Automatic inflation device and method for photoelectric pod

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of inflation devices, in particular to an automatic inflation device and method for a photoelectric pod, and the automatic inflation device comprises an inflation assembly, a ventilation adjusting assembly and an air valve which are sequentially connected in a ventilation mode. The inner space of the ventilation adjusting assembly is in a drum-shaped shaft shape and sequentially comprises a first gas receiving space, a second compression space and a third gas conveying space in the gas running direction. In the first air receiving space, the telescopic air charging head of the air charging assembly is in contact with one end of the ejector pin in the first air receiving space of the ventilation adjusting assembly; in the second compression space, the other end of the ejector pin is sleeved with a compression spring. One end of the compression spring is in contact with one side of a lug boss vertical to the axial direction on the ejector pin, and the other end of the compression spring is in contact with the pipe wall close to the third gas transmission space, so that the compression spring is limited in the second compression space; and in the third gas transmission space, the other end of the ejector pin is movably connected with one end of a gas valve. During air inflation, continuous manual pressing is not needed, and the problem that an air exchange gun or an air valve is damaged due to manual operation is solved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of inflating devices, in particular to an automatic inflating device and method for an optoelectronic pod. BACKGROUND

[0002] An airborne optoelectronic pod is often applied to platforms such as helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, and has a high flight altitude and a large temperature difference in the working environment of the optoelectronic pod. Therefore, a dry gas environment needs to be maintained in the pod to prevent the occurrence of frosting and fogging in the pod. For this purpose, the optoelectronic pod is usually inflated in the prior art, and a common way is to use a handheld air exchange gun to aim at a gas valve installed on a shell to perform continuous air exchange. However, this way has many disadvantages: 1) manual continuous pressing of the air exchange gun is extremely labor-intensive; 2) due to a long air exchange time, the operator's operation of holding the air exchange gun is prone to problems of force tilting or uneven force, which causes damage to the air exchange gun or the gas valve.

[0003] Therefore, the technical personnel in the field urgently need to provide a new automatic inflating device and method for an optoelectronic pod to improve the technical problems existing in the prior art. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the present application aims to overcome the defects in the prior art and provide an automatic inflating device and method for an optoelectronic pod.

[0005] An automatic inflating device for an optoelectronic pod comprises: an inflating assembly, an air exchange adjusting assembly, and a gas valve connected in sequence. The internal space of the air exchange adjusting assembly is in the shape of a drum shaft, and sequentially comprises a first gas receiving space, a second compression space, and a third gas conveying space in the gas running direction. In the first gas receiving space: the telescopic inflating head of the inflating assembly is in contact with one end of the thimble in the first gas receiving space and the second compression space of the air exchange adjusting assembly, so that the first gas outlet on the thimble perpendicular to the axial direction moves in the telescopic amount of the telescopic inflating head, to realize the closing or conduction of the first gas outlet. In the second compression space: the other end of the thimble is externally sleeved with a compression spring; one end of the compression spring is in contact with one side of the protruding part on the thimble perpendicular to the axial direction, and the other end is in contact with the pipe wall close to the third gas conveying space, so that the compression spring is limited in the second compression space. In the third gas conveying space: the other end of the thimble is movably connected with one end of the gas valve, so that the thimble is inserted into or pulled out of the gas valve under the action of the telescopic inflating head or the compression spring, until the gas passage of the gas valve is conducted or closed.

[0006] Preferably, the telescopic amount of the telescopic inflating head is equal to the displacement amount of the first gas outlet. The diameter of the first air receiving space is matched with the diameter of the one end of the thimble, so that when the first air outlet is completely in the first air receiving space, the tube wall of the first air receiving space seals the first air outlet.

[0007] Preferably, the thimble comprises a first circular table, a first connecting pipe, a second circular table and a second connecting rod which are fixedly connected in sequence on the same axis of symmetry. The first circular table is provided with a central through hole which is communicated with the telescopic inflation head; the first air outlet is vertically provided on the axial direction of the first connecting pipe, and the first air outlet is in communication with the central through hole of the first circular table. The second circular table is provided with a plurality of second air outlets which are in communication with the first air outlet. The two ends of the second connecting rod are in a sealed structure.

[0008] Preferably, the diameter of the one end of the second connecting rod close to the air valve is smaller than the inlet diameter of the air valve, so that the second connecting rod and the air valve are in clearance fit.

[0009] Preferably, the air valve is installed in the embedded reserved hole provided on the spherical cabin shell of the photoelectric pod. The air exchange adjusting assembly is in threaded connection with the inner wall of the embedded reserved hole.

[0010] Preferably, a limiting ring is further arranged in the first air receiving space; the sizes of the two ends of the limiting ring are matched with the size of the output end of the telescopic inflation head and the size of the contact end of the thimble and the telescopic inflation head. The outer surface of the limiting ring is fixedly connected with the tube wall of the first air receiving space, and the limiting ring and the first air receiving space are in the same height close to the inflation assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the air exchange adjusting assembly further comprises a sealing ring. The top cover of the air exchange adjusting assembly is provided with an annular step close to the limiting ring. The sealing ring is arranged in a sealing groove formed by the annular step and the cantilevered annular flange at one end of the limiting ring.

[0012] An automatic inflation method for a photoelectric pod is achieved by using an automatic inflation device for a photoelectric pod.

[0013] The technical scheme of the present application has the following advantages: The device of the present application does not need to be continuously pressed by hand when inflating, and based on the basis of not needing to be pressed by hand, the problem that the operation personnel holding the air exchange gun is prone to tilting or uneven force, which leads to damage of the air exchange gun or the air valve, is completely avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or prior art of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the specific embodiments or prior art description will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and all other drawings obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on these drawings also belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0015] Figure 1 Schematic view of the overall device of Example 1 mounted to the ball housing; Figure 2 Exploded view of the overall device structure of Example 1; Figure 3 Internal starting position view of the overall device of Example 1; Figure 4 Internal inflated position view of the overall device of Example 1; Figure 5 Schematic view of the thimble structure of Example 1; Figure 6 Schematic view of the thimble structure of Example 1; Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the thimble shown.

[0016] Explanation of reference signs: 1-ball housing, 2-air valve, 3-gas exchange regulating assembly, 4-inflation assembly, 301-gas exchange device base, 302-thimble, 303-compression spring, 304-gas exchange device upper cover, 305-sealing ring, 306-limiting ring, 401-inflation connector seat, 402- telescopic inflation head, 403-inflation tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The technical solutions of the present application will be described clearly and completely in combination with the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0018] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and the like are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0021] Example 1 This embodiment discloses an automatic inflation device for a photoelectric pod, comprising: an inflation assembly 4, an air exchange regulating assembly 3, and an air valve 2 connected in sequence for air circulation; as shown below. Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the installation of the entire device in this embodiment onto the spherical chamber of the photoelectric pod to be inflated; Figure 1 Specifically, the gas valve 2 is installed in the embedded reserved hole on the outer shell 1 of the photoelectric pod. The ventilation regulating component 3 is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the embedded pre-drilled hole; such as Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure assembly. It should be noted that the gas valve 2 used in this embodiment is a standard part, capable of maintaining a sealed, airtight environment inside and outside the sphere under static conditions. When ventilation is required, the valve core inside gas valve 2 needs to be pressed to allow air to pass through.

[0022] It should be noted that, in this field, the inflation of the optoelectronic pod is essentially a form of ventilation maintenance.

[0023] Specifically: like Figures 3-4 As shown, the ventilation adjustment assembly 3 includes: a ventilation device base 301, a pin 302, a compression spring 303, a ventilation device upper cover 304, and a sealing ring 305. The ventilation device base 301 and the ventilation device upper cover 304 are fixedly connected by several bolts with dimensions M3×6, forming the outer shell of the ventilation adjustment assembly 3. The machining precision ensures the concentricity of their positions after connection. When the two are fitted together, sealant is applied to the contact points to ensure no gas leakage during inflation. Since both the upper cover 304 of the ventilation device and the inner wall of the base 301 of the ventilation device are designed with protrusions and grooves respectively, the internal space of the ventilation adjustment component 3 is in the shape of a drum shaft, and in the order of gas running direction, it consists of the first air receiving space, the second compression space and the third air conveying space. In the first air inlet space: the telescopic inflation head 402 of the inflation assembly 4 contacts one end of the first air inlet space of the air exchange adjustment assembly 3 and the ejector pin 302, so that the first air outlet on the ejector pin 302 perpendicular to the axial direction moves between the first air inlet space and the second compression space based on the telescopic inflation head 402, thereby achieving the sealing or opening of the first air outlet. Within the second compression space: a compression spring 303 is sleeved on the other end of the ejector pin 302; one end of the compression spring 303 contacts the side of the protrusion perpendicular to the axial direction on the ejector pin 302, and the other end contacts the pipe wall near the third gas delivery space, so that the compression spring 303 is confined within the second compression space; it should be noted that in actual manufacturing, it is necessary to ensure that the compression spring 303 can freely extend and retract within the air exchange device base 301; the outer diameter of the compression spring 303 is the same as the diameter of the second compression space to ensure that the compression spring 303 will not tilt or other issues. In the third gas supply space: the other end of the ejector pin 302 is movably connected to one end of the gas valve 2, so that the ejector pin 302 can be inserted into or pulled out of the gas valve 2 under the action of the telescopic inflation head 402 or the compression spring 303, until the gas passage of the gas valve 2 is opened or closed.

[0024] In this embodiment, the inflation assembly 4 consists of an inflation connector 401, a telescopic inflation head 402, and an inflation tube 403; wherein, the inflation connector 401 is sleeved on the outside of the telescopic inflation head 402, and the telescopic inflation head 402 slides inside the inflation connector 401 based on manual operation. The dimension of the telescopic inflation head 402 near the first air inlet space is less than the dimension of the connection end between the telescopic inflation head 402 and the inflation tube 403. The inflation connector 401 is installed on the upper cover 304 of the ventilation device by several M5×10 bolts, and is located on the same axis of symmetry as the ventilation adjustment component 3, so that the output end of the telescopic inflation head 402 contacts the pin 302 in the first air inlet space, thus laying the foundation for gas conduction. It should be noted that in practical applications, the telescopic inflation head 402 may be limited to telescopic limit relative to the inflation connector seat 401 by means of snap-fit ​​telescopic limit, frictional telescopic limit, and threaded adjustment limit, etc., as long as it does not affect the basic air supply function.

[0025] Specifically, in this embodiment, frictional force is used for telescopic extension and limitation. There is a limiting frictional force between the telescopic inflation head 402 and the inflation connector seat 401. In actual application, the amount of extension and contraction is controlled by manually pressing or pulling out.

[0026] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the extension and retraction of the telescopic inflation head 402 is equal to the displacement of the first air outlet. The diameter of the first air receiving space is matched with the diameter of one end of the thimble 302, so that when the first air outlet is completely in the first air receiving space, the tube wall of the first air receiving space seals the first air outlet.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2-6 The thimble 302 comprises a first circular table, a first connecting pipe, a second circular table and a second connecting rod which are fixedly connected in sequence along the same symmetry axis. The first circular table is provided with a central through hole which is in communication with the telescopic inflation head 402; the first air outlet is vertically provided on the first connecting pipe in the axial direction, and the first air outlet is in communication with the central through hole of the first circular table. The second circular table is provided with a plurality of second air outlets which are in communication with the first air outlet. The second connecting rod is provided with a sealing structure at both ends.

[0028] In addition, in the embodiment, the diameter of the end of the second connecting rod close to the air valve 2 is smaller than the diameter of the inlet of the air valve 2, so that the second connecting rod and the air valve 2 are in clearance fit.

[0029] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, the limiting ring 306 is further arranged in the first air receiving space. The outer surface of the limiting ring 306 is fixedly connected with the tube wall of the first air receiving space, and the limiting ring 306 and the first air receiving space are in the same height at the end close to the inflation assembly 4; the sizes of both ends of the limiting ring 306 are matched with the size of the output end of the telescopic inflation head 402 and the size of the contact end of the thimble 302 and the telescopic inflation head 402.

[0030] In order to reduce the leakage of the gas, the air exchange regulating assembly 3 further comprises a sealing ring 305. The top cover of the air exchange regulating assembly 3 is provided with an annular step close to the limiting ring 306. The sealing ring 305 is arranged in a sealing groove formed by the annular step and the cantilevered annular flange at one end of the limiting ring 306.

[0031] Embodiment 2 The embodiment further discloses an automatic inflation method for the electro-optical pod based on the embodiment 1, and the automatic inflation device for the electro-optical pod in the embodiment 1 is applied. The specific working process is as follows: Preparation work: Pre-assemble all components of the air exchange adjusting assembly 3: when air exchange operation is needed, load the compression spring 303 into the second compression space, keep the spring free to stretch, assemble the plunger 302 and the compression spring 303, and make sure the second circular platform and the second connecting rod of the plunger 302 are also in the second compression space, then connect and fix the air exchange device upper cover 304 with the air exchange device base 301 through screws after confirming that the plunger 302 can freely move in the air exchange device base 301.

[0032] Pre-assemble the air valve 2 in the embedded reserved hole on the spherical cabin shell 1; Installation work: S1. Tighten and fix the air exchange adjusting assembly 3 with the air exchange device base 301 outer thread with the inner wall of the embedded reserved hole on the spherical cabin shell 1, make sure the plunger 302 contacts the air valve 2 during the screwing process, but do not press the valve core of the air valve 2, as shown in Figure 3 .

[0033] S2. Assemble the inflation connector seat 401 and the telescopic inflation head 402, make sure the telescopic inflation head 402 freely slides in the inflation connector seat 401, and fix the inflation pipe 403 with the telescopic inflation head 402. After the inflation assembly 4 is assembled, fix the inflation assembly 4 on the air exchange adjusting assembly 3 through two M5x10 bolts; S3. After all components are fixed, perform inflation operation: Only need to manually press the telescopic inflation head 402 to the position shown in Figure 4 , press the plunger 302 through force, and then sequentially press the valve core of the air valve 2 to open, so that the inflation channel is formed to perform inflation operation. The device of embodiment 1 does not need to be continuously pressed by hand during the inflation process until the inflation is completed.

[0034] S4. When the air exchange is completed, manually pull out the telescopic inflation head 402 from the inflation connector seat 401 to the position shown in Figure 3 , the plunger 302 is ejected under the external force of the compression spring 303, so that the valve core of the air valve 2 is closed, ensuring that the gas in the spherical cabin does not leak.

[0035] It should be noted that, as shown in Figure 4 , the gas flow in the plunger 302 sequentially passes through: the center through hole of the first circular platform, the first gas outlet, the plurality of second gas outlets, and the inside of the compression spring 303. Finally, due to the gap cooperation between the second connecting rod of the plunger 302 and the air valve 2, the gas enters the air valve 2 from the outer circle of the second connecting rod.

[0036] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely example for clearly illustrating but not limitation to the embodiments. Based on the above description, other different forms of changes or variations can be made by those skilled in the art. Here, all the embodiments need not and can not be enumerated. The obvious changes or variations derived from the above description are still within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An automatic inflation device for a photoelectric pod, characterized in that, include: The inflation assembly (4), the ventilation regulating assembly (3), and the air valve (2) are connected in sequence. The internal space of the ventilation regulating component (3) is in the shape of a drum shaft, and in the order of gas flow direction, it consists of the first gas receiving space, the second compression space and the third gas delivery space; In the first air inlet space: the telescopic inflation head (402) of the inflation assembly (4) contacts one end of the first air inlet space of the air exchange adjustment assembly (3) and the ejector pin (302) so that the first air outlet on the ejector pin (302) perpendicular to the axial direction moves between the first air inlet space and the second compression space based on the telescopic inflation head (402) extension amount, thereby achieving the sealing or opening of the first air outlet; In the second compression space: a compression spring (303) is sleeved on the other end of the ejector pin (302); and one end of the compression spring (303) contacts the side of the protrusion on the ejector pin (302) perpendicular to the axial direction, and the other end contacts the pipe wall near the third gas delivery space, so that the compression spring (303) is limited to the second compression space. In the third gas delivery space: the other end of the ejector pin (302) is movably connected to one end of the gas valve (2) so that the ejector pin (302) can be inserted into or pulled out of the gas valve (2) under the action of the telescopic inflation head (402) or the compression spring (303) until the gas passage of the gas valve (2) is opened or closed.

2. The automatic inflation device for a photoelectric pod according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension and retraction of the telescopic inflation head (402) is equal to the displacement of the first air outlet; Furthermore, the diameter of the first air receiving space is matched with the diameter of one end of the ejector pin (302) so that when the first air outlet is completely in the first air receiving space, the pipe wall of the first air receiving space seals the first air outlet.

3. An automatic inflation device for a photoelectric pod according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector pin (302) includes a first frustum, a first connecting tube, a second frustum, and a second connecting rod, which are located on the same axis of symmetry and are fixedly connected in sequence; The first truncated cone has a central through hole that communicates with the telescopic inflation head (402); a first air outlet is provided perpendicular to the axial direction of the first connecting pipe, and the first air outlet and the central through hole of the first truncated cone are connected in a conductive manner. The second truncated cone has several second air outlets, which are connected to the first air outlet. The second connecting rod has sealed structures at both ends.

4. An automatic inflation device for a photoelectric pod according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the second connecting rod near the air valve (2) is smaller than the inlet diameter of the air valve (2) so that the second connecting rod and the air valve (2) are properly fitted.

5. An automatic inflation device for a photoelectric pod according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air valve (2) is installed in the embedded reserved hole on the outer shell (1) of the photoelectric pod; The ventilation adjustment component (3) is threaded to the inner wall of the embedded pre-drilled hole.

6. An automatic inflation device for a photoelectric pod according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting ring (306) is also provided in the first air inlet space; the dimensions of the two ends of the limiting ring (306) are respectively matched with the output end of the telescopic inflation head (402) and the contact end of the ejector pin (302) with the telescopic inflation head (402); The outer surface of the limiting ring (306) is fixedly connected to the pipe wall of the first air inlet space, and the limiting ring (306) and the end of the first air inlet space near the inflation component (4) are at the same height.

7. An automatic inflation device for a photoelectric pod according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ventilation regulating assembly (3) also includes: a sealing ring (305); The top cover of the ventilation regulating component (3) is provided with an annular step near the limiting ring (306); The sealing ring (305) is located in the sealing groove formed by the annular step and the cantilevered annular flange at one end of the limiting ring (306).

8. An automatic inflation method for a photoelectric pod, characterized in that, This is achieved by applying an automatic inflation device for an optoelectronic pod as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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