A flange structure

Abstract

The application relates to the field of flange sealing connection, in particular to a flange structure. The flange structure comprises a flange body and a reinforcing pad, wherein the flange body is provided with a positioning groove on the side for connecting with a joint; the reinforcing pad comprises a positioning part which is connected with the positioning groove, and the material of the reinforcing pad is different from that of the flange body; the flange body and the reinforcing pad are configured so that when the flange body and the reinforcing pad are assembled on the joint through a fixing device, the reinforcing pad is located between the flange body and the joint, the reinforcing pad is clamped in the positioning groove, and the flange body and the joint at least partially abut. The flange structure provided by the application can solve the problem that in the related art, the composite material flange is deformed under high pressure, and the interface sealing fails, which cannot meet the engine working requirements due to the material difference between the composite material flange and the joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of flange sealing connections, and in particular to a flange structure. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the high strength and quality ratio requirements of the new generation of solid rocket engine nozzles, the engine components have gradually become all-composite materials. As the connecting and sealing structure between the engine casing and the nozzle, the nozzle flange must withstand extremely high pressure during operation.

[0003] To withstand high pressure, composite material flanges are usually used for connection. However, under high pressure conditions, the contact surface between the composite material flange and the metal joint may warp or be blown open, leading to interface seal failure, affecting the seal and failing to meet the engine's operating requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a flange structure to solve the problem in the related art where the composite material flange and the joint deform under high pressure due to material differences, which may lead to interface sealing failure and fail to meet the engine's operating requirements.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a flange structure comprising:

[0006] The flange body has a positioning groove on the side that is used to connect with the joint;

[0007] A reinforcing pad includes a positioning part that is connected to the positioning groove, and the material of the reinforcing pad is different from that of the flange body.

[0008] The flange body and reinforcing pad are configured such that when the flange body and reinforcing pad are assembled onto the joint by a fixing device, the reinforcing pad is located between the flange body and the joint, the reinforcing pad is engaged in the positioning groove, and the flange body and the joint are at least partially in contact.

[0009] In some embodiments, the reinforcing pad is made of metal.

[0010] In some embodiments, the positioning groove is irregularly shaped.

[0011] In some embodiments, the positioning groove includes a first segment and a second segment, wherein the groove depth of the first segment is deeper than the groove depth of the second segment;

[0012] The reinforcing pad also includes a snap-fit ​​part located in the second section, and the positioning part located in the first section.

[0013] In some embodiments, there are multiple first segments and multiple snap-fit ​​portions, with the snap-fit ​​portions spaced apart on the reinforcing pad and correspondingly connected to multiple first segments.

[0014] In some embodiments, the flange body and reinforcing pad are configured such that when the flange body and reinforcing pad are assembled onto the joint by a fixing device, the side of the reinforcing pad facing the joint is flush with the side of the flange body facing the joint.

[0015] In some embodiments, it further includes:

[0016] A buffer layer is disposed between the reinforcing pad and the flange body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the buffer layer uses a soft, elastic material.

[0018] In some embodiments, it further includes:

[0019] A sealing device is disposed on the side of the reinforcing pad away from the flange body.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fixing device includes a bolt that passes through the flange body and the reinforcing gasket from one end of the flange body toward the joint end, the end of the bolt being used for connection with the joint.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include:

[0022] This application provides a flange structure. Since the joint is made of metal and the composite material flange has insufficient rigidity, the interface sealing may fail under high pressure conditions. Therefore, a reinforcing pad is added between the flange body and the joint. The reinforcing pad is made of a different material than the flange body, which improves the problem that the interface sealing may fail due to direct contact between the joint and the composite material flange.

[0023] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a positioning groove is provided on the side of the flange body facing the joint. When the flange body and the reinforcing pad are assembled onto the joint by the fixing device, the reinforcing pad will be stuck in the positioning groove, ensuring the tightness of the connection between the reinforcing pad and the flange body. Furthermore, when the fixing device assembles the flange body, the reinforcing pad and the joint together, the reinforcing pad will also be squeezed due to the pressure on both sides, thereby achieving a better sealing effect.

[0024] Furthermore, when the fixing device assembles the flange body, reinforcing gasket, and joint together, the flange body and the joint are at least partially in contact. That is, the reinforcing gasket is located on the contact surface between the flange body and the joint, and a step is formed between the reinforcing gasket and at least one of the flange body and the joint, resulting in a better sealing and fixing effect. Therefore, it can solve the problem in related technologies where the composite material flange and the joint deform under high pressure due to material differences, which may lead to interface sealing failure and fail to meet the engine's operating requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the flange structure and connector fitting embodiment provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the flange structure and joint fitting embodiment two provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flange body provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Connector; 2. Flange body; 21. Mounting hole; 3. Reinforcing pad; 31. Positioning part; 32. Snap-fit ​​part; 4. Buffer layer; 5. Sealing device; 6. Fixing device; 7. Positioning groove; 71. First section; 711. Inclined surface; 72. Second section; 73. Butt joint step. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] This application provides a flange structure that can solve the problem of poor sealing effect between composite material flanges and joints due to material differences in related technologies.

[0033] See Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this application provides a flange structure, including a flange body 2 and a reinforcing pad 3, wherein the flange body 2 has a positioning groove 7 on the side that is connected to the joint 1;

[0034] Furthermore, the reinforcing pad 3 includes a positioning part 31, which is connected to the positioning groove 7, and the material of the reinforcing pad 3 is different from that of the flange body 2, so as to enhance the friction and sealing strength between the flange body 2 and the reinforcing pad 3 when the flange body 2 is pressed onto the joint 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the flange body 2 and the reinforcing pad 3 are configured such that when the flange body 2 and the reinforcing pad 3 are assembled onto the joint 1 by the fixing device 6, the reinforcing pad 3 is located between the flange body 2 and the joint 1, the reinforcing pad 3 is engaged in the positioning groove 7, and the flange body 2 and the joint 1 are at least partially in contact.

[0036] This application provides a flange structure. Since the joint 1 is made of metal and the composite material flange has insufficient rigidity, the interface sealing may fail under high pressure conditions. Therefore, this application provides a reinforcing pad 3 between the flange body 2 and the joint 1. The reinforcing pad 3 is made of a different material than the flange body 2, which improves the problem that the interface sealing may fail when the joint 1 and the composite material flange are in direct contact.

[0037] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a positioning groove 7 is provided on the side of the flange body 2 facing the joint 1. When the flange body 2 and the reinforcing pad 3 are assembled onto the joint 1 by the fixing device 6, the reinforcing pad 3 will be stuck in the positioning groove 7, ensuring the tightness of the connection between the reinforcing pad 3 and the flange body 2. Furthermore, when the fixing device 6 assembles the flange body 2, the reinforcing pad 3 and the joint 1 together, the reinforcing pad 3 will also be squeezed due to the pressure on both sides, thereby achieving a better sealing effect.

[0038] Furthermore, when the fixing device 6 assembles the flange body 2, the reinforcing gasket 3, and the connector 1 together, the flange body 2 and the connector 1 are at least partially in contact. That is, the reinforcing gasket 3 is located on the contact surface between the flange body 2 and the connector 1, and a step is formed between the reinforcing gasket 3 and at least one of the flange body 2 and the connector 1, thus forming a better sealing and fixing effect. Therefore, it can solve the problem in the related technology that due to the material difference between the composite material flange and the connector 1, the composite material flange may deform under high pressure and strong conditions, which may lead to interface sealing failure and fail to meet the engine working requirements.

[0039] In some optional embodiments, the reinforcing pad 3 is made of metal material. Specifically, in this embodiment, a metal reinforcing pad 3 is embedded in the composite material. The high-strength reinforcing pad 3 contacts the joint 1. On the one hand, the surface smoothness of the metal reinforcing pad 3 is higher than that of the composite material flange body 2, and the quality consistency is good. The surface roughness of the metal reinforcing pad 3 can reach 1.6. By reasonably setting the thickness of the reinforcing pad 3, the reliability of the sealing interface can be guaranteed while effectively improving the efficiency of the nozzle structure.

[0040] On the other hand, by adding a metal gasket between the flange body 2 and the joint 1 of the composite material, the overall rigidity can be improved, and the structural deformation of the flange body 2 can be reduced under the same load conditions. Specifically, the deformation at the joint between the flange body 2 and the reinforcing gasket 3 can be effectively suppressed, thereby improving the sealing reliability of the flange structure under high pressure conditions.

[0041] In some alternative embodiments, see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the positioning groove 7 is irregularly shaped, and the shape of the reinforcing pad 3 that is snapped into it corresponds to the positioning groove 7, thereby enhancing the sealing strength;

[0042] Preferably, such as Figure 4 As shown, the positioning groove 7 includes a first section 71 and a second section 72, and the groove depth of the first section 71 is deeper than the groove depth of the second section 72. A mating step 73 is formed at the connection between the first section 71 and the second section 72, and the positioning part 31 is embedded as shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first segment 71 shown is for easy positioning;

[0043] Furthermore, the reinforcing pad 3 also includes a snap-fit ​​part 32, which is connected to the positioning part 31. The snap-fit ​​part 32 is located in the second segment 72, and the positioning part 31 is located in the first segment 71.

[0044] Preferably, the side of the reinforcing pad 3 away from the flange body 2 is designed as a flat surface to facilitate the connection between the nozzle and the housing.

[0045] Preferably, the reinforcing pad 3 should cover the contact surface between the flange body 2 and the joint 1 as much as possible, such as Figure 1 As shown, the reinforcing pad 3 extends from the top of the flange body 2 to the root of the flange body 2 to improve the rigidity and sealing performance of the contact surface between the flange body 2 and the joint 1.

[0046] Of course, the flange body 2 and the connector 1 can also have a portion of direct contact surface, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the reinforcing pad 3 does not completely cover the contact surface between the flange body 2 and the joint 1, but is embedded between the contact surfaces of the two, resulting in a stronger connection.

[0047] Generally, the root of the flange body 2 (the end near the snap-fit ​​part 32) deforms more, while the top (the end near the positioning part 31) deforms less due to the fixing device 6. If the reinforcing pad 3 is too short, the top of the flange body 2 will have high rigidity and low deformation, while the root will have low rigidity and high deformation. This will lead to a larger and larger gap between the flange body 2 and the joint 1 under high pressure conditions, resulting in poor sealing and the flange may break.

[0048] Optionally, combined Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first segment 71 includes a slope 711, which is located at the end away from the second segment 72. Specifically, the slope 711 facilitates the assembly of the reinforcing pad 3 and also increases the turning angle, which is equivalent to adding another step, making the connection surface between the reinforcing pad 3 and the flange body 2 more curved, thus making it difficult for airflow to enter and enhancing the sealing effect.

[0049] In some optional embodiments, there are multiple first segments 71 and multiple snap-fit ​​parts 32. The snap-fit ​​parts 32 are spaced apart on the reinforcing pad 3 and are connected to the multiple first segments 71. That is, there are multiple mating steps 73 on the flange body 2, forming multiple turning angles to enhance the sealing strength between the reinforcing pad 3 and the flange body 2.

[0050] In some optional embodiments, the positioning part 31 has the same depth as the first segment 71, and the snap-fit ​​part 32 has the same depth as the second segment 72. That is, when the flange body 2 and the reinforcing pad 3 are assembled onto the joint 1 by the fixing device 6, the side of the reinforcing pad 3 facing the joint 1 is flush with the side of the flange body 2 facing the joint 1.

[0051] See Figure 1 As shown, after the reinforcing pad 3 is assembled onto the flange body 2, the reinforcing pad 3 fills the positioning groove 7 and makes the side of the flange body 2 facing the joint 1 a flat surface, which facilitates docking with the joint 1 and ensures the sealing effect.

[0052] In some alternative embodiments, the flange structure further includes a buffer layer 4, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the buffer layer 4 is disposed between the reinforcing pad 3 and the flange body 2. Optionally, the buffer layer 4 is made of a soft, elastic material.

[0053] Furthermore, the buffer layer 4 uses an elastic silicone or rubber layer, and the reinforcing pad 3 uses structural steel or stainless steel. By utilizing the high elongation and insulation properties of silicone rubber, and by setting a reasonable thickness of the silicone rubber elastic layer, the problem of stress and deformation mismatch between the metal pad and the composite flange is solved, while preventing electrochemical corrosion of the metal pad.

[0054] In some alternative embodiments, the flange structure also includes a sealing device 5, see [link to documentation]. Figures 1 to 3As shown, the sealing device 5 is located on the side of the reinforcing gasket 3 away from the flange body 2, and is used to strengthen the seal between the gasket 3 and the joint 1. Optionally, the reinforcing gasket 3 is provided with a groove, and the sealing device 5 uses a sealing ring, which is engaged in the groove and arranged circumferentially along the flange body 2. In the working state, high pressure is applied to the joint 1, and the end face of the reinforcing gasket 3 that contacts the joint 1 receives positive pressure, which can tighten the sealing ring, thereby ensuring the sealing performance of the mating end face.

[0055] In some alternative embodiments, the fixing device 6 includes bolts, see [link to documentation]. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the bolt passes through the flange body 2 and the reinforcing pad 3 from one end of the flange body 2 toward the other end of the joint 1; specifically, the bolt head abuts against the side of the flange body 2 away from the joint 1, and the bolt end is used to connect with the joint 1.

[0056] Furthermore, combined Figure 4 As shown, the flange body 2 has a mounting hole 21, through which bolts pass and are screwed. Similarly, the reinforcing pad 3 and the connector 1 have holes for bolt installation, and the holes in the connector 1 also have threads to fasten the bolts.

[0057] Specifically, under internal pressure, the end face where the flange body 2 meets the joint 1 tends to warp. The flange body 2 is tightened to the joint 1 by mounting bolts or other means to limit the displacement of the flange body 2. At the same time, the rigidity of the contact end face between the flange body 2 and the joint 1 is enhanced by installing reinforcing pads 3, reducing relative displacement at the interface. Then, the transition through the silicone rubber buffer layer 4 improves the deformation coordination between the reinforcing pad 3 and the flange body 2. Unlike the traditional sealing method of direct contact between composite materials and metal, the overall rigidity and sealing performance of the system are greatly improved, making it suitable for high-pressure sealing structures. In addition, the interface between the composite material flange body 2 and the metal reinforcing pad 3 is filled with a silicone rubber buffer layer 4, which can effectively prevent electrochemical corrosion of the metal reinforcing pad 3 and improve the equipment's storage life.

[0058] This application provides a flange structure in which a metal reinforcing pad 3 is embedded in the flange body 2 of a composite material, allowing the high-rigidity material (metal reinforcing pad 3) to contact the engine housing. The reinforcing pad 3 is designed into the cavity on the side of the flange body 2 of the composite material, and a soft elastic material is used to fill the space between the reinforcing pad 3 and the composite material to enhance the seal. Specifically, its structural features and innovations are as follows:

[0059] 1. The flange body 2, made of composite material, is embedded with a metal reinforcing gasket 3. The surface finish of the metal is higher than that of the composite material flange, and the quality of inspection is consistent. Its surface roughness can reach 1.6. By reasonably setting the thickness of the metal gasket, the reliability of the flange sealing interface can be guaranteed while effectively improving the efficiency of the nozzle structure.

[0060] 2. The composite flange body 2 is made of composite material and has a metal reinforcing pad 3 embedded inside. By adding the metal reinforcing pad 3, the overall rigidity of the composite flange is improved. Under the same load conditions, the structural deformation of the composite flange body 2 is reduced. Especially in the sealing part, the deformation of the metal pad is effectively suppressed, which improves the sealing reliability of the high pressure sealing structure.

[0061] 3. The reinforcing pad 3 is made of structural steel or stainless steel. To solve the deformation matching problem between the composite flange body 2 and the metal reinforcing pad 3, a silicone rubber elastic layer is filled at the interface between the composite flange body 2 and the metal reinforcing pad 3. By utilizing the high elongation and insulation properties of silicone rubber and setting a reasonable thickness of the buffer layer 4, the problem of stress and deformation mismatch between the metal reinforcing pad 3 and the composite flange body 2 is solved, while preventing electrochemical corrosion of the metal reinforcing pad 3.

[0062] The combination of the above features solves the problem of high-pressure sealing failure of the composite flange body 2 during engine operation, avoiding abnormal engine operation; at the same time, the reasonable sealing structure design avoids the problem of thermal stress mismatch between different materials, and eliminates the possibility of electrochemical corrosion of the insert, thus achieving the characteristics of high quality ratio and high sealing reliability of the all-composite nozzle.

[0063] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0064] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0065] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A flange structure, characterized in that, It includes: The flange body (2) has a positioning groove (7) on the side that is used to connect with the joint (1); The reinforcing pad (3) includes a positioning part (31) which is connected to the positioning groove (7), and the material of the reinforcing pad (3) is different from that of the flange body (2). The flange body (2) and the reinforcing pad (3) are configured such that when the flange body (2) and the reinforcing pad (3) are assembled onto the joint (1) by the fixing device (6), the reinforcing pad (3) is located between the flange body (2) and the joint (1), the reinforcing pad (3) is engaged in the positioning groove (7), and the flange body (2) and the joint (1) are at least partially in contact; the side of the reinforcing pad (3) facing the joint (1) is flush with the side of the flange body (2) facing the joint (1); The flange body (2) is made of composite material, the reinforcing gasket (3) is made of metal material, and the joint (1) is made of metal. The positioning groove (7) includes a first section (71) and a second section (72), wherein the groove depth of the first section (71) is deeper than the groove depth of the second section (72); The reinforcing pad (3) further includes a snap-fit ​​part (32), which is located in the second segment (72), and the positioning part (31) is located in the first segment (71); The fixing device (6) includes bolts, and the reinforcing pad (3) has holes for bolt installation.

2. The flange structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes: A buffer layer (4) is disposed between the reinforcing pad (3) and the flange body (2).

3. The flange structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The buffer layer (4) is made of a soft, elastic material.

4. The flange structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes: A sealing device (5) is disposed on the side of the reinforcing pad (3) away from the flange body (2).

5. The flange structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bolt passes through the flange body (2) and the reinforcing pad (3) sequentially from one end of the flange body (2) toward the other end of the joint (1), and the end of the bolt is used to connect with the joint (1).

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