Automatic disconnect device for exhaust connector

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic detachment device for an exhaust connector, comprising a base plate, a compression spring, a linkage mechanism, an exhaust connector, an exhaust hose, and a buffer spring. The base plate is connected to the tower working platform, the linkage mechanism is rotatably connected to the base plate, and the exhaust connector is hinged to the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism includes multiple hinged rods, with the compression spring and the buffer spring each hinged to the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism, compression spring, and buffer spring work together to provide the exhaust connector with degrees of freedom for back-and-forth and up-and-down swinging. The exhaust connector connects the rocket's exhaust port and the exhaust hose. The base plate, compression spring, linkage mechanism, and buffer spring work together to allow the exhaust connector to move with the rocket. Before launch, when the tower working platform opens, it moves the base plate, compression spring, linkage mechanism, and buffer spring simultaneously, allowing the exhaust connector to separate from the rocket without manual operation, thus simplifying the operation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace equipment technology, and more specifically, to an automatic detachment device for an exhaust connector. Background Technology

[0002] Because cryogenic propellants, such as liquid oxygen, have low boiling points, the oxygen that evaporates during refueling can create an oxygen-rich environment around the rocket, posing a safety hazard.

[0003] Therefore, the launch tower platform is often opened during fueling to release oxygen into the air. However, liquid oxygen needs to be added from several hours before launch to 3-10 minutes before launch. Opening the launch tower platform is detrimental to rocket insulation and inconvenient for onboard operations, thus prolonging the launch process. If the launch tower is not opened during fueling, an venting connector must be used to remove the evaporated oxygen from the launch tower.

[0004] A Chinese patent application with publication number CN218519861U discloses a rocket liquid propellant filling system, including an on-frame filling pipeline and a filling connector connected to a ground filling system, and an on-frame exhaust pipeline and an exhaust connector connected to a ground exhaust gas treatment system. One end of the filling connector is connected to the on-frame filling pipeline, and the other end is connected to the tank via a tank filling valve; one end of the exhaust connector is connected to the on-frame exhaust pipeline, and the other end is connected to the tank via a tank exhaust valve.

[0005] Currently, the removal of exhaust connectors is mostly done manually, which is time-consuming and poses a risk to the safety of operators, and therefore needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic detachment device for exhaust connectors.

[0007] An automatic detachment device for an exhaust connector according to the present invention includes a base plate, a compression spring, a linkage mechanism, an exhaust connector, an exhaust hose, and a buffer spring; the base plate is connected to the tower working platform, the linkage mechanism is rotatably connected to the base plate, and the exhaust connector is hinged to the linkage mechanism; the linkage mechanism includes multiple hinged rods, the compression spring and the buffer spring are respectively hinged to the linkage mechanism, and the linkage mechanism, the compression spring, and the buffer spring cooperate to provide the exhaust connector with the freedom to swing back and forth and up and down; the exhaust connector connects the exhaust port of the rocket body and the exhaust hose.

[0008] Preferably, the linkage device includes a first rod rotatably connected to the base plate, a second rod hinged to the first rod, and a third rod hinged to the end of the second rod away from the first rod. The exhaust connector is hinged to the third rod. One end of the compression air spring is hinged to the first rod, and the other end of the compression air spring is hinged to the second rod. One end of the buffer air spring is hinged to the first rod, and the other end of the buffer air spring is hinged to the third rod. The hinge points of the compression air spring and the first rod, and the hinge points of the buffer air spring and the first rod, are respectively located on both sides of the hinge points of the second rod and the first rod, and the buffer air spring does not interfere with the second rod.

[0009] Preferably, the first rod is rotatably connected to the base plate via a thrust bearing, and the axial direction of the thrust bearing axis is perpendicular to the length direction of the first rod.

[0010] Preferably, the linkage mechanism, the compression spring, and the buffer spring work together to provide six degrees of freedom for the exhaust connector.

[0011] Preferably, the buffer air spring is connected to the buffer air cylinder via an air pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the exhaust connector includes a connector body, on which a rotating ring is rotatably sleeved, and the rotating ring is hinged to a linkage mechanism.

[0013] Preferably, a limiting nut is threaded onto one end of the connector body where the rotating ring is fitted.

[0014] Preferably, a support plate is threaded onto the connector body, an annular blow-out pipe is fixedly connected to the support plate, and an air supply pipe is connected to the annular blow-out pipe.

[0015] Preferably, the exhaust connector includes a locating pin that connects to the exhaust port of the arrow body.

[0016] Preferably, the linkage mechanism, the compression air spring, and the buffer air spring are symmetrically arranged in two sets on the base plate, and the exhaust connector is hinged to the two sets of linkage mechanisms respectively.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. This invention enables the exhaust connector to move with the rocket body through the cooperation of the base plate, compression spring, linkage mechanism and buffer spring. When the tower working platform is opened before launch, it drives the base plate, compression spring, linkage mechanism and buffer spring to move at the same time, so that the exhaust connector can be separated from the rocket body without manual operation, which simplifies the operation process.

[0019] 2. The present invention uses a buffer air spring connected to a buffer air cylinder via an air pipe, which minimizes the change in air pressure inside the cylinder when the mechanism moves, thus ensuring the stability of the thrust.

[0020] 3. The present invention ensures that the exhaust connector can be connected to the exhaust port of the arrow body by rotating a rotating ring on the connector body and hinged to the connecting rod mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall structure of the automatic detachment device for the exhaust connector, which is the main feature of this invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view that mainly illustrates the overall structure of the exhaust connector in this invention.

[0024] As shown in the figure:

[0025] Buffer gas cylinder 1, nitrogen supply pipe 10

[0026] 2. Air tube 2. Ground end sealing ring 11

[0027] Compression air spring 3 Connector body 12

[0028] Linkage mechanism 4, limit nut 13

[0029] Exhaust connector 5 Rotating ring 14

[0030] Exhaust hose 6; Arrow body end sealing ring 15

[0031] 7 air springs and 16 locating pins

[0032] Thrust bearing 8, support plate 17

[0033] Base plate 9, Annular blow-off pipe 18 Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an automatic detachment device for an exhaust connector provided by the present invention includes a buffer gas cylinder 1, a gas pipe 2, a base plate 9, a compression spring 3, a linkage mechanism 4, an exhaust connector 5, an exhaust hose 6, a thrust bearing 8, and a buffer spring 7.

[0036] The base plate 9 is fixedly connected to the tower working platform, and the linkage mechanism 4 is rotatably connected to the base plate 9, allowing the linkage mechanism 4 to swing left and right. The exhaust connector 5 is hinged to the linkage mechanism 4. The linkage mechanism 4 includes multiple hinged rods. A compression spring and a buffer air spring 7 are both hinged to the linkage mechanism 4, and the linkage mechanism 4, the compression spring 3, and the buffer air spring 7 work together to provide the exhaust connector 5 with the freedom to swing back and forth and up and down. The exhaust connector 5 connects the rocket body exhaust port and the exhaust hose 6.

[0037] Specifically, the linkage mechanism includes a first rod rotatably connected to the base plate 9, a second rod hinged to the first rod, and a third rod hinged to the end of the second rod away from the first rod. The exhaust connector 5 is hinged to the third rod. One end of the compression spring 3 is hinged to the first rod, and the other end of the compression spring 3 is hinged to the second rod. One end of the buffer spring 7 is hinged to the first rod, and the other end of the buffer spring 7 is hinged to the third rod. The hinge points of the compression spring 3 and the first rod, and the hinge points of the buffer spring 7 and the first rod, are located on opposite sides of the hinge points of the second rod and the first rod, respectively, and the buffer spring 7 does not interfere with the second rod. The first rod is rotatably connected to the base plate 9 via a thrust bearing 8, and the axial direction of the thrust bearing 8 is perpendicular to the length direction of the first rod. This allows the linkage mechanism 4 to swing left and right, and the linkage mechanism 4, the compression spring 3, and the buffer spring 7 work together to provide the exhaust connector 5 with six degrees of freedom in space.

[0038] Furthermore, the linkage mechanism 4, the compression air spring 3, and the buffer air spring 7 are symmetrically arranged in two sets on the base plate 9, and the exhaust connector 5 is hinged to the two sets of linkage mechanisms 4 respectively.

[0039] The buffer air spring 7 is connected to the buffer air cylinder 1 via the air pipe 2. During the follow-up movement of the mechanism, the air pressure change within the cylinder is small, ensuring stable thrust. The base plate 9 is connected to the tower working platform, fixing the entire follow-up device in place.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, more specifically, the exhaust connector 5 includes a nitrogen supply pipe 10, a ground end sealing ring 11, a connector body 12, a limit nut 13, a rotating ring 14, an arrow body end sealing ring 15, a positioning pin 16, a support plate 17, and an annular blow-out pipe 18.

[0041] The positioning pin 16 is used to connect with the exhaust port of the rocket body. A rotating ring 14 is rotatably sleeved on the connector body 12. The rotating ring 14 is hinged to the connecting rod mechanism 4 to ensure that the exhaust connector 5 can mate with the exhaust port of the rocket body. A limiting nut 13 is threaded onto one end of the connector body 12 where the rotating ring 14 is sleeved, which limits the rotation ring 14. A support plate 17 is threadedly connected to the connector body 12. An annular blow-out pipe 18 is fixedly connected to the support plate 17. An air supply pipe 10 is connected to the annular blow-out pipe 18.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, during use, the exhaust connector 5 is manually inserted using the positioning pin 16, with one end connected to the exhaust port of the arrow body and the other end connected to the exhaust hose 6 to expel the oxygen volatilized from the arrow body. The exhaust connector 5 has a rotating ring 14 on its outer side, which can rotate around the connector body 12. The rotating ring 14 is hinged to the linkage mechanism 4, which is connected to the base plate 9 via the thrust bearing 8, and also hinged to the compression spring 3 and the buffer spring 7. This mechanism gives the exhaust connector 5 six degrees of freedom of movement, allowing it to adapt to the swinging of the arrow body in all directions. The compression spring 3 and the buffer spring 7 apply a thrust towards the arrow body to the exhaust connector 5 through the linkage mechanism 4, compressing the sealing ring 15 at the arrow body end and ensuring a seal between the exhaust connector 5 and the arrow body. The buffer spring 7 is connected to the buffer gas cylinder 1 via the air pipe 2. During mechanism operation, the gas pressure change within the cylinder is small, ensuring stable thrust and preventing excessive compression of the buffer spring 7 from causing excessive force on the arrow body. The exhaust connector 5 is screwed to the exhaust hose 6, and the sealing ring 11 at the ground end is compressed to ensure the sealing of the mating surface. After the mating is completed, hot nitrogen is supplied to the mating surface through the air supply pipe 10 and the annular blow-out pipe 18 to prevent the mating surface from freezing due to low temperature oxygen, which would affect the detachment. When the working platform is opened, the base plate 9 fixed on the working platform drives the entire mechanism, causing the exhaust connector 5 to be passively separated from the arrow body. Automatic detachment can be achieved without manual operation.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will understand that, besides implementing the system and its various devices, modules, and units provided by this invention in the form of purely computer-readable program code, the same functions can be achieved entirely through logical programming of the method steps, making the system and its various devices, modules, and units of this invention function in the form of logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers. Therefore, the system and its various devices, modules, and units provided by this invention can be considered as a hardware component, and the devices, modules, and units included therein for implementing various functions can also be considered as structures within the hardware component; alternatively, the devices, modules, and units for implementing various functions can be considered as both software modules implementing the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0045] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. An automatic detachment device for an exhaust connector, characterized in that, Includes a base plate (9), a compression air spring (3), a linkage mechanism (4), an exhaust connector (5), an exhaust hose (6), and a buffer air spring (7); The base plate (9) is connected to the tower working platform, the linkage mechanism (4) is rotatably connected to the base plate (9), and the exhaust connector (5) is hinged to the linkage mechanism (4); The linkage mechanism (4) includes multiple hinged rods. The compression air spring (3) and the buffer air spring (7) are respectively hinged to the linkage mechanism (4). The linkage mechanism (4), the compression air spring (3) and the buffer air spring (7) work together to provide the exhaust connector (5) with the freedom to swing back and forth and up and down. The exhaust connector (5) connects the exhaust port of the arrow body and the exhaust hose (6); The linkage mechanism (4) includes a first rod that is rotatably connected to the base plate (9), a second rod that is hinged to the first rod, and a third rod that is hinged to the end of the second rod away from the first rod. The exhaust connector (5) is hinged to the third rod. One end of the compression air spring (3) is hinged to the first rod, and the other end of the compression air spring (3) is hinged to the second rod. One end of the buffer air spring (7) is hinged to the first rod, and the other end of the buffer air spring (7) is hinged to the third rod. The hinge point between the compression air spring (3) and the first rod, and the hinge point between the buffer air spring (7) and the first rod are located on both sides of the hinge point between the second rod and the first rod, and the buffer air spring (7) does not interfere with the second rod. The buffer air spring (7) is connected to the buffer air cylinder (1) through the air pipe (2); The exhaust connector (5) includes a connector body (12), on which a rotating ring (14) is rotatably sleeved. The rotating ring (14) is hinged to the linkage mechanism (4). A limiting nut (13) is threaded onto one end of the connector body (12) on which the rotating ring (14) is sleeved. A support plate (17) is threaded onto the connector body (12). An annular blow-out pipe (18) is fixedly connected to the support plate (17). An air supply pipe (10) is connected to the annular blow-out pipe (18). The compression air spring and the buffer air spring apply a thrust toward the arrow body to the exhaust connector through the linkage mechanism to ensure the seal between the exhaust connector and the arrow body. The exhaust connector and the exhaust hose are screwed together to ensure the seal between the exhaust connector and the exhaust hose. When the working platform is opened, the base plate fixed on the working platform drives the entire mechanism, causing the exhaust connector to be passively separated from the arrow body and automatically detached.

2. The automatic detachment device for the exhaust connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first rod is rotatably connected to the base plate (9) via a thrust bearing (8), and the axial direction of the thrust bearing (8) is perpendicular to the length direction of the first rod.

3. The automatic detachment device for the exhaust connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism (4), the compression spring (3), and the buffer spring (7) work together to provide six degrees of freedom for the exhaust connector (5).

4. The automatic detachment device for the exhaust connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust connector (5) includes a positioning pin (16) that connects to the exhaust port of the arrow body.

5. The automatic detachment device for the exhaust connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism (4), the compression air spring (3) and the buffer air spring (7) are symmetrically arranged in two sets on the base plate (9), and the exhaust connector (5) is hinged to the two sets of linkage mechanisms (4) respectively.

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