby improving the safety and reliability of rocket launch.

[0032] See also Figure 2 In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 2 includes: a clamping ring 21 arranged around the outer wall of the ground flange 200 and a leaf spring 22 for adjusting the axial position of the clamping ring 21. The clamping ring 21 is inserted into the pipeline connected to the ground flange 200, and is arranged on the outer side of the pipeline near the ground flange 200 by means of the leaf spring 22. Among them, one end of the leaf spring 22 is fixed to the position of the ground flange 200 near the first sealing end 201 (such as the back of the first sealing end 201) by means of a screw 221, and the other end acts on the inner side of the clamping ring 21 to limit the axial position of the clamping ring 21. Furthermore, the position where the leaf spring 22 acts on the clamping ring 21 has a wedge-shaped surface extending outward, and the wedge-shaped surface of the leaf spring 22 is used to abut against the inner side of the clamping ring 21, thereby effectively preventing the clamping ring 21 from falling off in a vibration environment.

[0033] The connector of the embodiment of the present invention is configured such that one end of the leaf spring is fixedly arranged at a position of the ground flange close to the first sealing end, and the other end of the leaf spring uses a wedge-shaped surface to fix a retaining ring in an appropriate position, and the outer side surface of the retaining ring can directly act on the second end of the locking mechanism. After the retaining ring is installed in place, the second end of the locking mechanism is abutted to the farthest position by the retaining ring, and the first end of the locking mechanism presses the arrow-up flange and the ground flange. In a vibration environment, the leaf spring fixes the retaining ring to prevent it from slipping, thereby ensuring that the second end of the locking mechanism is continuously in the farthest position, and further effectively preventing the connector from accidentally falling off in a vibration environment.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the side of the leaf spring 22 close to the snap ring 21 is set on the outer wall of the ground flange 200 by the adjusting screw 23, so that the fitting force between the leaf spring 21 and the snap ring 22 can be adjusted by the adjusting screw 23. For example, when the snap ring is installed in place and the fitting force with the leaf spring 21 is small, there is a risk of falling off in a vibration environment, the adjusting screw 23 can be screwed out a proper distance away from the ground flange until the leaf spring 22 and the snap ring 21 are stably fitted. Similarly, when the snap ring 21 is installed in place and fits the leaf spring 22 too tightly, so that it may hinder the zero-second falling action during rocket launch, the adjusting screw 23 can be screwed in the direction close to the ground flange 200. Furthermore, a locking nut 24 is provided on the outside of the adjusting screw 23 to prevent the loosening of the adjusting screw 23 in a vibration environment from causing the fitting force between the leaf spring 22 and the snap ring 21 to change, so as to ensure that the snap ring 21 can be limited by the leaf spring 22 in a vibration environment and can be pulled off normally after passing through the vibration environment.

[0035] The connector of the embodiment of the present invention can adjust the distance between the side of the leaf spring close to the clamping ring and the ground flange as needed by tightening or loosening the adjusting screw, and then adjust the anti-disengagement limiting force of the leaf spring on the clamping ring, thereby improving the installation adaptability of the connector and the application range of the clamping ring, while also reducing the processing accuracy requirements of the clamping ring.

[0036] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a claw 11 and an ear plate 12 for setting the claw 11 on the outer wall of the ground flange 200. The ear plate 12 is arranged parallel to the axis of the ground flange 200 and has a first through hole that penetrates the ear plate 12 in the thickness direction of the ear plate 12. The first through hole is used for the claw 11 to be rotatably connected to the ground flange 200. For example, the axis of the first through hole can be orthogonal to the axis of the ground flange 200. The claw 11 forms a first end 111 and a second end 112 in its length direction. The first end 111 of the claw is used to press the second sealing end 101 of the upper flange 100, and the inner side of the second end 112 of the claw is used to abut against the outer side of the clamp ring 21. The position between the first end 111 of the claw and the second end 112 of the claw has a connection end for connecting with the ear plate 12. The connection end may be a connection plate 113 arranged in parallel with the ear plate 12, and the connection plate 113 has a second through hole matching the first through hole, and the ear plate 12 is usually connected to the claw 11 by passing the first through hole and the second through hole with a pin 3. Since the axis of the first through hole is orthogonal to the axis of the ground flange 200, the connection plate 113 can be used as a rotation fulcrum, and the claw can rotate around the pin through the connection plate 113 to achieve the approach or distance of its two ends from the ground flange.

[0037] That is, by passing the pin shaft 3 through the first through hole and the second through hole, the claw 11 can be rotatably arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange 200, and the first end 111 of the claw and the second end 112 of the claw can move with the connecting plate 113 as a fulcrum, so that the first end 111 of the claw can be used to lock and disengage the ground flange 200 and the upper flange 100. In order to prevent the pin shaft 3 from falling out in a vibration environment, a cotter pin 31 can be set at the end of the pin shaft 3 to fix the pin shaft 3.

[0038] Specifically, the arrow flange and the ground flange are connected, and one end of the leaf spring 22 is fixedly set at the position of the ground flange 200 near the first sealing end 201. The adjusting screw 23 and the locking nut 24 are installed at the position of the leaf spring 22 near the snap ring 21, so that the other end of the leaf spring 22 is compressed, and after the connecting plate 113 of the clamping claw 11 is connected to the ear plate 12 in place, the adjusting screw 23 is loosened to press the snap ring 21 in and use the leaf spring 22 to limit the support. After the snap ring 21 is installed in place, the first end 112 of the clamping claw is tightened. Since the two ends of the clamping claw 11 can be used as a lever with the connecting plate 113, the second end 112 of the clamping claw is tightened and the first end 111 of the clamping claw is pressed toward the second sealing end 101 of the arrow flange 100, so as to realize the connection between the connector and the arrow pipeline. Then tighten the adjusting screw 23, adjust the anti-dropping limiting force of the leaf spring 22 on the snap ring 21 as needed, and tighten the locking nut 24 to prevent the adjusting screw 23 from loosening under a vibration environment. Finally, during the rocket's takeoff, the active force or passive force is used to pull off the retaining ring, achieving zero-second detachment of the connector.

[0039] See also Figure 4 Furthermore, the second end portion 112 of the claw is arranged to cooperate with the clamping ring 21 at a small inclination angle (wedge-shaped surface), so that the connector docking adaptation can be achieved.

[0040] Continue to see Figure 3 In one embodiment, the claw 11 is a connector locking actuator, and a small bevel lead-in angle can be set to match the second sealing end 101. Specifically, the first end 111 of the claw also has a wedge-shaped surface that is inclined inward at a certain angle, and the inclination angle of the wedge-shaped surface is matched with the back of the second sealing end 101. The connector of the embodiment of the present invention makes the matching surface of the claw and the second sealing end of the arrow flange match the bevel. With this arrangement, after the retaining ring is pulled off, the arrow flange can smoothly break away from the restraint of the claw, and the connector can truly be disconnected in zero seconds.

[0041] In any of the above embodiments, in order to increase the connection stability between the connector and the arrow-mounted pipeline, at least two groups of leaf springs can be equidistantly arranged along the circumferential outer wall of the ground flange, so that the clamping ring can be subjected to uniform circumferential force, and the clamping claws can be tightened more stably and continuously to avoid falling off in a vibrating environment.

[0042] At the same time, at least two groups of locking mechanisms can be provided, and each group of locking mechanisms is equidistantly provided on the outer wall of the ground flange in the circumferential direction. In order to make the adjustment mechanism composed of the leaf spring and the clamping ring cooperate better with the locking mechanism and ensure the same locking degree of each locking mechanism, each leaf spring can be interlaced with the locking mechanism so that each locking mechanism is subjected to the same clamping ring tensioning force.

[0043] For example, three groups of locking mechanisms and three groups of leaf springs can be set at the ground flange end. The leaf springs are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange and fixed with a retaining ring at the same time. The locking mechanisms are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on the ground flange and interspersed with the leaf springs to ensure that the distance between each locking mechanism and the two adjacent leaf springs is equal, thereby ensuring that the locking force of each locking mechanism is relatively balanced.

[0044] See also Figure 1 and Figure 5 In the above embodiment, the first sealing end 201 is provided with a sealing groove 4 with a trapezoidal cross section at a position for docking with the second sealing end 101, and a sealing ring 5 is provided in the sealing groove to achieve sealing of the docking surface between the ground flange and the upper flange. The connector of the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the sealing ring 5 from falling out after the connector falls off by providing a trapezoidal cross-section sealing groove 4 on the sealing end surface of the first sealing end 200, which can effectively avoid the generation of excess materials and also improve the sealing performance between the connector and the upper flange.

[0045] Furthermore, a sealing groove with a trapezoidal cross section can be redundantly provided on the sealing end surface of the first sealing end, and a sealing ring is provided in each sealing groove, thereby significantly improving the connection sealing of the connector.

[0046] See also Figure 3 In the above embodiment, the liquid rocket connector of the present invention further includes a sensor 6 for detecting connector docking and detachment signals. The sensor 6 is arranged inside the connector, and the cable is connected to the outside through the threading hole 61, so that the sensor 6 is isolated from the external environment, so that the connector has good environmental adaptability and explosion-proof performance.

[0047] The above embodiments can be combined with each other and have corresponding technical effects.

[0048] The connector provided by the present invention has the advantages of simple overall structure, convenient and quick operation, reliable sealing, strong adaptability, etc. It is easy to achieve long-term docking and zero-second detachment of the connector, which significantly reduces the difficulty of docking and detaching of the connector, improves the reliability of connector detachment, and ensures that the carrier rocket can complete the launch mission safely and reliably.

[0049] Another aspect of the present invention further provides a connector sealing connection structure, comprising the connector described in any one of the above embodiments and an arrow flange that is mating with the connector. The arrow flange and the connector mating surface are adaptively arranged to ensure that the arrow flange and the connector can achieve long-term stable connection and zero-second detachment after the rocket is launched. For details, please refer to the above embodiments.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is 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 connector for a rocket fairing, used to match and dock with a flange on an arrow, characterized in that: At least: A ground flange, a locking mechanism disposed on an outer wall of the ground flange, and an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the locking mechanism; The locking mechanism has a first end portion for locking the ground flange in the length direction, and a second end portion for cooperating with the adjustment mechanism, and a connecting end connected to the outer wall of the ground flange is provided between the first end portion and the second end portion; the locking mechanism is rotatably arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange through the connecting end, so that the first end portion and the second end portion can perform a lever movement in a direction away from or close to the ground flange with the connecting end as a fulcrum; The ground flange has a first sealing end protruding outwardly along the outer wall of the ground flange, and the arrow-up flange has a second sealing end protruding outwardly along the outer wall of the arrow-up flange; the first sealing end is used to match and dock with the second sealing end; The adjusting mechanism is used to apply a force to the second end portion to move the second end portion away from the ground flange, so that the first end portion presses the second sealing end, so that the second sealing end and the first sealing end are pressed and sealed to each other; The adjustment mechanism comprises: a clamping ring arranged around the outer wall of the ground flange and a leaf spring for adjusting the axial position of the clamping ring; One end of the leaf spring is fixed to a position of the ground flange close to the first sealing end, and the other end acts on the inner side of the retaining ring; the position where the leaf spring acts on the retaining ring has a wedge-shaped surface extending outward, and the wedge surface is used to abut against the inner side of the retaining ring to prevent the retaining ring from falling off under a vibration environment.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the leaf spring close to the clamping ring is arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange by means of an adjusting screw, and the adjusting screw is used to adjust the fitting force between the leaf spring and the clamping ring; A locking nut is arranged on the outer side of the adjusting screw to prevent the adjusting screw from loosening.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking mechanism comprises a claw and an ear plate for setting the claw on the outer wall of the ground flange; the ear plate is arranged parallel to the axis of the ground flange and has a first through hole; The claw forms the first end and the second end in the length direction thereof, the first end is used to press the second sealing end, and the inner side of the second end is used to abut against the outer side of the clamp ring; A connection end for connecting to the ear plate is provided between the first end and the second end; the connection end is a connection plate arranged parallel to the ear plate and has a second through hole adapted to the first through hole; The pin shaft passes through the first through hole and the second through hole, so that the claw can be rotatably arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange, so that the first end and the second end can use the connecting plate as a fulcrum to achieve the locking and falling off of the ground flange and the arrow flange.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first end of the claw also has a wedge-shaped surface that cooperates with the second sealing end.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: At least two groups of leaf springs are provided, and each group of leaf springs is equidistantly arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange in the circumferential direction.

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: At least two groups of the locking mechanisms are provided, and each group of the locking mechanisms is circumferentially and equidistantly arranged on the outer wall of the ground flange; in the circumferential direction of the ground flange, the leaf springs and the locking mechanisms are alternately arranged.

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first sealing end is provided with a sealing groove with a trapezoidal cross section at a position for docking with the second sealing end, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove for achieving sealing between the ground flange and the upper flange.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a sensor for detecting connector docking and disconnection signals; the sensor is arranged inside the connector, wherein the cable is connected to the outside through the threading hole, so that the sensor is isolated from the external environment.

9. A connector sealing connection structure, characterized in that: include: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an arrow-shaped flange that cooperates with the connector.

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