Quick disconnect bottle valve for space station combustion experiment

Abstract

The application relates to the field of manned space technology, in particular to a quick disconnection type bottle mouth valve for a space station combustion test, which comprises a gas cylinder interface, a quick disconnector fixed end and a pointer type pressure gauge interface arranged on a ball valve body, wherein the gas cylinder interface, the quick disconnector fixed end and the pointer type pressure gauge interface form a tee structure in the interior of the ball valve body; one end of the gas cylinder interface is fixed on the ball valve body, the other end is connected with a gas cylinder to form a first passage; one end of the quick disconnector fixed end is fixed on the ball valve body, the other end is connected with a free end of a quick disconnector of a downstream pipeline to form a second passage; one end of the pointer type pressure gauge is fixed on the ball valve body, the other end is connected with a pointer type pressure gauge to form a third passage. The application has high integration, effectively reduces the number of external pipelines, joints and the like of the bottle mouth valve, has a more compact structure, is lighter in quality, and can realize quick disconnection and communication of the bottle mouth valve with the downstream pipeline under microgravity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of manned spaceflight technology, and more specifically, to a quick-disconnect bottle valve for use in space station combustion tests. Background Technology

[0002] The space station combustion test system is installed inside the space station's test module, primarily to study fundamental scientific questions in combustion science. This system comprises several subsystems. During the test, the gas supply subsystem requires astronauts to manually open and close it, and replace the high-pressure gas cylinders when the pressure is insufficient.

[0003] As the cylinder valve of the gas supply subsystem, its main function is to manually control the gas flow between the high-pressure cylinder and the downstream pipeline, monitor the pressure inside the high-pressure cylinder in real time, and quickly disconnect and connect the cylinder valve and the downstream pipeline under microgravity.

[0004] According to the technical requirements, the gas cylinder valve must not only perform the above functions, but also be lightweight, compact, and highly reliable to meet the stringent quality, size, and safety requirements of manned spaceflight. Currently used commercial-grade and aerospace-grade valves cannot simultaneously meet these requirements. Therefore, a quick-connect valve is urgently needed for combustion tests on the space station. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests, which provides a highly integrated, lightweight, and highly reliable quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for the space station combustion test system, ensuring the smooth conduct of space combustion tests.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a quick-connect cylinder valve for space station combustion tests, comprising a cylinder port, a quick-connector fixing end, and a pointer pressure gauge port mounted on a ball valve body. The cylinder port, quick-connector fixing end, and pointer pressure gauge port form a three-way structure inside the ball valve body. One end of the cylinder port is fixed to the ball valve body, and the other end is connected to the cylinder, forming a first passage. One end of the quick-connector fixing end is fixed to the ball valve body, and the other end is connected to the free end of the quick-connector in the downstream pipeline, forming a second passage. One end of the pointer pressure gauge is fixed to the ball valve body, and the other end is connected to the pointer pressure gauge, forming a third passage.

[0007] Furthermore, the ball valve body has a ball at its center, and the ball has three mutually perpendicular and interconnected channels along its center, namely the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes an integrated handle, which is located on the top of the ball valve body and connected to the ball inside the valve body via the valve stem. It is used to control the rotation of the ball, thereby opening and closing the ball passage.

[0009] Furthermore, a limit structure is provided between the integrated handle and the valve stem, and a limit structure is provided between the integrated handle and the ball valve body.

[0010] Furthermore, the ball valve body is equipped with a sealing structure that surrounds the ball for sealing the ball.

[0011] Furthermore, a sealing gasket is provided at the connection between the gas cylinder interface and the ball valve body.

[0012] Furthermore, both the quick disconnector's fixed end and the pointer-type pressure gauge interface are oriented towards the astronaut's observation direction.

[0013] Furthermore, in the initial state, the integrated handle is axially parallel to the gas cylinder interface, but the needle tip of the integrated handle points in the opposite direction to the gas cylinder interface, and the first channel is connected to the first passage, the second channel is connected to the second passage, and the third channel is connected to the third passage.

[0014] Furthermore, after the test or when changing the gas cylinder, rotate the integrated handle so that the needle tip of the integrated handle points towards the fixed end of the quick disconnector, and the hole of the ball is not connected to the second passage.

[0015] Furthermore, after the test or when the gas cylinder is replaced, the first channel is closed, the second channel is connected to the first passage, and the third channel is connected to the third passage.

[0016] The present invention provides a quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for use in space station combustion tests, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] This application features a simple structure, ease of use, and high integration, effectively reducing the number of external pipelines and connectors for the bottle valve. It has a more compact structure, lighter weight, and enables the bottle valve to quickly disconnect and connect with the downstream pipeline under microgravity. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view along the X-Y axis of the quick-disconnect bottle valve in the initial state of the space station combustion test according to the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view along the X-Y axis after the quick disconnection valve test of the space station combustion test provided in the embodiments of this application is completed or when the gas cylinder is replaced;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view along the Y-Z axis of the quick-disconnect bottle valve in the initial state of the space station combustion test provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view along the Y-Z axis after the quick disconnection valve test of the space station combustion test provided in the embodiments of this application is completed or when the gas cylinder is replaced;

[0024] In the diagram: 1-Valve body, 10-Sealing structure, 11-Sealing gasket, 2-Gas cylinder interface, 21-First passage, 3-Quick disconnector fixed end, 31-Second passage, 4-Pointer pressure gauge interface, 41-Third passage, 5-Ball, 51-First channel, 52-Second channel, 53-Third channel, 6-Integrated handle, 7-Valve stem, 8-Positioning rod. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0027] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0028] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In addition, the term "multiple" should mean two or more.

[0030] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a quick-connect bottle valve for a space station combustion test, including a gas cylinder interface 2, a quick-connector fixing end 3, and a pointer pressure gauge interface 4 disposed on a ball valve body 1, wherein: the gas cylinder interface 2, the quick-connector fixing end 3, and the pointer pressure gauge interface 4 form a three-way structure inside the ball valve body 1; one end of the gas cylinder interface 2 is fixed to the ball valve body 1, and the other end is connected to the gas cylinder, forming a first passage 21; one end of the quick-connector fixing end 3 is fixed to the ball valve body 1, and the other end is connected to the free end of the quick-connector in the downstream pipeline, forming a second passage 31; one end of the pointer pressure gauge is fixed to the ball valve body 1, and the other end is connected to the pointer pressure gauge, forming a third passage 41.

[0032] Specifically, the quick-connect cylinder valve for space station combustion tests provided in this application integrates the cylinder interface 2, the two-position three-way ball valve, the quick-connector fixed end 3, and the pointer pressure gauge interface 4 into one unit. It has the functions of connecting and disconnecting the cylinder from the downstream pipeline, measuring the pressure inside the cylinder in real time, and quickly disconnecting from the downstream pipeline. It features high integration and light weight, enabling astronauts to conduct space station combustion tests and quickly replace cylinders. In this embodiment, the existing ball valve is improved to achieve a three-way interconnection structure of the gas cylinder interface 2, the quick disconnector fixing end 3, and the pointer pressure gauge interface 4. Specifically, the gas cylinder interface 2, the quick disconnector fixing end 3, and the pointer pressure gauge interface 4 are respectively provided on the ball valve body 1. The gas cylinder interface 2 is mainly used to connect to the gas cylinder, allowing the gas inside the cylinder to be output to the downstream pipeline. The quick disconnector fixing end 3 is mainly used to fix the quick disconnector, connecting to the downstream pipeline through the quick disconnector to achieve rapid gas supply and disconnection. The pointer pressure gauge interface 4 is mainly used to connect to the pointer pressure gauge for real-time monitoring of the pressure inside the gas cylinder.

[0033] Furthermore, a ball 5 is disposed at the center of the valve body 1. Three mutually perpendicular and interconnected channels are disposed along the center of the ball 5, namely, the first channel 51, the second channel 52, and the third channel 53. The ball 5 is disposed in the middle of the valve body 1, and the center of the ball 5 has three mutually perpendicular and identical channels. By controlling the rotation of the ball 5, the channels can be connected or disconnected from each passage, thereby realizing the supply and cut-off of gas from the cylinder.

[0034] Furthermore, it also includes an integrated handle 6, which is located on the top of the ball valve body 1 and connected to the ball 5 inside the valve body 1 via the valve stem 7. The handle 6 is used to control the rotation of the ball 5, thereby opening and closing the orifice of the ball 5. The integrated handle 6, located on the top of the ball valve body 1, integrates the functions of a valve cover and a pointer-type handle. By rotating the integrated handle 6, the ball 5 inside the valve body 1 can be controlled. Depending on actual needs, the integrated handle 6 can be rotated to open and close the orifice of the ball 5.

[0035] Furthermore, a positioning rod 8 is provided between the integrated handle 6 and the valve stem 7, and a limiting structure is provided between the integrated handle 6 and the ball valve body 1. The integrated handle 6 and the valve stem 7 are connected by the positioning rod 8 to prevent the integrated handle 6 from falling off during operation. After the positioning rod 8 passes through the mounting holes on the integrated handle 6 and the valve stem 7, both ends are fixed by manual argon arc welding, and then the excess welding height is ground off. The limiting structure between the integrated handle 6 and the ball valve body 1 is provided to restrict the handle to rotate only within a 90-degree range to prevent misoperation. The limiting structure includes a limiting groove at the lower end of the integrated handle 6 and a limiting platform at the upper end of the ball valve body 1. The limiting groove is a 1 / 4 annular groove with a rectangular cross-section and semi-cylindrical ends. The limiting platform is a cylinder with a radius slightly smaller than the radius of the semi-cylindrical ends of the limiting groove.

[0036] Furthermore, the ball valve body 1 is also provided with a sealing structure 10 inside. The sealing structure 10 is arranged on both sides of the ball 5. On the one hand, it is used for sealing between the ball 5 and the ball valve body 1, and on the other hand, it plays the role of supporting and fixing the ball 5.

[0037] Furthermore, a sealing gasket 11 is provided at the connection between the gas cylinder interface 2 and the ball valve body 1. The sealing gasket 11 is preferably made of rubber and is mainly used to enhance the airtightness between the gas cylinder interface 2 and the ball valve body 1.

[0038] Furthermore, both the quick-connector fixing end 3 and the pointer pressure gauge interface 4 are oriented towards the astronaut's observation direction. After this application is assembled and installed with the gas cylinder, downstream pipeline, and pointer pressure gauge, the quick-connector fixing end 3 and the pointer pressure gauge interface 4 are oriented towards the astronaut's observation direction. This facilitates the disconnection or connection of the quick-connector and also facilitates accurate recording of the pointer pressure gauge readings.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in the initial state, the integrated handle 6 is axially parallel to the gas cylinder interface 2, but the needle tip of the integrated handle 6 points in the opposite direction to the gas cylinder interface 2. The first channel 51 is connected to the first passage 21, the second channel 52 is connected to the second passage 31, and the third channel 53 is connected to the third passage 41. In the initial state, i.e., when the gas cylinder is supplying gas normally, the needle tip of the integrated handle 6 points in the opposite direction to the gas cylinder interface 2. At this time, all three channels of the ball 5 are normally open and connected to the first passage 21, the second passage 31, and the third passage 41, respectively. Gas in the gas cylinder enters the first channel 51 through the first passage 21, then enters the second passage 31 through the second channel 52, and enters the downstream pipeline through the quick disconnector fixing end 3 to supply gas to devices connected to the downstream pipeline. Simultaneously, gas enters the third passage 41 through the third channel 53 and contacts the pointer pressure gauge through the pointer pressure gauge interface 4 to detect the pressure inside the gas cylinder.

[0040] Furthermore, after the test or when changing the gas cylinder, rotate the integrated handle 6 so that the needle tip of the integrated handle 6 points towards the direction of the quick disconnector fixed end 3, and the channel of the ball 5 is not connected to the second passage 31.

[0041] Furthermore, after the test is completed or when the gas cylinder is replaced, the first channel 51 is closed, the second channel 52 is connected to the first passage 21, and the third channel 53 is connected to the third passage 41.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, when it is necessary to cut off the gas supply or replace the gas cylinder, rotate the integrated handle 6 so that the needle tip of the integrated handle 6 points towards the direction of the quick disconnector fixed end 3, that is, rotate it 90 degrees. At this time, the ball 5 inside the valve body 1 will also rotate. After the ball 5 rotates, the second channel 52 will be closed and will no longer be connected to the second passage 31. That is, the gas in the gas cylinder will no longer enter the downstream pipeline through the quick disconnector fixed end 3, but will enter the second channel 52 of the ball 5 through the first passage 21, and then enter the third passage 41 through the third channel 53, and contact the pointer pressure gauge through the pointer pressure gauge interface 4. At this time, the gas cylinder is cut off, but the pressure in the gas cylinder can still be detected by the pointer pressure gauge.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A quick-connect bottle neck valve for use in space station combustion tests, characterized in that, This includes a gas cylinder interface, a quick disconnector fixing terminal, and a pointer-type pressure gauge interface located on the ball valve body, wherein: The gas cylinder interface, the quick disconnector fixed end, and the pointer pressure gauge interface form a three-way structure inside the ball valve body. One end of the gas cylinder interface is fixed to the ball valve body, and the other end is connected to the gas cylinder to form a first passage. One end of the quick disconnector is fixed to the ball valve body, and the other end is connected to the free end of the quick disconnector in the downstream pipeline to form a second passage. One end of the pointer pressure gauge is fixed to the ball valve body, and the other end is connected to the pointer pressure gauge to form a third passage.

2. The quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball valve body has a ball at its center, and the ball has three mutually perpendicular and interconnected channels along its center, namely the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel.

3. The quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an integrated handle, which is located on the top of the ball valve body and connected to the ball inside the valve body via the valve stem. The integrated handle is used to control the rotation of the ball, thereby opening and closing the ball passage.

4. The quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests according to claim 3, characterized in that, A positioning rod is provided between the integrated handle and the valve stem, and a limit structure is provided between the integrated handle and the ball valve body.

5. The quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ball valve body is also provided with a sealing structure, which surrounds the ball and is used to seal the ball.

6. The quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests according to claim 5, characterized in that, A sealing gasket is provided at the connection between the gas cylinder interface and the ball valve body.

7. The quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the fixed end of the quick disconnect device and the interface of the pointer-type pressure gauge are oriented towards the astronaut's observation direction.

8. The quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the initial state, the integrated handle is axially parallel to the gas cylinder interface, but the needle tip of the integrated handle points in the opposite direction to the gas cylinder interface, and the first channel is connected to the first passage, the second channel is connected to the second passage, and the third channel is connected to the third passage.

9. The quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests according to claim 8, characterized in that, After the test or when changing the gas cylinder, rotate the integrated handle so that the needle tip of the integrated handle points towards the fixed end of the quick disconnector, and the channel of the ball is not connected to the second passage.

10. The quick-disconnect bottle neck valve for space station combustion tests according to claim 9, characterized in that, After the test is completed or when the gas cylinder is replaced, the first channel is closed, the second channel is connected to the first passage, and the third channel is connected to the third passage.

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