A hatch that does not come out of its fastening device

Abstract

This invention discloses a hatch-locking fastening device, comprising a connecting pin fixedly mounted on the hatch, one end of which is configured as a frustum; a connecting sleeve fixedly mounted on the hatch frame, the connecting sleeve having a conical groove that mates with the frustum; a connecting screw passing through the connecting pin and mates with a threaded hole in the connecting sleeve; a washer placed in the connecting pin; a spring fitted onto the connecting screw; and a hollow top cover mounted on the connecting pin. The connecting pin and connecting sleeve in this invention, through the side engagement of the frustum and the conical groove, provide both good force transmission performance and avoid the problem of jamming when the hatch with a large arc is opened. When the hatch is opened, the connecting screw is pushed up by the spring and completely disengaged from the threaded hole in the connecting sleeve, while the top cover prevents the connecting screw from being dislodged or lost. This invention satisfies the mechanical performance requirements of hatch connections in harsh launch environments of spacecraft, while also facilitating the opening and fastening of hatches by astronauts in a weightless orbital environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular to a door-locking device that prevents the door from coming off. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of aerospace engineering, especially manned spaceflight and space station technology, more and more equipment on spacecraft, such as large space telescopes, requires astronauts to maintain and replace in order to extend the lifespan of the spacecraft and improve the performance of the equipment. This requires astronauts to open and close the maintenance hatches at the corresponding equipment locations. These maintenance hatches must not only meet the mechanical performance requirements of the harsh environments such as high overload and strong vibration during spacecraft launch, but also ensure the ease and convenience for astronauts to open and secure the hatches in space.

[0003] While traditional hatch connection mechanisms on manned spacecraft offer good load-bearing capacity and high reliability, their complexity, large size, and time-consuming operation limit their applicability to manned spacecraft. Non-removable screws are also widely used in spacecraft maintenance, offering advantages such as ease of operation and prevention of screw loss. However, due to the large size of maintenance hatches on large equipment, using conventionally sized non-removable screws to meet launch performance requirements would necessitate an excessive number of screws, leading to prolonged hatch opening and closing times for astronauts. Furthermore, using even larger screws generates greater counter-torque during operation, which astronauts cannot withstand in a weightless environment. Therefore, conventional non-removable screws are only suitable for small maintenance hatches, not large ones.

[0004] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, those skilled in the art urgently need to develop a fastening device that can meet the mechanical performance requirements of hatch connections in harsh launch environments of spacecraft, while also facilitating astronauts to open and secure hatches in a weightless environment in orbit without coming loose. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-detachable fastening device that can meet the mechanical performance requirements of hatch connections in harsh launch environments of spacecraft, while facilitating astronauts to open and secure hatches in a weightless environment in orbit.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] The present invention provides a door-prevention fastening device, the fastening device comprising:

[0008] A connecting pin fixedly installed on the hatch, one end of which is configured as a frustum;

[0009] A connecting sleeve fixedly installed on the door frame, the connecting sleeve being provided with a tapered groove that mates with the frustum;

[0010] A connecting screw that passes through the connecting pin and is fixed in the connecting sleeve;

[0011] The fastening device also includes:

[0012] The washer placed in the connecting pin; and

[0013] A spring fitted onto the connecting screw, the bottom of which is limited by the washer;

[0014] The top cover, which has a hollow structure, is installed on the connecting pin and encloses the connecting screw.

[0015] Furthermore, the connecting pin is provided with a first through hole, and the end of the connecting pin away from the connecting sleeve is provided with a first connecting ear. The first connecting ear is provided with a plurality of first connecting parts, and the connecting pin is connected to the hatch through the first connecting parts.

[0016] A cylindrical section is provided between the first connecting ear and the frustum;

[0017] The connecting pin has a first groove and a second groove in the middle, which are distributed in a stepped manner. The washer is located in the first groove, and the bottom of the second groove is provided with a third connecting threaded hole for connecting the top cover.

[0018] Furthermore, the connecting sleeve is provided with a second connecting ear at one end near the connecting pin, and the second connecting ear is provided with a plurality of second connecting parts, and the connecting sleeve is connected to the door frame through the second connecting parts;

[0019] The connecting sleeve extends an annular boss along the tapered groove toward the connecting pin;

[0020] The connecting sleeve has a second through hole in the middle, which is configured with an internal thread structure to cooperate with the connecting screw.

[0021] Furthermore, the connecting screw includes a screw flange, a screw head, and a screw shank connected sequentially from top to bottom, and an internal hexagonal groove with an upward opening is provided at one end of the screw flange;

[0022] The spring is located between the screw flange and the washer;

[0023] The screw rod has an external thread, and the screw rod passes through the connecting pin and engages with the internal thread of the connecting sleeve.

[0024] Furthermore, the top cover is provided with a third connecting lug at one end near the connecting pin, and the third connecting lug is provided with a plurality of third connecting parts, and the third connecting parts are engaged with the threaded holes of the third connecting parts so that the top cover is connected to the connecting pin;

[0025] The side of the third connecting ear contacts and engages with the side of the second groove, and the side profile is polygonal or irregular.

[0026] The outer wall of the top cover is hexagonal and has six top cover grooves evenly distributed thereon.

[0027] The top of the cover has an operating hole, through which external tools can be used to tighten or loosen the connecting screws.

[0028] Preferably, the first connecting ear is square, round or irregular in shape, and the number of the first connectors is four, which are evenly distributed on the first connecting ear.

[0029] Preferably, the second connecting ear is square, round or irregular in shape, and the number of the second connectors is four, which are evenly distributed on the second connecting ear.

[0030] Preferably, there are four third connectors distributed on the third connector lugs.

[0031] Furthermore, the hatch is provided with mounting holes, and the cylindrical section is disposed in the corresponding mounting holes.

[0032] Furthermore, the door frame is provided with mounting holes, and the annular boss is disposed in the corresponding mounting holes.

[0033] In the above technical solution, the hatch-preventing fastening device provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0034] This invention provides a hatch-locking fastening device where the connecting pin and connecting sleeve engage with the side of a conical groove via a frustum, achieving both excellent force transmission performance and preventing jamming during the opening of a large-radius hatch. The outer wall of the top cover can mate with the sleeve of an astronaut's power tool. The counter-torque generated when the tool tightens the connecting screw is directly transmitted to the top cover, and further to the connecting pin and the hatch, eliminating the astronaut's exposure to counter-torque. Because it is not limited by the astronaut's operating torque, larger screws than conventional non-loosening screws can be used to improve the connection mechanical performance of large-sized hatches. When the hatch is opened, the connecting screw is spring-loaded and completely disengaged from the threaded hole in the connecting sleeve, while the top cover prevents the connecting screw from being dislodged or lost. This invention satisfies the hatch connection mechanical performance requirements of spacecraft in harsh launch environments while facilitating the opening and fastening of hatches by astronauts in a weightless orbital environment. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of a hatch door non-disengagement fastening device in the hatch door closed state, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of a hatch door non-disengagement fastening device in the hatch door open state, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled parts of a door-preventing fastening device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 110. Hatch door; 120. Door frame;

[0041] 131. Connecting pin; 132. Connecting sleeve; 133. Connecting screw; 134. Washer; 135. Spring; 136. Top cover;

[0042] 1311. First connector; 1312. First through hole; 1313. Frustum; 1314. Cylindrical segment; 1315. First connecting lug; 1316. First groove; 1317. Second groove; 1318. Threaded hole of third connector;

[0043] 1321. Second connector; 1322. Second through hole; 1323. Tapered groove; 1324. Second connecting lug; 1325. Annular boss;

[0044] 1331. Screw flange; 1332. Screw head; 1333. Screw shank; 1334. Socket hexagonal slot;

[0045] 1361. Third connector; 1362. Third connecting lug; 1363. Top cover groove; 1364. Operating hole. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] See Figures 1-3 As shown;

[0048] The present invention provides a door-prevention fastening device, the fastening device comprising:

[0049] A connecting pin 131 is fixedly installed on the hatch 110, one end of which is configured as a frustum 1313;

[0050] A connecting sleeve 132 is fixedly installed on the door frame 120, and the connecting sleeve 132 is provided with a tapered groove 1323 that mates with the frustum 1313;

[0051] A connecting screw 133 passes through the connecting pin 131 and is fixed in the connecting sleeve 132;

[0052] The fastening device also includes:

[0053] Washer 134 placed in the connecting pin 131; and

[0054] A spring 135 is sleeved on the connecting screw 133, and the bottom of the spring 135 is limited by the washer 134;

[0055] The hollow top cover 136 is installed on the connecting pin 131 and encloses the connecting screw 133 inside.

[0056] As a further description of this embodiment, the connecting pin 131 is provided with a first through hole 1312, which is a light hole, and the end of the connecting pin 131 away from the connecting sleeve 132 is provided with a first connecting ear 1315. The first connecting ear 1315 is provided with a plurality of first connecting members 1311, and the connecting pin 131 is connected to the hatch 110 through the first connecting members 1311.

[0057] A cylindrical section 1314 is provided between the first connecting ear 1315 and the frustum 1313;

[0058] The connecting pin 131 has a first groove 1316 and a second groove 1317 in the middle, which are distributed in a stepped manner. The washer 134 is located in the first groove 1316, and the bottom of the second groove 1317 is provided with a third connecting threaded hole 1318 for connecting the top cover 136.

[0059] As a preferred technical solution in this embodiment, the outline of the first groove 1316 is preferably circular, and its diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the washer 134 and the outer diameter of the spring 135. The depth of the first groove 1316 is greater than the thickness of the washer 134, thereby ensuring that the washer 134 and the spring 135 will not come out of the first groove 1316.

[0060] As a further description of this embodiment, the connecting sleeve 132 is provided with a second connecting ear 1324 at one end near the connecting pin 131. The second connecting ear 1324 is provided with a plurality of second connecting pieces 1321. The connecting sleeve 132 is connected to the door frame 120 through the second connecting pieces 1321.

[0061] The connecting sleeve 132 extends an annular boss 1325 along the tapered groove 1323 toward the connecting pin 131;

[0062] The connecting sleeve 132 has a second through hole 1322 in the middle, and the second through hole 1322 is configured with an internal thread structure to cooperate with the connecting screw 133.

[0063] It should be noted that when the connecting screw 133 tightens the connecting pin 131 and the connecting sleeve 132, there is a certain gap between the top of the frustum 1313 and the bottom of the conical groove 1323, ensuring that the connecting pin 131 and the connecting sleeve 132 only contact and engage with each other through the sides of the frustum 1313 and the conical groove 1323. In this way, the preload along the axial direction of the connecting screw 133 is converted into contact force between the sides of the frustum 1313 and the conical groove 1323, and further decomposed into pressure perpendicular to the surface of the hatch 110 and shear force parallel to the surface of the hatch 110, thereby achieving good force transmission performance between the hatch 110 and the door frame 120. It is understandable that, since the axis of the door retaining fastener is preferably installed along the normal direction of the hatch 110, when the hatch 110 has a large curvature and multiple door retaining fasteners are arranged along the curvature of the hatch 110, there will be a large angle difference between the axis of the door retaining fastener and the opening direction of the hatch 110. Therefore, the frustum 1313 and the conical slot 1323 can also avoid the problem of jamming when the hatch 110 with a large curvature is opened by the cooperation of the conical side.

[0064] As a further description of this embodiment, the connecting screw 133 includes a screw flange 1331, a screw head 1332 and a screw shank 1333 connected in sequence from top to bottom, and an internal hexagonal groove 1334 with an upward opening is provided at one end of the screw flange 1331.

[0065] The spring 135 is located between the screw flange 1331 and the washer 134;

[0066] The screw rod 1333 has an external thread, and the screw rod 1333 passes through the connecting pin 131 and engages with the internal thread of the connecting sleeve 132.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the spring 135 is larger than the diameter of the screw head 1332, and the outer diameter of the spring 135 is smaller than the diameter of the screw flange 1331 and the outer diameter of the washer 134. Thus, the spring 135 encloses the screw head 1332 and is confined between the screw flange 1331 and the washer 134.

[0068] It should be noted that the compression height of the spring 135 must be less than [the specified value]. Figure 1 The distance shown is between the lower surface of the screw flange 1331 and the upper surface of the washer 134 when the hatch 110 is closed, to prevent the spring 135 from being crushed and damaged; and the free height of the spring 135 must be greater than Figure 2 The distance shown is between the lower surface of the screw flange 1331 and the upper surface of the washer 134 when the hatch 120 is open, so as to ensure that the connecting screw 133 is fully popped up until the upper surface of the screw flange 1331 contacts the top of the inner wall of the top cover 136.

[0069] As a further description of this embodiment, the top cover 136 is provided with a third connecting ear 1362 at one end near the connecting pin 131. The third connecting ear 1362 is provided with a plurality of third connecting parts 1361, and the third connecting parts 1361 cooperate with the threaded holes 1318 of the third connecting parts so that the top cover 136 is connected to the connecting pin 131.

[0070] The outer wall of the top cover 136 is a regular hexagon and has six top cover grooves 1363 evenly distributed. The top cover grooves 1363 are dyed black as alignment marking lines, while other parts of the outer wall of the top cover 136 are made of light-colored metallic color to highlight the marking lines, so that astronauts can perform alignment when using power tools with the same marking lines.

[0071] The top cover 136 has an operating hole 1364. The diameter of the inner wall of the top cover 136 is larger than the diameter of the screw flange 1331, while the diameter of the operating hole 1364 is smaller than the diameter of the screw flange 1331 but larger than the diameter of the tool used to tighten the connecting screw 133. Thus, the top cover 136 encloses the connecting screw 133 and the spring 135, and the tool can pass through the operating hole 1364 to tighten the connecting screw 133. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the tool used to tighten the connecting screw 133 is a hexagonal wrench, which is inserted into the internal hexagonal slot 1334 for tightening.

[0072] As a further description of this embodiment, the third connector 1361 can be a screw, rivet, welded body, etc. This embodiment Figures 1 to 3The third connector 1361 shown is a countersunk screw. It is understood that there are multiple third connectors 1361, preferably four. Furthermore, the side of the third connecting lug 1324 contacts and engages with the side of the second groove 1317. The side profile is polygonal or irregular in shape, and this shape-fitting arrangement enhances the ability of the third connecting lug 1362 and the second groove 1317 to transmit the axial torque of the top cover 136. The combination of a tight side engagement between the third connecting lug 1362 and the second groove 1317, along with the connection of the third connectors 1361, strengthens the connection between the top cover 136 and the connecting pin 131.

[0073] The outer wall of the top cover 136 can cooperate with the sleeve of the astronaut's power tool. In this way, the counter-torque generated when the tool tightens the connecting screw 133 will be directly transmitted from the tool to the top cover 136, and further to the connecting pin 131 and the hatch 110. The astronaut no longer bears the counter-torque, which solves the problem that the astronaut cannot overcome the counter-torque of large screws in a weightless state.

[0074] As a preferred technical solution in this embodiment, the shape of the first connecting ear 1315 is preferably square or circular, and can also be irregular; the number of the first connecting members 1311 is four, and they are evenly distributed on the first connecting ear 1315; the first connecting member 1311 can be a screw, rivet, welded body, etc. This embodiment Figures 1-3 The first connector 1311 shown is a mating part of a countersunk screw and a cap nut. The cap nut can prevent safety hazards to astronauts caused by exposed threads or sharp corners. The hatch 110 is provided with a countersunk hole at the first connector 1311 to avoid interference from the first connector 1311 at the connection.

[0075] As a preferred technical solution in this embodiment, the shape of the second connecting ear 1324 is preferably square or circular, and can also be irregular; the number of the second connecting members 1321 is four, and they are evenly distributed on the second connecting ear 1324; the second connecting members 1321 can be screws, rivets, welded bodies, etc. This embodiment Figures 1-3 The second connector 1321 shown is a mating part of a countersunk screw and a hexagonal nut. The door frame 120 is provided with a countersunk hole at the second connector 1321 to avoid the second connector 1321 interfering with the connection.

[0076] As a further description of this embodiment, the hatch 110 is provided with mounting holes, and the cylindrical section 1314 is disposed in the corresponding mounting holes. Through the connection of the aforementioned connectors and the cooperation of the mounting holes, the connection strength between the connecting pin 131 and the hatch 110 is enhanced.

[0077] As a further description of this embodiment, the door frame 120 is provided with mounting holes, and the annular boss 1325 is disposed in the corresponding mounting holes. Through the connection of the aforementioned connectors and the cooperation of the mounting holes, the connection strength between the connecting sleeve 132 and the door frame 120 is enhanced.

[0078] Considering the mechanical performance and manufacturability of the connecting device, the center lines of the first through hole 1312, the frustum 1313, the cylindrical section 1314, the second through hole 1322, the conical groove 1323, the annular boss 1325, the connecting screw 133, the washer 134, the spring 135, and the operating hole 1364 are coaxial.

[0079] It is understood that the length of the external thread section of the screw shank 1333 is preferably greater than the length of the internal thread section of the second through hole 1322, in this embodiment. Figure 1 With the hatch 110 closed, all the internal threads of the second through hole 1322 are engaged in the threaded connection to improve the strength of the threaded connection.

[0080] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, when the hatch 110 is tightened, the sleeve of the astronaut power tool fits into the outer wall of the top cover 136, the tool wrench passes through the operating hole 1364 and is inserted into the internal hexagonal groove 1334, pressing down on the spring 135 and tightening it, the screw rod 1333 is screwed into the second through hole 1322 and engages with the internal thread of the second through hole 1322 until the side of the frustum 1313 and the side of the conical groove 1323 come into contact and engage, thereby achieving a tight connection between the hatch 110 and the door frame 120. When the hatch 110 is opened, the socket of the astronaut's power tool fits onto the outer wall of the top cover 136, and the tool wrench is inserted into the internal hexagonal slot 1334 through the operating hole 1364. By rotating the connecting screw 133 in the opposite direction, the screw shank 1333 disengages from the internal thread of the second through hole 1322. Under the restoring force of the spring 135, the connecting screw 133 is lifted and completely disengaged from the second through hole 1322. At the same time, the top cover 136 prevents the connecting screw 133 from being dislodged. At this time, the frustum 1313 and the conical slot 1323 disengage, thereby detaching the hatch 110 from the door frame 120.

[0081] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A door-fastening device that prevents the door from coming off, characterized in that, The fastening device includes: A connecting pin (131) is fixedly installed on the hatch (110), one end of which is configured as a frustum (1313). A connecting sleeve (132) is fixedly installed on the door frame (120), and the connecting sleeve (132) is provided with a conical groove (1323) that mates with the frustum (1313). A connecting screw (133) passes through the connecting pin (131) and is fixed in the connecting sleeve (132). The fastening device also includes: The washer (134) placed in the connecting pin (131); and A spring (135) is fitted onto the connecting screw (133), and the bottom of the spring (135) is limited by the washer (134); A hollow top cover (136) is installed on the connecting pin (131) and encloses the connecting screw (133); The connecting pin (131) is provided with a first through hole (1312), and the end of the connecting pin (131) away from the connecting sleeve (132) is provided with a first connecting ear (1315). The first connecting ear (1315) is provided with a plurality of first connecting pieces (1311), and the connecting pin (131) is connected to the hatch (110) through the first connecting pieces (1311). A cylindrical section (1314) is provided between the first connecting ear (1315) and the frustum (1313). The connecting pin (131) has a first groove (1316) and a second groove (1317) in the middle, which are distributed in a stepped manner. The washer (134) is located in the first groove (1316), and the bottom of the second groove (1317) is provided with a third connecting thread hole (1318) for connecting the top cover (136). The top cover (136) has a third connecting ear (1362) at one end near the connecting pin (131). The third connecting ear (1362) has a plurality of third connecting parts (1361), and the third connecting parts (1361) cooperate with the threaded holes (1318) of the third connecting parts so that the top cover (136) is connected to the connecting pin (131). The side of the third connecting ear (1324) contacts and engages with the side of the second groove (1317), and the side profile shape is polygonal or irregular. The outer wall of the top cover (136) is a regular hexagon and has six top cover grooves (1363) evenly distributed. The top of the top cover (136) has an operating hole (1364) through which external tools can be used to tighten the connecting screw (133).

2. The hatch non-disengagement fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting sleeve (132) has a second connecting ear (1324) at one end near the connecting pin (131). The second connecting ear (1324) has a plurality of second connecting pieces (1321). The connecting sleeve (132) is connected to the door frame (120) through the second connecting pieces (1321). The connecting sleeve (132) extends an annular boss (1325) along the tapered groove (1323) toward the connecting pin (131); The connecting sleeve (132) has a second through hole (1322) in the middle, and the second through hole (1322) is configured with an internal thread structure to cooperate with the connecting screw (133).

3. The hatch non-disengagement fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting screw (133) includes a screw flange (1331), a screw head (1332) and a screw shank (1333) connected from top to bottom, and an internal hexagonal groove (1334) with an opening facing upward is provided at one end of the screw flange (1331). The spring (135) is located between the screw flange (1331) and the washer (134); The screw rod (1333) is provided with external threads, and the screw rod (1333) passes through the connecting pin (131) and engages with the internal threads of the connecting sleeve (132).

4. The hatch non-disengagement fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hatch (110) is provided with mounting holes, and the cylindrical section (1314) is disposed in the corresponding mounting holes.

5. The hatch non-disengagement fastening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The door frame (120) is provided with mounting holes, and the annular boss (1325) is provided in the corresponding mounting holes.

Images