Repeatable butt-joint locking interface for aerospace electric propulsion high-voltage cable

Abstract

The invention discloses a repeatable butt-joint locking interface for aerospace electric propulsion high-voltage cables, which comprises a female shell and a male shell, one end of the male shell is connected with the female shell, one end of the male shell is provided with a tail shell, a pin is arranged in the female shell, a jack and a cable are arranged in the male shell, the pin is inserted into the jack for connection, and the tail shell is provided with a tail end. One end of the jack is connected with a cable, a cover plate is arranged on the tail shell, and the cable penetrates through the tail shell. According to the invention, a triple-thread quick connection technology is adopted, so that the realization of repeated quick butt joint and separation of a high-voltage-resistant electrical interface is facilitated. And by arranging the exhaust channel, when the interface is butted in place, the butting interface is communicated with the outside through the exhaust hole, so that air at the butting interface of the interface can be quickly exhausted in an aerospace high-vacuum environment, discharge failure caused by the formation of a local low-pressure environment is avoided, and the interface is applicable to aerospace conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical connection technology, and in particular relates to a reusable mating and locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous upgrading of my country's aerospace electric propulsion technology and equipment, the requirements for power transmission in electric propulsion systems are becoming increasingly stringent—higher operating voltages, larger transmission currents, higher reliability, and more complex environments. At the same time, higher requirements are also being placed on cable interfaces used for high-power transmission in electric propulsion systems—they must be able to achieve repeated and rapid docking and disconnection of high-voltage cables, while also ensuring reliable locking and anti-loosening after docking, guaranteeing stable mechanical and electrical connections of high-voltage cables in the complex environment of space.

[0003] While existing cable interfaces can achieve voltage transmission of over 10kV, they are typically only suitable for transmission between ground-based high-voltage equipment and cables. They cannot be used in the complex environments of space, such as high vacuum, intense radiation, and atomic oxygen. Furthermore, they are inadequate in terms of rapid docking and disengagement, and reliable locking to prevent loosening. Therefore, an interface structure capable of repeatedly docking and locking high-voltage cables for space electric propulsion is needed.

[0004] Patent application CN112736596A discloses a highly reliable self-locking RF connector structure. This structure is capable of self-locking and includes an venting channel. This venting channel is used to extend the time required for venting, thereby maximizing the attenuation of leaked RF signals during the venting process and ensuring normal transmission of RF communication signals by the self-locking coaxial RF connector.

[0005] Patent application CN119231241A discloses a high-performance, high-power, low-PIM connector for aerospace applications. This connector features venting grooves and barbs on the inner wall of a fourth hollow insulator, used to grip and secure the cable. However, it lacks a stable locking structure.

[0006] Patent application CN112217055A discloses a ratchet push-pull self-locking electrical connector. This connector combines the plug-socket insertion position relationship with the push-pull ring pushing the ratchet position relationship to achieve locking and unlocking operations. However, this ratchet has four consecutive ratchet teeth and a ratchet tooth surface, therefore it is a unidirectional rotating ratchet. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a reusable locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion.

[0008] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0009] The present invention provides a reusable docking and locking interface for high-voltage cables for aerospace electric propulsion, comprising a female outer shell and a male outer shell. One end of the male outer shell is connected to the female outer shell, and a tail outer shell is provided at one end of the male outer shell. A pin is provided inside the female outer shell, and a socket and a cable are provided inside the male outer shell. The pin is inserted into the socket and connected, and one end of the socket is connected to the cable. A cover plate is provided on the tail outer shell, and the cable passes through the tail outer shell.

[0010] Preferably, a connecting ring is provided on the mating end of the male outer shell, and the connecting ring is threadedly connected to the first internal thread on the female outer shell through a first external thread. A groove is provided at one end of the connecting ring, and a locking mechanism is provided in the groove.

[0011] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a movable ratchet, a stationary ratchet, and a wave-shaped elastic washer. The movable ratchet and the wave-shaped elastic washer are connected to the connecting ring, the stationary ratchet is connected to the male housing, and one side of the movable ratchet is in contact with the stationary ratchet.

[0012] Preferably, the first ratchet tooth of the moving ratchet and the second ratchet tooth of the stationary ratchet are both asymmetrical inclined plane structures, and the first ratchet tooth meshes with the second ratchet tooth.

[0013] Preferably, both the first external thread and the first internal thread are trapezoidal threads.

[0014] Preferably, a needle insulator is provided inside the female outer shell, and the needle insulator is disposed between the pins; a hole insulator is provided inside the male outer shell, and the hole insulator is disposed between the holes.

[0015] Preferably, an interface gasket is provided on the needle insulator, one side of the interface gasket is in contact with the hole insulator, a first conical hole is provided on the interface gasket, and a first conical boss is provided in the first conical hole.

[0016] Preferably, a second conical boss is provided on the mating end face of the hole insulator, and a second conical hole is provided inside the second conical boss.

[0017] Preferably, the female outer shell has a first vent hole at its mating end, and the male outer shell has a second vent hole at its mating end, with the first vent hole and the second vent hole communicating with each other.

[0018] Preferably, the tail housing is provided with a cover plate, a screw sleeve, and a wire clamp. The cover plate is fixed to the tail housing by screws. The screw sleeve is threadedly connected to the male housing by a second external thread through a second internal thread. The wire clamp is provided at the cable outlet of the tail housing and is fixed to the tail housing by screws. The wire clamp is in contact with the cable.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The technical solution of the present invention adopts a three-thread quick connection technology for the high-voltage cable interface of aerospace electric propulsion, which is conducive to realizing repeated and rapid docking and disassembly of high-voltage electrical interfaces.

[0020] 2. The technical solution of the present invention uses a plastic conical boss and a rubber conical hole to compress and seal the cable interface to block the air gap (discharge channel) at the interface, thereby achieving high voltage resistance at the interface. At the same time, the conical structure can also quickly remove residual air at the interface, avoiding the problem of difficult docking due to air blockage.

[0021] 3. The technical solution of the present invention uses high dielectric strength engineering plastic for the insulating mounting plate inside the cable interface, and adopts an integrated structure, which can avoid the existence of discharge channels between adjacent sockets and adjacent pins inside the insulating mounting plate, and achieve high voltage resistance performance inside the interface.

[0022] 4. The technical solution of the present invention provides an exhaust channel at the cable interface docking end. When the interface is docked in place, the docking interface is connected to the outside through the exhaust hole, which can quickly exhaust the air at the interface docking point in the high vacuum environment of aerospace, and avoid the formation of a local low pressure environment that could lead to discharge failure.

[0023] 5. The technical solution of the present invention provides a tail shell, cover plate and other tail accessories at the end of the cable interface for physical isolation and protection of the cable at the end of the interface, thereby solving problems such as radiation resistance, antigenic oxygen and electromagnetic interference resistance in the complex environment of space.

[0024] 6. The technical solution of the present invention adopts a dynamic and static ratchet structure with asymmetrical inclined surfaces and mutual meshing in the cable interface locking mechanism, which can realize easy interface docking and difficult separation, and ensure reliable locking and stable connection of cable interface in complex mechanical environment. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the internal thread of the outer shell of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the male and female housings and the connecting ring of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the interface gasket and the hole insulator of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tail shell of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first ratchet and the second ratchet of the present invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1-Female outer shell, 1-1-First internal thread, 1-2-First vent hole, 2-Male outer shell, 2-1-Second vent hole, 2-2-Second external thread, 3-Connecting ring, 3-1-First external thread, 4-Interface gasket, 4-1-First conical boss, 4-2-First conical hole, 5-Hole insulator, 5-1-Second conical hole, 5-2-Second conical boss, 6-Pin insulator, 7-Pin, 8-Socket, 9-Tail shell, 10-Cover plate, 11-Cable, 12-Threaded sleeve, 13-Screw, 14-Wire clamp, 15-Screw, 16-Moving ratchet, 16-1-First ratchet tooth, 16-2-First inclined surface, 16-3-Third inclined surface, 17-Stationary ratchet, 17-1-Second ratchet tooth, 17-2-Second inclined surface, 17-3-Third inclined surface, 18-Wave elastic washer. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below, but the scope of protection is not limited to what is described.

[0028] Example: like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a reusable docking and locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion is suitable for voltage transmission above 10kV in a space environment. It includes a female outer shell 1 and a male outer shell 2. One end of the male outer shell 2 is connected to the female outer shell 1. A tail shell 9 is provided at one end of the male outer shell 2. A pin 7 is provided inside the female outer shell 1. A socket 8 and a cable 11 are provided inside the male outer shell 2. The pin 7 is inserted into the socket 8 for connection. One end of the socket 8 is connected to the cable 11. A cover plate 10 is provided on the tail shell 9. The cable 11 passes through the tail shell 9.

[0029] A connecting ring 3 is provided on the mating end of the male outer shell 2. The connecting ring 3 is threadedly connected to the first internal thread 1-1 on the female outer shell 1 via a first external thread 3-1. A groove is provided at one end of the connecting ring 3, and a locking mechanism is provided in the groove. Both the first external thread 3-1 and the first internal thread 1-1 are three-start trapezoidal threads. The three-start thread is formed by three single-start trapezoidal threads evenly distributed circumferentially. Its lead is three times the pitch. Therefore, the distance that the three-start thread travels axially after one revolution is three times that of a conventional thread (single-start thread) with the same pitch, which can realize the rapid connection and separation of the interface. Because the trapezoidal thread structure has high strength, it is not easily damaged by external forces and has a long mechanical life, thus enabling repeated docking of the interface.

[0030] The locking mechanism includes a moving ratchet 16, a stationary ratchet 17, and a wave-shaped elastic washer 18. The moving ratchet 16 and the wave-shaped elastic washer 18 are connected to the connecting ring 3, and the stationary ratchet 17 is connected to the male and female housings 2. One side of the moving ratchet 16 is in contact with the stationary ratchet 17.

[0031] Both the first ratchet tooth 16-1 of the moving ratchet 16 and the second ratchet tooth 17-1 of the stationary ratchet 17 have asymmetrical bevel structures, and the first ratchet tooth 16-1 meshes with the second ratchet tooth 17-1. When the cable interface is screwed together or separated, the moving ratchet 16 and the stationary ratchet 17 will rotate relative to each other. Under the elastic force of the wave-shaped elastic washer 18, the moving ratchet 16 and the stationary ratchet 17 will mesh with each other to achieve a locking and anti-loosening function. The first ratchet 16-1 and the second ratchet 17-1 are designed with an asymmetrical inclined surface structure. The first ratchet 16-1 has a first inclined surface 16-2 and a third inclined surface 16-3, while the second ratchet 17-1 has a second inclined surface 17-2 and a fourth inclined surface 17-3. The first and second inclined surfaces 16-2, with their smaller slopes, correspond to the force-bearing surfaces during docking, resulting in lower movement resistance. The third and fourth inclined surfaces 16-3, with their larger slopes, correspond to the force-bearing surfaces during separation, resulting in higher movement resistance. This asymmetrical inclined ratchet structure achieves lower resistance (torque) during docking and higher resistance (torque) during separation, resulting in easy docking and difficult separation, ensuring reliable locking and stable connection of the cable interface.

[0032] The female outer shell 1 contains a pin insulator 6, which is disposed between the pins 7. The male outer shell 2 contains a hole insulator 5, which is disposed between the sockets 8. Both the hole insulator 5 and the pin insulator 6 are made of high dielectric strength engineering plastic and are of one-piece structure. This avoids air gaps (discharge channels) between adjacent sockets 8 within the hole insulator 5 and between adjacent pins 7 within the pin insulator 6, thus achieving high voltage withstand performance inside the interface.

[0033] An interface gasket 4 is provided on the needle insulator 6. The interface gasket 4 is a rubber gasket. One side of the interface gasket 4 is in contact with the hole insulator 5. A first conical hole 4-2 is provided on the interface gasket 4. A first conical boss 4-1 is provided at the center position of the first conical hole 4-2.

[0034] A second conical boss 5-2 is provided on the mating end face of the hole insulator 5, and a second conical hole 5-1 is provided at the center of the second conical boss 5-2. One or more first conical bosses 4-1 and second conical holes 5-1 can be provided as needed. When the cable interface is properly mated, the second conical boss 5-2 and the second conical hole 5-1 on the hole insulator 5 respectively compress the first conical hole 4-2 and the first conical boss 4-1 on the interface gasket 4, generating compression deformation to achieve a seal. This effectively blocks the air gap (discharge channel) at the mating interface, achieving high voltage resistance at the interface. This conical structure also facilitates the rapid removal of air at the mating interface, avoiding mating difficulties caused by air entrapment.

[0035] The female outer shell 1 has a first vent 1-2 at its mating end, and the male outer shell 2 has a second vent 2-1 at its mating end. The first vent 1-2 and the second vent 2-1 are connected, and the channel formed by the first vent 1-2 and the second vent 2-1 is open to the outside atmosphere. One or more of the first vent 1-2 and the second vent 2-1 can be provided as needed. When the cable interface is properly connected, the first vent 1-2 on the female outer shell 1 and the second vent 2-1 on the male outer shell 2 are connected to each other and open to the outside. This is used to quickly expel residual air at the interface in the high vacuum environment of aerospace, avoiding the formation of local low pressure that could lead to discharge and insulation failure, and preventing interface discharge failure.

[0036] The tail housing 9 is provided with a cover plate 10, a screw sleeve 12, and a wire clamp 14. The cover plate 10 is fixed to the tail housing 9 by screws 13. The screw sleeve 12 is threadedly connected to the male housing 2 by the second internal thread 12-1 and the second external thread 2-2. The wire clamp 14 is located at the cable outlet of the tail housing 9 and is fixed to the tail housing 9 by screws 15. The wire clamp 14 is in contact with the cable 11 and clamps and fixes the cable 11 at the outlet. The tail housing 9 is used to solve problems such as radiation resistance, antigenic oxygen resistance, and electromagnetic interference resistance in the complex environment of space. The tail housing 9 and the cover plate 10 are used to cover the cable 11 at the end of the interface without dead angles, forming a physical isolation and protection effect.

Claims

1. A reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion, characterized in that: It includes a female outer shell (1) and a male outer shell (2). One end of the male outer shell (2) is connected to the female outer shell (1). One end of the male outer shell (2) is provided with a tail shell (9). The female outer shell (1) is provided with a pin (7). The male outer shell (2) is provided with a socket (8) and a cable (11). The pin (7) is inserted into the socket (8) for connection. One end of the socket (8) is connected to the cable (11). The tail shell (9) is provided with a cover plate (10). The cable (11) passes through the tail shell (9).

2. The reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting ring (3) is provided on the mating end of the male outer shell (2). The connecting ring (3) is threadedly connected to the first internal thread (1-1) on the female outer shell (1) through the first external thread (3-1). A groove is provided at one end of the connecting ring (3), and a locking mechanism is provided in the groove.

3. A reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a moving ratchet (16), a stationary ratchet (17), and a wave-shaped elastic washer (18). The moving ratchet (16) and the wave-shaped elastic washer (18) are connected to the connecting ring (3). The stationary ratchet (17) is connected to the male and female housings (2). One side of the moving ratchet (16) is in contact with the stationary ratchet (17).

4. A reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first ratchet tooth (16-1) of the moving ratchet (16) and the second ratchet tooth (17-1) of the stationary ratchet (17) are both asymmetrical inclined plane structures, and the first ratchet tooth (16-1) meshes with the second ratchet tooth (17-1).

5. A reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Both the first external thread (3-1) and the first internal thread (1-1) are trapezoidal threads.

6. A reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The female outer shell (1) is provided with a needle insulator (6) and the needle insulator (6) is disposed between the pins (7). The male outer shell (2) is provided with a hole insulator (5) and the hole insulator (5) is disposed between the holes (8).

7. A reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion as described in claim 6, characterized in that: An interface gasket (4) is provided on the needle insulator (6). One side of the interface gasket (4) is in contact with the hole insulator (5). A first conical hole (4-2) is provided on the interface gasket (4). A first conical boss (4-1) is provided inside the first conical hole (4-2).

8. A reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion as described in claim 6, characterized in that: A second conical boss (5-2) is provided on the mating end face of the hole insulator (5), and a second conical hole (5-1) is provided inside the second conical boss (5-2).

9. A reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The female outer shell (1) is provided with a first vent hole (1-2) at the docking end, and the male outer shell (2) is provided with a second vent hole (2-1) at the docking end. The first vent hole (1-2) and the second vent hole (2-1) are connected.

10. A reusable mating locking interface for high-voltage cables used in aerospace electric propulsion as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The tail housing (9) is provided with a cover plate (10), a screw sleeve (12) and a wire clamp (14). The cover plate (10) is fixed to the tail housing (9) by screws (13). The screw sleeve (12) is threadedly connected to the second external thread (2-2) on the male housing (2) by the second internal thread (12-1). The wire clamp (14) is provided at the cable outlet of the tail housing (9). The wire clamp (14) is fixed to the tail housing (9) by screws (15). The wire clamp (14) is in contact with the cable (11).

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