Tank bottom structure, tank and launch vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a tank bottom structure, a tank, and a launch vehicle. The tank bottom structure includes a shell with at least one propellant flow hole for communication with the engine. The tank bottom structure also includes a first reinforcing member disposed within and connected to the shell, located on the side of the at least one propellant flow hole. The first reinforcing member has multiple spaced-apart first through holes, each of which is a micrometer-sized hole. This tank bottom structure not only directly bears the engine thrust, improving the efficiency of the rocket structure, but also solves the problem in the prior art where the inability to ensure propellant sinks to the bottom of the tank leads to insufficient propellant delivery to the engine, failing to meet the engine's multiple ignition requirements and affecting engine performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of launch vehicle technology, and more specifically, to a tank bottom structure, a tank, and a launch vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid rockets are primarily used as propulsion systems for space launch vehicles and missiles / nuclear weapons. The propellant tank is a major component of liquid-propellant launch vehicles. It stores propellant, delivers liquid fuel and oxidizer to the rocket engine, and withstands various static, dynamic, and thermal loads during flight. Equipment is also installed at the bottom of the propellant tank. Utilizing the tank bottom to transfer engine thrust fully leverages the structural load-bearing capacity gained from tank pressurization, representing a crucial technological direction for lightweight launch vehicles.

[0003] However, the current tank bottom has the following problems:

[0004] The inability to guarantee that the propellant in the tank settles to the bottom leads to the inability to deliver the propellant to the engine smoothly in a microgravity environment, which cannot meet the engine's multiple ignition requirements and affects the engine's performance. Furthermore, at the end of the engine's operation, the propellant is prone to air entrapment and vortices, which also affect the engine's performance.

[0005] The tank bottom is a thin-walled shell structure. The engine thrust is upward along the central axis. When the engine is connected to the central flange of the tank bottom, in order to ensure that the engine thrust is transmitted from the center of the tank bottom to the cylindrical section, several radial and circumferential reinforcing frames with a height much greater than the thickness of the tank bottom wall are required. The tank bottom structure is bulky, has high processing and manufacturing costs, and a long cycle.

[0006] The technology for transmitting engine thrust mainly uses a conical shell frame structure, with the delivery pipeline leading out from the opening in the conical shell, resulting in poor operational openness; moreover, the diameter of the thrust ring connecting the frame and the engine is relatively large, limiting the reduction in frame size and weight. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main objective of this invention is to provide a tank bottom structure, a tank, and a launch vehicle to solve the problem in the prior art where the propellant cannot be guaranteed to sink to the bottom of the tank, thus preventing the propellant from being smoothly delivered to the engine, failing to meet the engine's multiple ignition requirements, and affecting the engine's performance.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a tank bottom structure is provided, including a shell, the shell having at least one propellant flow hole for communicating with an engine, the tank bottom structure further including: a first reinforcing member disposed inside the shell and connected to the shell, the first reinforcing member being located on the side of at least one propellant flow hole; the first reinforcing member having a plurality of spaced first through holes, each of the first through holes being a micron-sized hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the first reinforcing component is disposed around at least one propellant flow hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the tank bottom structure also includes: a plurality of second reinforcing parts, each of which is disposed within the shell and connected to the inner wall of the shell, the plurality of second reinforcing parts surrounding at least one propellant flow hole; a plurality of first through holes divided into a plurality of first through hole groups, each first through hole group including at least one first through hole; a first reinforcing member including a plurality of first reinforcing parts, the plurality of first reinforcing parts being disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first through hole groups, each first through hole group being disposed on a corresponding first reinforcing part; a first reinforcing part is disposed between any two adjacent second reinforcing parts, one end of the first reinforcing part being connected to one of the two adjacent second reinforcing parts, and the other end of the first reinforcing part being connected to the other of the two adjacent second reinforcing parts.

[0011] Furthermore, the first reinforcing part includes a housing with a receiving space, and each of the first through holes in the first through hole group is disposed on the housing; or, the first reinforcing part is a first plate-like structure, and each of the first through holes in the first through hole group is disposed on the first plate-like structure, with the first end of each first through hole located on the side of the second end of the first through hole close to at least one propellant flow hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer shell is a box structure, and the first and second side walls of the box structure, which are arranged opposite to each other, are respectively connected to two adjacent second reinforcing parts.

[0013] Furthermore, the outer shell is a tubular structure, and the first and second open ends of the tubular structure are respectively connected to two adjacent second reinforcing parts.

[0014] Furthermore, each of the second reinforcing parts is provided with a plurality of second through holes, which are spaced apart; wherein, the second through holes are millimeter-sized holes; and / or, each of the second reinforcing parts is a second plate-like structure, and the circumferential sidewall of the second plate-like structure is connected to the inner wall of the shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the tank bottom structure also includes: a thrust ring, connected to the shell and located on the outside of the shell, the thrust ring is arranged around at least one propellant flow hole, and the central axis of the thrust ring is arranged to coincide with the central axis of the launch vehicle body; a frame, including multiple connecting rods, the multiple connecting rods are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the thrust ring, the first end of each connecting rod is connected to the thrust ring, and the second end of each connecting rod is used to connect to the engine.

[0016] Furthermore, multiple connecting rods are evenly arranged around the circumference of the thrust ring; and / or, the axis of the connecting rod is set at a preset angle with the centerline of the engine; wherein the preset angle is greater than or equal to 40 degrees and less than or equal to 50 degrees; and / or, the diameter of the thrust ring is greater than one-quarter of the maximum diameter of the housing and less than one-half of the maximum diameter of the housing.

[0017] Furthermore, at least one propellant flow hole includes a first flow hole for the flow of propellant; the tank bottom structure further includes: a first connecting flange connected to the shell and communicating with the first flow hole; a first connecting pipe, a first end of the first connecting pipe connected to the first connecting flange, and a second end of the first connecting pipe connected to the engine, so that the shell is connected to the engine through the first connecting flange and the first connecting pipe; wherein: at least a portion of the inner surface of the first connecting flange is a rotating body structure; the diameter of the rotating body structure gradually decreases in the direction from the shell to the first connecting pipe; and / or, the inner surface of the first connecting flange and the inner surface of the shell are smoothly connected.

[0018] Further, the first connecting pipe includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a connector. The connector includes a first connecting port, a second connecting port, and a third connecting port. Any two of the first, second, and third connecting ports are connected in communication. The first end of the first pipe section is connected to the first connecting flange, and the second end of the first pipe section is connected to the connector and communicates with the first connecting port. The first end of the second pipe section is connected to the connector and communicates with the second connecting port. The second end of the second pipe section is used to connect to the transmitter. The third connecting port is used to input the propellant. The first pipe section is a metal flexible hose or a corrugated pipe, and the second pipe section is a metal flexible hose or a corrugated pipe.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a storage tank is provided, comprising the aforementioned storage tank bottom structure.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the invention, a launch vehicle is provided, including an engine, and the launch vehicle also includes the aforementioned propellant tank.

[0021] The technical solution of this invention provides a tank bottom structure comprising a shell and a first reinforcing member. The shell has at least one propellant flow hole, and the first reinforcing member is located on the side of the at least one propellant flow hole. The first reinforcing member has multiple spaced-apart first through holes. Because the first through holes are micron-sized, liquid propellant near the first reinforcing member flows towards the propellant flow hole on the side of the first reinforcing member under capillary action, accumulating near the propellant flow hole to form a reservoir. This ensures that some liquid propellant always settles to the bottom of the tank bottom structure and is smoothly delivered to the engine through the propellant flow holes, meeting the engine's multiple ignition requirements. This solves the problem in the prior art where the inability to ensure propellant settlement in the tank leads to insufficient propellant delivery to the engine, failing to meet the engine's multiple ignition requirements and affecting engine performance. Furthermore, since the first reinforcing member is connected to the shell, its placement improves the structural strength of the shell. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a launch vehicle according to the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 An axonometric view of one angle of an embodiment of the tank bottom structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 An isometric view from another angle is shown of an embodiment of the tank bottom structure according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 A top view of an embodiment of the tank bottom structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the first reinforcing part of the tank bottom structure according to the present invention is shown.

[0028] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0029] 10. Shell; 11. Propellant flow hole; 20. First reinforcing member; 21. First reinforcing part; 22. Outer shell; 221. First side wall; 222. Second side wall; 23. Accommodation space; 31. First flow hole; 32. Second flow hole; 40. Second reinforcing part; 41. Second through hole; 50. Thrust ring; 51. Reinforcing rib; 60. Frame; 61. Connecting rod; 71. First connecting flange; 72. First connecting pipe; 73. Second connecting flange; 74. Second connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

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

[0031] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0032] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0033] This invention provides a tank bottom structure, please refer to... Figures 1 to 5 The tank includes a housing 10, on which at least one propellant flow hole 11 for communicating with the engine is provided. The tank bottom structure also includes a first reinforcing member 20, which is disposed inside the housing 10 and connected to the housing 10. The first reinforcing member 20 is located on the side of at least one propellant flow hole 11. The first reinforcing member 20 is provided with a plurality of spaced first through holes, each of which is a micron-sized hole.

[0034] The tank bottom structure of the present invention includes a shell 10 and a first reinforcing member 20. The shell 10 has at least one propellant flow hole 11, and the first reinforcing member 20 is located on the side of the at least one propellant flow hole 11. The first reinforcing member 20 has multiple spaced-apart first through holes. Since the first through holes are micron-sized, the liquid propellant near the first reinforcing member 20 flows towards the propellant flow hole 11 on the side of the first reinforcing member 20 under capillary action, and accumulates near the propellant flow hole 11 to form a reservoir. This ensures that some liquid propellant always settles to the bottom of the tank bottom structure and is smoothly delivered to the engine through the propellant flow hole 11, meeting the engine's multiple ignition requirements. This solves the problem in the prior art where the inability to ensure propellant settlement in the tank leads to the inability to smoothly deliver propellant to the engine, thus failing to meet the engine's multiple ignition requirements and affecting engine performance. Furthermore, since the first reinforcing member 20 is connected to the shell 10, its installation improves the structural strength of the shell 10.

[0035] It should be noted that micron-sized pores refer to pores with a diameter greater than or equal to 1 μm and less than 1000 μm. Specifically, under capillary action (cohesive force / adsorption force), a certain amount of propellant is always accumulated inside the circumference of the first reinforcing component 20, thereby ensuring that the propellant flow hole 11 and the top of the first flow hole 31 are always filled with propellant (propellant sinks to the bottom). Before the engine starts multiple times, the liquid propellant flows through the first through hole to the propellant flow hole 11 under the action of pressurized gas, and reaches the engine through the first connecting pipe 72, realizing multiple ignitions under microgravity environment.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first reinforcing member 20 is disposed around at least one propellant flow hole 11. This arrangement allows the first reinforcing member 20 around the propellant flow hole 11 to collectively draw liquid propellant toward the propellant flow hole 11, further ensuring that a sufficient amount of liquid propellant accumulates near the propellant flow hole 11.

[0037] In this embodiment, the tank bottom structure further includes: a plurality of second reinforcing parts 40, each of which is disposed within the housing 10 and connected to the inner wall of the housing 10, and the plurality of second reinforcing parts 40 are arranged around at least one propellant flow hole 11; a plurality of first through holes are divided into a plurality of first through hole groups, each of the first through hole groups including at least one first through hole; a first reinforcing member 20 includes a plurality of first reinforcing parts 21, the plurality of first reinforcing parts 21 being arranged one-to-one with the plurality of first through hole groups, each of the first through hole groups being disposed on a corresponding first reinforcing part 21; a first reinforcing part 21 is disposed between any two adjacent second reinforcing parts 40, one end of the first reinforcing part 21 being connected to one of the two adjacent second reinforcing parts 40, and the other end of the first reinforcing part 21 being connected to the other of the two adjacent second reinforcing parts 40.

[0038] Specifically, the second reinforcing part 40 serves to strengthen the strength and rigidity of the shell 10; the first reinforcing part 21 is welded and fixed to the second reinforcing part 40, and the first reinforcing part 21 also serves to increase the structural strength of the shell 10; the multiple first reinforcing parts 21 and the multiple second reinforcing parts 40 together enhance the structural strength of the shell 10, prevent the shell 10 from deforming under pressure, make full use of the bearing capacity of the tank bottom structure after pressurization, and enable the tank bottom structure to better transmit the engine thrust.

[0039] Specifically, the structure of the first reinforcing part 21 has two implementation methods:

[0040] In a first embodiment, the first reinforcing part 21 includes a housing 22, which has a receiving space 23. Each of the first through holes in the first through hole group is provided on the housing 22. Liquid propellant flows into the receiving space 23 from the first through holes on the housing 22 and then flows out to the propellant flow hole 11. This arrangement allows for more first through holes to be provided on the first reinforcing part 21, enhancing capillary action and causing more liquid to accumulate at the bottom of the tank bottom structure.

[0041] In the second embodiment, the first reinforcing part 21 is a first plate-shaped structure, and each of the first through holes in the first through hole group is provided on the first plate-shaped structure. The first end of each first through hole is located on the side of the second end of the first through hole close to at least one propellant flow hole 11. The liquid propellant flows through the second end and the first end of the first through hole in sequence under capillary action and flows to the propellant flow hole 11.

[0042] Specifically, in this embodiment where the first reinforcing part 21 includes the outer shell 22, the structure of the outer shell 22 has two implementations:

[0043] In the first embodiment, the outer shell 22 is a box structure, and the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 of the box structure are respectively connected to two adjacent second reinforcing parts 40. This arrangement allows the two second reinforcing parts 40 to be connected to the outer shell 22 through the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 respectively, so that the two second reinforcing parts 40 are connected to the first reinforcing part 21, and together enhance the structural strength of the shell 10.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the outer shell 22 is a tubular structure, with the first and second open ends of the tubular structure respectively connected to two adjacent second reinforcing parts 40. This arrangement allows the two second reinforcing parts 40 to be connected to the outer shell 22 through the first and second open ends, respectively, and to be connected to the first reinforcing part 21, thereby jointly enhancing the structural strength and rigidity of the shell 10.

[0045] Optionally, each of the second reinforcing parts 40 is provided with a plurality of second through holes 41, which are spaced apart; wherein, the second through holes 41 are millimeter-sized holes. It should be noted that a millimeter-sized hole refers to a hole with a diameter greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than 100 mm.

[0046] The second through-hole 41 acts as a turbulence element during the operation of the tank bottom structure, significantly reducing propellant sloshing at the bottom of the tank and preventing propellant entrapment and vortices from affecting engine performance in the later stages of engine operation. Furthermore, for engines requiring multiple starts, the combined effect of the second reinforcing part 40 with multiple second through-holes 41 and the first reinforcing component 20 ensures that some liquid always settles at the bottom of the tank and is smoothly transported to the engine, representing a simple and effective propellant management method in microgravity environments.

[0047] Optionally, each of the second reinforcing parts 40 is a second plate-like structure, and the circumferential sidewall of the second plate-like structure is connected to the inner wall of the housing 10. The second plate-like structure is welded to the inside of the housing 10 via lugs.

[0048] In this embodiment, the tank bottom structure further includes: a thrust ring 50, connected to the shell 10 and located outside the shell 10, the thrust ring 50 surrounding at least one propellant flow hole 11, and the central axis of the thrust ring 50 being arranged to coincide with the central axis of the launch vehicle body; and a frame 60, including multiple connecting rods 61, which are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the thrust ring 50, with the first end of each connecting rod 61 connected to the thrust ring 50 and the second end of each connecting rod 61 being used to connect to the engine. Thus, by setting the frame 60 as a rod system structure, the internal space of the frame 60 is open, which can be used for the arrangement of the tank pressurization system piping and the docking and installation of the connecting pipes between the tank and the engine.

[0049] Specifically, the connecting rod 61 can be connected to the thrust ring 50 by bolting, welding, or riveting; the second end of the connecting rod 61 is connected to the engine docking flange so that the frame 60 is connected to the engine through the engine docking flange.

[0050] Specifically, the thrust ring 50 is welded and assembled with the housing 10. To ensure the stiffness matching between the two, several reinforcing ribs 51 are respectively provided on the inner and outer sides of the thrust ring 50. Under the combined action of the thrust ring 50, the housing 10, the first reinforcing component 20, and the second reinforcing component 40, the concentrated thrust load of the engine is diffused from the thrust ring 50 to the storage tank.

[0051] Optionally, multiple connecting rods 61 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the thrust ring 50, which ensures that the engine thrust load is evenly transmitted.

[0052] Optionally, the axis of the connecting rod 61 is set at a preset angle with the centerline of the engine; wherein the preset angle is greater than or equal to 40 degrees and less than or equal to 50 degrees, such a setting can improve the engine thrust load transmission efficiency.

[0053] Preferably, the preset included angle is 45 degrees, which maximizes the efficiency of engine thrust load transmission.

[0054] Optionally, the diameter of the thrust ring 50 is greater than one-quarter of the maximum diameter of the shell 10 and less than one-half of the maximum diameter of the shell 10. This arrangement significantly reduces the size and weight of the frame 60, shortens the distance between the shell 10 and the engine propellant inlet, improves propellant delivery efficiency, and greatly enhances the rocket's carrying capacity.

[0055] Preferably, the diameter of the thrust ring 50 is greater than one-third of the maximum diameter of the housing 10. This arrangement can balance the efficiency of engine thrust load transmission with the reduction of the size and weight of the frame 60.

[0056] In this embodiment, at least one propellant flow hole 11 includes a first flow hole 31 for the flow of propellant; the tank bottom structure further includes: a first connecting flange 71, connected to the housing 10 and communicating with the first flow hole 31; a first connecting pipe 72, the first end of the first connecting pipe 72 being connected to the first connecting flange 71, and the second end of the first connecting pipe 72 being connected to the engine, so that the housing 10 is connected to the engine through the first connecting flange 71 and the first connecting pipe 72. Specifically, both ends of the first connecting flange 71 are respectively connected to the housing 10 and the first connecting pipe 72 through flange sealing connections, completing the delivery of propellant from the tank bottom structure to the engine, and the propellant flows sequentially through the first flow hole 31, the first connecting flange 71 and the first connecting pipe 72 before flowing into the engine.

[0057] Optionally, at least a portion of the inner surface of the first connecting flange 71 is a rotating body structure; the diameter of the rotating body structure gradually decreases from the housing 10 to the first connecting pipe 72, that is, at least a portion of the inner surface of the first connecting flange 71 is a reduced-diameter rotating body structure. This arrangement enables the first connecting flange 71 to change the flow direction of the propellant at the propellant flow hole 11, avoid the formation of gas trapping in the propellant at the end of the working period, and ensure the normal operation of the engine.

[0058] Optionally, the rotating body structure is conical.

[0059] Optionally, the inner surface of the first connecting flange 71 is smoothly connected to the inner surface of the shell 10. In this way, the inner surface of the first connecting flange 71 and the inner surface of the shell 10 can together form the outflow curve of the tank bottom structure, ensuring smooth outflow of the propellant.

[0060] Specifically, at least one propellant flow hole 11 further includes a second flow hole 32 for oxidizing agent flow. The tank bottom structure also includes a second connecting flange 73 and a second connecting pipe 74. The second connecting flange 73 is connected to the housing 10 and communicates with the second flow hole. The first end of the second connecting pipe 74 is connected to the second connecting flange 73, and the second end of the second connecting pipe 74 is connected to the engine, so that the housing 10 is connected to the engine through the second connecting flange 73 and the second connecting pipe 74. The oxidizing agent flows sequentially through the second flow hole, the second connecting flange 73, and the second connecting pipe 74 into the engine.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first connecting pipe 72 includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a connector. The connector includes a first connecting port, a second connecting port, and a third connecting port. Any two of the first, second, and third connecting ports are connected in communication. The first end of the first pipe section is connected to the first connecting flange 71, and the second end of the first pipe section is connected to the connector and communicates with the first connecting port. The first end of the second pipe section is connected to the connector and communicates with the second connecting port. The second end of the second pipe section is used to connect to the transmitter. The third connecting port is used to input the propellant. The first pipe section is a metal flexible hose or a corrugated pipe. The connector enables the addition and release of propellant in the tank. The metal flexible hose or corrugated pipe in the first connecting pipe 72 can compensate for tank pressure deformation and manufacturing tolerances.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pipe section of the second connecting pipe 74 is a metal flexible hose or a corrugated pipe. This arrangement can compensate for the deformation of the tank during pressurization and the manufacturing tolerances.

[0063] Optionally, the shell 10 is a smooth shell structure and a thin-walled structure, which can be precisely formed in one step by spinning, stamping or creep forming of a small thickness plate, which has the advantages of light weight, low cost and fast manufacturing cycle.

[0064] Optionally, the first reinforcing part 21, the second reinforcing part 40, and the shell 10 are integrally formed, which allows for a faster manufacturing cycle.

[0065] Optionally, reinforcing ribs are provided on the inner and / or outer walls of the shell 10, which further improves the structural strength of the tank bottom structure.

[0066] The present invention also provides a storage tank, including the storage tank bottom structure in the above embodiments.

[0067] The tank of the present invention includes the tank bottom structure of the above embodiments. The tank bottom structure includes a shell 10 and a first reinforcing member 20. The shell 10 is provided with at least one propellant flow hole 11. The first reinforcing member 20 is located on the side of the at least one propellant flow hole 11 and is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart first through holes. Since the first through holes are micron-sized pores, the liquid propellant near the first reinforcing member 20 flows towards the propellant flow hole 11 on the side of the first reinforcing member 20 under capillary action and accumulates near the propellant flow hole 11 to form a reservoir. This ensures that some liquid propellant always settles to the bottom of the tank bottom structure and is smoothly delivered to the engine through the propellant flow hole 11, meeting the engine's multiple ignition requirements. This solves the problem in the prior art where the inability to ensure that the propellant settles to the bottom of the tank leads to the inability to smoothly deliver the propellant to the engine, thus failing to meet the engine's multiple ignition requirements and affecting engine performance. In addition, since the first reinforcing member 20 is connected to the shell 10, the provision of the first reinforcing member 20 can improve the structural strength of the shell 10.

[0068] The present invention also provides a launch vehicle, including an engine, and the launch vehicle also includes the propellant tank in the above embodiments.

[0069] The launch vehicle of the present invention includes an engine and a propellant tank as described in the above embodiments. The tank bottom structure includes a shell 10 and a first reinforcing member 20. The shell 10 has at least one propellant flow hole 11, and the first reinforcing member 20 is located on the side of the at least one propellant flow hole 11. The first reinforcing member 20 has multiple spaced-apart first through holes. Since the first through holes are micron-sized, the liquid propellant near the first reinforcing member 20 flows towards the propellant flow hole 11 on the side of the first reinforcing member 20 under capillary action, and accumulates near the propellant flow hole 11 to form a reservoir. This ensures that some liquid propellant always settles to the bottom of the tank bottom structure and is smoothly delivered to the engine through the propellant flow hole 11, meeting the engine's multiple ignition requirements. This solves the problem in the prior art where the inability to ensure propellant settlement in the tank leads to the inability to smoothly deliver propellant to the engine, thus failing to meet the engine's multiple ignition requirements and affecting engine performance. Furthermore, since the first reinforcing member 20 is connected to the shell 10, its installation improves the structural strength of the shell 10.

[0070] In specific implementation, the first reinforcing part 21 and the second reinforcing part 40 of the present invention are evenly distributed on the inner side of the shell 10 and welded and fixed to the shell 10; the first reinforcing part 21, the second reinforcing part 40 and the shell 10 can also be integrally formed; the second reinforcing part 40 can also be non-uniformly spaced inside the shell 10; the structural strength of the shell 10 can also be increased by providing reinforcing ribs on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell 10.

[0071] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects:

[0072] The tank bottom structure of this invention is applicable to the rear bottom structure of common-bottom tanks. The tank bottom structure is a welded assembly structure, which features high forming efficiency, light structural weight, and short manufacturing cycle. The engine is connected to the thrust ring 50 via the frame 60 to achieve thrust load transfer. Propellant can be transported to the engine through the first connecting flange 71, the second connecting flange 73, the first connecting pipe, and the second connecting pipe located at the bottom of the tank. This results in high propellant transport efficiency, a simple pipeline structure, and low weight, effectively reducing structural weight and improving transport efficiency. The tank bottom structure of this invention has the advantages of low manufacturing cost, fast cycle time, reasonable layout with the engine, and lightweight and efficient propellant transport device.

[0073] The tank bottom structure of the present invention includes a shell 10 and a first reinforcing member 20. The shell 10 has at least one propellant flow hole 11, and the first reinforcing member 20 is located on the side of the at least one propellant flow hole 11. The first reinforcing member 20 has multiple spaced-apart first through holes. Since the first through holes are micron-sized, the liquid propellant near the first reinforcing member 20 flows towards the propellant flow hole 11 on the side of the first reinforcing member 20 under capillary action, and accumulates near the propellant flow hole 11 to form a reservoir. This ensures that some liquid propellant always settles to the bottom of the tank bottom structure and is smoothly delivered to the engine through the propellant flow hole 11, meeting the engine's multiple ignition requirements. This solves the problem in the prior art where the inability to ensure propellant settlement in the tank leads to the inability to smoothly deliver propellant to the engine, thus failing to meet the engine's multiple ignition requirements and affecting engine performance. Furthermore, since the first reinforcing member 20 is connected to the shell 10, its installation improves the structural strength of the shell 10.

[0074] 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 so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or 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.

[0075] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0076] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tank bottom structure, comprising a shell (10), wherein the shell (10) is provided with at least one propellant flow hole (11) for communication with an engine, characterized in that, The tank bottom structure also includes: A first reinforcing member (20) is disposed inside the housing (10) and connected to the housing (10), and the first reinforcing member (20) is located on the side of at least one of the propellant flow holes (11); The first reinforcing member (20) is provided with a plurality of spaced first through holes, each of which is a micron-sized hole; The first reinforcing member (20) is disposed around at least one of the propellant flow holes (11); The tank bottom structure also includes: A plurality of second reinforcing parts (40) are provided inside the housing (10) and connected to the inner wall of the housing (10), and the plurality of second reinforcing parts (40) are arranged around at least one of the propellant flow holes (11); The plurality of first through holes are divided into a plurality of first through hole groups, and each first through hole group includes at least one first through hole; the first reinforcing member (20) includes a plurality of first reinforcing parts (21), and the plurality of first reinforcing parts (21) are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first through hole groups, and each first through hole group is provided on the corresponding first reinforcing part (21); A first reinforcing part (21) is provided between any two adjacent second reinforcing parts (40) of the plurality of second reinforcing parts (40). One end of the first reinforcing part (21) is connected to one of the two adjacent second reinforcing parts (40), and the other end of the first reinforcing part (21) is connected to the other of the two adjacent second reinforcing parts (40).

2. The tank bottom structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first reinforcing part (21) includes a housing (22) having a receiving space (23), and each of the first through holes of the first through hole group is disposed on the housing (22); or The first reinforcing part (21) is a first plate-shaped structure. Each of the first through holes in the first through hole group is disposed on the first plate-shaped structure. The first end of each first through hole is located on the side of the second end of the first through hole close to at least one of the propellant flow holes (11).

3. The tank bottom structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer shell (22) is a box structure, and the first side wall (221) and the second side wall (222) of the box structure are respectively connected to the two adjacent second reinforcing parts (40).

4. The tank bottom structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer shell (22) is a tubular structure, and the first and second open ends of the tubular structure are respectively connected to two adjacent second reinforcing parts (40).

5. The tank bottom structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the second reinforcing parts (40) is provided with a plurality of second through holes (41), which are spaced apart; wherein the second through holes (41) are millimeter-sized holes; and / or, Each of the second reinforcing parts (40) is a second plate-shaped structure, and the circumferential sidewall of the second plate-shaped structure is connected to the inner wall of the shell (10).

6. The tank bottom structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The tank bottom structure also includes: A thrust ring (50) is connected to the housing (10) and located outside the housing (10). The thrust ring (50) is arranged around at least one of the propellant flow holes (11). The central axis of the thrust ring (50) is arranged to coincide with the central axis of the launch vehicle body. The frame (60) includes a plurality of connecting rods (61), which are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the thrust ring (50). The first end of each connecting rod (61) is connected to the thrust ring (50), and the second end of each connecting rod (61) is used to connect to the engine.

7. The tank bottom structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The plurality of connecting rods (61) are evenly arranged circumferentially along the thrust ring (50); and / or, The axis of the connecting rod (61) is set at a preset angle with the centerline of the engine; wherein the preset angle is greater than or equal to 40 degrees and less than or equal to 50 degrees; and / or, The diameter of the thrust ring (50) is greater than one-quarter of the maximum diameter of the housing (10) and less than one-half of the maximum diameter of the housing (10).

8. The tank bottom structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, At least one of the propellant flow holes (11) includes a first flow hole (31) for the flow of propellant; the tank bottom structure further includes: The first connecting flange (71) is connected to the housing (10) and communicates with the first flow hole (31); A first connecting pipe (72) is connected at its first end to a first connecting flange (71) and at its second end to the engine, so that the housing (10) is connected to the engine via the first connecting flange (71) and the first connecting pipe (72); wherein: At least a portion of the inner surface of the first connecting flange (71) is a rotating body structure; the diameter of the rotating body structure gradually decreases in the direction from the housing (10) to the first connecting pipe (72); and / or, The inner surface of the first connecting flange (71) is smoothly connected to the inner surface of the housing (10).

9. The tank bottom structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first connecting pipe (72) includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a connector. The connector includes a first connecting port, a second connecting port, and a third connecting port. Any two of the first connecting port, the second connecting port, and the third connecting port are connected in communication. The first end of the first pipe section is connected to the first connecting flange (71), and the second end of the first pipe section is connected to the connector and communicates with the first connecting port. The first end of the second pipe section is connected to the connector and communicates with the second connecting port. The second end of the second pipe section is used to connect to the engine. The third connecting port is used to input the propellant. The first pipe section is a metal flexible hose or a corrugated pipe; the second pipe section is a metal flexible hose or a corrugated pipe.

10. A storage tank, characterized in that, The tank bottom structure includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A launch vehicle, comprising an engine, characterized in that, The launch vehicle also includes the propellant tank as described in claim 10.

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