Snap Connection Device and Liquid Rocket Filling and Draining Connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of rocket technology, and more particularly to a clamping device and a liquid rocket charging and discharging connector. The clamping device includes a clamping ring, a clamping block, and a locking component. The clamping block is arc-shaped, and the inner arc surface of the clamping block is provided with a groove. The locking component is provided on the clamping ring, and the locking component is suitable for switching between a compressed state and a separated state with the outer arc surface of the clamping block. In the compressed state, the inner side surface of the clamping ring presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block, and the flange of the charging and discharging valve and the flange of the connector are embedded in the groove. In the separated state, the clamping ring is separated from the clamping block, and the groove is separated from the flange of the charging and discharging valve and the flange of the connector. The clamping device simplifies the installation and removal, making the liquid rocket low-temperature charging and discharging connector simple in structure, easy to operate, and with low manual docking force. It can be unmanned, reducing the safety risks brought to operators.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The cryogenic filling and venting connector is one of the important single-unit equipment in the launch process of liquid carrier rockets. Its main function is to complete the connection between the ground filling system and the rocket system, and is used for the filling or venting of propellant / oxidizer, pre-launch detachment or zero-second detachment and other functions.

[0003] At present, the oxidizer used in traditional domestic liquid carrier rockets is mostly liquid oxygen, and the propellant is mostly liquid hydrogen and liquid methane, both of which are cryogenic media. Cryogenic connectors mostly adopt a three-claw structure and rely on external energy for pneumatic locking. If the external energy system fails, the locking function of the connector will be affected. A few minutes before the rocket takes off, the cylinder needs to drive the claw to unlock and fall off in advance, relying on external energy to unlock. If the external energy system fails, the unlocking and falling off function of the connector will be affected. The unlocking and falling off of the claw requires a certain amount of time to respond, and is not suitable for zero-second falling off. If the launch is postponed or canceled, the connector needs to be manually re-docking, which poses personnel safety risks such as low-temperature frostbite, flammable and explosive materials.

[0004] The eccentric locking structure of the zero-second detachment connector and its connector in the existing technology have a complex structure, the eccentric wheel is difficult to process, the cantilever is long, the structure size is large, the weight is heavy, the docking operation is difficult, and it does not have the function of opening the valve on the arrow. 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, thereby simplifying the installation and removal of the clamping device, making the liquid rocket low-temperature filling and draining connector simple in structure, easy to operate, with small manual docking force, and can be unmanned, reducing the safety risks to operators.

[0006] The present invention provides a clamping device, comprising a clamping ring, a clamping block and a locking component, wherein the clamping block is arc-shaped, 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 loading and unloading 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 loading and unloading valve and the flange of the connector.

[0007] According to a clamping device provided by the present invention, the locking component includes a spring sheet, which is connected to the clamping ring. The spring sheet extends along the axial direction of the clamping ring on the inner side surface of the clamping 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 clamping block, and the clamping ring locks the clamping block. In the second position, the spring sheet is tilted and deformed toward the outside of the clamping ring to form a set angle with the outer side surface of the clamping ring, and the clamping ring unlocks the clamping block.

[0008] According to a clamping device provided by the present invention, it also includes a pull rod and a fixed seat, the fixed seat is arranged on the clamping ring, the pull rod and the fixed seat are rotatably connected via a pin shaft, and the pull rod is suitable for connecting with both the active unlocking rope and the passive unlocking rope.

[0009] According to a clamping device provided by the present invention, 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.

[0010] According to a clamping device provided by the present invention, 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, and the curved portion is bent toward the inner side of the clamping ring. 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 face of the clamping block.

[0011] According to a clamping device provided by the present invention, the inner side surface of the clamping ring is an inclined surface that gradually tilts outward along the extension direction of the spring sheet.

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

[0013] According to a clamping device provided by the present invention, the arc of the clamping block is less than 180°, there are multiple clamping blocks, and the multiple clamping blocks are evenly distributed around the axial direction of the clamping ring.

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

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

[0016] The clamping device of the embodiment of the present invention is mainly composed of a clamping ring, a clamping block and a locking component. The clamping ring is an arc-shaped structure. The clamping ring adapted to the loading and unloading valve and the arc has an inner arc surface and an outer arc surface. The inner arc surface is recessed inward to form a groove. After the flange of the loading and unloading valve and the connector are aligned, 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 limitation of the loading and unloading valve and the connector in the axial direction to avoid separation along the axial direction of the flange. Since the clamping ring is arc-shaped, the clamping ring can also realize connection limitation of the loading and unloading valve and the connector in the radial direction.

[0017] A locking component is provided on the snap ring, which is an annular ring adapted to fit the arc-shaped clamping block. When the clamping device connects the charging / discharging valve and the connector, the locking component is in a compressed state, pressing against the outer arc surface of the clamping block while the inner side of the snap ring presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block. The locking component and the snap ring secure the position of the clamping block to achieve a secure connection between the charging / discharging valve and the connector. When the clamping device is disengaged and separated from the charging / discharging valve and the connector, the locking component is in a disengaged state, separating the locking component from the outer arc surface of the clamping block and the inner side of the snap ring from the outer arc surface of the clamping block. The locking component and the snap ring no longer secure the position of the clamping block, allowing the charging / discharging valve and the connector to fall off.

[0018] The clamping device of the present invention has a simple structure. When docking, it is only necessary to install the clamping block on the outside of the flange of the filling and discharge valve and the connector, and then push the clamping ring to drive the locking component to be pushed to the outside of the clamping block along the axial direction of the clamping ring to achieve docking and fixation. When falling off, 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 achieve the falling off of the filling and discharge valve and the connector, thereby simplifying the installation and falling off of the clamping device, making the liquid rocket low-temperature filling and discharge connector simple in structure, easy to operate, and with small manual docking force. It can be unmanned, reducing the safety risks to operators. The clamping device has high locking reliability and high falling off reliability, and is suitable for zero-second falling off of the connector 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, a brief introduction is given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid rocket refueling and discharge connector provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a valve body of a liquid rocket filling and discharge connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 AA cross-section of

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 BB cross-section diagram;

[0024] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the locking component of the clamping device provided by an embodiment of the present invention in a first position and a second position.

[0025] Reference numerals:

[0026] 100, housing; 110, closed end; 120, open end; 130, cavity; 131, first cavity; 132, second cavity; 140, first shell; 141, first air hole; 142, second air hole; 143, first chamber; 144, second chamber; 150, second shell; 160, cold plate; 170, thermal insulation; 180, liquid medium channel;

[0027] 200, ejector pin; 210, rod body; 211, piston; 212, elastic member; 213, first sealing member; 214, second sealing member; 220, end cap; 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, protrusion; 224, spring-energized sealing ring;

[0028] 300, clamping device; 310, snap ring; 320, clamping block; 321, groove; 330, locking component; 331, straight portion; 332, curved portion; 340, pull rod; 341, first connecting hole; 342, second connecting hole; 350, fixing seat; 351, pin; 360, connecting rope;

[0029] 410, active unlocking of rope; 420, passive unlocking of rope;

[0030] 500, connector;

[0031] 600, charging and discharging valve; 610, valve core; 620, air cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; and direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0036] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations 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 any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, the liquid rocket charging and discharging connector 500 provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes an outer shell 100 and a push rod 200. The outer shell 100 is provided with a relatively closed end 110 and an open end 120. A cavity 130 is provided inside the outer shell 100. The cavity 130 is communicated with the open end 120. The open end 120 is suitable for communicating with the charging and discharging valve 600. The push rod 200 is arranged in the cavity 130. The push rod 200 includes a rod body 210 and an end head 220. The axial direction of the rod body 210 extends from the closed end 110 to the open end 120. The end head 220 is arranged at one end of the rod body 210 close to the open end 120. The end face of the end head 220 facing the charging and discharging valve 600 is provided with a mounting hole 221. The mounting hole 221 is communicated with the cavity 130. A valve body 222 is provided in the mounting hole 221. The valve body 222 is suitable for discharging the medium gas in the charging and discharging valve 600 to the outside of the outer shell 100.

[0038] In the liquid rocket refueling and discharge connector 500 according to 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. The housing 100 has a cavity 130 inside, and the cavity 130 extends to the open end 120. The push rod 200 is arranged 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 an end 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 end head 220. The open end 120 is connected to the housing of the refueling and discharge valve 600, thereby enclosing the air outlet cavity 620 with the open end 120 and the housing of the refueling and discharge valve 600. The push rod 200 can reciprocate along its axial straight line within the cavity 130.

[0039] During the forward movement of the push rod 200, the end head 220 enters the air cavity 620 from the opening of the open end 120 and approaches the valve core 610 of the charging and discharging valve 600 until the end face of the end head 220 contacts the valve core 610, and continues to move forward. The end head 220 pushes the valve core 610 to move synchronously to open the charging and discharging valve 600. During the backward movement of the push rod 200, the end head 220 resets the valve core 610 of the charging and discharging valve 600, and the charging and discharging valve 600 is closed. The end head 220 gradually moves away from the valve core 610 of the charging and discharging valve 600 until the end head 220 returns to the open end 120 from the air cavity 620. The end head 220 is provided with a mounting hole 221 on the end face, and a valve body 222 is provided in the mounting hole 221. By opening the valve body 222, the medium gas in the air cavity 620 can enter the mounting hole 221, and then be discharged into the cavity 130 of the connector 500 through the mounting hole 221, and then be discharged to the outside of the connector 500 through the cavity 130, thereby preventing the low-temperature medium remaining in the air cavity 620 from gasifying and causing the pressure in the air cavity 620 to increase after the valve core 610 of the charging and discharging valve 600 is closed, and avoiding the problem of the closed valve core 610 being opened again due to the increase in pressure in the air cavity 620, further improving the reliability of the switching control of the charging and discharging valve 600 by the connector 500, and ensuring the air tightness of the charging and discharging valve 600 itself.

[0040] It is understandable that, because the butt joint surface of the connector 500 and the charging and discharging valve 600 is provided with a radial universal plug sealing structure, which occupies a certain space, the valve core 610 of the charging and discharging valve 600 and the top rod 200 of the connector 500 are not conveniently designed to be tightly fitted together. Even if the sealing structure of the butt joint surface is changed and the valve core 610 of the charging and discharging valve 600 and the end 220 of the top rod 200 of the connector 500 are fitted together, there is only a theoretical absence of the air cavity 620. In reality, there will still be a very small gap, and a small amount of liquid oxygen will remain, which poses a risk of gasification and pressure increase. Therefore, a valve body 222 needs to be provided.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, according to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the valve body 222 is a one-way valve. In this embodiment, the one-way valve is composed of a steel ball 2221 and a spring 2222. The mounting hole 221 is a stepped hole which is divided into a first hole section 2211, a second hole section 2212 and a third hole section 2213 in the direction from the closed end 110 to the open end 120. The aperture of the first hole section 2211 is smaller than the aperture of the second hole section 2212, and the aperture of the second hole section 2212 is larger than the aperture 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 surface 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 provided in the second hole section 2212. One end of the spring 2222 abuts the end surface 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 the sealing surface 2214.

[0042] When the push rod 200 of the connector 500 is in a closed state, that is, the end head 220 is located at the open end 120, the elastic force of the spring 2222 presses the steel ball 2221 onto the sealing surface 2214 of the mounting hole 221, thereby sealing the cavity 130 of the connector 500. After the connector 500 is docked with the filling and discharge 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 of the air cavity 620 pushes open the steel ball 2221, and the steel ball 2221 compresses the spring 2222. A certain gap is left between the steel ball 2221 and the sealing surface 2214, and the gas flows into the mounting hole from the gap and is discharged into the cavity 130 of the connector 500 through the exhaust hole 2223, and is further discharged into the atmosphere. After exhaust is completed, the pressure in the air cavity 620 decreases, and the spring 2222 returns from the compressed state to the extended state, and then the steel ball 2221 is retracted to abut the sealing surface 2214, thereby realizing the separation and sealing of the cavity 130 and the air cavity 620 again.

[0043] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, a protrusion 223 is provided on the circumferential side surface of the end head 220, and a recessed portion is provided at the open end 120 to match the protrusion 223. The recessed portion extends from the end surface of the open end 120 toward the closed end 110. In this embodiment, the side surface of the end head 220 circumferentially surrounding the axial direction of the ejector pin 200 is the circumferential side surface, and the protrusion 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 protrusion 223, and the recessed portion extends from the end surface of the open end 120 toward the closed end 110. During the reciprocating movement of the ejector pin 200, the protrusion 223 can reciprocate in the recessed portion. That is, when the ejector pin 200 moves forward, the protrusion 223 moves from the recessed portion toward the air cavity 620 until it leaves the recessed portion. When the ejector pin 200 moves backward, the protrusion 223 moves from the air cavity 620 toward the recessed portion until it enters the recessed portion.

[0044] After the charging and discharging valve 600 is closed, the ejector rod 200 resets 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, preventing the ejector rod 200 from continuing to move backward.

[0045] According to one embodiment provided by the present invention, the protrusion 223 is annular in shape and is disposed around the circumferential side surface of the end cap 220. In this embodiment, the protrusion 223 extends and circumferentially extends around the circumferential side surface, forming an annular protrusion 223 circumferentially surrounding the end cap 220. Correspondingly, an annular recess is also provided on the end surface of the open end 120 of the housing to cooperate with the annular protrusion 223.

[0046] In other embodiments, the protrusion 223 may be one or more discontinuous structures distributed around the peripheral side of the end head 220. In this embodiment, the protrusion 223 and the end head 220 are an integral structure. In other embodiments, the protrusion 223 and the end head 220 may be independently connected structures.

[0047] According to one embodiment provided by the present invention, the protrusion 223 is provided with a first inclined surface, which gradually tilts outward 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 peripheral side surface of the end head 220 is the first inclined surface. When the end head 220 is cylindrical, the first inclined surface tilts radially outward from the closed end 110 to the open end 120, that is, the protrusion 223 is tapered as a whole, and its cross-section is triangular. The inner surface of the corresponding recessed portion is also constructed with a second inclined surface, and the inclination and location of the second inclined surface both match those of the first inclined surface. The cooperation between the first and second inclined surfaces can limit the position of the ejector pin 200 while ensuring the structural strength of the cooperation between the protrusion 223 and the recessed portion.

[0048] In other embodiments, the peripheral side surface of the protrusion 223 may also be partially an inclined surface, that is, a structure consisting of a combination of an inclined surface and a horizontally extending surface.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a spring-energized sealing ring 224 is provided between the circumferential side surface of the end cap 220 and the inner circumferential surface of the open end 120. In this embodiment, the circumferential side surface of the end cap 220 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the open end 120. To ensure a seal between the end cap 220 of the ejector pin 200 and the housing 100, the spring-energized sealing ring 224 is provided between the end cap 220 and the open end 120.

[0050] Conventional plastic heat-pressing rings are made by pressing plastic onto a metal part, creating a plastic-metal composite. This requires a complex pressing process and a high scrap rate. If the plastic sealing band is damaged, the composite part must be returned to the factory for repair, resulting in a long repair cycle. However, the spring-energized sealing ring 224 of the present invention is a standard part, and the machined parts that match it only need to be dimensioned accordingly, making it easy to manufacture. If the spring-energized sealing ring 224 is damaged, the damaged part can be removed and replaced with a new one.

[0051] The spring energy storage seal ring 224 is used to replace the traditional plastic heat-pressed ring seal, which is suitable for low-temperature conditions and meets the requirements of the low-temperature medium to be filled, reduces the requirements for thermal insulation and cold insulation, has a simplified structure, is easy to process, is easy to replace seals, and is more convenient to maintain.

[0052] In this embodiment, the spring energy storage sealing ring 224 is arranged at a position on the circumferential side of the end head 220 where the protrusion 223 is not arranged, and is arranged around the circumference of the end head 220. In other embodiments, the spring energy storage sealing ring 224 can also be arranged on the surface of the protrusion 223, or on the inner side surface of the open end 120.

[0053] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the cavity 130 includes a first cavity 131 and a second cavity 132 arranged in sequence and connected along the direction from the closed end 110 to the open end 120, the 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, and the 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 connected to the first chamber 143, and the second air hole 142 is connected to the second chamber 144.

[0054] 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 connected in sequence, and the rod body 210 passes through the first cavity 131 to the second cavity 132 to reach the opening, wherein the second cavity 132 is used as a liquid medium storage strong, and the second wall is connected to the shell 100 to construct a medium entry channel. A piston 211 is arranged in the first cavity 131, and the piston 211 is fixed to the end of the rod body 210 by a threaded connection. Therefore, the two ends of the rod body 210 are the piston 211 and the end head 220 respectively. The outer side surface of the piston 211 contacts the inner wall of the first cavity 131, so that the first cavity 131 on both sides of the axial direction of the piston 211 is respectively the first chamber 143 and the second chamber 144. The first air hole 141 of the shell structure is connected to the first chamber 143, and the second air hole 142 of the shell structure is connected to the second chamber 144.

[0055] Air is supplied to the first chamber 143 through the first air hole 141, and the pressure in the first chamber 143 increases, pushing the piston 211 forward, and the second chamber 144 is compressed and exhausted through the second air hole 142, thereby driving the push rod 200 to move forward, pushing the valve core 610 to open the charging and discharging valve 600, and air is supplied to the second chamber 144 through the second air hole 142, and the pressure in the second chamber 144 increases, pushing the piston 211 backward, and the first chamber 143 is compressed and exhausted through the first air hole 141, thereby driving the push rod 200 to move backward, away from the valve core 610, and closing the charging and discharging valve 600.

[0056] 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 push rod 200. Compared with the traditional method of pushing the push rod 200 to move and open the filling and discharge valve 600 by the intake pressure, and pushing the push rod 200 to move and close the filling and discharge valve 600 by the spring restoring force, the connector 500 of the present invention drives the push rod 200 to move back and forth through pneumatic control. The cooperation of 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 precise. The connector 500 is more sensitive to the filling control of the filling and discharge valve 600.

[0057] 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 .

[0058] According to one 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 face of the piston 211 facing the second chamber 144. The elastic member 212 abuts against the end face of the housing constituting the second chamber 144. The expansion and contraction direction of the elastic member 212 is the movement direction of the ejector pin 200.

[0059] Air is supplied to the first chamber 143 through the first air hole 141, and the pressure in the first chamber 143 increases, pushing the piston 211 forward, and the elastic member 212 is compressed synchronously. The second chamber 144 is compressed and exhausted through the second air hole 142, thereby driving the push rod 200 to move forward, pushing the valve core 610 to open the charging and discharging valve 600, and air is supplied to the second chamber 144 through the second air hole 142, and the pressure in the second chamber 144 increases, pushing the piston 211 backward, and the elastic member 212 is stretched synchronously. The first chamber 143 is compressed and exhausted through the first air hole 141, thereby driving the push rod 200 to move backward, away from the valve core 610, and closing the charging and discharging valve 600.

[0060] The elastic force accumulated by the elastic member 212 during the process of the push rod 200 moving forward to open the charging and discharging valve 600, and the restoring force of the elastic member 212 during the process of the push rod 200 moving backward to close the charging and discharging valve 600, generate a thrust on the piston 211, and assist the pneumatic force to act on the piston 211, thereby helping the piston 211 and the push rod 200 to reset.

[0061] In this embodiment, the elastic member 212 can be a coil spring. The piston 211 is provided with a mounting groove along its axial direction, and the end of the elastic member 212 enters the mounting groove and is connected to the bottom surface of the mounting groove.

[0062] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the housing 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 an insulating member 170.

[0063] In this embodiment, the housing 100 is primarily composed of a first shell 140 and a second shell 150. The first shell 140 defines a first cavity 131, a first air hole 141, and a second air hole 142. The second shell 150 defines a second cavity 132, a liquid medium passage 180, an open end 120, and a transition passage connecting the first cavity 131 and the second cavity 132. One end of the first shell 140 is closed, serving as the closed end 110 of the housing 100, while the other end is open and communicates with the end of the transition passage of the second shell 150.

[0064] An annular cold-isolating plate 160 is provided 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 constitutes a cylinder structure, and the second shell 150 and the push rod 200 constitute the main structure of the connector 500. Therefore, the present invention is equivalent to providing a cold-isolating plate 160 only between the shell of the connector 500 and the shell of the cylinder, and there is no need to provide a cold-isolating structure on the push rod 200, which effectively shortens the length of the push rod 200, not only reducing the size of the push rod 200, but also making the structural size of the entire connector 500 smaller and lighter.

[0065] In this embodiment, a second sealing member 214 is provided 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 .

[0066] According to one embodiment provided by the present invention, the open end 120 and the charging and discharging valve 600 are detachably connected via a clamping device 300. In this embodiment, the open end 120 of the housing 100 can be configured as a flange, and the end of the housing of the charging and discharging valve 600 connected to the open end 120 can also be configured as a flange. The open end 120 and the charging and discharging valve 600 are connected via the clamping device 300. During the rocket's pre-takeoff filling process, the connector 500 is connected to the charging and discharging valve 600 via the clamping device 300. After the rocket takes off to a certain altitude, the clamping device 300 is separated from the charging and discharging valve 600, allowing the connector 500 to be disconnected from the charging and discharging valve 600 in zero seconds.

[0067] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the clamping device 300 provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a clamping ring 310, a clamping block 320 and a locking component 330. The clamping block 320 is arc-shaped, and the inner arc surface of the clamping block 320 is provided with a groove 321. The locking component 330 is arranged on the clamping ring 310. The locking component 330 is suitable for switching between a compressed state and a separated state with the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320. In the compressed state, the inner side surface of the clamping ring 310 is pressed against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and the flange of the loading and unloading valve 600 and the flange of the connector 500 are embedded in the groove 321. In the separated state, the clamping ring 310 is separated from the clamping block 320, and the groove 321 is separated from the flange of the loading and unloading valve 600 and the flange of the connector 500.

[0068] The clamping device 300 of the embodiment of the present invention is mainly composed of a clamping ring 310, a clamping block 320 and a locking component 330. The clamping ring 310 is an arc-shaped structure, which is adapted to the charging and discharging valve 600. The arc-shaped clamping ring 310 has an inner arc surface and an outer arc surface, and the inner arc surface is recessed inward to form a groove 321. After the flange of the charging and discharging valve 600 and the connector 500 are aligned, the clamping 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 limitation of the charging and discharging valve 600 and the connector 500 in the axial direction to avoid separation along the axial direction of the flange. Since the clamping ring 310 is arc-shaped, the clamping ring 310 can also realize connection limitation of the charging and discharging valve 600 and the connector 500 in the radial direction.

[0069] A locking member 330 is provided on the snap ring 310. The snap ring 310 is annular and fits the arc-shaped clamping block 320. When the clamping device 300 connects the charging / discharging valve 600 and the connector 500, the locking member 330 is in a compressed state. At this time, the locking member 330 presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and the inner side of the snap ring 310 presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320. The locking member 330 and the snap ring 310 fix the position of the clamping block 320, thereby achieving a stable connection between the charging / discharging valve 600 and the connector 500. When the clamping device 300 is disengaged and separated from the filling and discharge valve 600 and the connector 500, the locking component 330 is in a separated state. At this time, the locking component 330 leaves the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and the inner side surface of the clamping ring 310 is separated from the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320. The locking component 330 and the clamping ring 310 no longer fix the position of the clamping block 320, so as to realize the detachment of the filling and discharge valve 600 and the connector 500.

[0070] The clamping device 300 of the present invention has a simple structure. During docking, it is only necessary to install the clamping block 320 on the outer side of the flange of the loading and discharging valve 600 and the connector 500, and then push the clamping ring 310 to drive the locking component 330 to be pushed axially along the clamping ring 310 to the outer side of the clamping block 320 to achieve docking and fixation. When falling off, it is only necessary to pull the clamping ring 310 axially along the clamping ring 310 to separate the clamping ring 310 from the clamping block, so that the loading and discharging valve 600 and the connector 500 can be fallen off. This simplifies the installation and falling off of the clamping device 300, and makes the liquid rocket low-temperature loading and discharging connector 500 simple in structure, easy to operate, and with small manual docking force. It can be unmanned, reducing the safety risks to operators. The clamping device 300 has high locking reliability and high falling off reliability, and is suitable for zero-second falling off of the connector 500 after the rocket takes off to a certain height.

[0071] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the locking component 330 includes a spring sheet, which is connected to the retaining ring 310. The spring sheet extends along the axial direction of the retaining ring 310 on the inner side surface of the retaining ring 310. 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 clamping block 320, and the retaining ring 310 locks the clamping block 320. In the second position, the spring sheet is tilted and deformed toward the outside of the retaining ring 310 to form a set angle with the outer side surface of the retaining ring 310, and the retaining ring 310 unlocks the clamping block 320.

[0072] In this embodiment, the locking component 330 adopts a spring sheet, which has a certain deformation recovery ability. The lower part of the spring sheet is fixed on the retaining ring 310, and the upper and middle parts of the spring sheet are the main structure of the spring sheet, extending along the axial direction of the retaining ring 310 within the inner side surface of the retaining ring 310.

[0073] During installation of the clamping device 300, the spring sheet switches from the second position to the first position. That is, the clamping ring 310 is pushed axially to the outside of the clamping block 320. The spring sheet is deformed in its extension direction from the inner side of the clamping ring 310 to the outer side of the clamping ring 310 to a set angle, thereby giving way relative to the clamping block 320 in the direction of movement of the clamping ring 310. After the clamping ring 310 is moved into place, the spring sheet recovers its deformation and can be pressed against the outer curved surface of the clamping block 320, exerting a certain pressure on the connecting clamping ring 310 and the clamping block 320, locking the clamping block 320 to prevent it from moving and ensuring the secure connection between the charging and discharging valve 600 and the connector 500.

[0074] During the disengagement process of the clamping device 300, the spring sheet switches from the first position to the second position, i.e., the clamping ring 310 moves away from the clamping block 320 in the axial direction. Influenced by the position of the clamping block 320, the spring sheet is deformed to a set angle in its extension direction, from the inner side surface of the clamping ring 310 to the outer side surface of the clamping ring 310, so as to give way relative to the clamping block 320 in the moving direction of the clamping ring 310. After the clamping ring 310 moves into place, the spring sheet completely leaves the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and the deformation is restored. The clamping ring 310, spring sheet, and clamping block 320 are separated, and no longer exert a compressive force on the clamping block 320. The clamping block 320 is unlocked, allowing it to move away from the charging and discharging valve 600 and the connector 500, ensuring that the charging and discharging valve 600 and the connector 500 are detached.

[0075] The locking component 330 does not need to adopt a complex mechanical pneumatic structure, and only requires simple deformation and recovery of the spring sheet to achieve locking or unlocking of the clamping block 320, thereby making the component structure of the clamping device 300 simpler and reducing the weight, volume and manufacturing cost of the device.

[0076] In other embodiments, the locking component 330 may adopt other structures, and can be installed and removed in coordination with the forward and backward movements of the snap ring 310, so that the locking block 320 can be locked and unlocked through simple movements.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling device 300 further includes a pull rod 340 and a fixed seat 350. The fixed seat 350 is mounted on the clasp 310. The pull rod 340 and the fixed seat 350 are rotatably connected via a pin 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 coupling device 300 comprises a clamping block 320, a clasp 310, a locking component 330, a pull rod 340, and a fixed seat 350. The fixed seat 350 is mounted on the clasp 310. The pull rod 340 is rotatably connected to the fixed seat 350 via a pin 351. Under the action of an external pulling force, the pull rod 340 can rotate about the pin 351.

[0078] The active unlocking rope 410 and the passive unlocking rope 420 are both connected to the pull rod 340 and can provide external force to the pull rod 340. The connector 500 and the filling and discharge valve 600 are connected and locked through the clamping device 300. After the filling or discharge 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 discharge valve 600 fall off. When unlocking and falling off, the active unlocking rope 410 or the passive unlocking rope 420 triggers an external force to act on the pull rod 340, and the pull rod 340 rotates around the pin shaft 351. After rotating to a certain angle, the rope is tightened, exerting tension on the clamping ring 310, overcoming the elastic force of the spring sheet, and the spring sheet deforms toward the outside of the clamping ring 310, pulling the clamping ring 310 away from the block 320, and then the block 320 bounces radially outward along the clamping ring 310, separating from the flanges of the filling and discharge valve 600 and the connector 500, and the connector 500 falls off.

[0079] Active unlocking can be achieved by power sources such as air cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, and electric drives. The corresponding active unlocking rope 410 applies a pulling force extending axially along the retaining ring 310 to the pull rod 340. The active unlocking rope 410 sets a certain overhang amount to adapt to the response time of the active unlocking power source. The passive unlocking is fixed on a firm fixed support point without a power source. The corresponding passive unlocking rope 420 applies a pulling force extending axially along the retaining ring 310 to the pull rod 340. When the active unlocking fails, the passive unlocking is enabled without relying on an external power source, realizing dual redundant unlocking and higher reliability.

[0080] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the pull rod 340 is provided with a first connecting hole 341 and a second connecting hole 342. The first connecting hole 341 is suitable for connecting the active unlocking rope 410, and the second connecting hole 342 is suitable for connecting the passive unlocking rope 420. The second connecting hole 342 and the first connecting hole 341 are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the spring sheet.

[0081] In this embodiment, the pull rod 340 is provided with a first connecting hole 341 to connect the active unlocking rope 410, and a second connecting hole 342 to connect the passive unlocking rope 420. The pull rod 340 is a bent structure. The bent shape makes the position of the first connecting hole 341 in the axial direction of the retaining ring 310 closer to the retaining ring 310 than the second connecting hole 342. On the one hand, the positions of the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting 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 overhang of the passive unlocking rope 420 can be made greater than the overhang of the active unlocking rope 410, that is, active unlocking is implemented first, and when the active unlocking fails, passive unlocking is enabled. It does not rely on an external power source and has higher reliability.

[0082] According to an embodiment provided by the present invention, the spring sheet includes a straight portion 331 and a curved portion 332. One end of the straight portion 331 is connected to the fixing seat 350, and the other end is connected to the curved portion 332. The curved portion 332 bends toward the inner side of the retaining ring 310. When the spring sheet is in the first position, the straight portion 331 is pressed against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, and the curved portion 332 is pressed against the end face of the clamping block 320.

[0083] In this embodiment, the spring leaf has a straight portion 331 in the middle and a curved portion 332 in the upper portion. The straight portion 331 extends axially along the snap ring 310 and curves at its distal end to form the curved portion 332. The straight portion 331 conforms to the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, while the curved portion 332 is formed by bending from the outer arc surface of the snap ring 310 toward the end surface of the snap ring 310. When the spring leaf is in the first position, the straight portion 331 presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320, while the curved portion 332 presses against the end surface of the clamping block 320. As a result, the straight portion 331 restrains the clamping block 320 in the radial direction of the snap ring 310, while the curved portion 332 restrains the clamping block 320 in the axial direction of the snap ring 310. During the transition between the first and second positions, the straight portion 331 deforms and tilts, while the curved portion 332 moves from the end surface of the clamping block 320 to the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320 and can move along the outer arc surface.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner side of the retaining ring 310 is a sloped surface that gradually slopes outward along the extension direction of the spring leaf. In this embodiment, the inner side of the retaining ring 310 is configured as a sloped surface that gradually slopes outward from the straight portion 331 to the curved portion 332 of the spring leaf. The sloped surface allows space for deformation of the spring leaf. When the spring leaf deforms and tilts by a set angle during the transition between the first and second positions, the sloped surface is at least the set angle.

[0085] In this embodiment, the inner bevel of the snap ring 310 matches the outer bevel of the clamping block 320 .

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sidewalls of groove 321 are inclined surfaces that gradually slope inward from the inner arc surface to the outer arc surface of the clamping block 320. In this embodiment, both sidewalls of groove 321 are inclined surfaces, forming a groove that gradually contracts along the radial direction of the clamping ring 310. As a result, groove 321 is a V-shaped groove that matches the flange shape of the connector 500 and the charging and discharging valve 600, further improving the connection and fixing stability of groove 321 to the connector 500 and the charging and discharging valve 600.

[0087] According to one embodiment provided by the present invention, the arc of the clamping block 320 is less than 180°, and there are multiple clamping blocks 320, which are evenly distributed axially around the clamping ring 310. In this embodiment, the clamping blocks 320 are arc-shaped clamping blocks 320 with an arc angle of less than 180°, and are arranged around the flanges of the connector 500 and the filling and discharge valve 600, and are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, thereby providing locking force in multiple directions and ensuring balanced locking force.

[0088] In this embodiment, two clamping blocks 320 are used, and the two clamping blocks 320 are arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction. In other embodiments, the curvature and number of the clamping blocks 320 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping block 320 is connected to the clamping ring 310 via a connecting rope 360. In this embodiment, each clamping block 320 is connected to the clamping ring 310 via a connecting rope 360. After the clamping block 320 is separated from the connector 500 and the charging / discharging valve 600, the connector 500 falls off, and the clamping block 320 is connected to the clamping ring 310 by the connecting rope 360. This maintains the integrity of the clamping device 300 and facilitates recycling.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clamping device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a clamping ring, a clamping block and a locking component, wherein the clamping block is arc-shaped, 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 compressed state and a separated state with the outer arc surface of the clamping block. In the compressed state, the inner side surface of the clamping ring presses against the outer arc surface of the clamping block, and the flange of the loading and unloading valve and the flange of the connector are embedded in the groove. In the separated state, the clamping ring is separated from the clamping block, and the groove is separated from the flange of the loading and unloading valve and the flange of the connector; when the clamping device is disengaged and separated from the loading and unloading valve and the connector, the locking component is in a separated state, at which 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.

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 along the axial direction of the retaining ring on the inner side surface 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 clamping block, and the retaining ring locks the clamping 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 clamping block.

3. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a pull rod and a fixing seat, the fixing seat is arranged on the clamping ring, the pull rod and the fixing seat are rotatably connected through a pin shaft, 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, and the curved portion is bent toward the inner side of the clamping ring. 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 face 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 that gradually tilts outward 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 an inclined surface that gradually tilts inward from the inner arc surface to the outer arc surface of the clamping block.

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: The invention comprises a clamping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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