Clamping device and liquid rocket adding and discharging connector

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of rockets, in particular to a clamping device and a liquid rocket adding and discharging connector, the clamping device comprises a clamping ring, a clamping block and a locking component, the clamping block is in an arc shape, a groove is formed in the inner arc surface of the clamping block, and the locking component is arranged on the clamping ring; the locking component is suitable for being switched between a pressing state and a separating state with the outer arc face of the clamping block, in the pressing state, the inner side face of the clamping ring abuts against the outer arc face of the clamping block, a flange of the adding and discharging valve and a flange of the connector are embedded in the groove, in the separating state, the clamping ring is separated from the clamping block, and the groove is separated from the flange of the adding and discharging valve and the flange of the connector. The effect of simplifying installation and falling of the clamping device is achieved, the liquid rocket low-temperature adding and discharging connector is simple in structure, convenient to operate, small in manual butt joint force and capable of being unattended, and the safety risk brought to operators is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of rockets, and in particular to a clamping device and a liquid rocket filling and draining connector. Background Art

[0002] The cryogenic filling and draining connector is one of the important single-machine equipment in the launch process of liquid launch vehicles. Its main functions are to complete the connection between the ground filling system and the rocket system, for the filling or draining of propellants / oxidants, functions such as dropping off before launch or dropping off at zero seconds.

[0003] Currently, the oxidants used in domestic traditional liquid launch vehicles are mostly liquid oxygen, and the propellants are mostly liquid hydrogen and liquid methane, all of which are cryogenic media. The cryogenic connectors mostly adopt a three-hook claw structure and rely on external energy for pneumatic locking. If the external energy system fails, it will affect the locking function of the connector. A few minutes before the rocket takes off, the cylinder is required to drive the hook claws to unlock and drop off in advance. Relying on external energy to unlock, if the external energy system fails, it will affect the unlocking and dropping off function of the connector. The unlocking and dropping off of the hook claws require a certain time response and are not suitable for dropping off at zero seconds. If the launch is postponed or cancelled, the connector needs to be manually re-docked, posing safety risks to personnel such as cryogenic frostbite and flammable and explosive hazards.

[0004] The eccentric locking structure and the connector of the zero-second drop-off connector in the prior art are complex in structure, difficult to machine the eccentric wheel, have a long cantilever, large structural dimensions, heavy weight, difficult docking operation, and do not have the function of opening the on-board valve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a liquid rocket filling and draining connector to solve one of the defects in the prior art, achieving the effect of simplifying the installation and dropping off of the clamping device, making the structure of the liquid rocket cryogenic filling and draining connector simple, easy to operate, with a small manual docking force, capable of unattended operation, and reducing the safety risks to the operators.

[0006] The present invention provides a clamping device, including a clamping ring, a clamping block, and a locking component. The shape of the clamping block is arc-shaped, a groove is provided on the inner arc surface of the clamping block, the locking component is arranged on the clamping ring, and the locking component is adapted to switch between a pressing state and a separating state with the outer arc surface of the clamping block. In the pressing state, the inner side surface of the clamping ring presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block, and the flange of the filling and draining valve and the flange of the connector are embedded in the groove. In the separating state, the clamping ring is separated from the clamping block, and the groove is separated from the flange of the filling and draining valve and the flange of the connector.

[0007] A clamping device provided according to the present invention, the locking member includes a spring piece, the spring piece is connected to the snap ring, the spring piece extends along the axial direction of the snap ring on the inner side surface of the snap ring, the spring piece is adapted to switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the spring piece presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block, and the snap ring locks the clamping block. In the second position, the spring piece is inclined and deformed outwardly from the snap ring and forms a set angle with the outer side surface of the snap ring, and the snap ring unlocks the clamping block.

[0008] A clamping device provided according to the present invention further includes a pull rod and a fixed seat. The fixed seat is arranged on the snap ring. The pull rod is rotatably connected to the fixed seat through a pin shaft. The pull rod is adapted to be connected to both an active unlocking rope and a passive unlocking rope.

[0009] A clamping device provided according to the present invention, the pull rod is provided with a first connection hole and a second connection hole. The first connection hole is adapted to connect the active unlocking rope, and the second connection hole is adapted to connect the passive unlocking rope. The second connection hole and the first connection hole are arranged in sequence along the extending direction of the spring piece.

[0010] A clamping device provided according to the present invention, the spring piece includes a straight portion and a bent portion. One end of the straight portion is connected to the fixed seat, and the other end is connected to the bent portion. The bent portion bends towards the inner side of the snap ring. In the first position of the spring piece, the straight portion presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block, and the bent portion presses against the end surface of the clamping block.

[0011] A clamping device provided according to the present invention, the inner side surface of the snap ring is an inclined surface that gradually inclines outward along the extending direction of the spring piece.

[0012] A clamping device provided according to the present invention, the side wall of the groove is an inclined surface that gradually inclines inward from the inner arc surface to the outer arc surface of the clamping block.

[0013] A clamping device provided according to the present invention, the radian of the clamping block is less than 180°, and there are multiple clamping blocks, and the multiple clamping blocks are evenly distributed around the axis of the snap ring.

[0014] A clamping device provided according to the present invention, the clamping block and the snap ring are connected by a connecting rope.

[0015] The present invention also provides a liquid rocket filling and draining connector, including the clamping device as described above.

[0016] The clamping device according to the embodiment of the present invention mainly consists of a clamping ring, a clamping block and a locking component. The clamping ring is of an arc-shaped structure. The adapter filling and draining valve and the arc-shaped clamping ring have an inner arc surface and an outer arc surface. The inner arc surface is recessed inward to form a groove. After the filling and draining valve is aligned with the flange of the connector, the clamping ring is installed on the outside of the flange, and the flange is embedded in the groove and clamped in the groove, thereby realizing connection and limitation of the filling and draining valve and the connector in the axial direction and avoiding separation along the axial direction of the flange. Since the clamping ring is arc-shaped, the clamping ring can also realize connection and limitation of the filling and draining valve and the connector in the radial direction.

[0017] A locking component is arranged on the clamping ring. The clamping ring is a circular ring adapted to the arc-shaped clamping block. When the clamping device connects the filling and draining valve and the connector, the locking component is in a compressed state. At this time, the locking component presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block, and the inner side surface of the clamping ring presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block. The position of the clamping block is fixed by the locking component and the clamping ring to realize the stable connection of the filling and draining valve and the connector. When the clamping device is disengaged and separated from the filling and draining valve and the connector, the locking component is in a separated state. At this time, the locking component leaves the outer arc surface of the clamping block, and the inner side surface of the clamping ring is separated from the outer arc surface of the clamping block. The locking component and the clamping ring no longer fix the position of the clamping block to realize the detachment of the filling and draining valve and the connector.

[0018] The clamping device of the present invention has a simple structural composition. During docking, it is only necessary to install the clamping block on the outside of the flanges of the filling and draining valve and the connector, and then push the clamping ring to drive the locking component along the axial direction of the clamping ring to the outside of the clamping block to realize docking and fixation. During detachment, it is only necessary to pull the clamping ring along the axial direction of the clamping ring to separate the clamping ring from the clamping block to realize the detachment of the filling and draining valve and the connector. Thus, the installation and detachment of the clamping device are simplified, the structure of the cryogenic filling and draining connector of the liquid rocket is simple, the operation is convenient, the manual docking force is small, it can be unattended, the safety risk to the operator is reduced, the locking reliability of the clamping device is high, and the detachment reliability is high. It is suitable for the connector to be detached at zero seconds after the rocket takes off to a certain height. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a cryogenic filling and draining connector of a liquid rocket provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the valve body of a cryogenic filling and draining connector of a liquid rocket provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 isFigure 1 Cross-sectional view A-A; Figure 4 is Figure 3 Cross-sectional view B-B; Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the locking component of the clamping device provided by the embodiment of the present invention in the first position and the second position.

[0021] Reference numerals: 100, housing; 110, closed end; 120, open end; 130, cavity; 131, first cavity; 132, second cavity; 140, first housing; 141, first air hole; 142, second air hole; 143, first chamber; 144, second chamber; 150, second housing; 160, cold insulation plate; 170, heat insulation member; 180, liquid medium channel; 200, ejector rod; 210, rod body; 211, piston; 212, elastic member; 213, first seal; 214, second seal; 220, end; 221, mounting hole; 2211, first hole section; 2212, second hole section; 2213, third hole section; 2214, sealing surface; 222, valve body; 2221, steel ball; 2222, spring; 2223, exhaust hole; 223, protruding part; 224, spring energy storage seal ring; 300, clamping device; 310, snap ring; 320, clamping block; 321, groove; 330, locking component; 331, straight part; 332, bent part; 340, pull rod; 341, first connection hole; 342, second connection hole; 350, fixed seat; 351, pin shaft; 360, connecting rope; 410, active unlocking rope; 420, passive unlocking rope; 500, connector; 600, charging and discharging valve; 610, valve core; 620, air cavity. Detailed implementation manners

[0022] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. These are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "connected" and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0025] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0026] In the description of this specification, the descriptions referring to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0027] Such as Figure 1As shown in the figure, the liquid rocket filling and draining connector 500 provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 100 and a push rod 200. The housing 100 is provided with an opposite closed end 110 and an open end 120. A cavity 130 is provided inside the housing 100. The cavity 130 communicates with the open end 120. The open end 120 is adapted to communicate with a filling and draining valve 600. The push rod 200 is disposed in the cavity 130. The push rod 200 includes a rod body 210 and a head 220. The axial direction of the rod body 210 extends along the direction from the closed end 110 to the open end 120. The head 220 is disposed at one end of the rod body 210 close to the open end 120. An installation hole 221 is provided on the end face of the head 220 facing the filling and draining valve 600. The installation hole 221 communicates with the cavity 130. A valve body 222 is provided in the installation hole 221. The valve body 222 is adapted to discharge the medium gas in the filling and draining valve 600 to the outside of the housing 100.

[0028] In the liquid rocket filling and draining connector 500 of the embodiment of the present invention, one end of the housing 100 is a closed end 110 in a closed state, and the other end is an open end 120 with an opening. A cavity 130 is provided inside the housing 100. The cavity 130 penetrates to the open end 120. The push rod 200 is disposed inside the cavity 130. The axial extension direction of the push rod 200 is the direction from the closed end 110 to the open end 120 of the housing 100. The push rod 200 is composed of a rod body 210 and a head 220. One end of the rod body 210 is close to the closed end 110, and the other end is close to the open end 120. The end close to the open end 120 is connected to the head 220. The open end 120 is connected to the housing of the filling and draining valve 600. Thus, an air cavity 620 is enclosed by the open end 120 and the housing of the filling and draining valve 600. The push rod 200 can linearly reciprocate along its axial direction in the cavity 130.

[0029] During the forward movement of the ejector rod 200, the end 220 enters the air chamber 620 from the opening of the open end 120 and approaches the valve core 610 of the pressure relief valve 600 until the end face of the end 220 contacts the valve core 610. Continuing to move forward, the end 220 pushes the valve core 610 to move synchronously to open the pressure relief valve 600. During the backward movement of the ejector rod 200, the end 220 resets the valve core 610 of the pressure relief valve 600, the pressure relief valve 600 closes, and the end 220 gradually moves away from the valve core 610 of the pressure relief valve 600 until the end 220 returns from the air chamber 620 to the open end 120. An installation hole 221 is provided on the end face of the end 220, and a valve body 222 is arranged in the installation hole 221. The medium gas in the air chamber 620 can enter the installation hole 221 through the opening of the valve body 222, and then be discharged into the cavity 130 of the connector 500 through the installation hole 221, and then be discharged to the outside of the connector 500 from the cavity 130, thereby preventing the low-temperature medium remaining in the air chamber 620 from vaporizing and causing the pressure in the air chamber 620 to rise after the valve core 610 of the pressure relief valve 600 is closed, avoiding the problem that the closed valve core 610 is opened again due to the increase in the pressure in the air chamber 620, further improving the reliability of the connector 500 to control the opening and closing of the pressure relief valve 600, and ensuring the airtightness of the pressure relief valve 600 itself.

[0030] It can be understood that because a radial pantograph seal structure is provided on the docking surface of the connector 500 and the pressure relief valve 600, and this structure occupies a certain space, it is not convenient to design the valve core 610 of the pressure relief valve 600 and the ejector rod 200 of the connector 500 to be closely together. Even if the seal structure of the docking surface is modified to fit the end 220 of the valve core 610 of the pressure relief valve 600 and the ejector rod 200 of the connector 500 together, it is only theoretical without the air chamber 620, and there will actually be a very small gap, and a small amount of liquid oxygen will remain, posing a risk of vaporization and pressure increase. Therefore, the valve body 222 needs to be provided.

[0031] As Figure 2 shown, according to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the valve body 222 is a check valve. In this embodiment, the check valve is composed of a steel ball 2221 and a spring 2222. The installation hole 221 is a stepped hole that is sequentially divided into a first hole section 2211, a second hole section 2212, and a third hole section 2213 from the closed end 110 to the open end 120. The aperture of the first hole section 2211 is smaller than that of the second hole section 2212, and the aperture of the second hole section 2212 is larger than that of the third hole section 2213. An exhaust hole 2223 communicating with the cavity 130 is provided on the first hole section 2211. The end face between the second hole section 2212 and the third hole section 2213 is a sealing surface 2214. The spring 2222 and the steel ball 2221 are both arranged in the second hole section 2212. One end of the spring 2222 abuts against the end face between the first hole section 2211 and the second hole section 2212, and the other end is connected to the steel ball 2221. The steel ball 2221 abuts against the sealing surface 2214.

[0032] When the ejector rod 200 of the connector 500 is in the closed state, that is, the end 220 is located at the open end 120, the elastic force of the spring 2222 presses the steel ball 2221 against the sealing surface 2214 of the mounting hole 221, realizing the sealing of the cavity 130 of the connector 500. After the connector 500 is docked with the filling and draining valve 600, the residual liquid oxygen in the air cavity 620 vaporizes and increases in pressure. When the pressure is greater than the elastic force of the spring 2222, the pressure in the air cavity 620 pushes open the steel ball 2221. The steel ball 2221 compresses the spring 2222, and a certain gap is formed between the steel ball 2221 and the sealing surface 2214. The gas flows into the mounting hole through the gap and is discharged into the cavity 130 of the connector 500 through the exhaust hole 2223, and further discharged to the atmosphere. After the exhaust is completed, the pressure in the air cavity 620 decreases, the spring 2222 returns from the compressed state to the extended state, and the steel ball 2221 is pushed back to abut against the sealing surface 2214 again, realizing the separation and sealing between the cavity 130 and the air cavity 620 again.

[0033] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, a protruding portion 223 is provided on the circumferential side surface of the end 220, and a recessed portion matching the protruding portion 223 is provided at the open end 120. The recessed portion extends from the end surface of the open end 120 towards the closed end 110. In this embodiment, the circumferential side surface around the axis of the ejector rod 200 of the end 220 is the circumferential side surface, and the protruding portion 223 is provided on the circumferential side surface. Correspondingly, a recessed portion is provided at the open end 120. The shape of the recessed portion matches the shape of the protruding portion 223, and the extending direction of the recess of the recessed portion is from the end surface of the open end 120 towards the closed end 110. During the reciprocating movement of the ejector rod 200, the protruding portion 223 can reciprocate in the recessed portion. That is, when the ejector rod 200 moves forward, the protruding portion 223 moves from the recessed portion towards the air cavity 620 until it leaves the recessed portion. When the ejector rod 200 moves backward, the protruding portion 223 moves from the air cavity 620 towards the recessed portion until it enters the recessed portion.

[0034] After the filling and draining valve 600 is closed, the ejector rod 200 is reset and the protruding portion 223 abuts against the end of the recessed portion, thereby limiting the ejector rod 200 through the cooperation between the protruding portion 223 and the recessed portion to prevent the ejector rod 200 from continuing to move backward.

[0035] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the shape of the protruding portion 223 is annular, and the protruding portion 223 is wound around the circumferential side surface of the end 220. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 223 is distributed in a circumferentially extending manner on the circumferential side surface, forming an annular protruding portion 223 that circumferentially surrounds the end 220. Correspondingly, an annular recessed portion is also provided on the end surface of the open end 120 of the housing to cooperate with the annular protruding portion 223.

[0036] In other embodiments, the protrusion 223 may be one or more discontinuous structures, which are distributed around the circumferential side surface of the end 220. In this embodiment, the protrusion 223 and the end 220 are of an integral structure. In other embodiments, the protrusion 223 and the end 220 may be of an independent connection structure.

[0037] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the protrusion 223 is provided with a first inclined surface, which gradually inclines outward along the direction from the closed end 110 to the open end 120, and the inner surface of the recessed portion is provided with a second inclined surface that cooperates with the first inclined surface. In this embodiment, the side surface of the protrusion 223 that constitutes the circumferential side surface of the end 220 is the first inclined surface. When the end 220 is cylindrical, the first inclined surface radially inclines outward along the direction from the closed end 110 to the open end 120, that is, the protrusion 223 is integrally conical, and the shape of its cross-section is triangular. Correspondingly, the inner surface of the recessed portion is also constructed with a second inclined surface, and the inclination degree and the position of the second inclined surface are both matched with the first inclined surface. The cooperation between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface can limit the ejector rod 200 while ensuring the structural strength of the cooperation between the protrusion 223 and the recessed portion.

[0038] In other embodiments, a part of the circumferential side surface of the protrusion 223 may also be an inclined surface, that is, a structure formed by combining the inclined surface and the horizontally extending surface.

[0039] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, a spring energy storage seal ring 224 is provided between the circumferential side surface of the end 220 and the inner side surface of the open end 120. In this embodiment, the circumferential side surface of the end 220 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the open end 120. To ensure the sealing between the end 220 of the ejector rod 200 and the housing 100, the spring energy storage seal ring 224 is provided between the end 220 and the open end 120.

[0040] The traditional plastic hot pressing ring presses the plastic onto the metal part to form a plastic-metal composite part. The pressing process is complex and the rejection rate is high. After the plastic sealing belt is damaged, the composite part needs to be returned to the factory for repair, and the repair cycle is long. However, the spring energy storage seal ring 224 of the present invention is a standard part, and the machined parts that cooperate with it only need to pay attention to the matching dimensions, which is convenient for processing. After the spring energy storage seal ring 224 is damaged, the damaged part can be removed and replaced with a new spring energy storage seal ring 224.

[0041] Using the spring energy storage seal ring 224 to replace the traditional plastic hot pressing ring for sealing is applicable to low-temperature conditions, meets the requirements of the low-temperature medium to be filled, reduces the requirements for heat insulation and cold insulation, simplifies the structure, is convenient for processing, is convenient for replacing the seal, and has more convenient maintainability.

[0042] In this embodiment, the spring energy storage sealing ring 224 is disposed at a position on the circumferential side surface of the end 220 where the protruding portion 223 is not provided, and is disposed around the circumference of the end 220. In other embodiments, the spring energy storage sealing ring 224 can also be disposed on the surface of the protruding portion 223 or on the inner side surface of the open end 120.

[0043] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the cavity 130 includes a first cavity 131 and a second cavity 132 that are sequentially arranged and communicated in the direction from the closed end 110 to the open end 120. The outer shell 100 is provided with a first air hole 141 and a second air hole 142. The rod body 210 extends from the first cavity 131 to the second cavity 132. One end of the rod body 210 located in the first cavity 131 is provided with a piston 211. The piston 211 divides the first cavity 131 into a first chamber 143 and a second chamber 144. The first air hole 141 is communicated with the first chamber 143, and the second air hole 142 is communicated with the second chamber 144.

[0044] In this embodiment, the cavity 130 is mainly composed of a first cavity 131 and a second cavity 132. The first cavity 131 is close to the closed end 110, and the second cavity 132 is close to the open end 120, that is, the first cavity 131, the second cavity 132 and the opening are sequentially communicated. The rod body 210 penetrates from the first cavity 131 to the second cavity 132 to reach the opening. The second cavity 132 serves as a strong storage for the liquid medium, and the second cavity communicates with the medium inlet channel constructed by the outer shell 100. A piston 211 is disposed in the first cavity 131. The piston 211 is fixedly connected to the end of the rod body 210 by a thread. Therefore, the two ends of the rod body 210 are respectively the piston 211 and the end 220. The outer side surface of the piston 211 contacts the inner wall of the first cavity 131. Thus, the first cavity 131 on both sides in the axial direction of the piston 211 are respectively the first chamber 143 and the second chamber 144. The first air hole 141 constructed by the housing communicates with the first chamber 143, and the second air hole 142 constructed by the housing communicates with the second chamber 144.

[0045] Air is supplied into the first chamber 143 through the first air hole 141. The pressure in the first chamber 143 increases, pushing the piston 211 to move forward. The second chamber 144 is compressed and exhausts through the second air hole 142, thereby driving the ejector rod 200 to move forward and pushing the valve core 610 to open the addition and discharge valve 600. Air is supplied into the second chamber 144 through the second air hole 142. The pressure in the second chamber 144 increases, pushing the piston 211 to move backward. The first chamber 143 is compressed and exhausts through the first air hole 141, thereby driving the ejector rod 200 to move backward and away from the valve core 610 to close the addition and discharge valve 600.

[0046] The first cavity 131, the piston 211, the first air hole 141, and the second air hole 142 form a cylinder structure, that is, a driving structure for the ejector rod 200. Compared with the traditional method of pushing the ejector rod 200 to move to open the filling and discharging valve 600 through the intake air pressure and pushing the ejector rod 200 to move to close the filling and discharging valve 600 through the spring restoring force, in the connector 500 of the present invention, the reciprocating movement of the ejector rod 200 is driven by pneumatic control. The cooperation between the first air hole 141 and the second air hole 142 effectively realizes the action of the cylinder structure, and the control is more stable and accurate. The filling control of the connector 500 for the filling and discharging valve 600 is more sensitive.

[0047] In this embodiment, a first seal 213 is provided between the outer side surface of the piston 211 and the inner wall of the second cavity 132 to ensure the airtightness of the first chamber 143 and the second chamber 144 on both sides of the piston 211.

[0048] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, an elastic member 212 is provided in the second chamber 144. The elastic member 212 is adapted to expand and contract along the axial direction of the rod body 210. One end of the elastic member 212 abuts against the piston 211, and the other end abuts against the housing 100. In this embodiment, the elastic member 212 is provided on the end surface of the piston 211 facing the second chamber 144. The elastic member 212 abuts against the end surface of the housing constructing the second chamber 144. The expansion and contraction direction of the elastic member 212 is the moving direction of the ejector rod 200.

[0049] Air is supplied into the first chamber 143 through the first air hole 141. The pressure in the first chamber 143 increases, pushing the piston 211 to move forward. The elastic member 212 is compressed synchronously. The second chamber 144 is compressed and exhausts through the second air hole 142, thereby driving the ejector rod 200 to move forward and pushing the valve core 610 to open the filling and discharging valve 600. Air is supplied into the second chamber 144 through the second air hole 142. The pressure in the second chamber 144 increases, pushing the piston 211 to move backward. The elastic member 212 expands synchronously. The first chamber 143 is compressed and exhausts through the first air hole 141, thereby driving the ejector rod 200 to move backward and away from the valve core 610 to close the filling and discharging valve 600.

[0050] Through the elastic force accumulated by the elastic member 212 during the process of the ejector rod 200 moving forward to open the filling and discharging valve 600, during the process of the ejector rod 200 moving backward to close the filling and discharging valve 600, the restoring force of the elastic member 212 generates a thrust on the piston 211, assisting the pneumatic acting force to act on the piston 211 and helping the piston 211 and the ejector rod 200 to reset.

[0051] In this embodiment, the elastic member 212 can be a helical spring. The piston 211 is provided with an installation groove along its axial direction. The end of the elastic member 212 enters the installation groove and is connected to the bottom surface of the installation groove.

[0052] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the outer shell 100 includes a first shell 140 and a second shell 150. The first shell 140 is configured with a closed end 110 and a first cavity 131 is arranged inside. The second shell 150 is configured with an open end 120 and a second cavity 132 is arranged inside. The first shell 140 and the second shell 150 are connected by a cold insulation plate 160, and the outer surface of the second shell 150 is wrapped with a heat insulation member 170.

[0053] In this embodiment, the outer shell 100 is mainly composed of the first shell 140 and the second shell 150. The first shell 140 is configured with the first cavity 131, the first air hole 141 and the second air hole 142. The second shell 150 is configured with the second cavity 132, the liquid medium channel 180, the open end 120 and a transition channel connecting the first cavity 131 and the second cavity 132. One end of the first shell 140 is closed as the closed end 110 of the outer shell 100, and the other end is open and communicated with the end of the transition channel of the second shell 150.

[0054] An annular cold insulation plate 160 is arranged between the end face of the open end of the first shell 140 and the end face of the transition channel of the second shell 150. The structure of the first shell 140 and the piston 211 forms a cylinder structure, and the second shell 150 and the ejector rod 200 form the main structure of the connector 500. Therefore, the present invention is equivalent to only arranging the cold insulation plate 160 between the shell of the connector 500 and the shell of the cylinder, without arranging a cold insulation structure on the ejector rod 200, effectively shortening the length of the ejector rod 200, not only reducing the size of the ejector rod 200, but also reducing the structural size of the entire connector 500 and making it lighter in weight.

[0055] In this embodiment, a second seal 214 is arranged between the inner side surface of the open end of the first shell 140 and the outer wall of the rod body 210, and between the inner side surface of the end of the transition channel of the first shell 140 and the outer wall of the rod body 210.

[0056] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the open end 120 and the filling and discharging valve 600 are detachably connected through a clamping device 300. In this embodiment, the open end 120 of the outer shell 100 can be set to a flange shape, and the shell of the filling and discharging valve 600 can also be a flange shape at the end connected to the open end 120. The open end 120 and the filling and discharging valve 600 are connected through the clamping device 300. During the filling process before the rocket takes off, the connector 500 and the filling and discharging valve 600 are connected through the clamping device 300. After the rocket takes off to a certain height, the clamping device 300 is separated from the filling and discharging valve 600, so that the connector 500 and the filling and discharging valve 600 are separated at zero seconds.

[0057] Such as Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown in the figure, the clamping device 300 provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a snap ring 310, a clamping block 320, and a locking member 330. The shape of the clamping block 320 is arc-shaped. A groove 321 is provided on the inner arc surface of the clamping block 320. The locking member 330 is arranged on the snap ring 310 and is adapted to switch between a pressed state and a separated state with the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320. In the pressed state, the inner side surface of the snap ring 310 presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and the flange of the pressure relief valve 600 and the flange of the connector 500 are embedded in the groove 321. In the separated state, the snap ring 310 is separated from the clamping block 320, and the groove 321 is disengaged from the flange of the pressure relief valve 600 and the flange of the connector 500.

[0058] The clamping device 300 of the embodiment of the present invention mainly consists of a snap ring 310, a clamping block 320, and a locking member 330. The snap ring 310 is an arc-shaped structure, which is adapted to the pressure relief valve 600. The arc-shaped snap ring 310 has an inner arc surface and an outer arc surface. The inner arc surface is recessed inward to form a groove 321. After the flanges of the pressure relief valve 600 and the connector 500 are aligned, the snap ring 310 is installed on the outside of the flange, and the flange is embedded in the groove 321 and clamped in the groove 321, thereby realizing connection and limitation of the pressure relief valve 600 and the connector 500 in the axial direction and preventing separation along the axial direction of the flange. Since the snap ring 310 is arc-shaped, the snap ring 310 can also realize connection and limitation of the pressure relief valve 600 and the connector 500 in the radial direction.

[0059] A locking member 330 is arranged on the snap ring 310, and the snap ring 310 is a circular ring adapted to the arc-shaped clamping block 320. When the clamping device 300 connects the pressure relief valve 600 and the connector 500, the locking member 330 is in the pressed state. At this time, the locking member 330 presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and the inner side surface of the snap ring 310 presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320. The position of the clamping block 320 is fixed by the locking member 330 and the snap ring 310 to realize the stable connection of the pressure relief valve 600 and the connector 500. When the clamping device 300 is disengaged and separated from the pressure relief valve 600 and the connector 500, the locking member 330 is in the separated state. At this time, the locking member 330 leaves the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and the inner side surface of the snap ring 310 is separated from the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320. The locking member 330 and the snap ring 310 no longer fix the position of the clamping block 320 to realize the detachment of the pressure relief valve 600 and the connector 500.

[0060] The clamping device 300 of the present invention has a simple structural composition. During docking, only the clamping block 320 needs to be installed on the outer side of the flange of the filling and draining valve 600 and the connector 500. Then, by pushing the clamping ring 310, the locking component 330 is driven to be pushed axially along the clamping ring 310 to the outer side of the clamping block 320, and the docking and fixing can be achieved. During detachment, only by pulling the clamping ring 310 axially along the clamping ring 310 to separate the clamping ring 310 from the clamping block, the detachment of the filling and draining valve 600 and the connector 500 can be achieved. Thus, the installation and detachment of the clamping device 300 are simplified, the structure of the cryogenic filling and draining connector 500 of the liquid rocket is simple, the operation is convenient, the manual docking force is small, it can be unattended, the safety risk to the operator is reduced, the locking reliability of the clamping device 300 is high, the detachment reliability is high, and it is suitable for the connector 500 to perform zero-second detachment after the rocket takes off to a certain height.

[0061] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the locking component 330 includes a spring piece. The spring piece is connected to the clamping ring 310 and extends along the axial direction of the clamping ring 310 on the inner side surface of the clamping ring 310. The spring piece is adapted to switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the spring piece presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and the clamping ring 310 locks the clamping block 320. In the second position, the spring piece is inclined and deformed outward from the clamping ring 310 to form a set angle with the outer side surface of the clamping ring 310, and the clamping ring 310 unlocks the clamping block 320.

[0062] In this embodiment, the locking component 330 adopts a spring piece. The spring piece has a certain deformation recovery ability. The lower part of the spring piece is fixed on the clamping ring 310, and the upper part and the middle part of the spring piece are the main structures for the action of the spring piece, and extend along the axial direction of the clamping ring 310 within the range of the inner side surface of the clamping ring 310.

[0063] During the installation process of the clamping device 300, the spring piece switches from the second position to the first position, that is, the clamping ring 310 is pushed axially to the outer side of the clamping block 320. The spring piece is inclined and deformed from the inner side surface of the clamping ring 310 to the outer side surface of the clamping ring 310 to a set angle in its extending direction to make way for the clamping block 320 in the moving direction of the clamping ring 310. After the clamping ring 310 moves in place, the spring piece deforms and recovers, and the spring piece can press against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and a certain pressing force is applied to the clamping block 320 through the connecting clamping ring 310 to lock the clamping block 320 to prevent the clamping block 320 from moving, and ensure the connection and fixation of the filling and draining valve 600 and the connector 500.

[0064] During the detachment process of the clamping device 300, the spring piece switches from the first position to the second position, that is, the snap ring 310 moves away from the clamping block 320 along the axial direction. Affected by the position of the clamping block 320, the spring piece is inclined and deformed to a set angle from the inner side surface of the snap ring 310 to the outer side surface of the snap ring 310 in its extending direction, so as to make way for the clamping block 320 in the moving direction of the snap ring 310. After the snap ring 310 moves in place, the spring piece completely leaves the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320 and deforms and recovers. The snap ring 310, the spring piece and the clamping block 320 are separated, and the clamping force on the clamping block 320 cannot be applied anymore, unlocking the clamping block 320 so that the clamping block 320 can move away from the pressure relief valve 600 and the connector 500, ensuring the detachment of the pressure relief valve 600 and the connector 500.

[0065] The locking component 330 does not need to adopt a complex mechanical and pneumatic structure. Only the simple deformation recovery of the spring piece can be used to lock or unlock the clamping block 320, thereby making the composition structure of the clamping device 300 simpler, reducing the weight, volume and manufacturing cost of the device.

[0066] In other embodiments, the locking component 330 can adopt other structures, which can cooperate with the advancing and retracting movements of the snap ring 310 to be installed and detached, and can lock and unlock the clamping block 320 through simple actions.

[0067] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the clamping device 300 further includes a pull rod 340 and a fixed seat 350. The fixed seat 350 is arranged on the snap ring 310. The pull rod 340 is rotatably connected to the fixed seat 350 through a pin shaft 351. The pull rod 340 is adapted to be connected to both the active unlocking rope 410 and the passive unlocking rope 420. In this embodiment, the clamping device 300 is composed of a clamping block 320, a snap ring 310, a locking component 330, a pull rod 340 and a fixed seat 350. The fixed seat 350 is installed on the snap ring 310, and the rotational connection of the pull rod 340 on the fixed seat 350 is realized through the pin shaft 351. Under the action of an external pulling force, the pull rod 340 can rotate around the pin shaft 351.

[0068] The active unlocking rope 410 and the passive unlocking rope 420 are both connected to the pull rod 340, and both can provide external force for the pull rod 340. The connector 500 and the filling and draining valve 600 are connected and locked through the clamping device 300. After filling or draining is completed, the clamping device 300 is unlocked by the rope triggering method formed by the active unlocking rope 410 and the passive unlocking rope 420, so that the clamping device 300, the connector 500 and the filling and draining valve 600 fall off. When unlocking and falling off, the active unlocking rope 410 or the passive unlocking rope 420 triggers an external force acting on the pull rod 340. The pull rod 340 rotates around the pin shaft 351. After rotating to a certain angle, the rope is tightened, applying a tensile force to the snap ring 310, overcoming the elastic force of the spring piece. The spring piece deforms outwardly towards the outside of the snap ring 310, pulling the snap ring 310 off and making it leave the clamping block 320. Then, the clamping block 320 bounces radially outward along the snap ring 310, separating from the flanges of the filling and draining valve 600 and the connector 500, and the connector 500 falls off.

[0069] The active unlocking can be realized by power sources such as cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, and electric drives. Corresponding to the tensile force applied by the active unlocking rope 410 to the pull rod 340 and extending along the axial direction of the snap ring 310, the active unlocking rope 410 is provided with a certain sag amount to adapt to the response time of the active unlocking power source. The passive unlocking is fixed on a firm fixed fulcrum without a power source. Corresponding to the tensile force applied by the passive unlocking rope 420 to the pull rod 340 and extending along the axial direction of the snap ring 310, when the active unlocking fails, the passive unlocking is enabled without relying on an external power source, realizing dual-redundancy unlocking with higher reliability.

[0070] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the pull rod 340 is provided with a first connection hole 341 and a second connection hole 342. The first connection hole 341 is suitable for connecting the active unlocking rope 410, and the second connection hole 342 is suitable for connecting the passive unlocking rope 420. The second connection hole 342 and the first connection hole 341 are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the spring piece.

[0071] In this embodiment, the pull rod 340 is provided with the first connection hole 341 to connect the active unlocking rope 410 and the second connection hole 342 to connect the passive unlocking rope 420. The pull rod 340 has a bent-shaped structure. The bent shape makes the position of the first connection hole 341 closer to the snap ring 310 in the axial direction of the snap ring 310 compared with the second connection hole 342. On the one hand, the first connection hole 341 and the second connection hole 342 can be separated by a certain distance to avoid mutual interference between the active unlocking rope 410 and the passive unlocking rope 420 at the connection position. On the other hand, the sag amount of the passive unlocking rope 420 can be greater than that of the active unlocking rope 410, that is, the active unlocking is implemented first. When the active unlocking fails, the passive unlocking is enabled without relying on an external power source, with higher reliability.

[0072] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the spring piece includes a straight portion 331 and a bent portion 332. One end of the straight portion 331 is connected to the fixed seat 350, and the other end is connected to the bent portion 332. The bent portion 332 bends towards the inner side of the snap ring 310. When the spring piece is in the first position, the straight portion 331 presses against the outer arc surface of the latch 320, and the bent portion 332 presses against the end face of the latch 320.

[0073] In this embodiment, the middle part of the spring piece is the straight portion 331, and the upper part is the bent portion 332. The straight portion 331 extends along the axial direction of the snap ring 310, and the extending end bends to form the bent portion 332. The straight portion 331 fits the outer arc surface of the latch 320, and the bent portion 332 is formed by bending from the outer arc surface of the snap ring 310 towards the end face of the snap ring 310. When the spring piece is in the first position, the straight portion 331 presses against the outer arc surface of the latch 320, and the bent portion 332 presses against the end face of the latch 320. In this way, the straight portion 331 can limit the position of the latch 320 in the radial direction along the snap ring 310, and the bent portion 332 can limit the position of the latch 320 in the axial direction along the snap ring 310. During the process of the spring piece switching between the first position and the second position, the straight portion 331 deforms and tilts, and the bent portion 332 moves from the end face of the latch 320 to the outer arc surface of the latch 320 and can move on the outer arc surface.

[0074] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the inner side surface of the snap ring 310 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes outward along the extending direction of the spring piece. In this embodiment, the inner side surface of the snap ring 310 is configured as an inclined surface, and the inclined surface gradually slopes outward towards the outer side surface along the direction from the straight portion 331 to the bent portion 332 of the spring piece. The inclined surface can make room for the deformation of the spring piece. When the spring piece deforms and tilts by a set angle during the process of switching between the first position and the second position, the inclination angle of the inclined surface is at least the set angle.

[0075] In this embodiment, the inner inclined surface of the snap ring 310 coincides with the outer inclined surface of the latch 320.

[0076] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the side wall of the groove 321 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes inward from the inner arc surface to the outer arc surface of the latch 320. In this embodiment, both side walls of the groove 321 are inclined surfaces, forming a groove shape that gradually shrinks in the radial direction along the snap ring 310. Thus, the groove 321 is a V-shaped groove, which coincides with the flange shapes of the connector 500 and the bleed valve 600, further improving the connection and fixing stability of the groove 321 to the connector 500 and the bleed valve 600.

[0077] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the radian of the clamping block 320 is less than 180°, and there are multiple clamping blocks 320 which are evenly distributed around the axis of the clamping ring 310. In this embodiment, the clamping block 320 is an arc-shaped clamping block 320 with a radian less than 180°, which is arranged around the flanges of the connector 500 and the pressure relief valve 600 and is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, so as to provide locking forces in multiple directions and ensure the balance of the locking forces.

[0078] In this embodiment, two clamping blocks 320 are adopted, and the two clamping blocks 320 are arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction. In other embodiments, the radian and the number of the clamping blocks 320 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0079] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the clamping block 320 is connected to the clamping ring 310 through a connecting rope 360. In this embodiment, each clamping block 320 is connected to the clamping ring 310 through a connecting rope 360. After the clamping block 320 is separated from the connector 500 and the pressure relief valve 600, the connector 500 falls off, and the clamping block 320 is connected to the clamping ring 310 under the action of the connecting rope 360. Thus, the integrity of the clamping device 300 is maintained, which is convenient for recycling.

[0080] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clamping device, characterized in that: It includes a clamping ring, a clamping block and a locking component, the clamping block is in an arc shape, the inner arc surface of the clamping block is provided with a groove, the locking component is arranged on the clamping ring, and the locking component is suitable for switching between a compression state and a separation state with the outer arc surface of the clamping block. In the compression state, the inner side surface of the clamping ring is pressed against the outer arc surface of the clamping block, and the flange of the filling and discharge valve and the flange of the connector are embedded in the groove. In the separation state, the clamping ring is separated from the clamping block, and the groove is separated from the flange of the filling and discharge valve and the flange of the connector.

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking component includes a spring sheet, which is connected to the retaining ring. The spring sheet extends on the inner side surface of the retaining ring along the axial direction of the retaining ring. The spring sheet is suitable for switching between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the spring sheet is pressed against the outer arc surface of the block, and the retaining ring locks the block. In the second position, the spring sheet is tilted and deformed toward the outside of the retaining ring to form a set angle with the outer side surface of the retaining ring, and the retaining ring unlocks the block.

3. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a pull rod and a fixed seat, wherein the fixed seat is arranged on the clamping ring, the pull rod is rotatably connected to the fixed seat via a pin, and the pull rod is suitable for being connected to both the active unlocking rope and the passive unlocking rope.

4. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pull rod is provided with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole, the first connecting hole is suitable for connecting the active unlocking rope, the second connecting hole is suitable for connecting the passive unlocking rope, and the second connecting hole and the first connecting hole are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the spring sheet.

5. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The spring sheet includes a straight portion and a curved portion, one end of the straight portion is connected to the fixing seat, and the other end is connected to the curved portion, the curved portion is bent toward the inner side of the clamping ring, and when the spring sheet is in the first position, the straight portion is pressed against the outer arc surface of the clamping block, and the curved portion is pressed against the end surface of the clamping block.

6. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner side surface of the clamping ring is an inclined surface which gradually inclines outwards along the extending direction of the spring sheet.

7. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the groove is a slope that gradually inclines inward from the inner arc surface of the block to the outer arc surface.

8. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The arc of the clamping block is less than 180°, and there are multiple clamping blocks, which are evenly distributed around the axial direction of the clamping ring.

9. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The clamping block is connected to the clamping ring via a connecting rope.

10. A liquid rocket filling and discharge connector, characterized in that: It comprises a clamping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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