A combined snap-key connection device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of aerospace propulsion system structural design technology, and particularly to a combined keyway connection device for connecting a housing and a nozzle. The connection between the housing and the nozzle is annular. The nozzle is fitted inside the housing via a keyway ring. An outer keyway groove is provided on the inner wall of the housing, and an inner keyway groove is provided on the outer wall of the nozzle. Part of the keyway ring is installed in the outer keyway groove, and the other part is installed in the inner keyway groove. The keyway ring is composed of multiple identical keys connected end to end. The beginning and end of each key have a first protrusion and a first groove that can match each other, realizing the end-to-end connection between adjacent keys, and there is a fitting gap between adjacent keys. The surface of the key that contacts the outer keyway groove is the outer surface, and the surface that contacts the inner keyway groove is the inner surface. Both the outer and inner surfaces are arc-shaped surfaces. This device is convenient and reliable to install and disassemble without the need for special tools, solving the problem of discrete assembly in traditional keyways and effectively improving assembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace propulsion system structural design technology, and in particular to a combined keyway connection device. Background Technology

[0002] Solid rocket engines are power devices that convert the combustion of propellant into kinetic energy. They typically have a high-pressure environment inside, requiring reliable and stable connections between components, especially the connection between the casing and the nozzle, which is crucial.

[0003] Keyed connections have advantages such as compact structure, high load-bearing capacity, and low negative mass, making them widely used in solid rocket motors. However, traditional keyed connections suffer from problems such as low assembly efficiency, easy omissions, and uneven circumferential preload during assembly; moreover, disassembly usually requires the use of a push rod to strike, which can easily damage the keyed connection and the housing, and poses certain dangers when assembling propellant-containing engines. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above, the purpose of this invention is to provide a combined key connection device and assembly method that solves the discrete problem of traditional key assembly without the need for special tools and can effectively improve assembly efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A combined keyway connection device is used to connect a housing and a nozzle. The connection between the housing and the nozzle is annular. The nozzle is fitted inside the housing by a keyway ring. An outer keyway groove is provided on the inner wall of the housing, and an inner keyway groove is provided on the outer wall of the nozzle. Part of the keyway ring is installed in the outer keyway groove, and another part is installed in the inner keyway groove.

[0007] The key ring is composed of multiple identical key rings connected end to end. The first and last ends of each key ring have a first protrusion and a first groove that can match each other, so as to connect the first and last ends of adjacent key rings, and there is a fitting gap between adjacent key rings.

[0008] The surface of the key that contacts the outer key slot is the outer surface, and the surface that contacts the inner key slot is the inner surface. Both the outer surface and the inner surface are arc-shaped surfaces.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the combined key-connector device, a sealing ring is also provided between the housing and the nozzle.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the combined key ring connection device, the key ring has an opening.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the combined key-locking connection device, the housing is provided with a window and a first threaded hole. The window connects the outer side of the housing to the outer keyway on the inner wall, and is used to install the key.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the combined keyway connection device, a threaded blind hole is provided between the outer surface and the inner surface of the keyway, and the threaded blind hole has a first chamfer.

[0013] The combined keyway connection device further includes a positioning pin, which is installed in the first threaded hole. The threaded blind hole on the keyway cooperates with the positioning pin installed on the housing to prevent the keyway from moving circumferentially in the keyway groove.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the combined keyway connection device, the positioning pin includes a positioning screw, a spring, and a pin, with the positioning screw and the pin being elastically connected by the spring; the positioning screw is fixed in the first threaded hole on the housing, and the pin moves radially along the housing under the action of external force and the spring.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the combined key-locking connection device, it also includes a key-locking cover. The key-locking groove of the nozzle is also provided with a key-locking cover mounting port. During installation, the window of the housing, the key-locking cover mounting port of the nozzle and the opening of the key-locking ring are aligned. The key-locking cover is inserted into the aligned window, the opening and the key-locking cover mounting port in sequence.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the combined key-locking connection device, both ends of the key-locking cover are provided with a second protrusion and a second groove. The second protrusion and the second groove cooperate with the first protrusion and the first groove of the key to achieve a closed-loop connection at the opening of the key-locking ring. The key-locking cover and the key also have the cooperation gap at the connection point.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the combined key-locking connection device, both ends of the key-locking cover are provided with protruding steps, and the protruding steps are provided with a second chamfer. The protruding steps and the key-locking cover mounting opening cooperate with each other to achieve circumferential fixation of the housing and the nozzle.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the combined key-locking connection device, the key cover has an arcuate surface with the same curvature as the key, a through hole is provided between the arcuate surfaces, and a second threaded hole is provided at the mounting opening of the key cover. The key cover is fixed to the nozzle by screws through the through hole and the second threaded hole.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0020] This type of combined keyway connection device can be widely used for the connection between the nozzle and the shell of a solid rocket engine. Through multiple arc-shaped keyways, adjacent keyways are connected end to end to form a keyway ring, which realizes the stable installation between the nozzle and the shell. The installation and disassembly are convenient and reliable. No special tools are needed, and the keyways can be automatically and evenly arranged inside the shell. This solves the problem of the discreteness of traditional keyway assembly and can effectively improve the assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the combined key-connector device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembled combined keyway connection device provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the key ring 3 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single key 6 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning pin 8 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the positioning pin 8 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the key cover 9 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the key cover 9 structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 This is an assembly diagram of the key cover 9 and key ring 3 provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1-Housing shell; 11-Window; 12-First threaded hole;

[0034] 2- Nozzle; 21- Sealing ring groove

[0035] 3-Key ring;

[0036] 4-External key slot; 41-Key cover mounting port; 42-Second threaded hole;

[0037] 5-Internal keyway;

[0038] 6-Key; 61-First protrusion; 62-First groove; 63-Match clearance; 64-Outer surface; 65-Inner surface; 66-Opening; 67-Threaded blind hole; 68-First chamfer;

[0039] 7-Sealing ring;

[0040] 8-Locking pin; 81-Locking screw; 82-Spring; 83-Pin;

[0041] 9-Key cover; 91-Second protrusion; 92-Second groove; 93-Protrusion step; 94-Second chamfer; 95-Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0043] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are merely used for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0046] This invention provides a combined key-connector device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, from top to bottom, the components are: housing 1, nozzle 2, key ring 3, positioning pin 8, key cover 9, and sealing ring 7. The key ring 3 and sealing ring 7 are used to connect housing 1 and nozzle 2, while the positioning pin 8 and key cover 9 serve to assist in installation and fixation.

[0047] Specifically, the connection between the housing 1 and the nozzle 2 is annular. The nozzle 2 is fitted inside the housing 1 via a retaining ring 3. An outer retaining keyway 4 is provided on the inner wall of the housing 1, and an inner retaining keyway 5 is provided on the outer wall of the nozzle 2. Part of the retaining ring 3 is installed in the outer retaining keyway 4, and the other part is installed in the inner retaining keyway 5, thus achieving the connection between the rocket engine nozzle and the housing. A sealing ring 7 is also provided between the housing 1 and the nozzle 2 to achieve reliable sealing while absorbing vibration and impact during operation. Corresponding sealing ring grooves 21 are provided on the inner wall of the housing 1 and the outer wall of the nozzle 2. A schematic diagram of the assembled structure is shown below. Figure 2 As shown.

[0048] Furthermore, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the key ring 3 is composed of multiple identical key rings 6 connected end to end, and the key ring 3 has an opening 66; the first and last ends of the key ring 6 each have a first protrusion 61 and a first groove 62 that can match each other, so as to realize the connection between adjacent key rings 6, and there is a fitting gap 63 between adjacent key rings 6, which allows the key ring 6 to float due to processing and assembly errors.

[0049] Furthermore, the surface of the key 6 that contacts the outer keyway 4 is the outer surface 64, and the surface that contacts the inner keyway 5 is the inner surface 65. Both the outer surface 64 and the inner surface 65 are arc-shaped surfaces, and the curvature of the arc-shaped surfaces is consistent with the curvature of the outer keyway 4 and the inner keyway 5, so as to achieve a tight fit between the key 6 and the housing 1 and the nozzle 2.

[0050] In practical applications, the number and size of the locking keys 6 can be adjusted according to the diameter of the housing 1 and the nozzle 3, and can be set to 20-40.

[0051] Preferably, refer again Figure 1 The housing 1 is provided with a window 11 and a first threaded hole 12. The window 11 connects the outside of the housing 1 and the outer keyway 4 on the inner wall for installing the key 6.

[0052] Furthermore, refer again Figure 4 A threaded blind hole 67 is provided between the outer surface 64 and the inner surface 65 of the key 6. The threaded blind hole 67 has a first chamfer 68. The positioning pin 8 is installed in the first threaded hole 12 of the housing 1. The threaded blind hole 67 on the key 6 cooperates with the positioning pin 8 installed on the housing 1 to prevent the key 6 from moving circumferentially in the key groove during installation and disassembly.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the positioning pin 8 includes a positioning screw 81, a spring 82 and a pin 83. The positioning screw 81 and the pin 83 are elastically connected by the spring 82. The positioning screw 81 is fixed in the first threaded hole 12 on the housing 1. The pin 83 moves radially along the housing 1 under the action of external force and spring 82, thereby realizing the connection between the different locking keys 6. For detailed steps, please refer to the installation method below.

[0054] Preferably, such as Figure 8 As shown, the combined key-locking connection device also includes a key-locking cover 9. The key-locking groove 4 of the nozzle 2 is also provided with a key-locking cover mounting port 41. During installation, the window 11 of the housing 1, the key-locking cover mounting port 41 of the nozzle 2 and the opening 66 of the key-locking ring 3 are aligned. The key-locking cover 9 is inserted into the aligned window 11, opening 66 and key-locking cover mounting port 41 in sequence to complete the circumferential fixation of the housing 1 and the nozzle 2. Figure 8 To better demonstrate the structural and positional relationship between the key cover 9 and the key cover mounting port 41, the housing 1 and the window 11 were moved upwards.

[0055] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, both ends of the key cover 9 are provided with a second protrusion 91 and a second groove 92; as Figure 10As shown, the second protrusion 91 and the second groove 92 cooperate with the first protrusion 61 and the first groove 62 of the key 6 to achieve a closed-loop connection at the opening 66 of the key ring 3. There is also a fitting gap 63 at the connection between the key cover 9 and the key, which allows the key 6 to float due to machining and assembly errors.

[0056] Furthermore, refer to again Figure 8 and Figure 9 The key cover 9 is provided with protruding steps 93 at both ends. The protruding steps 93 are provided with a second chamfer 94. The protruding steps 93 and the key cover mounting port 41 cooperate with each other. The design of the second chamfer 94 makes it easy for the protruding steps 93 to be inserted into the key cover mounting port 41, so as to achieve circumferential fixation of the housing 1 and the nozzle 3.

[0057] Preferably, refer again Figure 8 The key cover 9 has an arc-shaped surface with the same curvature as the key 6. A through hole 95 is provided between the arc-shaped surfaces. A second threaded hole 42 is provided at the key cover mounting port 41. The key cover 9 is fixed to the nozzle 3 by screws through the through hole 95 and the second threaded hole 42.

[0058] The specific installation and disassembly methods of the combined keyway connection device provided in this embodiment are as follows:

[0059] S1. During installation, first assemble the housing 1 and the nozzle 2 using the sealing ring 7, with the window 11 and the key cover mounting port 41 corresponding to each other;

[0060] S2. Stand up the pre-assembled housing 1 and nozzle 2 with the window 11 and key cover mounting port 41 facing upwards, and insert the positioning pin 8 from the first threaded hole 12.

[0061] S3. Insert the first locking key 6 from window 11 into the locking groove formed by the outer locking key groove 4 and the inner locking key groove 5, and push the first locking key 6 to move circumferentially toward the first threaded hole 12. The spring 82 and pin 83 on the positioning pin 8 move upward under the pushing force of the locking key 6. As the locking key 6 continues to be pushed, the spring 82 and pin 83 fall into the threaded blind hole 67 on the locking key 6. At this time, a "click" sound will be heard, indicating that the first locking key 6 has been fixed. While preventing it from continuing to move circumferentially, the first locking key 6 is not locked, which facilitates subsequent assembly. At this time, the first protrusion 61 and the first groove 62 at one end of the first locking key 6 are still at window 11.

[0062] S4. After assembling the first protrusion 61 and the first groove 62 of the second key 6 with the first protrusion 61 and the first groove 62 of the first key 6 still at the window 11, push the second key 6 to move circumferentially toward the first threaded hole 12. At this time, the first chamfer 68 at the threaded blind hole 67 on the first key 6 is pushed by the external force, which applies an upward force to the pin 83, causing the pin 83 and the spring 82 to move upward. The first and second keys 6 continue to move circumferentially in the pushing direction until the threaded blind hole 67 of the second key 6 is fixed by the pin 83.

[0063] S5. Repeat S4 to push the other key 6 into the key slot in sequence, connect the ends to form key ring 3 and form opening 66.

[0064] S6. Insert the key cover 9 into the aligned window 11, opening 66 and key cover mounting port 41 in sequence. The second protrusion 91 and second groove 92 of the key cover 9 and the first protrusion 61 and first groove 62 of the key 6 at both ends of the opening 66 are assembled together. The protrusion step 93 of the key cover 9 is assembled with the key cover mounting port 41 to fix the housing 1, nozzle 2 and key ring 3.

[0065] S7. Use screws to fix the key cover 9 onto the nozzle 3 through the through hole 95 and the second threaded hole 42 to complete the installation;

[0066] S8. When disassembling, first remove the screws and key cover 9 from the window 11, opening 66 and key cover mounting port 41;

[0067] S9. Next, lift the assembled housing 1 and nozzle 2, with the window 11 and key cover mounting port 41 facing downwards. Use a screwdriver or other tools to insert into the mating gap 63 of the key 6 and move the key 6 circumferentially. Move a key 6 to the window 11, and the key 6 can be removed under gravity. If the key 6 and the key slot are too tight and the key 6 cannot fall off by itself under gravity, a screwdriver can be used to screw a screw into the threaded blind hole 67 and the key 6 can be removed by pulling out the screw.

[0068] S10. Repeat S9. After each key 6 is removed, move the key ring 3 slightly, which will move the remaining key 6 as well, until all key 6 are removed and the disassembly is complete.

[0069] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0070] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combined snap-lock connection device for connecting a housing (1) and a nozzle (2), wherein the connection between the housing (1) and the nozzle (2) is annular, and the nozzle (2) is fitted inside the housing (1) via a snap-lock ring (3), characterized in that, The inner wall of the housing (1) is provided with an outer keyway (4), the outer wall of the nozzle (2) is provided with an inner keyway (5), and a part of the keyway ring (3) is installed in the outer keyway (4) and the other part is installed in the inner keyway (5). The key ring (3) is composed of multiple identical key rings (6) connected end to end. The first and last ends of the key ring (6) each have a first protrusion (61) and a first groove (62) that can match each other, so as to realize the connection between the first and last ends of adjacent key rings (6), and there is a fitting gap (63) between adjacent key rings (6). The surface of the key (6) that contacts the outer keyway (4) is the outer surface (64), and the surface that contacts the inner keyway (5) is the inner surface (65). Both the outer surface (64) and the inner surface (65) are arc-shaped surfaces. The key ring (3) has an opening (66); The housing (1) is provided with a window (11) and a first threaded hole (12). The window (11) connects the outer side of the housing (1) and the outer keyway (4) on the inner wall, and is used to install the keyway (6). A threaded blind hole (67) is provided between the outer surface (64) and the inner surface (65) of the key (6), and the threaded blind hole (67) has a first chamfer (68). The combined key connection device also includes a positioning pin (8), which is installed in the first threaded hole (12). The threaded blind hole (67) on the key (6) cooperates with the positioning pin (8) installed on the housing (1) to prevent the key (6) from moving circumferentially in the key groove. The positioning pin (8) includes a positioning screw (81), a spring (82) and a pin (83). The positioning screw (81) and the pin (83) are elastically connected by the spring (82). The positioning screw (81) is fixed in the first threaded hole (12) on the housing (1). The pin (83) moves radially along the housing (1) under the action of external force and spring (82).

2. The combined keyway connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring (7) is also provided between the housing (1) and the nozzle (2).

3. The combined keyway connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a key cover (9), and the key slot (4) of the nozzle (2) is also provided with a key cover mounting port (41). During installation, the window (11) of the housing (1), the key cover mounting port (41) of the nozzle (2) and the opening (66) of the key ring (3) are aligned. The key cover (9) is inserted into the aligned window (11), the opening (66) and the key cover mounting port (41) in sequence.

4. The combined keyway connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both ends of the key cover (9) are provided with a second protrusion (91) and a second groove (92). The second protrusion (91) and the second groove (92) cooperate with the first protrusion (61) and the first groove (62) of the key (6) to realize the closed-loop connection at the opening (66) of the key ring (3). The key cover (9) and the key (6) also have the cooperation gap (63).

5. The combined keyway connection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The key cover (9) is also provided with protruding steps (93) at both ends. The protruding steps (93) are provided with a second chamfer (94). The protruding steps (93) and the key cover mounting port (41) cooperate with each other to achieve circumferential fixation of the housing (1) and the nozzle (2).

6. The combined keyway connection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The key cover (9) has an arc surface with the same curvature as the key (6), and a through hole (95) is provided between the arc surfaces. A second threaded hole (42) is provided at the key cover mounting port (41). The key cover (9) is fixed to the nozzle (2) by screws through the through hole (95) and the second threaded hole (42).

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